Born in Old Granby, Connecticut. Studied law under Henry Baldwin. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1806 and practiced law in Pittsburgh. Married Henrietta Barclay January 31, 1808. They had no children.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served October 8, 1822, to March 3, 1825 taking the seat previously held by Henry Baldwin. Appointed by President Harrison as comptroller of the treasury in 1840. Appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Tyler and served September 13, 1841, to March 1, 1843. Appointed by President Taylor as charge d'affairs to Denmark in 1849. Returned to Pittsburgh to serve as judge of the district court in Allegheny County.

Forward died in Pittsburgh.

bio: ApCAB; *BDC; BDEB; DAB; Drake; NCAB 6; *TCBDA; *WWWA-H (*give year as 1783)