Early Life and Education of Gerald Ford: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Gerald Ford. From birth to education, explore key events.

Gerald Ford, the 38th U.S. President, served from 1974-1977. A Republican, he ascended to the presidency after Richard Nixon's resignation, having previously served as Nixon's Vice President following Spiro Agnew's resignation. Before becoming Vice President, Ford was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973. His presidency was largely defined by his controversial pardon of Nixon and efforts to combat inflation during an economic downturn.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 14, 1913: Birth of Gerald Ford

On July 14, 1913, Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., originally named Leslie Lynch King Jr., was born in Omaha, Nebraska.

July 14, 1913: Birth of Leslie Lynch King Jr.

On July 14, 1913, Leslie Lynch King Jr., who later became Gerald Ford, was born in Omaha, Nebraska.

December 1913: Divorce of Ford's Parents

In December 1913, Dorothy Ayer Gardner and Leslie Lynch King Sr. divorced, and Dorothy gained full custody of her son, Leslie.

February 1, 1917: Gardner Married Gerald Rudolff Ford

On February 1, 1917, Dorothy Ayer Gardner married Gerald Rudolff Ford, and her son was then referred to as Gerald Rudolff Ford Jr.

1918: Birth of Thomas Gardner "Tom" Ford

In 1918, Thomas Gardner "Tom" Ford, one of Gerald Ford's half-brothers, was born.

1924: Birth of Richard Addison "Dick" Ford

In 1924, Richard Addison "Dick" Ford, one of Gerald Ford's half-brothers, was born.

August 1927: Ford Became an Eagle Scout

In August 1927, Gerald Ford earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

1927: Birth of James Francis "Jim" Ford

In 1927, James Francis "Jim" Ford, one of Gerald Ford's half-brothers, was born.

1930: Death of Ford's Paternal Grandfather

In 1930, Ford's paternal grandfather, who had been paying child support, passed away.

1930: Ford Selected to All-City Team

In 1930, Gerald Ford was selected to the All-City team of the Grand Rapids City League.

1932: Michigan Won National Title

In 1932, Gerald Ford played on the University of Michigan football team, which had an undefeated season and won a national title.

1933: Michigan Won National Title

In 1933, Gerald Ford played on the University of Michigan football team, which had an undefeated season and won a national title.

1934: Ford Played for Michigan

In 1934, Gerald Ford was a star player for the University of Michigan football team, during which they held Minnesota to a scoreless tie in the first half of one game.

1934: Ford selected for Shriners' East-West Shrine Game

In 1934, Gerald Ford was selected for the Eastern Team in the Shriners' East–West Shrine Game at San Francisco, which was played on January 1, 1935, to benefit physically disabled children.

January 1, 1935: Ford Played in Shriners' East-West Shrine Game

On January 1, 1935, Gerald Ford played in the Shriners' East–West Shrine Game at San Francisco as part of the Eastern Team.

September 1935: Ford Took Job at Yale University

In September 1935, Gerald Ford took a job as the boxing coach and assistant varsity football coach at Yale University.

December 3, 1935: Ford's Name Change Formalized

On December 3, 1935, the name change to Gerald Rudolff Ford Jr. was formalized.

1935: Ford Hopes to Attend Yale Law School

In 1935, Gerald Ford hoped to attend Yale Law School, but his admission was initially denied due to his coaching responsibilities.

1937: Ford at University of Michigan Law School

In the summer of 1937, Gerald Ford spent time as a student at the University of Michigan Law School.

1938: Ford Admitted to Yale Law School

In the spring of 1938, Gerald Ford was admitted to Yale Law School and was also promoted to the position of junior varsity head football coach at Yale.

1939: Ford Signed Petition to Enforce Neutrality Act

In 1939, Gerald Ford joined a group of students and signed a petition to enforce the 1939 Neutrality Act, inspiring the America First Committee.

December 7, 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor

Following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Ford enlisted in the Navy.

1944: USS Monterey Damaged by Typhoon Cobra

In 1944, the USS Monterey, where Ford was serving, was damaged by Typhoon Cobra, which caused a fire and significant damage to the ship.

1946: Return to Grand Rapids and Republican Politics

In 1946, Gerald Ford returned to Grand Rapids and became involved in local Republican politics. Supporters encouraged him to challenge the incumbent Republican congressman, Bartel J. Jonkman, because Ford's military service had changed his worldview to an internationalist perspective, contrasting with Jonkman's isolationist views.

1948: First Congressional Campaign

In 1948, during his first campaign for Congress, Ford engaged directly with voters by visiting them at their homes and at factories. He also visited local farms, where he made a wager that resulted in him spending two weeks milking cows after his election victory.

October 10, 1973: Spiro Agnew Resignation

On October 10, 1973, Spiro Agnew resigned from the vice presidency, leading to Nixon seeking advice on a replacement.

August 1, 1974: Warning about potential Presidency

On August 1, 1974, Alexander Haig contacted Ford to tell him to prepare for the presidency due to a new tape being released with devastating evidence that would probably lead to either an impeachment or a resignation of the president.

September 5, 1975: Assassination Attempt by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme

On September 5, 1975, in Sacramento, California, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate President Ford by pointing a Colt .45-caliber handgun at him. Secret Service agent Larry Buendorf intervened, and Fromme was taken into custody.

July 7, 1976: White House State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth II

On July 7, 1976, President and First Lady Ford hosted a White House state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of the United Kingdom, which was televised on the Public Broadcasting Service network.

1976: Ford's Planned Retirement

In 1976, Ford planned to retire from politics.

1977: Establishment of Gerald R. Ford Institute of Public Policy

In 1977, Gerald Ford established the Gerald R. Ford Institute of Public Policy at Albion College in Albion, Michigan.

1977: Hole in One at Pro-Am

In 1977, Gerald Ford shot a hole in one during a Pro-am held in conjunction with the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee.