The Eds of Hiram Ferris

Steamship Vermont, first steam powered vessel on Lake Champlain

Hiram Ferris (1792-1876) was the 4th great-grandson of Jeffrey Ferris, through his son, Joseph. Hiram was a vigorous man, producing at least 20 children with the help of three wives. Fifteen of those children were sons. And all had names that began with “Ed.” Seriously.

Hiram Ferris entry in Vermont Encyclopedia

Notice that I have not yet caught up with the final number of Hiram’s children, based on the encyclopedia entry.

Second wife Cynthia Adams:

1. Edgar Daniel Ferris (1821-1875)
2. Edwin Ruthvan Ferris (1822-1890)
3. Edrick Adams Ferris (1824- )
4. Edmund William Ferris (1826-1902) CO. D., 34th N.Y. INF.
5. Edward Hiram Ferris (1826- )
6. Edson Elliot Ferris (1830- )

Third Wife Nancy Chilton:

7. Edred Lafayette Ferris (1836-1836)
8. Edward Franklin Ferris (1838-1908) Lieutenant Colonel with 14th Wisconsin Inf Regt
9. Edley Byron Ferris (1840-1864) KIA Civil War
10. Ednoy Chilton Ferris (1841-1843)
11. Edred Polk Ferris (1844-1847)
12. Edville George Ferris (1848-1848)
13. Edwy Myron Ferris (1851-1941)
14. Edward George Ferris (1853-1918) Lieut 186 NY Vol Inf
15. Edenough Richard Ferris (1855- )

Despite the availability of female names beginning with “Ed”

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, like Edwina, none of Hiram’s daughters had such a name.

It remains a bit of a mystery why Hiram chose to name his sons this way. As I research the family, I do see that several chose to go by their middle names after they became adults.