Born in 1897, the second 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, an older brother, William and a younger sister Robina.

By 1911 William is listed as a telegraph messenger at the Post Office in Mark Cross, Sussex. 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.