George Ransom Forth was born in White County, Virginia, October 14, 1847, and is a son of William and Melinda Forth, nee Mays, both natives of Virginia. When George was about four years of age his parents moved to Grundy County, Missouri, and remained one year, and then started to Arkansas. His father died on the journey there. His mother and family lived in Arkansas about two years and then moved back to Grundy County and lived there until 1862, when they located in Daviess County, and his mother is still a resident of this county.
George was educated at the district schools in Grundy County and also at Grand River College. When only fourteen years of age he began life for himself and for six years worked by the month on a farm, after which he spent another year at the Grand River College, and then began farming for himself. On the 25th of May, 1876, he was married to Miss Ida M. McClure, who was born in Grundy County Missouri, on the 18th of February, 1858. Her father, William McClure, was born in Ohio, but was an -early settler in Missouri and did much toward the development of Grundy County; he died June 15, 1865. Her mother, Mary Martin McClure, was born in Pennsylvania; she is still living and makes her home with this family. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Forth; viz., William W., born October 14, 1877; and. Maggie P., born April 26, 1879. Mr. Forth is possessed of a very desirable farm of 114 acres, all accumulated by the united labors of himself and wife. She has been a successful teacher, having received a fine education at Grand River College.