Nathaniel Ford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nathaniel Ford
Member of the Oregon Territorial Legislature
In office 1856–1858
Constituency	Polk County
Personal details
Born	1795 Missouri
Died	January 9, 1870 Dixie, Oregon
Spouse	Lucinda
Occupation	farmer, sheriff

Nathaniel Ford (born around 1795 – died January 9, 1870) was an important American pioneer and politician in the early days of Oregon. He was born in Missouri and worked there as a sheriff. Later, he moved to the Oregon Country (which became the Oregon Territory). In Oregon, he was chosen as a judge for the first government and also served in the territory's law-making group. Ford was also part of a court case that led to the freedom of a family he had brought with him from Missouri.

Early Life and Work

Nathaniel Ford, often called "Nat," grew up in Missouri. He was born around 1795. In Missouri, Ford had many different jobs. He worked as a county sheriff, a school teacher, and a surveyor. He also worked as a flatboatman, moving goods on rivers. As the sheriff of Howard County, he came to own the Holmes family. At that time, slavery was legal in Missouri.

Journey to Oregon

In 1844, Colonel Ford traveled to Oregon from Missouri. He came with a large group of pioneers on the famous Oregon Trail. People in his wagon train called him "Colonel Ford" because he was the second-in-command of their group. Another future politician, John Minto, was also in this group.

During this long journey across the American West, Ford brought three people with him. They were part of the Holmes family, and they helped him get ready to start a farm in Oregon.

Once in Oregon, Ford began farming in Polk County. His farm was about five miles (8 km) from a place called Nesmith's Mills. Later, he became the first postmaster in the town of Rickreall.

The Fight for Freedom

Before leaving Missouri in 1844, Ford had promised Polly and Robin Holmes that he would free them once they reached Oregon and set up a farm. However, Ford did not keep this promise right away. It took several years before he agreed to free any of the family members.

Finally, in 1852, Robin Holmes took Ford to court. He filed a lawsuit to gain freedom for his family. This was because slavery was not allowed in the Oregon Territory. Eleven months later, a new chief judge arrived. The case was heard on July 13, 1854. Judge Williams decided that the Holmes family should be free. His decision did not directly mention slavery, but it led to their freedom.

Nathaniel Ford's Political Career

During the time of the Provisional Government in the Oregon Country, Ford was chosen for an important role. In 1845, the Provisional Legislature selected him to be the Supreme Judge of Oregon. However, Ford decided not to take the job.

Years later, in 1856, he was elected to the Territorial Legislature. He represented Polk and Tillamook Counties. For the next two years, he was elected again. During these terms, he represented Polk County and other nearby counties. He served in the upper part of the legislature, which was called the Council. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

The year 1858 was the last year for the Territorial Legislature. It was also Ford's last term. The very next year, Oregon became a state. The Council then became the Oregon Senate.

Ford's Family Life

Nathaniel Ford's wife was named Lucinda. She and the rest of their family were members of the Rickreall church in Polk County. They had a daughter, also named Lucinda.

Nathaniel Ford passed away in Dixie (which is also known as Rickreall) in Polk County. He was about 75 years old when he died on January 9, 1870. His wife, Lucinda, died a few years later on January 4, 1874. The Ford family is buried at the Burch Pioneer Cemetery in Polk County. Many other pioneer families are buried there too.