Judge Jesse J. Ferril, cabinet maker. Is the oldest son of Henry and Martha Ferril, and was born near Miami, January 1, 1822. He was raised on the farm until the age of fourteen, when he took charge of his father’s ferry, remaining in charge until he was twenty-one years of age. Was educated in the subscription schools of his neighborhood. While working at the ferry during, the winter months, he learned the trade of wheelwright, and in 1845 opened a shop and worked at his trade, and cabinet making. Also burnt brick kilns during the summer seasons. In early days he made spinning-wheels, wooded sausage-grinders, and broom-corn headers, and to-day owns the only cabinet shop in Miami. He was married, October 15, 1857, to Miss Mary C. E. Goode, of Franklin county, Missouri. During the war he was a member of the state militia, and at the end of three months, was elected county judge, and thereafter excused from military duty. He held the office from 1862 to 1866. He has been notary public for fourteen years, and mayor of the town of Miami ever since 1866. He has been a member of the Board of Education of his town for three years past, and has always been earnest and liberal in educational matters. Lost heavily by security debts which he was compelled to pay, on account of the disasters of the war. Owns several lots in town, besides his residence and business house.
