James Ford was born in Painesville, Ohio, on May 22, 1829; moving to the Colorado Territory, he worked in the coal and iron business. With the start of the Civil War, an independent cavalry company was organized under Captain James Ford’s command. Ford led his company to New Mexico, where they became Company A, 2nd Colorado Infantry. Company A participated in the Battle of Glorietta Pass in March 1862.

In 1863 the 2nd Colorado was ordered east, and took part in the battles of Cabin Creek and Honey Springs in the Indian Territory.

In October 1863, the 2nd Colorado Infantry was consolidated with the 3rd Colorado Infantry to form the 2nd Colorado Cavalry under the command of Colonel James H. Ford.

The regiment was sent to the Kansas City area where they fought bushwhackers and guerillas along the Kansas-Missouri border. When Sterling Price made his raid through Missouri in 1864, the 2nd was engaged in every major battle from Lexington to Newtonia.

The 2nd Colorado and James Ford were mustered out of service on September 23, 1865.

Carte-de-Visite by Unknown Photographer.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32054-A