Forbes, William J. 1838-1919

FORBES, HUNT, EVERETTS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 12/5/2016 at 22:05:20

Source: Boyden Reporter (5-29-1919)

Born: July 16, 1838
Died: May 14, 1919

The funeral of the late Mr. William J. Forbes was held at the Christian Church in this city on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Reverend Harlan Hurd, a former pastor, but now of Rock Rapids being in charge. Burial was made in the Boyden Cemetery beside his brother and other relatives.

Mr. Forbes was born July 16, 1838 at Minetto, New York. He was the son of William John and Sarah Everetts Forbes and the youngest of a family of 11 children, who are now all deceased.

In his boyhood he lived in the state of New York. During his early manhood he resided in Michigan a few years after he spent three years on whaling voyages.

On his return he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until the end of the Civil War.

Following a visit to his old home in New York, he returned to Michigan, where he met Mrs. Arabella Hunt, whom he married. They lived together until her death in May, 1916.

He spent nearly all of his married life in Eastern Michigan, in various agricultural occupations, and having served one term as postmaster. The last three years he spent nearly all of his time in Sheldon, Iowa, where he married Caroline A. Forbes on July 10, 1918, who survives him.

Since his coming to Sheldon, all that loving hands could do was done to alleviate his sufferings until the close of his early life.

His death occurred May 14, 1919, at the Samaritan Hospital, having lived fully four years.