Osmon S. Ferris
Osman S. Ferris, attorney, Garrettsville, was born in Versailles, Wyandot Co., Ohio, June 1, 1843, son of Osmon and Lydia (Streator) Ferris, natives of Portage County, Ohio, and who shortly after marriage removed to Wyandot County. Both are now deceased. The former, who was a practicing physician of Mantua, Ohio, died October 10, 1884. Our subject for sometime attended the Eclectic Institute, of Hiram, and then entered Hillsdale College, of Michigan, where he graduated in 1870. While not engaged with his studies he taught school, and in 1872 graduated from the law schools of Cleveland, Ohio. In January of the year following he came to Garrettsville, this county, and entered upon the practice of his profession. Mr. Ferris was married November 9, 1876, to Miss Ellen Rhinehart, of Union, Cass Co., Mich., born October 9, 1853, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Rhinehart, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. By this union there are two sons: Arthur R., born September 4, 1879, and Mark S., born April 27, 1884. Mr. Ferris was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney in 1877 and filled that office one term, during which he prosecuted the case of Ohio vs. Mathew Powers, who was convicted of manslaughter. In this case Mr. Ferris was assisted by Alfonzo Hart, ex-Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. The opposing counsel were John McSweeney, of Wooster, and W. B. Thomas and I. T. Siddall, of Ravenna. Our subject has been twice Mayor of Garrettsville, has also served as Clerk and Solicitor, and is now holding his third commission as Notary. He is a member of Garrettsville Lodge, No. 246, F. & A. M.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885