An edited transcription of an article from page 1 of 29 Apr 1897 Simcoe Reformer. 

Death Mr. N. C. Ford

Mr. N. C. Ford, town clerk of Simcoe, and an old and much respected resident of the town died at the Battersby House at 4:30 o'clock Monday morning.

He had only been ill since Friday night and the tolling of Trinity Church bell on Monday morning announcing his death came as a shock to the entire community, few persons knowing that Mr. Ford had been ill.

Mr. Nathan Cook Ford had lived in Simcoe for the past 53 years and was at one time one of the leading business men in this part of the country.

He was born in Morristown, N.Y. on Oct. 6th, 1811. On coming to Canada he first located in Hamilton, coming here in 1844.

For years he was interested in large milling, distilling and general store business, the firm name being Ritchie, Ford & Jones. They dealt extensively in grains for exportation and established an excellent business reputation that extended throughout the Province. After the death of Mr. Ritchie he continued business until 1885, giving employment to a large number of men and adding to the material prosperity of the town, but in that year business adversity overtook him and he was forced to make an assignment to an event which was deeply regretted by the whole cocmmunity and much sympathy was expressed for him at the time. In August, 1888, he was appointed Clerk of the Town of Simcoe, for which position he was well qualified having previously filled the offices of Reeve of Simcoe....[part missing]

Mr. Ford was unmarried and made his home at the Battersby House, where he was a familiar figure for years. He was an adherant of the Episcopal Church. His agreeable and friendly way created for him a host of friends who sincerely mourn his death. He was universally known and respected not only in town but throughout the county as well.

The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from the residence of his nephew, Mr. E. E. Ford, Talbot street, to Trinity Church. A vast concourse of people attended the services which were conducted by Rev. Mr. Hicks.

The town Council and town and county Officials attended the funeral in a body accompanied by about two hundred leading citizens. They marched together to the home and thence to the church.

The pall-bearers were Judge Robb, Mayor Tisdale, C. C. Rapelje, Augustus Wilson, Thomas Townley, Joseph Brook, W. D. Battersby and Edward Harris, Port Dover."

[Obituary continues...]

Copyright 2000-2014 John Cardiff