Person:William Ford (40)

Willliam Ford died on 14 Dec 1861 in Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky as a result of military duty at the outset of the Civil War. He married Nancy Ford, daughter of Noah and Sarah (Ford) Ford, born about 1810/12, who was his first cousin. She apparently died before 1850, as she does not appear in the 1850 census of Pendleton County, KY His death left his son Noah Ford and daughter Elizabeth Ford as orphans. His niece’s husband Samuel M.C. Blackburn cared for both.

More particular information regarding the untimely death of William Ford is to be found in the Friday, 20 Dec 1861 edition of The Western Citizen published in Paris, Kentucky. It is one of the few newspapers published in Kentucky during the Civil War, which still survives:

"A bloody affray took place in our streets last Saturday evening. The two soldiers, who were guarding the Railroad bridge at this place, were directed by the U.S. Deputy Marshal, to arrest Mr. C.C. Rogers of this county, as he passed out of town. The soldiers stopped him, while the Marshal went to the camp to bring up a squad of men, when Mr. Daniel Hibler of this county, and Mr. Abram Spears, of this place went to the buggy in which Mr. Rogers was seated, to prevent his detention. After some words, Mr. Hibler drew his pistol and shot me of the soldiers through the head. The other soldier shot Mr. Hibler through the shoulder, inflicting a very dangerous wound. The soldier then obtained a musket from a comrade and shot Mr. Spears, through the breast, causing his death in a few minutes. The soldier, we understand, states that Mr. Spears discharged a pistol at him before he fired, and the Marshal and another gentleman who were present, both informed us, that they saw a pistol in Mr. Spears' hand, but it is due to say, that Mr. Spears' friends believe that he had no weapon. A negro woman, living with Mr. Joseph Porter, was also shot in the abdomen. The woman, we understand, says that she was wounded by Mr. Rogers; but others suppose it was a ball from Mr. Hibler's pistol.

Mr. Rogers attempted to make his escape, but was taken and lodged in jail. He had in the buggy a number of socks, and several letters about his person, for persons in the Confederate army. He has since been sent to Cincinnati.

Mr. Spears was a well-known and respected citizen of our place. He had just entered upon his 67th year. His funeral took place on Monday last, and was attended by a large concourse of citizens. The soldier, who was killed, was a man of about 45 years of age, by the name of William Ford, a native of Pendleton county, in this State, where his remains were sent for interment.

The sad affair, of which we have endeavored to give a true account, created great excitement. Mr. Hibler is still alive; but no hope is entertained of his recovery. The negro woman is considered out of danger."

1. ↑ Nagle, Eric C. and Larry L. Ford Society. The Genealogy of the Descendants of William Ford (1722-1821). (Huber Heights, Ohio; revised 2006)
   ppg. 15, 17, 32.
2. ↑ Nagle, Eric C. and Larry L. Ford Society. The Genealogy of the Descendants of William Ford (1722-1821). (Huber Heights, Ohio; revised 2006)
   ppg. 15, 32.
3. ↑ Nagle, Eric C. and Larry L. Ford Society. The Genealogy of the Descendants of William Ford (1722-1821). (Huber Heights, Ohio; revised 2006)
   pg. 32.
4. ↑ Nagle, Eric C. and Larry L. Ford Society. The Genealogy of the Descendants of William Ford (1722-1821). (Huber Heights, Ohio; revised 2006)
   pg. 32.