Bill Ford & Joe Ford 09/05/2014

Bill Ford and his son Joe, fourth and fifth-generation owners of the Joseph Almeron Ford Homestead and the Shawnee Milling Company established in 1895 and 1906 respectively, discussed the history of the land and the family that claimed it. Original owners acquired the 160 acre farm during the Kickapoo Land Run. The family established a long lasting relationship and friendship with the Kickapoo Indians. The original farm produced corn, fruit, pecans, cattle, chickens and turkey. At the time of the interview the farm was being managed through a trust, the mill was still in operation and products of the farm were hay and cattle. The original log cabin, preserved and still sitting on the original site, was built in 1898.