The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-02-18

1897, Hon. AEON Forbes, PRESIDENT
of the Village Council of Worthing-
ton.
AEON Forbes was born in Rome,
Bradford county, Pa, on the 22nd>
day Of July, 1882. He was one of the
older members of family of six
males and six females. in which only
two deaths occurred prior to his own.
His earlier manhood was employed
as clerk and general man of busi
ness in his native town. In 1856 he
came to Saltwater, Mimi, and en-
barked in business as a contractor
and builder. He was married to Miss
Caroline A. Fiske in the city of Still
water, on the third day of June, 1860.
In August, 1862, this young man,
then happily married and pursuing a
prosperous business, heard the call of
President Lincoln for 100000 more
men to help crush the gigantic rebel
lion which threatened the life of the
Republic, and left all that his heart
held dear to perform that imperative
duty of the true patriot, the defense
of an imperilled country. His three
years. service in Co. "C.:", 9Th Regi-
ment Minnesota Volunteers. as
private soldier, ended when the vic
torious Union Army proclaimed the
conflict over and the governm ent
saved.
Mr.. Forbes came to Worthington
in 1878 and engaged in. the lumber
business, which he conducted sue
cessfully, until about two years ago;
when, admonished by increasing
physical infrmities of the necessity
of sparing himself from the onerous
burdens Of business care, he sold out
to the firm of Ramage & Smallwood.
Several times, since his residence
here, he has been elected a member
of the village council. One year ago
he was elected President of the Coun-
Gil and died in office.
He gave proof of his social quail
ties by his membership in several Of
the fraternities, namely: The Fra
ternity Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons; The Stoddard Post Grand
Army of the Republic; The Independ-
ent Order Of Odd Fellows and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen,
who were all in the procession which
followed his remains to the cemetery
of Worthington.
Mr.. and Mrs. Forbes had a family
of four children. one of whom was
called away early in life by the hand
of death. The oldest daughter is the
wife of Mr.. James Ramage, who sue
ceeds to the business SO long ccnduct-
ed by the deceased. ,,..: -, o.. ~.
I: Of the relatives Of the family there
were present at his funeral from
distance, two cousins. Mr.. and Mrs.
J. H. Brawn, of Fenton, Murray
county, Minn., and two cousins of
Mrs. Forbes, H. D. and H. B. Fiske,
of Saltwater. Some years ago bro
ther of Mr.. Forbes died in Worthing-
ton. whose widow and children still
reside here.
Mr.. Forbes was brought up in the
faith of the Universalists, to which
denomination his parents belonged.
He did not connect himself with any
church, though, when his broken
health did not prevent, he was fire.
quent attendant at church services in
this place.
The religious services were con-
Quoted at the family residence on the
afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 10Th, by
Rev. Robert McCune. The funeral
rites of the Masonic Lodge of
Worthington closed the exercises at
the grave. The long procession of
the various societies, the city council,
the firemen and large concourse of
citizens proclaimed the high esteem
in which this honored citizen was
held.
Sohas passed away from the ranks
of the prominent business men of
Worthington, one long and honor
ably connected with it's civic and
business life. AS a brave, patient
soldier, as an industrious business
man, faithful citizen in the trusts
committed to him he won the SYM
pathy and confidence of our people,
during his failing health for twelve
years past. A strong constitution
kept death at bay for malty day of
struggle and suffering. The retro
spect of his active business and So
cial life will be the consoling inherit
ance of his family and friends.
He was devoted father and hus-
band; his ambitions we're very high
to provide for his family and crafty
thir every desire. The floral designs
and flowers were numerous and
beautiful. The funeral procession
was nearly a mile long and is said to
have been the largest funeral ever
ever held in this place.