Edwin Alexander Forbes

Edwin Alexander Forbes (1860–1915), who served as the Adjutant General of California from 4 January 1911 to 18 June 1915, is known as the Father of the California Cadet Corps.

During his term of office he originated the idea of providing military training to young men in high schools. At that time the Legislature passed a comprehensive High School Cadet Law. This was the first instance in the United States, so far as is known, where an effort was made to organize statewide military training in the schools, under the supervision of the head of the state Military Department.

Forbes was born on 20 July 1860 near Brandy City, Sierra County. His paternal ancestors were soldiers for many generations in the Highland regiments of the British Army. He was buried on 20 June 1915 at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in San Mateo County.