All ferries heretofore established and confirmed over the Ohio, to the proprietors of land on the western shore of said river, as well as all other ferries which have, at any time, been established over any other of the lakes, rivers, creeks or other water courses within the limits or upon the borders of this state, and where the same have been kept in operation or repair from time to time, according to law, and have not, at any time since their establishment, been discontinued or abandoned, shall be and they are hereby declared to be established ferries within the meaning of this act, and entitled to the benefits of the same.
225 ILCS 435/20