Active in the law and politics from an early age, Forward served as a U.S. Congressman, 1822-25. By the early 1830's, he had allied himself with the National Republicans and, in 1834, was instrumental in forming the Whig party. Upon his election to the presidency, William Henry Harrison named Forward to be the first comptroller of the currency and, upon Harrison's death, Forward was named Treasury Secretary in Tyler's cabinet (1841-43). He also served as American charge d'affairs to Denmark (1849-51).