Biographical Sketches
THOMAS JEFFERSON FORD
A retired farmer living in Blue Springs, Missouri, was born near Versailles, in Woodford county, Kentucky, March 26, 1824. He was reared in Shelby county. His father, John Ford, was a native of Virginia, and during his boyhood days removed to Kentucky, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. He married Miss Sarah Berry, and of their 12 children 9 are yet living.
While still under the parental roof our subject, the 7th born, learned the carpenter's trade, being uninstructed, however, in this work, yet possessing natural talent for it. In 1848 he came to Missouri, and in 1850 made a permanent location in Kansas City, where for some years he followed the carpenter's trade. He was for 6 years in the employ of Lewis A. Ford. He then engaged in farming on the Blue, 4 miles southeast of the center of Kansas City, where he had an extensive farm, which now, however, lies within the corporation limits. He owned 107 acres and continued the cultivation and improvement of this property until 8 years ago. He sold this farm during the boom, but as the purchaser was unable to pay for it reverted to him. He afterward purchased 240 acres, 2 � miles South of Blue Springs, and also has 30 acres 1 mile further east. He has, however, now laid aside business cares and is living retired in Blue Springs, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He has led an industrious life, is energetic and persevering, and his well-directed efforts have brought to him a comfortable competence. He has rented his Kansas City farm and taken up his abode at his pleasant suburban residence situated near the limits of the city.
Mr. Ford was married in Kansas City, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Taylor, of this place. She died in 1857. Four children were born of that marriage: John Willis, a farmer residing near Independence; Thomas Lewis, at home; Sarah Lucy, now the wife of Wallace Campbell, who is living on the farm near Kansas City; and T. J., who died in infancy. Mr. Ford was again married on the 28th of June, 1860, his second union being with Miss Cumilah F. Bradley, of Kansas City, daughter of Isham Bradley. Her father was a native of Virginia, but at an early day emigrated to Missouri, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson county in 1837. He resided on the Westport road, on a farm which now lies within the city limits, and died on the old home place October 18, 1867, at the age of 66 years. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Hudgins. They were married in Virginia, and became the parents of 8 children, 5 of whom are yet living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ford have been born the following named: Archie B., who is now on the farm; Mary Cumilah, wife of J. Samuel Bridges, a farmer living in Blue Springs; Vyra Lee, wife of John W. Corder, of Kansas City; Charles W. Ernest W., Bessie, Jeffie and Delma.
In his political views, Mr. Ford is a democrat. He served as a member of the home guards during the civil war, and with the exception of a part of one summer remained on the farm during those troublous times. The invading armies took all his horses but one, also a considerable amount of cattle, and his crops were destroyed by the trampling hosts. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ford hold a membership in the Baptist church, with which they have been connected since early youth. Their membership is now with the organization at Blue Springs, and Mr. Ford has served as deacon. He was made a Mason at Westport, and is a valued member of that fraternity. His long residence in Jackson county has made him widely known, and his well-spent life has gained for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.