Frederick Luther Ford, whose high professional standing is indicated in the fact that lie is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, is now occupying the responsible position of city engineer in New Haven. He was born in North Branford, Connecticut, May 1, 1871, a son of George L. Ford, a native of North Branford and a descendant of one of the old Connecticut families of English lineage, founded in America during early colonial days. The father was for many years a successful agriculturist and is now living retired in New Haven. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party and he is one of its recognized leaders, having had marked influence over public thought and action. In 1893 he was made a member of the state legislature and in 1902 was a member of the constitutional convention, thus aiding in framing the organic law of the commonwealth. His opinions carry weight in party councils and his public-spirited devotion to the general good is above question. In civic matters, too, he has been quite prominent and has filled various local offices. He married Lois Dudley, a native of North Guilford and a descendant of an old Connecticut family whose line is also traced back to England. To this marriage were born four sons, three of whom are living: Frederick Luther, of this review; Robert N.; and George D. The last two are residents of New Haven.

Frederick L. Ford was educated in the public schools of North Branford and Branford until he had mastered the elementary branches of learning. Later he entered the New Haven high school, from which he was graduated in 1890. He afterward entered Yale and on completing a course in the Sheffield Scientific School won his Bachelor of Philosophy degree with the class of 1893. He started upon his business career in the office of Albert B. Hill, an engineer, with whom he remained until April, 1896. He was then appointed assistant city engineer at Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained until 1902, when he was elected city engineer and continued in that position for nine years or until 1911. During the last year of that period he was also superintendent of streets in Hartford and in his official capacity he helped construct the intercepting sewers and the sewer system there, a task that involved the expenditure of half a million dollars. He was also identified with other extensive and important civil engineering projects, but his powers were adequate to the demands made upon them owing to his comprehensive preparation and his broad scientific knowledge combined with much practical experience. In the years 1911 and 1912 he was connected with the firm of Ford, Buck & Sheldon, consulting engineers of Hartford. Mr. Ford was appointed city engineer of New Haven in April, 1912. He has since remained in that official position and in the discharge of his duties has won the highest endorsement of the public. He has been connected with many important projects in New Haven, including the improvement of the harbor front, also the New York, New Haven & Hart-ford railroad depot approaches and other enterprises which have given evidence of his superior skill in his chosen profession.

On the 15th of September, 1896. Mr. Ford was married in Washington. Connecticut, to Miss Georgia Winifred Newton, a native of Washington, Connecticut, and a daughter of Walter A. and Mary (Bradley) Newton, who belonged to one of the old families of that place. The Bradleys are an .old family of Roxbury, Connecticut, and very prominent in public affairs there. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have become the parents of two children: Percy Newton, born  in  Hartford. January 13,  1898;  and Ruth D., born in Hartford, May 13,  1904.

In his political views Mr. Ford is a republican. He was a member of the state arsenal and armory commission that built the state arsenal and armory in Hartford in 1908 and 1909. He is a very prominnent Mason, holding membership in Wooster Lodge, No. 71, F. & A. M.; in Pythagoraa Chapter, R. A. M., of Hartford; in Wolcott Council, R. & S. M., at Hartford; Washington Commandery, No. 1, K. T., at Hartford; and in Sphinx Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Hartford. He has also taken the Scottish Rite degrees and has become a member of the consistory at New Haven. He belongs to the Graduates Club and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of New Haven. He is a past president of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers, having been its chief executive officer in 1902, and he belongs to the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has been made an honorary member of the Automobile Club of New Haven. He is a member of the Edgewood Civic Association of Westville and of the Center church of New Haven. Those who read between the Imps will recognize his marked characteristics, his devotion to duty in every relation, his appreciation of the social amenities of life, his loyalty in citzenship, his interest in the welfare of the place of his residence and his deep interest in his chosen profession. Guided by laudable ambition he has steadily progressed along the line which he has chosen as his life work and his record is a credit to his alma mater and to his native state.