Kentucky:  A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 3rd ed.,
1886. Warren County.

JAMES K. FORBES, of the firm of Forbes Brothers, dealers in lumber,
contractors and builders, and proprietors of the Bowling Green
planing-mill, was born in Christian County, Ky., in 1847.  He is the
eldest of a family of three living children born to J. K. and M. J.
(Mills) Forbes, and is of Scotch extraction.  The father was born in North
Carolina, came to Kentucky about 1812, and settled in Christian County,
where he died in 1884.  By occupation he was a carpenter and bridge
builder, and was one of leading citizens of Christian County.  The mother
was a Virginian; came to this State in early times, and died in Christian
County, in December, 1884.  James K. Forbes was educated at the common
schools.  At twenty-one years of age he took up the battle of life for
himself, engaged in the lumber business in his native and adjoining
counties, which he has since continued. In 1877 he also engaged in the
planing-mill business at Hopkinsville.  In 1882 he came to this city, and
began the present business under the firm name of Forbes Bros.  The
planing-mill was erected in 1882, and is 60x200 feet.  Fifty men are
employed at this establishment. Among the business industries of southern
Kentucky, this is one of the principal.  The business has gradually
increased since its establishment.  The public school buildings of this
city were erected by this firm, and they are a credit to the builders and
contractors.  The firm is now building the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
at Franklin, Ky., and the Methodist Episcopal Church at Clarksville, Tn. 
Politically Mr. Forbes is an uncompromising Democrat, and one of the
worthy and highly-respected citizens of Bowling Green.

Forbes Mills
=
Hopkinsville-Christian-KY NC VA Franklin-Simpson-KY TN

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/warren/forbes.jk.txt