George Ferner

Taken from the Tazewell County Reporter, Washington, IL, Thursday, May 17, 1923.

G. W. FERNER PASSES AWAY

George W. Ferner, one of Washington’s early settlers, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, May 14, 1842, the son of George and Catherine (Weyandt) Ferner, and died at his home in this city May 14, 1923, at the age of 81 years.

As a boy, he had his share of pioneer experiences.  In the spring of 1851, three families—those of Jacob Zinser, Lewis Tobias, and George Ferner—started for Illinois without, however, having decided on a particular locality.  After a four-week journey with a wagon train, they decided upon Washington as their future home.  Here, in what is known as the Green Ridge district, Mr. Ferner, as a young man, improved upon the educational and social opportunities offered in those early days.

With the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Ferner, eager to answer the call for volunteers, enlisted in Co. G. 86th Regiment, at Peoria on August 27, 1862.  Within a month, he saw fighting at the Battle of Perryville.  He remained in service throughout the war and participated in 13 engagements, including Murfreesboro, Kennesaw Mountain, and Jonesboro.  After the triumphant march to the sea, the expedition through the Carolinas and Virginia, and the grand review of the armies at Washington, he was mustered out June 6, 1865.  Through all his army experience, he never reported for the sick list, although on several occasions he would have been fully justified in doing so.

Soon after returning home, he continued his education at what was then known as Plainfield College, in Will County, Illinois.  He made his home in the vicinity of Plainfield and married Miss Mary Smith in 1867.  To this union were born three children, two of whom survive—Lena (Mrs. S. J. Ott) of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Orestes A., now near Youngstown, Ohio.  His wife having died in 1883, Mr. Ferner returned to Washington.  Here he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia M. Zinser in 1889.  The children of this union are all living—Ruth, Grace, Marie, and George at home, and Hayes H. in business at Bismarck, N. D.

George W. Ferner was converted during his college days at Plainfield, joined the Evangelical Association, and always led a consistent and earnest Christian life.  He was especially active in Sunday school work and served many years as teacher and superintendent.  He stood for the highest ideals, whether in public or private life.  He was thoroughly patriotic; his war experiences, often retold to his children, made a deep impression and conveyed devotion to the best American ideals.

In his later years, Mr. Ferner was quite active in assisting his old comrades.  One project he quite fully executed was the placement of headstones, furnished by the government, on veterans’ graves, otherwise unmarked. 

Mr. Ferner’s last weeks were marked by much pain and suffering.  He, however, frequently expressed himself, “If I live until May 14 I’ll be 81.”  So on Monday night, the 14th of May, in the last hour of the day, in the fullness of years, he departed.  We bespeak for him relief from pain, eternal rest and a righteous reward for his labors.