JUDGE JAMES R. FORD,- born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., January 28, 1797. His earlier years were spent in Pittsfield, Mass., coming to Painesville, Ohio, about the year 1817. Here he resided about 17 years, filling many positions of trust and honor, when he removed to Huron County, and from thence, about 1837 to Akron, when, with others under the firm name of The Akron Manufacturing Company, a large foundry and stove business was carried on, on what is known as the old Etna Furnace site, opposite Lock Eleven, Ohio Canal. In June, 1845, Mr. Ford was appointed by Gov. Bartley, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Court, for Summit County, which office he acceptably filled until failing health compelled his resignation in 1849.

April 27, 1826, Judge Ford was married to Miss Julia A. Tod, daughter of Judge George Tod, of Youngstown, who bore him seven children-Sarah T. (now Mrs. Peck, of Youngstown), James H., deceased; Mary M. died in infancy Hobart, deceased; Julia A., wife of Judge William H. Upson, of Akron; George Tod Ford, of Akron; and Elizabeth A., now Mrs. John F. Earl, of New York. Judge Ford died, January 2, 1851, aged 53 years 11 months and 4 days, Mrs. Ford dying January 19 1885, aged 77 years, 11 months and 13 days.

Fifty Years and Over Of Akron and Summit County,  Samuel A. Lane