Charles Michael Ferat

CHARLES MICHAEL FERAT was born in Pennsylvania in 1817. He was often referred to as Charles M. Ferat Sr., although his son’s name was Charles Mitchell Ferat.

Charles Michael Ferat was married to Helene C. Cummings. In August of 1849 a son was born, Charles Mitchell Ferat. Sadly, Helene Ferat and her 3-day old daughter Honor died in 1852. Charles Michael Ferat remarried, and there was at least one child born of this marriage, a daughter, Ida Ferrat, in 1857. Charles Michael Ferat fought in the Civil War as a sergeant with Companies D and A of the 114th Pennsylvania Infantry, serving from August 17, 1861 to August 16, 1864. He filed for an invalid’s pension in April of 1880. Tragedy again struck when his second wife, Margaret, died in 1862.

Coming back to Philadelphia after leaving the Army, Charles Michael Ferat worked as a confectioner, and in the 1870s and 1880s as “herb doctor.” The Ferats lived in Philadelphia after his return from the Civil War. Both father and son worked as confectioners in the late 1860s. The 1870 Census indicated that they had moved a few blocks to what was Newton Township, which was annexed to Camden in 1871. Both father and son were working as confectioners when the census was taken. The Ferats worked in Philadelphia and lived in Camden in the 1870s. The 1870 Directory has them at the northeast corner of Broadway and Liberty Street. The Ferats are not listed in the 1874 Camden City, but are listed in Philadelphia’s Directory. In 1876 both father and son are listed as confectioners at 1202 Broadway. The 1878 Directory and 1884 Directory both show the elder Ferat was practicing herbal medicine at 1202 Broadway. In 1879 Charles Michael Ferat had a storefront at 448 Kaighn Avenue. He passed away on April 3, 1885 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery. He had been an active member of William B. Hatch Post No. 37, G.A.R. and of the Sons of Temperance. Charles Michael Ferat had also been involved with the Odd Fellows.

In 1876 son Charles, referred to at the time as Charles M. Ferat Jr., opened a business as a candy manufacturer at 421 Federal Street. He married Mary Wrifford on November 29, 1877 at the Third Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Five children were born of this marriage. After his father’s death in 1885, “Charles M. Ferat Jr.” would be known as Charles M. Ferat Sr.

A grandson Charles M. Ferat Jr., married Nellie Ottinger on August 11, 1900. There were two children, a daughter, Ruth, and a son Charles M. Ferat III. Charles and Nellie Ferat were living at 628 Berkley Street in September of 1918, when he registered for the draft. He was then working at the New York Shipbuilding Company shipyards. After the war Charles M. Ferat Jr. worked at City Hall, and for many years as a clerk in the Camden County District Court.

Another grandson, Edward “Eddie” Cummings Ferat was quite well known as a professional basketball player, and was a member of the 1903–04 National Basket Ball League champion Camden Electrics. He also worked for many years in Camden’s city government.

HEADQUARTERS OF William B. Hatch Post, No. 37, G.A.R., Camden, April 4, 1885. Comrades of this Post and the G.A.R. in general are requested to assemble at headquarters to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon at 1 o’clock sharp, to attend the funeral of comrade Charles M. Ferat. Guard and Drum Corps take notice. By order of Baxter Howe, Commander. Jacob F. Morton, Adjutant.