Ferris, Woodbridge Nathan, 1853–1928, American educator and public official, b. Tioga co., N.Y. After study (1873–74) at the Univ. of Michigan, he taught in country schools, and became a successful school superintendent in Illinois. In 1884 he founded a college at Big Rapids, Mich., the Ferris Institute, of which he remained head until his death. Active in Democratic party politics, he was governor (1913–16) of Michigan, gaining the title “Good Gray Governor.” In 1922 he won a notable victory when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, the first Democrat to gain this office in Michigan since 1863; he served from 1923 until his death.
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