Hybridizer Ferris Gaskill (1896-1971)
Barrington, Illinois, USA
Greenbrier Farm. Box 232, R.R. #2, Barrington, IL, Ferris and Margaret Gaskill, Finest Tall Bearded Iris.
From The Bulletin of the American Iris Society, No. 202(July 1971): Ferris Gaskill, who did no serious hybridizing until he retired in 1958, produced twelve introduced irises which have won a considerable series of awards. He learned his genetics from his father, who was an authority whom many important people stopped to see to discuss genetics, breeding and exhibits. His early professional work was in automotive engineering, and friends were enthralled at his telling of those days. In 1928 he left the automotive field to become a prodution manager, from which position he retired. When he and Margaret established their first home and garden in 1920, they obtained a few pallidas and variegatas. When he retired, he started an iris hybridizing program in earnest, and achieved some notable successes. Such names as MIDWEST MORNING, ROBIN REDBREAST, INTEGRITY, CANARY CADENCE, ROMAN VILLA, THREE GRACES, FIFTY GRAND, are familiar to all iris enthusiasts, and from letters this editor received, we gather that LADY BARRINGTON, named for his beloved Margaret, was his favorite. Ferris Gaskill died April 18, 1971. He will be missed by all of those who love the beautiful irises he created.
Registrations/Introductions:
Tall Bearded: 'Canary Cadence',
'Charming Co-Ed',
'Feminine Fashion',
'Fifty Grand',
'Integrity',
'Janet Marie',
'Lady Barrington',
'Marilyn Johnson',
'Midwest Magic',
'Midwest Morning',
'Robin Redbreast',
'Roman Villa',
'Ruth Esh',
'Sunset Ridge',
'Three Graces',
'Village Squire'.
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BobPries - 2012-05-18