WHISPERS OF KINGSTON *PUBLISHED*

CPL. UNKNOWN FORBES

The burial of Cpl. Forbes in St. Paul's Anglican Churchyard, later encapsulated by the church's construction, gives us a poignant glimpse into Kingston's early Loyalist and military roots. By 1783, the town was largely a frontier settlement, with makeshift housing, sparse civilian infrastructure, and an influx of displaced Loyalists from the American colonies. Forbes's grave, later enveloped by St. Paul's Anglican Church, reflects the significance of his era's sacrifices and hardships, preserved in stone as Kingston evolved.

As a corporal in 1783, Forbes would have lived and likely died in an environment of disciplined resilience and camaraderie. Kingston was strategically vital; soldiers like Forbes would have known the land well, from the wooded wilderness surrounding the settlement to the water routes essential for trade, military strategy, and survival. The soldiers' daily lives were likely a mixture of guard duty, patrols, maintaining supplies, and physically demanding construction projects for the garrison and settlement.

While the Anglican Church was the established Church of England, soldiers and Loyalist settlers often faced harsh physical conditions that limited formal worship opportunities. In these early years, worship was likely conducted outdoors or in temporary structures, with Anglican clergy ministering to the military and scattered settlers, providing stability and hope to people whose worlds had been upended.

Cpl. Forbes's burial at St. Paul's shows that the church was not just a spiritual center but a testament to the community's resilience, marking the ground where their dead rested as sacred. As St. Paul's began to grow in importance, the fact that the church was later constructed over his resting place suggests how deeply these early soldiers were integrated into the fabric of Kingston's early society. His grave, resting beneath the eventual church floor, became part of the building's very foundation—symbolically reinforcing how Loyalist and British soldiers were quite literally the bedrock of Kingston's early development.

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Here's a genealogy travel itinerary based on the life and burial of Cpl. Forbes in Kingston, Upper Canada, around 1783:

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Kingston

• Morning: Arrive in Kingston and check into your accommodation.

• Afternoon: Visit Fort Henry National Historic Site to understand the military significance of Kingston during the late 18th century

Explore the fortifications and learn about the daily lives of soldiers like Cpl. Forbes.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, reflecting on the historical significance of the area.

Day 2: Loyalist and Military Heritage

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to Bellevue House National Historic Site, the former home of Sir John A. Macdonald, to gain insights into the Loyalist settlement in Upper Canada

• Afternoon: Head to St. Paul's Anglican Church and the Lower Burial Ground. Pay respects at the burial site of Cpl. Forbes and other early settlers. Learn about the church's history and its role in the community

• Evening: Attend a historical walking tour of downtown Kingston, focusing on the Loyalist and military heritage of the area.

Day 3: Exploring Early Kingston

• Morning: Visit the Military Communications and Electronics Museum to gain insights into the evolution of military technology and communication, which would have been crucial during Cpl. Forbes's time.

• Afternoon: Explore Kingston City Hall and the Customs House, landmarks that reflect the city's growth from a military outpost to a thriving community

• Evening: Relax with a boat tour of the Thousand Islands, offering a scenic view of the region that was once a strategic military area.

Day 4: Nature and Reflection

• Morning: Take a trip to Lemoine Point Conservation Area for a peaceful walk and reflection on the natural landscape that early settlers like Cpl. Forbes would have encountered.

• Afternoon: Visit the Murney Tower Museum, one of Kingston's Martello towers, to understand the defensive strategies employed during the 19th century

• Evening: Conclude your trip with a visit to a local pub or café, reflecting on the journey and the historical insights gained.

This itinerary offers a blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, providing a comprehensive understanding of Cpl. Forbes's life and the early days of Kingston. Enjoy your trip!