The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Ferry, Thomas White

FERRY, Thomas White, American politician: b. Mackinac, Mich., 10 June 1827; d. Grand Haven, Mich., 13 Oct. 1896. Early in life he moved with his family to Grand Haven, Mich., and was educated in its public schools, entering business there. He served in the State legislature and from 1865 to 1871 was a Republican member of Congress. He was elected to the United States Senate and served from 1871 to 1883. On the death of Henry Wilson he became acting Vice-President of the United States and president of the Senate pro tempore from 1875 to 1877. He presided over the high court of impeachment of Secretary of War Belknap and over the 16 joint meetings of the two houses of Congress during the Hayes-Tilden contest. After the end of his term as acting Vice-President he was re-elected president of the Senate pro tempore in 1877, 1878 and 1879.