Joseph Ford

March 1911 Sterling Bulletin, Rice County, Kansas

Joseph Ford was born at Poland, Trimball Co., Ohio, June 23rd, 1820, and passed peacefully away at the home of his son; Frank W. Ford, of Dwight, Ill., about three o'clock on Friday afternoon, March 24th, 1911.
In June, 1844, he was married to Miss Marilla S. Baldwin, of Charleston, Portage County, Ohio.  In 1851, they moved to Illinois and settled near Vandalia, where both united with the Methodist church of which denomination he remained a consistent exemplary member until the day of his death.  In 1865, they moved to Dwight, where he soon became identified with all the interests of the village, religious and municipal always being found on the side of truth and righteousness.  Possessed of an unusually strong sense of right and justice, he always had the courage of his convictions.
None can gainsay the fact that he was a man of uprightness and sterling integrity, intelligent, refined and a great lover of children.  In 1880 he removed to Sterling, Kan., where on December 8th, 1887, Mrs. Ford was called to her heavenly home.  About two years later he married Mrs. Sytha (sic) Fawcett, of Sterling, who died in December 1899.  In April 1901, he returned to Dwight, where has since resided.
Mr. Ford was the father of five, three sons and two daughters all but Frank W. Ford preceded him in death.  He also leaves three grandchildren; W. A. Rawlins (sic), of Washington DC; Frank E. and Grace A. Ford of Dwight, Illinois; one great grand-daughter, Jean Rawlins; two nieces Mrs. Laura Baker and Miss Celia Hall of Peoria, Illinois; and one Nephew, W. R. Hall of Chicago.
The end came, as he would have chosen.  He laid himself down on his couch to rest apparently fell asleep, to waken in Heaven.  The funeral service was held at the Methodist church Sunday at three o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. R. A. Brown.  The remains were taken to Sterling, Kansas, for interment, accompanied by the son, F. W. Ford.
The funeral service was held in M. E. church, Sterling, and attended by many of Mr. Ford's former friends and church associates, to a loving tribute to his memory.  

Submitted by: BRAWLIN@aol.com