Robert Bennet Forbes Biography

Robert Bennet Forbes

Began his career in his uncles' company, which specialized in trade with China. The company became Russell & Company as a result of a merger in 1830, and Forbes became its leader in 1839. His support for innovation in marine safety led to the first iron-hulled tugboats, and his philanthropic endeavors included commanding a ship to take food to Ireland during the famine in 1847.