William Henry Forbes facts for kids
William Henry Forbes (1815 – July 20, 1875) was an important person in early Minnesota history. He was a fur trader and also served as a politician in the Minnesota Territory.
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Early Life and Moving West
William Henry Forbes was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1815. When he was about 22 years old, in 1837, he moved to the Wisconsin Territory. This area was not yet a state.
Later, in 1847, Forbes moved to what is now Saint Paul, Minnesota. Saint Paul became a very important city. In Saint Paul, he took on the job of postmaster. A postmaster is in charge of the local post office.
Working with Furs
Forbes worked for a big company called the American Fur Company. This company was very important in the fur trade. They bought and sold animal furs, which was a major business at that time. Forbes worked for their St. Paul branch.
Public Service in Minnesota
William Henry Forbes was also involved in politics. He helped shape the new Minnesota Territory.
Territorial Council Member
From 1849 to 1853, Forbes served on the Minnesota Territorial Council. This was like a early form of a state legislature. People on the council helped make laws and decisions for the territory.
During the Dakota War
In 1862, there was a conflict known as the Dakota War of 1862. During this time, Forbes helped the United States Army. He worked as a quartermaster and commissary. This meant he was in charge of getting supplies, food, and equipment for the soldiers.
Other Government Roles
Forbes also served as the county auditor for Ramsey County, Minnesota. A county auditor helps manage the financial records for the county government.
Later, in 1871, he became an Indian agent for the Devil's Lake Agency. This agency worked with Native American tribes, including what is now the Spirit Lake Tribe. An Indian agent was a government official who worked with Native American communities.
Later Life and Family
William Henry Forbes passed away in 1875 at the Devil's Lake Agency. He was buried in St. Paul, Minnesota.
His father-in-law was Alexander Faribault. Alexander Faribault was also a well-known person in Minnesota and served in the Minnesota Territorial Legislature, just like Forbes.
