Biography of James M. Ford, Franklin Co, AR

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        Date: 16 Aug 1998
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SOURCE: History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford,
Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed
Publishing Co., 1889.

James M. Ford was born in Jackson County, Tenn., May 15, 1835, and is a
son of Luke and Melissa (Hawkins) Ford, natives of Buckingham County,
Va., and South Carolina, respectively. The father moved to Middle
Tennessee with his father when a lad, and there lived until 1850. He
then moved with his family to Arkansas, and for some time farmed in
Crawford County. About six years after coming to Arkansas he located
in Walker Township. Franklin County, where he now enjoys good health;
his wife is somewhat feeble and quite advanced in years. James M.
passed his youth in this neighborhood, and lived at home until his
marriage, December 27, 1857, to Lucretia Hargrove. This lady is a
daughter of Joshua Hargrove, now deceased, and was born in West
Tennessee, although reared here. After his marriage Mr. Ford farmed
until his enlistment in the Federal service in October, 1863. He then
joined the Second Arkansas Cavalry, and served under Col. John E.
Phelps until mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., at the close of the war.
He was a corporal the entire time, and for three years worked as a
carpenter at Springfield, Greene Co., Mo. In 1869 he returned to
Arkansas, and in January, 1871, he settled on his [p.1237] present
place of 169 acres, seventy of which he has under cultivation. This is
all well improved, and two acres are devoted to fruit trees. He also
owns seventy-five acres of land in another tract, forty-five under
cultivation, and 120 acres in still another piece of land, of which
fifty are cultivated. All his property is in Walker Township. Mr. Ford
is one of the enterprising men of the township, and has served about
two terms as justice of the peace, and has been a member of the school
board for over fifteen years. Himself and wife are members of the
Protestant Methodist Church, and are the parents of six children:
Sarah E., wife of W. R. Lewis; Martha I., wife of J. E. Stringfellow;
John A., Thomas O., Martin N. and William A. Mr. Ford belongs to the
I. O. O. F.