California Biographies
Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
 
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of Mendocino and Lake Counties, California
With Biographical Sketches
History by Aurelius O. Carpenter And Percy H. Millberry
Illustrated, Complete In One Volume
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1914


WILLIAM KIRK FORD. � Among the enterprising, ambitious and 
progressive young men of Mendocino county who are following the occupa- 
tion of agriculture and getting the most gratifying results from their labors 
is William Kirk Ford, whose systematic and clever manipulation of the con- 
duct of his ranch has already brought him the admiration of many of his 
neighbors. Fortunate in the matter of educational advantages he was ever an 
alert, observant and conscientious student, and his legal training of two years 
has lent its aid in many directions in his farm life, for with its precision in 
forms and regulations comes also the accuracy and close attention to detail 
which have all been evidenced in Mr. Ford's every day life. He is a native 
son of the county, born November 14, 1887, in the city of Ukiah, where he was 
reared and attended public and high school, and it was after graduation from 
the latter school that he completed a two years' course in law at Stanford 
University. His training and the associations of his youth had been such as 
to interest him in ranch life and he gave up his college career and returned to 
Mendocino with the conviction that his vocation lay in the broad fields and 
meadows rather than in the office and courtroom. His father, W. A. Ford, 
owned a three thousand acre ranch in this county which the son rented from 
him for three years. This land was especially adapted to the raising of sheep, 
although over a hundred acres was devoted to general farming. 

In 1912 Mr. Ford rented the Clark ranch, consisting of a hundred and 
thirty acres two miles south of Ukiah, which belongs to his mother-in-law. 
This ranch is all improved land, planted to hops, alfalfa and grain, and is 
highly productive. He also leases a five hundred acre ranch at the head of 
Redwood valley, where he is raising cattle and hogs and fifteen acres of hops. 
Mr. Ford is an active member with his wife of the South Methodist Church, and 
in fraternal circles is prominent among the members of the Fraternal Order 
of Eagles. He married September 25, 1909. Miss Viva R. Clark, who was 
born in Ukiah. December 29, 1890. Her parents were among the old pioneers 
of Mendocino county and Airs. Ford was born on the farm they now occupy. 
They are progressive young people whose splendid energy and admirable 
characteristics prophesy the brightest future and assurance for their success.