Jacob L. Fordyce, farmer, section 34, Gilmore Township, was born April 2, 1828, in Greene Co., Pa. His parents, Archibald G. and Nancy (Leonard) Fordyce, were both natives of Pennsylvania, where the father is still living. The mother died in 1847. Mr. Fordyce studied medicine in his earlier years, and at 25 years of age went to West Virginia and commenced its practice, to which he devoted 12 years at Little's Mills, Tyler County. March 28, 1865, he came to Isabella County and located on 120 acres of land in Coe Township. In 1871, he disposed of the place by sale and purchased 160 acres in Gilmore Township, with a small tract of 12 acres cleared. He has since sold 80 acres, and retains but one-half his original acreage. On this he has good and suitable farm buildings. He served as Supervisor of Coe Township two terms, and has filled the same position four terms in Gilmore. He is a Republican in political affiliation. He was married Jan. 6, 1853, in Greene Co., Pa., to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Wood) Jacobs. She was born March 31, 1834. Following is the record of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fordyce, four of whom are deceased: Lakins was born Jan. 5, 1854; Clarinda, April 29, 1859; Eli, Aug. 25, 1861; Silas, Dec. 17, 1865; Horace, Feb. 2, 1871; William was born Nov. 8, 1855 (died Sept. 21, 1863, of diptheria); Jarret, born Oct. 4, 1857 (drowned July 17, 1861); and unnamed child died of measles March 2, 1863, who was born Feb. 24, of the same year; John Linza, born Feb. 1, 1868 (died Feb. 1, 1884, of malignant erysipelas). The parents are zealous member of the Disciple's Church. Portrait & Biographical Record, Isabella County, Michigan, 1884, pages 433-434