Forney, John

John Forney
December 21, 1811-July 28, 1886

Niles Democrat, Saturday, Aug. 7, 1886, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Another early settler of Niles, another old citizen has passed away.  John Forney was born December 21, 1811, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he grew up to manhood, receiving a good common school education, and learned the trade of a harness maker, which trade he followed through life, while able to work, and always had the name of a good, honest workman.
    He came to Niles in 1835 more than fifty years ago, and has always been a resident among us since that time, until his death which occurred July 28, 1886.
    He was married to Mary Jane Perkins, daughter of Ira A. Perkins, August 30, 1840, and his widow still survives, where all her life from early girlhood has been passed.  John Forney was a quiet unobtrusive man of industrious habits, attending always to his own business, never interfering in affairs of his neighbors, and all through life enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him.  He was well known to all the early residents of Niles and vicinity, and respected by every one, and his death will be deeply regretted by all acquaintances.
    The sympathy of surviving friends is tendered to the respected widow in her bereavement.
Niles Republican, Thursday, July 29, 1886, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mr. John Forney, one of Niles' oldest and most highly respected citizens, died Wednesday afternoon. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, August 4, 1886, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    John Forney, a resident of this city for 40 years, died last evening at his residence, corner of Howard and 6th streets, aged 76 years.  Mrs. Forney survives him.  There is only one child, a daughter, who resides in Chicago. Mr. Forney was of German descent, and came to this city from Pennsylvania.

Same page and column

    Mrs. Alice Cann, of Chicago, is in the city, called here by the death of her father, Mr. John Forney.

Berrien Springs Era, Wednesday, August 4, 1886, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    John Forney, of Niles, died last Wednesday.
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