Collection Details:

Collection Name and Number: John Ford Papers (Z/0050).
Creator/Collector: John Ford; and others.
Date(s): 1818-1944; n.d.
Size: 0.30 cubic feet.
Language(s): English.
Processed by: MDAH staff, Year.
Provenance: Gift of Donor, of Place, State, on Date; Z/U/XXXX.XXX.
Repository: Archives & Records Services Division, Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

 

Rights and Access:

Access restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Publication rights: Copyright assigned to the MDAH. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Reference Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the MDAH as the owner of the physical items and as the owner of the copyright in items created by the donor. Although the copyright was transferred by the donor, the respective creator may still hold copyright in some items in the collection. For further information, contact Reference Services.

Copyright notice: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Preferred citation: John Ford Papers (Z/0050), Mississippi Department of Archives & History.

 

Biography:

John Ford

John Ford, son of James and Ann Townsend Ford, was born in the Marion District of South Carolina on February 27, 1767. Little is known of his early life except that he obtained his ministerial license while living in South Carolina. Ford married Catharine Ard, daughter of Thomas Ard, in Robeson County, North Carolina, in March 1790. They resided in the Marion District for approximately eight years. The Fords moved to the Mississippi Territory around 1798 and lived in the Natchez District until around 1805. That year, the family built a home on the Pearl River near Sandy Hook, Marion County, Mississippi, where they engaged in farming. The Ford home was the site of the first Mississippi Methodist Conference in 1814 and the Pearl River Convention of 1816, which recommended partitioning the Mississippi Territory into the present-day states of Alabama and Mississippi.

John and Catharine Ard Ford had twelve children: twins Elias and James (b. December 13, 1791), John, Jr. (b. December 23, 1793), Ann (b. March 23, 1796), Samantha (b. October 18, 1798), Asenath (b. October 30, 1801), Thomas (b. March 17, 1803), David (b. September 9, 1805), Joseph Martin (b. 1809), Washington (b. November 10, 1810), Catherine Ard (b. January 2, 1813), and Samuel (b. March 28, 1816). Ford remained active in the Methodist church and continued farming until his death on February 14, 1826. He was interred near Sandy Hook.

Elias Ford married Ruth Harper. Their daughter, Caroline Frances (b. December 24, 1829), married William Bartlett Holloway on December 4, 1843. The Holloways had a daughter, Elenora Victoria (b. January 9, 1855). She married Alexander Fairly, Jr., M.D., in Williamsburg, Covington County, Mississippi, on May 14, 1877. The Fairlys had a daughter, Mamie Eva, who married H. J. Wilson and resided in Hazlehurst, Copiah County, Mississippi.

 

Scope and Content Note:

This collection consists of letters, documents, and business papers of the Reverend John Ford of Sandy Hook, Marion County, Mississippi, and of his descendants. The papers include correspondence of J. F. Ford; various land deeds, promissory notes, bills, and receipts; accounting statements from leather-tanning and general-merchandise businesses; land grants, one of which was signed by President James Monroe in 1820; and minutes of the first meeting of the board of trustees of Fordsville schools in 1858. There are also items from the estate of W. M. Rankin regarding the division of land, money, and enslaved persons.

 

Inventory:
Folder #Item #Document TypeDescriptionCreator (if known)Recipient (if known)Date
11Land Grant CertificatePhotocopy  John Ford; Joseph FordOctober 14, 1820
12Ledger SheetDetailing items bought by Nathan Scott, Thomas Harvey,  and Allen Barnes, along with promissory notes by [unclear 1], Samuel Johnson, Nathan Scott, Alfred Pittman, and Lewis B Cox, and a bill for lumber sawed for Q [?] and T. Martin  1839-1841
13IndentureA land deed involving John Graham and Ebenezer FordJohn Graham, sheriff of Marion County, MS October 5, 1845
14IndentureLand deed between Ebenezer Ford and Washington and Lucinda Ford , 10 September 1840; Deed attested to by John B. Scrivner, 10 September 1840.Washington and Lucinda Ford; John Scrivner September 10, 1840
15Land SurveyResults of land surveyJames Phillips, County Surveyor December 14, 1818
16Certificate of Further CreditConcerning repayment schedule for land purchased by John Ratcliff on 21 October 1816Land office Washington January 11, 1825
21Business LedgerItems sold to various individuals from 31 August 1841 to 1 January 1842 at Fordsville, MS  30 August 1841 – 1 January 1842
22LetterMr. Wm. M. Rankin purchased land on 20 August 1838. However, part of that purchase involved 16th section land that should not have been included in the deal. The letter concerns repayment to Mr. Rankin of the funds used to purchase the 16th section.John Wilson, Commissioner, General Land Office February 4, 1854
23DocumentDetails an agreement to refund (with two thousand “good and new nails” and four dollars) the purchase price of the illegally sold 16th section land.Simon Lott and William  LuperW. J. RankinJanuary 11, 1858
24DocumentThis document deals with the election of school trustees for Township 1, Range 14 East on 11 January 1858. It further details the leasing of the 16th Section land for 100 years to a number of individuals. It was approved by the following: Wm. James Rankin, Wm. M. Rankin, Liberty Warren, J. M.Rankin, William Luper, Henry W. Johnson, and G. V. BlackburnWilliam Luper; Attested to by W. J. Rankin, treasurer February 5, 1859
25DocumentThis document deals with the resolution of land purchase No. 6030 regarding the illegal sale of 16th section land.General Land Office, Thomas Hendricks [?], Commissioner September 20, 1855
26NoteNote allowing Wm. J. Rankin to lease the northwest quarter of Section No. 16 (Township 1 north, Range 14 east) for 100 hundred years for the sum of $202.00. J. M. Rankin and W. J. Rankin February 5, 1859
27NoteNote permitting James W. Clark and Liberty Warren to lease the northeast quarter of Township 1 north, Range 14 east for 100 years for a sum of $367.00.   The lease to be paid to Wm. J. Rankin, treasurer of the board of school trustees. On the reverse side is a notation that $140 dollars of this amount was received on 14 March 1859, and $100 toward this amount was received on 5 January 1860. James W. Clark and Liberty Warren February 5, 1859
31DocumentPermitting W. M. Rankin to claim $9.50 for appearing as a defense witness in a trial (Harris Pope and wife vs W. H. Graham) in Marion countyJ. P. Barnes, clerk none
32NoteDealing with W. J. Rankin but generally too faint to read.   
33DocumentMinutes of school trustee meetings dealing with the lease of 16th section lands and election of trustees. Dates of the entries are as follows: April 24, 1858, approval of the plan for 20 year leases; 12 June 1858, postponement of decision to lease 16th Section land; 10 January 1859, election of trustees; 5 February 1859, leasing of 16th section land to J. M. Rankin ($202), J. M. Clarke ($367), and W. J. Rankin ($325); 1 January 1860 election of the years’ trustees.W. J. Rankin Various dates (see description)
34ReceiptReceived from W. J Rankin $45 on account of 16th section school fundJ. P. Rankin April 1, 1861
35Promissory noteGeo. W. Rankin agrees to pay $100 to Wm. J. Rankin for money loaned at an interest rate of 10% per yearGeorge W. Rankin April 29, 1860
36Payment VoucherPayment to R. Patten the sum of $10 for making a coffin for M. W. Rankin deceased  December 17, 1962
37-10Details of the estate of M. W. RankinAnnual account by W. J. Rankin, administrator. of the estate of W. M. Rankin including taxes, burial expenses, etc.  The administrator writes that due to the “unsettled state of the country” he has not made strenuous efforts to collect outstanding dues to the estate.W. J. Rankin Last recorded date is August 1863
41Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Itemized list of possessions including cattle, horses, and approximately 51 slaves presented as Schedules A and BW. J. Rankin  
42Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Schedule No. 2, listing Lot Nos. 1, 2, and 3 containing the names of various slaves and their monetary worthW. J. Rankin  
43-6Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Schedules 3 and 4 showing, I believe, the transfer of various slaves owned by W. M. Rankin to various individuals as part of the estate settlementW. J. Rankin  
47Probate of NoteClaim of James Ford as guardian for Felix and Franklin FordJames Barnes, Clerk of Marion County January 6, 1863
48Probate of NoteClaim of James Ford as guardian for Felix and Franklin FordJames Barnes, Clerk of Marion County January 6, 1863
49 - 10Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Schedule No. 6 showing the lots that each heir drewW. J. Rankin  
411-15Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Schedule No. 7 showing the total amount of shares and equalization   
416Estate of W. M. Rankin, 1862Schedule containing list of notes and accounts due the estate of M. Rankin and amounts of money belonging to said decedent at his death and which has come into possession of the undersigned administratorW. J. Rankin  
51tax receiptReceipt indicating 1862 taxes paid by Wm. M. RankinJohn Black, Sheriff and Tax collector May 5, 1863
52probate accountClaim by Daniel Ball for payment of $2 from the estate of W. M. RankinJ. P. Barnes [?], Marion County Clerk May 4, 1863
53ACCOUNTING CLAIMClaim by administrator of the estate for reimbursementW. J. Rankin September 7, 1863
54DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. RankinS. E. Rankin, J. P. Barnes, J. W. Rankin, and Eliza L Ford January 13, 1863
55DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. Rankin, specifically relating to the share of slaves received by John W. Rankin.J. W. Rankin, Eliza L. Ford, and L. A. Denison January 13, 1863
56DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. Rankin, specifically related to the share of slaves received by Martha R. FordMartha R. Ard [?] and Martha Rankin January 13, 1863
57DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. Rankin, specifically the share of slaves received by Liza L. Ford.Eliza L. Ford, L. A. Denison, and E. A. Barnes January 13, 1863
58DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. Rankin, specifically the share of slaves received by L. A. Denison.L. A. Denison, Eliza L. Ford, and E. A. Barnes January 13, 1863
59DocumentDocument related to the settlement of the estate of W. M. Rankin, specifically the share of slaves received by E. A. BarnesEliza L. Ford, L. A. Denison, and E. A. Barnes January 13, 1863
510Administrator receiptsClaim for $350.56 owed to the administrator of the W. M. Rankin estate The Hon. L. Lewis, Judge of the Probate Court, Marion CountySeptember 7, 1863
511Claim for reimbursementClaim by W. J. Rankin for $51.54 from the estate of W. M. Rankin for hides and lumberW. J. RankinClerk of the Probate Court of Marion CountyNovember 2, 1863
61Tax ReceiptTax Receipt from Martha Rankin for 1871 taxes ($345 and 3/5)S. A. Foxworth, Sheriff and Tax Collector, Marion County December 13, 1871
62Tax ReceiptTax Receipt from S. E Rankin, Admin. For the W. M. Rankin estate for 1871 taxes ($798)S. A. Foxworth, Sheriff and Tax Collector, Marion County December 13, 1871
63Tax ReceiptTax Receipt from S. E. Rankin for 1871 taxes ($671)S. A. Foxworth, Sheriff and Tax Collector, Marion County December 13, 1871
64NoteA note to the probate court, with additions, claiming that funds for a lease on 16th section lands that were promised on 5 May 1859 have never been received ,J. P. Barnes, Clerk and [?] probate judge May 9, 1864 and July 4, 1864
65LetterA letter between friends.  SEALJ. S. Pounds [?]J. Frank FordOctober 30, 1871
66Legal notePromissory note to lease Tyra Field, 16th section land.J.P. Barnes, clerk July 4, 1864
67Legal notePromissory note to lease Creek Field, 16th section land.J.P. Barnes, clerk July 4, 1864
68Legal noteAccounts on lease payments on 16 section lands, Township 1, Range 14 EastJ. P Barnes and J Warren July 4, 1864
69ReceiptReceipt for 1870 taxes received from Edward Rankin ($481)E. G. Major [?], sheriff and tax collector, Marion County April 25, 1871
610contractSEALED.  Contract between Albert Robend [?] and S. E. Rankin to work a piece of land belonging to SE Rankin and to receive a cow and calf in return for his efforts.Albert Robend [?] 13 May 1871
611noteThe intent of the note is unclear.  The sender says he is enclosing “school a/c s” and asks to meet them quite soon.E. F. BunchFrank (J. F. Ford?)16 Oct 1871
612letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALLeon  Pounds, Pierces Mill, LouisianaJ. F. (Frank) Ford, Ed Rankins [sic], Mississippi22 Nov 1871
71letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALJ. I. D. [?], Louisiana State UniveristyFriend Frank, presumably J. F. Ford2 March, 1872
72summonsA summons to S. E Rankin to appear before G. N. Brearfiller [?], justice of the peace to answer a complaint by S. E. Foxworth. SEALG. N. Brearfiller [?]S. E. Rankin28 Feb 1872
73letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALunknown, Sunny Hill, Tangipaho, Parish, LAJ. F. Ford, Shady Grove, LA11 Feb 1872
74letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALE. F. BunchJ. F. Ford (?)undated
75letterPersonal letter between friends.J. S. Pounds, Sunny Hill, LAJ.F. Ford, Shady Grove, LA15 Feb 1872
76letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALunclear...last name Ball [?]J. F. Ford28 April 1872(?)
77letterPersonal letter between friends. SEALJ. I. Daniel, La. State universityJ. F. Ford, Shady Grove, Washington Parish, LA19 May 1872
78letterPersonal letter between friends.  SEALJ. S. PoundsJ. F. Ford7 June 1872
79summonsSEAL.  A court summons for S. E. Rankin, administrator de bonis non of the estate of W. M. Rankin, to appear before the Marion county circuit court to answer a complaint of Joseph A, PittmanJohn Applewhite, clerk of the Marion county circuit courtS. E. Rankin26 Aug 1872
81ledgerledger regarding cotton and other commoditiesS. E. RankinJ. E. Smith23 May 1874
82tax receiptNo. 68, receipt for 1875 taxes paidL. PittmanB. L. Applewhite27 Oct 1876
83tax receiptNo. 71, receipt for 1876 taxes paidL. PittmanB. L. Applewhite27 Oct 1876
84tax receiptNo. 175, receipt for 1877 taxes paidL. PittmanS. E. Rankin22 Nov 1877
85tax receiptNo. 179, receipt for 1877 taxes paidL. PittmanS. E. Rankin, administrator for the estate of Martha Rankin22 Nov 1877
86tax receiptNo. 180, receipt for 1877 taxes paidL. PittmanS. E. Rankin, administrator for the estate of W. M. Rankin estate of Martha Rankin 
87tax receiptNo. 909, receipt for 1883 taxes paidW. J. JonesS. E. Rankin1 Dec 1883
88tax receiptNo. 1298, receipt for 1883 taxes paidW. J. JonesWm. M. Rankin estate1 Dec 1883
89deedDeed for 400 acres in Township 1, Range 14 East, SEALS. GwinSamuel Huggins2 May 1881
810deedThis appears to be a deed reflecting sale or transfer of land to Mary RankinA. Webb, clerk Marion county courtMary Ann Rankin16 Aug 1884
811tax receiptNo. 1622, receipt for 1884 taxes paidW. J. JonesEstate of Wm. M. Rankin17 Dec 1884
812deedThis appears to be a deed reflecting sale or transfer of land to Mary RankinA. Webb, clerk Marion county courtMary Ann Rankin19 Dec 1884
813tax receiptNo. 1049, receipt for 1886 taxes paidW. J. Cowart [?], sheriff and tax collector, Marion CountyS. E. Rankin28 Dec 1886
814tax receiptNo. 1048, receipt for 1886 taxes paidW. J. Cowart [?], sheriff and tax collector, Marion CountyS. E. Rankin28 Dec 1886
815tax receiptNo. 1028, receipt for 1885 taxes paidW. J. JonesMrs. M. A. Rankin23 Dec 1885
816tax receiptNo. 1026, receipt for 1885 taxes paidW. J. JonesS. J. Rankin23  Dec 1885
817deedAn indenture reflecting sale of land to the State of Mississippi for taxes due to the stateA. Webb, clerk Marion county courtA. Rankin25 Feb 1887
91tax receiptNo. 1754, receipt for 1905 taxesJ. O. MageeMrs. M. A. Rankin5 Feb 1906
92tax receiptNo. 1650, receipt for 1887 taxesW. J. Cowart [?], sheriff and tax collector, Marion CountyS. J. Rankin25 Jan 1888
93tax receiptNo. 586, receipt for 1893 taxesJ. O. MageeS. E. Rankin1 Jan 1894
94ReceiptNewspaper subscriptionH. White [?]S. E. Rankin5 June 1894 [?]
95three tax receiptsNos. 646, 647, 648, receipts for 1896 taxes paid by S. J. Rankin, M. A. Rankin, and S.E Rankin, respectively.M. Q. McClelland [?]SJ Rankin, MA Rankin, and SE Rankin5 Dec 1896
96tax receiptsNo. 679, recept for 1897 taxesM. Q. McClelland [?]Mrs. M. A. Rankin10 Dec 1897
97two tax receiptsNo. 680 and 681, receipts for 1897 taxes paid by S.E. Rankin and S. J. Rankin, respectivelyM. Q. McClelland [?]SE and SJ Rankin10 Dec 1897
98tax receiptNo. 726, receipt for 1898 taxesM. Q. McClelland [?]S. J. Rankin23 Jan 1899
99two tax receiptsNos. 409 and 410, receipts for taxes paid by S. E. Rankin and S. J. Rankin l, respectivelyJ. A. BallSE and SJ Rankin27 Dec 1901
910deedDeed conveying land from Sarah and G. H. Rankin to S. J. Rankin, SEALSarah and GH RankinS. J. Rankin29 Nov 1902
911deedDeed conveying land from W. B. Forebs [?] to SJ RankinC.E. Pigott, M. B. S.S.J. Rankin11 April 1903 deed recorded
912deedDeed conveying land to SJ Rankin from E. J. McKenzie, SEALL. Wellborn, clerk Marion CountyS. J. Rankin11 April 1903
913IndentureLease of land by SJ Rankin from CT SmithCT Smith 26 Sept 1903
914deed of trustDeed reflecting sale of land to SJ Rankin, secured by loan from Columbia Bank, SEAL.Columbia BankSJ Rankin4 Jan 1906
915deed of trustDeed of Trust between S. E. Rankin and T. B. Ford (guardian), SEALL.C. WellbornS. E. Rankin18 Mar 1908
916tax receiptNo.717, receipt for 1910 taxesWillie RankinJno. B. Rawls19 Dec 1910-
917land saleDocument describing sale of land to S. E. Rankin  by Samuel HugginsEugene O’Rorke [?], M. B. S.S. E. Rankin25 March 1889
918tax receiptNo. 1708, receipt for 1891 taxesJ. O. MageeS J Rankin31 Dec 1891
919tax receiptNo. 1710, receipt for 1891 taxesJ. O. MageeS. E. Rankin31 Dec 1891
920receiptReceipt for funds placed in the account of Wallice [?] Morris by S. E. Rankin, SEALH. W. Tynes, J.P. 23 Jan 1892
921receiptReceipt for funds received from the Pearl River LodgeRichard Lamberke, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of the State of La., F & A. M. 12 Jan 1893
922receiptNo. 1798, receipt for 1890 taxesW. J. Cowart [?], sheriff and tax collector, Marion CountyS. E. Rankin6 Jan 1890
101tax receiptNo. 777, receipt for 1911 taxesJno. B. RawlsS. E. Rankin31 Oct 1911
102tax receiptNo. 356, receipt for 1917 taxesA. H. BallSedgu [?] Rankin10 Jan 1918
103receiptreceipt for  twenty dollars received from Mrs. M. A. RankinThe Rankin Company 10 May 1921
104statementStatement of Closed Loan made to W. E. Rankin  10 Mar 1923
105tax receiptNo. 4251, receipt for 1922 taxesClarra Rankin [?]Sheriff and tax collector, Marion county26 Jan 1923
106receiptNo. 650, receipt for fishing licenseW. E. Rankin [?]Sheriff and tax collector, Marion county1925
107tax receiptNo. 646, receipt for payment of 1926 taxesW. E. RankinSheriff and tax collector, Marion county1 Feb 1927
108tax receiptNo. 1033, receipt for payment of 1932 taxesW. E. RankinSheriff and tax collector, Marion county15 Sept 1933
109receiptReceipt for a mail order bookMrs. Will RankinSouthern Publishing Association20 June 1928
1010tax receiptNo. 776, receipt for payment of 1911 taxMrs. S. E. RankinJno. B. Rawls31 Oct 1911
111receiptReceived from Willie Rankin $10 by C. A. HarrisC. A. Harris 16 Dec 1939
112receiptReceipt reflecting payment from W. E. Rankin to the National Farm Loan AssociationH. McCloud [?] NFLA 10 July 1940
113receiptNo. 43047, Received from W. E. Rankin $75 to be applied to account of F. H. VincentColumbia Bank 10 Oct 1940
114receiptNo. 44191, received from WE Rankin $10 to be applied to account of FH VincentColumbia Bank 31 Jan 1944 [?]
115receiptNo. 45082, received from WE Rankin $5 to be applied to account of FH VincentColumbia Bank 30 April 1941
116loan agreementagreement between W. E. Rankin and Lampton CompanyW. E. Rankin 6 Dec 1941
117tax receiptNo. 1034, receipt for payment of 1933 taxesW. E. RankinSheriff and tax collector, Marion countynot listed
118car tag receiptNo. 233568, Road and Bridge Privilege Tax, 1941W. E. RankinSheriff and tax collector, Marion county31 Oct 1940
119tax receiptNo. 5958, receipt for 1934 taxesW. E. RankinSheriff and tax collector, Marion county6 Mar 1935
1110letterLetter to William E. Rankin, Sandy Hook, MS from F. A Ford, Nashville, TN11 Aug 1931 concerning the identity of various Ford ancestors specifically John FordFA FordWE RankinAugust 11, 1931
1111newspaper clipping18 Dec 1944:  describing the killing of unarmed US POWs by German soldiers in Belgium  December 18, 1944
121photographa photo of an unidentified house  n.d.
122letterThis very worn letter appears to be from two individuals named Ball and is addressed to J. F. FordBallJ. F. Fordn.d.
123noteA note on the back of a Deposit Guaranty Bank and Trust Co. check (blank) about a family recording.Lela Ford  
124receiptDewey's Service Station, Angie, LouisianaW.E. Rankin October 21 [no year]
125poemPoetry, unsigned  n.d.
126receiptGeneric receipt for $5.[illegible]Willie Rankin[illegible]
127mapHand-drawn map of land plots, "Section 34, T. 1, R. 14 East"  n.d.
128letterLetter to Mary Ann Ford from Samuel E. Rankin, very faded.Samuel E. RankinMary Ann FordJanuary 26, 1864
129mapHand--darwn map of square plots, numbered.  n.d.
1210description"Field Notes Sec. 34-T-1  n.d.
1211newspaper clipping"The District Conference" of the Seashore district, Mississippi Conference of the Methodist Church"  Mentions Samuel E. Rankin.  n.d.
131papers"List of Appraisements of Property belonging to the Estate of Wm. M. Hamilton, deceased" Includes named enslaved persons (partially illegible)  n.d.
132listsNames on top of page include W. J. Ford, Franklin Stutts, W.C. Warron  n.d.
133listAppears to be a list of enslaved persons by name, age, and value.  n.d.
134listNames on top of page include W.R.H. Faulk, Martha Rankin, and others  n.d.
135listName on top page is W.C. Warron  n.d.
136list"Due W.J.R., Admin, Mrs. C. Manning"  n.d.
137listPartial list, names including E.L. Ford, John Pigott, and others  n.d.
138listNames on page include Daniel Scarborough, R. Patten, Charles Knight,   n.d.