Sir John Forrest (August 22, 1847 - September 2, 1918) was an Australian surveyor and politician who was instrumental to the surveying of Western Australia. Forrest was born in Bunbury to Scottish parents who were among the first settlers of Australind. After being educated in Perth, at age 16 he began an apprenticeship with Thomas Carey, a government surveyor based in Bunbury, from whom he also learned skills for surviving in the bush. Two years later, Forrest became a government surveyor in his own right, spending long periods in the field. Between 1869 and 1874, Forrest led three expeditions into the mostly uncharted lands of Western Australia, the last of which gained him considerable attention and praise. In 1883, he became Surveyor-General of Western Australia and Commissioner of Crown Lands, a more powerful position than the title might imply. He also entered politics, joining the Western Australia Legislative Council, which became the Western Australia Legislative Assembly when the colony was granted self-rule in 1890. The same year, Forrest was appointed the first Premier of Western Australia. His background in surveying likely inclined him towards supporting public works such as dams and railways, which characterized his time in office, along with greatly expanding the franchise to all adult men. He also represented Western Australia during talks over Australian federation and helped to shape the new constitution. He then served in the Australian House of Representatives and held several leadership positions in government over the next 15 years. John Forrest's younger brothers Alexander and David followed in his footsteps, training as surveyors, helping map Western Australia, and then entering politics.