article is from The Denver Post - 1906
Barney L. Ford was born a slave in Virginia, his freedom was established when he was sent on a business trip to Ill. by his master.
Once in Ill., he was informed that he stood on free soil and was a free man. He never returned to Dixie.
He learned the barber trade in Chicago, engaged in business in Centtral America, was a steward in the Vanderbuilt household and was in the hotel business in Virginia.
He came to Denver, Colorado in 1860 and had various enterprises. Hotel's were his specialties.
In 1867 he built the Ford House at Cheyenne and the Inter Ocean Hotel in Denver on 16th and Blake Street.
He served on the Colorado State Legislature. He passed away in 1906 as a wealthy man.
