Children of John and Elizabeth: 1. Mary Ellen Born: April 12, 1839; Zionsville, IN Died: August 15, 1839; Zionsville, IN 2. Mary Pricella Born: April 11, 1841; Howard Co., IN Died: April 4, 1874; Rock Creek Twp., Jasper Co., IA Buried: Bevin's Grove Cemetery, Clemons, Marshall Co., IA Married: George See, Marshall Co., IA December 25, 1866 Children: Sophia, James, Harriett, Conaway, Andrew 3. Sarah Parintha Born: July 23, 1843; Howard Co., IN Died: July 24, 1930; Buffalo Co., NE Buried: Westlawn Cemetery, Omaha, NE Married: Alexander Boyce McCain; July 12, 1864 Children: Dode, Orran Ford, Adell, Effie Maude, Elizabeth Gay & Isabella May (twins), Fannie Fern (Hewett), and Hattie (May) & Mattie (twins) 4. George Dye Born: May 19, 1845; Howard Co., IN Died: Jan. 25, 1912; Liberty Twp., Marshall Co., IA Buried: Bevin's Grove Cemetery; Clemons, Marshall Co., IA Married: Nettie A. Rooker, Polk Co., IA; Oct. 2, 1889 Children: Chella E (Hale), Mary E., John W., Gertrude L.(Robinson), George S., Louis E., Lois, Gailerd B. 5. Martha Serepta "Matt" Born: Nov. 27, 1847; Howard Co., IN Died: Feb. 5, 1935; Lafayette, IN Buried: Zionsville Cemetery Married: James Webster Rooker; Dec. 23, 1880 Children: None 6. John William Born: July 28, 1850; Howard Co., IN Died: Sept. 15, 1851; Howard Co., IN 7. William Nineva "Jim" Born: Sept. 14, 1851; Howard Co., IN Died: Dec. 23, 1891; Victor Twp., Osborne Co., KS Buried: Cole Cemetery, Covert Twp., Osborne Co., KS Married: No 8. EPHRAIM WORTH Born: Feb. 14, 1854; Jasper Co., IA Died: April 2, 1904; Zionsville, IN Buried: Zionsville Cemetery Married: Hattie "Katie" Huson; Buffalo, WY; Dec. 17, 1882 Children: Mabel (McFatridge), Myrtle (Wagoner), Harry Married: Mary A. Johnson; Orleans, IN; Jan. 1, 1892 Children: Oscar L. 9. Frances Emiline "Fannie" Born: Dec. 27, 1857; Jasper Co., IA Died: Feb. 26, 1932; Zionsville, IN Buried: Zionsville Cemetery Married: Paul J. Lang; Kattitas Co., WA; Feb 28, 1889 Children: Nora (Shore), Myrtle (Stanley), Gene, Lloyd, Clyde 10. Effie Jane Born: Nov. 24, 1859; Story Co., IA Died: Feb. 16, 1937; Portland, OR Buried: Portland, OR Married: James H. Rice; October 25, 1884 in Big Horn, WY Children: At least a son & daughter; names unknown 11. John Lincoln Born: Aug. 15, 1863; Story Co., IA Died: Oct. 11, 1863; Story Co., IA Buried: Nevada Cemetery, Nevada, Iowa with John and Elizabeth
HISTORY
1800 – John Ford and his wife [Mary] and one son were listed in the Federal Census in Ashe County, North Carolina, for the first time. John became listed in the county history as one of the earliest of settlers, arriving 1790-1800.
1810 – John Ford was listed in the Federal Census with wife [Mary] and five children (4 females and 1 male), and three slaves.
1811 – John Ford, Jr., was born on September 22.
1820 – John Ford, Sr., and wife [Mary] were listed in the Federal Census in Ashe County as having five females and five males in their household plus one slave.
1830 – In the Federal Census, Mary Ford was the head of the household. John, Sr., had apparently died since the 1820 census. She had five males (including John, Smith, Ninava, and Ephraim) and five females in the household. No slaves.
1838 – John Ford emigrated to Indiana 1830-1838, and he and Elizabeth Dye were married in Zionsville, Indiana by Warner Sampson, M.G., on March 11, 1838.
1840 – John (28) and Elizabeth (20) are found in the Federal Census living in Zionsville next door to Elizabeth’s brother Jacob Dye and his wife. John and Elizabeth’s first child, Mary Ellen, had been born the year before on April 12, and died four months later on August 15.
John’s brother, Smith Ford, was listed in the Federal Census as living in Ashe County with his own family, which included a female 50-60 years old; probably his mother Mary. Two females, probably his sisters, were in the household also.
1841 – John (28) and Elizabeth (20) moved to Howard County, Indiana. Mary Pricella born April 11, 1841. Sarah Parintha born July 23, 1843. George Dye born May 19, 1845. Martha Serepta “Matt” born Nov. 27, 1847
1848 – John Ford received a letter from J. W. Mast, a lawyer in Sugar Grove, Ashe County, North Carolina, on July 12, telling him that he had “Sold land for $40 to G. M. Bingham and paid off various debts of John’s.”
Sugar Grove, N. C. 10 cent postage July 16 To: John Ford, Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana From: Sugar Grove, Ashe County, N. Carolina, July the 12, 1848 Mr. John Ford Dear Sir I have set down to inform you I have sold your land for forty five dollars in money. I adverised it that I would sell on a certain day but there was not a man attended. But G. M. Bingham he offered me the 45 dollars and no more and I excepted it he paid me the money and I made him a title and should have sent it to you before this time. But Landrine Eggers talked of going to your county and I thought it would be safer to sent it to you by him than by the mail. I thought that I would mail a part of it and forward it on to you. I have not as yet been able to affect a settlement with Daved Lewis, he is holding some claims against you one from Jordan Councill for something over six dollars this claim will have to be settle as it was taken out of his hands by as attachments he has another he says he got of you on Willis Megee for something over two dollars and he says he must have his pay out of the amount of the receipt and I find if I would allow him all his claims he is not willing to pay any interest on the ballance as he says that he has been ready to pay at any time when cald on how to settle with him about the note. I do not know he has taken two judgments on the debt and could not find property to make the money out of and I do not expect that the money can ever begot of McGee as he cut his knee last January two year's ago and he was confind to his bed nearly two years and is now a criple and dose not work at all and is ensolvent. You will please to as nite when these comes to and let me know all about how the note was traded to Lewis and how I must proceede about it whether to settle it out of the reciept or not I went to see Solomon Isaaks and his wife Sarah they informed me that soon after I got your first letter that they received a letter from Hugh Eggers with Twenty Dollars in the letter and they nor I neither know whether that is all that is coming to Sarah or not so I thought it would be best to send you a part of the money and you could inform me wether I should pay to her or not so I sill incloes twenty five dollars on the bank of the State of South Carolina all curent money. Hear your mother is as well as could be expected for as old a woman as she is. Your connections are all well as fare as I know. Your brother in law Piolert Piolapt departed this life sometime last fall and your sister Polly Yelton has moved back from Tenneysie last fall. Your mother received a letter from Nannevi dated some time in March.. He writes that they Indians are some what troublesome in his country. He was out two hundred miles from home after the Indians when he wrote the letter. We had a tolorable moderate winter but the spring was wet and backward but our summer has been warm with the exeption of a few day about the midle of June when there was in several freazes an hard enough to kill the corn. Our wheat crop are as good as the commonly get to be, oats are likely and forward corn looks very promising. People are generally well though out this country as fare as my information extends. With these remarks I conclude and remain yours most affectionately. To John Ford J. W. Mast
1850 – The Federal Census lists John and Elizabeth Ford and children living in Howard County, Indiana and owning about $2,000 in real estate. Mary, Sarah, and George are in school.
John William born July 28, 1850; died Sept. 15, 1851
William Nineva “Jim” born Sept. 14, 1851
The Federal Census shows John’s two brothers out in Oregon Territory. Ninava (35 yrs) was farming in Clackamas Co., near Oregon City with his 20 year old Missouri wife, Martha, and their one year old son John J., who had been born in Oregon Territory. Ephraim (29 yrs) was in Yam Hill Co., just west of Clackamas Co., in the northwest corner of Oregon Territory.
1852 – John Ford’s brother Nineveh wrote from Oregon City, Oregon Territory entreating John and Elizabeth to come west with their family. He tells of their group finding about $5,000 worth of gold in California, including a single nugget worth $64 which he still had. Their brother Ephraim Ford was with Nineveh, and had married the previous spring.
TO: John Ford, Kokomo, Indiana FROM: Oregon Territory, Oregon City, March 16, 1852 John and Elizabeth Ford Dear brother and sister I can inform you that we rec'd yours of the 28 Dec. last which gave us great satisfaction to heare from you. I have wrote since I returned from California. Ephraim was married last spring to Miss Martha.Sarrijon. We returned from California the fall after we went in the spring. We had tolerable luck in the mines making near 5 thousand dollars between us. I dug one piece of gold that was worth $64. I have got it yet. I wish you could come and see it. I think you would like to dig some of the yealow stuff but if you was here you could get it and stay at home. Those that stays at home does as well as those that goes to the mines, which you will see when I give you a feew facts. The mines are being worked very extensively in Oregon in or near a rich fertile and in a healthy country. You say that times is hard there. You wish to know how land rates in Oregon is. I will try to give you a general idea in relation to land here. The Congress of the USA pased a law on the 21st Sept. 1850 granting to all american white settlers on the public lands over the age of 18 that was in Oregon at the pasage of the law or and those that got here before the first day of December 1850 one half section or 320 acres if he be single man, and if he be maried or shall become maried on or before the 1st day of December 1851 one section or 640 acres of land, one half to the wife and the other to her husband, the wifes half to be held in her own name. The donation is extended to those that come since up to the first day of December 1853 in half the amount of the above. So if you can get here before the 1st day of Dec. 1853 you can get 320 acres without paying anything. One half to your wife which is one quarter section each after 1853. I think land will be sold by government at $1.25 per acre. If you have any notion of coming to this country, start next spring 1853, then you will git here in time to git your half section. I can write as I have wrote before that this is the healthiest country that I have seen. Winters are miled, summers plasant, not so hot as your summers. Winters are so.....and mild that stock keeps fat all winter. This winter past was near a total failure for snow. I did not see one particle fall during the winter. The best country for stock perhaps in the contenent. They keep fat all the time without feeding. When I say stok I mean all kinds. Our beef is fater off of the range here than I ever saw it in the stats out of the stall. Pork fat all the year and the range stock increases fast. I have got letters from home generaly. Brother Sinut died in '49. His wife has maried again. Syrena is maried. I got a letter last summer from mother. They condition was generly well. I have wrote since and am looking for a letter now. We are all well except colds. Mrs. Ford is quit porly at this time with a cold. Our little snow storm has set some of us to coughing. If you do conclude to come to this country I would advise you by all means to sell out next fall and come to Missouri and winter there and start early in the spring with first that starts. You will come with one and get you a good team at home. I want you to write as soon as this comes and tell me what your calculations are and so I will know what to advise. Never think of coming without our family. It is too far. Do not come without Elizabeth is willing. Elizabeth, I wish you was here with your family. I think you would be hapy and we would be brother and sister here.
Yamhill O. T. June 9th 1852 Dear broth and sister, threw the .... of diveme providence an blesses with the opertunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that we are still in the living and enjoying a tolerable .... of health at present wishing these lines may find you in posesion of the same blessing. We have the pleasure of reading your letter baring date Decemba the 28 1851 which is a sorce of grate satesfaction to hear from you and to hear that you are still living and well but sarey to learn of your misfortune in loosing your child but we must be reconsiled to God as he is just in all things. You requested us to write concerning our country as to climate. I suppose yours are informed, but I will say that it is the best I have ever lived in with the acception of rain in the winter and as to agriculture purpeses fare before your country not withstanding it is a pore corn growing country but we can make that up in small grain and I find of late by manuring our land we can rase as good vegilables as you can in....., and as to stock rasing I believe we can but would, we can rase a hors or cow here with as little....as you can a chicken there. Land is what you would call high but if you wish to cum to this country do not let that stop you for I think you can make a living in this part of our republic easeyer than you can there at your prices for produce. Perhaps you wish to know how times is, times is good. Health is good. Money is plenty. Goods is cheap. Produce is high. Good horses from 100 to 150 dollars american, mares from 150 to 200, cows from 50 to 75 dollars per head, sheep 8 dollars, hens one dollar, beef 8 dollars per hundred, pork 10, butter 50 cts per pound, egg 50 cts per dozen, wheat 1.25 cts per bushel, wages from $2 to 4 per day. If you wish to cum to this country git you a well made light three hors wagon and three or fore yoke of cattle and start from Missouri about the first of aprile. Start with only clothing and bedding to last you threw as it will not pay, start with plenty of provision and if you wish any further information write as soon as you can and I will answer the same and if you start to this country I want you to write to me before you leave Missouri and send your letter by the mail and when you git on the road write by the packers if you wish any asistance and I will try to administer to your wants. If you calculate on emmigrating to this country I think it advisable to cum next spring so that you can have a chance to hold 320 acres of land under the donation act which will be out the first of December 1853 which is considerable.........to cum next year. Nineveh is still living in Oregon city and was well the last acount and is making money very fast. I am still marreyed and think I am settled for life as I am satisfide with this country that I can make faster and easer than any other in my knowing. I have stock a plenty to answer my perpose and to spare and a moderate crpoe of grain and calculate on sowing plenty this fall for you and I in Pardenership. I would be extremely happy to see you all but think sometimes we will never have the pleasure of meeting in this world but hope that we will meet in the next where parting and sorrow will never be nomore. Direct your letters to Yamhill Co. Lafayette Po O. T. We want you to give our love to your childer as we would be glad to see them. So nothing more at present best remans your with respect. From Ephraim and Martha Jane Ford
TO: Mr. John Ford, Esq., Kokomo, Indiana FROM: Oregon Territory, Nov. 26, 1852 Dear brother and sister. It is with much pleasure that we take the opertunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that we are still numbered with the living and enjoying a tolerable degree of health at present. Wishing these lines may find you all in possession of the same blessing. The last letter we recieved from you was dated December 28, 1851 which we answered before so that I do know that we share anything interesting to write to you unless it is in relation to your friends Joneses. John Jones was at Nineveh's 4 or 5 weeks. Since he stated that his father and brothers had got in about fifty miles of this place they had considerable sickness in the family while on the road, as there was much sickness in the last part of the immigration. Jones could not giv any account what of your calculation was in relation to immigrating to this country but stated that your brother-in-law [Jacob Dye?] had sold with the calculation of immigrating to this country next season. When Jones was here Nineveh and his wife was sick, but have got a bout health is generaly good with the acception of the immigration last to this country in consequence of experience on the way to this country. If you calculate on immigrating to this country I think next season will be the best time in consequence of the donations being out in December will give.......................in this country American mares from one hundred and fifty, hundred dollars cows from 50 to 100 dollars, 8 and 10 dollars per head beef, 10 pork per hundred, wheat 3 and 4 dollars per flour, 15 dollars per hundred, labor 2 and 3 dollars per day, lumber fifty dollars per thousand and other productions of the country in protion. If you come to Oregon and wish to bring stock I will advise you to bring scheap or cows and be shore to start in the first part of the emmigration for the reason that their is not half the sickings in the first part of the emmigration as the last. if you cum write before starting and while on the road as we can git your letter in a very short time by male. I am here for the purpose of proving my clame to a donation write to 640 acres of land. We are at the same burruls that we was when we wrote last to you. I have a good crop in and sold the .... of six hundred hogs this season and some beef cattle. We send our love to our cousins and be glad to see them and if you do not cum this aunt wants you to take that perty boys likness that you wrote about having blew eyes and black hare and send it to her but much rather see him..........(mostly illegible) with respect Ephraim and M. J. Ford To John & Elizabeth Ford direct your letter to Yamhil Lafayett or Oregon City
1853 – John Ford (41 yrs) and family headed west to the gold fields of California in a party of 40 would-be miners. John became concerned about the danger to his family in continuing the trip west, and they lived for a while in Jasper County, Iowa.
Ephraim Worth born Feb. 14, 1854
Frances Emiline “Fannie” born Dec. 27, 1857
1858 – John Ford and family moved in the spring to Story County, Iowa, east of Ames, where they purchased a farm south of Colo, in New Albany Township about thirteen miles east of the county seat, Nevada.
1859 – John and Elizabeth Ford have Effie Jane, born Nov. 24.
1860 – The Federal Census shows them in Story County, Iowa with Mary (19), Sarah (16), George (15), Martha (13), William “Jim” (8), Ephraim (6), and Frances (2). John’s assets had increased to $10,000 real estate, and $500 personal property.
1862 – John’s brother Nineveh writes to him from Oregon
State of Oregon Wayco County Sept. 7, 1862 John Ford Dear brother We recd yours last evening of the 22nd of last June directed to the post master at oregon city stating that you had not herd from Ephraim and we since 18.., heared that you and George Dye came to Iowa and stoped. We did not learn where you was we have wrote to our relatives in carolina but learned nothing I had nearly given up all hope of evering hearing from you thinking that the colery [cholera] had swept you all off on the plaines my [heart] leaped for joy when I opened your letter, this being the first that I have saw since you came to Iowa. Ephraim is living where he first settled, in 2 miles of McMinville, yamhill co. I am living in middle oregaon east of the cascads over 300 miles from Ephraim 627 miles west of fort Benton in the Walla Walla Valey. look on the map and you will see where I live I have been living here 3 years and am well pleased with the country I have not hered from home for a long time we have 6 chilaern [children] living and one ded John Thomas Jefferson is nearly grone our 2nd Mary Simpson died at 9 years old, 4 boys living and 2 girls you perhaps are posted in relation to the development of this country concerning the gold mines, graizing and agricutureal pursuits the miners are still making new discoverys of new digings some 15 to 20 thousand miners and traiders in middle oregon. This is the fastest country that I have heard of towns going up in a few days men taking out their weight in gold dust in a short time and thousands doing no good and spending fortions in a few days I have not worked in the mines here yet for what would it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his own sole we hope to gain the selistial [celestial] city and too much gold is dead weight some times on that pilgrimage he that will run let him lay a side every weight and that sin that so easly beset us, that sin I think is unbelief I once was young but now am old and I never saw the children of the riceous [righteous] beging bread (Soloman) We should not trust in uncertain riches so says christ dear brother and sister we would be hapy to see you all in this life, but if we should not be favored with that opportunity let us strive to meet each other in heaven where our dear little ones are gon, our parents have long since gained that heaven, and we too are hastening to that unseen world when we shall bid farewell to this vain world of woe. Wrie when this comes to hand direct your letters to (Walla Walla Washington Territory) no more at present only our best wishes and brother and sister until death Nineveh & M. R. Ford To John & Elizabeth Ford
1863 – John Lincoln born Aug. 15; died Oct. 11.
1864 – James Webster “Webb” Rooker of Mitchellville, Iowa, about 25 miles south of Colo, enlisted in the Iowa Calvary volunteers on March 1, at 20 years of age. Wounded at the battle of Harpeth Creek, Tennessee on Dec. 18; shot in the eye; the ball entering the right and coming out under the left, destroying the sight of both.
John Ford (52) died June 19, and was buried near the home farm in Indian Creek Twp., Story Co., with young son John Lincoln. He had been under treatment by Dr. Mark D. Shelton, who filed claim for visits and medicine. At the time of his death, John Ford owned 520 acres in Marshall County, at least 84 acres in Jasper County, and 147 acres in Story County, for a total of 751 acres. Elizabeth stayed on the home farm near Colo, east of Nevada, and had the oldest sons George and Jim manage the various farms. The other son, Ephraim, went to Burr Oak, Kansas to farm with relatives.
Sarah P. Ford married Alexander Boyce McCain July 12, 1864. He was a Civil War Veteran wounded at Shiloh.
1865 – James W. Rooker was discharged from the Iowa Cavalry volunteers at Keokuk, Iowa on June 1, by reason of blindness. He received a pension of $50 per month starting on June 4, 1874.
Elizabeth Ford sold 204 acres of land in Jasper County.
1866 – Mary Pricella Ford (25) married George See (27) Dec. 25, 1866 in Marshall County, Iowa, just east of Story County.
1870 – Elizabeth Ford is shown in the Federal Census living in the Colo area on the family farm, about 13 miles east of Nevada in Story County, with her children George (25), Martha (22), William “Jim” (18), Ephraim (16), Frances (12), and Effie (9). Only William, Ephraim, and Frances were in school. Elizabeth’s assets were $4,200 real estate and $550 personal property. Her son George had $1,000 in personal property. Maria Romane, a niece, was living nearby.
In the 1870 census, W. Rooker is listed as a blind farmer in Franklin Twp., Polk Co., Iowa, just south of Story County, with his wife Martha and two year old son James.
1874 – Mary Pricella (Ford) See died April 4, and was buried in the Bevins Grove Cemetery north of Clemons in northwest Marshall County, Iowa.
187? – Sarah and A. B. McCain write to her sister, she on the front page, and he on the back page.
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[Sarah] home matters, etc, etc Aprile the 20 Dear Sister After our love to you then comes the Home matters Orra says he looks for aunt marth in the morning. he said he went home to grandmaws to stay till aunt marth come home. Orra hasent forgotning you nor never will he gets newespaps and reads letters from you and Chella wants too write to you. he can spell and read a little and count. The prospect for fruit is good mother thinks she will have som apels [some apples] Seet [sweet?] folks came from Story today they were all well at home. Anna is such a seet [sweet] girl. She says she likes us well a nought [well enough] to live with us. We think we might keep her. [A. B. McCain] Ephraim has rented my corn ground. which will relieve me of much travelling this summer. George was over some time ago and stayed with us three nights. He informed us his intentions were to herd cattle this summer and probably a herd of colts. George and Priscilla's folks are all in usual health. They and Ephraim have gone to Story yesterday. will be back to day. How much do you get a month for teaching school. Is it a subscription school of is it a district schooll. I have no other news of importance that would interest you. Nouthing more. Yours forever A. B. McCain
1878 – Elizabeth Ford was living in Colo, Iowa; but upon becoming ill, moved to Nevada, Iowa, about 13 miles west.
A. B. McCain is listed in the Directory of Marshall County as “a farmer in Section 14; P. O. Bevins Grove; owns 80 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born in Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1834; came to Iowa in 1856. Married Sarah P. Ford in 1864; she was born in Howard Co., Ind., in 1844; have seven children – Owen, Jo, Ben, Adel, Effie Maude, Isabella M., Elizabeth G., and Fanny. Are members of Methodist Church. Enlisted in Company H, 13th Iowa V. I., in 1861, and was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, and was discharged in 1863 on that account.”
1879 – On March 28, Ephraim Ford, and the rest of Elizabeth’s children, received their share in the estate from Elizabeth’s guardian (probably George Dye Ford), and each signed a hand written receipt.
Rec'd of Elizabeth Ford Guardian the full amount of personal property due me and I release said Guardian from all liability on my account - Nevada, Iowa Ephraim W. Ford March 28, 1879
Elizabeth Ford (59) died intestate on December 7, and was buried at Nevada, with husband John and last-born son John Lincoln, (moved from their prior burial in Indian Creek Twp. near the farm) about 100 feet inside the Lincoln Way entrance and to the left (east) about 100 feet. George Dye Ford arranged the funeral and burial. He purchased three lots (Lot #24) in Block 3 of the Nevada Cemetery for $10, and a large gravestone for $225. He paid James Green $12 to dig the graves, and to move the bodies of John and John Lincoln from the Indian Creek Cemetery to Nevada. Dr. George Stitzell was paid $16 for sick calls to Elizabeth from Nov 29 to her death on Dec 7.
Obituary - Died in Nevada, Iowa after a protracted illness, Mrs. Elizabeth Ford, whose obsequies took place at her residence in this city on the 9th inst. Mrs. Ford survived her husband fifteen years and leaves a large and respectable family. She became united with the M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Church at an early period of life, and continued a consistent member of the same till her death. Her house was not only always open to the ministers of the gospel, but her hospitality was of that liberal christian character toward all, which can be observed in the fine and the good at all times.
Jim Ford writes to Ephraim at Burr Oak, Jewel Co., Kansas telling of their mother’s death, and asking him to tell Aunt Sally (Dye) Harmon.
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TO: Mr. E. W. Ford, Burr Oak, Jewell Co., Kansas 3c postage Forwarded to Colo, Iowa (13 mi. E of Nevada); arrived Jan 9, 1880 Black border on envelope, used when there is sickness or death. FROM: Nevada, Iowa Dec 8, 1879 Dear Brother, With a sorrowful mind I will try and write a few lines to let you know that our dear Mother is gone forever. She departed last night, and will be buried tomorrow at 2 o'clock. I wish you could have been there. She spoke so often about you. Let Aunt Sally [(Dye) Harmon] know of her death. So goodbye. Write soon. As Ever, Your Brother Jim We will bury her in the Nevada Cemetery
1880 – George See filed for Letters of Administration for his two minor children by Mary (deceased) as heirs of Elizabeth Dye Ford.
Matt and Effie were living with their brother Jim Ford on the home farm in New Albany Twp., Story Co., Iowa. just south of Colo.
Ephraim Ford went to Wyoming. Fannie and Effie joined Ephraim there later in the year..
In the 1880 census, James W. Rooker was listed as living in Beaver Twp., Polk Co., Iowa with his four children: Nettie (11), William S. (8), Martha E. (5), and an unnamed daughter of four months. His wife must have died at the birth of the child four months earlier. Matt Ford married the blind Civil War vet Webb Rooker, December 23.
DesMoines Sept 5/81 Rec'd of Martha S. Rooker One Hundred Dollars to apply on Note of Margaret J. Rooker and James W. Rooker to Mary Singer dated December 20th 1876 for $400. W. A. Young
1881 – Ephraim filed for a 160 acre homestead out on the desolate rolling prairie on Crazy Woman Creek near the Dry Creek Road about fifteen miles northeast of Buffalo, Wyoming.
1882 – Ephraim Ford married Hattie “Katie” Huson on December 17 in Buffalo, Wyoming at the home of her parents, Edward and Clarissa Huson, by Justice of the Peace, H. R. Mann, with her father, Edward Wing Huson, and a man named John Paul signing as witnesses. Katie was 17 years old. (Marriage Book 1, page 16). They moved to the Crazy Woman homestead, and were joined there by Katie’s parents and children, who took up a quarter-section homestead adjoining theirs on the east side.
1884 – In January, Webb Rooker receives a letter from H. U. Dale.
TO: Webster Rooker, Mitchellville, Iowa, Sent Jan. 25 from Centerville, Iowa, 1 ct postage Arrived: Jan. 28 Centerville, Iowa 1-25-1884 Dear Bro. and Sister: In compliance to your kind request I write. I arrived home safely yesterday and found all well except Mrs. Dale was suffering from severe cold. The girls were almost in ecstacies over my return. Edna said she felt so good that she could not laugh. Craving an interest in your prayers and assuring you that you have in mine I remain your brother. H.U.Dale.
On August 14, Jim Ford bought the S1/2 of SW1/4 of Sect. 23 (80 acres) in Victor Township, Osborne County, Kansas from Robert and Mary E. Wilson of Gage County, Nebraska for $500. (Osborne Co., Deed Book H, p597)
Effie J. Ford was married to J. H. Rice in Big Horn, Wyoming on October 22 by Herbert Probert, a Congregational minister from England, at the house of Mr. Haund and witnessed by her sister Fannie Ford and Mrs. Belle Babcock of Big Horn.
1885 – A son was born to Effie (Ford) and Jim Rice in Buffalo during the week of September 26, 1885 so they must have moved there beforehand.
THE BIG HORN SENTINEL Sept. 26, 1885 The wife of J. H. Rice, the barber, gave birth to a son this week in Buffalo.
1886 – Fannie went to Washington state with Effie and Jim Rice.
1887 – On May 20, 1887, Jim Ford bought the S1/2 of NE1/4, the SE1/4 of NW1/4, and the NE1/4 of SW1/4 of Section 23 (160 acres) in Victor Township, Osborne County, Kansas from William and Hannah Bradley of Independance, Osborne County, Kansas for $1800. This was adjacent to his previous land purchase.
(Osborne Co., Deed Book N, p220) On December 29, Jim obtained a Land Patent for the NW1/4 of SW1/4 of Sectiom 23 (40 acres) in Victor Township adjacent to the previous purchases. This brought his total known acreage to 280. (Osborne Co., Book AD, p468)
1889 – Fannie Ford married Paul Jackson Lang on February 19 in Kittitas County, Washington
George Dye Ford married Nettie Anne Rooker (Webb Rooker’s daughter by his first wife) in Polk County, Iowa. Witnessed by Webb Rooker.
Matt and Webb Rooker returned to Zionsville, Indiana.
In August or early September 1889, Ephraim Ford’s wife Kate apparently had a miscarriage or stillbirth. Late in 1889, Ephraim and Kate sold their homestead and suddenly moved with their three young children and belongings to his brother Jim’s ranch in Osborne County, Kansas. Kate died a month after arriving. The following spring, Jim and Ephraim returned with the children to Zionsville, Indiana. Jim returned to his Kansas ranch. Ephraim was ill, and left the children with his sister Matt and her blind husband Webb Rooker while he went to Orleans in southern Indiana to the “Springs” to get well.
1891 – Jim Ford died on 23 December at the S. H. Noyes residence in Victor Twp., Osborne Co., Kansas, where he had been staying for the past two years because of illness. He died intestate. Mr. Noyes petitioned the court in Osborne to name C. W. Baldwin, of Baldwin & Co. Drugs, to be the administrator of the estate, consisting of nothing but a note for $250 owed by Noyes [probably for the sale of stock to him by Jim], and a few small notes from others for a total of about $300. The entire estate was used to pay the doctor and medicine bills, the funeral ($44), coffin ($28), burial suit ($5), and past boarding bills from Noyes. The 160 acre farm of Noyes was at the head of Covert Creek close to the Victor-Covert Twp line. Jim Ford’s 280-acre ranch was about a mile northwest of Noyes.
There are three identical very small FORD headstones near the gate to the Cole Cemetery just over the Covert Township line, about two miles southeast of Jim’s ranch. It is thought that after Kate had a stillbirth in Wyoming, they sold their homestead on Crazy Woman Creek near Buffalo and brought the body of the baby with them to Jim’s ranch, where Kate died. The two were buried together in the Cemetery, to be joined two years later by Jim. There are no burial records for the Cole Cemetery, nor was there an obituary in the local paper to tell us where he was buried.
Alexander and Sarah (Ford) McCain were farming in Pleasanton Twp., in Buffalo Co., NE outside Kearney.
1892 – Ephraim married Mary A. Johnson in Orleans, IN on Jan. 1 where he had been recovering from illness he had contracted out west.
1900 – Ephraim and Alice (Mary A. Johnson) Ford were living on North Pike Street in Shelbyville, Indiana with their six year old son, Oscar L. Ephraim was an insurance agent, and Alice was a dressmaker. He never reclaimed his earlier children.
George Dye Ford was farming in Liberty Township, Marshall County, Iowa with wife Nettie of ten years, and children Chella E. (8), Mary E. (7), John (5), and Gertrude L. (1).
Sarah (Ford) McCain and her husband Alexander were farm owners living in Kearney, Buffalo County, Nebraska with their daughters Isabel and Elizabeth (twins, 23), Fannie (21), and Hattie (18). Isabel is a school teacher, Elizabeth a seamstress, and Fannie a milliner.
Fannie and Paul J. Lang were living in Wenatchee Lake, Chelan Co., Washington with Nora (10), Myrtle (8), Eugene (6), Lloyd (5), and Clyde (1).
1901 – Fannie and Paul Lang return to Zionsville from Washington over the Oregon trail in a covered wagon. Paul had made a table which was carried on the back of the wagon. Each night when they stopped, Fannie would set out the table and fix a formal dinner. She was a well-educated woman (rare in those times) who always dressed very properly.
1904 – Ephraim Ford, apparently divorced from Mary, died at Matt and Webb Rooker’s home in Zionsville on April 2. He was buried in the Zionsville Cemetery next to William and Margaret Dye.
1909 – Effie and Jim Rice were in Portland, Oregon, having arrived there sometime between 1906 and 1909. They are first found in the City Directory of Portland in 1909. They were listed in the personal listings as: H. J. Rice, residence at St. Johns; in the business listing as: Barber; H. J. Rice at 8 Fourth Ave. N.
1910 – George Dye Ford was farming in Liberty Township, Marshall County, Iowa, with his wife Nettie of 20 years, and children Chella (19), Mary (17), John (15), Gertrude (11), George (9), Louis (7), Lois (7), and Gailerd (2). Chella was teaching, and Mary was in school.
Alexander and Sarah (Ford) McCain were living at 1828 Ave. G in Kearney, NE.
1911 – Jim Rice had apparently died. In the 1911 City Directory, only Effie is listed; as: Mrs. Effie J. Rice, 248 1/2 Montgomery.
1912 – George Dye Ford died January 25, buried in Bevin’s Grove Cemetery north of Clemons, Marshall Co., Iowa.
TIMES REPUBLICAN, Marshalltown, Iowa Jan. 26, 1912 INJURY TO CLEMONS MAN PROVES FATAL George Ford, Well-Known Farmer, Meets Death From Trivial Accident Marrow from Broken Leg Forms Clot On Brain Becomes Unconscious a Few Hours After Log Slides From Load of Wood and Breaks His Leg - Wife and Eight Children Survive - Funeral Saturday Morning. An accident that, in itself, would be classed as trivial, resulted in the death Thursday afternoon of George Ford, a well-known farmer living one and one-half mile north of Clemons in Liberty Township. Ford's death resulted from a thrombus, which formed on the brain following the man's injury Tuesday afternoon when his left leg was broken by a heavy log which rolled off a sled. Mr. Ford was hauling a load of wood from his timber to his home, and was in his own dooryard when the accident resulted. Ford was walking beside the bob sled when the heavy log slid from the top of the load, falling against Ford's leg, and breaking it above the knee. Marrow Carried Into Circulation Ordinarily the accident would not have caused the victim anything more than the usual pain and inconvenience resulting from similar cases, but in this instance an unusual complication resulted. Some of the marrow from the fractured leg was carried into the blood, and by 2:30 o'clock Wednesday morning the patient became unconscious. He never rallied from the comatose state, and the end came at 1:15 Thursday. Was Well-Known Farmer Mr. Ford was well known in his neighborhood, where he had lived for several years. He was 67 years old, and is survived by his wife and eight children - four sons and four daughters. Four sisters also survive, in the persons of Mrs. Sarah McCain of Kearney, Neb.; Mrs. Martha Rooker and Mrs. Fannie Lang of Indianapolis; and Mrs. Effie Rice of Portland, Ore. Brief funeral services will be held from the house Saturday morning at 11 o'clock, and the funeral proper will take place an hour later from the Bevin's Grove Church. Rev. C. S. Stauffacher, of the Zearing United Evangelical Church, officiating. Interrment will be in the church cemetery.
1913 – Fannie Lang visited old friends at Nevada, Iowa on the way to visit her sister, Sarah McCain, in Nebraska.
Nevada, Iowa Newspaper 1913 An Old Timer Returns Mrs. Paul J. Lang of Indianapolis, who old timers remember as Frances Ford, is spending a few days with the Sam White family, and greeting other old friends and neighbors in Nevada, Ames, and Colo while pausing in her journey to visit her sister Sarah (Mrs. A. B. McCain) in Nebraska. Mrs. Lang's father, John Ford, was an early settler of Story County. He and Mrs. Ford and their four children came from Indiana to Iowa with a party of forty miners which were bound for California. Mrs. Lang says the fair fields of Iowa lured them from their interest to cross the desert plains and the Fords tarried for a while in Jasper County, then located permanently on a farm in New Albany Township [Story County], and there Mrs. Ford died in the later seventies. Frances was a member of the Nevada High School during the first years of its existence in its present location, and was included successively in the Dan McCord, William Gatsa, and Jerry Franks families till at the death of her father, when her mother moved to Nevada and here died. Frances and her sister Effie soon after went to Wyoming to visit their brother Ephraim, who is now deceased. Both married in the far west, and there Effie, orMrs. J. H. Rice, remains. The Langs returned to Indianapolis twelve years ago and there rejoice in two promising daughters and two sons, all grown and in active life. Another of the Fords, Martha, now Mrs. J. W. Rooker, also resides in Indianapolis. Frances the maiden is pleasantly remembered, and Mrs. Lang, the matron of wide and varied experience, is gladly greeted.
1914 – In July, Alexander and Sarah McCain celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATED BY THE McCAINS The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. McCain was celebrated enjoyably, when surrounded by members of the family, whose congratulations and gifts they received, were entertained yesterday. Mr and Mrs. McCain have lived in Buffalo County for over thirty years. They have been blessed with eight children, three boys and five girls, and with twenty-five grandchildren. The gifts which were presented to them on the occasion were very elaborate and mark the appreciation which the children felt for all the sacrifices which the parents have made for them in other days. Two gold watches, a gold bracelet, breastpin, and a set of collar, cuff, and stud buttons were among the presents. A sumptuous dinner was served at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Captain S. James presided and made an appropriate presentation speech when giving Mr. and Mrs. McCain their children's gifts. Mr. McCain responded and thanked those present for their loving remembrances. After the dinner further speaking and musical numbers closed the enjoyable celebration. The following children of the couple were present: Mr. Orran McCain, Mr. Dode McCain, Denver, Colo.; Mr. Dell McCain, N. Platte, Nebr.; Mrs. Charles Wittlake, Omaha, Nebr.; Mrs. Charles Croston, Hazard, Nebr.; Mrs. Seymore Cruise, Mrs. Claude Hewett, and Mrs. Hattie May, Omaha, Nebr.
1915 – Effie Rice was listed in the Portland City Directory as: Effie Rice, 484 Burnside.
1917 – Alexander and Sarah (Ford) McCain were living in Omaha, Nebraska.
1919 – Alexander Boyce McCain died and was buried on the hillside behind the mausoleum in the West Lawn Cemetery in Omaha.
1920 – In the census, Effie (Ford) Rice (60), was living on Buck Street in Portland, Multnamah County, Oregon with her thirteen year old granddaughter, Donna Dixon.
Sarah McCain (75) was living in the home of her daughter, Fannie F. Hewett (40) and Fannie’s son Ross (6) on 42nd Street in Omaha, Nebraska. Fannie was an office clerk.
Sitting: Sarah Parintha Ford McCain (Ephraim’s older sister)
George Dye Ford’s widow, Nettie (50), was still farming the family farm in Liberty Twp., Marshall Co., Iowa. Still at home were Lois and Louis, both 16, and Gailerd (12). However, Nettie reportedly moved to Zionsville with Gertrude, Lois, and Gailerd, apparently during the last half of the year. It is not known whether George S. came with them or came later. Louis must have stayed, because he is buried in Bevins Grove next to his father George and sister Mary.
In the 1920 census, Paul Lang, at the age of 65, is living on Senate Avenue in Indianapolis with Forest Eaton, a boarder.
1923 – Webb Rooker died at age 79 in Lafayette, Indiana on Oct. 23; and was buried in Little Eagle Creek Cemetery southeast of Jolietville in Hamilton Co., Indiana next to Nellie G. Lutz (wife of his son, Wm. S. Rooker) and Mattie (daughter), both having died in 1900 in their 20s.
1929 – Nettie Anne (Rooker) Ford, widow of George Dye Ford, and daughter of Webb Rooker, died in Zionsville at age 60 and was buried next to her sister, Mattie, sister-in-law Nellie, and her father, Webb Rooker, in the Little Eagle Creek Cemetery.

Front row L – R: Sarah Parintha Ford McCain (Ephraim’s sister), rest ?
1930 – Sarah Parintha (Ford) McCain died June 24 in Buffalo Co., Nebraska, and was buried alongside her husband in the West Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.
ONE OF "FORTY-NINERS" DIES Sarah Parinthia (Ford) McCain, at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 1 day, passed away June 24, 1930 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fannie Hewett of 3467 N. 42nd St., Omaha, Nebr. Her father, John Ford, and family with two brothers, were enroute with the "Forty Niners" across the continent, but the father, being fearful for the safety of his family, left the caravan when they reached Story County, Iowa, and settled in the new country, when skins were hung for doors. In 1864 she was united in marriage to Alexander Boyce McCain, a Civil War veteran. In 1883 they moved with their family of three sons and six daughters to Buffalo County, Nebraska where they were pioneer residents of Pleasanton and Kearney. Her husband preceeded her in death eleven years ago at the age of 84. She is survived by two sons, Dode McCain, Hazard; and Dell McCain, Loretto; four daughters, Mrs. Maude Wittlake, Fanwood, NJ; Mrs. Charles Croston, Hazard; Mrs. William B. Rains, Hawk Springs, Wyo.; and Mrs. Hewett; and three sisters, Mrs. Martha Rooker and Mrs. Fannie Lang, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Mrs. Effie Rice of Portland, Ore., plus 25 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was known for her ever ready aid to those who were in sorrow, need, or distress. As long as she was able to be in active service for her Lord and Savior, her standard of living was, "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me also", John 3:17. Her ever ready advice was a repeating of the First Psalms. Interned at the West Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebr.
1932 – Fannie (Ford) Lang died Feb 26 in Zionsville at age 74 and was buried in the Zionsville Cemetery by Paul J. Lang, and near Ephraim Ford, Matt Rooker, and William Dye.
1935 – Matt (Ford) Rooker died in Lafayette, Indiana on Feb 5; buried on a Thursday afternoon in the Zionsville Cemetery near Fannie and Ephraim; reported in the Feb. 7 Zionsville Times:
Obituary - Mrs. Martha S. Rooker, 88 years old, a native of Boone County, died yesterday in a home for the aged in Lafayette. She had lived in Indianapolis forty years and had spent part of her life in Iowa. Her Indianapolis home was at 3609 N. LaSalle St. Funeral services will be held in the McNeely & Sons mortuary, 1828 N. Meridian St. at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Burial will be in the Zionsville cemetery. A sister, Mrs. Effie J. Rice of Portland, Oregon, survives.
1937 – Effie Jane (Ford) Rice, the last surviving child of John and Elizabeth (Dye) Ford, died Feb 16 in Portland, Oregon. She died in the Multnomah Hospital of coronary thrombosis and generalized arteriosclerosis, made worse by pulmonary emphycema. She was 78 years old. Effie was in the hospital for nine days prior to her death. She was listed on the death certificate as a widow and homemaker living at 313 NE San Rafael Street. No family informant was listed on the certificate.
FRANCES EMILINE (FORD) LANG
Frances [Fannie] Ford was born in Story County, Iowa and educated at Iowa State College in nearby Ames, Iowa. She taught for a while in Iowa, then went west to Washington Territory with her younger sister Effie.
Paul Jackson Lang was born near Copenhagen, Denmark. He came to America with his family and settled in Wyoming Territory, where they were in the dairy business. Paul was studying to be a Lutheran Minister when he got the urge to go farther west. He gave up his studies and went to Washington Territory where he met Fannie. They were married in Kittitas County. They had daughters Myrtle and Nora, and sons Eugene, Lloyd, and Clyde [the latter dying at age two].
By Myrtle (Lang) Stanley, written Aug-Sep 1972: MEMORIES OF MYRTLE LANG Written 1972 I was born in South Prairie, Washington on September 16, 1891. My parents had lived in Wenatchee. I don't remember that because it was before I was born. Then we lived in Ellensburg. The only thing I remembered about that was when we moved from Ellensburg. Nora and I were in the covered wagon for the night. I remember my first sense of fear was when I heard the wolves howling. I heard my father say "We will keep the fire burning and that will keep the wolves away because they are afraid of fire and won't come near it". When we got to the ranch, there was a log cabin, and that housed us until my father and his friend Mr. Cahill built two or three more rooms with a large stone fireplace in the living room. Papa cut the logs and split the firewood, and Nora and I helped to carry in the firewood when needed. Nora and I would go on horse to get cow. We would lead the horse up to a tree stump, then get on the stump, and then get on the horse, as it seemed to understand, and we would go for the cow, as we could hear the cowbell she wore. One day, near forenoon, a young buck Indian came to the ranch. Papa had built what was then called a shed over the back door and like a roof (more like our patios). He then put up a rope swing for us. Our swing board split and broke, and the Indian took out his hunting knife (when Momma saw him take out his knife, she was frightened she admitted later). He made a new swing board for us and then played with Nora and I pushing the swing. Momma had him stay for dinner. I don't remember what we had - probably a meat stew. There were many wild roses, and Nora and I would pick the pink petals. Momma told us to put them in bottles and hang them in the sun, and that melted the petals forming as oil perfume, so Nora and I had our own perfume. Momma was teaching the country one-room school, when one of the big land owners (and also the sawmill) refused to pay his share for school upkeep on what was called Chumstick School that was part of the country where we lived. Then my parents sold the ranch and homestead, and moved to Leavenworth so we children could go to school, as Momma felt our education was more important than the ranch. We lived nearer the mountains since that was where the best homes were. The railroad was between us and the main street of stores, and back of them was the Wenatchee River. I remember Gene as a baby on the ranch, but I don't think Lloyd was born until we moved into Leavenworth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- Edie Mahaney, Curator of the Patrick Henry Sullivan Museum in Zionsville, and her staff who helped me get started on the history. And all those who contributed to the files there.
- Ester (Mills) Compton, a marvelous lady and a Dye cousin of mine, who mentored me in my early Dye research, and who was a fountain of knowledge about the early days in Zionsville.
- Ross and Emily Hewett, who showed me the McCain gravesites in Omaha, and who entrusted to me many old pictures of the Fords.
- John Hook of Cicero, who provided the old letters written to John Ford from the western gold fields, the letter from J. Mast of North Carolina, and Myrtle’s memories.
- Charlene Shropshire of Carmel, for her help with the George Dye Ford family.