Bio: R. A. Forbis, Sabine Parish, Louisiana Source: Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, The Southern Publishing Company, 1890, Nashville and Chicago Submitted by: Thelma Shields e-mail: shields@eufaula.lib.ok.us ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** R. A. FORBIS Planter, Fort Jesup La. Mr. Forbis has attained considerable prominence in the material affairs of Sabine Parish, for he is a man of excellent parts, and has shown good judgement and tact in the management of his estate. He was born in Hardin County, Tenn., on December 23, 1828, and is a son of John and Mary (Dill) Forbis, natives of Kentucky and Alabama, respectively. The parents emigrated to Louisiana in 1839, located in what is now Sabine Parish, near Fort Jessup, and purchased a tract of land on which they lived for some time. He then purchased and moved on the place where his son, R. A., no resides, and there his death occurred in 1868. The mother died in 1843. He had been married three times and was the father of ten children, six sons, and one daughter now living. Of these our subject was the eldest son. He was about only ten years of age when his parents moved to Louisiana, and received such an education as the schools of that day afforded. The country was in a primitive condition and wild game of nearly all kinds abounded. He attained his growth on a plantation, and in April 1862, he enlisted and served until the surrender. He was in all the principal engagements and was a brave and gallant soldier. Since the war he has lived where he now resides, and he and his brother own about 1,000 acres with 250 acres under fence, the most of which is in pasture. Mr. Forbes turns his attention almost entirely to raising horses and cattle. Of the latter he has fine Holstein stock, and also has some fine horses. He is an enterprising citizen and has been magistrate, constable, parish treasurer, and for six years was a member of the police jury, being president of the same for five years. In fact he has been in office for twenty years. He was married in 1859 to Mrs. Kezia Biles. They have no family. Mr. Forbis takes a pride in his official life, and has done all in his power to develop the country. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since November 1857, Sabine Lodge No. 75. Christopher C. Forbis, brother of our subject was but an infant on coming to this country and is interested with the latter on the farm. # # #