Ferris Line of Mayflower Descent

FERRIS:  Those of this name derive from Henri de Ferrers- a great Norman-English lord – who came from Ferriere de St. Hilaire in Normandy.  He took part in the Conquest of England by William of Normandy in the year 1066-his rank in the army was Master of the Horse.  His arms bore six horseshoes-argent-on a field sable.

This is the introduction to the book entitled “The Ferris Ancestry”, which was compiled by Sarah Louise Ferris Austin around 1896.  The book was later type written in 1934 by Mrs. Franklin E. Scotty.  Sarah Louise Ferris was a resident of Buffalo for almost nine decades.  She was born in March of 1850 and died in August 1938. She was the daughter of Charles Drake Ferris (brother to Warren Angus Ferris) and Hester Ann (Bivens) Ferris.  Her father had dreamed of taking his mother, wife, and children to join his brother in Texas, but was never able to break free of financial difficulties in Buffalo.  In 1849, he boarded a ship that is believed, but not proven, to have been lost at sea near Nova Scotia. Sarah Louise was born shortly after his departure, so she never met her father.  Perhaps this is why she had such deep curiosity and passion for researching her family’s ancestry.  She was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of Mayflower Descendants of New York. She shared her father’s love of writing and served as the managing editor of the Buffalo Commercial.  Although she left no surviving children, she did leave a labor of love in the research and documentation she prepared for future generations. Her book is considered by scholars as culturally important and is available through Google Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. 

Within the book, the author meticulously outlines the Ferris line of Mayflower descent revealing that Warren Angus Ferris (WAF) and Charles Drake Ferris (CDF) are direct descendants of eight Mayflower passengers. This is fascinating and enlightening information for descendants of the Ferris brothers.  Please refer to a reproduction of the diagram she prepared.  Mayflower passengers are highlighted in yellow and include Frances Cooke, John Cooke, Richard Warren, William Mullins, Alice Mullins, Priscilla Mullins, John Alden, and Thomas Rogers. One could speculate that the Warren line was the inspiration for Warren Ferris’ and Warren Angus Ferris’ given name. The book is full of personal information and history of these ancestors and is definitely worth reading if you’re interested in the Ferris line. Thanks to Sarah Louise (Ferris) Austin’s tenacity, this work is preserved and available to the descendants and the public.

Blog written by Christine Cohen. Great granddaughter (X3) of Warren Angus Ferris. Great granddaughter (X2) of Henry Ferris.

Descendants of those buried in the Warren Ferris Cemetery and anyone interested in sharing historical information about the cemetery are encouraged to write with stories, additions, and corrections.  Please contact me at greyhairfarm@yahoo.com

Julia N. (Judy) Davis reflects on tales of family history

Growing up in a small sleepy Texas town, whose claim to fame was “Sausage Capital of Texas,” left plenty of time to get into trouble or harass your parents because you were bored. My mother was determined that my sister and I would learn historical stories about our ancestors during our free time.

My mother, Nell Been Davis, first introduced us to our great-great grandfather, Warren Angus Ferris, who soon became a “regular guest” at our dinner table. We learned why Grandpa Ferris left his home in New York and became a “Mountain Man” in the Wild West. The reason is still a modern-day problem in families - he and his mother argued about his smoking. We heard outrageous stories about his travels throughout Wyoming and the area that is now known as Yellowstone National Park.

These stories led us into the elementary elements of basic historical research. These were pre-computer days and no internet. That left reading books, visiting Cemeteries and Court Houses. Today, my sister and I still report that we grew up in cemeteries.

In 2019 the Texas Historical Foundation held a board meeting in Jackson, Wyoming. Why Jackson? Back in 1836 this area was considered part of Texas. Fifty miles to the south of Jackson is a small town named Pinedale, home of the Museum of the Mountain Man. A cousin of mine (also a great-great granddaughter of WAF) was traveling with me and we made the scenic drive to see the museum.

The museum was much more than we ever expected. Not seeing WAF’s name among the names mentioned, I sought out the executive director and asked him one question: “Does the name Warren Angus Ferris mean anything to you?” His response was “MEAN ANYTHING?!?! If it were not for Ferris, we would not have this museum. He was literate and wrote beautiful descriptions of the wildlife, geography and the different Indian tribes. Most mountain men were illiterate and could neither read nor write.” The descriptions Ferris sent to his family back in New York eventually became the book LIFE IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. And, yes, my mother had me reading the book when I was 10 years old.

My plea to you is to tell stories of your ancestors to the young members in your family - children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews - and build the excitement of your ancestors in their young minds. I felt sorry for my childhood friends who knew nothing of their extended families. And most of them hated history when they were forced to take history classes in school. Me? I was a history major in college.

Julia N. (Judy) Davis

Great-great granddaughter of Warren Angus Ferris

Descendants of those buried in the Warren Ferris Cemetery and anyone interested in sharing historical information about the cemetery are encouraged to write with stories, additions, and corrections.  Please contact greyhairfarm@yahoo.com

The Horse Marines: An article written by Warren Angus Ferris on Oct. 14, 1871

To the Editor of the Dallas Herald:

During the struggle for Texan Independence, there were displayed many acts of personal heroism, indeed they were common enough to produce a momentary gleam like a meteor, and then descend into the dark sea of oblivion, to be followed by other instances of gallant enterprise, calculated to brighten the hopes and animate the spirits of the weary soldiers. Among these flashes of chivalry none were more conspicuous at the moment than the exploits of the gallant little band called “The Horse Marines.”

During the inglorious retreat of General Houston, eastward from the Colorado, about a dozen choice spirits, among whom were Maj. Isaac W. Burton and Charles D. Ferris, being utterly opposed to the retreating policy of the Commander-in-Chief, resolved to take the opposite end of the road and get up a little active service on their own hook. They proceeded westward keeping a sharp look-out for the several divisions of Mexican troops, that were then advancing eastward, and succeeded in getting into the rear of the invaders. Here they hoped to pick up some of Santa Anna’s expresses, but failing in this, they proceeded to the coast near Copano. Here, perceiving a vessel bearing Mexican colors, at no great distance, they enticed a boat ashore by means of a false flag, captured the boat and, having manned it with their own party, boarded and captured the vessel, which proved to be loaded with clothing and stores for the invading army. Leading their horses coastwise to Brazoria, they soon captured a second vessel, also laden with munitions of war, and carried both successfully into the Brazos River. These stores arrived at an auspicious moment, and served to revive the drooping spirits of the retreating army. The citizens of Brazoria bore the gallant Burton on their shoulders to the hotel, and in the exuberant festivity that followed, voted that himself and gallant co-mates should be called “The Horse Marines.” W.A.F.

Dallas Herald, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, October 14, 1871.

Blog written by Christine Cohen. Great granddaughter (X3) of Warren Angus Ferris. Great granddaughter (X2) of Henry Ferris.

Descendants of those buried in the Warren Ferris Cemetery and anyone interested in sharing historical information about the cemetery are encouraged to write with stories, additions, and corrections.  Please contact me at greyhairfarm@yahoo.com

Buffalo Hunting: An Excerpt from "Life in the Rocky Mountains"

“Life in the Rocky Mountains” is an eloquently written journal by Warren Angus Ferris (WAF) in which he recorded his adventures after joining the American Fur Company trapping, trading, hunting expedition to the Rocky Mountains. The journey began February 16, 1830, when WAF was only 17 years old and continued into 1835. His recordings provide insight from his experiences which he poetically described the vast, untamed lands stretching across the American Northwest. He beautifully chronicles the wilderness, Native American tribes and their cultures, and the trade that was the foundation of the westward expansion.

In Chapter V of the journal, WAF uses delicate eloquence to paint an image of the majestic buffalo herds on the Nebraska plains near the Platte River. On the 14th day of May, the company finally encountered their long-pursued buffalo prize. While reading this, just imagine a boy of 17 from Buffalo, New York, witnessing these breathtaking sights and having such deep appreciation for the beauty of it all, that he recorded it in a diary to share with others. Fortunately, WAF was able to capture a scenic moment in time when the American plains were literally covered with buffalo. Based on his words, the experience must have been joyous for him, and it is certainly awe-inspiring to read today.

On the fourteenth, hurrah, boys! we saw a buffalo; a solitary, stately old chap, who did not wait an invitation to dinner, but toddled off with his tail in the air.  We saw on the sixteenth a small herd of ten or twelve, and had the luck to kill one of them.  It was a patriarchal fellow, poor and tough, but what of that? we had a roast presently, and champed the gristle with a zest.  Hunger is said to be a capital sauce, and if so our meal was well seasoned, for we had been living for some days on boiled corn alone, and had the grace to thank heaven for meat of any quality.  Our hunters killed also several antelopes, but they were equally poor, and on the whole we rather preferred the balance of the buffalo for supper.  People soon learn to be dainty, when they have a choice of viands.  Next day, oh, there they were, thousands and thousands of them!  Far as the eye could reach the prairie was literally covered, and not only covered but crowded with them.  In very sooth it was a gallant show; a vast expanse of moving, plunging, rolling, rushing life - a literal sea of dark forms, with still pools, sweeping currents, and heaving billows, and all the grades of movement from calm repose to wild agitation.  The air was filled with dust and bellowings, the prairie was alive with animation, - I never realized before the majesty and power of the mighty tides of life that heave and surge in all great gatherings of human or brute creation.  The scene had here a wild sublimity of aspect, that charmed the eye with a spell of power, while the natural sympathy of life with life made the pulse bound and almost madden with excitement.  Jove but it was glorious! and the next day too, the dense masses pressed on in such vast numbers, that we were compelled to halt, and let them pass to avoid being overrun by them in a literal sense.  On the following day also, the number seemed if possible more countless than before, surpassing even the prairie‑ blackening accounts of those who had been here before us, and whose strange tales it had been our wont to believe the natural extravagance of a mere travellers' turn for romancing, but they must have been true, for such a scene as this our language wants words to describe, much less to exaggerate.  On, on, still on, the black masses come and thicken - an ebless deluge of life is moving and swelling around us!

As years passed in his journey, WAF noted in Chapter LIX, his concern about the senseless slaughter of millions of buffalo for sport and predicted their annihilation within 10 years from that period.

Beaver and other kinds of game become every year more rare; and both the hunters and Indians will ultimately be compelled to herd cattle, or cultivate the earth for a livelihood; or in default of these starve.  Indeed the latter deserve the ruin that threatens their offspring, for their inexcusable conduct, in sacrificing the millions of buffalo which they kill in sport, or for their skins only. 

It is a prevailing opinion among the most observing and intelligent hunters, that ten years from this period, a herd of buffalo will be a rare sight, even in the vast plain between the Rocky Mountains, and the Mississippi. Though yet numerous, they have greatly decreased within the last few years.  The fact is alarming and has not escaped the notice of some shrewd Indians, who however believe the evil to be unavoidable.

Introduction to Life in the Rocky Mountains, by W. A. Ferris (mtmen.org)

Blog written by Christine Cohen. Great granddaughter (X3) of Warren Angus Ferris. Great granddaughter (X2) of Henry Ferris.

Descendants of those buried in the Warren Ferris Cemetery and anyone interested in sharing historical information about the cemetery are encouraged to write with stories, additions, and corrections.  Please contact me at greyhairfarm@yahoo.com

The Making of a Historic Texas Cemetery

Suzanne Starling, the author of “Land is the Cry! Warren Angus Ferris, Pioneer Texas Surveyor and Founder of Dallas County”, recently passed away at the age of 89.  She was an author, educator, researcher, and historian. Her sharp mind and unwavering tenacity created a beautiful book which was the culmination of 14 years of research on the early west pioneer. She was instrumental in obtaining recognition of the old Ferris burial ground as a Historic Texas Cemetery. A great deal of her research material was obtained from the Ferris-Lovejoy family papers collection housed in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections department of The Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The collection is comprised of 10 boxes which includes correspondence, legal documents, genealogy, memorabilia, poetry, literary manuscripts, photographs, etc. dating from 1771-1964. Upon its inception, the Special Collections Department set a goal to collect materials that document Mormon Americana and materials that document the history of the American west. Because Warren Angus Ferris was known as an early west trapper, cartographer, and diarist, his family documents and his map entitled “Map of the Northwest Fur Country” were purchased and are preserved by BYU. 

As a great-granddaughter (X3) of Warren Angus Ferris (WAF), I’ve had great curiosity about the Ferris-Lovejoy collection. I’ve visited the collection 4 times in the past 5 years. Most of the collection is correspondence between WAF and his mother and siblings. The Lovejoy portion of the collection pertains mostly to WAF’s half-brother, A. Clarence (Joshua).  It’s a marvelous collection of beautiful letters, poetry, and diaries written by the Ferris-Lovejoy family members.  This collection was compiled by Mr. Walter McCausland, a stamp collector and historian.   

Within the collection I found quite a bit of information about the Ferris family cemetery. Ferris homesteaded on 640 acres in the area of White Rock Lake, which is now includes the Forest Hills community. Upon the death of his young son in 1847, he donated a plot of land for a community cemetery and buried his child there.  Ferris, his second wife Frances, and 5 children are buried there.  The Ferris cemetery is now 176 years old. It is estimated that there are over 100 graves in the cemetery.  

A great deal of the cemetery history found in the collection was passed from generation to generation through oral tradition. Some of the information may be anecdotal and some may be factual.  The following information is taken from letters written to Walter McCausland by descendants of WAF and from contacts who had helpful information.  Factual or not, it’s interesting material. 

In 1959, J.E. Wade wrote “in 1838, Warren A. Ferris owned 7 to 9 Toby Scrips, each one calling for 640 acres of Texas land.  In 1850, when Warren had the contract to survey Dallas County, he moved onto the only section of land which was located in Dallas County. The Warren (Ferris) family cemetery has been desecrated, even the skulls taken out and displayed…and nobody doing anything about it. The Ferris heirs will have to show more interest in the cemetery if they expect help.” 

Walter McCausland obtained notes written by 75-year-old Robert Cole, a local resident who lived near the Ferris Cemetery.  Mr. Cole recalled "They (Ferris and wife) gave a small plot of land to the community to be used for a burial ground, here both lie buried- the mother died in 1872.  He died 1874, one small daughter and son by the first wife, Bud, also buried in the cemetery.  The summer of 1890 (I was ten years old at the time), Robert Ferris (son of Warren) and a childhood friend named Wess Chenault, worked to clear the brush and vines from their old family graves and built a fence around their burial lots, as the lots were together.  Eighty years ago, this old cemetery had many nice gravestones and markers, but to date, vandals have destroyed and hauled away all these stones.”  According to Mr. Cole, Robert’s son, Jack Ferris, said he remembered his father describing this event as well. At that time, the Chenault gravestone was still standing, and the Ferris graves were located.  

Mr. Cole also spoke of an old log house located one hundred yards from the old Ferris cemetery.  It is assumed that the house described is the old Ferris homestead. “There is where the James boys, Jesse, Frank, and their gang lived in the winter of 1872-73.  Here is where they buried their gold.  It was taken out the winter of 1889 or 1890.  In the old Ferris home is where Sam Bass and his gang lived while planning the holdup of the Texas and Pacific train at Mesquite, which was to be his last, as was shot and killed a while later at Round Rock.” There are no known photos of Ferris or the original homestead, but Mr. Cole stated that there was “a pencil drawing of the old Ferris home from memory- destroyed about 1903 – Forrest Hills - Bonnieview and St. Francis.” This record is held at the Hall of State Library in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Cole was concerned that neglect, vandalism, and urban sprawl threatened the total loss of the cemetery as only ½ acre remained. He and some Ferris ancestors were unsuccessful in their attempt to have governing authorities preserve the cemetery and have a historic marker erected.  The Dallas Times Herald interviewed Mr. Cole and published an article in June 1956 describing the threats to the cemetery and the possibility that it would eventually be “swallowed up” by construction.

1956 Dallas Times Herald article about Warren Ferris Cemetery

Fortunately for the Forest Hills neighborhood and for the descendants of those buried in the cemetery, there’s been great progress made in preserving what remains of the Ferris cemetery.  In 1988, the Texas Historical Commission erected a historical marker (#6912) on St. Francis Avenue in honor of the cemetery. As mentioned before, this marker was championed by Suzanne Starling. In 2018, a neighbor of the cemetery, Julie Ann Fineman, founded the non-profit group “Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery” with the goal of restoring the cemetery landscape and honoring those buried there.  The organization recruits neighbors, volunteers, and descendants to support the restoration.  Their efforts are priceless to the community, the city, the environment, and to the Ferris descendants. 

The Ferris-Lovejoy documents are available for public viewing but must be done in person. The process of requesting an appointment is done on-line through the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Department website. Collection: Ferris and Lovejoy family papers | BYU Library - Special Collections.  The original diary of Ferris’ wanderings from 1830–1835 entitled “Life in the Rocky Mountains” was apparently destroyed in a fire, but the stories were preserved through print in the Western Literary Messenger of Buffalo N.Y. during his lifetime. The entire diary may be read on-line at this website: Introduction to Life in the Rocky Mountains, by W. A. Ferris (mtmen.org)

Descendants of those buried in the Warren Ferris Cemetery and anyone interested in sharing historical information about the cemetery are encouraged to write with stories, additions, and corrections.  Please contact me at greyhairfarm@yahoo.com

Written by Christine Cohen.

Great granddaughter (X3) of Warren Angus Ferris. Great granddaughter (X2) of Henry Ferris.