Ford, Henry. Noted American automobile manufacturer. Born at Greenfield, MI, 1863. After attending the district schools, Ford learned the machinist's trade. He located in Detroit in 1887, and later became chief engineer of the Edison illuminating company. In 1903 he organized and became president of the Ford Motor Company, which he developed into the largest automobile manufacturing concern in the world. In 1916 his establishment produced 533,921 cars, with sales amounting to $206,000,000, yielding a net profit of almost $60,000,000. More than 34,000 workmen were employed in the Detroit factories, and the total number of employees, including those at branch plants, was about 50,000. In 1917 Ford placed his immense establishment at the disposal of the United States government for the construction of war materials. During 1921, the total production of the Ford manufacturing plant exceeded 1,000,000 auto vehicles, including automobiles, motor trucks, and tractors.

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