Thomasin married Christopher FORTE after 1732. Christopher (son of Samuel FORTE, Jr. and Ann ESTWICKE) was born in 1712; died on 26 Jul 1753. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Samuel was a Colonel of the militia and member of the House of Assembly for St. Thomas Parish. Although having two wives, he died without issue. He is buried in the family vault in St. Thomas Church. (F-458,462)

Colonel married Elizabeth LESLIE in 1763. Elizabeth (daughter of Hon. Henry LESLIE and Margaret UNKNOWN) was born in 1736; died in 1772. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth SAUNDERS. [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:

There are many Fortes living in Demerara, South Africa that descend from this William Forte. He apparently emigrated to South Africa during his life time. (F-461)

Family/Spouse: Margaret LESLIE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She might have married a Stink.

Family/Spouse: Unknown ESTWICK. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

Christopher's will was probated by a Christopher on the 23 day of Mar. 1830. He did not appear to have a wife or children. He divided his estate between a friend: Elizabeth Leslie, wife of John Hart Leslie, their daughter Elizabeth, and his brother, Nathaniel's children: Nathaniel Forte, Caroline Leslie Forte, Anna Christopher Forte, and Amelia Nathan Forte. His witnesses were S. Forte, Jr. and Saml. Forte King. His brother, Nathaniel executed the will. (F-458)

Notes:

Nathaniel was the Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1829-1835, as well as J.P. and Colonel of the Militia. (F-458, 604) There is a story in the genealogical magazines of Barbados that goes like this. At an election party, a young soldier, Lieutenant John Cage was, in jest, hit on the back by a young 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)

However, a cousin in New Zeland has it handed down from his great grandfather's genealogy (Claude Forte) that this actually occurred to the above Nathaniel Weekes Forte.... and he obviously still went on to become Speaker of the House. The pistols used in the duel are still in possession of the family in New Zealand. Nigel Forte, gr.grandson of the above Claude does not know where he got the information that the duel happened to Nathaniel instead. It's really still in question. (F-602)

Nathaniel married Jane ADAMSON on 21 Nov 1801. Jane (daughter of Esq. George ADAMSON) died in Feb 1843 in , St. Thomas Parish, , Barbados. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Susan CARMICHAEL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Esq. James Martin KING. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Family/Spouse: Mary Frances YEARWOOD. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

There is a possibility that this Nathaniel was married to Arabella Chavasse who was born on April 4, 1816 and died on Apr. 3, 1851. She was buried in the South Wall of the nave of St. Thomas Church and is listed as the beloved wife of Nathaniel Forte, Esq. (F-24) A descendant, Colin Wise, of an Arabella Chavasse (1778-1829) and a John Millard who married in 1814, theorizes that the above Arabella had the full name Arabella Chavasse Millard and was a daughter of her Arabella (b.1778). They often gave daughters the mother's maiden name in this family as a middle name. The timing and name obviously fit very well for this to be true. (F-601)

Notes:

This is a possible reference to an offspring of Samuels. "Married on Thursday at the Cathedral, S.S. Forte, Esq. to Elizabeth, daughter of J. Cheesman, Esq., on May 13, 1837." (F-248: BMH Magazine, V.VI, p. 213)

Sarah married John MILLARD on 5 Oct 1830 in , St. George Parish, , Barbados. John was born about 1775 in Of Rosemont; died in 1852 in , , Barbados. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Anne and Caroline were twins. (F-604)

Notes:

She is listed as Amelia Nathan Forte in the Mormon I.G.I. files.

Notes:

He was a Colonel in the militia and a member of the Council. He moved his family back to Clifton, England and still has living descendants in western England today. (F-604, 606)

Nathaniel married Arabella Chavasse MILLARD on 13 Oct 1840. Arabella (daughter of John MILLARD and Arabella CHAVASSE) was born about 1815; died on 4 Mar 1851. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ellen DELAFUS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]