John Salmon Ford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Salmon Ford
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CSA Colonel John S. Ford during the American Civil War
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| Born | May 26, 1815 Greenville District, South Carolina |
| Died | November 3, 1897 (aged 82) San Antonio, Texas |
| Allegiance |  Republic of Texas United States of America Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Army of the Republic of Texas (1836–1838) United States ArmyTexas Militia  Confederate States Army |
| Rank |  Colonel (CSA)Brigadier General (Militia) |
| Unit | Regiment of Texas Mounted Rifles Texas Rangers |
| Commands held | Texas Scout Company (Mexican–American War), 2nd Texas Cavalry Regiment (CSA) |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars *Antelope Hills Expedition (1859) *Battle of Little Robe Creek (1859) Merchant's War (1851–1852) Mexican–American War First Cortina War *Battle of Rio Grande City (1859) American Civil War *Second Cortina War (1861) *Battle of Palmito Ranch (1865) |
| Awards | Hall of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Davis |
| Other work | doctor, lawyer, journalist, politician, lawman |
John Salmon Ford (born May 26, 1815 – died November 3, 1897) was an important person in Texas history. People often called him "Rip" Ford. He was a doctor, lawyer, journalist, and politician. He also served as a Texas Ranger and a Confederate colonel during the American Civil War.
Ford led soldiers in several battles. One of the most famous was the Battle of Palmito Ranch in May 1865. This was one of the last battles of the American Civil War. Even though the Confederates won this battle, it happened after the main Confederate army had already surrendered. So, it didn't change the war's outcome.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Salmon Ford was born in Greenville District, South Carolina. He grew up in Lincoln County, Tennessee, with his parents, William and Harriet Ford. When he was 16, he moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee, to study medicine. He later met Mary Davis, who became his wife. After his marriage ended, Ford decided to move to Texas. At that time, Texas was fighting for its freedom from Mexico.
Life in Texas
Ford arrived in Texas in June 1836. He was too late to join the main Texas Revolution battles. However, he served in the Texas army until 1838. He then opened a medical practice in San Augustine, a town in East Texas. He worked there as a doctor for eight years.
While practicing medicine, he also studied law. He passed the bar exam, which meant he could become a lawyer. In 1844, he was elected to the Texas legislature. He supported the idea of Texas joining the United States. The next year, he moved to Austin. There, he bought a newspaper called the Texas National Register and changed its name to the Texas Democrat.
Serving in the Mexican-American War
When the Mexican–American War started, Ford joined the army. He became a lieutenant in a Texas Mounted Rifles regiment. He worked as both an assistant officer and a medical officer. He saw action in Mexico and even commanded a scouting company for some time. He earned his nickname 'Rip' because he would write "Rest in Peace" (which means "rest in peace") after each name on his list of soldiers who were hurt or killed.
Texas Ranger and Explorer
In 1849, Ford explored the land between San Antonio and El Paso with Robert Neighbors. They created a map and report of their journey. This route became known as the Ford and Neighbors Trail. Later that year, he became a captain in the Texas Rangers. He was stationed between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande. During 1850 and 1851, he had many fights with Native American groups. In 1850, he captured a war chief named Carne Muerto. After his Ranger unit was no longer active, Ford took part in the Merchant's War (1851-1852) as a Colonel.
In 1852, he was elected to the Texas Senate. He also owned and started several newspapers during this time. In 1858, he became a Senior Captain in the state troops. He fought against hostile Native Americans in the Battle of Little Robe Creek. In 1859, Governor Runnel sent him to the Rio Grande with Texas Rangers. There, he joined other captains to fight against Juan Cortina in the Battle of Rio Grande City.
American Civil War Service
In 1861, John Salmon Ford was part of the Secession Convention. This group decided that Texas would leave the United States. He also helped create a trade agreement between Mexico and the Confederacy. As a Colonel in the Confederacy, he was in charge of the Rio Grande Military District.
In April 1861, he led troops to defend Zapata County from people who did not want Texas to join the Confederacy. These invaders had come from Mexico and caused trouble. Several of them were killed. These were some of the first deaths in defense of the Confederacy, happening before the Battle of Fort Sumter.
From 1862 to 1865, he managed the state's Bureau of Conscription, which helped gather soldiers. He also worked on border operations to protect trade between the Confederacy and Mexico. In July 1864, Colonel Ford gathered 1300 troops, known as "The Cavalry of the West." They recaptured Fort Brown. His forces also defended against a Federal attack in September 1864, forcing them to retreat.
Battle of Palmito Ranch
In May 1865, Colonel Ford led Confederate forces in the Battle of Palmito Ranch. This battle is considered by some to be the very last battle of the American Civil War. After the battle, Colonel Ford surrendered his command. He told his men to honor their promises to stop fighting. He also believed that African Americans had the right to vote.
After the Civil War
After the war, Ford helped the U.S. military. He guided them in operations against people causing trouble. He also worked as a writer for several newspapers. He was an assistant editor for the Brownsville Ranchero and wrote for the Brownsville Courier. Later, he started and published his own newspaper, the Brownsville Sentinel.
Legacy and Recognition
John Salmon Ford was recognized for his contributions to Texas. In 2008, he was inducted into the Texas Military Hall of Honor.
