Jesse Y. Forney is classed among the wealthy, liberal and progressive live-stock raisers of Peoria County, who have contributed a large quote towards its material development and present high financial standing. He has for many years been identified with the extensive agricultural interests of Kickapoo Township, where he has a large and valuable farm, and has actively aided in the greater part of the growth of the township.

George Forney, the father of our subject, was born near Hanover, York County, Pa., while his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Young, was born in that town, and there both she and her husband died. They had a family of six children, of whom our subject was the fourth in order of birth.

Our subject was born near Hanover, Pa., May 24, 1822, and there grew to man's estate, making his home in the place of his nativity till his marriage. After that important event in his life Mr. Forney came with his bride to Peoria, arriving here May 17, 1852. They began their wedded life in Kickapoo Township, of which they have ever since been honored residents. Our subject has given his attention to agricultural pursuits to some purpose and by persistent toil and, directed by excellent judgment and sound business principles, has accumulated a valuable property. He owns a large farm of four hundred and sixty-seven acres, under fine tillage, and he has erected a neat and well-ordered set of buildings, and everything about the place bears the impress of a master hand and mind.

In March, 1852, Mr. Forney and Miss Catherine Feeser united their lives and fortunes, the ceremony that made them one being solemnized in York, Pa. Mrs. Forney is the second child in a family of four children of John and Hannah (Stenecifer) Feeser, natives of Maryland, in which state she was born October 16, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Forney are the parents of six children, of whom the following three are living: David married a Miss Cannagahan; Georgia Etta is the wife of James H. Ford; Luta M. is the wife of Charles Ford. The names of the deceased children are; Karl, who died when about four years old; Luella, who died when about five years old; and Lillie, who died when ten years old.

For many years a resident of this county, Mr. Forney is well-known and his character for morality, true piety, unostentatious character and liberal spirit have won him golden opinions on all sides, and no one is more truly respected than he, his wife sharing in the general esteem in which he is held. His financial standing in the county speaks well for his practical ability as a farmer and stock-raiser of roundabout common sense and acute judgment. In religion he is a Lutheran, and the church of that denomination in Kickapoo finds in him and his wife, two of its most conscientious members and generous supporters. Politically our subject adheres to the Republican party, firmly believing its tenets the best calculated to enhance the highest interests of the country wherever they are carried out.