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, associated for several years with his brother Abram, laid in a supply of the necessary stock, (ore and coal,) as recorded in a small account book, produced hammered iron in his forge on the 28th of August, 1788.  This is believed to be the first manufacture of iron in the western part of the State.  Here Gen. Forney permanently settled for life, and prospered in his useful calling.  His residence received the name of “Mount Welcome,” an appellation appropriately bestowed, as his future history manifestly proved.  The poor and needy of his own neighborhood were frequently the beneficiaries of his bounty; and the weary traveler was at all times made “welcome,” and entertained beneath his hospitable roof “without money, and without price.”