The foreman of Mercy Ranch, Ham is capable and strong and cares for Mercy Ranch as much as Willa does. In addition, Ham acted as a father figure to Willa as she was growing up, something that Jack Mercy could not be bothered with. Teaching Willa the ways of the ranch, how to ride a horse and numerous other things about ranch life, Ham earned the love and respect of Willa, something that she longed to give her father but was unable.