The Ely Miner

DEXTER MASON FERRY.
Detroit Capitalist Who Wants to Succeed Pingree as Governor of Michigan.

Dexter Mason Ferry, republican candidate against Gov. Pingree, is a man of power in the political life of Michigan, and is widely influential in the business circles of Detroit. He is vice president of the First national bank, one of the organizers and officers of the Wayne County savings bank, a director of the Union Trust company and head of the seed house of D. M. Ferry & Co.
Mr. Ferry served as chairman of the state republican committee during the last national campaign, and it was due largely to his management that the state was carried for President McKinley. It was during the national campaign that Mr. Ferry's name was first mentioned as a possible candidate for the gubernatorial nomination. In 1898 his friends urged him to make the race against Gov. Pingree. He refused to do so and his name was withdrawn.
Mr. Ferry was born at Lowville, N. Y., August 8, 1853. His ancestors came to this country in 1675 and settled in the Massachusetts colony.
When young Ferry reached the age of 16 family reverses compelled him to shift for himself, and he worked for a time as a farm hand. He was ambitious, and managed to attend the district schools during the winter terms. When still a boy he had absorbed all that the teachers of the district schools were able to give.
He took a position in Rochester mainly for the educational advantages offered.
Mr. Ferry came to Detroit in 1872.
He worked for a time for S. D. Elgood and managed to save a little money out of a very meager salary. He formed a partnership with M. T. Gardner in the seed business in 1876. The firm continued in business for many years, and eventually Mr. Gardner's interests were secured and the present firm of D. M. Ferry & Co. was organized. Mr. Ferry's judgment and financial aid have been utilized in forming many of the leading enterprises of the city. Among them may be mentioned the National Pin company, the Detroit Copper Rolling Mill company and the Gale Sulky Plow company.
Mr. Ferry was married to Miss Addie E. Miller, of Unadilla, N. Y., in 1867, and they have four children. In social life he is pleasant and unostentatious.

DEXTER MASON FERRY.
(One of the Republican Candidates for Governor of Michigan.)