A Great Loss
Senator Ferris died in Washington, D. C., on March 23, 1926 after a brief illness. His death was exactly 11 years to the day as Helen Ferris. When his body was bought to Big Rapids by train, thousands of citizens gathered in the rain to pay their respects. The body was taken to his home, as was the custom at that time, where he layed in state, guarded by the military. A private funeral was held on March 27, followed by a public service at the Big Rapids Armory, which at the time was located on Michigan Avenue next to City Hall.
Officials present for the service included Governor Fred W. Green, Senator James Couzens and Senator Smith W. Brookhart. A film clip of the funeral titled #13_21 can be seen at the archival site of the Detroit Free Press, maintained by Wayne State University: www.lib.wayne.edu/resources/digital_library/det_news/videos.php?start=26.
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