Placer
County
Biographies
JAMES C. FORD, M. D.
Dr. Ford’s standing as a citizen is
indicated by the office which he is now filling, that of president of the board
of trustees of the city of Rocklin, Placer County. That he is a capable physician and prominent
businessman is a fact also widely recognized.
He is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred on the 11th
of March, 1838. From Ireland came his
ancestors, who were early settlers of the state of Virginia. His grandfather, Hezekiah
Ford, being the progenitor of the family in the Old Dominion. William C. Ford, the Doctor’s father, was
born in that state and was married there to Miss Martha Epperson, a native of
Virginia, descended from one of the old families of that commonwealth. They removed to Missouri and spent the
remainder of the days in that state, the father following the trade of the
wheelwright. They were respected and
valued members of the Baptist Church and enjoyed the high regard of all with
whom they came in contact by reason of their many excellent
characteristics. The mother passed away
in the forty-eighth year of her age, but the father attained the age of
seventy-nine years. They were the
parents of twelve children, eight of whom grew to years of maturity, while five
are still living.
The Doctor was educated in St. Louis
Medical College, of St. Louis, Missouri, in which institution he was graduated
in the class of 1859. He began the
practice of his chosen profession in the southwestern portion of his native
state, but later returned to his old home in Montgomery County, where he
practiced medicine for twenty-two years, having a large patronage. In 1888 he removed to California, hoping that
a change of climate would prove beneficial to the health of a beloved
daughter. After arriving in Rocklin he
resumed the practice of medicine and soon secured a large and constantly
growing business. Soon he demonstrated his
skill to successfully cope with the intricate problems that continually confront
the physician. He has gained a wide
acquaintance in this portion of the county and since establishing his home in
Rocklin he has been actively identified with its interests and is recognized as
a liberal and progressive resident, doing all in his power to promote the
growth and well-being of his town. His
devotion to the public good has been recognized by his fellow citizens and the
esteem in which he is universally held is indicated by the fact that in 1900 he
was accorded the honor of being chosen president of the board of trustees of
his town. The Doctor is also one of the
successful and enterprising businessmen of Rocklin. He and his brother-in-law, Frank Tull, are the owners of a large general mercantile store
and drug business in Rocklin, but the Doctor gives his attention principally to
the practice of medicine. He is devoted
to the profession on account of his love of scientific research and more on
account of his deep and sincere interest in humanity, and he always responds to
a call whether it comes from rich or poor and is enjoying the highest esteem of
the families who call for his professional skill.
In 1867 was celebrated the marriage
of Dr. Ford and Miss Ellen M. Tull, a native of
Ohio. Three children have been born to
them, of whom two are living: Jessie,
who is now the wife of F. J. Metzgar and resides in
Rocklin; and Harry T., who is now in school.
The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been identified
with the lodge since 1860. He takes an
active part in the work of the order, is a past master of his lodge and belongs
to the chapter of the Royal Arch Masons.
In politics he has been a life-long Democrat. His worth as a man and
citizen are widely recognized, and Rocklin counts him among its valued
representatives. His efforts have
contributed in no small degree to the upbuilding, progress and substantial
advancement of the community during his residence in California.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
“A Volume of Memoirs and Genealogy of Representative Citizens of Northern
California”, Pages 807-808. Chicago Standard Genealogical Publishing Co. 1901.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.