Son of Isaac Ferree (1786) and Hannah Wall born at Corydon, Indiana.

Married Frances Silk.

Joel Thornton and brother George Spencer Ferree went into the gunsmith business in Findley Township, Allegheny County, PA about 1838 and made rifles in Allegheny County up to 1840.

It is said they not only knew the mechanics of the American rifle but also how to use it.

Died November 20, 1882, in New Brighton, Pa and buried in Monongahela, PA.