Alexander Forbes was born in Scotland on March 24, 1824. His parents were Christina Tawse(?) and William Forbes. Alexander came to the United States when he was thirteen, eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a carpenter and a builder, and became the chief carpenter for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Co., which operated out of Cleveland. He made his own tools and tool box, which are now in the Winterthur Museum collection. Although Forbes is known to have married, his wife's name is unknown. He had at least one son. In 1880, Forbes was badly injured in a fall and even lost his memory. He spent some time traveling and eventually his memory returned. He died in Cleveland on August 21, 1914.
From the description of Papers, 1848-1914, 1875-1890 (bulk dates). (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 261233691
