American cause.

In the spring of 1871, Gen. Forney commenced repairing his plantation
which the British had entirely destroyed, together with that of his
father's in the immediate vicinity, whilst encamped there. He remained
at home until a call was made upon the militia to march to the relief
of Wilmington, when he again volunteered and commanded a company of
dragoons, associated with Captains White and Lemmonds. In this
expedition Charles Polk was appointed Major of dragoons, Gen.
Rutherford in chief command, and marched through the disaffected
country around Cross creek, (now Fayetteville,) and on to the
immediate vicinity of Wilmington. Here Gen. Rutherford created a
belief before his arrival that his forces were much larger than they
really were. In consequence of this belief Major Craig, in command of
the post, deeming his situation then insecure, immediately evacuated
Wilmington and fled to Charleston. This was the only post in North
Carolina held by the British, and with the flight of Craig all
military operations ceased within her borders. This campaign closed
the Revolutionary services of a gallant soldier and faithful patriot
in the cause of American freedom.

In 1783 Gen. Forney married Nancy, daughter of David Abernathy, a lady
of great moral worth and Christian benevolence. The natural goodness
of her heart made her the "cheerful giver." Her numerous acts of
charity were free of all ostentation, and flowed silently forth like
gentle streams from a pure fountain, imparting new vigor and
refreshing everything in their course. After the close of the war,
full of youthful enterprise, and anxious to engage in some useful
business, he fortunately became the owner of the "Big Iron Ore Bank,"
seven miles east of Lincolnton. This is one of the best and most
extensive deposits of iron ore, of the variety known as "magnetic," in
the State. Aware of the inexhaustible supply of ore, Gen. Forney
disposed of interests to other parties (Brevard and Graham) and they
immediately proceeded to erect a furnace (called Vesuvius) on
Anderson's creek, now owned by the heirs of the late J.M. Smith, Esq.
After a few years the copartnership was dissolved, separate sites were
purchased by Forney and Brevard, on Leeper's creek, additional
furnaces were erected and thus the manufacture of cast metal, under
its various forms, was vigorously and successfully carried into
operation. Gen. Forney commenced building his ironworks in 1787