William H. Fordney, a former resident of the north end of Wallowa County, passed away at his home near Turlock, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 22, 1931.
William Henry Fordney was born in Scotland County, Missouri, Feb. 18, 1863, and was at the time of his death aged 67 years, 11 months and 4 days. He came to the Lost Prairie country in 1887, with his brother, Peter Fordney, now deceased. The Fordneys lived in Wallowa County for many years. In the fall of 1907, William H. Fordney moved to California and purchased the land three miles from Turlock, which was his home the remainder of his life.
He was married to Miss Nettie Stein of Missouri, on Aug. 14, 1909. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Nettie Fordney, and his foster son, Wallace Cunningham. Death came suddenly to Mr. Fordney, resulting of an attack of heart trouble. He was buried from the Guy funeral chapel, Turlock, on Saturday afternoon, Jan 24. A large gathering of friends and neighbors attested the high esteem and affection in which he was held. Rev. John Young of the Christian church read the funeral service, while the Masons conducted exercises at the cemetery.
This sketch came from a former resident and teacher in Wallowa County, Mrs. C.E. Whitmore, Modesto, Calif.
Source: Enterprise Record Chieftain, Feb. 15, 1931
Contributed by: Sue Wells