George W. Ford (Buffalo Soldier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George W. Ford
Born	October 17, 1818 Alexandria, Virginia
Died	June 20, 1939 (aged 80)
Place of Burial	Camp Butler Cemetery
Allegiance	United States Union
Service/branch	United States Army Union Army
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	American Civil War Spanish-American War

George W. Ford (November 23, 1847 – June 20, 1939) was an important U.S. military officer. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, at Mount Vernon, which was George Washington's plantation. His parents, William West and Henrietta Bruce Ford, were both born free. George was the great-grandson of West Ford. According to family stories, West Ford was the African American son of George Washington.

Early Life at Mount Vernon

George grew up with his siblings: John, Daniel, Constance, and Hannah. All the Ford children went to school with the Washington children. They studied at the Mount Vernon Schoolhouse. Even though Virginia had laws against educating Black people, the Ford family was still able to learn.

George and his brothers became guardians of the first president's tomb. This job was passed down to the male family members. The brothers sold items like photos, flowers, and hand-carved canes to tourists. George loved talking to visitors. He shared stories about the estate and George Washington. He learned these stories from his grandfather, West Ford.

Before the American Civil War, George's family moved to New York. They stayed with his mother's relatives. His aunt and uncle, Mary and James Bell, owned a boarding house. In 1863, the Fords were caught up in the New York Draft Riots. Soldiers protected their boarding house. The riots lasted for days. A lot of property was destroyed in the city.

After the Civil War, George and his family moved back to Virginia. They owned a farm next to Mount Vernon. This farm was once part of Mount Vernon Plantation. It was given to West Ford in 1829. The U.S. Army set up operations on West Ford's property, called Gum Springs. The government helped thousands of formerly enslaved people there. They provided food, shelter, and healthcare. Many ex-slaves were trying to find their families. They searched for loved ones who had been sold away. West Ford became known as the "father and founder" of Gum Springs.

Military Career

George Ford came from a family of soldiers. When he was 20, he joined the famous 10th Cavalry. He trained at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. His commanding officer was Colonel Benjamin Grierson. Colonel Grierson was a top cavalry officer from the Civil War.

Even as U.S. soldiers, the 10th Cavalry faced unfair treatment. They were Black troops and experienced discrimination. Their supplies, equipment, and even their horses were often of poor quality. During George's time, the 10th Cavalry worked to keep peace. They tried to prevent conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes. These tribes included the Southern Cheyenne, Kiowas, Comanches, Apache, and Arapahos. George and his fellow troops protected railroad workers. They also guarded stagecoaches and supply trains.

In 1879, George married Harriet Bythewood. This was after his first time with the 10th Cavalry. They had eight children together. During his second time in the army, George became a Sergeant. His company went to Texas. Their job was to protect towns and keep peace. Native Americans called the Black soldiers "Buffalo Soldiers." George Ford served 10 years with his regiment. He was honorably discharged as a Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. He was praised for his good judgment and bravery. His commanding officer wrote that he was an "excellent, good and faithful soldier."

When George Ford was 50, he volunteered for the Spanish–American War. He joined as a Major with the Second Battalion of the 23rd Kansas Volunteers. Black soldiers going to Cuba were called "Immune Troops." People thought Black troops were "immune" to tropical diseases. They believed these soldiers could do more in hot, humid weather.

While in Cuba, Major George Ford met Teddy Roosevelt. Colonel Roosevelt was impressed by the bravery of the Black troops. They had fought alongside him at San Juan Hill. When Roosevelt learned that a Major was an original member of the 10th Cavalry, he wanted to meet George. They became personal friends and wrote letters to each other. When Roosevelt ran for vice president, Ford supported him. He was a delegate from Kansas at the Philadelphia National Convention in June 1900.

Later Life

In 1862, the U.S. government created national cemeteries. This was to protect the graves of Union soldiers. After George Ford left the military, he became a superintendent. On November 9, 1878, he started at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Tennessee. Superintendents had to be honorably discharged and wounded in service. George was the first African American to get this job. He managed five national cemeteries during his life. He retired on October 20, 1930, after 52 years of service.

George continued his public service. He met W.E.B. Du Bois, a famous civil rights leader. George became an advisor for the Army-Navy Committee in the Niagara Movement. This group helped start the NAACP. George and W.E.B. Du Bois remained lifelong friends and wrote to each other often. Major Ford also became the first African American president of the NAACP Branch in Springfield, Illinois. He worked hard for equal rights for everyone.

Major George W. Ford had an amazing life. He went from growing up on the Mount Vernon Estate to a great career in the military and public service. He passed away in 1939 at the age of 91. He received a full military funeral. He was buried at Camp Butler Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. He was also the last living member of the original 10th United States Cavalry.