Ford gathered funding for the company by getting the Mayor of Detroit, a Senator and third man to invest in the company.
The company floundered and was dissolved in 1901after putting out less than 20 vehicles. Reflecting in later years, Ford looked back at that time as one that was about profit not innovation.
Ford was raised in Palestine Lodge No. 357, Detroit, in 1894. On receiving his 33rd degree in 1940 Ford stated "Masonry is the best balance wheel the United States has."