FERRIN, Mary Hannah (Jefferis) (1836 - 1909)

FERRIN, JEFFERIS, FARMER, SMITH

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 12/23/2025 at 05:26:13

OBITUARY

Life of the Late Mary Hannah Ferrin, nee Jefferis
Mary Hannah Jefferis was born in Chester County Penn., December 2, 1836. She was the second in a family of five girls, two of whom, Mrs. Esther E. Farmer and Mrs. Anna R. Smith, both of Mt. Carroll, Ill., survive her. Between the age of twenty and twenty-one years, she was married to Jos. Ferrin, of Mt. Carroll, Ill., entering a home where there were seven children. From time to time, other children came to bless the home, while some were taken therefrom. For twenty-three years, prior to Jessie’s death last May, there had been ten children, five each of the elder and younger, ever as one band of brothers and sisters remembered and cared for by mother as such. Hundreds of times had she been at the bedside of the sick in other homes. For more than fifty years, her life was one of labor for those she loved.

June 1908, she went to the land of sunshine and flowers, where all who knew her best hoped she might for years enjoy a well-earned rest. October 21st, in the city of Los Angeles, California, the death messenger came, and in a few moments, she had passed into the unseen world, but is still in the hands of Infinite Justice, Infinite Love; and to us is left a blessed memory. Bertha was the only one of the nine children present when the swift messenger came. Her husband, A. A. Carraher, accompanied the remains to Cherokee.

The funeral was from the home of J. L. Ferrin, October 28, conducted by Rev. J. W. Bean, of the Presbyterian church, who spoke words that were in touch with the life of the departed. Six of the children, some of their wives, the two sisters and Anna’s husband, many of the grand and a few of the great grandchildren besides numerous friends from far and near were present to pay a tribute of respect and place flores upon her casket. They had scattered flowers along her pathway and join in this last sentiment: “If There is another world she lives in bliss: if there is none, she made the most of this.” (Source: Ferrin Scrapbook, Cherokee Republican, Thurs, Nov 4, 1909, pg. 4)