The information about Washington Ford was optioned from the following:
Photo courtesy of Carla Kennedy.

21 Feb 1889, Warren Republican, pg 4 col 5

Tuesday, February 12th, was Mr. Wash. Ford's birthday- he being sixty-nine years old. His estimable wife prepared a dinner for him, as a surprise, which was shared by his children, grand-children and friends of the family. The eldest son Willam, went home on Monday evening, and early on Tuesday morning asked his father ot go with him to attend to a little mater of business at Williamsport, thus giving the guests time and opportunity to arrive during his absence. When Mr. Ford arrived home from town, at noon, he was welcomed by a noisy crowd. To say that he was surprised does not half express the situation. But when Mr. Dan Stratton drew the large and elegant rocking chair from its lurking place in a corner, and presented it to him in behalf of his children, he was completely overcome, and sank down into it without a word. Among the invited guest were Mr. and Mrs. Dan Stratton, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Goodwine, Mr. Wade Leming, Thompson Leming, Mrs. Rhoda Terrill and son Warren; and Misses maggie Hernly and Nettie Groscast. Mr. Ford is one of Warren's solid men. His character has ever been spotless, and by his frugality and industry he has earned for himself more than an average share of this world's goods. And in his last hours may he be given the see the beauties of the Eternal City through the gates ajar, is the wish of A. Guest.