Ferris Foreman facts for kids

Ferris Foreman (born August 24, 1808 – died February 11, 1901) was an important American figure. He was a lawyer and a politician. He also served as a soldier during the Mexican–American War. Later, he was a colonel leading a volunteer army and commanded a military district in California during the American Civil War.

Early Life and Career

Ferris Foreman was born in Nichols, New York. By 1836, he was working as a lawyer in Utica, New York. The next year, he became a clerk for the Illinois House of Representatives in Vandalia, Illinois.

From 1839 to 1841, he served as the U.S. Attorney for Illinois. This meant he was a government lawyer for the United States. In 1844, Ferris Foreman married Lucinda Boothe. They had a daughter named Ann and a son named Sands William. From 1845 to 1846, he was a member of the Illinois Senate, which is part of the state's government.

Serving in the Mexican War

During the Mexican–American War, Ferris Foreman helped gather a group of volunteers in Vandalia, Illinois. He was then made a colonel, leading the 3rd Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. This group had ten companies and fought in the war from July 1846 to May 1847.

Colonel Foreman's regiment joined General Winfield Scott's army. They took part in the siege of Veracruz and the march towards Mexico City. His regiment also fought bravely at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. For his actions, the State of Illinois gave him a special sword. General Scott himself praised Colonel Foreman in his official report.

The California Gold Rush and Politics

After the Mexican War, Foreman was chosen as a presidential elector for Illinois in 1848. In 1849, he traveled to California during the famous California Gold Rush. Many people, called "49ers," went to California hoping to find gold.

When he arrived, Foreman helped people who were traveling overland to California. He even led one of the rescue groups sent by the government. For a short time in 1850, he was a judge in Sacramento County. He also became involved in business. In 1853, he joined the board of the Alta California Telegraph Company. From 1859 to 1860, he served as the Secretary of State of California. This is a very important role in the state government.

The American Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Ferris Foreman joined the Union Army. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 4th California Infantry Regiment. Soon after, in November 1861, he became the colonel in charge of the regiment.

His regiment's main office and several companies were sent from San Francisco to Camp Latham in Southern California. Colonel Foreman was the Commander of the District of Southern California for two short periods in 1862 and 1863. He led the 4th Regiment until August 20, 1863, when he resigned.

Later Years

After the Civil War, Ferris Foreman returned to Illinois. He became the State's Attorney for Fayette County, Illinois. He also helped write the new state constitution for Illinois in 1870. In his later years, he moved back to California. He passed away in Stockton, California, on February 11, 1901. He was buried in Stockton.