Forbes family
Encyclopedia
The Forbes family is a wealthy extended American family originating in Boston. The family's fortune originates from trading between North America and China in the 19th century plus other investments in the same period. The name descends from Scottish
immigrants, and can be traced back to Sir John de Forbes in Scotland in the 12th century. Notable family members are businessman John Murray Forbes
(1813–1898), part of the first generation who accumulated wealth, and politician John Forbes Kerry
(born 1943).
which was seated in Aberdeenshire
, Scotland. The first member of the Forbes family to live in the United States
was John Forbes
(1740–1783), a clergyman, who was married to Dorothy Murray on February 2, 1769 in Milton, Massachusetts
, where one of his three sons were born. The family is considered part of the Boston Brahmin
although Rev. John Forbes's first post on the North American continent was in British East Florida
, where he was the first Anglican clergyman licensed to officiate. There is also a link to the Dudley-Winthrop family
directly from Thomas Dudley
, father of Anne Bradstreet
, the first female poet from America.
who treated like a son.
Perkins & Co., like many other Boston trading firms in the early 19th century, sent ships to China to get tea
for sale in America (although some was ultimately re-exported to Britain and Europe). To pay for the tea, they exported to China large quantities of silver and also fur
s, manufactured goods, cloth, wood, opium
and any other items that they thought the Chinese market would absorb. Active trading houses, particularly those from Boston, usually kept representatives resident in Hong Kong
whose main role was to look for and secure quality tea for export at good prices. This was John Murray Forbes's main job during the two years he spent in China (Gibson 2001; Malloy 1998). John Murray Forbes's brother, Robert Bennet Forbes
, was more intimately involved in the importing side of the business and, at least by their own writings, had a more direct role than did John in the opium trade. (Kerr 1996; Hughes 1899).
Until recently, the Museum of the American China Trade in Milton, Mass., on Boston's South Shore, was curated by a Forbes great-grandson, Dr. H. A. Crosby Forbes, an expert on Chinese porcelain. The museum, which was housed in Robert Bennet Forbes's 1833 Greek Revival style house, was a monument to the China merchants and the great wealth in Boston that both drove and resulted from the China trade. The China trade museum was merged with the Peabody Essex Museum in 1984 leaving the house in the management of the Forbes House Charitable Trust which operates it now as the Captain Forbes House Museum
.
Neither John nor Robert spent more than a relatively short time in China—John was there for two years. Upon his return to Boston, John continued interest in the China trade for a few more years, serving as a business/investment manager for voyages undertaken by Robert and others. Fairly soon, however, he recognized that the China trade was becoming increasingly difficult to pursue profitably and that railroads offered a new and much more lucrative opportunity.
states in the middle to late 19th century was due to John Murray Forbes' railroad projects in Michigan
and Chicago. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, from Chicago west to the Mississippi, was built by John Murray Forbes who had a reputation for sound financial management amongst the railroad tycoons of the day (Larson 2001).
's telephone company, and become president of the company, a risk which paid off. Family members also had investments in merchant banking.
John Murray Forbes bought the island of Naushon
, one of the Elizabeth Islands
northwest of Martha's Vineyard
and southwest of Cape Cod
, in the 1840s and he and his descendents have used it as a summer retreat ever since. It is currently owned by Naushon Trust, Inc.
Archibald Forbes, although the family retained its connections with Europe and John Murray Forbes
was born in France.
1. Deborah Wilson Forbes, b 1943- d 1974 (Catherine Caroline Forbes, b 1964)
2. Frances Stephanie Forbes, b 1946 - (Jessica Emelin, Georgia Emelin, Emma Houghton Gring)
3. Gordon Forbes (Erica Forbes, Alexandra Forbes)
m. 2nd to Violet "Patsy" Sweetser (4 children)
1. Arthur Ogilvy ("AO") Forbes
2. Susan Sarah ("Tootie") Forbes
3. Erica Forbes Shafroth
4. Juliana Forbes
m. 3rd Helga Kroll Forbes
1. Michael Gregor Forbes
m. 4th Greta Lum (no children)
This article contains content from HierarchyPedia article Forbes family, used here under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
immigrants, and can be traced back to Sir John de Forbes in Scotland in the 12th century. Notable family members are businessman John Murray Forbes
John Murray Forbes
John Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
(1813–1898), part of the first generation who accumulated wealth, and politician John Forbes Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
(born 1943).
Family origins
The Forbes family descends from the Scottish Clan ForbesClan Forbes
Clan Forbes is a Lowland Scottish clan from Aberdeenshire, Scotland.-Origins:Concerning the origin of this Scottish clan, John of Forbes, the first upon record, seems to have been a man of importance in the time of William the Lion, and was the father of Fergus, from whom the clan are descended....
which was seated in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area.The present day Aberdeenshire council area does not include the City of Aberdeen, now a separate council area, from which its name derives. Together, the modern council area and the city formed historic...
, Scotland. The first member of the Forbes family to live in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
was John Forbes
John Forbes (clergyman)
John Forbes was a clergyman and magistrate in East Florida. He was born in Strathdon, Scotland, the son of Archibald Forbes of Deskrie, Scotland ....
(1740–1783), a clergyman, who was married to Dorothy Murray on February 2, 1769 in Milton, Massachusetts
Milton, Massachusetts
Milton is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States and part of the Greater Boston area. The population was 27,003 at the 2010 census. Milton is the birthplace of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush and architect Buckminster Fuller. Milton also has the highest percentage of...
, where one of his three sons were born. The family is considered part of the Boston Brahmin
Boston Brahmin
Boston Brahmins are wealthy Yankee families characterized by a highly discreet and inconspicuous life style. Based in and around Boston, they form an integral part of the historic core of the East Coast establishment...
although Rev. John Forbes's first post on the North American continent was in British East Florida
East Florida
East Florida was a colony of Great Britain from 1763–1783 and of Spain from 1783–1822. East Florida was established by the British colonial government in 1763; as its name implies it consisted of the eastern part of the region of Florida, with West Florida comprising the western parts. Its capital...
, where he was the first Anglican clergyman licensed to officiate. There is also a link to the Dudley-Winthrop family
Dudley-Winthrop family
-Thomas Dudley:*Born: 1576, Yardley-Hastings, Northampton, England*Political position: Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony 1634, 1640, 1645, 1650*Father of Anne Dudley who married Simon Bradstreet*Father of Joseph Dudley...
directly from Thomas Dudley
Thomas Dudley
Thomas Dudley was a colonial magistrate who served several terms as governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Dudley was the chief founder of Newtowne, later Cambridge, Massachusetts, and built the town's first home...
, father of Anne Bradstreet
Anne Dudley
Anne Dudley is an English composer and pop musician, and was the first BBC Concert Orchestra's Composer in Association in 2001. She has worked in both the classical and pop genres. She is perhaps best known, however, as one of the core members of the synthpop band Art of Noise and also as a film...
, the first female poet from America.
Trade with China
The Boston trading firm Perkins & Co. sent many young men of their extended family to participate in their business activities abroad. Ralph Forbes being married to Margaret Perkins, their children were encouraged in the business. Following the death overseas of his older brother, Thomas Tunno Forbes, the Perkinses encouraged John Murray Forbes to travel to China, too. There John was mentored by the Chinese merchant HouquaHowqua
Howqua was the most important of the Hong merchants in the Thirteen Factories, head of the E-wo hong and leader of the Canton Cohong–Gong1 hong2 . He was once one of the richest men in the world.-Biography:...
who treated like a son.
Perkins & Co., like many other Boston trading firms in the early 19th century, sent ships to China to get tea
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
for sale in America (although some was ultimately re-exported to Britain and Europe). To pay for the tea, they exported to China large quantities of silver and also fur
Fur
Fur is a synonym for hair, used more in reference to non-human animals, usually mammals; particularly those with extensives body hair coverage. The term is sometimes used to refer to the body hair of an animal as a complete coat, also known as the "pelage". Fur is also used to refer to animal...
s, manufactured goods, cloth, wood, opium
Opium
Opium is the dried latex obtained from the opium poppy . Opium contains up to 12% morphine, an alkaloid, which is frequently processed chemically to produce heroin for the illegal drug trade. The latex also includes codeine and non-narcotic alkaloids such as papaverine, thebaine and noscapine...
and any other items that they thought the Chinese market would absorb. Active trading houses, particularly those from Boston, usually kept representatives resident in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
whose main role was to look for and secure quality tea for export at good prices. This was John Murray Forbes's main job during the two years he spent in China (Gibson 2001; Malloy 1998). John Murray Forbes's brother, Robert Bennet Forbes
Robert Bennet Forbes
Captain Robert Bennet Forbes , was a sea captain, China merchant, ship owner, and writer. He was active in ship construction, maritime safety, the opium trade, and charitable activities.-Captain, opium trader and humanitarian:...
, was more intimately involved in the importing side of the business and, at least by their own writings, had a more direct role than did John in the opium trade. (Kerr 1996; Hughes 1899).
Until recently, the Museum of the American China Trade in Milton, Mass., on Boston's South Shore, was curated by a Forbes great-grandson, Dr. H. A. Crosby Forbes, an expert on Chinese porcelain. The museum, which was housed in Robert Bennet Forbes's 1833 Greek Revival style house, was a monument to the China merchants and the great wealth in Boston that both drove and resulted from the China trade. The China trade museum was merged with the Peabody Essex Museum in 1984 leaving the house in the management of the Forbes House Charitable Trust which operates it now as the Captain Forbes House Museum
Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House
The Captain Robert Bennet Forbes House, also known as the R. B. Forbes House, is a house museum located at 215 Adams Street, Milton, Massachusetts. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and is open several afternoons per week. An admission fee is charged.The house was built in 1833 for their...
.
Neither John nor Robert spent more than a relatively short time in China—John was there for two years. Upon his return to Boston, John continued interest in the China trade for a few more years, serving as a business/investment manager for voyages undertaken by Robert and others. Fairly soon, however, he recognized that the China trade was becoming increasingly difficult to pursue profitably and that railroads offered a new and much more lucrative opportunity.
Railroad investment
John Murray Forbes made a considerable fortune from investments in railroads from the 1840s onwards. Some of the population growth of Chicago and Midwestern PlainsMidwestern United States
The Midwestern United States is one of the four U.S. geographic regions defined by the United States Census Bureau, providing an official definition of the American Midwest....
states in the middle to late 19th century was due to John Murray Forbes' railroad projects in Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
and Chicago. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, from Chicago west to the Mississippi, was built by John Murray Forbes who had a reputation for sound financial management amongst the railroad tycoons of the day (Larson 2001).
Other sources
In 1879, William Hathaway Forbes, son of John Murray Forbes, risked the fortune to financially back Alexander Graham BellAlexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell was an eminent scientist, inventor, engineer and innovator who is credited with inventing the first practical telephone....
's telephone company, and become president of the company, a risk which paid off. Family members also had investments in merchant banking.
Family assets
Some Forbes family members remain generally influential in local or national politics.John Murray Forbes bought the island of Naushon
Naushon Island
Naushon Island, part of the Elizabeth Islands, is seven miles long, just off Cape Cod, and four statute miles NW of Martha's Vineyard. The island is owned by the Forbes family and is included in the town of Gosnold, Massachusetts...
, one of the Elizabeth Islands
Elizabeth Islands
The Elizabeth Islands are a chain of small islands extending southwest from the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the United States. They are located at the outer edge of Buzzards Bay, north of Martha's Vineyard from which they are separated by Vineyard Sound, and constitute the town of...
northwest of Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, known for being an affluent summer colony....
and southwest of Cape Cod
Cape Cod
Cape Cod, often referred to locally as simply the Cape, is a cape in the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts, in the Northeastern United States...
, in the 1840s and he and his descendents have used it as a summer retreat ever since. It is currently owned by Naushon Trust, Inc.
Noted as businessmen
- Grandson of John Forbes, John Murray ForbesJohn Murray ForbesJohn Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
(1813–1898): Born in France, John Murray Forbes was the first of the family to enter the China trade and later invested in railroads and amassed a large fortune. - His brother Robert Bennet ForbesRobert Bennet ForbesCaptain Robert Bennet Forbes , was a sea captain, China merchant, ship owner, and writer. He was active in ship construction, maritime safety, the opium trade, and charitable activities.-Captain, opium trader and humanitarian:...
(1804–1889): Partner of Russell & CompanyRussell & CompanyRussell & Company was the largest and most important American trading house in China from 1842 to its closing in 1891.Samuel Russell founded Russell & Company in Canton, China, in 1824. Dealing mostly in silks, teas and opium, Russell & Company prospered, and by 1842, it had become the largest...
, and later associated with Yale UniversityYale UniversityYale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
development and endownment. - His brother, Francis Blackwell ForbesFrancis Blackwell ForbesFrancis Blackwell Forbes was a China merchant, opium trader and botanist, son of Rev. John Murray Forbes, Rector of St. Luke's, New York and his wife Francis Blackwell Forbes (New York, August 11, 1839 - Boston, Massachusetts, May 2, 1908) was a China merchant, opium trader and botanist, son of...
(1839–1908). - Son of John, William Hathaway Forbes, backer and president of Alexander Graham BellAlexander Graham BellAlexander Graham Bell was an eminent scientist, inventor, engineer and innovator who is credited with inventing the first practical telephone....
's telephone company - Son of Francis, James Grant ForbesJames Grant ForbesJames Grant Forbes was a Scottish-American businessman, a member of the Forbes family. He was the son of Francis Blackwell Forbes, the brother of William Hathaway Forbes and the husband of Isabel Clark....
(1879–1955)
Noted as politicians and activists
Many Forbes family members are influential in local or national politics in France, the US and the Philippines.- John ForbesJohn Forbes (clergyman)John Forbes was a clergyman and magistrate in East Florida. He was born in Strathdon, Scotland, the son of Archibald Forbes of Deskrie, Scotland ....
(1740–1783): clergyman, first family member to travel to the United States - Grandson of James, John Forbes KerryJohn KerryJohn Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
(born 1943): United States Senator and Democratic partyDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
candidate in the United States presidential election, 2004United States presidential election, 2004The United States presidential election of 2004 was the United States' 55th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Republican Party candidate and incumbent President George W. Bush defeated Democratic Party candidate John Kerry, the then-junior U.S. Senator...
. Kerry has not worked in the private sector for Forbes family business interests and has spent his career in public service. - Son of William Hathaway, William Cameron ForbesWilliam Cameron ForbesWilliam Cameron Forbes was an American investment banker and diplomat. He served as Governor-General of the Philippines from 1908 to 1913 and Ambassador of the United States to Japan from 1930 - 1932....
used his wealth to become Governor General of the Philippines. - Niece of William Cameron, Ruth Forbes Paine Young tapped her Forbes family inheritance to finance the International Peace Academy.
- John Forbes KerryJohn KerryJohn Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
's first cousin and friend, Brice LalondeBrice LalondeBrice Lalonde is a former green party leader in France, who ran for President of France in the Presidential elections, 1981. In 1988 he was named Minister of the Environment, and in 1990 founded the green party Ecology Generation...
, an environmentalist activist, is a French Green partyThe Greens (France)The Greens were a Green political party to the centre-left of the political spectrum in France. They had officially been in existence since 1984, but their spiritual roots could be traced as far back as René Dumont’s candidacy for the presidency in 1974...
politician who was a candidate in the French presidential election, 1981French presidential election, 1981The French presidential election of 1981 took place on 10 May 1981, giving the presidency of France to François Mitterrand, the first Socialist president of the Fifth Republic....
and currently mayor of Saint-Briac-sur-MerSaint-Briac-sur-MerSaint-Briac-sur-Mer , is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine Department of Brittany in north-western France.-Demographics:Inhabitants of Saint-Briac-sur-Mer are called Briacins.As of the census of 1999, the town had a population of...
near the Forbes family estateLes Essarts, Forbes family estateis the Forbes family estate at Saint-Briac, France, and the international family seat of the descendants of James Grant Forbes , a member of the Forbes family of China and Boston who settled in Brittany at...
in France.
Ancestors in Scotland
- Solvathius Forbes (c. 850), married daughter of King Giric of ScotlandGiric of ScotlandGiric mac Dúngail was a king of the Picts or the king of Alba. The Irish annals record nothing of Giric's reign, nor do Anglo-Saxon writings add anything, and the meagre information which survives is contradictory...
- Christopher Forbes
- Christopher Forbes
- Duncan Forbes
- Ochonchar Forbes
- Fergus de Forbes
- Alexander de Forbes
- Duncan de Forbes
- Alexander de Forbes
- Fergus de Forbes
- Ochonchar Forbes
- Duncan Forbes
- Christopher Forbes
- Christopher Forbes
Confirmed ancestors in Scotland
- Sir John De Forbes, a man of rank and importance in the reign of William the Lion, of Scotland
- Sir Fergus De Forbes, (b. before 1272)
- Alexander De Forbes, (d. 1303, Loch NessLoch NessLoch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately southwest of Inverness. Its surface is above sea level. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie"...
, Scotland), governor of Urquhart CastleUrquhart CastleUrquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in Scotland along the A82 road, between Fort William and Inverness. It is close to the village of Drumnadrochit. Though extensively ruined, it was in its day one of the largest strongholds of medieval Scotland, and remains an impressive structure, splendidly...
in MorayMorayMoray is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland. It lies in the north-east of the country, with coastline on the Moray Firth, and borders the council areas of Aberdeenshire and Highland.- History :...
, defended it 1304 against Edward IEdward I of EnglandEdward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons... - Alexander De Forbes, (b. before 1303- killed 1332 while fighting for David II of ScotlandDavid II of ScotlandDavid II was King of Scots from 7 June 1329 until his death.-Early life:...
in the battle of Dupplin MoorBattle of Dupplin MoorThe Battle of Dupplin Moor was fought between supporters of the infant David II, the son of Robert the Bruce, and rebels supporting the Balliol claim in 1332. It was a significant battle of the Second War of Scottish Independence.-Background:...
) - Sir John of the "Black Lip" Forbes, (b. in Aberdeenshire, Scotland), 1332 - d. before November 20, 1406), m. to Margaret Kennedy
- Sir William Forbes (LairdLairdA Laird is a member of the gentry and is a heritable title in Scotland. In the non-peerage table of precedence, a Laird ranks below a Baron and above an Esquire.-Etymology:...
of Kynaldy), (1385 - killed January 25, 1445 at the battle of ArbroathArbroathArbroath or Aberbrothock is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland, and has a population of 22,785...
), m. to Agnes Fraser - Sir Alexander Forbes (Laird of Kynaldy), (d. 1477), m. to Maria Hay
- William Forbes, (b. in Pitsligo, before 1477-), m. to Mariot Olgilvy
- William Forbes, (b. in Dauch, Scotland, before 1500-), m. to Elizabeth Forbes
- Alexander, 1st Forbes (Laird of Newe), (d. 1561), m. to Jean Lumsden
- William, 2nd Forbes (Laird of Newe), (d. 1571), m. to Margaret Gordon
- John "Blue Bonnet" 3rd Forbes (Laird of Newe), (d. 1616), m. to Isabel Burnet
- Alexander, 4th Forbes (Laird of Newe), (d. 1654), m. to Janet Robertson
- William, 5th Forbes (Laird of Newe) (d. 1698), m. to Helen Forbes
- John Forbes (b. Descrie, Scotland, 1670–1739) m. to Margaret Farquharson
- Archibald Forbes, (b. Deskrie, Scotland, 1713–1793, d. December 3, 1793, New Miln, of Keith, ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
), m. to Henrietta Grant
Ancestors in the United States
The first members of the family to live in the United States was John Forbes, clergyman, son ofArchibald Forbes, although the family retained its connections with Europe and John Murray Forbes
John Murray Forbes
John Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
was born in France.
- Reverend John ForbesJohn Forbes (clergyman)John Forbes was a clergyman and magistrate in East Florida. He was born in Strathdon, Scotland, the son of Archibald Forbes of Deskrie, Scotland ....
, (b. Deskrie, Scotland, 1740 - September 17, 1783), m. on February 2, 1769 to Dorothy "Dolly" Murray, (b. Tower Hill, London, Great Britain, February 4, 1745 - d. Brush Hill, Milton, Massachusetts June 9, 1811)- Colonel James Grant Forbes I, (b. St. Augustine, East Florida, November 22, 1769), m. to Francis Elizabeth Blackwell
- Reverend John Murray ForbesJohn Murray ForbesJohn Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
, (1807–1885), m. to Anne Howell, (d. 1849)- Anna Adelaide Forbes (b 1842) m. 1874 Dr. John Carmichael (no Children)
- John Murray Forbes, Jr (b 1844- d 1921) m. in 1882 Minnie Emmett Griswold
- Gordon Forbes (b 1883 - d 1918) m. Frances Wilson (Frances m. 2nd Arthur Ogilvy)
- Reverend John Murray Forbes
- Colonel James Grant Forbes I, (b. St. Augustine, East Florida, November 22, 1769), m. to Francis Elizabeth Blackwell
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- Gordon Forbes (b 1918 Mass - d 2009) m. 1st to Catherine May Griffin (b 1918 Chicago - d 2003) (3 Children)
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1. Deborah Wilson Forbes, b 1943- d 1974 (Catherine Caroline Forbes, b 1964)
2. Frances Stephanie Forbes, b 1946 - (Jessica Emelin, Georgia Emelin, Emma Houghton Gring)
3. Gordon Forbes (Erica Forbes, Alexandra Forbes)
m. 2nd to Violet "Patsy" Sweetser (4 children)
1. Arthur Ogilvy ("AO") Forbes
2. Susan Sarah ("Tootie") Forbes
3. Erica Forbes Shafroth
4. Juliana Forbes
m. 3rd Helga Kroll Forbes
1. Michael Gregor Forbes
m. 4th Greta Lum (no children)
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- Wilson Forbes (b 1915- d 1990) Santa Barbara m. Julia Lynch (no children)
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- John Griswold Forbes (b 1885 - d 1887)
- Janet Forbes (b 1888)
- Howell Forbes (b 1891)
- John Murray Forbes (b 1893 - d 1971)
- Francis Blackwell ForbesFrancis Blackwell ForbesFrancis Blackwell Forbes was a China merchant, opium trader and botanist, son of Rev. John Murray Forbes, Rector of St. Luke's, New York and his wife Francis Blackwell Forbes (New York, August 11, 1839 - Boston, Massachusetts, May 2, 1908) was a China merchant, opium trader and botanist, son of...
, (1839–1908), m. to Isabel Clarke Forbes, of China and France- Isobel Forbes (1868) m. Albert de Mimont
- James Grant ForbesJames Grant ForbesJames Grant Forbes was a Scottish-American businessman, a member of the Forbes family. He was the son of Francis Blackwell Forbes, the brother of William Hathaway Forbes and the husband of Isabel Clark....
, (b. Shanghai, China, October 22, 1879 - d. Paris April 24, 1955), m. to Margaret Tyndal Winthrop, (1880–1970)- James Forbes
- Jock Forbes
- Griselda Forbes
- Angela Forbes
- Eileen Forbes Francais Tailleux
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- Vanessa tailleux and Carlo Tailleux
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- Monica Forbes
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- Christian and Lucinda Curtis
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- Alistair Forbes.
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- Peter Forbes
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- Ian Alexander Forbes (Fredericton N.B, Canada)
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- Veronica, Felcity, Alexander, Juillet, Grisselda Forbes
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- Iris Forbes, m. to Terence Armstrong (1920–1996) (British Arctic researcher)
- Kevin Armstrong (teacher)
- Fiona (Forbes) Lalonde m. Alain-Gauthier Lévy, later Lalonde (after name change)
- Brice LalondeBrice LalondeBrice Lalonde is a former green party leader in France, who ran for President of France in the Presidential elections, 1981. In 1988 he was named Minister of the Environment, and in 1990 founded the green party Ecology Generation...
, a French politician, who ran for President of France as the Green Party candidate in 1981
- Brice Lalonde
- Rosemary Forbes KerryRosemary Forbes KerryRosemary Isabel Forbes Kerry , was one of eleven children of James Grant Forbes of the Protestant Forbes family of China and Boston, and wife Margaret Tyndal Winthrop. She studied to be a nurse, and served in the Red Cross in Paris during World War II...
, (b. Paris, October 27, 1913 - d. November 14, 2002), m. to Richard Kerry- Cameron Kerry
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- jessica and sarah kerry
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- Diane Kerry
- Peggy Kerry, m. to George Kaler .
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- Iris forbes Kaler
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- John Forbes KerryJohn KerryJohn Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
, (December 11, 1943 - ) m. to Teresa Heinz
- Cameron Kerry
- Iris Forbes, m. to Terence Armstrong (1920–1996) (British Arctic researcher)
- Francis Murray Forbes, (founder of Cabot, Cabot & ForbesCabot, Cabot & ForbesCabot, Cabot & Forbes was founded by Francis Murray Forbes in 1897 as a real estate management firm. It is one of Boston's larges firms in that industry., with interests on a nationwide basis.Notable American business leaders who have worked at this firm:...
)- Cynthia (Forbes) Lyman, m. to John Lowell Lyman
- Griselda Lyman, m. to Duncan Alexander White
- John L. Lyman Jr, m. to Dorothy Marie Royer
- Cynthia (Forbes) Lyman, m. to John Lowell Lyman
- Ethel Anna Forbes, b. 1880 or 1872 Shanghai, China
- Charles Stewart Forbes, b. 1879 Shanghai, China
- Evelyn Forbes Potter
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- John Murray ForbesJohn Murray ForbesJohn Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
, (August 13, 1771–1831) Buried in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Ralph Bennett Forbes, (August 1, 1773–1824) m. on October 13, 1801 to Margaret Perkins (sister of Colonel Thomas Handasyd Perkins)
- John Murray ForbesJohn Murray ForbesJohn Murray Forbes was an American railroad magnate, merchant, philanthropist and abolitionist. He was president of both the Michigan Central railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1850s....
of China and Boston, b. France (1813–1898), m. to Sarah Swain Hathaway, (1813–1900)- John Malcolm ForbesJohn Malcolm ForbesJohn Malcolm Forbes was a businessman and sportsman. He was born in Milton, Massachusetts in 1847 into the wealthy Forbes family of Boston. In addition, he was highly regarded as a yachtsman and horseman.-Horses:...
, (1847–1904), m. to Sarah Coffin Jones, (1852–1891)- Cpt. Gerrit Forbes, (1880–1964), m. 1st to Florence Emerson, (1882–1906), m. 2nd to Marthe De La Fruglaye, m. 3rd to Dita Weber
- Helen Forbes, (1905–1911), (daughter of Gerrit Forbes and Florence Emerson)
- Edith Forbes, (1906-....), (daughter of Gerrit Forbes and Florence Emerson)
- Gordon Donald Forbes, (1915-....), (son of Gerrit Forbes and Marthe De La Fruglaye)
- Marguerita Hoima Forbes, (1917–2001), (daughter of Gerrit Forbes and Marthe De La Fruglaye)
- Cpt. Gerrit Forbes, (1880–1964), m. 1st to Florence Emerson, (1882–1906), m. 2nd to Marthe De La Fruglaye, m. 3rd to Dita Weber
- William Hathaway Forbes, (1840–1896), m. to Edith Emerson, (1841–1928), daughter of Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century...
- Ralph Emerson Forbes (1863–1937), m. to Elise Cabot Forbes (daughter of Walter C. Cabot)
- Ruth Forbes (1903–1998) m. 1st George Lyman Paine Jr, m. 3rd Arthur M. YoungArthur M. YoungArthur Middleton Young was an American inventor, helicopter pioneer, cosmologist, philosopher, astrologer and author. Young was the designer of Bell Helicopter's first helicopter, the Model 30, and inventor of the stabilizer bar used on many of Bell's early helicopter designs...
, inventor of the Bell Helicopter; Ruth founded International Peace Academy and Forbes family fellows- Cameron Paine
- Michael R. Painehttp://jfkassassination.net/russ/testimony/paine_m1.htm. b. June 25, 1928, NYC, m. Ruth Hyde PaineRuth PaineRuth Hyde Paine was a friend of Marina Oswald who was living with her at the time of the JFK assassination. Lee Harvey Oswald stored the 6.5 mm caliber Carcano rifle he allegedly used to assassinate US President John F. Kennedy in her garage, unbeknownst to her and her husband, Michael Paine.-...
, Oswald family benefactors in whose garage family friend Lee Harvey OswaldLee Harvey OswaldLee Harvey Oswald was, according to four government investigations,These were investigations by: the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the Warren Commission , the House Select Committee on Assassinations , and the Dallas Police Department. the sniper who assassinated John F...
stored his rifle and in whose home Marina Oswald lived
- Ruth Forbes (1903–1998) m. 1st George Lyman Paine Jr, m. 3rd Arthur M. Young
- William Cameron ForbesWilliam Cameron ForbesWilliam Cameron Forbes was an American investment banker and diplomat. He served as Governor-General of the Philippines from 1908 to 1913 and Ambassador of the United States to Japan from 1930 - 1932....
, (1870–1959), Gov. Gen. Philippines - Edith "Violet" Forbes
- John Murray "Don" Forbes (Jr?)
- Edward Waldo Forbes
- Waldo Emerson Forbes
- Alexander Forbes
- Ralph Emerson Forbes (1863–1937), m. to Elise Cabot Forbes (daughter of Walter C. Cabot)
- Alice Hathaway Forbes (1838-)
- Ellen Randolph Forbes (1838-)
- Mary Hathaway Forbes (1844-)
- Sarah Forbes (1853–1917), m. William Hastings Hughes (1833–1909). They had issue Walter Scott Hughes (1888–1953) and Dorothea Hughes (1891–1952), a Quaker and philanthropist who was described as 'a veritable patron saint to the loving people [of Jamaica]'
- John Malcolm Forbes
- Captain Robert Bennett Forbes (1804–1889), m. to Rose Greene Smith (1798–1885)
- Robert Bennett Forbes (1836-)
- Edith Forbes (1843–1925), m. to Charles Eliot Perkins
- James Murray Forbes (1845–1937), m. to Alice Francis(Bowditch) Forbes
- Allan Forbes (1874–1955), m. to Josephine (Crosby) Forbes (1885–1967)
- Phyllis Forbes (1915–2009), m. to Tudor Leland
- Robert Forbes Leland
- Lysa Leland
- Daphne Leland, m. Robert Borden
- Robert Bennet Forbes
- Phyllis Forbes m. Andrew Kerr
- Elizabeth Lee Forbes
- Allan Forbes, Jr., author and documentary filmmaker
- Bo Forbes
- Stefan ForbesStefan ForbesStefan Forbes is an American writer and film director. His first feature film was the 2008 documentary film Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story, about the life of political operative Lee Atwater. Boogie Man played at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, played in 40 U.S...
, m. Tia Wou (1962-) - Danuta Forbes
- James Murray Forbes (1922–2008)
- Michael Robert Bennett Forbes
- Catherine Sophia Forbes
- James Murray Forbes, snr. m. Kylie (Wiltshire)
- Sienna Rose Forbes
- James Murray Forbes Jr.
- Henry Ashton Crosby Forbes (1925-), m. to Grace (Pierce) Forbes (1927–2003)
- Robert Pierce ForbesRobert Pierce ForbesRobert Pierce Forbes is an American historian specializing in the politics and culture of the early American Republic, and the impact of slavery on the development of American institutions and modern society.-Life:...
(1958-), m. to Joanne Ellen Foodim (1958-)- Rachel Young-Eun Foodim Forbes (1989-)
- David Jong Bennet Forbes (1991-)
- Douglas Bowditch Forbes (1961-)
- Robert Pierce Forbes
- Phyllis Forbes (1915–2009), m. to Tudor Leland
- Mary Bowditch Forbes (1878–1962) (founder of the Mary Bowditch Forbes Collection of Abraham LincolnAbraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
memorabilia.) - Dorothy Forbes (1880–1944)
- Allan Forbes (1874–1955), m. to Josephine (Crosby) Forbes (1885–1967)
- John Murray Forbes
- Joseph Barlow ForbesJoseph Barlow ForbesJoseph Barlow Forbes was a member of the Forbes family and a pioneering educator in early Utah history.-Early years:...
(1840–1927)- Olive Edith Forbes
- Paul Dayton BaileyPaul Dayton BaileyPaul Dayton Bailey was the owner/publisher of Westernlore Press and a writer of many books himself that focused on the Western American experience and, in particular, Latter-day Saint history.- Early years :...
(1906–1987)- Thomas Andrew Forbes (1951–2001)
- Thomas Andrew Forbes II (1967-)
- Meghan Forbes (1995-)
- Chelsea Forbes (1999-)
- Thomas Andrew Forbes III (2004-)
- Mary Ann Fober (1995)
- Thomas Andrew Forbes II (1967-)
- Thomas Andrew Forbes (1951–2001)
- Paul Dayton Bailey
- Thomas Forbes a Vietnam War veteran (1944-)
- Olive Edith Forbes
-
Sources
- Life and Recollections of John Murray Forbes, ed. by Sarah Forbes Hughes, Two Volumes, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1899.
- An American Railroad Builder: John Murray Forbes, by Henry Pearson, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1911.
- Forbes: Telephone Pioneer, by Arthur Pier, 1953.
- The Bingham Genealogy Project, by Doug Bingham, http://www.pa.uky.edu/~shapere/dkbingham/d0007/g0000017.html, 2003
- Boston Men on the Northwest Coast: The American Fur Trade, 1788-1844, by Mary Malloy, University of Alaska Press, 1998.
- Bonds of Enterprise: John Murray Forbes and Western Development in America's Railway Age, John Lauritz Larson, Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2001.
- Otter Skins, Boston Ships, and China Goods: The Maritime Fur Trade of the Northwest Coast, 1785-1841, by James R. Gibson, McGill-Queen's University Press, 2001.
- Letters from China: The Canton-Boston Correspondence of Robert Bennet Forbes, 1838–1840, ed. by Phyllis Forbes Kerr, Mystic Seaport Museum, 1996.
External links
- The Ancestors of Sen. John Forbes Kerry (b. 1943)
- Website of the Captain Forbes House Museum in Milton, MA
- Forbes Family Business Records at Baker Library Historical Collections, Harvard Business School
This article contains content from HierarchyPedia article Forbes family, used here under the GNU Free Documentation License.