JOHN SALMON "OLD RIP" FORD

Old Rip Ford as portrayed by Bob Heinonen.

Like a lot of men in the 1830's, John Salmon Ford came to Texas to start a new life. At the age of 21, he came to Texas alone just a month after Texas had gained its independence from Mexico. When he entered Texas, he spent the last of his money on a horse and a wagon. On the side of the wagon, he hung his shingle....JOHN SALMON FORD, Doctor.

John went on to be, and to do, a lot of things in Texas for the next 60 years. He seemed to be deeply involved in, and many times was a leader of, most of the major events that occurred in Texas until after Reconstruction in the 1870's.

A leader of men, a man of great conviction and strength, he made an impact wherever he went.

For a series of articles on Old Rip Ford, click here.

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