A. W. FORD, a prominent and successful ||OJ business man of Centralia, was born in Jefferson County, ILL.; August 14, 1855.
He is a son of William Henry Ford, a native of England, who emigrated to America, sojourning for a time at New Orleans, but later settled in St. Louis. Prior to leaving his native land he followed the trade of a carriage painter, and also engaged in renting carriages and coaches. In New Orleans and St. Louis he followed his trade, and after coming to Jefferson County, ILL., engaged for a time in farm pursuits.
Purchasing property in Centralia, William H. Ford moved to this place, but at the time the gold fever broke out in California he caught the contagion and started westward, crossing the plains with a wagon and ox-team. For five years he remained on the Pacific Coast, following his trade as well as engaging in mining. Upon his return to Illinois he remained for a time in Centralia, whence he removed to Putnam County, Fla., and there he now resides on an orange plantation.
His first wife, whose maiden name was Sylvia White, is deceased. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are still living, viz.:
The second marriage of William H. Ford resulted in the birth of one child, Frederick E., who is in the orange business in Florida.
The father of this family is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has taken an influential position and an active interest. For some time he was Superintendent of the Sunday-school and leader of the choir.
The subject of this sketch was reared in Centralia and attended the public schools of this place. At the age of seventeen he commenced to learn the trade of a painter and decorator and paper hanger. For one year he was engaged as a painter for the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1891 he opened a wall-paper store in Centralia and now carries a full line of wall paper, window shades, window glass and room mouldings. During the busy season he employes five or six men in the paper-hanging business.
April 21, 1877, Mr. Ford married Miss Lucy E., the daughter of A. M. Beckham, and they are the parents of four children, who bear the names of
The political views of Mr. Ford bring him into connection with the Republican party, of which he is a firm and loyal advocate. With his family he is highly regarded in the social circles of the city.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 494 - 495
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer