Research Symposium

BIO

Hannah Thomas is a freshman at Florida State University persuing a major in History and minor is Psychology, hoping to graduate in the Fall of 2026. When she isn't studying, she enjoys reading, cooking and working out. She looks forward to pursuing higher education after she graduates.

The Many Hats of John Forbes: St. Augustine 1773-1783

Abstract

The titles “The Versatile Clergyman,” “Lord High Everything Else,” “The Renaissance Man,” and “The Gentleman with Many Hats” all perfectly capture the Reverend Mr. John Forbes (1740-1783). While in St. Augustine during the British governance of the province, the Rev. Forbes took on the roles of Church of England clergyman in East Florida, member of the King’s Council, Judge Surrogate of the Court of Admiralty, Assistant Judge of the Common Law Court, and Chief Justice. However, apart from his salary as a clergyman and the income from his plantation, he did not receive remuneration for the other positions he held, even though his letters suggest the reason he took those roles was to provide for his family.

Keywords: St. Augustine, Rev. John Forbes, employments