People

James E. Ferris was elected to Bratenahl Village Council in 1920. He served for 16 years until his death in 1936

After graduation from the University of Michigan in 1892, James Ferris joined Corrigan-McKinney Steel Company as an accountant. Price McKinney, a former president of the company, was so impressed with Ferris that he was made treasurer of the company. He would add the titles of secretary and vice president of the company before he retired in 1928.

James Edward Ferris was born September 12, 1870, in Cleveland, Ohio, to James Marion and Mary Ellen Ferris. He married Mary Fredericka Bailey, who was born in 1871 in Hamilton County, Ohio, to Daniel and Lucretia Bailey. Although her first name was Mary, she was known as Fredericka. Fredericka Ferris was one of the founders of the Cleveland Institute of Music in 1920. Seven students enrolled in the first institute at 3146 Euclid Avenue.  Fredricka was also am amateur golf champion.

James died February 27, 1936, of heart disease and lobar pneumonia that attacked his lungs.

In March 1955, Fredricka Ferris made headlines when she refused to sell her home located at 489 East 88th Street, to facilitate construction of the U.S. Army's proposed Nike Site on the western end of Bratenahl.  Following the publicity, the federal government modified its plans for the site to enable Mrs. Ferris to remain in her home until her death.  Frederica died on January 31, 1958.

Both James and Frederica are buried in Lake View Cemetery.