David Swope Forney

David S. Forney son of Samuel and Eliza Forney. Born in Gettysburg. In 1849 David Forney climbed up on top of a rock that today is known as "The Elephant Rock" at "Devil's Den" on The Gettysburg National Military Park Battlefield. He carved "D. Forney 1849". In the 1850 census his occupation is "artist". In 1870 living in Pulaski County, VA. his occupation is painter. The carving is the only one that predates the Battle of Gettysburg (1863). This gives evidence that the area now known as "Devil's Den" was a popular spot before the War. Most likely he was up there for some time either painting or sketching. After the war he moved to Virginia. He died there in 1911 but was buried back home in Gettysburg.No paintings , photos or etchings before 1863 have ever been located of the Devil's Den/ Houcks Ridge area.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Mar 16 2017, 0:16:58 UTC