Born in either 1894 or 1895, the first son of Edward Ford, a farm worker from Fletching, Sussex and Margaret Ann Watson of the Isle of Skye. He had two older sisters, Dollina and Frances and two younger siblings, William and Robina.

By 1911 Edward was living in Waldron, Sussex, working as a blacksmith's improver. His father abandoned the family and they were then inspired by the stories of Frances and her wonderful life in the States. 

The family travelled with family friend Phoebe Alice Harknett and the family of his aunt Elizabeth Johnston. The entire party was lost in the disaster and none of their bodies were recovered.