What was the name of John Ford's older brother who also directed films?

John Ford’s older brother who also directed films was Francis Ford. Born Francis Joseph Feeney in 1881, he was about twelve years older than John and became an actor, writer, producer, and director during Hollywood’s silent-film era.

Francis established himself in the film business before John arrived in California. He worked with early studios and filmmakers including Thomas Ince, Georges Méliès, and Universal, where he directed Westerns, serials, and adventure pictures. His early prominence gave him enough influence to bring his younger brother into film work in 1914.

John initially worked for Francis as an assistant, actor, stuntman, prop man, and occasional camera operator. Francis also helped open the door to John’s directing career, although John eventually became far more famous. Francis continued acting in several of his brother’s films, including The Informer, Young Mr. Lincoln, and The Quiet Man. Another possible confusion is Philip Ford, Francis’s son and John’s nephew, who also became a director.