Leslie Lynch King, Jr. was born in Nebraska. Still a baby, his parents divorced. His mother moved to Michigan. Leslie’s stepfather adopted him. His name was changed to Gerald Rudolph Ford.

Gerald Ford was a great football player. Ford played football for the University of Michigan. After college, Ford earned a law degree.

Because of World War II, Gerald Ford joined the navy. He was an officer on an aircraft carrier.

In 1948, Gerald married Betty Ford. Together they had four children.

Also in 1948, Ford was elected to the U.S. House of Representative. He was a congressman for 25 years. In 1973, he became the vice-president.

Ford then became president when President Nixon left office. Gerald Ford was the only president not elected by the American people.

While in office, President Ford received the nickname Mr. Nice Guy. He pardoned former President Nixon so that the country would not have to go through a long trial. He also stopped putting people in jail that would not fight in the Vietnam War.

Ford was our most athletic president. Besides football he liked swimming, lifting weights, skiing, and playing golf. He would play sports with his right hand. He would write and eat with his left hand.