Orris Sanford Ferry | |
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Member of the United States Senate from Connecticut | |
In office March 4, 1867 – November 21, 1875 |
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Preceded by | Lafayette S. Foster |
Succeeded by | James E. English |
Member of the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut's 4th district |
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In office March 4, 1859 – March 4, 1861 |
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Preceded by | William D. Bishop |
Succeeded by | George C. Woodruff |
Member of the Connecticut Senate from Connecticut's 12th Senate district |
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In office 1855–1857 |
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Preceded by | William T. Minor |
Succeeded by | James H. Hoyt |
Personal details | |
Born | August 15, 1823 Bethel, Connecticut |
Died | November 21, 1875 Norwalk, Connecticut |
(aged 52)
Resting place | Union Cemetery Norwalk, Connecticut |
Political party | Republican, Liberal Republican |
Spouse(s) | Charlotte Bissell |
Alma mater | Yale College |
Profession | Politician, Lawyer, Judge |
Religion | Congregational Christian |
Military service | |
Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
Rank |
Brigadier General Bvt. Major General |
Unit | 5th Connecticut Infantry Regiment |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Orris Sanford Ferry (August 15, 1823 – November 21, 1875) was a Republican American lawyer and politician from Connecticut who served in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. He was also a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Ferry was born on August 15, 1823 in Bethel, Connecticut. He attended the Hopkins School, and worked at his father's shoe factory as a boy. It was here that he realized his love of books. At age 17, Ferry entered Yale, where he served as one of the editors of the Yale Literary Magazine and was a member of Skull and Bones. He graduated in 1844. Ferry first settled in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he studied law under Thomas B. Osborne. He then settled in Norwalk, Connecticut, and served in the office of Thomas B. Butler. Ferry married Charlotte Bissell, the daughter of Governor Clark Bissell. He was admitted to the bar in 1846. The following year, he was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in the 12th Regiment of Connecticut Militia. During his time in the militia, Ferry did not fight in any battle or war.
Ferry served as a probate judge soon after being admitted to the bar. At age 32, he was elected to a term in the Connecticut Senate representing the 12th District. He then served as the State's Attorney for Fairfield County from 1856 to 1859. Ferry was a member of the Toleration Party, but in 1856 became a Republican. After joining the party, he campaigned for John C. Frémont. In 1857, Ferry was nominated to serve in the United States House of Representatives, but lost the election. In 1859, he was again nominated, and this time he won.