1857                Corner Main and Timber Streets, Knoxville, Illinois.

John Forbes was recorded in one advertisement on December 30, 1857 in the Knox Republican  (Knoxville, Illinois).  Forbes’ New Fine Art Picture Gallery, Corner of Main and Timber Streets, East side Public Square.  I am now prepared to take all kinds of Pictures, which in beauty and perfection of style will vie with any in the west.  I have spared neither time nor expense in fitting up my rooms, and now would cordially solicit the patronage of the citizens of Knoxville and vicinity.  I have constantly on hand an assortment of cases of the latest styles, lockets, breast pins, earrings, &c.

Instructions given in this beautiful Art.  J. Forbes. 

John Forbes is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Knoxville, Illinois in 1860, also recorded in A Directory Of Early Illinois Photographers, Compiled by Marie Czach.