The Deadbeat Dad of a U.S. President Buried in Glendale, California

Jeff visits the grave of Leslie Lynch King Sr., father of Leslie Lynch King Jr., who is better known as President Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. King is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif.

Leslie Sr. was a deadbeat dad and the son of the wealthy Midwest businessman Charles Henry King who helped cover the child support his son owed Dorothy Gardner, mother of the future president.

Jeff will also check out the Famous Liberty chain that George Washington had strung across the Hudson River to keep out British ships during the Revolutionary War.

#presidentialhistory #geraldford #historyhunters #forestlawnmemorialpark

[gordonholland]

Becoming a stepdad myself was one of the best things that ever happened to me today I am the proud grandparent of three grandsons I will never understand how anyone can just abandon their children my youngest grandchild is 4 now middle grandchild 6 and my oldest is 9 to watch them grow up it's one of the best Journeys I have ever been on

[suzanneflowers]

So glad Gerald's mom was such a strong and dedicated mom! Thanks for a great video!

[steveflaim]

The chain is amazing! Never heard about that before

[theresakerins]

I knew Geralf Ford was adopted and his name was originally Leslie but did not know the story. Thank you. I always enjoy your videos. The info about the chain was also extremely interesting.

[cameronmccreary]

I believe that Forest Lawn in Glendale is one of the nicest of the Forest Lawn Memorial Parks. No, I never knew the things mentioned about President Ford's early life. Thanks Jeff for this recounting of the "dead beat" dad of President Ford.

[starrens]

Another Sunday filled with new tidbits of info! Thanks for sharing a glimpse into the life of President Ford…so grateful he had Gerald Sr in his life and that his mother was so strong.
Happy Easter, Jeff and family!

[Xpyburnt_ndz]

WOW!!! Such a fascinating story of Pres. Ford!!! Just shows how the influence of good character can build and mold a person for the good of many! Many kudos to his adopted father, VERY well done!!! Another GR8 HH vid!!! Thnx Jeff!

[sharylcherwa]

I really don't know how we missed this piece of History. I'm sorry that I did. They should have some kind of Directory to help people find all these wonderful Stories of History. They may have that at the Gate?? I don't know. Thank you Jeff for sharing this. I don't know if I'll ever make it back to see this chain. I'm glad I didn't miss it thanks to you ❤

[stevehayes]

Another great episode, I knew that Gerald Ford was adopted, but didn’t know his father’s story, I have always felt that Ford was a good man who served the office of President with tremendous dignity. Although his Presidency was somewhat unremarkable, his accomplishments make him a role model.

[TOPTENTRAVEL]

So often the grandparents have to step up to fill the shoes of their deadbeat children. Another informative video, Jeff - thanks.

[Dive-Bar-Casanova]

The former Pres really looks like his dad.
That cemetery is one of the most beautiful in the US. Most our family is laid to rest there.

[lindapowell]

I love how you tell the story and I love history very much, Thank you 🙏👍😊

[janicecanfield]

👋 hi Jeff, 👋 hi Sarah.
A very interesting video today but always is. 😃 I so look forward to your Sunday gifts.
Knew Gerald was adopted but didn't know about the 20.00. Personally, I'd have cut it up.
And the liberty chain was a great add here, too.
Thanks once again for an awesome stroll thru History.
I HOP you have a great Easter. 🐰
(I'm all about humor).

See you next week .

[jared]

Not a fan of deadbeat dads, but glad the Gerald Ford turned out a good man. I did not know about the Liberty Chain and that of it is in California. Thanks for all the new information today!

[Julie-msss]

So sad that Gerald Ford’s birth father was such a heel. I’m glad he had a dad who adopted him and was active in his life.
Thank you for another fine video. Great job.

[MrMark]

Jeff, once again, a wonderful video of historic value. A great lesson in history. I for one, enjoy each and everyone of your videos that you put out each week. It reminds me of my history class in Jr. High School, long before they called it middle school. The only thing missing from your videos is the history exams that we had to take one or two times a week. My Jr. High School years were from 1971 until 1974. They are what I call my informative years that would begin to shape the rest of my life. Thank you Jeff for continuing my History lessons . Your a wonderful person. Have you ever thought about becoming a History Teacher? I think you would of made a great one. Would love to have been in your class. Thanks again, Jeff.

[barbaragraham]

I agree when later in the video you referred to Leslie King as Gerald Ford's biological father. Gerald Ford was in every sense of the word his real father.

[skimmer]

On the monument description it says, " painfully hauled " I bet that's correct.
Nicely done Jeff and thank you.

[TaborEaton]

A perfect Easter present for me and my family. Another great History Hunters Video! Thanks guys and God bless!

[joehiker]

A fantastic episode!!! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! =)