From A Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. I, p. 739
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902

M. W. FORWARD, M.D. 

   Dr M W Forward, who for thirty-four years has been a resident in Kansas and since 1894 has engaged in the practice of medicine in Frederic, was born in Jefferson county, New York, in September, 1844.  His father, W G Forward, was a well known and successful physician of Jefferson county, New York, where he practiced for many years.  Subsequently he came to the west.  His wife, the mother of our subject, died in Paola, Kansas, but Dr Forward, Sr, is now living in Chicago, at the age of seventy-nine years.  They were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters.  Of this number Masteen Forward served as a soldier in the Civil war with the Second Michigan Cavalry and is now living in Kansas City, Kansas.

   In taking up the personal history of Dr M W Forward we present to our readers the life record of one who has a wide acquaintance and many friends in various sections of the Sunflower state.  In his youth he enjoyed good educational advantages and the pleasant surroundings of a cultured home.  When the country became involved in Civil war over the attempt at secession of the one side and the preservation of the Union on the other, he stood by the government and manifested his loyalty by service in Troop I, Eleventh New York Cavalry.  He enlisted in 1862 for three years, and served for two years with the Army of the Potomac while for one year he was with the Department of the Gulf and participated in the Red River expedition.  He took part in several important engagements and skirmishes and was true and loyal to the old flag.

   After the war the Doctor went to Springfield, Illinois, his father in the meantime having removed to Madison, Wisconsin.  In 1867 the former located in Lawrence, Kansas, where he remained for eight years, and then went to Detroit county, Wisconsin, was there three years; then went to Ottertail county, Minnesota, but later he returned to this state, settling at Quenemo, Osage county, where he remained for nine months.  On the expiration of that period he became a resident of Douglas county, Missouri, which was his home for two years, when in 1894, on account of ill health, he came to Frederic, where he has since made his home, finding that the climate was beneficial.

   In his political views the Doctor is a Republican, and while residing in Quenemo filled the position of mayor.  He is now serving as justice of the peace of Frederic and in all public positions discharges his duties in a most prompt and able manner.  Socially he is a Mason and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Grand Army of the Republic.

   The Doctor was first married in Sangamon county, Illinois, to Martha Poore, and unto them were born three children, of whom two are living, - Minnie and Florence.  In 1882 the Doctor was again married, his second union being with Mary Draper, a cousin of Mrs John D Rockefeller.  The Doctor married his last wife in 1892.  Her maiden name was Edith Baker, and she was a lady of intelligence and good family, presiding with gracious hospitality over their pleasant home.  She died January 9, 1902, and the following obituary appeared in the local paper:

   “Edith Baker was born at Quenemo, Kansas, May 23, 1876.  At the age of twelve years she united with the Presbyterian church and began to work for her God.  In December, 1891, she moved with her parents to Kansas City, Missouri, where she was married on the following January, 1892, to Dr M W Forward.  Dr and Mrs Forward moved to Thornfield, Missouri, where she taught music in the college during the year of 1894, while the Doctor came west to find a place in which he might build up a practice.  In June 1895, Dr and Mrs Forward settled in Frederic.  Mrs Forward placed her church letter into the Methodist Episcopal church, and as she always had done began to work.  She was very active in all reforms, organizing a Good Templar lodge in Frederic, herself holding a seat in the grand lodge.

   “On the morning of January 9, 1902, Mrs Forward left the church militant to unite with the church triumphant, after a three years’ fight against that dread disease, consumption.  During her illness many physicians were consulted, but none could aid.  She died with perfect confidence and trust in her Saviour.  Her life went out as the sun goes down, - noiseless, but glowing.  She leaves behind to mourn her loss a mother, a husband, a brother, a church, a community.  The services were held in the Methodist church, Rev George P Sturges, officiating.”