Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

Assembly in May, 1665. The Christian
name of his wife was Mary. The date of
his death is November 26, 1726.
(III) Samuel Ferris, son of James and
Mary Ferris, was born September 21,
1706. He married Ann Lockwood, born
in 1713, daughter of Gershom and Mary
Lockwood. The death of Mr. Ferris occurred
April 25, 1786, and his widow
passed away July 2, 1789.
(IV) Stephen Ferris, son of Samuel
and Ann (Lockwood) Ferris, was born
December 27, 1740. He married Sarah
Lockwood, who survived him nearly a
quarter of a century, her death occurring
November 23, 1848. Mr. Ferris passed
away February 24, 1824.
(V) Stephen (2) Ferris, son of Stephen
(1) and Sarah (Lockwood) Ferris, was
born May 8, 1783. He married Elizabeth
Dixon, who was born May 20, 1782, and
died December 6, 1871. The death of
Stephen Ferris occurred September 25,
1866. Stephen Ferris resided in Darien
he was a very prosperous farmer, a director
of a bank in South Norwalk, and was
a regular attendant of the board of direc-
tors meetings. Until the time of his death
Mr. Ferris took care of his own banking
interests. He was a member in good
standing of the Congregational church of
Darien.
(VI) William Henry Ferris, son of
Stephen (2) and Elizabeth (Dixon) Fer-
ris, was born July 4, 1810. He was a sea
captain, engaged in the coast trade. He
married Susan Hutchins, and they were
the parents of seven children. Mr. Ferris
ran the blockade during the Civil War
several times ; he was much esteemed
among his fellow-citizens, and was a
regular
church.
member of the Congregational
(VII) John Hanford Ferris, son of
William Henry and Susan (Hutchins)
Ferris, was born October 22, 1842, at Five
;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
317
Mile River, now Rowayton, Connecticut,
and was a youth when his parents removed
to Flax Hill road, where the old
house still stands. He was educated in
the public schools, and at the age of four-
teen years went to sea with his father
After following the sea for four years,
Mr. Ferris engaged in the wholesale grocery
business with his uncle in Norwalk.
He then spent six months in the West,
and on his return established himself in
the coal business. The concern grew to
large proportions, and he became one of
the leading men connected with the in-
dustry. In financial affairs he was also
prominent, being one of the organizers of
the City National Bank of South Norwalk,
and serving as its president until a year
prior to his death. About the same time
he resigned the vice-presidency of the
South Norwalk Savings Bank. For a time
he was president of the Norwalk Steam-
boat Company, afterward remaining a
director. He also held directorships in
the Norwalk Lock Company, the Norwalk
Gas Company, the Norwalk Iron Works
Company, and the Manhattan Rubber
Company of New York City. Another of
his directorships was in the Norwalk
Building and Loan Association.
The political principles of Mr. Ferris
were those upheld by the Republicans,
and he was a recognized leader of his
party. He served a number of terms as a
member of the City Board of Councilmen,
and was the effectual champion of the
municipal lighting plant project which has
proved such a boon to his community.
For twelve years he held the office of city
treasurer. For many improvements and
reforms his fellow-citizens were largely
indebted to him. In 1887 he represented
South Norwalk in the State Assembly,
and as a legislator made a record notable
for ability and fidelity to duty. His long
experience and thorough knowledge of