About the Author

Henry Ford was born the son of farmer, in Greenfield, Michigan July 30, 1863. His natural talents became evident when, at the age of 13, he completly disassembled a pocket watch. Then he reassembled it back into perfect working order. At 16, he began an apprenticeship as a machinist in Detroit. He learned to skillfully operate and service steam engines, and also studied bookkeeping In 1891, Ford was hired as an engineer for the Edison Illuminating Company. In 1983, his natural talents earned him a promotion to Chief Engineer. All the while, Ford was developing plans for a "horseless carriage". In 1896, he constructed his first model, the Ford Quadricycle, in a shed behind his house. He shared his concept with Thomas Edison who encouraged the young Ford to build a second and better model. After a few false starts, Henry Ford finally began the Ford Motor Company in 1903. A short 5 years later he introduced the Model T. His company generated extreme profits but it was revolutionary vision that made Ford one of the most influential men in American history. Ford developed the moving assembly line; he also shared profit with employees, and paid good wages. Henry Ford died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 7, 1947, at the age of 83.