"Death of W.T. Ferris, Jr. ~ We are this week compelled to announce the death of our young friend William T. Ferris Jr., who died of consumption at the residence of his father John Ferris Esq., on Thursday morning last, aged 25 years and four days. About one year ago he took a cold which settled on his lungs and for many months past he has been gradually sinking, though he gave more or less attention to his business until within the past couple of months. 'Willie' Ferris, as he was familiarly called by his friends, was a good boy. His place of business was next to ours and for the past ten years we have seen him hourly and knew him well as youth and man. In every relation ~ as a business man, as a friend, as a son and brother ~ he was always the same gentlemanly, quiet, honorable person. He united with the Presbyterian church of this city in January or February 1870, and has since been a consistent and exemplary member thereof ~ never being out of his place at the church service when able to be in attendance. He was perfectly conscious until his last hours and knew and conversed about his approaching end with perfect composure. He had consecrated himself to Jesus and had full confidence in Him as a Savior. If there ever was a Christian, Willie Ferris certainly was one. He had perhaps more friends among the young than any other young man in the community. His funeral, which took place on Saturday afternoon, showed the esteem in which he was held by the community, and by many from other places. It was by far the largest funeral of a young person which ever took place in our city. The services were conducted by Rev. J.R. Mitchell, assisted by Rev. G.P. Jenkins. Long years will elapse before will fade from the minds of many in this community, the memory of their dear young friend Willie Ferris."
(source: "Press", Lawrenceburg, IN, 10 Aug 1871 issue)