A native of Virginia, Henry Ford (c. 1845-1910) came to Texas in 1869 and worked as a cowboy on several central Texas ranches. He settled in Brownwood in 1876 and served several terms as county clerk and as a city councilman. A respected civic leader, he was influential in bringing the Santa Fe Railroad to Brownwood. He supported educational efforts in the city, and through his work as a banker and businessman was instrumental in Brownwood's growth. Three times married, he was the father of ten children, five of whom survived to adulthood. (1994)