ENTERED INTO REST
Dr. Robert M. O'Ferrall Dies from an Attack of Peritonitis

The well-rounded life of DR. ROBERT M. O'FERRALL completed its measure of existence at 3:50 o'clock yesterday morning and the separation of the mortal and immortal elements of life took place in the presence of the members of the family of the deceased.  They dying man was conscious to the last.  His favorite nephew, DR. ROBERT M. O'FERRALL, of Piqua, O., had been summoned to his bedside.  He had not come at midnight.  DR. O'FERRALL at that hour placed his finger on his own pulse and a moment later, calmly exclaimed, "I don't believe I can last till he comes."  He met death with the same confidence and coolness that he had so often displayed in his long professional career in prescribing for critical cases.  DR. O'FERRALL had been failing in health gradually for several years.  An affection of the bladder caused him much suffering and was the primary cause of death.  He had taken every remedy for the ailment that his experience could suggest, but had not found relief.  As a last resort he went to one of the younger physicians of the city and obtained a prescription.  Some time after that they physician met him and asked him what result he had obtained from the medicine.  "I'll tell you," he replied, "your medicine is so bad that I have only taken one dose."  On last Thursday afternoon DR. O'FERRALL visited his office on South Street for the last time.  On Friday an attack of peritonitis had prostrated him and the verdict of a consultation held by DRS. BEASLEY and WEBSTER was that his case was hopeless.  He lingered until early Sunday morning and then passed away quietly.

ROBERT M. O'FERRALL was born in Miami County, Ohio, near Piqua, on Jan. 17, 1826.  His early tastes were in the direction of medicine, and after receiving a collegiate education at home, attended the University of New York, graduating from the medical department of that institution in 1848.  The year of his graduation he came to Lafayette and entered the office of DR. LUTHER JEWETT for a short time.  He was married in this city on Jan. 1, 1849, to MISS SARAH FARMER, who, with one daughter, MISS ELMA, survives.  When the Civil War came and the Fortieth Indiana Infantry regiment was organized here, DR. O'FERRALL went to the front as its surgeon and remained on the field for one year.  The proverbial modesty of the doctor prevented him from speaking of his military career and but few knew of this interesting chapter in his life.

DR. O'FERRALL was one of the oldest members of the Tippecanoe County Medical Society and was held in the highest regard by its members.  He took an active interest in the commercial welfare of the city and was president and one of the promoters of the Belt Railway Land and Improvement Company enterprise.  He had a large and lucrative practice and amassed considerable money.  He had faith in the future of the city and his money was largely invested in real estate, his holdings representing some of the most valuable property in the city.  He was a practical, capable businessman and his energy and success were commendable.

DR. O'FERRALL ranked high as a physician.  He had a thorough medical education and a natural bent.  He took a personal interest in his cases and exerted every effort to conquer disease.  He was always reliable and could be depended upon to do his utmost.  He had a high regard for the ethics of his profession and was on friendly terms with every member of the profession in Lafayette.  He was often called in consultation and never betrayed a confidence or resorted to any deceit.  He was a man of polished manners, was quiet but affable and was easy to approach.  He possessed a pleasing personality and his courtly and dignified bearing mad him a conspicuous figure on the street.  He had entre to the best social circles, was trusted as a physician and honored as a citizen.  He had made excellent use of his opportunities and passed away after achieving all that a man could wish to achieve.  He was at the head of his profession and will be missed not only by those who have relied upon his skill for years, but by those who have been associated with him in practice and have benefited by his counsels.  He will be missed as a citizen who was alive to the interests of the city and was ever ready to lend a hand to public enterprise.

The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the services will probably be held at the residence, No. 133 South Street, on Wednesday morning.  Rev. James H.W. Blake will officiate.  The remains will be interred in Springvale cemetery.

The physicians of the city are requesting to meet in the annex of the city treasurer's office, court house basement, this evening at 8 o'clock to take action on the death of DR. O'FERRALL.

Lafayette Morning Journal, pg. 5
December 14, 1896
Lafayette, Indiana

In the 1860 census, children listed for Robert and Sarah O'Ferrall were, Julia E., 10 born in OH; Frank 6, born in IN.
In 1870 their children were, Elma, 20; and Frank, 15.