Portrait and Biographical Record, Pgs. 134, 135

HON. THOMAS WHITE FERRY, of Grand Haven, who was from 1875 to 1877 President of the United States Senate, and acting Vice-President of the United States, was born at Mackinac, June 1, 1827, and was but seven years old when he removed with his parents to the wild home at Grand Haven, to experience the hardships and adversities of pioneer life. He received a common-school education and was bred to business pursuits. With the exception of two years spent as a clerk in a store in Illinois, he remained a co-laborer with his father until the latter’s death, in 1867. In partnership with his brother, E. P. Ferry, he later continued the lumber business, which under his general management was prosecuted with energy and success.

He early manifested an interest in public matters, and at the age of twenty-one years was chosen County Clerk of Ottawa County. Two years later, in 1850, he was elected a Representative to the Michigan Legislature to serve a term of two years. In 1856 he was elected State Senator for two years. For eight years he was an active member of the State Republican Committee. He was a delegate-at-large, and one of the Vice-Presidents of the National Republican Convention at Chicago in 1860, which nominated Abraham Lincoln. In 1863 he was appointed Commissioner for Michigan of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg. In 1864 he was elected a Representative to the Thirty-ninth Congress, and was re-elected successively to the Fortieth, Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses, serving on some of the most important committees. In January, 1871, after an exciting contest, he was elected United States Senator for six years. He consequently surrendered his fourth-term place in the House of Representatives of the Forty-second Congress, and took his place in the Senate March 4, 1871. His services of six years in the House, and the legislative experience there obtained, were recognized when he entered the Senate. He was chosen Chairman of the Committee on Revision of Rules; afterwards was repeatedly-elected President pro tempore of the Senate; and by virtue of this office, upon the death of Vice-President Wilson, became Acting Vice-President of the United States. He was president of the joint meeting of the two houses of Congress during the intensely exciting count of the electoral votes resulting in the choice of President Hayes and Vice-President Wheeler. In this position he acquitted himself with such impartiality and ability, that he was re-elected March 4, 1877, by a unanimous vote President pro tempore of the Senate. In January, 1877, he was re-elected United States Senator, to serve for the term of six years. In early life he acted with the Whigs, but joined the Republican party as soon as it was organized, and at once became a zealous advocate of its principles. In every campaign since 1860, he has canvassed the State in behalf of the Republican candidate. As a public speaker his power lies in his earnest language, concise statements and sound logic, without any attempt at eloquence or oratorical display. His course in Congress has met with the general approbation of the people of all parties in Michigan. He has done much to advance the interests of his native State. To his efforts Michigan is generally indebted for the generous river and harbor improvements which have so materially aided in developing her resources and in preserving the lives and property of her citizens. It was mainly through his efforts, also, that the beautiful Island of Mackinac, or as much of it as belongs to the United States, has been converted into a National Park. He also labored zealously in the cause of the soldiers and sailors of Michigan who participated in the late Civil War. His speeches on finance have been widely read and are highly valued. He has done much to perfect the postal system, and his work on the Committee on Postoffices and Post Roads has elicited the highest praise from the press throughout the country. The present rules of the United States Senate, adopted by that body under his revision and report, are a standing tribute to his ability as a parliamentarian. To promote the general welfare has been the object of his Congressional life. An indefatigable worker, couteous and upright, his career reflects honor upon his State and country.