History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 – 1986
Copyright 1986 by Marshall County Historical Society, Inc.
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FRIBLEY, FERDINAND FINLEY

Page 174

Ferd was born to Charles W. and Eliza FRIBLEY, September 9, 1870 in Etna Green, Marshall County. He grew up on the family farm until sometime before 1892 when he was established in Bourbon and in partnership with his brother, Jim, in a store which became FRIBLEY Department Store. August 21, 1894 saw Ferd married to Elma Grace THAYER of Plymouth. They established their home in Bourbon.

There were three daughters and one foster son in their family. Helen THAYER was born April 14, 1896, followed by Frances Amelia on October 12, 1897, and Emily Eleanor on September 9, 1899. The family was completed when Donald COMPTON came to be a part of the FRIBLEY clan, also.

Ferd and Jim continued in partnership for many years, but FerdÂ’s health began to deteriorate. He was advised to spend more time outdoors, so he decided to investigate New Mexico where his brother Daniel lived. The whole family traveled there on a long train ride and enjoyed the visit. Ferd and Elma decided against staying in the West, but he did return to farming instead of the store. He bought virgin muck land in Koscuisko County and developed a productive farm. Ferd started and for several years had an onion brokerage and storage. Later he grew and distilled peppermint. Many Bourbon school children earned their school book money pulling weeds on the muck farms nearby. As a sideline, Ferd sold fertilizer which led to much confusion in the minds of his grandchildren who thought of the item as Ferdilizer.

Ferd and Elma supported the Methodist church where she supervised the primary department and he the Sunday School. He was a church trustee for many years and helped build the present Methodist Church.

Jim and Ferd purchased a cottage at Winona Lake, and both families used it to enjoy the benefits of the Chautauqua circuit. Although Ferd had a limited education himself, he valued it highly and encouraged his children to pursue education, both in school and all during their lives.

Elma died in 1930 after seeing her family grown, educated, and married. She enjoyed the four grandchildren whom she knew, and was very close to the two who lived close by, Emily and Will Erwin.

In 1935 Ferd married Miriam Kehler who had lived in Bourbon all her life. She took the family to her heart and made a happy home for them to visit.

Ferd continued to farm until a few days before his death. He suffered a heart attack after having climbed up on a corn crib roof to see for himself its condition. He died in 1949, and Miriam continued to be a loved member of the family until her death in 1972.

By Helen Earl