John D. Ferree
The history of any community, especially as recorded for the benefit of future generations, is most effectively given through the offering of proper and specific definition of the careers of those who stand representative in the various lines of human activity in the locality treated. Thus it is signally pertinent that in this history of Grant County there be accorded definite representation to Mr. Ferree, who was formerly Secretary of the Farmers' Trust and Savings Company, in the city of Marion, but now Secretary and Treasurer of Johnston Furniture company, and who stands forth as one of the aggressive, liberal and valued business men and honored and influential citizens of his native county, where he is well known and commands unequivocal popular confidence.
Mr. Ferree was born on the homestead farm of the family, in Liberty Township, this county, and the date of his nativity was August 25, 1872. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Harvey) Ferree, both of whom were born in North Carolina, where they were reared and educated and where their marriage was solemnized. Soon after this important event in their lives they came to Indiana and first located in Morgan County, whence they came to Grant county nearly half a century ago, here passing the residue of their lives and commanding secure place in the confidence and esteem of all who knew them. Mr. Ferree having become the owner of an excellent farm and having become one of the representative agriculturists and honored and influential citizens of Liberty Township. They later moved to Fairmount for educational advantages offered by the Fairmount Academy for their children, where he and his wife died. Of their seven children five sons and one daughter are living. The parents were birthright members of the Society of Friends and they lived in gracious accord with the simple and noble faith of this sterling religious body.
Like many another who has entered business life and attained to definite success and prestige therein, John D. Ferree gained his early experiences in connection with the work of the farm, and after availing himself of the privileges afforded by Fairmount Academy at Fairmount, this county, it was his good fortune to be able to continue his studies in Earlham College, at Richmond, Wayne County, -an admirable institution maintained under the auspices of the Society of Friends. In this college he was graduated as a member of the class of 1895 and he received therefrom the degree of Bachelor of Science. His intention had been to prepare himself for the medical profession, but he was deflected therefrom and his success in other fields of endeavor has been such that he has had no reason to regret that his youthful plans thus changed. After leaving college Mr. Ferree turned his attention to pedagogic work, and in the same he proved both successful and popular. For two years he held the position of principal of the public schools of Fairmount, this county, an din 1897 he became Deputy County Clerk, under the administration of his elder brother, E. N. Ferree. He continued the valued incumbent of this position for ten years and incidentally became know to and honored by the residents of all parts of his native county. His long experience and sterling character marked him as a logical candidate for advancement to the office of County Clerk, to which he was elected on the Republican ticket, in 1907, and he gave a most effective and satisfactory administration, his tenure of office expiring in 1911. In January of that year he became one of the organizers and incorporators of the Farmers' Trust and Savings Company and he has been a valued factor in the development and upbuilding of the large and substantial business of this important and well ordered company, of which he was Secretary from the time of its incorporation until June, 1913, when he incorporated the Johnston Furniture Company, the same having been known for years as the H. G. Johnston Furniture Store. He was also a director of the company. In all the relations of life he has fully upborne the high prestige of the honored name which he bears, and he stands as one of the popular and representative business men of the county hat has ever been his home.
The stalwart allegiance which he has accorded to the Republican party vouches for the political faith of Mr. Ferree, and he has been a zealous worker in the local camp of his party, in which he served at one time as chairman of the city central committee of Marion. He is affiliated wit the local organizations of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ferree and his wife have an interest in all that tends to advance the civic welfare of the community and all things that make for high social and moral ideals. They have good home in Marion and the same is know for its cordial and gracious hospitality.
On the 6th of July, 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ferree and Miss Adalene M. Heaston, of Huntington County, this State, and the two children of this ideal union are John Willard and Edwin H. Ferree.
Centennial History of Grant County Indiana 1812-1912. The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.