Pike County Alabama Biographies.....John Fortune ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.genrecords.net/alpike/ ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb by: Patsy McCoy pmccoy@pacifier.com May 2003 Descendants of John (Sr.) Fortune Generation No. 1 1. John (Sr.)1 Fortune was born Abt. 1726 in Newry, County Down, Ireland, and died Abt. 1776 in Craven County, South Carolina (Old Camden Dist.). He married Anne Unknown Bef. 1746 in Newry Down, Ireland. She was born Abt. 1728 in Newry, County Down, Ireland, and died Abt. 1783 in Thorncreek, Old Craven, South Carolina. Notes for John (Sr.) Fortune: John Bynan and David Gaussan, merchants in Newry, sent their ship Britannia to Charleston in May 1767. Passengers for a delay in sailing to give them "time to dispose of their effects." The owners asked them to be on board by May 4, when "the Ship, by the blessing of God, will then proceed on her intended Voyage for the Land of Promise." (Belfast News Letter, April 14, 1767.) The Britannia arrived from Newry on August 23, 1767 "with about 180 Protestant settlers, all in good health." (South Carolina and American General Gazette, August 28, 1767.) Emigrants sailing from Newry most likely came from the south of Co. Down and Co. Armagh. From the book "Protestant Immigrants to S.C." by Jane Revill: Meeting of Sept. 1767 Petitions for warrants to Survey on the Bounty, John Fortune (Father) 350 acres, Mary Fortune (Daughter) 100, William (Son) 100, John Fortune Jr. (Son)100,...at or near the Long Canes on Savannah River. Also Sept. 1,1767. Council Journal 33, pages 229-234. The following poor persons...that were protestants and had lately arrived in this Province from Newry in ship Brittania, John Bryan Commander: Ann Fortune 41, Jane Fortune 13, Mark Fortune 12, Richard Fortune 9, Elizabeth Fortune 8. Richard Fortune appears on 1790 S.C. Census, Orangeburg Dist., and then on 1810 Barnwell S.C. Census. Finally, several Fortune families are on the 1820 Barnwell S.C. Census. Thomas M. Fortune (30-40) family and Adam Fortune (20-30) family are on the 1830 Jackson Co. FL Census. According to "History of Jackson County," by J. Randall Stanley, Thomas Fortune played important political roles there, especially in establishing the county seat of Jackson. These latter Fortune families came from N. Ireland and being Presbyterian were most likely of Scotch-Irish Ancestry. Will for John Fortune is recorded 1-14-1784. Source: Book Falling Leaves by Mrs Neita A. Bryan. V22-14 SC Will Transcripts 1782-1868 Kershaw, Co. Microfilmed by the SC Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, 1978 "Will of John Fortune" (Camden Dist.) Before me John Buchanan Esg. personally appeared Mary McCreary who being duly sworn saith that a Will said to be made by her father John Fortune of Camden Dist. (decd) was left in her care for a considerable time, and that she read and heard the Will read repeatedly and that the following form and contents of the Will aforesaid. To his eldest son William Fortune he left five shillings and no more. To his eldest daughter Mary wife of Robert McCreary he left five shillings and no more. To his daughter Jenny ten pounds. To his sons Mark and Richard one hundred pounds each. To his daughter Elizabeth one hundred pounds, to his grandson William Fortune, son of William, one cow and a calf. To his granddaughter Elizabeth, daughter to Mary, ten pounds. To his wife Ann Fortune he left all his household furniture, also one hundred pounds. He further directed that his lands on the head of Jackson Creek should be sold to pay the aforesaid Legacies and the surplus money (if any there was) should be equally divided amongst the following Persons viz: his wife Ann Fortune two sons Mark and Richard, and his two daughters Jenny and Elizabeth. He also directed that his wife Ann Fortune should be whole and Sole executrix to his last Will and Testament. This Deponent further saith that the aforesaid Will was evidenced by William Simmons Esqr. Saunders and Robert Dukes, and further saith not. (Sworn before me this 14th Jan. 1784) Mary McCreary Jno Buchanan J. P. Recorded in Will Book A-1 page 45 Recorded on 14-Jan-1784 Apt. 25, pg. 876 **Census** (1) 1840 John Fortune Russell County, AL. 023 No Township Listed Federal Population Scheduel AL. 1840 Federal Census Index ID# ALS4a925075 (2) 1850 John Fortune Pike County, AL. 225 No Township Listed Federal Population Schedule AL. 1850 Federal Census Index ID# ALS5a592304 )3) 1860 John Fortune Pike County, AL. 275 Monticello Federal Population Schedule AL.1860 Federal Census Index AL01940833 (4) 1850 James Fortune Pike County, AL. 153 No Township Listed Federal Population Schedule AL. 1850 Federal Census Index ID# ALS5a592287 (5) 1860 James Fortune Pike County, AL.141 Brier Hill Federal Population Schedule AL. 1860 Federal Census Index ID# AL01940831 (6) 1860 James Fortune Pike County, AL. 292 Troy Federal Population Schedule AL. 1860 Federal Census Index ID# AL01940832 (7) 1860 Richard Fortune Pike County, AL. 286 Milo Federal Population Schedule AL. 1860 Federal Census Index ID# AL01940835 (8) 1870 Elijah Fortune Pike County, AL. 363 Milo P.O. Federal Population Schedule AL. 1870 Federal Census Index ID# AL 11584670 (9) 1870 Vick Fortune Pike County, AL. 422 Briar Hill P.O. Federal Population Schedule AL. 1870 Federal Census Index ID# AL11584676 More About John (Sr.) Fortune: Fact1: Note:"1776 Death Date" refer to William's memorial document and the two wills as background info. "Pike Site" Notes for Anne Unknown: Will of Anne Fortune of Thorntree Creek in the county of Craven, weak in body. I constitute Walter Robinson and Thomas Mews my executors, to take Lawful Titles to a track of land containing 350 acres on the head of Jackson's Creek in the County aforesaid, agreeable to a Will made by my husband John Fortune deceased, which Will my son William Fortune destroyed. To my Grandson Thomas McWatty,100 old South (Carolina) Currency to be paid to him at years of maturity. To my Grand Daughter Nancy McWatty, 200 of the currency aforesaid, to be paid to her at 16 years of age or at the day of her marriage, which is due me from Executor Walter Robinson to my daughter Jane Robinson, the price of the above-mentioned land, for the maintaining my above mentioned Grand children, and one Mare...4 Sept. 1783. Anne Witness: Fortune, Henry Gregg, John Morrison, Elisabeth (X) Willis. Thomas Mews lived in Fairfield County, S.C. from about 1762-1828, and was the Sheriff of Fairfield County. John Morrison was Thomas Mews stepfather. Source: " Early Wills of Camden District " A-1 pages 157-158. Nancy Norman The will for Anne Fortune is recorded 9-4-1783 Source: Book Falling Leaves by Mrs. Neita A. Bryan. Children of John Fortune and Anne Unknown are: 2 i. Mary2 Fortune, born June 15, 1746 in County Down, Ireland; died June 10, 1818 in Barnwell Dist., South Carolina. She married Col. Robert (Sr.) McCreary Bet. March 08, 1768 - October 24, 1770 in Barnell District, S.C.; born Abt. 1742 in Dublin, Ireland; died October 14, 1814 in Barnwell Dist. South Carolina. Notes for Mary Fortune: Richard McCreary died 10-7-1800. He is unidentified and the name Richard appears to have been a Fortune name as Mary (Fortune) McCreary had a brother Richard Fortune. Source: Falling Leaves by Neita A. Bryan In deed book W-5-44 in Fairfield Co., S. C. the following deed can be found. Robert and wife Mary of St. Marks 2-9-1778. Conv. to: Joseph Owen--conv. to Thomas Baker. 100 acres granted to Mary Fortune at of Jackson's Creek. Bd. WM. Fortune. Source: Susie Senn's Book Notes for Col. Robert (Sr.) McCreary: Robert (Sr.) McCreary received a land grant in Old Craven CO., S.C. Mary Fortune applied for a land Grant 9-1-1767. The land was issued to her 3-8-1768. She as Mary (Fortune) McCreary and Robert sold her land 2-8-1778. On 10-24-1770 Robert and Mary (Fortune) McCreary sold the land which was granted to Robert McCreary in 1764. Robert And Mary (Fortune) McCreary lived on Jackson Creek Old Camden District, S. C. The creek rises in what is now Chester County and flows into Fairfield County. This is the section that many Scotch-Irish Presbyterians settled. Robert McCreary Sr. furnished supplies for the American cause in the American Revolutionary War and served as a Lieutenant Colonel. In that war prior to the reduction of Charleston in 1781. By 1786 Robert and most of his family were living in Barnwell District, S. C. in the Rosemary Creek section where Robert and Mary (Fortune) McCreary both died four years apart. (She was Apparently 18 years of age when she came to America.) The Census of 1790 Barnwell, S. C. show that Robert McCreary Sr. had seven children. The records of Barnwell, contain the names of five, Adam, Matthew, Robert Jr., Mary, Jane and Elizabeth. While the majority of Irish records were destroyed and positive proof has not been found, it does appear that Robert McCreary Sr. was a son of John and Agness (Kennedy) McCreary. (Agness died 1762) A grandson of Andrew (died before 1729) Catherine (McKinney) McCreary (died 10-27-1778 in the 80th year) The graves of Catherine and Agness are found in the Old Presbyterian Burial Grounds at Groomsport, Bangor Parish, County Down, Ireland. !! Compiled with help by Miss Blanch McCreary!! 3 ii. William F. (Sr.) Fortune, born December 30, 1748 in Newry, County Down, Ireland; died November 26, 1822 in Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, England. He married Mary Brown Abt. 1770 in South Carolina; born Abt. 1748 in Parish or Town of Gory, Wexford Co., Ireland; died Bef. 1815 in In England??. Notes for William F. (Sr.) Fortune: 100 acres in Craven County on the head of Jackson Creek bounding NW on Benjamin and John Owens, NE on Joseph Owens SE on John Fortune, Senior, and near Mary Fortune. Survey Certified 10-1-1767, granted 4-5-1768. Quit Rent begins in 10 years. Recorded 8-25-1768. Jo. Curry D.S. 1783 Colony, S.C. Loyalists Pg. #24 Colony of S.C. Records of 1716 to 1783. Source: Susie Senn's Book The Fortune Family of Pike County, Alabama FORTUNE, William 1783 Colony, SC Loyalists No Twp Listed William Fortune was a Loyalist. The Canadian records show that William Fortune served as a spy and scout among other duties. After the war was over he sailed to England with his family. He claimed he lost his plantation as well as his fathers which came to him as the eldest son. That statement was false as father's will leaves him "five schillings and no more" William and his family went to Canada, later where he was granted several thousand acres of land across the river from what is now Ottawa, for his service to the Crown. Source: From The Book Falling Leaves by Neita A. Bryan. William, Mark and Richard were on the same side. William was a Loyalist. I found this information in a book entitled Loyalists in the Southern Campaign Revolutionary War that shows pay abstracts. William was a captain in Colonel James Cary's Regiment, Camden Militia in 1780 and a major in Colonel William Ballentine's regiment, second regiment of the Camden Militia in 1781 and 1782. Mark was a private in Colonel John Fisher's Regiment, Orangeburgh Militia, Captain Samuel Tolles' Company, Charleston in 1780. Both Mark and Richard were privates in Colonel Nicholas Lechmeres regiment, Granville county Militia in 1781. Remarks were, beside Mark's name... dead, paid his brother and beside Richard's name rec'd Andrew Deveaux (another private). It appears they had deserted. According to this book, Mark and Richard and 20 others including one lieutenant, were on duty at D______ Stand, near Georgia for 6 months in a fort built at their own expense and in the last week deserted into the country and then ended up in Savannah, Georgia. William had a son Joseph who may also have been a Loyalist but I have to check this out at the National Archives in Ottawa, Canada. I believe there is quite a lot of information there about William that may prove to be interesting. Both William and his son Joseph were surveyors. Joseph was commissioned for the province of Lower Canada which today is the province of Quebec. William also had a daughter, Jane Elizabeth but I know nothing about her or if there were and other children or the name of his wife. Joseph arrived in Quebec in 1789. I do not know when William arrived but he was granted 1,000 of acres of land by George III in Upper Canada, but bordering Lower Canada, on March 10, 1797. He had petitioned the King, saying that he had lost an ample fortune in South Carolina. This area, now known as Pointe Fortune was named after William, who is considered the founder since he owned the first piece of land there. William claimed that in 1772 he purchased a 100 acre plantation from his brother. He states that in 1773 he was Deputy Surveyor of South Carolina and at this time purchased warrants for another 800 acres. He claims he inherited 650 acres when his father died and that he also inherited land from his 2 brothers. This is why I assumed Richard had died. It will be interesting to find out about the will. William also states that he was captured by the Americans several times and was forced to hide in the woods and that at one point there was a price of 180 pounds sterling on his head. According to William, he served as a guide and produced supplies for the British army before joining up at Camden. After joining, he was appointed Captain of the Militia and acted as a colonel during the battles of Camden and Entaw Springs in 1780 and 1781. The book I mentioned previously confirms this. He also said that after the war he returned to Great Britain with his family. He claimed a loss of 2.237 pounds and received 406 (Biographical Sketches of Loyalists of the American Revolution). I have all the sources for this info. so I believe it is pretty accurate. I also have a copy of the original grant. William later acquired more land in the area of Pointe Fortune in recognition of his work as a surveyor. He also received rights to hydraulic power. He sold some of this land and exchanged some for debts to merchants in Montreal. William was accused of fraud at some point and was involved in lawsuits. No one has been able to find out exactly what happened to William or Joseph but apparently one of them died and was buried in Pointe Fortune because it has been documented that the remains of a Colonel Fortune were disinterred and removed from the property of James Pitcairn. This property was once owned by William. The information here is very confusing because William and Joseph were both colonels and both surveyors as well. My line descends from Joseph. Unless William had another son, and there is no mention of this to date, the Fortune name for this family dies with Joseph. Joseph had six daughters, no sons. His youngest daughter, Susannah, was my great, great, grandmother. Source: Bev Rabeau This was copied from letters from William Fortune (while in prison in England) to his son Joseph Fortune. (These letters were the one's I thought I kept a photo copy of , but I guess I didn't and they are still in the archives). In his letter William makes mention of his uncle Owen Fortune as well as Owen's two son's Richard (a contractor in 1916 in England) and John (a lieutenant in the British Army in 1816). Apparently he had visited them or some of them had visited him. "Glen Porteous" Further information on William: The Memorial of William Fortune: (source: Ontario Historical Society pg. 64) states: " His Excellency the Right Honorable Guy Lord Dorchester Governor General and Commander in Chief of the Province of Quebec. The memorial of William Fortune , late of the Province of South Carolina, sheweth: That your Memorialist is a Native of the Kingdom of Ireland. That about Twenty four years past he removed to the Province of South Carolina, where he Resided at the Commencement of the late Rebellion in America, and was possessed of a large landed property. That he opposed the leaders of the Rebellion from the Beginning of it and took an early and active part with his Majesty's forces in endeavoring to suppress it. That he had the Honor to be appointed a Captain of Guides and afterwards had a Commission from his Majesty's General Commanding in South Carolina appointing him Colonel of Militia and acted with the King's Troops until the Evacuation of Charlestown, when he embarked with his Family consisting of A Wife & three Children for London. That he has continued in England and Ireland till his embarkation for this Country. That he has an addition of three children to his Family which now consists of a Wife, Six Children & Two Servants, That he removed them to this Province to settle in it. That his Family are now living at an Expensive rate in this Town. He therefore prays that your Lordship will be pleased to grant to him such a Proportion of Lands on the south of the Ottoway River, as by his Commission & Number of his Family he shall be judged entitled to, that he may remove his Family on to them and Improve them. Your Memorialist begs leave also to state to your Lordship that he has his Commission and Vouchers ready to be produced in support of the Facts above stated. And your Memorialist as in Duty bound will Pray ". signed: William Fortune (Endorsed: - referred to the Land Committee by order of H.E. the Governor General, Henry Motz, Quebec, 26 June 1788. footnote indicated that William Fortune was appointed Lieutenant of the County of Prescott soon after its formation. Pointe Fortune was names after him. Other source references to him are The Old united Empire Loyalist Lists. On the list also are his son Joseph Fortune. -Announced in the Quebec Gazette (source National Archives Ottawa, Ont.) in 1788, William Fortune, his wife , six children and two servants landed at Quebec City having sailed from England on the brig called "Roman Eagle". -On June 26, 1788, William was granted 1,000 acres of land on the south side of the Ottawa River. In order to receive such a grant, loyalists had to prove their loyalty to the British Crown. As in William's case, he produced ample certificates of his having been well esteemed gainfully employed by the Commanding General of South Carolina. In some cases, though, petitioners for land had to use someone else as a character reference. I found several examples of people who use William Fortune as a character reference and a witness to their loyalty. One claimant named Toirie Lawyer, said he knew the Colonel and Mrs. Fortune in 1777. In anther case, William says he knew the claimant (no claim and name listed) in South Carolina in the summer of 1781. The claimant was assistant to Mr. Lancaster the wagon master and William estimated the claimant's crops at 600 pounds. In another case, a man named Tredwell had put in a claim for a land grant on the Ottawa River, however William says that Tredwell was not a Christian, denying Christ the Savour of the world and preferring the works of Tom Pane to the Holy Bible, thus Tredwell should not receive that said grant of land he requests. William also took pity on several families who settled a Hawksbury by petitioning on their behalf for land as he stated that several of the families are living in miserable conditions. In one example there were four families living under one roof. - William did the first land survey of Hawksbury Township 1798-1800. - Another source indicated that land in vicinity of Plantagenet, Prescott County was granted to Colonel Fortune as a government surveyor for his services (amount of land not given). In 1811 he sold the land to Abner and Jonathan Hagar of Montreal. The following information was taken from the History of Argenteuil and Prescott, by Cyrus Thomas - 1896 ref. R(0) 971-423 T.455 pgs 477-8. Who has not heard of Pointe Fortune. It was the most celebrated span on the Ottawa River, indeed it seems to have been the Castle Garden of the Ottawa Valley, the point to which all intending settlers and travellers made their way before locating their lands or visiting other localities in the new district of Eastern Ontario. The village is not much more that a hamlet, incorporated in 1881, is wholly in the County of Vaudreuil (Quebec), but is closely united with the County of Prescott as the western boundary of the town is the road between Prescott and Vaudreuil and quite a portion of the people live in Prescott County. Colonel (William) Fortune is the earliest settler at Point Fortune of whom we have any account. It is unfortunate that we know very little of history as no one seemed to be aware that there were more than one Colonel Fortune, the other being his son, Lt. Colonel Joseph Fortune, also a land surveyor. Joseph Fortune became a prominent man in the Ottawa District, serving as Clerk of the Peace for several years and Lt. Colonel in the Prescott Militia (War of 1812-14). There are conflicting reports as to what happened to Colonel Fortune as mentioned earlier, many did not know that there were two Colonels' Fortune. Colonel William died after 1821at Pointe Fortune and was buried near the present building of James Pitcairn. Not many years after Mr. Pitcairn purchased the property Mr. John Waddell of Hawkesbury came down and asked permission to remove remains and permission was granted. An elm tree of considerable size had grown over the grave and coffin was so much decayed that it broke in pieces on being disturbed. This incident proves that, at least, one Colonel Fortune died, and was buried at this place. (I might add that it had to be Colonel William Fortune as I have information from another relative, Hilda Moore of Richmond Ontario, said that Colonel Joseph Fortune is buried in a graveyard in Richmond Ontario [there is a street "Fortune Street" named after him. I have since checked the list of graves listed on the internet and he is not on it] although an investigation of the graveyard did not turn up a headstone. I have not yet contacted the people in charge of the graveyard in order to obtain a list of the inhabitants). Colonel Joseph Fortune surveyed the town of Richmond Ontario, which town is located about a 30 minute drive south east of Ottawa. Other notes: From the book "Lunenburgh or the Old Eastern District" by J.F. Pringle, Judge County Court, published in 1890 (web site www.tbaytel.net/bmartin/militias.htm) is listed members of regiments. Royal Canadian Volunteers formed May 19, 1796, disbanded Sept. 25, 1802. Colonel: William Fortune. Lieutenant-Colonel: Joseph Fortune Captains: Fra's Rawdon Fortune Lieutenants: Thomas P. Fortune & Steven Story Ensigns: Every Story Are these other Fortune's related to William and Joseph? Are Steven Story and Every Story related to Joseph's wife Mary Story (Storey)? (to be researched later). There are numerous records of William Fortune completing land surveys for the government of the time as well as various settlers. The government surveys were to establish the boundaries of the land grants handed out to the new settlers (United Empire Loyalists). William did surveys as far away as Richmond Ontario area and also along the east side of the Rideau River in the townships of Edwardsburg (located north of Prescott Ontario) and Oxford (located in the Kemptville Ontario area). The area surveyed contained more than 30 thousand acres. William was also the first surveyor of East and West Hawksbury Township (1798-1800). In the National Archives Ottawa is a small diary that he completed while producing this survey. There is also evidence to suggest that William also was the first surveyor of the town of Plantagenet Ontario and possibly founded the town. A more detailed account of one of William Fortune's surveys in a book found at the Ottawa Public Library (ref. 971.382 L817) titled: Montague: A Social History of An Irish Ontario Township 1793 to 1980 by Glenn Lockwood. When Montague was surveyed in the 1790's it was intended to accommodate Loyalist and post-loyalist settlers, to continue settlement started in the 1780's by the first Caucasian settler on the Rideau River, Roger Stevens. Early settlers such as Roger Stevens and William Merrick (founder of Merricksville Ontario) were unable to accurately describe their land claims except by geographic descriptions of nearby land forms. By the fall of 1793 it became apparent that since Leeds and Grenville Counties to the south had been surveyed and filled with settlers, there was no more available "surveyed" land in order to establish specific lots for new settlers coming up from the United States to settle. The Leeds and Grenville Land Board sent a letter to the government requesting the area to the north be surveyed. Officials at York (Toronto) and promptly instructed William Fortune to survey six new townships, namely Montague, Wolford, Elmsley, Kitley, Burgess and Bastard. Fortune was to begin his task as early in 1794 as possible. The 9th of January found William Fortune at Montreal completing preparations for his expedition to the Rideau River. Instead of travelling overland north from the Elizabethtown vicinity, he approached Rideau Falls from the Ottawa River. His party of Caucasians and Amerindians was busily employed in having wheat ground at local mills, sifting the flour at Fortune's house. The remaining Indians were making Indian slays to be ready when the horses can no longer haul supplies on the ice when they reach the Rideau River. Prior to leaving Montreal, Fortune tried to hire two additional sleighs, in addition to the three sleighs he already had in order to carry all the provisions at one time to the mouth of the Rideau River. On January 11th, they proceeded up the Grand River (Ottawa River) travelling slowly at first because there was no broken trail in the deep snow. On Jan. 15th, they finally reached the mouth of the Rideau River (it took 4 days which now takes about 2 hours by automobile). The sleighs were unloaded here with the rest of the men sent back for the remaining supplies. The other men had to move the survey equipment and supplies past the Rideau Falls to the Rideau River. Apparently an altercation broke out between the Indians and the Caucasians. The Indians refused to work and to quote from the book, William Fortune states: " I ordered the most insolent of these wretches to return, that I had no business for him; the other Indians lined with the former who made himself supervisor and said the day was too cold". The book goes on to describe various aspects of Fortune's survey. One time an Indian threatened his life so he discharged all of the Indian party and returned to Montreal to hire more men. He returned in April and continued the survey through that summer. He met both Roger Stevens and William Merrick as Fortune stored some of his supplies at William Merrick's place (now at the town of Merricksville). We know that William returned to England on more than one occasion. In 1793, when he was being appointed land surveyor (I have the official copy of this appointment from the National Archives, Ottawa), he returned to England to fight in the French and Napoleonic wars. Information contained in the National Archives indicates that sometime after 1810, he returned to England. Apparently he had an estate in Ireland worth considerable money but it was confiscated from him and sold. (This idea should be further researched before taken as fact). William had committed some type of crime or could pay certain debts and was thrown into prison (Gloucester Castle). According to a letter he sent his son Joseph on Good Friday, April 9, 1817, he says that he is confined to Gloucester Castle for 7 weeks in a single room which held 48 prisoners. William refers to the prison as "this hell" which he underlines in the letter. He goes on to state that because of his position they will move him to the "bench" in London which will offer him more liberties. The "bench" was actually the King's Bench which was a gentleman's prison or a prison of the upper class and/or well to do. Finally on June 17, 1817, he was let out of the King's Bench where he had spent 4 months and 3 days. After his release, William was provided with lodgings near Bristol in England. During his stay in prison as well as before and after, he sent several letters (these are all on file in the National Archives Ottawa under his name) to his son Joseph, which letters give some insight into his character. He seems to be a religious man, however, he continually scolds Joseph, Eliza and Louisa (some of his children) about not writing him. William appears very lonely as no one answers his letters and William's wife (name unknown at this time) would not take him back once he got out of prison. Also mentioned are William's father but not his first name, also his uncle Owen and Owen's sons, Richard who was a contractor and John who was a Lieutenant in the army Feb. 20, 1816. He also says his father had 7 children altogether. The last record that I could find on William Fortune was a letter he wrote in 1821 at which time he was 74 years old. It is at this time that he mentions marrying a woman in her 30's (this has yet to be confirmed). Of William's children, we know Joseph stayed in the Eastern Ontario and both Louisa and Eliza were married and lived in the Montreal area. Source: "Glen Porteous" Memorial of William Fortune Nov. 4, 1783 (Determined Nov. 19, 1783) Source: Book titled: The Royal Commission on the Losses and Services of American Loyalists, 1783 to 1785, being notes of Mr. Daniel Parker Coke, M.P. one of the Commissioners during that period. Edited by Hugh Edward Egerton, Burt Franklin New York, Published by Lenox Hill Pub. & Dist. Co. (Burt Franklin) reprinted 1971. pages 27-29 inclusive is where memorial is located. Book was found at Carleton University Library in Ottawa, Ontario call # E277 E6 -typed exactly as found in the book William Fortune the claimant-sworn Says he is an Irishman. He went over with his father to America in 1766. Says he was settled on a Plantation of his own when the troubles broke out. (in foot note at bottom of pg 27 states In his memorial he states that he was taken prisoner eight different times, and that he spent three years in hiding, often seeing no one till compelled by starvation.) He purchased his Plantation in 1772. It was in Camden District. He has not got the Deed. All his papers were lost. (note in left hand column states: Bore Arms & renderd Services). He purchased it of his Brother. The Quantity he bought was 100 acres. He paid for it in Horses which he thinks were worth 40 pounds S. (note: actual pound sign used throughout but my keyboard doesnt have one. Note in left hand column states: 100 pounds). There were about 5 Acres cleard. He purchased Land Warrants for 300 Acres more which he surveyd & added to it. Thinks he gave about 80 pounds S. for this 300 acres. This was about two Years after his purchase of his Brother. It was unimproved. He built a small Dwelling House & another new House which was not finished with Corn Houses & c. He did the chief of the work himself but if he had hired people to do it it would have cost him above 100 Gas. He purchased besides this Warrants for 500 Acres more. He bought them just about the beginning of the troubles. Cant say what he gave for them-they were all uncleard when he bought them. Says that these Lands would have sold for 6s. S. an Acre upon Average. Says he is sure he gave more than 150 pounds for the last mentiond 500 Acres. (note in left hand column states: 100 pounds, another note states: 35 pounds). Says his father died in 1776. He died possessd of 650 Acres upon Jacksons Creek in Camden District. About 40 or 50 Acres were cleard. He had been possessd of them about ten Years it was Bounty land there was a good House upon the Plantation. Thinks this Tract on Average worth about 6s. an Acre. His father died without a Will & he is the eldest Son. Produces an Afft sworn before one of the indendts of the Police at Charlestown whereby two persons swear to have been present at the funeral of John Fortune. Says he succeeded to 100 Acres on Jacksons Creek on the death of his Brother who died in 1768 this he values at 40 pounds or 50 pounds S. Says he inherited 200 Acres upon the Wateree River from another Brother who died in 1782 it was all Wood land & uncleard. His brother did not become possessd of it till 1777 or 1778. (note in left hand column states: disallowed). Says his Name is not down in the Confiscation Act but he apprehends himself to be banished from the state. (note in left hand column states: No proof of confiscation). Says in the Year 1777 He was obliged to absent himself from his Plantation & not to appear in public. This was on Acct of his Attachment to the British Govt. He had about 40 head of cattle on his farm. Says he values these at 30s. S. a Head but admits it was the Custom in selling a large Stock to sell them for 20s. S. a head round. He had 8 or 9 Horses at this time on the Plantation. He values these about 4 pounds or 5 pounds S. (small note in left hand column states: Stock 95 pounds, Furniture 31 pounds 10s. Other effects 25 pounds Horses 30 pounds). Says he had 100 Head of Hogs worth 10s. S. each. Values his Household furniture tools & c 30 Guineas. He values his own Plantation (without that of his fathers & Brothers) together with Stock & other things upon it at 1000 pounds. He lost 45 pr of Shoes valued at 12 pounds Books valued at 12 pounds Rum at 31 pounds S. Says he was plunderd by Rebels of 80 pounds S. in their march thro the Country. (note in left hand column states: Disallowed) Produces an instrument under the hand of Sir Egerton Leigh Surveyor Genl of the Province whereby he is appointed to be a Deputy Surveyor for the Province. (left hand column note states: Disallowed). He first joind the British Troops at Camden when they first arrived there under Lord Cornwallis it was about two Months before the battle. He did not take the Oaths. His Character was so good that it was not required. He was employd by the Army to look out for Corn & Cattle and had a Dollar a Day for it. He was then appointed a Captn in the Militia for which he recd 9s.4d. a Day besides the Dollar. He was not at the first Action at Camden. He was afterwords in several Actions. Says he never took out the Grants upon the Warrants which he had purchased. James Barber-Quarter Master of the Camden Ma-sworn. First knew the Claimant after the battle of Camden about 1781. He appeard always zealous & very forward. He was employd in conveying Expresses. He commanded the greatest part of the Camden Ma at the battle of Eutaws where he exerted himself much his Mare was killed under him. Believes he was never paid for his Mare. Sam Grakex-Waggon Master under Lord Rawdon-sworn. Knew the Claimant first in 1780. about July he was Captn in the Ma. He commanded the flanking Party up to Ninety Six. Knew that he bought a Mare at Ninety Six & gave her & a two Year old Foal 24 pounds or 25 pounds S. He says he distinguished himself at the Battles of the Eutaws & was made Coll in consequence. He was always active was much entrusted by Lord Rawden. He was considerd as a Man of landed Property. Robt Cooper-sworn. Witness was a private in the Ma. Knew the Claimant in 1780. Witness was out with him on an Expedition to collect Horses-they got 20 or 30. He was always a zealous Loyalist. He was in his House in the Year 1781. It was a good Country House & well furnished his Wife and family was there & in peaceable possession there was plenty of Stock about it. Copied by Glen Porteous Oct. 27, 2001 William's children Joseph, William, Louisa and Eliza are correct. There is also Jane Elizabeth Fortune who married a John Hoople and she is documented up here as receiving a land grant of some sort from the British Government in 1808. We have not been able to nail down birth/death/marriage dates very well yet from source or good secondary source documents yet. Bev and I also suspect he had a son Thomas (based on some info I found regarding the War of 1812) and a son Rawden (Rawdon, Rowden) which is also based on info I have on the War of 1812 where William is listed a Colonel of the Prescott county militia, Joseph as Lieut. Col. of the same militia, Francis Rawden Fortune -captain and a Thomas P. Fortune as a lieutenant. In addition William mentions Rawden in his letters and also his son "T" whom Bev and I suspect is Thomas. We don't, unfortunately, have the hard evidence to back up whether these last 2 are actually his sons. Lynda does have the info. somewhat right. Bev and I suspect William had more children as we know from his 1788 memorial that he had at least 6 children and possibly one or two more. Still being researched Glen just received copies of documents from the Public Records office of England. At first reading it appears that William Fortune as listed by the Curate of Hurstpierpoint parish (which is located in Sussex & just north of Brighton Eng.) in his letter dated Dec. 17, 1822 states "This is to cerify that the remains of the late Colonel William Fortune of the American Loyalists were interred in this Parish on the twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord 1822 by me, J.C.F Tufnele Curate of Hurstpierpoint". There are other references that he actually died November 26, 1822 according to the curate. Some of the writing is very difficult to read but the curate's writing is very clear. It also appears that he had no relatives in England, according to the correspondance, so his wife was already deceased. The curate's interest appears that he is putting in a claim or claims for William's half pay (which it states he started collecting in 1783 according to the documents). Now the curate only wants sufficient to cover funeral expenses. William would be 74 years old, just shy of his 75th birthday, if he was born Dec. 30, 1748. Glen Porteous. More About William F. (Sr.) Fortune: Burial: November 29, 1822, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex, England More About Mary Brown: Fact 1: Glen & Bev have not proved that Mary Brown is the wife of William Fact 2: Personal documents of Wm. Fortune indicate that he was married 4 yrs. after he came to S. C., His memorial indicates that he came to S. C. in 1766 with his father 4 iii. John (Jr.) Fortune, born February 21, 1751/52 in Newry, County Down, Ireland; died Bef. 1783 in Camden District, South Carolina. 5 iv. Jane Fortune, born September 01, 1754 in Newry, County Down, Ireland; died February 22, 1814 in Jefferson County, GA. Will probated Jefferson Co., GA.. She married (Judge) Walter (Jr.) Robinson April 05, 1775 in Barnwell County, S.C. or Louiseville, GA.; born in Scotland; died in Milledgeville, Baldwin Co., GA.. Notes for Jane Fortune: FROM: Jefferson CO. Ga., Wills (1777-1893) Walter Robinson 3/17/1808:10/8/1811 Page 84-85 Wife: Jane, house and lot in Louisville. Sons: Isaac, Jacob. William, and Jesse. Daus: Mary Ann Lamar, Elisa Milton. Wits: Benjamin Bryan, Ben Green, T. Hancock, J.P. (For more detailed information contact source). Source: All information on Jane Fortune and her husband Walter Robinson and their daughter Eliza Jane Robinson and their descendants from James Leigh Skinner IV More About Jane Fortune: Fact1: Jane writes in her Bible in 1804 "her age is 50" that John, Samuel & Martha are Deceased Notes for (Judge) Walter (Jr.) Robinson: Walter Robinson moved from Scotland to Virgina by way of Tobago. According to Vol. 4, Chapter 25 of The Complete Book of Immigrants, Walter Robinson sailed from Portsmouth, England on the "Unity" the week of July 17, 1774, bound for Tobago, Trinidad, West Indies to execute his recently appointed office of "Chief Justice of Tobago". After spending a few years in Tobago Judge Robinson moved to Virginia. He then moved to Barnwell Dist. S.C. where met and married Miss Jane Fortune. Later moved to Savannah, Ga., Louisville, GA. and Millegeville, GA. All of their sons moved to Jackson County, Fl. in the early 1820's. More About (Judge) Walter (Jr.) Robinson: Fact1: Marriage Date From davis5@earthlink.net at Ancestry.com 6 v. Mark Fortune, born June 23, 1756 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. Notes for Mark Fortune: He served from June 14 - December 13, 1780, in Colonel John Fisher's regiment, Orangeburg Militia, Captain Samuel Tolles' Company, Charlestown, South Carolina. 183-days pay, to be paid 18 December 1781 (Pay Abstract #39) Pay Abstract #122, Colonel Nicholas Lechmere's Regiment, Granville County Militia, six-months pay, 10 Feb-9 Aug 1781, the names of both Mark and his brother, Richard, appeared. After Mark's name was the notation, "dead, paid his brother". It is not clear what date payment was made but an earlier Pay Abstract #51 (which was later cancelled) indicated that payment for this period would be made in January 1782. Therefore, it appears that Mark died sometime between 9 Aug 1781 and January 1782. The date of Cornwallis's surrender was October 17, 1781; however, Charlestown, S. C., was not given up until late in 1782. Source: "Glen Porteous" More About Mark Fortune: Military service: Mark died in the American Revolution 7 vi. Richard (Sr.) Fortune, born June 17, 1758 in Newry, County Down, Ireland; died Bet. 1820 - 1826 in Barnwell Dist. South Carolina. He married Mary White; born Abt. 1749 in Ireland. Notes for Richard (Sr.) Fortune: Richard was a deserter from the British Army, and it appears that the parents, John and Ann were at least sympathetic to the Colonials if not direct supporters. 1790 Orangeburg District S.C. (Southern Part) Census with 1m (<16), 1m >16,Richard) and 2f (one probably Mary) Pg.85 1810 Barnwell Co. S.C. Census 2m (<10), 3m (10-16) 3m (16-26), 1m (>45) 1f (10-16), 3f (16-26), 1f (>45) 1820 Barnwell Co. S.C. Census 1m (10-16), 1m (16-18), 4m (16-26), 2f (16-26), 1f (>45, Mary. Source: James T. Newell More About Mary White: Fact 1: Her last name maybe White 8 vii. Elizabeth F. Fortune, born December 23, 1759 in Newry, County Down, Ireland; died February 20, 1816.