[1] Forney pursued an education in classical studies, and graduated from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa in 1844.

[2] Upon returning from the War, Forney studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1848 when he commenced practice in Jacksonville, Alabama.

[1] He was left on the field at Gettysburg with multiple wounds, captured and remained a Union prisoner of war for more than a year from July 5, 1863 to August 4, 1864.

[1] Following his parole, on August 21, 1864, he was given command of a brigade in Major General William Mahone's division.

He was appointed by President Grover Cleveland to be a member of the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission and served until his death.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress