William Sloan Ferdig 1844-1928

FERDIG HICKS

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/29/2012 at 22:23:23

The Mapleton Press
12 April 1928

WILLIAM S, FERDIG, PIONEER, SUCCUMBS BRONCHIAL PNEUMONIA FATAL TO EARLY MONONA COUNTY SETTLER — LEAVES 126 DESCENDANTS.

William Sloan Ferdig, who moved westward with civilization in the true pioneer days, died at the home of his son, Mike, near Mapleton last Thursday after having passed his 84th birthday.

Although Mr. Ferdig had been ailing for 18 months, he never was bed fast until the Sunday preceding his death. He had caught a cold which developed into bronchial pneumonia. The ravages of this disease could not be checked because of his advanced years.

Mr. Ferdig possessed a rugged physique. He had needed medical attention only twice in his life — once a number of years ago when he suffered from erysipelas, and in his last illness. He had never been in a dentist's chair and he could read without glasses when necessary. He attributed his strong faculties to good, habits of life.

Mr. Ferdig came to Monona County in 1869, when this territory was a vast prairie not yet touched by the hand of progress. In those days travel was a trying effort, and life itself was fraught with hardships, but Mr. Ferdig was willing to stake his future on that of the territory. He was one of the first homesteaders here and took pride in this, in later days of his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferdig drove from Polk County to Monona County in a covered wagon pulled by a mule and horse. Few pioneers who traveled in that fashion still live today.

Not only was Mr. Ferdig thrifty and industrious, but he had a reputation for fair dealing with his fellow men. He was careful in all his transactions and settled all his affairs promptly.

Mr. Ferdig was born in Michigan, October 13, 1844. In 1862 he was married at Hartford , Ia., to Terry Hicks. Fourteen children were born to them ,all of whom are living with the exception of two who died in infancy. Mrs. Ferdig died April 4, 1907.

The eight sons and four daughters who survive Mr. Ferdig are W. E. Ferdig, of Sioux City; John Ferdig, of Frederic, Wis.; Mrs. W.O. Short, of Omaha, Albert Ferdig, of Reliance, S.D.; Mrs. Wesley Holbrook, of Ticonic, la.; Frank Ferdig, of Climbing Hill, la.; Edwin Ferdig, Marlon Ferdig, Mrs. Charles Peacock, and Mrs. Fred Blankenhorn, of Smithland; Harry Ferdig and Mike Ferdig, of Mapleton, 75 grandchildren and 39 great- grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon with Rev. G. W. Dunn officiating. Burial was in Heisler cemetery.