Rufus John Forbes was born October 15 1853, at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He was the son of John and Elizabeth Forbes. When 13 years of age he came with his parents to Franklin Grove, Illinois, later moving to a farm near Jefferson, Iowa.

He started working for the North Western Railroad at Vail, Iowa in 1885, going to Botna, Iowa July 29 1890, where he served as agent until his retirement in 1923.

He was united in marriage to Josephine Barta, November 19, 1890. To this union 3 children were born. The mother passed away January 29, 1900. April 25, 1902 he was married to Agnes Dales at Botna, Iowa.

The Forbes family lived in Manning until the children finished school. They then returned to Botna to live and remained there until Mr. Forbes was pensioned by the Chicago Northwestern Railway Company, after completing 38 years of service with that company. After his retirement from active service he spent 5 years at Hot Springs, South Dakota for his health. When his health failed entirely he returned to Manning to spend his last years where he passed away at 10:30 a.m. March 11, 1932.

Throughout his illness he was patient and cheerful, having the best of care from Dr. Wyatt and his devoted wife whose untiring efforts made his last days on earth pleasant as could be.

His parents and two brothers preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of Manning, three children: Florence of Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Roger Jager of Eddyville, Iowa; Oscar of Boone, Iowa; two granddaughters and one sister, Mrs. Marsh Tolliver of Washington.

He was a member of the Modern Woodmen for over 35 years.
A good father and husband, "R.J." had a cheerful greeting to every man, woman and child in his community.

Funeral services were held at the Ohde Funeral Home Sunday, March 13. Dr. George D. Crissman of the Methodist Church officiated. The body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Jefferson.

There is a Card of Thanks that followed the obituary that was signed:
Mrs. R. J. Forbes,
Mava, Florence and Oscar