July 23, 1921 – Frances Buchanan and John Harvey Ferrill were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. A few family members and friends attended the small ceremony, and Marie Buchanan, sister of the bride, served as bridesmaid.
Frances was the daughter of Hugh and Mary (Donahue) Buchanan of Elk. John was the youngest son of Henry and Annie Ferrill, who operated the general merchandise store in Albion. Both Frances and John attended local schools and graduated from Mendocino High School in 1915.
Mendocino High School Class of 1915. Members of the class of 1915 (not in order): Ruby Daniels, Oleva L. Nonella, Blanch H. Newton, Kathryn C. Boyle, Eunice H. Daniels, Lillian F. Alexander, Catherine F. Lammers, Frances Buchanan, Gladys R. McMaster, Yerda H. Matson, Charles C. Hurley, John H. Ferrill, Arthur W. Daniels, Ellen I. Branstrom, Charles E. Hee, George Bowman, Brian Dillingham, Archie A. Gordon, Jere E. Hurley.
After high school, Frances enrolled in San Jose Normal School (now San Jose State University) to obtain her teaching degree. After her college graduation, she returned to Mendocino County to teach. Later, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she taught in the Oakland schools.
John attended college at the University of California at Berkeley. His studies were interrupted while he served in France for a year during World War I, but he returned to the university after the war and graduated in 1920. Immediately following his graduation, he accepted a position as a marine adjuster with the insurance firm of Johnson and Higgins, Limited, where he was employed until his retirement in 1962.
John and Frances had two sons, John W. and William, who both served in World War II. John remained in the Navy, rising to the rank of Commander, while William became a Brother in the Society of Jesus following the war.
John H. Ferrill died in 1968 at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco at the age of 71, following a short illness. Frances died at 85 at St. Anne’s Home of the Aged in San Francisco in 1980. They are buried in the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.
New! MENDOCINO WATER TOWERS TOTE BAG – Fifteen of Mendocino’s iconic water towers are showcased on this unique tote bag, which makes a great gift, souvenir, or must-have on your next shopping spree. The original design is by local artist Michelle Noe. Enjoy identifying each tower (all are still standing) and get ready to receive compliments from those behind you in the grocery store line. The bag is 15” x 15” x 7” and is made of sturdy canvas, perfect for carrying groceries or books. It is natural color with 23” long black handles. $20.