From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

pages 608-609

John Ferrier was born in Hancock County, Ohio, Aug. 5, 1830. His parents, David and Susannah Ferrier, were natives of Ohio. In 1837 they moved from Hancock to Williams County, and from there in 1854 to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Richland Township, where the father died June 27, of the same year, aged fifty-four years. The mother died April 23, 1882, aged eighty-one years. Their family consisted of eight children, six born in Hancock County and two in Williams County, Ohio-- William, of Angola; George, a member of a Massachusetts cavalry regiment in the war of the Rebellion, was killed Feb. 22, 1864, by one of Mosby's cavalry; Mrs. Mary Reed, of Richland Township; John, our subject; Andrew, of De Kalb County; David and Jacob, of Kansas; and Mrs. Martha Wisner, deceased. Our subject's grandfather, Andrew Ferrier, was a native of Ireland and came to this country when young. He married his wife, Catherine Ferrier, in her native State, Pennsylvania, and in 1844 they settled in this township, coming here from Williams County, Ohio. He built the first mill on Fish Creek in York Township. John Ferrier remained at home till 1852 when he went overland to California, reaching his destination July 12. He remained there engaged in mining and farming five years and Feb. 28, 1857, returned to Steuben County. May 3 of the same year he was married to Mary Richardson, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1839, daughter of Isaac and Rachel Richardson, who moved to Williams County in 1853, and in 1856 came to this township, where they still live. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferrier have been born fourteen children, twelve of whom are living-- Edwin E., Mrs. Francis Bell Lechliedner, Mrs. Rachel Robinett, Stephen, Herbert and Hattie (twins), James, Susan, Elizabeth, Sylvia, George and John. The eldest, Norman H., and one other died in infancy. In politics Mr. Ferrier is a Republican. He and his wife and seven of their children are members of the United Brethren church. He owns a fine farm of 170 acres on sections 32 and 33, his residence being on section 32.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com