Dr. Thomas G. Ferreby (1875-1949) was born in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, In May 1896 as a young graduate of the University of Iowa College Dentistry he came to Humboldt. He assumed the practice which he purchased from Dr. W. W. Lyon. He opened his office in the Saul block over what was later known as the Gamble Store. [1]

 

Dr. Ferreby was active in civil affairs. In addition to serving as a member of the Carnegie Library Board when it was established in Humboldt. He served on the school board for fifteen years during the time when the main building was being constructed. He held church offices when the Congregational Church was built. He was secretary of the Masonic Lodge of twenty years, during the period when the new lodge hall was built. [2]

 

Dr. Ferreby served as secretary of the Humboldt Country Club for many years. He was an official dental examiner for Humboldt during World War 1. Now (1946) after an active career, he can retire. [3]

 

Dr. Ferreby was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Shirer, also of Mt. Vernon, on September 9, 1896. She was a gifted soloist who graduated from Cornell College. [4] They made their first home at 308 8th Street North. She was one of the founding members of Chapter BV, P. E. O, in 1900. Later they moved to 506 Taft Street North. [5]

 

At the 1909 Chautauqua event local talent included tenor William G. Shirer, his sister, Lillian Ferreby, and Mabel Boyd, performing as The Shirer Family. [6] During the 1920s, William L. Shirer, award-winning author of Berlin Diary and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, a nephew of Mrs. Ferreby, helped set up these tent shows in Iowa during his college days, often staying in Humboldt. [7]

 

Thomas G. Ferreby and Lillian had one son, William, who became a civil engineer. The Ferrebys have two grandchildren. [8] Lillian Ferreby died in 1952 in New Jersey. [9] Dr. Ferreby died Sept. 30, 1949. [10]

 

Pat Baker

 

[1] Dr. Ferreby Ends Service of 50 Years; Humboldt Republican, 1946

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] General Enrollment Book, P. E. O Chapter BV Iowa, p.1

[6] Humboldt Chautauqua 1909, p.7

[7] Twentieth Century Journey, by William L. Shirer, Little Brown and Company, Boston; 1976, p.155

[8] Dr. Ferreby Ends Service of 50 Years; Humboldt Republican, 1946

[9] General Enrollment Book, P. E. O Chapter BV Iowa, p.1

[10] Humboldt Independent, Sept 27, 1949