FORWARD, Joseph W. 1856-1943

FORWARD, ROYDEN, BURTCH

Posted By: Monica
Date: 5/12/2012 at 18:45:24

I am not related and have no further information, this is taken from an old scrapbook that belonged to Mrs. Clara (Jones) McCartney

J. W. FORWARD, EDGEWOOD'S FIRST MAYOR, LAID TO REST

Joseph Walter Forward was born in Waterville, Oneida County, New York on Oct. 26, 1856, the fifth child of a family of eight children. When he was nine years old the family moved west and located on a farm a mile north of Rockton, Ill., where he grew to manhood.

He was educated in the local school and at Beloit College. In the Milwaukee depot at Rockton he studied telegraphy with the agent and after working extra for several months he was appointed agent at Toronto, Ia. Later he was transferred to Edgewood.

On Sept. 21, 1880 he came to the town which was to be his future home. For over 60 years he has been identified with the religious, social, business and political life of this community. He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Eastern Star.

In business he was in turn station agent, merchant and banker; he served as postmaster during the Cleveland and Wilson administrations. When Edgewood was incorporated, Mr. Forward was elected as the first mayor.

In 1881 he was married to Miss Anna Royden, who preceded him in death in 1925. Mr. Forward died at his home in Edgewood Sunday evening, February 21, 1943, aged 86.

Surviving to mourn his passing are his two daughters, Jennie at home and Ruth, Mrs. Chas. Burtch of Osage, and three granddaughters. there are also two brothers, Charles Forward of Oshkosh, Wis., and Robert Forward of Rekton.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Methodist Church, with the pastor, the Rev. Thos. H. Smith in charge. The hymn, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought" was sung by D. E. Rhines with Miss Margaret Kirk, accompanist. The casket attendants were Frank Royden of Scotch Grove, Charles Burtch of Osage, S. N. Bixby of Mt. Vernon, F. E. Welterlen, F. H. Hatch and C. J. Rulon. Burial will be made in the family lot at Rockton.

Mr. Forward was faithful to every trust placed in him. What finer tribute!