James K. Ford

Among the familiar figures here for many years was James K. Ford, a member for a long time of the Committee on Literature, for which, as a great reader and lover of books, he was well qualified.

He was educated as a civil engineer, and for many years from his early youth was engaged in the construction of railroads in the Southern and Western States.

From 1857 to 1872, in association with the late Henry E. Pierrepont, he conducted the Pierrepont Stores in Brooklyn. His last active work was the construction of the Lake Shore Railroad from Oswego to Niagara Falls, in 1875, since which time until his death he led a life of dignified leisure. We all remember his gentle, quiet ways, his old time courtesy, the charm of his conversation, heightened as it was by his perfect familiarity with the world’s best literature, his simple earnestness, and the natural sweetness of his character. His interest in the Club, where he found such pleasure, was fully reciprocated, and he was well worthy of its highest regard.

Henry E. Howland
1901 Century Association Yearbook