Marian, over at Marian’s Roots & Rambles, has challenged the genea-blogging community to write about their favorite ancestors. Well, I’ve already had two blog posts today so I guess this is a banner day for posts! 
I believe the reason folks have “favorite ancestors” is because of something that is very exciting or very cool about that ancestor. I have two ancestors who come to mind but I will only focus on one. His name is Herrick Alexander Forbes, my 2nd-great-granduncle. Why? His life was so fascinating!
First off, there are the rumors that he helped out with the Underground Railroad. I’ve not verified it for sure but that would be so awesome.
One of the main things that really attracts me to Herrick is the fact that he served on both sides of the conflict in the American Civil War! He was teaching in Louisiana when the War broke out and he was forced to join with the Confederates. The first chance he saw he escaped and went back home to Wisconsin where he joined up with the Union effort and fought with Company I, First Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. Just how rare was that?
I was also fascinated by his life after military service. Serving as a town clerk and persevering through the tragic loss of two children during the Influenza epidemic of 1917 or 1918.
The other person, Gerrit Angelo Forbes, was just a New York Supreme Court Justice! That’s all!
Thanks for challenging us today Marian!
