My Genealogy Hound

HIRAM FORD, dealer in general merchandise, Benington, Ind., was born in Pike Township, Ohio County, April 28, 1850. His parents, Darius and Margaret (Brown) Ford, were born in this county, the father in 1816, the mother in October, 1825. They reared six children, only four of whom are now living. The father was a tanner by trade, but farmed and worked at milling for years. He was a Mason and was township trustee and roadmaster in Pike Township. He and his beloved wife were members of the Universalist Church. He died January 19, 1873. Mr. Hiram Ford was raised on a farm. In 1867 he began working in a saw and grist-mill, at which he continued up to 1873; then returned to farming, which he continued till 1878, when he engaged in business at Cole’s Corners. In 1883 he located at Benington. He prospered in all his business operations without any serious reverse, until June 16, 1885, when his business house and entire contents were consumed by fire, sustaining a loss of over $1,000, which was not covered by insurance. In September, 1885, he erected a new building, 22x36, two stories high, and is now again in business, with a new and complete general stock of goods. He was married August 15, 1872, to Miss Sophia C. Cooper, who was born in Pike Township, Ohio County, July 23, 1855. To them by this union have been given six children: Margaret A., born December 30, 1873; Flora A., January 7, 1875; Harrison H., March 4, 1877; Gracie G., March 22, 1879; Charles W., March 3, 1881, and Stephen L., May 29, 1883. Mr. Ford is a member of Sugar Branch Lodge No. 565, I. O. O. F., and has had the degree of Rebecca. He is also a Good Templar, and practices as he preaches. His recent loss does not daunt him, and he is working manfully to regain the old standard which his good management as a merchant and sterling qualities as a citizen had won for him.