Notes:

Joe and Earl Forte owned picture theaters in West Philadelphia, Ambassador, Sherwood, Baltimore and Byrd. They were the two siblings that were very close. Joe died of a heart attack & Earl died the next day. Both had families. It appears that Joe was the son to fill out the information on his mother's death certificate as J.A. Forte was listed as the informant. He did not know his mother's father's first name.

Family/Spouse: Margaret H. TAYLOR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Joseph A. FORTE, Jr. was born on 10 Feb 1915 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 23 Jan 1991.

Notes:

Information from Henry Lincoln's son, Norman Leroy Forte, shows that Henry Lincoln went to Northwestern University & became a top civil engineer. As a civil engineer in the steel industry he helped build Heinz Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey (where the auditorium did stand), the Brooklyn Bridge (or the Delaware River Bridge), the stone bridges across the Schuylkill River from the University of Pennsylvania Boathouse row to the Art Museum and various railroads. He was employed by Edgemore Iron Co. in Delaware and at one time was the Vice President of the Phoenix Bridge Co. There are supposedly various monuments of him throughout New York State because of his job in constructing railroads and bridges. (F-621, E) During World War I, he was a dollar-a-year man at the Cape Station to load ammunitions on ships. (He was independently financially secure-so the Dollar-A-Year was a charitable job on his part.) Due to his profession, he & his wife and children had to move quite often. Some of their places of residence were: Edmore, Del., and Pottstown, Pennsylvania They definitely lived on the corner of Chelten and Stenton Avenues in Germantown, (Pennsylvania) on April 12, 1896, because the funeral of Marie Isabel, two year old daughter of Daniel L. and Belle V. McGowen Leahy was held at his home a couple days later. Their final home, the one that his grandchildren remember, was in the suburb of Glenside, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania They also had a summer cottage in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. (F-49) He was raised a Presbyterian but was converted to the Catholic faith for his wife's sake. His wallet is in the possession of Doris Dudick. It's most interesting original contents included a tin type of Diantha Fitch Bunnell Forte, a set of 4 leaf clovers glued to a card dated 8-1-1897, and a collection of poems; "Only," "My Little Boy That Died," "Foretaste," and "Worthiness." His family bible, that came from his mother's side of the family, the Bunnel's, is still in existence, being cared for by Henry Lincoln Forte, III, grandson to Henry Lincoln Forte, I. Many of the family member's births are recorded in it. Memories of Henry Lincoln Forte by his grandson, Bill (William) Forte include a man known as "Grandfather," who was an engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge & Heinz Pier (in Atlantic City, New Jersey). He had a proper English air about him. Even at age 80 he hated the Irish. (This adds interest as his wife was Irish.) He would get angry when his grandchildren called their father, "Dad", because "Dad" was an Irish expression. The beds in his home felt like they were made from corn kernels. Bill remembers his grandmother as a small, frail woman who baked great cupcakes and served puffed rice for breakfast. She loved to ride in their car when they picked her up and brought her for multiple week visits to Erie, Pennsylvania Henry Lincoln was bedridden due to a stroke for the last nine years of his life, and his daughter, Edith, would take care of him, while his wife visited their son, Norman's family. Betty remembers him as being a very grumpy, strict grandfather. She says that her grandmother could just ignore his grumpiness and get on with life. She was a delightful woman. (F-115, 122d) I have been able to locate Henry L. Forte and family in the 1880, 1900, 1920 and 1930 Philadelphia Pennsylvania census records. In 1880, Marie C. was listed as Minnie Forte by name and Henry was listed as a Draftsman by trade. In 1900, all the data verifies information in interviews of family members. All children had been born in that census. They lived at 3530 North Broad in Philadelphia at the time. (F-43,259) In 1920 only Henry L., Marie C., Edith M. and Elizabeth Forte were living at 3519 Broad. Henry L. is listed as an employed Civil Engineer in general practice. His father was born in Barbados and his mother, Connecticut. The 1930 census confirms this information. Marie was born in Pennsylvania as was her mother. Her father, however, was born in Connecticut. Daughter Mary was still living with them. They owned their home worth $8000.00 at the time. (F-260, 666) The picture included herein, is Henry Lincoln Forte on the left and a likely brother, Leslie or Cyrus on the right. It is from a copy of a tintype. Tintypes were in use from 1854-1900. This rules out it being anyone but this generation.

Henry married Marie (Elizabeth) Conley RAUCH about 1875. Marie (daughter of Wilmer (Rouch) RAUCH and Isabella CONNELLY) was born in Jun 1856 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 6 Apr 1935 in Glenside, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA; was buried on 9 Apr 1935 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The parents of Marie Rauch are likely as listed. The parentage chosen fit the family ages and names given by Norman Forte, grandson, in an interview of him (F-17), the 1860 and 1870 census records for Pennsylvania and the death certificate for Marie Conley (Connely) Rausch (Rauch) Forte listed above. (F-240 and F:DOC) A grandchild of Marie, Henry (Hank) Forte remembers her as being called Grandma McGowan. Maybe, because her mother remarried a McGowan, she assumed the name of McGowan. (F-453) However, her son Norman claimed his mother's maiden name was Rausch in his marriage application.

Marie is listed as Marie Rauch, age 13 in the 1870 census which was taken in November of 1870. There is one record that needs rechecked. The 1850 Census Records for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania list a James Raoush who was living with a Connely, Isehebel and a Johann, age 11. The names are coincidental and need rechecked. (F-388) (1850, Phil., Dau, p.254, Middle P.) or check (1850, Dau, p. 354, East Han) for a James Rauch.

Notes:

According to Norman L. Forte, grandson of Edward Forte, Edward's parents and grandparents were physicians from the Barbados Islands, originally of English descent. According to his son Edward Cyrus Forte, his father's full name was Edward Cyrus I. Factually, an 1850 U.S. census record lists his birth place in Barbados. He came to America as a hand on a sailing vessel at a young age. He was supposedly in the service as his son Edward of Julius applied for a pension for their mother due to his service for his country. (F-321) He spent much of his life at sea and spent his last few years as ship's captain. He was murdered in Mexico. There is a cemetery stone for him in New Haven, Conn.

Diantha Fitch Bunnell apparently made a living, part of her life, by being a college dormitory mother. She raised her children Presbyterian. Feelings left over in the family, suggest that Edward was believed to be a pirate. He supposedly owned land that is now a part of Mexico City. His sons disposed of his holdings as if to wash their hands of him.

The Mormon I.G.I. files for Barbados includes the following data. The information was supposedly transcribed from actual Christening records. An Edward Forte was christened as the son of Christopher and Anna Forte on 22 Sept. 1822 in Saint Thomas Parish, Barbados. Edward had the following brothers and sisters, also children of Christopher and Anna: Samuel Simmons, chr. 1816, Elizabeth, chr. 18 Sept., 1818, Christopher and Sarah Elizabeth, chr. 17 Nov. 1820, (Our Edward) Mary Anna, chr. 8 Jun., 1824. (Note that this Christening date contradicts information in Edward's Autobiographical letter: "The Sea Gull." In it he states that his three sisters died before he was born, Mar., 1821. (F-227d) Christening records have been verified when we took a trip to Barbados.

His diary has been preserved through a remaining translation. It appears that Edward didn't have every detail correct. The following letter and newspaper clipping were sent to me by Edward's great grandson, Henry Lincoln Forte III. The letter, as printed in total here, was transcribed from the original by the grandson of Edward, Norman Leroy Forte. The original is lost by all known accounts, but it was passed down through Edward's son, Henry Lincoln Forte I, to his grandson, Joseph A. (Joe), to his brother, Norman. The letter is entitled, "The Sea Gull: The Life and Adventures of E. Forte. (It is typed in exact duplicate, preserving punctuation, to the copy I received. Only information in parentheses has been added by me.)

"As I am now about to relate a few circumstances touching on my own life and proceedings, I think I shall explain as well as I can my birth place and the curious way which I have got along through life, hoping that if any one should ever take up or notice these few lines they will of course excuse the rough language and the many mistakes which are generally made by seamen as by profession I am one of that unfortunate class of men called the sons of the sea at the same time not professing to be an accomplished author but only do this for my own curiosity in my idle moments as it maybe of some importance to my relatives or friends as well as my own family.

Chapter 1 I was born in the Island of Barbadoes, one of the British West Indies or Caribbean Islands laying in North latitude 13 (degrees) and West longitude 59 (degrees). I was born in the year of our Lord 1821 on the 7th day of March and am a son of Doctor Christopher Forte and Anna Lamming which was my Mother's maiden name and a grandson of Doctor Samuel Forte. There were six children by my Father and Mother; namely, Samuel Simons Forte, Christopher Forte, Elizabeth First, Elizabeth Second and Mary Anna Forte Third, Edward Forte the Last and youngest. My three sisters all died before I was born and my Mother, Anna Lamming, died July 4th, 1821, leaving me at the age of three months.

After the death of my Mother, my Father was almost driven to distraction having lost his sole choice and consolation in this life. But things soon took a change. My aunt, Miss Mary Forte and her sister Sarah took charge of my Brother Christopher and myself and educated us - of whom we have now to thank for what little education we are hoped of. My Brother Samuel remained with my Father and studied his profession.

After I arrived at the age of eight years, my Father took another wife and was married October 9th, 1829 to a Miss Mary Yearwood, home town Barbadoes and in December of the same year I was brought back to my Father's residence along with my Brother Christopher and was then put to school in the parish of St. Thomas to my uncle Mr. Dymock Lamming a Brother of my deceased Mother. It was not long before terror and dismay began to show itself in the countenance of my poor, afflicted Father as his second wife began to act contrary to his wishes and to abuse my Brother and myself, giving us very often what is called the mother-in-law's affection in giving us a regular caneing every chance she got. My Father had four children by this cruel woman. Nathaniel the first, Ann the second, Jane the third, and John Millard Forte the last. Every day I could see that my poor parent began to decline in health and often would I sit by his side and tell him that I though(t) we would not have him long with us and surely it proved true. My Father was taken very ill and was removed to my Aunt's who married a Mr. John Millard, an English merchant, and on the 10th day of December, 1835, he died in the 40th year of his age. I was with him to the last moment and he died perfectly delirious but knew me and spoke to me about an hour before he died.

It is impossible for me to describe my feelings when at that moment and for ever up to this day that I am writing this, after everything was settled it appears by some unjust contrivance but which I believe is the British law, that my oldest Brother Samuel Simons Forte, was heir to all the proceeds left after the estate was settled of which he went to England, finished his medical studies and I found that I must do something. I was put on a plantation by my Aunt, Miss Mary Forte, to learn to be a planter, but I did not like it and therefore left.

I next went on board the ship Eleanor of London and stayed one year and a half and left her as in British Merchantman the usage is very cruel to boys. Captain Samuel Ewing was the captain of the ship Eleanor. I left her at Barbadoes and joined the American barque Magnolia of New Haven, Connecticut and came to New Orleans from thence to New Haven and made several voyages in that employ the firms then of Meyers, Hotchkip and Forties and from the kind usage which I received from the Americans I made New Haven my home for life. I also made some voyages in Schooner Smith with Captain Henry Bush and in the Schooner Baltimore, Captain George Auger also in Barque Panthea Captain Monthope and Brig Industry Captain Owen, also Brig Blackhawk Captain Dennis Bunnel my Brother by marriage.

I was naturalized in New Haven and married Miss Diantha Fitch Bunnel of New Haven, Connecticut in the year 1842, October 28 and on April lst we were blessed with a son, 1844 called Lester Baldwin Forte and in February we were blessed with a daughter, 1846, called Anna Elizabeth Forte. Everything went well with me until July 1846. I took it in my head, like a great many others, to go and seek my fortune in the gold regions of Columbia in a smuggling vessel to the coast of Saint Martha and after a severe contest with our opponents of which I got severely wounded I was taken prisoner at Saint Martha's August 24, 1846 and was imprisoned for ninety-five days. The furst of my imprisonment I was very cruelly treated but in the latter part very kindly used. After I was imprisoned, my friends all deserted me and after I was released and came to the United States it was very hard for me to console with my friends as they took my behavior in another light and up to this day there are many who hold a suspicious opinion about the matter but I think they are wrong but will never force as the old adage is try to make people believe that never had any belief either in God or man.

I was afterwards Master of the Columbian Brig Inconstant of Sabanilla and made a voyage in her afterwards condemned her at the Island of Grand Caymans in the West Indies and having sailed out of Mobile and New Orleans for two years I am now at this time, March 16th 1850, commander of the Schooner Home of New Orleans and owned by E.E. Spearing and Co. of the city of New Orleans of which I have made two voyages to Aramsas(?) and Corpus Christi and am now on my way from Galveston to Attakapas, Louisiana.

Chapter 2. In which I shall state many curious little circumstances selective to a sea faring life. Previous to this I met with another very serious trial after being absent for three years I returned to New Haven and arrived at the city August 30, 1849 and in four days from the time of my arrival I had the sad misfortune of following the funeral and corps of my poor deceased sister-in-law Miss Martha Elizabeth Bunnel who died September 3d 1849 in the 20th year of her age of which I will write the few following lines on the next page(.) Blessed ar(e) they who die in the Lord. Lines on the Death of Miss Martha E. Bunnel. - - - - - - - - - - - - Low she lies who blest our eyes Through many a sunny day She may not smile. She will not rise The life hath passed away. Yet there's a world of light beyond Where we neither died nor sleep She is there of whom our souls were fond Then wherefore do we weep. The world of light with joy is bright This is a world of woe Shall we grieve that her soul has taken flight Because we dwell below We have buried her under the mossy sod And one long bright tress we well keep We have only given her back to God Then wherefore do we weep. Written by Edward Forte as a token of his esteem and affection

In the next page will also be found a few lines written for a poor grieved Mother in the loss of an only child. For Mrs. Tabor of New Orleans
On the death of her only daughter Elizabeth Tabor Adieu sweet Child! Oh, never more Thy jo(y)ous presence shall recall The beauty which the hours were When thou wert near the light of all Nor aught wails the burning tear To soothe the lone and stricken hearted Which still reminds thou art not here We know we feel thous hast departed. And while the Beautiful shall find Her dwelling in the humane heart Fond memori(ies) of thee shall bind To years in mournful radiance do rest Whose farthest light shall still endear The pair to one sad bosom given Whom one sweet hope alone can cheer To meet the lost on earth in heaven. Written by Edward Forte

Arrived Safe at Pattersonville Atakapas G.(or C.) Wednesday 20th March and found myself in the land of alligators snakes and mosquitoes with everything as dull as life could make. Once in a while there happens along an old planter with his blue Kentucky suit rather the worse for wear and to see the inmates of their houses is a perfect sight. The moment you get near these planters houses and it is known that you are a stranger you will see the ladies flying to see where they can hide their beautiful saffron coloured faces as you cannot find the rosy cheek and red lip in this part of the world and when they are dressed up in their Sunday go to meetings is what takes my eye the most. They then look as though they thought they ought to be worshiped -------- golden images. The negroes seem to be ---- deal better looking especially the yellow -------as they resemble the castilian people ---- than they do the natives of Louisiana, ------ perfectly at my ease taking comfort ________ that I shall soon be to the north among ______own little family hoping to be able to ____their little wants and make them as -----I can. I am now on my way --- Attakapas, Louisiana with a cargo of _____ To A Lady Who Was Wrongfully Deserted By Her Husband In Answer To His Abortive Letter.
- - - - - - O could I learn indifference From all I hear and see Nor think nor care for others more Than they may care me Why follow thus with vain regret To save a broken claim If others can so soon forget Why should I not same O could I learn indifference From all I hear and see Nor think nor care for others more Than they may care for me. There is no blight that winter throws No frost however stern Like that which chilled affection knows Which hearts forsaken learn What solace can the world impart When love's reliance ends ----heres no winter for the heart -----that unkindness sends O could I learn indifference From all I her and see No think nor care for others more Than they may care for me. Edward Forte, Esqr. (Thus are the writings of Edward Forte's Journal.) (F-227d, F-DOC)

(A special thanks goes to Henry Lincoln Forte, III for sharing his copy of Edward's journal with us. ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -

The second item of significant information from Henry Lincoln Forte III, was an original newspaper clipping from a New Orleans Newspaper which reads as follows: Tehuantepec.
Correspondence of the New Orleans Delta.
Minatitlan, Sunday, Aug. 1, 1858. Since my arrival here nothing of especial interest has occurred, either in the affairs of the Government or the prosecution of the work upon the "Transit Route." It is reported that there are some two hundred men, principally natives, employed in finishing the road for the "Tehuantepec Company," but for the truth of this report I would not vouch. At this place, (which is some one hundred miles from the seat of the work,) through which all the supplies and laborers, with the exception of the natives, must pass, there are no signs which would lead one to suppose that any work was being done, or even contemplated. ... I anticipate making a trip over the Isthmus in a few days, I shall be prepared in my next letter to give you more complete information. In political affairs everything is perfectly quiet in this part of the country, it being entirely under the control of the Liberal party. This Department is favored with a most excellent Governor, Sr. D. Francisco Zeraga, of whom I cannot speak in too high terms. Capt. EDWARD FORT, a merchant residing here, and late of the United States, was most brutally murdered at his own house, on the 14th of June last, and at the same time robbed, as is supposed, of about two thousand dollars. He received some sixteen or seventeen wounds, either one of which was fatal. Of the authors of the deed as yet no information has been obtained, and little hope exists of bringing the perpetrators to justice. (The article was cut off after one line of a new paragraph, further describing the status of the area the reporting was writing about...presumably the Barbados. Please note, the spelling of Barbados currently leaves out the "oes" ending. Apparently it was spelled Barbadoes in the past, as many old documents, including this journal, spell it that way.)

More information of interest on his life is from a scrap book that was in the possession of Clara Forte Corrigan and now belongs to her daughter Libby Swenson of Van Nuys, California. The scrap book contains many newspaper clippings. The following were the ones that applied to Edward Forte.

He wrote several poems which were published in newspapers of the day. This one had the following handwritten message on it. "Christmas gift for Mrs. Diantha Forte from Mr. E. Forte."
Maiden Worth Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall; A little taste, a little care, Made humble things appear As though they were translated there From some superior sphere; Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall. As sweet the home, so sweet the maid, As graceful and as good; She seemed a lily in the shade, A violet in the bud! She had no worth but maiden worth- A wealth that's little fame; Yet that's the truest gold of earth- The other's but a name! Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall. A cheerfulness of soul that threw A smile o'er every task, A willingness, that ever flew To serve, ere one could ask! A something we could wish our own; An humble flow'ret born, To grace in it's degree a throne, Or any rank adorn! Her home was but a cottage home, A simple home, and small, Yet sweetness and affection made It seem a fairy hall! (F-231x)

The following poem has handwriting on it that says it was "by E. Forte." TO DIANTHE. The evening star with lingering ray New shines above the trysting-tree, Where oft we've watch'd it fade away And sink beneath the silent sea; When though thy young hand clasp'd in mine, With tearful eye wouldst question me, If, when I saw its glory shine In other climes, I'd think of thee. And I would promise thee to keep Love's vigil's by its trembling light, Or on the land or on the deep, Whene'er it beam'd upon my sight; And often when the billows threw Their arms across my foamy track, That lovely star would fondly woo To thy loved home my spirit back. On India's bright and burning plain, Where fair Italia's breezes sweep, Or proud Athenia's ruined (fanes?) Their watch o'er Grecian glory keep; On many a land, o'er many a sea, When sped my bark to realms afar, My pilgrim heart would turn to thee, While gazing on that lovely star. Years since have flown, and thou hast found Another shrine, another throne, Whereon thy hand hath lightly bound The offerings I had deem'd mine own; But though another claims thy love, Fond memory oft will whisper me Of happy days, when Fancy wove Hope's garlands by the star-lit sea.

A couple of his poems above have alluded to his great love for his wife and their falling apart after years, only to Edward's regrets.

He was also mentioned in various newspaper clippings, from what paper it is not known. One possible newspaper could have been the (Fob?) THE HERALD as it is listed at the top of one poem.

In one a "colored girl" asked to be transported on Captain Forte's ship. When he tried to ascertain her free status and was not satisfied with her answer, he asked her to come back the next day. "He had some doubts as to the propriety of acceding to her request." When she returned on Sunday evening, he became convinced that she was a fugitive. He then went to report her to the authorities. He was accosted on the way by three men who threatened him and wished him to take her to New York. Capt. Forte drew a revolver at which time they tried to bribe him with money. He declined and gave the information he had to the guardhouse where she was lodged to await the application of the owner. I

In another, " We are indebted to Captain Fort of the Schr. Agnes H. Ward, at this port, from Nassau, New Providence, for a copy of the Royal Gazette of the 25th ult." And another, "Captain Forte, of the Schooner Agnes H. Ward, this morning placed, or caused to be placed on our table, a noble assortment of pine apples, limes, lemons, etc., all of which we promise duly to discuss.- We presume the Captain has a few more of the same sort left to be disposed of at private sale."

The last is from THE DAILY DELTA entitled "Letter from Tehuantepec, Minatitlan, June 2, 1857." "At the request of thirty-one Americans, I beg leave to return to Capt. Edward Forte, of the schooner visitor, and Col. S.W. Pratt, the agent of the Sloo party, their kind thanks and good wishes for the good dinner tendered them on board schooner Visitor on the 26th May, and also for their kindness in offering them a free passage to the United States, while destitute in the town of Minatitlan. They may rest assured their kindness will never be forgotten. The Sloo party which came down on the Visitor were most cordially received by every one here. They brought a very large amount of American gold to drive ahead the work, which was very much needed... The schooner...,Visitor, (will) leave this afternoon for New Orleans."

We had the opportunity to visit New Orleans for a day in 1992. I found him listed in the ship registers of New Orleans, Vol. Four, 1841-1850, pg. 146. John Rowlett, schooner, of Baltimore, Md. Built at Baltimore, Md. 1838. 73 88/95 tons; 72 ft. 10 in. by 5 ft. 8 in. One deck, two masts, square stern, billethead. Previously enrolled, No. 135, July 17, 1846, at Baltimore, Md. Vessel mortgaged in favor of Thomas Hooper, Baltimore, Mr. Vessel mortgaged in favor of Thomas Hooper, Baltimore, Md. for $325.00. July 18, 1846. At the end of a long list of registries for this this, we find it was "Registered, No. 120, Dec. 4, 1850 (Wednesday). Owner: James Carter, New Orleans. Master: Edward Forte." Then I checked the New Orleans Commercial Bulletin and found the advertisement for the departure of the ship on that exact same day: "For Chagres, The A 1 coppered and copper fastened schr. John Rowlett, Capt. ______, having nearly all her cargo engaged and going on board, will have immediate dispatch for the above port. For balance of freight or passage, having superior accommodations, apply on board, foot of St. Peter st., Lower Picayune Tier, or to n30. W.S. Brown, 30 Gravier st." (Note that Edward Forte must have been selected to be the master of this ship at the last minute). (F-242 and 243) A map of where this tier was located is numbered F-244 in my files.

Libby Swenson also had several family bibles in her possession. One of them included this handwritten inscription in the front: "(For) Master Edward Forte From his Father Edward Forte (Snr?) Learn as soon as possible to be acquainted with the scriptures and practice them in all your ways." June 10th 1854 (It appears to have a very fancy F. signed after the inscription)

The bible has an 1851 copyright. (F-314a) Hank Forte also has a family bible with the name Henry L. Forte printed on the cover published in 1868. On the fly leaf is written, "From Libbie, Christmas, 1869." Hank received the bible from his grandfather, Henry L. Forte, before he died. (F-227)

Edward married Diantha (Elizabeth) Fitch BUNNELL on 24 Oct 1842 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA. Diantha (daughter of Jairus BUNNEL and Martha LINCOLN) was born on 28 Jul 1826 in West Haven Conn; died on 29 Nov 1902 in Mt. Vernon, West Chester, NY, USA; was buried about 2 Dec 1902 in , New Haven, CT, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

There are 6 spoons in existence belonging to Edward and Diantha Forte with the initials E.D.F. on them. As far as I know these are still in existence with Hank and Ray Forte. They were trademarked in 1801, and as such, were made well before Diantha and Edward were born. (F-4) There is a tin type photo of Diantha in Linda Dudick's care thanks to Bill and Ann Forte. Diantha was employed as a house mother for a local college during some of her life. (F-17)

When her husband was murdered in Mexico, she did not have the money to care for her children. They therefore went to live with relatives at fairly young ages. Leslie, Elizabeth and Henry Lincoln went to live with relatives in Philadelphia, PA and son Edward C. went to live with his mother's cousin, Marie Amelia Bunnell and her husband Zera Patterson in Fenton, Michigan. Her three children in Philadelphia were raised as Catholics. Edward was raised an Episcopalian. That must have been a very difficult decision to make and live with. Much of this information is from an interview with Margaret Bennett, Diantha's great granddaughter. She believed that Diantha attended St. Paul's Church in Mount Vernon, West Chester Co., NY near the end of her life.

Notes:

This Wilmer Rauch (or Rouch) and Isabella, his wife, are listed in the 1860 census for Philadelphia, PA, Ward 14, on the 10th July 1860, roll 1164. He is listed as an engineer at age 30 with a personal estate of $200.00. They were all born in Pennsylvania (F-240) This census was taken in July.

One E-mail correspondent of mine, Tom A. Foreman, has an ancestor that is of the right age to be a sister or cousin to this Wilmer. His ancestor, Sarah Ann Rauch was born on Apr. 1, 1840, in Fleetwood, Berks Co., Pennsylvania. She was confirmed in St. James Lutheran Church, Reading, PA in 1859. She died in 1894 in Reading as the mother of five children, named Albert Daniel, George Bowman, Ella Elizabeth, Adam and Solomon. Her possible fathers were Abraham, Daniel and David. It is still a long shot that they are close relatives as there were many Rau(s)ch's in Pennsylvania at the time. (F-403, 484)

Wilmer married Isabella CONNELLY about 1853. Isabella (daughter of Arthur CONNALLY and Mary CRAFT) was born on 23 Jan 1834 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 5 Feb 1916 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; was buried on 8 Feb 1916 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

There are several Isabella Conley/Connelly's in the 1850 census. The one where she is listed as Isabella Conley, age 10, daughter of Hugh and Jane Conley, is not her. I found her transcribed birth record and this Isabella was born on Feb. 22, 1840 in Bald Eagle, Centre Co., PA and her later husband was William Hayes. There is an Isabella Connelly living in South Ward, York Co., PA in the 1850 census listed at age 16. Her father was not living in the home. Her mother was Sarah, age 58. It was a large family with one older brother having the name of Harry. They were all born in Pennsylvania. A couple of the brothers were carpenters. The last possible match was an Isabella Connell who was the daughter of Alexander M. and Mary Connell.

This was again a large family. He was a farmer. They lived in Conemaugh, Indiana Co., Pennsylvania. This ancestor seems to have been married to a Wilmer Rouch according to an 1860 Philadelphia Census and a Martin McGowen in the 1870 Philadelphia Census. The 1870 census appeared to have both of Isabella's children by a Rauch living with her children Isabel and Martin McGowan. The 1870 census gives her age as 30. (F-246 & 246a) Her grandson, Norman, referred to her as spunky "Grandmother McGowan". She was Irish. (F-17)

There is an Isabella Rauch, dealer, who had stalls #501 and 503 in the Farmer's Market in the 1861 Philadelphia directory that might be this Isabella. However, her husband is not listed in the directory. It does however, list women with the word widow after their name in the same directory, so she probably is married at the time. (F-452) Isabel is buried at Old Cathedral Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Notes:

Christopher Forte is the son of Samuel Forte and Jane Neblett because of the following connections. We know he is the son of Samuel Forte according to his grandson, Edward Forte's memoirs. There were two Samuels that married about the same time in Barbados. Our Samuel married Jane Neblett because they had daughter's Mary and Sarah (married John Millard on Oct. 5, 1830 in St. George's Parish, Barbados) who were both mentioned as Aunts in Edward Forte's memoirs. Daughter Sarah Millard is mentioned in her father Samuel Forte's will. The other Samuel Forte who married Susanna Carmichaell in St. Thomas Parish on 17 Mar 1791 is not our line because they had no sons named Christopher, only sons named Thomas Carmichaell and William Gibbes Alleyne Forte.

"Christopher remarried after Anna died and had 4 more children by his second m(arriage) to Mary Yearwood who are Edward Cyrus I's half brothers and sisters." (F-318) This is information passed down to Libby Swenson from her grandfather and is probably slightly wrong in Edward's middle name and Mary's surname.

Below is a transcript of Christopher Forte's original handwritten will is in the ARCHIVES on the island of Barbados. It was the policy of the Archives not to allow Xeroxing of original documents. Therefore, we filmed it with our video camera and will transcribe it here for future knowledge. Please note that it was Christopher's intention that all his children share equally in his estate. This was, however, not what actually occurred after his death. All money went to his oldest son, as was dictated by English Law at the time. This forced our ancestor, Edward, his 14 year old son, to make a way for himself at sea. Barbados: This is the last will and testament of me, Christopher Forte of the Parrish of Saint Thomas an island (above) and Practitioner of Physic, (Aforesaid) - That all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid and satisfied as soon as possible after my decease. After such debts and funeral expenses are paid and satisfied I give and devise to my beloved wife and children by this my present wife as well as those of my late departed wife all my (freehold) property in Saint Thomas and Saint James to be divided as under - To my wife, Mary Greaves Forte, one eighth part during her natural life or as long as she remains a widow or unmarried and in case she married or dies the said one eighth part to abe equally divided among the surviving child or children The remaining seven eighth to be equally divided amongst the named children, Samuel Simmons Forte, Christopher Forte, Edward Forte, Nathaniel Forte, Anna Forte, Jane Hinds Forte, John Millard Forte on their attaining the age of twenty one and in case of the death of one or more of the said named child or children before their arriving at the age of twenty one years I direct that the share and ( ) falling into the estate shall be equally divided between the survivors and if only one, the whole to the said survivor.-And I further direct that all other my estate real or personal shall be divided as above and I direct that if the (business) is carried on for the benefit of my wife Sarah Greaves and children by the said Sarah Greaves as well as those of my late departed wife to be in equal proportions for the benefit of the whole and for my wife Sarah Greaves as long as she remains unmarried.-In witness whereof I here unto put my hand and seal this twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand and Eighteen Hundred Thirty Four. Christopher Forte (signed)
Witness: Hugh Goodridge (Arabella) Millard Sarah Sophia Millard [These two females are his step-nieces as they were his sister Sarah's 2nd husband's children] I hereby appoint my beloved Father, Dr. Samuel Forte and John Millard, my brother-in-law my executors to this my last will and testament. Christopher Forte (signed) Witness: Hugh Goodridge (Maballa) (Cha ) Millard

Sarah Sophia Millard Barbados By his Excellency the Governor Appealed personally before me this day Hugh Goodridge one of the subscribing witnesses to the forgoing written will and codicil and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that he was present and did see Christopher Forte the testator therein named (since deceased) sign seal publish and declare the same as and for his last will and testament and codicil and that he was at the executing thereof respectively a sound and disposing mind and memory to the best of his the (Seponent) judgment and belief--Given at the government house this first day of December, 1834. (F-188:Record Book 4: Vol.64, p. 219)

(It is interesting to note that the witness to Christopher's will, Hugh Goodridge, was a surgeon who worked with Christopher Forte, Physician, in the Militia of Barbados, St. Thomas Regiment in 1831. (F-189: v.17, p. 116) There is one record about a Christopher Forte that I have not yet matched to any C. Forte in Barbados at the time. It reads, "Thursday (last) (Oct. 31, 1844?) Philip T. Gooodridge, Esq. (married) to Elizabeth C.(or L), daughter of late Christopher Forte, Sen., Esq." Journal of the BMHS. This could still apply to this Christopher Forte. He possibly had another daughter Elizabeth that I did not know about. (F-187)

Christopher married Mary Ann LAMMING on 13 Dec 1814 in , St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados. Mary (daughter of Mr. Edward LAMMING and Mary Ann AYSHFORD) was born about Apr 1784 in St. Joseph, Barbados; died in Sep 1824 in , St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados; was buried on 1 Oct 1824 in , St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Anna Lamming's parents are unknown. While I was in Barbados, I checked the Wills for her possible parentage. Although I did not find any will listing her as a daughter, I found one possible grandfather and father in a will probated on Jan. 25, 1781. A Dymock Laming of St. James Parish, Barbados named his son, Edward Laming as executor. If this Edward was Anna's father, she was named after Edward's mother, Ann. Also, this would explain the name of Anna and Christopher's third son, Edward Forte, as it was not a common Forte name on the island. (F-201) In a family pedigree from Libby Swenson, it gives Anna's death date as 7/4/1821 or July 4, 1821. (F-318) This is three years earlier than my other source. It is probably incorrect due to birth dates for Edward's sisters. (RECHECK)

There were Laming's in Barbados at least 100 years before this Anna. A Mr. Edward Laming served under Capt. John Merrick's troop of Horse in 1679. Anna must have had a very difficult life and it's likely that the same disease took her two daughters and herself, as they all died in the month of Sep. 1824. It devastated her husband and he too died not too many years later of a broken heart (according to his son Edward Forte. )

Notes:

The bible belonging to this Jarius Bunnel is in the current possession of Hal and Libby (Elizabeth Corrigan) Swenson. I have seen it and they have copied it for me. The first page is inscribed "Jarus (Jarius?) Bunnel's Book, Cheshire, June 1811" (F-315) Since it is stated he is the Jarius of Cheshire (Conn) in 1811, it is likely that at least some of his children were born in Cheshire as he and his wife were raising a family starting in 1812. Note that his name is written consistently by he or his family with only one l. Jarius is probably the Jarius listed in the 1820 Cheshire, New Haven, Connecticut Census records on page 228. This record still needs to be located. (F-429)

Jairus married Martha LINCOLN on 26 Sep 1810 in Cheshire, New Haven, CT. Martha (daughter of J. LINCOLN and E. UNKNOWN) was born on 21 Jun 1790 in , , Vermont, USA; died on 23 Nov 1872 in Harlem, District Of Manhattan Borough, NY, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

This Martha Lincoln is a very illusive person. Her birth date is listed in an old Forte family bible. It does not give her place of birth or her parents. Her mother's initials are on 4 dessert spoons from Martha's mother as J.E.L. This could be Martha's mother's first and middle initials or her husband's first and middle initials or a combination of both their first names with this last choice being the most likely. The spoons were last in the care of Hank and Ray Forte. Note that Martha Lincoln's first son was named Jairus Edwin Bunnell. Maybe his middle name came from the E. initial on these spoons. They also had several spoons belonging to Jairus and Martha Bunnell made in 1827 with the inscription of J.M.B. on them. The last teaspoon of interest is one that came from Martha Lincoln Bunnell's collection with the initials L.M. made in 1802. It is unknown whom it stood for. (F-4)

Jim's family tradition says that Martha was related to President Lincoln. Proving her relationship to President Lincoln has been unobtainable to this point, as even her parents have not been located. Furthermore, in recent years, it appears that President Lincoln's ancestry has been covered up by the government and that he wasn't actually a Lincoln at all. If this is the case, then Martha Lincoln is highly unlikely to be related to President Lincoln. In an extensive search so far, the only Martha Lincoln's of a similar birth year that have appeared are: Martha Lincoln, d. of Gideon and Martha Lincoln, born. 17 Aug. 1789 in Bridgewater, Plymouth, Mass., and Martha, d. of Hezekiah and Eunice Lincoln in Cohasset, Norfolk, Mass. The later Martha Lincoln is not our Martha because she was in Massachusetts married and having other children at the same time as ours. (F-184)

The closest match to date was provided by Hans Weeber. There is a Martha Lincoln, b. 1790 to a John and Elizabeth O'Neal Lincoln someplace between Philadelphia Co., PA and Stokes Co., North Carolina. Her siblings were Mary Amelia (Millie) b. 1782, Elizabeth, b. 1782, Thomas b. 1787, Nancy Catherine b. 1792 and John Joseph b. 1793. (E) However, descendants of this line again know her spouse and children. They do not match our Martha Lincoln.

Libby and Hal Swenson of California have the Forte family bibles including her name. One of their family pedigree charts lists her birth place as Vermont. The source of this information was likely their gr..andfther, Edward Forte, grandson of Martha Lincoln. Her death place is listed as having been Harlem or Mount Vernon, New York. There is no death record for her in Harlem. No birth record exists for her in Vermont either, according to a vital records clerk and a double check by another Lincoln through the entire Vermont vital records collection. (L-15)

As far as her birth place, upon checking the names of Lincoln families that lived in Vermont in the 1790 census, the following families appear as possible parents to our Martha Lincoln: Benjamin Lincoln of Rutland Co., Poultney Town; Charles of Rutland Co., Castle town; Daniel of Rutland Co, Shrewsbury Town (this is not him as he had a different daughter named Pede born in 1790); James and Nehemiah of Windsor Co., Windsor Town; Hezekiah of Windsor Co., Hartford; John of Bennington Co., Shaftsbury Town; Jonah of Windham Co., Wilmington Town; or two Samuel's of Orange Co., Chelsea Town. (F-379, 380, 584) Of course, when compared to the initials on the spoons, only John of Bennighton and Jonah of Windham would be possible matches.

I have been corresponding with an Edward Lincoln whose ancestors lived in Vermont at one point and who knows how he is related to President Lincoln as presented in the traditional ancestry of the President. His Charles Fisher Lincoln, (1819-1876) lived in Woodstock, Vermont when his son was born in 1849. (L-12) It is not known if his father Tisadale (1780-1861) lived there. They descended from a line going back to Thomas, the Miller, who first immigrated to Hingham, Mass. from England. The first ancestor he has in common with the traditional published lineage of President Lincoln is Robert Lincoln, Jr. (-1556) from Hingham, Co. Norfolk, England. (L-1) It should be noted however that there is serious reason to doubt that President Lincoln was a Lincoln at all. Another correspondent to Edward, has an ancestor named James Lincoln who was born in 1803 in Vermont. His parents were Joseph and Lucy Benson Lincoln. Several of James's children were born in Dorset, Bennington, Vermont starting in 1831 (James Holbrook Lincoln). (L-14)

Another lead as to Martha's lineage comes from a scrap book in the possession of Libby and Hal Swenson. On the page that has articles relating to Martha Lincoln, there are also newspaper clippings about a Henry A. Lincoln who was married to a Sophia Fenn residing at 51 Lincoln St., New Haven, Conn. Henry was a section master on the Share Line Railroad. The year of the clipping was1898. It was in reference to Henry A. Lincoln being the administrator for Sophia Fenn Lincoln's estate. (F-321) According to IGI records Henry A. and Sophia Fenn married on Dec. 6, 1840 in Connecticut. It's his father whom I believe could be a brother to our Martha Lincoln. (F-230, 474)

Major sources that have been checked include all of the 1988 I.G.I. files for the Eastern, Midwestern and Southern states, and all Lincoln Surname books at the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, The Family History Library in Utah, and all libraries in Columbus, Ohio.

Notes:

It is a theory that he is the father of Wilmer Rauch. He was a Miller by trade.

S. married H.. H. was born about 1818 in , Augusta, VA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Arthur married Mary CRAFT. Mary (daughter of Isabella) was born in 1812 in Pennsylvania, United States of America; died on 23 Aug 1863 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; was buried on 25 Aug 1863 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]