Nehemiah Ford

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Nehemiah Ford politician, painter; m. Keziah Beasley in 1835 and they had at least two sons; d. possibly between 1858 and 1862. He was mayor of Hamilton, Ontario during 1852.

Little is known of the life of Nehemiah Ford. His presence in Hamilton is recorded in 1839, when he was a member of the executive of the first Mechanics' Institute of Wentworth County. He served as its recording secretary for several years, and was made an honorary member on 25 February 1848 as a reward for his services. A painter by trade, he married Keziah Beasley, the daughter of one of Hamilton's earliest settlers, Richard Beasley.

Ford was elected mayor in 1852 and his term of office was unusual. Problems arose when Ford agreed to allow John Gamble Geddes to use the James Street council chambers for a meeting of the Gore and Wellington Church Society. Unfortunately, the time chosen coincided with a scheduled council meeting, and when Ford agreed to change the time of the municipal meeting he caused considerable friction. The council criticized his conduct, but agreed to vote him the £100 salary for his year's services as mayor. Ford refused to accept the salary with censure and brought the affair to public attention. Although the matter was later smoothed over, Ford refused to run for a second term.

A freemason, Ford became a member of Barton Lodge on 11 June 1845. He was also an active member of the Church of St. Thomas. The date of Ford's death is not certain, but is believed to be between 1858 and 1862.

Preceded by John Rose Holden

Mayor of Hamilton 1852

Succeeded by William G. Kerr

[edit] References

• Dictionary of Hamilton Biography (Vol I, 1791-1875); Thomas Melville Bailey; W.L. Griffin Ltd, (1981); Pg 76

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