Woodbridge Nathan Ferris lived from January 6, 1853, to March 23, 1928. He was an American teacher who worked in New York, Illinois, and Michigan. He held the position of 28th governor of Michigan and worked in the United States Senate as a member of the Democratic Party. He also started Ferris State University, which is named after him.

Early life

Woodbridge N. Ferris was born on January 6, 1853, in a log cabin near Spencer, New York. He was the first of seven children born to John Ferris Jr. and Estella (Reed) Ferris. He grew up and received his education in Spencer. At age 14, he joined Spencer Academy. At age 16, he attended a teacher training program in Waverly and earned his teaching license. After teaching for one year, he decided to continue his studies at a school in Owego.

From 1870 to 1873, Woodbridge studied at the Oswego Normal Training School, which is now known as the State University of New York at Oswego. At Oswego, his teachers included Hermann Krusi, who taught drawing and geometry. Krusi’s father had once worked as a top assistant to Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi at Pestalozzi’s school in Switzerland. Krusi taught Woodbridge a learning method that focused on using practical activities instead of just lectures. Woodbridge used this approach throughout his career as an educator.

Start of career

After graduating from the Oswego normal school, Woodbridge returned to Spencer, where he became the principal of the village's academy. After one year in this role, Ferris attended the University of Michigan Medical School from 1873 to 1874. In December 1874, he married Helen Frances Gillespie, a woman he met at Oswego. She taught at the academy in Spencer while he was principal. The couple had three sons: Carleton Gillespie (1876–1961), Clifford Wendell (1881, died shortly after birth), and Phelps Fitch (1889–1935). From 1874 to 1875, Ferris taught again at Spencer Academy.

In 1875, Ferris moved to Freeport, Illinois, to become the principal of the Freeport Business College and Academy. In 1876, he became the principal of the Normal Department at Rock River University. In 1877, he co-founded the Dixon Business College and Academy in Dixon, Illinois. In 1879, Ferris became the superintendent of schools in Pittsfield, Illinois, where he worked until 1884.

Continued career

In 1884, Ferris moved to Big Rapids, Michigan, where he founded the Ferris Industrial School (now known as Ferris State University). He worked as the school’s president until his death and became well known for his leadership, earning the nickname "The Big Rapids Schoolmaster." He also held the position of president at the Big Rapids Savings Bank.

During the Panic of 1893, Ferris faced financial difficulties, and his school nearly closed. However, several former students lent him money to keep it open. After this, the school was officially registered as an institution, and Ferris invested $50,000 (equivalent to about $2 million today). The school became successful, gaining recognition across the country. Over time, it expanded to offer programs in English, business, pharmacy, civil service, elocution, music, and college preparation.

In 1892, Ferris ran as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan’s 11th district but was not elected. In 1904, he ran for Governor of Michigan against Republican Fred M. Warner but also lost. He attended the 1908 Democratic National Convention as a delegate and participated again in the 1912 convention.

Governor of Michigan

Ferris was elected governor of Michigan in 1912, becoming the first Democratic governor in 20 years. He served from 1913 to 1917. During his time in office, several changes were made, such as creating a farm colony for people with epilepsy and the Central Michigan Tuberculosis Sanatorium. The Copper Country Strike of 1913–1914 happened while Ferris was governor. After months of violence between miners on strike and workers who continued working, as well as supporters of the mine owners, Ferris sent the National Guard to the area. The Guard stayed for over a year, which caused conflicts between the strikers and the soldiers. The fighting between miners, strikebreakers, and the National Guard showed that a strong law enforcement presence was needed in northern Michigan. This led to the creation of the Michigan State Police after the strike ended.

In 1914, Ferris was named honorary president of the First National Conference on Race Betterment, a meeting about eugenics held at the Battle Creek Sanatorium. He did not attend the conference because the mine strike was still happening. In 1916, Ferris was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. His successful time as governor and his well-known appearance—tall with a full head of silver-gray hair—earned him the nickname "Good Gray Governor."

U.S. Senator

Helen Ferris died on March 23, 1917. In 1920, Ferris ran for governor but did not win, losing to Alex Groesbeck. On August 14, 1921, he married Mary E. McCloud (1882–1954). Ferris received many honorary degrees, including a master of pedagogy from Michigan State Normal College, and Doctor of Laws degrees from Olivet College, the University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame.

In 1922, Ferris was elected to the United States Senate. His term began on March 4, 1923. He was appointed to the Committee on Education and Labor and supported creating a federal Department of Education. In 1924, Ferris was again a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He was Michigan's favorite son candidate for president and received 30 votes on the first ballot. The nomination went to John W. Davis, who lost the general election to Calvin Coolidge.

Death

In early March 1928, Ferris said he would not run again for the Senate. He passed away in Washington, D.C., on March 23, 1928. Ferris was buried at Highlandview Cemetery in Big Rapids, along with his first wife and his sons Carleton and Phelps.