John William Ferdon (December 13, 1826 – August 5, 1884) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a Republican U.S. Representative from New York’s 14th congressional district from 1879 to 1881.
Early Life and Education
Ferdon was born in Piermont, New York. He was the son of William Ferdon and Elizabeth (née Perry) Ferdon. He graduated from Rutgers College in 1847, then studied law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced practice.
Political Career
Ferdon was a Know Nothing member of the New York State Assembly representing Rockland County in 1855, and served in the New York State Senate for the 7th District in 1856 and 1857. He was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions of 1864, where Abraham Lincoln was renominated for President, and 1876, where Rutherford B. Hayes was nominated for President.
Ferdon was elected as a Republican to the 46th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1881.
Personal Life and Death
Ferdon married Harriet Strong, a daughter of prominent mathematician and professor Theodore Strong. They had five children. He died of kidney disease on August 5, 1884, in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, and was buried at a private cemetery on the Ferdon estate in Piermont, New York. His home, known as Ferdon Hall, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Congressional Record
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