The Ford Family

Born	January 5, 1856 Michael Church, England
Died	September 29, 1929 FownHope, England
Father	William Ford
Mother	Anne Ford
Siblings	Mary Ann Ford Sarah Ford William Ford Ellen Elizabeth Longworth Thomas Albert Ford

Spouse	Mary Ann Ford
Married	May 13, 1879 Fownhope
Children	Frederick James Ford Frank Arthur Ford Bridgette Mary Davies William John Ford Catherine Ford Robert Ernest Ford

Bio
James Ford was the first son of William Ford, and therefore likely named for his grandfather James Ford. He was born in Michael Church (his Mother's home Parish) on January 5th, 1856.

By the time James was 5, his family had moved to Fownhope and now he had a little brother named William, as well as his older sisters Mary Ann and Sarah Ann. Little sister Ellen was born when James was 6 and finally the baby brother named Thomas was born when James was 8.

When he was 15, James was living in "The Manor" in Frocester, Gloucestershire with another family as a servant. (pictured here in his bio) This is the Victorian age in England and children very often worked or served as apprentices and servants for other families. The Manor was built in 1850 and was owned at the time by John A. Clarke, occupation, "Land Owner". The rich people were Land Owners. John and his wife had no children at home, but were rich enough to afford other live-in servants such as a housekeeper, butler, cook and a general servant! James is listed as a Carpenter, so very likely his father taught him well!

In May of 1879, 23 year-old James married Mary Ann Biggs from good old Fownhope and they quickly start a family. In 1880 their first son, Frederick was born. Soon Lizzie and Frank Arthur are added, followed by Bridget Mary and then William John in 1891. James is working as a Joiner.

The 90s bring Catherine Elizabeth and Robert Ernest and some tough times. James moves to St. Owen to work as a carpenter while his young family moves in with William and Anne Ford back in Fownhope. Cutting costs and working hard pays off for the James Ford family.

James is now a Builder's Foreman. (perhaps he worked with his father). By the turn of the century the family has a new home together at 76 Eign Road in Hereford City. They live there until James' death in 1929 at the age of 73.