Joseph FORNANCE, Congress, PA (1804-1852)

FORNANCE Joseph , a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pa., October 18, 1804; attended the public schools and the Old Academy at Lower Merion; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1832 and commenced practice in Norristown, Pa.; president of the council of the borough of Norristown; member of the State house of representatives in 1834; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses (March 4, 1839-March 3, 1843); chair, Committee on Expenditures on Public Buildings (Twenty-sixth Congress); was not a candidate for renomination in 1842; resumed the practice of his profession; died in Norristown, Montgomery County, Pa., on November 24, 1852; interment in Montgomery Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present