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]

1. Leslie (Lester) Baldwin FORTE was born on 1 Apr 1844 in Bridgeport, Fairfield, CT, USA; died on 8 Jan 1911 in Middletown Twp, Middlesex, CT, USA; was buried in New Haven, New Haven, CT.
2. Elizabeth Anna FORTE was born on 8 Feb 1846 in , New Haven, CT, USA; died on 24 Feb 1870 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA.
3. Edward (Eddie) Cyrus FORTE was born on 5 Nov 1851 in , New Haven, CT, USA; died on 10 Jun 1942 in Fenton, Genesee, MI, USA; was buried in Fenton, Genesee County, Michigan, United States of America.
4. Henry Lincoln FORTE, I was born on 12 Apr 1855 in Orange, New Haven Co, CT, USA; died on 28 Sep 1936 in Glenside, Montgomery Co, PA, USA.

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:

Please note that in this particular family, the christening dates occur in groupings and are not likely to coincide with the children's birth dates. One christening occurs 9 days before the christening of his son Christopher. Thomas Forte, a negro slave, property of Doctor Samuel Forte, was christened 21 June 1789 in St. Thomas Parish. (F-221) Samuel Forte's title was Esquire of Fortevilla, Barbados.

Doctor Samuel Forte is listed as having served as a representative in the House of Assembly for St. Thomas from the years 1787 till 1803. His brothers are listed as younger brother Nathaniel who was Speaker of the House of Assembly sometime in the early 1830's, and Christopher Forte, Esq. who died in 1830 in St. James Parish. It is interesting to note that Emancipation of the slaves took place in Barbados in 1833 while Nathaniel was speaker of the house. (F-189)

In Barbados deed records show Samuel Forte, Doctor, deeded 38 acres bounded by lands of Mrs. Chick, Matthew Johnson Seale, Galniel Reeves of St Thomas to Christopher Forte, Doctor and Surgeon. (F-255) Vol. 263, p. 413. A video tape of this deed is in the custody of Linda Coate Dudick.

Dr. Samuel Forte also left a will that is in the custody of the Archives in Barbados. It is here transcribed. "Barbados: This is the last will and testament of me Samuel Forte of the Parish of Saint Michael in the island above said named this twenty-ninth day of November One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Four. I direct that my just debts and funeral expenses may be fully paid and satisfied. I give and bequeath to my two grand daughters Mary Forte Millard and Caroline Anna Millard (children of my daughter Sarah Millard) all my right title and interest in and to my apprenticed labourers, John, Jack Duke, John Richard, Betty Dick and Rachael together with all my plate household stuff and furniture and all other my property, real and personal to be equally divided between them share and share alike, and in case of the death of either of them, I give the whole to the survivor and her heirs. It is my will and desire that my apprenticed labourer Hannah shall be discharged from her apprenticeship and set free from all kind of servitude. I do hereby nominate and appoint my brother Nathaniel Forte and my son-in-law John Millard Executors of this my Will revoking and making void any and all former will or wills by me at any time here to for made. In testimony whereof I have affixed my hand and seal the day and year above written." (Probated on Feb. 5th 1840) (F-191) (Note that his son Christopher, died shortly before the writing of this will)

Descendants of this Samuel and Jane moved to Cape Colony in South Africa. (F-462) There is a possibility that Samuel married three times, as there are two other marriage records to Samuel's that are unconnected. Samuel Forte to Susanna Carmichaell on Mar. 17, 1791 in St. Thomas Parish and to Elizabeth Williams on July 30, 1822 in St. Michaels Parish. (F-224) This would fit the Samuel's places of residence and dates. The will has no wife listed, so it doesn't discount it.

There is an interesting story that occurred to another young Samuel Forte who was living in Barbados at the time. At an election party, a young soldier, Lieutenant John Cage was, in jest, hit on the back by a Mr. Samuel Forte. A fight followed. Lieutenant Cage was not forgiving and demanded that a duel be held in lieu of an apology. Mr. Forte of "good family and high social position" accepted the duel and shot Cage dead. When the military tried to arrest him, he was taken into hiding by "Aunt Peg" of General William's family at the Welchman Hall plantation. He is said to have escaped the island after receiving "Aunt Peg's" help and lived the rest of his life abroad. This particular story coined the phrase "AS DEAD AS CAGE". (F-162)

Esq. married Jane NEBLETT on 8 Jun 1787 in St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados. Jane (daughter of Esq. Unknown NEBLETT) was born about 1770; died before 1834. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Possible great grandparents or grandparents of Jane Neblett are John and Jane Halford Neblett or William Neblett, all listed in Jane Halford's mother and William Neblett's grandmother, Mary Halford's will, proved 27 Aug. 1718 in St. Thomas Parish, Barbados. (F-163)

From early Deed index's we find a Robert Nesbitt purchasing land in 1640, a William Neblett in 1693 and a William Neblett in 1704. I did not have time to look these up when in Barbados. (F-251) These William Nebletts are probably one and the same. They are likely the William who in St. James Parish left a will in Oct. 1713 naming sons John, Thomas, Henry, Samuel and Benjamin, all of age. Any of these sons could be ancestors of our Jane Neblett.

There is another William Neblett alive in 1714 that is married to Mary Wattkins and is young enough to take over the care of Mary's brother's children at his early death. (F-163) Previous research has suggested that Jane died before 1834. However, Claude James Forte's lineage which is quite accurate gives her death date as 1839. I personally believe that to be her husband's death date instead at this point in time. (F-604)

Notes:

It is theory that Edward and Mary Ann are the parents of Anna Lamming of St. Thomas, Barbados. They had a daughter named Mary Ann in 1784 that could be her.

Edward is probably the Mr. Edward Lamming who was buried on Nov. 5, 1822 in St. Thomas Parish, Barbados, Caribean.

The names of the parents of Ann Lamming are unknown. No christening records exist for her unless she is the Mary Ann Lamming, d. of Edward and Mary Ann who was born in 1784. A possible family was entered together soley from similar marriage dates and places in Barbados listed in the IGI files. A search of the wills in the Barbados Archives did lead to the following possibilities.

An Edward Lamming, Esq., had died by July 21st 1787 as his Sugar Plantation, 37 acres in St. Joseph's Parish, Barbados was listed for sale noting his decease. The same property was still advertised on Sept. 8, 1787 in the BARBADOS MERCURY newspaper. (F-200) He is more likely to be the Mr. Edward Lamming who died in St. Thomas in Nov. of 1822 instead based upon when his youngest children married and their estimated birthdates.

Other Lamming families in St Thomas Parish, Barbados prior to Anna's generation, were Dymock Laming, wife Ann, children: Edward, John, Charles Meade, chr. Mar. 2, 1778 (St. Thomas Parish), Margaret, chr. Nov.5, 1769 (St.Joseph Parish) and probably Dymock, George and Mary Ann Laming. (These last four children were not listed in Dymock's will dated 1781, but the last three are listed as nephews and nieces in Dymock's brother, Edward's will dated 1770. If they are children of Dymock, then they had most likely died by the 1781 date of his will.) This Dymock Laming, whose will was probated 25th Jan. 1781, could be a possible grandfather to our Ann Lamming. The most likely sons of his that would be a father to our Anna would have been Edward, John or Charles Meade. The Edward mentioned as a first alternative on this page could have been Dymock's son Edward, brother to John and Charles Meade Laming. (F-201, 221)

Dymock's mother's name was Mary. Her will, written on 12th Mar. 1782 and probated on 11 Dec. 1782 in St. Joseph, listed her daughter-in-law, Ann Laming and grandson Edward Laming. She apparently had the following children: Edward Laming from St. Joseph Parish; A daughter who married Benjamin Alleyne and son Dymock (already mentioned). This information is in the will of her son, Edward, probated in 1770. This Edward, son of Mary, didn't mention a wife or children. (F-201)

Mr. married Mary Ann AYSHFORD on 16 Aug 1781 in St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados. Mary was born before 1769; was christened on 27 Dec 1782 in St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados; died in in St Thomas, Barbados. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The origins of this family in England might be Clifton, Bristol, Gloucester, England. I theorize this because Christopher's great-grandson, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Arabella Millard, returned to live in Clifton along with multiple siblings. It was known as Clifstone in the Doomsday Book which needs checked for Forte ancestors. The surname has been suggested to have been Fortesque or Fortibus previous to their departure to Barbados for political necessities.

Christopher, (b.1712) did have a son named Christopher. This Christopher's birthday or christening have not been able to be located. He was the 3rd son of Christopher. (F-194, F-205) Notice that the names Christopher and Samuel are in all 7 generations in Barbados if this line is the correct one. In fact, it supports the truth of this lineage.

Both Christopher and Elizabeth died in a hurricane in Barbados in 1780. At least 79 persons died in that hurricane. However, he is not amongst the listing of burials in that year. (F-604)

An article in the Advocate Magazine dated Jan. 21, 1979 in Barbados implies that the Forte family was one related branch that was in Barbados from early times. It mentions several plantation houses that the Forte Family owned. The Forte Family owned Haynes Hill Plantation, St. John's Parish in 1700 on which a tomb still exists inscribed "Within this wall are interred the remains of Samuel Forte 1711 and his wife Ursula 1700 and many members of the Forte family." (When Jim and I visited the Haynes Hill House in 1990, we saw the tomb, and learned that the house now standing had been built in 1831 after the original house the Forte's had lived in was destroyed in a hurricane.) The "Fort" family is listed as possessing land in the area of Haynes Hill House on maps in 1729 and 1794. The Forte family (A Mr. T. or J. Forte) purchased the Bennett mansion about 1831 (possibly due to the hurricane??) in St. Thomas Parish.

This early Forte family was also highly involved in the government. Lt. Col. Samuel Forte was a representative in St. John's Parish House of Assembly from 1715-1719, 1721 and 1723-1727. (This is probably Samuel Forte Jr., son of the original Samuel Forte, Sr. who is buried on Haynes Hill). From 1787 to 1803, Dr. Samuel Forte of St. Thomas represented St. Thomas in the House of Assembly. His brother Nathaniel represented it from 1831 to 1836, as Speaker of the Assembly. Two William Forte's represented it between those times. (F-193)

Christopher married Elizabeth WEEKES on 27 Oct 1764 in , St. Phillip Parish, , Barbados. Elizabeth (daughter of President Ralph WEEKES) was born about 1744; died in 1780. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Burke's Landed Gentry gives her father as Ralph Weekes. That means he was probably the grandson of the Rev. Ralph Weekes who had sons Ralph, Nathaniel, John, Thomas, and Roger listed in his will in St. Philips Parish, dated 6 Aug 1700. (F-160) At least one of these Weeke's was of Quaker persuasion. A Ralph Weekes is buried in a Quaker burial Ground in St. Phillips Parish on Robert Taylor's Plantation. (F-161)

Notes:

Other Lamming families in Barbados prior to Anna's generation, were Dymock Laming, wife Ann, children: Edward, John, Charles Meade, chr. Mar. 2, 1778 (St. Thomas Parish), Margaret, chr. Nov.5, 1769 (St. Joseph Parish) and probably Dymock, George and Mary Ann Laming. (These last four children were not listed in Dymock's will dated 1781, but the last three are listed as nephews and nieces in Dymock's brother, Edward's will dated 1770. If they are children of Dymock, then they had most likely died by the 1781 date of his will.) This Dymock Laming, whose will was probated 25th Jan. 1781, could be a possible grandfather to our Ann Lamming. The most likely sons of his that would be a father to our Anna would have been Edward, John or Charles Meade.

The Edward mentioned as a first alternative on this page could have been Dymock's son Edward, brother to John and Charles Meade Laming. (F-201, 221) I have not been able to find a baptismal record for Edward.

Dymock's mother's name was Mary. Her will, written on 12th Mar. 1782 and probated on 11 Dec. 1782 in St. Joseph, listed her daughter-in-law, Ann (Parkes?) Laming and grandson Edward Laming. She apparently had the following children: Edward Laming from St. Joseph Parish; A daughter who married Benjamin Alleyne and son Dymock (already mentioned). This information is in the will of her son, Edward, probated in 1770. This Edward, son of Mary, didn't mention a wife or children. (F-201)

Dymock married Ann PARKES on 25 May 1760 in St Joseph Parish, Barbados. Ann (daughter of George PARKES and Margaret) was born about Apr 1745 in of St Joseph Parish, Barbados; was christened on 19 Apr 1745 in St Joseph, Barbados; died after 1782. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]