Introduction
Isaac Ferris Jr.
ISAAC FERRIS JR. was the son of Isaac Ferris, a shoemaker who came to New Jersey, settling in the neighborhood of Broadway and Ferry Avenue in what was then Newton Township, and after 1871, was the Eighth Ward of the City of Camden.
Isaac Ferris Sr. was born in December of 1827 at Easton, Pennsylvania. He wed Dorothea Laird around 1850. A daughter Emma, was born in 1850 in Pennsylvania. When the Census was taken in 1850, Isaac Ferris and family lived in Philadelphia, in the New Market Ward in the area around South 2nd and Lombard Streets. A son, Isaac Ferris Jr. was born October 4, 1854 in Philadelphia and a daughter, Dorothea Ferris was born in Pennsylvania around 1858. Isaac Ferris Sr. and family came to New Jersey soon afterwards. Six more children would be born after the move across the river. A son, Jacob C. Ferris was born in New Jersey on March 10, 1859, and it is probable that he was born in Newton Township. The Ferris family lived there when the Census was taken in 1860. Son John L Ferris was born on January 15, 1861 in Camden County. Daughter Kathryn M. “Kattie” Ferris was born in 1863, most likely in Burlington Township, as it is known from Civil War draft records that on July 1, 1863 Isaac Ferris Sr. was living there, following his trade as a shoemaker. A son, Washington Ferris was born around 1866, and the Ferris family was still in Burlington when daughter Cora arrived on February 3, 1868. Soon after her birth, Isaac Ferris and his clan returned to Newton Township, and Isaac Ferris established a shoemaking enterprise. The Ferris family is listed there in the 1870 Census. In 1871 Newton Township dissolved and the Ferris family became residents of the City of Camden. The 1872 City Directory shows Isaac Ferris Sr. and Isaac Ferris Jr. at Ferry Road and Webster Street; the 1874 Directory indicates that they were still there.
Isaac Ferris Sr. was interested in politics as a Democrat. He was a Democrat leader in the Eighth Ward of Camden altogether for almost forty years. He served as a Camden police officer from 1874 until the spring of 1877, during the mayoralties of John H. Jones and John Morgan. The family was blessed with two more children in the 1870s, daughters Adelaid “Addie” Ferris on June 21, 1871 and son Harry Laird Ferris on December 25, 1875. Sadly, there was loss, as John L. died on November 6, 1876. Shoemaking was a family business and at one time or another most of the Ferris children worked in the trade, and 1876 was also the year that son Isaac Ferris Jr. went into business with a shoemaking factory of his own, the beginning of a business career that would take him into banking.
By 1876 Isaac Ferris Sr. and family had moved to 1702 Fillmore Street. The 1880 Census shows the Ferris family consisting of Isaac and Dorothea Ferris and eight children, Isaac Ferris Jr., Dorothea Ferris, Jacob Ferris, Kathryn Ferris, Washington Ferris, Cora Ferris, Adalaid Ferris, and Harry Ferris. Isaac Ferris Jr. married Sarah J. Yeager shortly after the 1880 Census was enumerated.
Isaac Ferris Jr. operated his shoe factory at 1700 Fillmore Street for about six years. The 1883 City Directory shows Isaac Ferris Jr.’s shoe factory at 1548 Broadway. The 1884 Directory shows Isaac Ferris Jr. living at 1700 Fillmore Street and conducting a retail shoe store there as well, in addition to the shoe factory on Broadway. He moved his residence to 556 Spruce Street prior to the compilation of the 1885 City Directory. By 1887 he had returned to familiar haunts, residing at 1616 Broadway where he stayed into at least 1888. The 1890 City Directory indicates that he had a home in Merchantville, New Jersey. In that year Isaac Ferris Jr. erected a new factory building at 1548 Broadway. He was also by this time a member of the Camden Board of Trade. By 1892 Isaac Ferris Jr. had moved to 519 Broadway, where he stayed into 1899.
In 1900 Isaac Ferris moved his shoe manufacturing operation to 50 North 2nd Street. By the time the 1900 Census was taken, he and wife Sarah had moved to a mansion at 100 West Maple Avenue in Merchantville, New Jersey. Brother Jacob C. Ferris served as vice-president of the company until his death in 1904. Charles W. Helmbold, a long-time associate and secretary of the company, became vice-president. The shoe business incorporated in 1916, and Isaac Ferris turned day-to-day operations of the firm over to new managers. The Isaac Ferris Jr. Company had grown to the point of having another factory in Cleveland, Ohio and one in Philadelphia. In November of 1920 the building at 50 North 2nd Street was sold to the Campbell Soup Company, with shoe manufacturing operations shifted to the Philadelphia plant. Isaac Ferris retired from the shoe business in 1923. He had concentrated on banking for quite some time, serving as director of the Camden National Bank and its successor, the First Camden National Bank and Trust, and the Security Trust Company. He also served on the Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission, the predecessor of the modern-day Delaware River Port Authority, when it shepherded through construction of what today is known as the Ben Franklin Bridge.
After an illness of three weeks, Sarah Yeager Ferris died on October 14, 1933. Isaac Ferris Jr. remarried in 1934. He died at home on December 9, 1940. His second wife, the former Mrs. Mary Haun, joined him on February 8, 1942.
Scannell’s First Citizens of New Jersey — 1917
Scannell’s First Citizens of New Jersey — 1917
1884 City Directory Advertisement
1884 City Directory Advertisement
Camden Daily Telegram — June 30, 1890
Named: Isaac Ferris Jr., Broadway, E. Johnson, Gifford Stubbs, Ferry Avenue, Philip Street, Leonard Stratton, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, George Armitage, Fillmore Street, C. Johnson, and Cherry Street.
Philadelphia Inquirer — October 29, 1899
Named: Gottlieb Mick, Dr. John W. Donges, Christopher S. Magrath, Isaac Ferris Jr., Charles Devaull, John Hood, George D. Borton, James F. Davis, Joseph Devinney, George Holl, Joseph Nowrey, William E. Anthony, David T. Campbell, John Pugh, John K. Esler, Harry Stetser, Cornelius Schepperkotter, Dr. Francis J. Bicker, Jonas S. Miller, Allyn Brewer, Joseph Peacock, David A. Shreeve, Charles D. Heath, Frederick Krueger, F.S. Neipling, Aaron Bryant, Jacob C. Lippincott, Thomas Wentz Jr., William J. Thompson, John S. Smith, George Williams, Charles C. Old, Jacob C. Daubman, Major William H. Tice, Clarence T. Atkinson, James Burke, Thomas Bodell, and Francis Ford Patterson Jr..
Camden Post-Telegram — August 31, 1904
Isaac Ferris Sr. — Isaac Ferris Jr.
Camden Daily Courier — August 31, 1904
ISAAC FERRIS, SR., HAS PASSED AWAY
Had Been a Resident of This City for Sixty Years.
Isaac Ferris, Sr., died at his home, 1702 Fillmore street, at 3:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon of a complication of diseases, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Ferris is father of Isaac Ferris, Jr., the well known shoe manufacturer. He was born in Easton, Pa., but has been a resident of this locality for about sixty-eight years. He enjoyed good health until last summer, when he first began to complain. He was able to be about, however, until two weeks ago when he was obliged to seek his bed.
He leaves a widow and nine children, five girls and four boys, all of whom but three are married. His funeral will take place on Friday. Interment will be made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 27, 1904
Jacob C. Ferris, aged 47 years, a well-known Camden business man, was found dead in the bathroom at his home at 546 Steven street yesterday morning. When discovered the body was lying across a gas stove, the deadly fumes escaping from the tube, which had been disconnected from the stove. It is presumed Mr. Ferris, who had been ill for a year, was taken with a fainting spell and fell on the stove, resulting in the tube being torn from the stove. Coroner Kirk gave a certificate of death due to gas asphyxiation.
Mr. Ferris was a member of the Commercial Club, the Camden Lodge of Elks and until recently a member of the shoe manufacturing firm of Isaac Ferris, Jr., & Co. He is survived by a widow and three children.
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 28, 1908
GREATER CAMDEN THE SLOGAN AT BOARD OF TRADE BANQUET
(Group photo: Mayor Chas H. Ellis, Judge C.V.D. Joline, Ex-Judge Howard Carrow, Edmund E. Read Jr., W.L. Hurley, John T. Dorrance)
Men Prominent in Business Affairs Sound Praises of Growing City at Annual Feast
A greater, more progressive Camden was the watchword at he [sic] annual banquet given by Camden’s Board of Trade last night. And that this means something is evident from the fact that it came from the city’s “Captains of Industry” to the number of two hundred.
It was Camden’s rejuvenated Board of Trade that gave the banquet and the interest taken was manifested by the presence of representatives from every business concern of any prominence in the city.
All Represented
There were bankers besides just ordinary business men, professional men of every character, and all were imbued with the spirit to make of Camden a place that will be known on the map throughout the country. William L. Hurley, president of the board, presided at the banquet.
“Generally speaking, we are satisfied with our city,” said Mayor Charles H. Ellis in responding to the toast, “Camden as it is,” “but, of course, there is room for improvement in many respects, and it rests with you gentlemen, you members of the Board of Trade to largely aid in solving our municipal problems.”
Former Judge Howard Carrow acted as toastmaster and, beside Mayor Ellis, those who responded to toasts were Congressman James H. Davidson, of Wisconsin, who spoke on “Boards of Trades;” Judge of the Court of Common Pleas C. V. D. Joline, “Camden’s Eighty Years;” Lawyer Edmund E. Read, president of the Board of Education, “Camden’s Future.”
One of the features of the occasion was the presentation of a life-size oil painting of President William Leonard Hurley, to the board, by Lawyer Harry C. Kramer. This came as a complete surprise to President Hurley, but he expressed his thorough appreciation of the honor.
Senator Philander C. Knox, of Pennsylvania, was among the specially invited guests and a warm welcome awaited him, but he was unavoidably detained.. [sic]
Some good points to Camden’s credit were enumerated in the menu cards as follows:
“Camden has within its borders a population of nearly 100,000 and shipbuilding firms that can either supply a launch or the greatest battleship; the largest lace curtain manufacturers in America; a talking machine that speaks every known language; iron works that make enough pipe to girdle the earth; leather manufacturers who tan skins from all parts of the globe; the largest furniture house, whose products reach the Philippines; banks and trust companies whose resources are not affected by panics; artesian water that can be taken without adding anything.”
The committee in charge of the occasion included John T. Dorrance, chairman; Edwin G. C. Bleakly, Harry C. Kramer, David A. Henderson and Samuel W. Sparks.
Among the Guests
Among the participants were Congressman Harry C. Loudenslager, Francis Howell, Walter Wood, Elmer E. Long, George W. Jessup, former Judge Joseph Gaskill, Volney G. Bennett, Wilbur F. Rose, Alexander C. Wood, George A. Frey, Charles A. Reynolds, Vice Chancellor E. B. Leaming, Heulings Lippincott, Charles K. Haddon, Fithian S. Simmons, Joseph B. Van Sciver, David Jester, Frank B. Sitley, Alpheus McCracken, Thomas S. Nekervis, DeCourcy May, Watson Depuy, Lionel C. Simpson, John M. Kelly, G. George Browning, William J. Browning, Isaac Ferris, John C. Danenhower, John R. McFeeley, Elias Davis, Anthony Kobus, Captain John B. Adams.
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
All Represented
There were bankers besides just ordinary business men, professional men of every character, and all were imbued with the spirit to make of Camden a place that will be known on the map throughout the country. William L. Hurley, president of the board, presided at the banquet.
“Generally speaking, we are satisfied with our city,” said Mayor Charles H. Ellis in responding to the toast, “Camden as it is,” “but, of course, there is room for improvement in many respects, and it rests with you gentlemen, you members of the Board of Trade to largely aid in solving our municipal problems.”
Former Judge Howard Carrow acted as toastmaster and, beside Mayor Ellis, those who responded to toasts were Congressman James H. Davidson, of Wisconsin, who spoke on “Boards of Trades;” Judge of the Court of Common Pleas C. V. D. Joline, “Camden’s Eighty Years;” Lawyer Edmund E. Read, president of the Board of Education, “Camden’s Future.”
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
One of the features of the occasion was the presentation of a life-size oil painting of President William Leonard Hurley. [sic] to the board, by Lawyer Harry C. Kramer. This came as a complete surprise to President Hurley, but he expressed his thorough appreciation of the honor.
Senator Philander C. Knox, of Pennsylvania, was among the specially invited guests and a warm welcome awaited him, but he was unavoidably detained.. [sic]
Some good points to Camden’s credit were enumerated in the menu cards as follows:
“Camden has within its borders a population of nearly 100,000 and shipbuilding firms that can either supply a launch or the greatest battleship; the largest lace curtain manufacturers in America; a talking machine that speaks every known language; iron works that make enough pipe to girdle the earth; leather manufacturers who tan skins from all parts of the globe; the largest [furniture house...]”
[Continuation of article — see anthonykobus-012808-inq-2.md for full text]
...furniture house, whose products reach the Philippines; banks and trust companies whose resources are not affected by panics; artesian water that can be taken without adding anything.“
The committee in charge of the occasion included John T. Dorrance, chairman; Edwin G. C. Bleakly, Harry C. Kramer, David A. Henderson and Samuel W. Sparks.
Among the Guests
Among the participants were Congressman Harry C. Loudenslager, Francis Howell, Walter Wood, Elmer E. Long, George W. Jessup, former Judge Joseph Gaskill, Volney G. Bennett, Wilbur F. Rose, Alexander C. Wood, George A. Frey, Charles A. Reynolds, Vice Chancellor E. B. Leaming, Heulings Lippincott, Charles K. Haddon, Fithian S. Simmons, Joseph B. Van Sciver, David Jester, Frank B. Sitley, Alpheus McCracken, Thomas S. Nekervis, DeCourcy May, Watson Depuy, Lionel C. Simpson, John M. Kelly, G. George Browning, William J. Browning, Isaac Ferris, John C. Danenhower, John R. McFeeley, Elias Davis, Anthony Kobus, Captain John B. Adams.
Camden Post-Telegram — October 28, 1910
As a climax of a beautiful Christian life, there passed into a haven of rest yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Dorathia Ferris, widow of the late Isaac W. Ferris, at her home, 1702 Fillmore street. It had been home to Mr. and Mrs. Ferris for many years.
Surrounded by their family the Grim Reaper first wielded his scythe and the father and a son, Jacob, fell to be mourned by those remaining.
For nearly forty years the house had been the home of the family. The section of the city when it was first established was an outlying district, the family growing as the city progressed. No family in the Eighth ward was better known or more respected. The daughters followed after the patient loving mother in the paths of the life that leads to happiness beyond the grave.
Two of those unmarried, Miss Dorathea and Miss Katherine, “Dolly” and “Kate” among their friends, with their mother constituted all that was left of a once large family circle. Mother and daughters were loving companions, and now the daughters are left to mourn the sweet memory of the silent one resting peacefully by the side of the ones she loved who had previously crossed the river of death with the silent boatman.
Her death was peaceful, just the closing of the eyes, a smile and she was gone, that was all; a Christian’s passing to the world beyond. She was in her 80th year.
Besides Miss Dorothea and Miss Katherine Ferris, the mother is survived by Mrs. Charles Helmbold, Isaac Ferris, Mrs. William Shuster, of Rutherford, N.J.; Mrs. Espen Ashton and Harry Ferris, of Phoenixville, Pa.
The funeral will take place at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. The religious services will be in charge of Rev. A. W. Anderson, late pastor, and Rev. Dr. W. C. Little, present pastor of the Third Baptist Church, of which Mrs. Ferris has been a consistent member for many years. Interment will be made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Bank Directory — March–December 1916
Camden National Bank
Camden, N. J.
Francis C. Howell, President; Herbert C. Felton, Vice President; Elias Davis, Cashier
Directors: Francis C. Howell — John D. Glover — Herbert C. Felton — James W. Halley — Rudolph W. Birdsell — John C. Danenhower — Howard M. Cooper — Dr. John W. Donges — Isaac Ferris — Elias Davis
Security Trust Company
301 Market Street, Camden, N. J.
Joshua E. Borton, President; Henry D. Moore, Vice President; C. H. Polhemus, Secretary and Treasurer; Walter T. Pratt, Assistant Treasurer; Howard M. Potter, Trust Officer; Thomas E. French, General Counsel
Directors: Joshua E. Borton — Henry D. Moore — David Baird Sr. — Harry Reeves — Howard Carrow — Thomas W. Synnott — John F. Harned — Isaac Ferris Jr. — Cooper B. Hatch — Dr. Paul Mecray — Francis C. Howell — Townsend Stites — S. Stanger Iszard — J. Spicer Leaming — Valentine Kissling — Anthony Kuser
Industries Back on Normal Basis Soon, Say Factory Heads
Camden Daily Courier —
Camden industrial leaders today predicted a banner year for 1921 with a return of business to a normal basis and general improvement in every line of industry.
In a canvas the Daily Courier made among the leaders of the major industries of the city, not one of the men interviewed expressed a doubt but that, with the beginning of the new year, industry will gradually readjust itself and improve generally.
Dr. John T. Dorrance, president of the Campbell Soup company, predicted that within five months conditions will readjust themselves.
Dr. Dorrance said: “Conditions will continue as at present for at least five months. After that conditions will improve. Our business has been better this year than in any of the thirty years I have been with the company. I look forward to 1921 as our banner year and one of the biggest years in the history of the Campbell company. We are working full speed—laying off no men—and concentrating our efforts to increase production to the fullest extent.”
The Campbell company has purchased the Ferris Shoe Company’s plant, on North Second street. The property will be used as a storehouse for Campbell products.
The Ferris Shoe Company discontinued operating its plant this week and is transferring its Camden force to Philadelphia, where it will combine with its other factory.
Camden Courier-Post — January 28, 1928
Patrons, Patronesses Announced Today for First Military Ball
Patrons and patronesses for the first military ball of the Camden Post No. 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening February 3 in the Elks auditorium, Seventh and Cooper Streets, are announced today.
The following prominent men and women are listed: Mrs. J.W. Connor, Miss C.M. Day, Mrs. J.H. Forsyth, Mrs. H.J. Goodyear, Miss B. Graham, Mrs. R.E. Green, Mrs. E.F. Haines, Mrs. J. Hood Jr., Mrs. W. Hurley, Mrs. J. Jarrell, Mrs. T. Keefe, Mrs. J.F. Kobus, Mrs. L. Liberman, Mrs. F.T. Lloyd, Mrs. M.A. Logan, Mrs. T.P. McConaghy, Mrs. F.F. Neutze, Mrs. L.K. Marr, Mrs. J.A. Pennington, Mrs. M.E. Ramsey, Mrs. E. Truax, Mrs. S.M. Shay, Mrs. W.J. Staats, Mrs. B.G. Tarburton, Mrs. R.W. Waddell, Mrs. E. Watson, Mrs. E.P. Wescott, Mrs. C.A. Wolverton.
David Baird Jr., William T. Boyle, Isaac Ferris, William Hurley, John Hood Jr., John Jarrell, Victor King, William J. Kraft, Thomas Keefe, Joseph F. Kobus, Hon. Edmund B. Leaming, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, James H. Long, L.K. Marr, Dr. Thomas P. McConaghy, Hon. Frank F. Neutze, Samuel P. Orlando, Albert E. Simmons, Edwin Watson, Ethan P. Wescott.
Camden Courier-Post — June 18, 1932
The Directors
A. D. Ambruster S. C. Childs Edward B. Humphreys Edward E. Shumaker F. Morse Archer Elias Davis Henry H. Lippincott Frank C. Somers David Baird, Jr. Burleigh B. Draper Albert C. Middleton Frank L. Starr Ralph D. Baker Isaac Ferris William T. Read J. B. Van Sciver, Jr. Killam E. Bennett Le Roy A. Goodwin Wm. W. Robinson Lawrence M. Verga Rudolph W. Birdsell Eugene F. Haines Charles W. Russ Oliver C. Willits William T. Boyle William D. Sherrerd Charles A. Wolverton
The Officers
F. MORSE ARCHER, President
BURLEIGH B. DRAPER, Vice-President ISAAC FERRIS, Vice-President
A. D. AMBRUSTER, Vice-President & Trust Officer JAY KNOX, Asst. Trust Officer S. C. KIMBLE, Cashier
THEO. THOMPSON, Assistant Cashier ORLANDO M. BOWEN, Assistant Cashier Wm. K. COOK, Assistant Cashier JULIAN K. POTTER, Assistant Cashier
FIRST CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK & TRUST CO.
Founded 1812. Oldest in South Jersey
Downtown Office, Broadway & Sycamore Main Office, Broadway & Cooper Philadelphia Office, 223 Market Street
Camden Courier-Post — October 16, 1933
MRS. SARAH A. FERRIS DIES AT MERCHANTVILLE
After an illness of three weeks Mrs. Sarah A. Ferris, wife of Isaac Ferris, shoe manufacturer and former member of the Delaware River Joint Bridge Commission, is dead at her home at 100 West Maple avenue, Merchantville.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferris had been married 53 years. She is also survived by a brother, George Yeager, of Westville, and several nieces and nephews.
She died Saturday and the funeral will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at her late home with burial in Harleigh Cemetery.
Camden Courier-Post — December 12, 1940
Isaac Ferris, vice president of the First Camden National Bank and Trust Co., with which he was associated for 60 years, died Monday at his home, 100 W. Maple ave., Merchantville, N.J. He was 86.
Mr. Ferris, a native of Philadelphia, left school at 14. Seven years later he started a shoe manufacturing business in Camden and later built up a chain of factories in Camden, Philadelphia and Cleveland. He retired from the business 17 years ago.
Mr. Ferris was a former member of the Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; a brother, Harry, of Philadelphia, and three sisters, Mrs. Charles Humberton, of Pitman, and Mrs. Addie Ashton and Mrs. Cora Shuster, of Delaware Gardens. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 P.M. from his home.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 11, 1942
Isaac Ferris & Family Home — Merchantville, New Jersey
100 W. Maple Avenue, Merchantville, New Jersey — July 2018