The Texas of John Salmon Ford's day demanded men of courage and
versatility. Ford was such a man. He came to Texas in 1836, quickly
became active in Texas affairs, and remained so until his death in
1897. During his long life, Ford was a practicing physician,
adjutant in Colonel Hays's regiment of Texas Rangers during the
Mexican War, newspaper editor, explorer and surveyor, state
senator, mayor and city marshal of Austin, Ranger captain and
Indian fighter, Mexican revolutionary general, Sunday-school
teacher, Confederate colonel, mayor of Brownsville, superintendent
of the state Deaf and Dumb School, and a charter member, of the
state historical society.
Ford was instrumental in getting Texas into the Union and,
fifteen years later, in getting her out. After the Civil War he
helped frame the new state constitution and place Texas once again
in the roster of states. He defended her frontiers in the west
against Comanches and in the south against Mexican raiders. The
story of his life is one of service to his state. He loved Texas as
only an old "Texian" could and stood ready to serve her in any
capacity. Texas called on him to serve primarily as a trouble
shooter, and he served well.
Although the hero of several dime novels, "Old Rip" has never
before been the subject of a complete biography based on historical
research. His colorful and adventurous life reflects the growing
pains of Texas during the formative years. Ford's life was never
dull; neither is his biography.
General
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