Charlie Ford (1861-1962)
Grandpa Charlie Ford’s story begins in 1861 in South Carolina, where he was born into slavery to a slave named Polly and his Caucasian slave-owner father, Jonathan Williams. Initially named Corneilius (Neil) Williams, in line with the customary practice of slaves adopting their owner’s surname, Neil’s situation was unique as his owner was also his biological father. He was just four years old when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, Legally ending slavery, yet Neil, along with his mother and siblings remained on Mr. William’s plantation.
In 1880, Polly married Issaac Ford, and together they had a total of eleven children including Grandpa Ford. Issaac likely worked as a laborer, possibly even as a sharecropper, reflecting the unfortunate reality that many freed slaves remained with their former owner’s a tragic testament to the enduring cruelty of slavery.
Despite the oppressive conditions of his upbringing, Neil managed to obtain a high school education, a remarkable feat considering the limited educational opportunities available to black individuals at the time. This suggests a possible positive relationship with his father, who may have facilitated his schooling. As a young man, Neil ventured north to New York in search of better prospects. While details of his time in new your are scarce, Neil’s own account indicates a brush with the law, prompting him to flee southbound, eventually settling in Suwannee County, Florida in the early 1890’s.
I was here that Neil transformed into Charlie Ford, marking the beginning of the legendary journey. In 1895, he married Mary Hill and their union endured for 67 years until Charlie’s passing in 1962 at the remarkable age of 101. Together, they raised thirteen children on a 200-acre farm in the Claywood community, near Live Oak, Florida. The legacy of the Ford family still resonates today, with the line-rock road leading to Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church passing through the heart of the old Ford homestead.
In 1956, four of Charlie’s sons journeyed to Society Hill , South Carolina where their father had spent his formative years. There, they connected with a multitude of relatives, bridging the gap between past and present, and weaving the intricate tapestry of the Ford family’s history.
Mary (Rawls) Hill-Ford (Circa 1870)
Grandma Mary (Rawls) Hill-Ford entered the world on May 6, 1860 in Columbia County ear Lake City, Florida, surrounded by her nine siblings. Born to Charles Rawls and Nancy Jerry-Hill, she was primarily raised by Charlie Hill. At the tender age of fifteen she crossed paths with Charlie Ford, whom she married in 1895. Together, they migrated to the Suwannee County, new Live Oak, Florida, where they embarked on a lifelong journey marked by devotion and resilience until Grandpa Charlie’s passing in 1962.
Their union bore thirteen children, who were nurtured on a 200-acre farm in the Claywood community, a testament to their steadfast commitment to family and faith. Grandma Mary’s spiritual journey began at a young age, deeply influenced by a her mother Nancy Hill’s devout Christian faith, which also played a pivotal role in the founding of Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. For nearly six decades, Queen Chapel was Grandma’s Mary’s spiritual sanctuary, where she imparted the teachings of Christ to her children and grandchildren, guiding them towards salvation.
Living amidst the harrowing realities of racial and gender discrimination, Grandma Mary’s unwavering faith served as a beacon of hope and resilience. Despite being deprived of formal education, she flourished spiritually, emerging as a towering figure of faith. Her steadfast prayers eventually led Grandpa Charlie to embrace Christianity a transformative moment in his life.
Grandma Mary’s love extended beyond her immediate family, serving as the flue that bound her kin together. Despite her children’s dispersion to urban centers in pursuit of opportunities, she orchestrated annual reunions, notably during Christmas, where her home became a sanctuary of love and togetherness. Her culinary prowess demonstrated through mouthwatering feasts prepared on a wood-burning oven became a cherished tradition that drew her family back home year after year.
Her Christmas gatherings served as a template for the family reunions that followed embodying the values of strength, hope and Christian heritage that she instilled in her descendants. Alongside her seven sisters and two brothers, Grandma Mary’s legacy of love, faith and resilience continues to echo through generations, inspiring her family to emulate her saintly example.
Alonza Ford (1894-1974)
The first son and first child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born November 17, 1894 in Columbus County and attended the public schools of Suwannee county. He grew up on the family farm in the Claywood community. Lonnie married Safornia in the early 1900’s and to that union one son was born, Willie Ford.
“Lonza”, as family members called him, was a very quiet spoken man whose personality might be labeled as an introvert. He was an avid farmer and worked very hard on his small family farm located in the Claywood community not too far from his parents. Stories are told that Lonza’s very light complexion often made it difficult for even whites to distinguish that he was really a black man. Lonza was a very strong Christian man that served faithfully as an officer in Shiloh A.M.E. Church in the Claywood community until it closed. He then moved his membership to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church where he served as a class leader, trustee and steward. He was known throughout the community as “the man who could pray”. It is said that people in his community went to church not just to hear the preacher preach, but to hear Uncle Lonza PRAY!
Lonnie Ford passed away on March 21, 1974 at Lake Shore hospital in Lake City, Florida.
Henry Ford (1896-1968)
The second son and second child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford, was born on January 1, 1896 in Live Oak, Florida. Henry attended a one-room school in the Claywood community and grew up on his father’s large farm. Henry married Mary Taylor on June 6, 1925. They raised three sons, Emanuel, Henry Ford Jr. and Wilbur Ford.
Henry began preaching in 1930 in the First Born Pentecostal Church in Arcadia, Florida. Later on he moved his family to Sarasota Florida and became pastor of the First Born Church in Sarasota for 20 years. In 1960 he began his last pastorate at the First Born Church of Bradenton Florida where he served faithfully until his death. Aunt Mary faithfully supported her husband and served by his side until his death. Aunt Mary was a large lady with a contagious laugh and always referred to her husband as “Elder Ford”.
Henry and Mary Ford always came back to spend Christmas with grandma and grandpa Ford in Live Oak, Florida. It was no secret in the Ford family that every Christmas Sidney, Harvey and Henry (three preachers) faithfully gathered on Grandma’s porch and engaged in lengthy and sometimes heated debates on the differences between the Methodist and Pentecostal denominations. Every Christmas each of their wives (Alice, Elizabeth and Mary) would gently diffuse the debate. It is said that Elder Henry Ford always held his own even though he was out numbered 2 to 1.
It was a well known fact among the Ford family members that when Uncle Henry hit home…family members knew to hide their cigarettes, their spirits and refrain from talking about dancing. Uncle Henry let it be known that he did not tolerate drinking, smoking and dancing “be ye saved or unsaved”.
Henry Ford departed this life on July 21, 1968 in Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Ethel Ford Anderson (1900-2006)
The first daughter and third child born to Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born on February 6, 1900 in Suwannee County. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended the family church Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in the Claywood community. Ethel never obtained a lot of formal education however, her zest for knowledge of the Bible and her quest to achieve spiritual and natural goals superseded any ideology that a formal education could have ever provided her. Ethel married James Hill in 1916 and to this union one child, Christine, was born. After the death of Hames Hill she remarried Ozzie Anderson who also precede her in death.
Ethel, (Aunt Sis) as she was called, loved to cook and bake. All of her nieces and nephews in Live Oak remembered the big dish pans of tea cakes she baked in grandma Mary’s kitchen when she came home to visit. They also remember the times they plotted to sneak in grandma’s kitchen, that sat separate from the house, and steal some of Aunt Sis’ “good old raisin tea cakes” without being caught. Aunt Sis’ very light complexion and very stern look always made her nieces and nephews feel a little uneasy when she was present.
Ethel spent most of her adult life in Miami where she became a member of Berea Missionary Baptist Church. She faithfully served as the mother of the church and president of the Mother’s Board until her health failed her. Her favorite scripture was Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind” Ethel departed this life on October 21, 2006 at the age of 106 years old.
Sidney Ford (1904-1962)
The third son and fourth child born to Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born in Suwannee county on January 8, 1904. Sidney’s formal education was in a one-room school in the Claywood community. He too grew up on his father’s large farm. Sidney married Alice jones on July 1, 1923 and to their union 15 children was born, only 12 survived. Millie, Henry, Horace, Alice, Sidney Jr., Ozell, Shellie, Joyce, Charlie, Dorothy, Jerry and Robert.
Sidney was said to be the largest of all is brothers. He was tall, handsome and premature grey at an early age. He often teased his children by asking if they wanted to “make a nickel” by scratching the dandruff from is silver curly hair. His children and grandchildren recall his playful spirit, funny stories and jokes that he often shared with them growing up…but if did not negate the stern family values he insisted on. Sidney insisted on his large family sharing with each other. He allowed NO verbal or physical fighting among his children and church attendance was mandatory.
Sidney was called to the ministry in 1930 and pastored many charges in the A.M.E. connection. He loved listening to radio sermons and often times would spend hours preparing his sermons on Saturday nights. He was known as a gifted preacher. Sidney was a citizen who valued his right to vote and always made sure that he went to the polls to vote. He served as president of Pallbearers Lodge #16 and was also a member of the Madison District Pallbearers Society.
Sidney departed this life on April 20, 1962 in Live Oak, Florida.
Allene Ford Thorpe (1909-1941)
Allene was the second daughter and fifth child born to Charlie and Mary Hill Ford and was born in Live Oak on February 25, 1909. She grew up on the family farm in Claywood county and joined Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church at a very early age. She was married at a young age to H.K. Thorpe and to that union one daughter was born, Mary.
Allene was described by one of her brothers as being the prettiest of all the Ford girls. “She was really a knock out!” but a very kid hearted person. She was very close to her mother growing up and remained that way until her death. She loved pretty things and nothing pleased her more than coming back home and replacing her parent’s old dilapidated furniture with newer furniture. She was good to her parents and always found some tangible way to show it. Allene lived in Tallahassee, Florida for many years before her death.
Allene departed this life in 1941.
Ernest Ford (1910-1967)
The fifth son and seventh child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born in 1920 in Suwannee county. As a boy Ernest loved walking to church with is mother and joined Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorate of Rev. Joe Doc Taylor. Ernest was reared on his father’s farm in the Claywood community and attended Claywood county public school. Ernest grew up on his father’s large farm and it was said that he, unlike many of his brothers, detested farm chores that were assigned to him and would often go to great lengths to get out of doing them.
Ernest married Allene Joyce Davis, a well-known school teacher in Suwannee county and to that union two sons were born, Ernest Ford Jr and Reginald Ford. Ernest Ford was known for his good looks and “happy go lucky” spirit. Most of his nieces and nephews would agree they could always count on Uncle Ernest to give them a nickel to buy a snowball from the famous snowball stand at the foot of the hill in downtown Live Oak.
Ernest departed this life on August 22, 1967.
Timothy Ford (1912-1992)
The sixth son and eighth child of Charles and Mary Hill Ford was born on January 15, 1912 in Live Oak, Florida. Timothy attended the public school in the Claywood community. Like his brothers, he grew up working on his father’s large farm. Tim, as he was called, was said to look more like his mother than any of his siblings. Timothy was a very soft spoken yet serious minded man and his children knew not to take his soft and quiet demeanor for granted. “Our dad was not to be taken lightly because you did not want to cross him”. Therefore, we obeyed him the first time e spoke to us.
Timothy married Adlene Kendrick on February 12, 1932 and of this union, seven children were born, Walter, Grace, Joyce, Tim Jr., Jerome, Diane and Jeanette. He was a successful farmer and a school bus driver for years and believed very deeply in educating his children. Timothy worked very hard to accomplish that goal. He was converted very early in life and joined Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 40 years until his health failed.
Timothy departed this life on January 17, 1992 at Suwannee Healthcare Center.
Ruby Ford Williams (1912-1994)
The third daughter and ninth child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born November 22, 1912 in Suwannee county. She attended schools in Suwannee county and in Chicago, Illinois. At an early age Ruby was baptized at Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. Ruby married Sonny Williams in 1941. They had no children but were surrogate parents to many children during their lifetime. In 1944 Ruby moved to Chicago, Illinois and joined the St. Luke Baptist Church where she served on the usher board for many years.
Ruby never worked outside of her home but worked very hard to make her home warm and pleasant. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. She made many of her own clothes and also sewed for her nieces and other in her church. She was at home in the kitchen and her tasty dishes were well known. Ruby was often called on to cook for family and church functions. In 1979 Ruby moved to Colbert, Georgia and finally in 1981, she returned to Live Oak, Florida where she served at Springfield Baptist Church for a short period. In 1983 she moved her membership back to her home church, Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, where she served until her death.
Ruby departed this life on December 22, 1994 at Suwannee Healthcare Center.
Ernestine Ford Johns (1918- 2002)
The fourth daughter and 12th child born to Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born on June 25, 1918. Earnestine attended the public schools of Suwannee county in Live Oak, Florida and Dade county in Miami, Florida. Earnestine married Henry Tillman and to that union two children were born, Elizabeth and Lawrence Paige.
Earnestine lived much of her adult life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she was employed as a registered nurse. “Aunt Stine” as she was lovingly referred to by so many of her nieces and nephews was a very kind and gentle woman. Her infrequent visits back to Live Oak were special to so many of her nieces and nephews. She was a very beautiful, graceful, proper talking and well dressed lady who was never too busy to stop and greet them with a kiss on the forehead and place a dime in their hands. To her nieces and nephews, she was a picture of what “living up north” must be like. The girls all wanted to grow up to talk, dress and move up north like her.
Aunt Earnestine had a big heart and was always ready to share with her family. She opened her heart and her home to so many of her nieces and nephews. Earnestine spent her last days living with her granddaughter Ruby and her husband Robert Long.
Earnestine departed this life on August 24, 2002 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Verdis LaRue Ford (1914-1977)
The eighth son and the eleventh child of Charlie Ford was born on march 4, 1914. He grew up in Live Oak, Florida and attended a rural one-room school. Verdis loved school and went as far as the fifth grade and then was taken out of school to help with the upkeep of the family farm. Verdis joined the Civilian Conservation Corp, (CCC) camp around 1935 in South Carolina. He stayed there four years sending money back home to help out. This was his way of getting away in hopes that he could better himself. During this time he learned how to build and later would help in building a parsonage in Arcadia Florida and work with several construction companies in southern Florida. (Deland/St. Petersburg)
Verdis married Alice Mahon Davis in 1940 and to that union six children were born, LaRue Verdis Ford Jr., Charles Henry, Richard LaVon, Thomas Bernard, Phillip Randy, Micah Eugene and Daphine Evelyn. With little education, Verdis received from his short stay in school would be enough to help to drive him to reach higher goals and teach himself how to do higher mathematics, science and social studies. In the community where he lived and raised his family he was known as “L.V.”. He was a master Sunday school teacher and all of the children and adults rushed to attend his classes. He loved to sing and would often be called upon in church to sing songs such as: The Lord’s Prayer, Higher Ground, There is a fountain filled with blood and Bread of Heaven feed me still I want no more.
Verdis was well known throughout the community as the the one they could call on to help. He assisted many people that could not read with their business matters. He believed in educating his children and often times served as their tutor, helping them with homework. Verdis always made sure that he supported the PTA, Band Booster Club and Athletics at his children’s school even though he worked out of town.
All of six of his sons became members of the United States Armed Forces.
Verdis left this life three weeks after his birthday on March 22, 1977 in DeSoto Memorial Hospital. (Six months after his brother Harvey)
Felton Ford (1819-1992)
The ninth son and thirteenth child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was bon January 25, 1919 in Live Oak, Florida. Felton grew up on his father’s farm in the Claywood county community. Felton was nick named “Buddy” at a young age and was known by that name all of his life. Felton joined Queen Chapel Primitive Baptist Church at a very young ate but later moved his membership to Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church after moving to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Felton was married to Bessie Bynum in 1942 and to that union one son was born, David. He was a very successful businessman who owned his own masonry company- Felton Ford Masonry Company. His company did subcontract work for many well-known contractors such as: K & L Carpet Contractors of Orlando Florida, West Coast Utilities and Lindsey Bowens in St. Petersburg, Florida. Felton’s company specialized in building man-holes, sidewalks and driveways. His nephew, Jerome Ford, worked with his uncle for many years and describes him as a hard working, honest and good hearted man who was well respected in his community.
Felton departed this life on May 27, 1992 in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Lee Andrew Ford (1914-2014)
The seventh son and the tenth child born to Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born January 17, 1914 in Live Oak, Florida. He grew up on the family farm and attended public school in the Claywood community. Bill as he was called, attended the family church Queens Chapel Primitive Church and accepted Christ at a very young age.
Andrew married Annie Bell Solomon in 1935 and to that union two children were born, Andrew Jr. and Suzanne. Andrew moved his family to St. Petersburg Florida and spent many years employed by Moye Construction Company as a cement finisher. He accepted the call to preach early in his life and pastored many churches in the AME connection to include: William Memorial AME Church in Orlando, Florida, Mount Olive AME in Live Oak, Florida and other churches in the Lake City and Wellborn Florida areas.
His daughter Suzanne describes her father as being very patient and mild mannered man and admits that growing up her father really spoiled her and pretty much gave her whatever she wanted. “The only time I can remember him spanking me and my brother was when he came home and found out that we had been fighting each other.” Her fondest memories are of her waking up on Sunday morning and listening to her father singing old spirituals while getting ready for church like: “Gonna walk the milky white way”, “May be the last time” and “On the battle field for my Lord”.
Uncle Bill as he is lovingly referred to by all of his nieces and nephews was very active in civic organizations and in Suwannee county. He was the first black to be appointed by Governor Askew of Florida to serve on the School Board of Suwannee county. He was also selected as a member of the African American Development Council (AADC) in Suwannee county. Uncle Bill almost single handedly maintained the up-keep of the Claywood cemetery where many Ford family members are buried. He should be applauded for the many untiring hours he dedicated to making sure any family member who desired, would have a final resting place there.
Uncle Bill left this life in 2014 in a Suwannee county nursing home in Live Oak, Florida.
Harvey Ford (1911-1978)
The fourth son and sixth child of Charlie and Mary Hill Ford was born on January 8, 1911 in Suwannee county, Live Oak, Florida. Harvey was converted at the age of 10 at Queens Chapel Primitive Baptist Church but later moved his membership to Shiloh AME Church. He received his formal education in the Suwannee and Duval county schools. Harvey had the privilege of living with relatives during his early years and was given the opportunity to further his education. He was the first one of his brothers to get a high school diploma and later went on to enroll in theology classes at Edward Waters Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida.
Harvey was a small man in stature but had a very deep bass voice and was a great debater. He often provided his opinions and advice freely. Family members knew to listen with an attentive ear whether you sought his advice or not. He married Elizabeth Miney, lovingly called “Aunt Libby” on March 7, 1948 who was known for her sunny and positive disposition. From that union four children were born, Ralph, Michael, Patricia and Sharlene.
Harvey pastored in many A.M.E. churches over his 40 years of ministry to include: Friendship A.M.E., Jasper, Florida, Bethel and Columbia City Circuit, Greater Bethel A.M.E. Live Oak, Florida, St. John A.M.E. Quincy, Florida, Steward Memorial A.M.E., Perry, Florida, Ebenezer A.M.E., Live Oak, Florida.
Harvey departed this life on September 14, 1976.
