The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-03-01


 Mrs. Vim. Sawtelle. Secretary.
 Miss Ernestine Hogan, Treasurer,
 There was no election of Director, as Mrs. W. A. Johnston, elected for the year, will serve until after the May Con vention.
 As the Historian was not present, the election to this office was postponed
 As the time for adjournment had ar rived, the historical feature of the after noon was omitted.
 The next meeting to be held March TO-
 Life of Gen. John H Forney.
 Permit me to thank the U. D. C. for the honor conferred in naming their Chapter, for me, and I feel hattered at their request for sketch of my life, which I win endea vor to give briefly. wss born in Lincoln County, N C.. 12th of August. 1899, fifth child of Jacob Forney and Sabina Scope Hoke I have so ne pleasant recollections of a large yellow house surrounded by yard, garden and orchards, situated near a big furnace, for my father was one of the first work CTS in Iron at that early day. In the fall of 1885 my family removed to Jack sonville, Ala. l can remember the jour ney through the country, ferrying rivers in f1atboats, the wagons with their lock and scotch boys, the tents and fires at night at the stopping places. Then when our destination was at last reached, the Indians so different from any people I had ever seen. Jacksonville was in a very crude state at that time-the house we went into was made of logs, with a .garret which was reached by a ladder. My mother missed her glass windows. My father had two panes of glass insert ed on each side cf the fireplace. so that she might have light for reading and sewing.
 Ny childhood was very happy I was sent to school at : years of age to a young lady, Mss Sarah Lachen. who made all of her pupils love her-there l met my first sweetheart, who consoled me one day when I had a crying fit over a drenched spelling book-she holds a very tender place in my memory. My next teacher a fine old Presbyterian di- vine, whom all called Father McAlpine, was both feared and loved, for he was disposed to be testy at times. The lit- fle boys were often very trying. Of one day I have a very feeling remembrance. Three of the most mischievous little boys fastened Q very diminutive pin in his chair. point up, of course. When the bell rang and schcnl was in he took his seat. Imagine the cunsequence-he rose all too quickly and to the horror of three quak- ing little hearts, without a word of ex- planation, called out Sam Nisbett, John Forney, Phd Morgan, come and receive your punishment.
 My third preceptor was an excellent teacher, Mr. Wilson, who introduced me Co the dead languages. I am afraid did not cultivate them as I should have done. being moro intent just then in
 
 in forming quite a large company of boys of my own age and having been well drilled by my uncle. John Hoke, who was a Colonel in the State militia, had been elected captain. Mrs Walk er a prominent lady In the town. gave me a handsome ostrich plume for my cap. and one of the belles presented a pretty flag of which we were very proud. On all great days we marched out and went through many war-Hke evolutions, which interested and amused the people. On parade with our muskets. fife and drum We made quite a pretty show. The company was kept up for several years and although there were many changes in the lower offices, I was always Cap tain.
 Having from my earliest childhood had military asoiratious when my two broth CTS. Peter and Henry. left for the Mexi- can War. l accompanied them as far as Wetumpka, and was almost heart broken when they decided I was much too young for such real soldering. A year later a company was raised for the regular service by a Captain Rice of Talladega l joined and was preparing to run off when my father said if l would give up this, as I thought. great opportunity of ser ying my country, he would get me an appointment to West Point. Satisfied l turned my attention to my studies and in 1s4S entered the U. s. Military Acad- emy.
 During my Plebe year I became to well drilled that I was made Corporal. then First Sergeant and the last year Cap tain of one of the companies. The four years at West Point were the happiest of my life so free from care, so full of pleasant duties. the summer encamp- ment was so gay and joyous, dances with lovely girls. walks and talks on moon light nights through sylvan glades with continental musical kinds of delightful scenes troop into my mind when those young days are recalled.
 I was graduated in 1852, and as Brevet