Ferris S. Fitch Jr.

Ferris S. Fitch Jr. (February 1, 1853 – January 21, 1920) was an American politician, educator, and journalist.

Early life and education Ferris S. Fitch Jr. was born on February 1, 1853, in Bunker Hill Township, Michigan. Ferris S. Fitch Sr. was one of the largest landowners in Bunker Hill Township, and had extensive farming interests. Ferris Jr. worked on his father's farm until he was 16 years old, when he started to attend the Normal School at Ypsilanti. Ferris graduated from a classical course at the school in 1873. Ferris served as an assistant Latin instructor during his senior year. Ferris then attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1877.

Career After graduating from university, Fitch became the chair of Latin and Greek at Smithson College in Indiana. As an educator, Fitch was an opponent of rote learning in favor of progressive education. Around 1881, Fitch was made Superintendent of the City Schools.

On September 10, 1890, Fitch was unanimously nominated by the Democratic Convention in Grand Rapids for the office of Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction. The nomination was made by University of Michigan Regent C. R. Whitman. In August 1892, Fitch was again nominated by the Democrats for Public Instruction Superintendent. In the November general election, Fitch was defeated by the Republican nominee, Henry R. Pattengill.

On September 1, 1895, Fitch relinquished his holdings in the Post to Harry Coleman. Ferris Fitch married Lettie M. Humphrey on August 4, 1881.

Death Fitch died on January 21, 1920, while visiting his daughter at her home in Detroit.