Philladelphia County PA

Biographical Sketch of William C. Forney

William C. Forney, born on October 13, 1854, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, settled in Corwin Township, Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1882. He was educated at Millersville Normal School and initially worked in the boot and shoe industry before turning to farming and stock-raising. He married Emma J. Kinter, with whom he had four children: Margaret, Michael, Harry, and William Jr. William Jr. had two children, Ross and Arlo. The Forney family has roots in Pennsylvania, with connections to the Kinter family.

Biographical Sketch of Charles G. Kolb

Charles G. Kolb was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on September 29, 1834, and immigrated to America at age 22. He settled in Pennsylvania after marrying Catherine Weiler and later moved to Ida County, Iowa, in 1880. Kolb significantly influenced local education and worship, establishing a Sunday school and serving on the school board. After moving to Ida Grove, he remained active in the community until his death in April 1919. He and Catherine had six children and are buried in Ida Grove Cemetery.