John and Ethel Ford settled in Medicine Lodge as a couple in 1932, though
  John had lived in the county in the early 1900's. He attended Unity School
  north of Sharon, Kansas.
     John was the fifth child in a family of 10 children of Malinda and James
  Harvey Ford. They were living in Osawatomie when John Harness Ford was born
  February 8, 1897.
     Ethel Carlisle, youngest of 9 children was born to Lucenia Tripp and John
  Carlisle on June 9, 1905 at Leoti, Kansas. Ethel and John married Aug. 27, 1924,
  at Leoti, and established their home in Western Kansas. They expereinced some
  pretty hard times there. Rabbit ears brought a five cent bounty, but two pair
  could pay for a box of Post Toasties.
     Many could not afford the expensive lumber, so dried soap weeds were stacked
  to make walls for the barn or chicken house. The dried weeds often were used 
  for fuel. Better times saw them raising broomcorn at $130 ton. Harves of 
  broomcorn required nearly a month, and five acres would yeald a ton.
     John worked at the Byp mine at Sun City for a short time; he received a
  back injury there in 1939 from a runaway mine car. This left him with an 
  impaired walk, and he found it necessary to use a cane.
     John participated in 11 Peace Treaty Pageants as a wagon driver, always
  looked the part, and enjoyed the occasions.
     In their "retirement" years as caretakers of the Carry Nation Home, they
  collected much information on Mrs. Nation. They always gave a delightful tour
  through the Home. Both joined the WCTU.
     Ethel attended the Assembly of God Church. There are four children: Reba
  (Mrs. Paul) Stoner, Warren, Wilbur, and Kenneth Ford. There are many grand-
  children. John died in 1975.
     The last several years, Ethel gave of her strengh in caring for older people
  who could no longer manage alone. One of these was Mrs. Hazel Bishop.
     Ethel is presently living in Villa Manor, Pratt, Kansas. Theirs has been a
  quiet unassuming life in Barber County but they have contributed in their own
  way to the pleasure and good of their fellowman.
               
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 177  
     Submitted by: Ethel Ford - by Warren Ford