FORNEY, William C.

FORNEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/30/2021 at 17:32:33

William C. Forney
born Oct 13, 1854

William C. Forney, of Corwin township, post office, Ida Grove, Ida County, Iowa, is one of the progressive and prominent citizens of the township who settled here in 1882. He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1854, a son of Michael Forney, a prominent citizen of this county, who came here in 1885. The latter was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1824, coming of an old pioneer family of Pennsylvania that was quite prominent in the early history of the State, holding official and military positions. The mother of our subject, Margaret Crownshield, was born in Maryland. Six children were born to the parents of our subject, two of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Sarah C. Crum, wife of David O. Crum, living in section 25; and William C., our subject. The father was a shoe merchant for many years prior to coming to Iowa in 1885. In politics he is a Republican; in his social connections he is numbered with the Masonic order, of which he has been a member for many years, while religiously, he holds to the teachings of the Church of God.
Our subject was reared in his native State, receiving his education at Millersville Normal School, Pennsylvania, after which he entered the boot and shoe business, in which he remained until 1882. Since coming West our subject has been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and has brought his farm up to a fine state of cultivation. This farm contains 480 acres of as good land as can be found in the county, and on it he has a commodious residence, 16 x 24 feet, with an L, 14 x 16, the latter being the same height as the house, one story and a half. The ample barn is 30 x 32 feet, with 10-foot posts, while the granary is 40 x 30 feet. In addition Mr. Forney has good sheds, cribs and all necessary buildings for the carrying on of large farming interests. The grateful shade of the grove and orchard are appreciated on this farm, as they are kept in such good condition. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Forney raises a very good grade of cattle and some very superior Poland-China hogs.
The marriage of our subject occurred when he was twenty-one with Miss Emma J. Kinter, born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Elizabeth Kinter, the former being deceased, but the latter resides at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Four children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife, three of whom are living, namely: Margaret Elizabeth, in her sixteenth year; Michael J., in his fourteenth year; and William C., Jr., ten years of age. The third born, Harry S., died when nineteen months old. Mr. Forney is one of the progressive farmers of Corwin township, in which he has lent a helping hand in its development. Politically, he is connected with the Republican party, in whose prosperity and success he takes a great deal of interest. Religiously, our subject is connected with the Church of God, in which he is quite prominent. Kane Lodge, No. 377, A. F. & A. M., is the one with which he is connected. Mr. Forney is a man in the prime of life, affable, courteous and polite in the extreme in his manner, and is one of the best-liked men in his township, where he is regarded as one of the leading farmers.
Source: Biographical History of Crawford, Ida, and Sac Counties, Iowa, 1893, p.359