Just into Dearborn and spending time at Benson Library. Following are famous people documented riding in and/or owning the Ford Model K. The list includes stage stars, industry leaders, military leaders and leading politicians. Not bad for a Ford.

First, from the Ford Times. One month before the Rollout of the model T, the front page of the "Ford Times" features the Model K (the other car pictured is a 60 hp Thomas Flyer):


Courtesy "The Henry Ford," all rights apply

As the Ford Times says, Governor Hugh's would play many important political roles after his tenure as New York Governor, including Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court:

From another "Ford Times:"





Originator of what is now the Canadian Football League trophy:

Not to forget Twining's 'Earl Grey' tea!!

Governor Hughes was a shirt tail relative of mine, or maybe I should say, I was a shirt tail relative of his. Glad he had good taste in cars. At least one anyhow.

Dane, how could I forget....


Dan, an incredibly accomplished man. I would be happy to claim him as a relative (unlike a few of my actual ones... ).

General Frederick Funston:





In April 1906 General Funston provided military support and assistance to earthquake ravaged San Francisco. Some reports said he "saved San Francisco" while others criticized him for heavy handed action taken by the military.

General Funston remained a public and political favorite until his unexpected death in 1917. Some sources reported he was the favorite to be chosen commander of U.S. Expeditionary Forces. As a result of his death, John J. "Blackjack" Pershing was picked for the position.

The most famous political figure I've found with ties to a Model K is future president William Howard Taft. At the time this photo was taken in 1907 he was Sec. of War in the Roosevelt administration and hand picked by Roosevelt to be his parties nominee in the upcoming 1908 election.

Oklahoma City, August 1907:




As it turns out, the Taft administration would be the first to purchase motor cars. When a Congressional leader told President Elect Taft in the late fall of 1908 that Congress would approve $12,000 for the purchase and maintenance of a Presidential motor pool, Taft advisor Archibald Butts suggested they purchase two of the $2800 Fords. Mrs. Taft ("The Motorized Presidency" by Michael Bromley) would have none of that, saying the President should have "nothing less than a Peerless, a Locomobile, a Pierce Arrow or a Packard."

"William Howard Taft and the First Motoring Presidency, 1909-1913"pg. 50, author Michael L. Bromley



By allowing the automakers selected to publicize and advertise news of the sale, two Pierce Arrows and an electric were chosen by the Taft's. Mr. Taft also bought a White steamer as his personal car.

Probably the highest ranking politician to ride in a K (at the time they were actually in the car), Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks:

Oops, a repeat.....

That's strange, it showed a double post, but when I reloaded, it only posted once?

Never mind....

I think you are staring at that microfilm machine too much. Take a break. Go to Ann Arbor and watch Michigan lose.

Dave, I'm in Northern Ohio now, and "cheese curds" on the menu. Maybe too much beer to wash down the curds?

Another military leader. Japanese General Kuroki visited the U.S. in 1907:



In a letter to a friend (below) then President Theodore Roosevelt comments on the Japanese and the need to maintain a strong Navy.




General Arthur MacArthur is tasked with accompanying the General and his staff during the visit. General MacArthur is the commander of the Pacific Division and also the father of future Pacific Theater Commander (WW II) Douglas MacArthur. The MacArthur's are also the first father and son to each receive the Medal of Honor:

Kermit was a son of Teddy Roosevelt. I am related to both Teddy and Franklin.

John

Read The F_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Manual

John,

Thanks for sharing who "Kermit" was. I was impressed by TR's perception of this visiting general officer and Japan's military potential more than thirty years before the attack on Pearl Harbor. You have two incredible historically important relatives.

Robert Allison is generally thought to be the first purchaser of a production U.S. built automobile.

Motor magazine article, 1915:



From the Smithsonian website:




Ten years (1908) after purchasing the first Winton, he bought a six cylinder Ford. Local newspapers and the Ford Times ran stories about Mr. Allison choosing the Ford:

Another politician, Senator Albert Cummins in a Model K. This photograph was published in a 1908 issue of the Ford Times:



Governor Cummins would be elected to the U.S. Senate, and was twice a candidate for President: