James H. Ford

As printed in 1887

JAMES II. FORD, an honored resident of Franklin Township, is a native of the Empire State, born in Schenectady County, four miles from the city of New York. Aug. LS, 1843. His father, Elias Ford, was a native of Hawley, Franklin Co., Mass., and first opened his eyes to the light July 20, 1807. His grandfather, Elias Ford, was also a native of the Bay State, and his great-grandfather, Andrew Ford, was born in Massachusetts about the time that the independence of the colonies was declared.

Elias Ford, the father of our subject, continued to live in his native State until he was sixteen years of age. He then removed to New York State, and was married in Hillsdale to Miss Ann T. Snyder, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Snyder. They remained in Hillsdale" a short time after marriage, then went to Albany, where the husband engaged in mercantile pursuits. They removed thence to Rotterdam, in Schenectady County, where they purchased a farm, upon which they remained until 1867. Then, desiring to establish a home beyond the Mississippi, they sold out and emigrated to Iowa. Their first location was made in Nit. Vernon, and he soon afterward purchased village property, and the following year opened a store and engaged in trade. He operated thus for two years, and then traded his stock of goods for a farm in Franklin Township on section 4. This he improved and cultivated, and remained upon it until his death, which occurred Sept. 6, 1879. His widow still survives, and lives with her son on the old homestead. She became the mother of two children: Benjamin, who lives in Marion Township, and James H., our subject.

James H. Ford was reared in his native county, and spent his earlier years in attendance at the district school and assisting in the work of the farm. He made his home with his parents until 1867, came to Mt. Vernon with them, and the following year went into partnership with his father and engaged in trade under the linn name of Ford & Son. They operated thus for four years, and then traded for the farm which the son now owns and occupies. They were associated together in farming until 1876, at which time the father retired from active labor and his son managed the place alone. He has made great improvements within the last few years, has remodeled the dwelling, placed a stone basement under the barn, and erected other necessary out-buildings, lie has also planted fruit trees of various choice varieties, and all the surroundings are indicative of the good taste and judgment of the proprietor.

The marriage of James II. Ford and Miss Alida Crounse took place in March, 1864. Mrs. Ford is a native of Gilderland, Albany Co.. X. v., and a daughter of Frederick C. and Alida (Shaver) Crounse. Their union has been best by the birth of three children: Minnie, Charlie and Jennie L.;

Pi lis the latter died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are highly esteemed in their neighborhood and township, and are entitled to be classed among the first citizens. They are the friends of good order and system, and are contributing their portion toward the building up of the community, morally, socially and intellectually.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Linn County, Iowa (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.