May I suggest giving to the readers of your post any further information that you can give on James Mallams Ferrel. I went on familysearch.org and put in the name, and found James M. Ferrel,
born, Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Knowing where he was born, and what year can help you find him with his family on the census records, etc.

These area of birth were from census records, but on this site you will find births, marraiges and death records.

If your husband can not give you any more information, than maybe his other family members might be able to help.

Best wishes in your research.

Once you get more information on James Ferrel than you can contact the local library where he lived to see if they have any family histories in the library.

Hi,

Abit of information.

James Mallam Ferrel from Libertyville Iowa WW1 1917-18 Registration June 5th 1917.

Born Nov 15th 1893 New London Iowa.
Farming at Libertyville, Jefferson County, Iowa.
Has a wife & child.

1900 US Census
New London Township
Columbus Ferrel 27, Head, Farmer
Anna M Ferrel, 24, wife.
Emily L Ferrel, 7, daughter.
James M Ferrel, 6, son.
Esther M Ferrel, 3, daughter
Emma M Ferrel, daughter, 7 months.

1905 Iowa State Census.
All have Post Office address as Libertyville Iowa..
James C Ferrel
Anna Ferrel
Emily L Ferrel
James M Ferrel
Ester M Ferrel
Emma M Ferrel
Frank M Ferrel
Floyd N Ferrel

I think on thiscensus that the James C Ferrel was James Columbus Ferrel.

Regards
Gerry