Legislator Details


Melbourne Haddock Ford
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 35

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 6/30/1849
City: Salem, MI
County: Washtenaw County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 4/20/1891
City: Grand Rapids, MI
County: Kent County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: interred
Burial
Date:
City:
County:
Country:
Cemetery: Oak Hill Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Mary A.; children: Kate H. and Thomas B.

Number of Children: 2

Background

Religion:
Military Service: United States Navy
Occupation: sailor, stenographer, lawyer
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
common school; attended Michigan State College of Agriculture at East Lansing;

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Theron and Amelia Ford. Moved to Lansing with his parents in 1859. Enlisted in the US Navy in 1864, at age 15; joined the European squadron, 1865-67; in 1867 was appointed a midshipman at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; resigned the following year and returned to Lansing; moved to Grand Rapids, 1873 & was engaged as stenographer of several municipal, State, and Federal courts; studied law; admitted to the bar, 1878; began the practice of law in Grand Rapids, 1889.

Notable Facts:
Wrote a book for law students titled 'Ford's Legal Analysis'. Elected to the 50th Congress 1887-1889; elected to the 52nd Congress serving from 3/4/1891 until his death 4/20/1891. Law gives death date as 4/20/1891

Sessions Served:

Thirty-Third Legislature, 1885-1886
Chamber: House
Party: Democratic
Committees Served On: Private Corporations , University
Postions Held:

City of Residence:
County of Residence Kent
District: Kent 1
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/4/1884
Date Sworn In: 1/7/1885
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

CongBio p.1046; PolGryd; USCen 1860, 1880; MIDeaths 1867-97; Law p.344
View Bibliographical Sources