1. Edward Ferrero was one of the leading dance instructors, choreographers, and ballroom operators in the United States and served as a Union Army general in the American Civil War, being most remembered for his conduct unbecoming in the Battle of the Crater, where he was reported to have been drinking with another general behind the lines as both their units were virtually destroyed.
Edward Ferrero's parents were natives of Italy, and had just arrived in Spain when their son was born.
Edward Ferrero educated the wealthy and elite of New York society in the art of dance, and originated many dances that spread in popularity throughout the country.
Edward Ferrero became renowned as one of America's leading experts in dance.
Edward Ferrero worked part-time as a dance instructor at the United States Military Academy and was the author of The Art of Dancing in 1859.
Edward Ferrero was interested in military affairs from his association as a youth with Garibaldi, and from his uncle, Colonel Lewis Edward Ferrero, who had served in the Crimean War and the Italian campaign.
Edward Ferrero became the lieutenant colonel of the 11th New York Militia Regiment, serving for six years in the militia organization.
Edward Ferrero was commissioned as its first colonel and drilled the regiment in military procedures.
Edward Ferrero led a brigade of three regiments in Maj.
Edward Ferrero commanded a brigade at New Bern under Brig.
Edward Ferrero subsequently commanded a division during the Knoxville Campaign, and was in command of the defenses of Fort Sanders.
Edward Ferrero mustered out of the army on August 24,1865, and returned home to New York City.
Edward Ferrero chose not to reopen his previous dance academy, but instead leased a building in a new location, eventually turning it into a world-famed ballroom known as Apollo Hall, 31 West 28th Street at Broadway.
Edward Ferrero leased the ballroom of Tammany Hall for his academy and joined the Tammany Society, becoming socially active in Democratic political circles, although he never ran for office.
Edward Ferrero was active in veterans affairs, including the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion.
Edward Ferrero published a second best-selling book, The History of Dancing, which remains in print today.
Edward Ferrero leased the Lenox Lyceum in January 1889 and continued as one of the country's foremost dance instructors for another decade.
Edward Ferrero retired in May 1899 when he became ill with a variety of ailments that claimed his life by the end of the year.
Edward Ferrero died in New York City and is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn.