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Edsel Ford's children (with Eleanor Clay Ford)
Henry Ford II (1917-1987). Henry II was arguably the most important person in the world auto industry for nearly 40 years. He saved his family's company and had a good time running the show. He was the boss, and he proved it by firing two company presidents. Henry II married three times. His personal life titillated the media, but his stance was "Never complain, never explain."
Benson Ford (1919-1978). The least known of Edsel Ford's sons. Henry had the company; Bill had the Detroit Lions; and Benson headed Lincoln-Mercury from 1948 to 1955. Later he was chairman of the Dealer Policy Board, which mediated factory-dealer disputes. He served on the board of directors but was not a prime player in company affairs.
Josephine Ford (b. 1923). The oldest living family member. Eccentric and everyone's friend. "Dodie" was close to her mother and the only Ford of her generation who also stayed close to Grandmother Clara. She started the "Ford Fords" branch of the family by marrying Walter Buhl Ford II.
William Clay Ford Sr. (b. 1925). He was squeezed out of the business by big brother Henry II but found an identity as owner of the Detroit Lions. He and his wife, Martha, reared four children, the third of whom, Bill, is now CEO of the company.
Henry II's children (with Anne McDonnell Ford)
Charlotte Ford (b. 1941). Charlotte is regarded by many as the family member of her generation who would have run the company if she had been a...