Came to Grimsby and started a business on Nov. 1, 1861 - a public-spirited man of high honor and very loyal - Born May 19, 1840 - for over 35 years he was magistrate, later being appointed Postmaster - Leaves one daughter and a host of friends.
In the passing away in Hamilton, on Tuesday morning, Grimsby lost one of its finest, loyalist [sic] and most energetic citizens in the person of Postmaster William Forbes, a man who was liked and loved by all... He was born in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 19, 1840 and resided there until he moved to Grimsby and opened up a general store business on November 1, 1861. The first customer that Mr. Forbes had was Mr. Geo. VanDyke, who is still living in Grimsby. On Sept. 3, 1866, he was married to Miss Kitchen, a daughter of the late W.W. Kitchen, she predeceasing him by 13 years. His only son, Duncan, predeceased him by 15 years. His sister, Mrs. W.H. Nelles, passed away five years ago and his brother seven years ago. For over 35 years he was Magistrate in Grimsby and dealt out just [sic] in a very fair and impartial manner. On April 1, 1898, he took over the Grimsby post office and has been in charge ever since... He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Rev. John Muir, to mourn his loss and a host of friends who will regret his sudden demise. The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon...[reprint of article from the Independent of Feb. 25, 1914, written in commemoration of his 50th anniversary as a member of Grimsby Lodge, A.F & A.M.]...Interment Queen's Lawn Cemetery.
