the perfect guest for the 12 years he had spent there. It was said in the Chicago Inter-Ocean newspaper that, "A more malignant and unscrupulous campaign has never been conducted against any man, and whether Ferry wins or losses, the effect of this contest will be felt in Michigan for some time to come." The story continues to say, "If Michigan withdraws him and sends a new man, the State will thus surrender its standing on committees in Congress, much of its relative influence there; and what Michigan thus loses other States will gain." After these personal attacks, Ferry could see his political life coming to an end. He withdrew from the election and advocated for the nomination of close friend Thomas Palmer. Palmer went on to replace Ferry in the Senate, much to the dismay of Ferry's political rivals. Later life and death Following his political defeat, Ferry travelled Europe for nearly three years. The time abroad was to recover his mental and physical health which was said to be in poor condition. When he returned to Grand Haven in 1886 he worked tirelessly to manage his businesses and repay his debts. Ferry had interests in mining, lumber, and iron businesses. Towards the late 1800s the West Michigan lumber Industry had dried up. This along with political foes targeting his Ottawa Iron Works business caused Ferry's companies to declare bankruptcy. Along with liquidating business assets, Ferry spent over $1,250,000($36,000,000 in 2021 dollars) to pay his personal debts. While his national image had been tarnished, Ferry never lost the respect of citizens of Ottawa County or his home of Grand Haven. West Michigan, undoubtedly, owes much of its past and present success to the tireless efforts of Senator Ferry. Senator Ferry never married, but was engaged on multiple occasions. Ferry was considered to be one of Washington's most eligible bachelor's even in his fifties. He was described as being wealthy, charismatic, handsome, and powerful. One Philadelphia newspaper called him the "lady-killer" of his day who, "never fails to gather a harvest of hearts during their proper season." Once an immensely wealthy man, Ferry fell into financial disaster following his political defeat. Once a household name throughout the entire country, Ferry spent his final years hidden from any national spotlight. Ferry died in Grand Haven, Michigan, at age 69, after ailing slightly for a few days. He is interred in Grand