David L. Forman

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 5 Dec 1850, Calcasieu, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
• Census: 1860, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Notes:

Census:
David L Forman 30
Celeste Forman 25
David Forman 6
Jacques Forman 4
Susanne Forman 1
Francois Belard 19


Census:
David S Forman 41
Celestine Forman 36
David Forman 17
Jacob Forman 15
Susan Forman 11
Jane Forman 9
James Forman 7
Jamima Forman 7
George Forman 5
Lucinda Forman 2

David married Celestine Demarest on 01 Mar 1842. Celestine was born in 1825; died on 13 Aug 1860. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. David Daniel Forman was born on 15 Jun 1844 in Louisiana; died about 1882 in of, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
2. Jacob Forman was born on 08 Jan 1846 in Louisiana; died after 1880.
3. Susan Forman was born on 24 Oct 1849 in Louisiana; died on 17 Aug 1919 in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana; was buried in Hayes, Louisiana.
4. Jane Forman was born in 1851 in Lousiana; died after 1860 in of, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
5. Isma Forman was born on 06 Jul 1851 in Louisiana; died on 06 Mar 1930.
6. James Forman was born in 1853 in Louisiana; died after 1873 in of, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
7. Jemima Forman was born in 1853 in Louisiana; died after 1880.
8. Valentine Forman was born in Sep 1854 in Louisiana; died before 1910 in of, Queue Tortue, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana.
9. George Forman was born in 1855 in Louisiana; died after 1860.
10. Lucinda Forman was born in 1858 in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana; died after 1860 in of, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1810, Opelousas. St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
• Census: 1820, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
• Research Notes: 30 Nov 2015

Notes:

Foreman, James of this parish (Edward & Marie Barrett) m 5 Feb 1805 Susan Cole of Natchez (James & Maime Cotter) Wits: David Harmon, Joseph Andrus, John Andrus, John Close.
Fr. Louis Buhot (Opel Ch v 1-B - Protestant Marriages 1787-1830 p 12)
Forman, James of Opel (Edouard & Marie Burnett) m 5 Feb 1805 Susanne Cole of Natchez (Opel Ch: v.1-supp. #24)

(Fontenot: Acadia Parish, La Vol 1 P 42)
The Cole and Foreman families both lived for a time in the Natchez District of Mississippi before moving to Louisiana. Members of both families were early settlers in the area which is now know as Acadia Parish. James Cole, who was Susan's father and James Foreman are both shown to be owners of riverbank strips of land fronting Bayou Plaquemine Brulee on an Acadia Par. map that represents land ownership prior to 1803. James Foreman was the original owner of his tract, claiming ownership by settlement and occupancy. (Fontenot: Acadia Parish La Vol 1 P 21)
Susan and James were married 5 Feb 1805. the Marriage was registered in the Opelousas Catholic Church. (Hebert: Southwest La Records, vol 1 p 135).
Apparently James did not retain ownership of his land on Bayou Plaquemine Brulee but moved his family to another area. Several bits of information substantiate this. George King, probate judge from Opelousas at the time of James' death i3 stated in the succession that he had traveled 70 miles to the last residence of the deceased. It is not possible to travel that distance from Opelousas and still be on Bayou Plaquemine Brulee. Further, Hampton Holland, orally relating family history stated that his grandmother, Zilia Ann Foreman (dau. of James and Susan) was from the Lacassine, LA area. Lacassine is about 70 miles "as the crow flys" from Opelousas. (St. Landry Parish Court House. Succ # 619)
Susan remarried in 1835 to Nelson Higginbotham, widower of Judith Ware. Mr Higginbotham received his authority to celebrate marriages in 1832 and thereby was a Justice of the Peace.
Susan died in 1881 at age 92.
Sources for the children of this marriage and their spouces is Hampton Holland and Sadie Davis by Melba Brown Martin P 35, (Bell City Library)
_____________
From: winston@asbank.com (winston)
Source: Acadia Parish History to 1900, by: Mary Alice Fontenot,
Chapter II, Colonial landowners, pg. 42, 51.

Item: Accross on the Bayou's north bend was the property of James Foreman, the original landowner, claimed by settlement and occupancy. The foreman land was adjacent to Antoine Blanc's large holding on upper Plaquemine Brulee. The son of Edward Foreman, native of Virginia, and Marie Burnett (Bonnet, Barnett) he was married in 1805 to Susan Cole, daughter of James, originally of Natchez and Maime Cotter. (Marriage source?: Henry Newton Pharr genealogical records)
"Acadia Parish History to 1900"


Census:
Name: James Forman
Home in 1810 (City, County, State): Opelousas, Louisiana
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2 Sarah, Catherine
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1 1785-1794
Number of Household Members Under 16: 2
Number of Household Members Over 25: 1
Number of Household Members: 4


Census:
Name: James Foreman
Home in 1820 (City, County, State):
St Landry, Louisiana
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 2 Jacob, David
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 1 1795-1804 ?
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1 1774-1796 James
Free White Persons - Females - Under 10: 2 Mary Ann & Melissa
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 2 Sarah, Catherine
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1 1774-1796 Susanna Cole
Slaves - Females - Under 14: 1
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 2
Free White Persons - Under 16: 6
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total Slaves: 2
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 11

Name: James Foreman Junior
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): St Landry, Louisiana
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - Under 10: 2 Elisha, Jesse
Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Males - 26 thru 44: 1
Slaves - Females - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 2
Free White Persons - Under 16: 2
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 4
Total Slaves: 2
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 6


Research Notes:
Trees on Rootsweb show the James married To MCCleland as the son of James and Susan Cole. Dates are close to not working. Forman/McCleland m was 1819 Forman/Cole m 1806. If James Jr b after marriage, then 1806 makes him only 13 to marry in 1819. Est his b at 1800 is 4 yrs before marriage.
Also, mother Susanne Cole - b 1789. He could not be her son and born 1800 or any time earlier. That puts her at 11. If she were 15, that puts him b at 1804, meaning he married at 15 - which is the only possible age to meet both dates, but not likely. Doesn't quite add up.

update 30 Nov 2015
Looking at 1820 census and age groups, James Sr. and James Jr. are both in the same age range, 26-44. Each has to be at the respective far end of the range, meaning James Jr. was born abt 1796, so his marriage to Elizabeth in 1819 would be 23 years. However if Susanne Cole born 1789 is his mother, that puts her age at his birth at 7. James Sr.'s age 18. James Sr. must have had a 1st wife.

Died:
James Forman Sr; succession #619, filed St. Landry 2 Jun 1833.

James married Susanne Cole on 5 Feb 1805 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Susanne (daughter of James Cole (Coale) and Jemimah Curtis) was born on 16 Dec 1789 in Natchez District, Mississippi; died in 1881. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cole, Susan of Natchez (James & Maime Cotter) m 5 Feb 1805 James Forman of this parish (Edward & Marie Barrett). Wits: David Harmon, Joseph Andrus, John Andrus, John Close. Fr. Louis Buhot (Opel Ch: v.1-B - Protestant Marriages 1787-1830, p 12)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Presbyterian
• Occupation: 18 Aug 1758, South Carolina; master of frigot "Pretty Peggy"
• Residence: 1762, Halifax Co, North Carolina
• Other-Begin: 25 Feb 1762, Halifax Co, North Carolina; mentioned in Everitt will
• Residence: 1772, British West Florida
• Residence: 10 Dec 1776, Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana; 500 ac land grant
• Residence: 16 Oct 1779, Lake Ponchartrain, Louisiana; signed pledge
• Residence: 1785, Bayou Chicot, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
• Residence: 1785, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
• Residence: 1790, Plaquemine Brulee, Acadia Parish, Louisiana
• Census: 1792, Natchez District, Mississippi
• Possessions: 1794, Acadia Parish, Louisiana; sold land
• Residence: 1794, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
• Death: Abt 1795; ?

Notes:

By Henry Chandlee Forman, Ph.D.
The Formans of England-
For more than six hundred years, from the earliest records of the family in Lincolnshire, England, to the present day, the spelling of the name Forman has been unchanged. In 1316 land in Lincolnshire was granted to one Ralph Forman; in 1373 Thomas Forman, and 1375 Robertus Forman, a juror, were inhabitants of this county. In the Lincolnshire Rebellion of 1536 Robert Forman gave five marks to the rebels.[Lincolnshire Notes and Queries, vol. 11, p. 249; vol. 18, p. 58; Linc. Rec. Soc. vol. 30, pp. 77, 87, 227]. All through the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries there were Formans living in England, chiefly in Lincolnshire, according to the records.
The most distinguished member of the family seems to have been Sir William Forman, Knight, Lord Mayor of London, a native of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. He was the son of William Forman, a yeoman of Gainsborough. His sister, Elizabeth Forman, married Morice Morgan.
Sir William Forman was Knighted on October 18, 1537, and was an Alderman in Parliament form Cripplegate Ward in the City of London from 1529 to 1545. He was High Sheriff of London in 1533 and Lord Mayor from 1538 to 1539. During a Muster of Citizens in 1539 he rode in a procession and carried a coat of black velvet embroidered with a cross; on his head was a black velvet cap with a rich jewel; and about him rode four footmen apparelled in satin hose and fine white silk.
By trade Sir William Forman was a haberdasher. In 1544 he, with others, leased from King Henry VIII the Manor of Tullesworth in Surrey. In the same year, on August 30, he married Blanche Palmer, a widow, of London. He died on January 13, 1547, and was buried in the Church of Saint George, Botolph Lane, in East Cheapside, London. A monument was erected there to his memory.
His great grandson, Robert Forman went to Amersterdam and received the Charter for Flushing, New Amersterdam, which is now Queens, New York. The Forman family flurished and soon spread to New Jersey, Pennsylvannia, Virginia, and Kentucky. They followed the migration patterns to North and South Carolina and on down to Louisiana and Mississippi Territories.
In the Natchez area, they formed the Forman Colony, and brought the first four-wheeled cart to the Mississippi Territory.
The Spanish Census of 1790 shows George "Jorge" Forman and family next to William "Guillermo" Irwin. They were settled on the Sara Bayou and Coles Creek area.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/o/r/Stephen-D-Forman/index.html
------------

Forman, Edouard m Rebecca Raveo (Opel Ch)
Forman, Edouard m Marie Bournet (Opel Ch)

Presbyterian.
1762, Halifax County, NC (will of William Everit)

1776: granted 500 acres of land on 10 December 1776 on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. It is believed Edward Forman entered the Province of British West Florida in 1772.

1785, Bayou Chicot, LA, granted land (Evangeline Par)
1785, Living with wife in Bayou Chicot
1794, sold land to Victor Richard
____________
In about 1758 Edward Forman was supposed to be master of the ship "Pretty Peggy." This is in the South Carolina Gazette dated Aug 18, 1758.

From: winston@asbank.com (winston)
Source: Anglo-Americans in Spanish Archives, "List of Anglo-American Settlers in The Spanish colonies of America, A Finding Aid".
By: Lawrence H. Feldman, 1991, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc.,
10001 N. Calvert, Baltimore, Md., pp. 85,108 20

Census of Louisiana District
Item No. 347 - Forman, Ed. at Opelousas in 1785
Item No. 350 - Fourman, Edouard at Opelousas in 1794.

Census, Mississippi, Natchez District
Item No. 261 - Forman, Ezekiel, 1792, Santa Catalina area.
Item No. 262 - Forman, Ismay, 1792, Villa Gayoso area.
Item No. 263 - Forman, Jorge, 1792, Villa Gayoso area.
(my note: I have no idea where Santa Catalina and Villa Gayoso are)

Source: Acadia Parish History to 1900, by: Mary Alice Fontenot,
Chapter II, Colonial landowners, pg. 42, 51.

Item: Victor Richard bought his land from Edward Foreman in 1794. Thomas Hoffpauir age 76 testified in the land claim in 1812. Hoffpauir said the land had been occupied by Foreman "more than 30 years ago, for several years;" that after the sale to Richard, "Primo occupied same on Richard's account for 2 or 3 years., after which Foreman was employed to tend Richard's cattle, where he resided and cultivated for 5 successive years."
__________
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/o/r/Stephen-D-Forman/GENE8-0001.html

1. EDWARD1 FORMAN was born Abt. 1720 in Va., and died 1805 in St. Landry Parish, La.. He married MARIE BURNET Bet. 1750 - 1752 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.

Notes for EDWARD FORMAN:
On Oct. 16, 1779 after raids by so-called patriot, John Willing, into the British West Florida settlements of Natchez, Baton Rouge and Manchac, Edward Forman and 18 others signed oaths of allegiance to the "United Independent States of North America" in the presence of Capt. Pickles who had captured the British armed vessel on Lake Ponchartrain.
"We whose names or marks are here unto set and subscribed, being settlers and inhabitants on Lake Ponchartrain between the Bayou La Combe and the River Tanchipaho, do herby acknowlege ourselves to be natives as well as true and faithful subjects to the United Independent States of North America.
An whereas on the tenth day of last month, William Pickles, captain of the navy of the said States, did arrive in this lake and made prize of the English armed sloop, West Florida, wh had kept possession of the lake for near two years before, and the said William Pickles, Esquire, did on the twenty first of the same month, land some of his people, and take possession of this settlement and gave us all the protection against indians and others that his force would admit of, and suffered us to remain on our possessions till further orders; we, therefore, consider ourselves belonging to the said States, and are willing to remain here and enjoy our property and priviledges under them, the said United States. October 16, 1779."
"Gerard Brandon, Alex McCollough, James Mosely, Mary Smith, Samuel Smith, James Farro, Abel Goffegon, Edward Foreman, Wm. Dakimore, Jacob Ambrose, Frederic Spell, Benj. Curtis, Wm. Fisher, Paul Pigg, Daniel Tuttle, Matt McCollough, Francis Fisher, John Spell, Wm. Steel" --Source, Mississippi as a Providence, Territory, and State, Claiborne, 1880.

More About EDWARD FORMAN:
Fact 1: August 18, 1758, Noted in South Carolina Gasette as "master of the Brig "Pretty Peggy"
Fact 2: 1762, Edward is noted in Halifax County, NC Will of Wm. Everitt
Fact 3: 1772, Edward entered British West Florida with McCollugh Spell
Fact 4: 1776, Edward Forman granted 500 acres on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain
Fact 5: October 16, 1779, Signed Oath of Allegiance to the "United Independent States of North America"

1785-Chart prepared by Winston DeVille, at June 1963 meeting of Louisiana Genealogical Society in St. Landry Parish Court Room in Opelousas, Louisiana. Now in Jim Bowie Museum, Opelousas, La. "UNder Commandant De Cloucet 30 July 1785
Thomas Huffpower
George Forman
Ismael Forman"
Source-The Hoffpauirs of Louisiana... Rosemary Wright Hoffpauir.
1790-Edward Forman (Sr) then went to Plaqumine Brulee in Spanish La. (now Acadia Parish, La.). His sons: George & Ismael went to Jefferson County, Mississippi Census, with George F. returning to La. for the 1810 census, then back to Jefferson.
Source: Ed Roberts, Monroe, La.



Children of EDWARD FORMAN and MARIE BURNET are:
i. MARGARET2 FORMAN, b. 1748.
2. ii. EDWARD FORMAN II, b. Abt. 1749, Va.; d. 1818, St. Landry Parish, La..
3. iii. ISMAEL FORMAN, b. Abt. 1752, Va.; d. 1832, Louisiana.
4. iv. MARY FORMAN, b. 1762, North Carolina.; d. 1812, St. Landry Parish, La..
5. v. GEORGE FORMAN, b. May 01, 1764, Virginia; d. February 25, 1823, Jefferson County, Mississippi.
6. vi. EPHRAIM (EPHREM) JOSEPH FORMAN, b. 1766, Va.; d. 1835, Jefferson County, Mississippi.
7. vii. SARA ELIZABETH FORMAN, b. 1768.
viii. CATHERINE FORMAN, b. Abt. 1769; m. THOMAS LAUGHLIN JR., June 11, 1793, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.
8. ix. JANE FORMAN, b. Abt. 1773, Va.; d. Abt. 1850.
9. x. JAMES FORMAN, b. 1779, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana; d. 1833, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.







Occupation:
August 18 1758, Noted in South Caroline Gazette as 'master of the Brig Pretty Peggy'(From further research- which was found on a Google search and one for the "Clark Family"(clark@ems.psu.edu), I found this Edward Foreman, born 1717 at Margate Kent, England. Died on Ship "Pretty Peggy 1759 at the age of 42. - Another entry, his father: John Foreman b. 1616 Margate Kent, England; d. January 1760(84 yrs) buried 25 January 1760). Perhaps this is the same John Foreman who brought prisoners, bonded people, etc from Ipswich England to the Colonies-as noted in many entries of the Ship Henry & Francis-Including Scots who had been convicted mainly because of their religious beliefs.)
In 1685 there is a posting of the Ship Henry and Francis of NewCastle bringing in Passengers to Perth Amboy, NJ mid December 1685-Included on the list is a John Foreman who was banished.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bthornton3026&id=I1625

Residence:
1762, Edward is noted in Halifax County, NC Will of Wm. Everitt

Other-Begin:
abstract of William Everit/Everitt's will:

Will# 54 pg.74 WILLIAM EVERIT/EVERITT 25 Feb.1762 June Ct.1762
3 brothers JAMES EVERITT, JOHN EVERITT, and SAMUEL EVERITT all my land and money to be divided equally between them PEGGY FOREMAN daughter of EDWARD FOREMAN cow, calf, etc. Rest of movable estate to be equally divided between my brothers and sisters (names not given)
Wit.: MATTHEW BURNET x his mark, FLORENINIA CARTY, JOHN HEADY
Extrs.: my 3 brothers JAMES, JOHN, and SAMUEL EVERIT

http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.halifax/1221.1/mb.ashx

Residence:
1772, Edward entered British West Florida with McCollugh Spell

Residence:
1776, Edward Forman granted 500 acres on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain

Residence:
While Gálvez was at work reducing the works at Baton Rouge, Captain Pickles sailed to Bayou La Combe and the Tauchipaho River on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, claiming the area for the United States and demanding an oath of allegiance from its citizens.
http://www.usskidd.com/battles-revolution.html

On Oct. 16, 1779 after raids by so-called patriot, John Willing, into the British West Florida settlements of Natchez, Baton Rouge and Manchac, Edward Forman and 18 others signed oaths of allegiance to the "United Independent States of North America" in the presence of Capt. Pickles who had captured the British armed vessel on Lake Ponchartrain.
"We whose names or marks are here unto set and subscribed, being settlers and inhabitants on Lake Ponchartrain between the Bayou La Combe and the River Tanchipaho, do herby acknowlege ourselves to be natives as well as true and faithful subjects to the United Independent States of North America.
An whereas on the tenth day of last month, William Pickles, captain of the navy of the said States, did arrive in this lake and made prize of the English armed sloop, West Florida, wh had kept possession of the lake for near two years before, and the said William Pickles, Esquire, did on the twenty first of the same month, land some of his people, and take possession of this settlement and gave us all the protection against indians and others that his force would admit of, and suffered us to remain on our possessions till further orders; we, therefore, consider ourselves belonging to the said States, and are willing to remain here and enjoy our property and priviledges under them, the said United States.October 16, 1779."
"Gerard Brandon, Alex McCollough, James Mosely, Mary Smith, Samuel Smith, James Farro, Abel Goffegon, Edward Foreman, Wm. Dakimore, Jacob Ambrose, Frederic Spell, Benj. Curtis, Wm. Fisher, Paul Pigg, Daniel Tuttle, Matt McCollough, Francis Fisher, John Spell, Wm. Steel" --Source, Mississippi as a Providence, Territory, and State, Claiborne, 1880.

http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/f/o/r/Stephen-D-Forman/GENE8-0001.html

Residence:
1790-Edward Forman (Sr) then went to Plaqumine Brulee in Spanish La. (now Acadia Parish, La.). His sons: George & Ismael went to Jefferson County, Mississippi Census, with George F. returning to La. for the 1810 census, then back to Jefferson.
Source: Ed Roberts, Monroe, La

Died:
some records say 1795 Bayou Chicot

Stephen D. Forman, researcher, has 1805 St. Landry Parish and from other records, seems more logical.

http://www.genealogy.com/ftm/f/o/r/Stephen-D-Forman/GENE8-0001.html

Edward* married Marie* Burnett (or Barrett or Bouret or Bonet or Bournet or Brunet) before 1761. Marie* (daughter of Matthew* (Matthis/Matthus) Burnett, Sr. and Mrs. Sarah* (..) Burnett (Everitt?), (prob related?)) was born about 1740 in of, North Carolina and of, Opelousas; died after 1800. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Research Notes: 12 Dec 2010
• Research Notes: 11 Aug 2013

Notes:

from Anita Richmond (arichmond@worldnet.att.net)
has copy of Thomas Laughlin & Catharine Foreman's marriage certificate from St.Landry Catholic Church; shows "Bosnell" "which I believe to be Bosnell."

Foreman, Catherine - Calvinist (Edward & Marie Bosnell (Bushnel) m 11 Jun 1793 Thomas Laughlin - a Calvinist, of Virginia (Thomas & Esther Forman) Wits: Andre Mondon, Peter McNeal, William Hayse, Jr. Fr. Pedro de Zamora (Opel Ch: v 1-A, p 44)

Forman, Catherine (Edward & Marie Bosnell) m 11 Jun 1793 Thomas Laughelin (Opel. Ch. v. 1, p 44)

records of children marriages show "Burnett"

Elizabeth:
Johnston, Isaac (Joseph & Rachel Johnston) m 17 Jun 1790 Sara Elisabeth Forman (Edward & Marie Burnet) Wits: William Hayes. Fr. Pedro de Zamora (Opel. Ch.: v 1-A, p 30)

Forman, Mary (min. daughter of Edouard & Mary Bouret of North Carolina, of Opelousas) m 3 Jun 1784 William Hayes (min. son of William & Sara Bosman - of Opelousas, of Virginia, of new England) Wits: William Hays, Jacob Will, Joseph Andrus, Bosman Hayes. Fr. Geffrotin (SM Ch: v2 #172)

Forman, Jenny (Edward & Marie Bonet) m 3 Feb 1788 Bosman Hayes (William & Celeste Hayes) Wits: La Morandiere, Gradenigo, Charles Piercy, Martin Duralde, Nicholas Forstall. Fr. Joseph Arazena (Opel Ch. Vol 1-A, p 14)

Foreman, James of this parish (Edward & Marie Barrett) m 5 Feb 1805 Susan Cole of Natchez (James & Maime Cotter) Wits: David Harmon, Joseph Andrus, John Andrus, John Close.
Fr. Louis Buhot (Opel Ch v 1-B - Protestant Marriages 1787-1830 p 12)

----
from Martha Edwards (maeinva2@msn.com)
date: February 1, 2013
re: Bosman Hayes
Here is the first set of documents on Foreman that I have. They were used as proof in a DAR application, so they are solid. Marie Bonet's name is spelled Burnett, but the earliest documents we saw all had it spelled Bonet. They were Galvez papers and there were a lot of Bonets listed including her father. I don't seem to have copied any of that - actually, I don't think they would let us copy it with a copier, and we were short on time for having them copy it however they would copy it. I think it was a matter of several days to have them do it and we were going home before they could get it done now that I think about it. It sounded to us like the Bonets had been in LA for a very long time, too. I may see if I can get it copied and mailed to me next time I go up. I hope to go this spring at some point. I haven't been up since Thanksgiving.
Martha

----

an Ezekiel Forman entered Natchez in 1790, along with a Eusebio Bushnell in his party. Also in that party was Jacobo Huffman - most probably father of David Huffman who married Clark - whose mother was Robert. Robert's sister Nancy Robert m Green who was also from Natchez. Perry is another one whose family intermarried into this line, and arrived in Natchez at this time


AMERICANS ARRIVING in SPANISH-HELD NATCHEZ 1788-1790

*These reports were written by a Spanish officer, Carlos de Grand Pre to Governor Estevan Miro; therefore many of the names are in SPANISH or a PHONETIC attempt to convert the name to Spanish. Some are in English. The term "settler" means those with intent to settle the district. In 1788, a royal order encouraged American immigration and trade, and colonist began arriving in larger numbers than ever before. Few of these arrived via the land route, however; most arrived on flatboats, coming down the Mississippi. The majority came from Kentucky. Many settled in what would become Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties. List taken from records in the MS Dept. of Archives and History, Jackson MS.

JUNE 22, 1790
Arriving by 6 flatboats from the UNITED STATES

First flatboat, the NANCY, from OHIO
FORMAN, SAMUEL, owner and settler
FORMAN, EZEK, resident of Natchez District
(note: he arrived earlier, that year - in April -- list with him below)

Other flatboats all from KENTUCKY

Second boat, owner and one passenger returning
Settlers:
MITCHEL, WILLIAM
GOLL, JACOBO
MCKEY, JUAN

Third boat
WINTERS, ELISHA, owner and settler

Fourth boat, owner returning
Settlers:
BUSHNELL, EUSEBIO -- <<<<<
GUILLION, JOHN
Fifth and sixth boats,
consigned to OLIVER POLLOCK
SHIPMAN, STEPHEN , to settle

JUNE 28, 1790
Arriving by flatboat from KENTUCKY
Settlers:
BEARE, WALTER
TERRY, JAMES with wife and 5 children
HUFFMAN, JACOBO with wife and three children
I have a few Huffmans -- Robert 1797 from MS, married Suzanne Clark
dau of John Clark and Sarah Robert, sister to my Nancy Robert who was m1 to Green!!! Bet this Robert is son of Jacob!!!
Also Huffman, Anna, married Duncks (Dunks) 1838 another name that shows up in this line)

Another Huffman I have is Margaret Huffman, b 1766 Rowan Co, NC; m Isaac Van Hooser. Isaac Van Hooser is bro to Johannes Van Hooser. This line went to TN, and were direct ancestors to my ex's mother's paternal line. lol

LIST ARRIVING 20 APR 1790 - FROM PENNSYLVANIA:
FLATBOATS ARRIVING IN NATCHEZ -
OWNER, EMPLOYEES, AND/OR SETTLERS
ACCORDING TO LETTERS FROM CARLOS
DE GRAND PRE TO GOVERNOR MIRO

APRIL 22, 1790
Arriving from PENNSYLVANIA ,
brought by EZEKIEL FORMAN all to settle:
FORMAN, EZEKIEL
with wife, son, and three daughters
Passengers:
OMUND, EBENEZER
CHACACH, ELIZABETH
Employees:
HARLTOCK, CHRISTIAN
ROBENS, GEORGE
OCONOR, GUILLERMO

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~msfrank2/americansinspanishnatchez.htm

_
From a family history authored by George Eleazer Bushnell of Nashville in 1945 and now available online (see pp. 227-28), we learn a little about the adventurous E. Bushnell who sent the missive back east:

*432. Eusebius, b. Norwich, Conn. 1 Feb. 1748, bapt. 12 Feb. 1749, d. in Florida about 1812, m. 13 Sept. 1772, Borodel Latimer, b. New London, Conn. 12 Apr. 1755, d. before 1792, dau. of Jonathan and Lucretia (Griswold) Latimer, m. 2nd, Opelousis, La. 23 Apr. 1792, Margerit (or Margaret) McCarty, dau. of Juan and Margaret (Maklein) Makarti, and widow of Baron Patricio (R-109).
Eusebius Bushnell, probably m. at Lyme, Conn. where his first two children were bapt. served as Capt. in Rev. War in Lt. Col. Experience Storr's Regt. at New York in Fall of 1776, June 1777 appeared before the Norwich Court as Capt. Eusebius Bushnell of Lyme, Conn. and accepted office of Exec. of the est. of his brother Ezra, who had dec'd. He probably removed to Norwich as here his son Ezra was bapt. in the Christ Episcopal Church in 1778 and on 30 Sept. 1782, he brought his children Lucretia and Matthew to be bapt. in the church at Great Barrington, Mass. In 1786 he was in Nashville, Tenn. (then North Carolina), where he was a witness in a case, and signed some papers, and on 29 Dec. 1785 he was appointed as one of three Commissioners to examine into claims of soldiers and sailors residing in the district, and in 1787 the grand jury of Davidson County, presented to the court at Nashville, James Hickman, Thomas Bradford, and Joseph Brooks for disorderly conduct in throwing down Capt. Eusebius Bushnell and breaking open Squire Nichol's door (R-110), between 15 Dec. 1786 and 20 Jan. 1789, he bought and traded land grants under the firm name of Dobbins and Bushnell (R-111), and of 28 Aug. 1789, he bought three negro slaves, perhaps to act as porters on his trek over the Natches Trace to New Orleans, La. He acquired lands in Florida under a Spanish land Grant, afterwards confirmed by the U.S. Government as shown in Reports of Land Grants, Claims in Florida, 'Wusebius Bushnell vs. United States, memorial dated 13 Mar. 1799 for 600 acres, also decree of Gov. White for same dated 1799." "It appears in evidence that the claimant was in possession of the land in the year 1803, that his son was killed in 1800 or 1801, and that the claimant died in the year 1812. The board ordered the claim of 600 acres be confirmed to the unknown heirs, and their heirs, as far as the U.S. have interest in the same."

http://oldnewstom.wordpress.com/nashville-news-1780-1789/

__
Wednesday, April 4, 1798 court
Letter of Attorney from Eusebius Bushnell to his son Ezra Bushnell was exhibited in Court, with letter of attorney was proven by one of the subscribing witnesses thereto before the notary public for the city of Charleston in the State of South Carolina as appears by the certificate and seal of the said notary public and is thereupon admitted to _ & ordered to be recorded.
source: 1798 Court of Pleas & Quarter Session Records
Sumner County, TN
From the Court of Pleas and Quarter Session Records 1796-1798

Contributed by Linda Carpenter
Compiled by Leslie Garinger and Diane Payne
©1998

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tnsumner/plea1798.htm


Research Notes:
12 Dec 2010
SWLR-1750-1800, p. 324 by Hebert
Text: FORMAN, Catherine - Calvinist (Edward & Marie Bosnell-Bushnel), m. 11 June 1793 Thomas Laughlin - a Calvinist, of Virginia(Thomas & Esther Forman) Wits: Andre Mondon, Peter McNeal, William Hayse, Jr. Fr. Pedro de Zamora(OpelCh.: v1-A,p.44)

Looking at who Wm Hayes Jr, who witnessed this in relation - his son Wm III
is Marie Forman. So, it makes sense that Catherine is his dau-in-law's sister and
he witnessed the marriage. He also witnessed the marriages of Mary, Jenny and Elizabeth Forman.

Mary m 1784 (to his son James Hayes)
Jenny m 1788
Eliz m 1790
Catherine m 1793

The records say Catherine is dau of Bosnell - not Burnett.
Looking at the two names B o s n e l l
I am coming to the theory that she is indeed Burnett -- and possibly Burnett is not the correct name. But the writing could easily be B -- then the O not fully closed - -making it look like a U -- the R could easily be mistaken for an S in script if it again was left open. -- Ns match -- Es match -- then the LL or TT -- if TT's not crossed or the line too far above the lines -- could easily be interpreted as LL.

I'd like to know if there are any other references to Bosnell -- I don't know of any. I do know there were a couple of other spelling variations of Burnett i.e., Bournet - Burnet, etc.

I feel good enough about this to make those notations and move Catherine back to Sr. and go with the theory that Bosnell is indeed Burnett - or vice versa. Possibly the name Burnett should have been Bosnell all along, but I think they're one and the same married to Edw Sr. The challenge is to figure out the proper name. If they are the same -- then she's my direct ancestor; so that's a little more motivation to solve this question.


21 Nov 2010
marriage
?After studying out Edward Sr and the children, and their children, with dates we know and estimating from that the ones we don't, I believe that Marie Bosnell, mother of Catherine, is the wife of Edw Jr. Catherine's b.d. is more applicable to Jr. than to Sr. Marie Burnett had a child after Catherine's birth, so another reason to suspect the Hebert Records meant Edward Jr. and Marie Bosnell.

Gut feeling and logic is telling me that Catherine is child of Edw Jr. and Edw Jr. was m1 to Boswell and m2 to Perry. This negates nothing solid that we have - we only have except speculation anyway. We've all assumed that the Edw who married Rascoe and Burnett is the same as the Edw of Edw & Bosnell, but there is nothing that backs up that speculation. Hebert did document an Edw was m to Burnett & Ravcoe but he did not document a marriage of Edw & Boswell except in the m record of Catherine. I think that's the only mention of her -- is it?

Of Edw Jr's children,
If Julia (1789) and Nathan (1793) are not Nancy Perry's and IF Jr. m Bosnell c 1775 in order to have Catherine in 1776,
then we've got a chronology of Edw Jr:
b 1749 VA
m Boswell c 1775 (age 26) (father is in either FL or Lake Ponch here)
Catherine b 1776 (age 27)
large gap here -- maybe even another wife inserted here??? this time period incl father Edw Sr migrations from 1779 Lake Ponch, 1785 Bayou Chicot, & move to Opel 1785 to Opel -- so, assuming Jr. stayed w/ Sr.
Julia b 1789 (age 40)
Nathan b 1793 (age 44)
Rachel m 1797 (age 48)
married Nancy Perry 1798 (age 49)
Isaac b 1799 (age 50)




Research Notes:
Re: the Will of Wm.Everitt, 1762
harrymartin74 (View posts) Posted: 22 Aug 2005 7:01AM
Classification: Query Edited: 24 Aug 2005 1:11PM
Surnames: EVERITT, FOREMAN, BURNET, CARTY,HEADY, BURNETT, HYMAN

I have an abstract of William Everit/Everitt's will:

Will# 54 pg.74 WILLIAM EVERIT/EVERITT 25 Feb.1762 June Ct.1762
3 brothers JAMES EVERITT, JOHN EVERITT, and SAMUEL EVERITT all my land and money to be divided equally between them PEGGY FOREMAN daughter of EDWARD FOREMAN cow, calf, etc. Rest of movable estate to be equally divided between my brothers and sisters (names not given)
Wit.: MATTHEW BURNET x his mark, FLORENINIA CARTY, JOHN HEADY
Extrs.: my 3 brothers JAMES, JOHN, and SAMUEL EVERIT

I am interested in knowing more about the MATTHEW BURNET/Burnett, mentioned in this will abstract.
Was he the father of Elizabeth Burnett (b- abt 1765- d-1822)

Elizabeth married John Dunston Hyman Jr. (see below) about 1788 in the Martin County area of NC
Susan

http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.halifax/1221.1/mb.ashx

---
full will:
Halifax County, NC Will of Wm. Everitt-This is correct-Feb 1762.No.54,p.74:William Everitt's Will: In the Name of God Amen, I, William Everit in the Province of North Carolina and of Halifax County being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory,Thanks unto God for the same and remembering the mortality of my body and that it is appointed for all ment ___die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say, first and principally, I recommend my soul in the Hands of God who gate it and my body I commit to the earth to be buried in a decent manner according to the discretion of my Executors, and as for what Worldly Goods, God has been pleased to endue me with I give and dispose of in manner and form following. Item, I give unto my three brothers, James Everit and John Everit and Samuel Sumer? Everit all my Land and Money debts, to be equally divided between the three and their Heirs forever. Item, I give unto PEGGY FOREMAN(Margaret), Daughter of EDWARD FOREMAN, one cow and calf and one yearling heiffer to her and Heirs. Item, I give and bequeath the rest of all my movaables to be equally divided between all my brothers and sisters to them and their Heirs forever. I likewise appoint my three Brothers James Everit and John Everit and Samuel Sumer Everit, Excutors and Dividers of this my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 26th day of February 1762.
WILLIAM EVERITT(Mark)
Sealed, Pronounced and Declared to be his last Will and Testament in Presence of us; MATTHEW BURNET(his mark); Floreninia Carty, John Heady.

Halifax--June Court 1762

This will was exhibited in open court on date by the Exors and duly pvo'd by the Oaths of Floreninia Carty and John Haddy , two of the subscribing Winesses thereto who on their oaths did say they saw Matthew Burnett sign thi sd. Will as a Witness; Wherupon James Everit and John Everit, two of the Exors in the Sd. Will named___?duly qualified by taking the Oathy by Law directed; Order'd the said Will be Recorded.
Test: John Montfort.
Fact 3: 1772, Edward entered British West Florida with McCollough, Spell
Fact 4: 1776, Edward Forman granted 500 acres on the North Shore of Lake Ponchartrain
Fact 5: October 16, 1779, Signed Oath of Allegiance to the United Independent States of North America."


http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bthornton3026&id=I1625

---
Note wit: Matthew Burnet.
dau Eliz b c1765 - so Matthew b c 1740 - age to be Marie's brother.
looks like Peggy is prob oldest and only child of Edward Forman & Marie Burnet at the time.

---
Name: William Everett 
Given Name: William 
Surname: Everett 
Sex: M 
Birth: Abt 1690 in Nansemond County, Virginia, Formed 1643 (Now City Of Suffolk) 
Death: in Martin County, North Carolina Formed 1774 From Halifax And Tyrrell Counties
 
The 1704 Virginia Quit Rent Roll listed Simon Everett in Isle of Wight County and William Everett in Nansemond County. When Bob Everett's ancestor Simon Everett bought land in NC, he said he was "of Nansemond County, Virginia." The William Everett family who moved from Nansemond to Martin County in the 1730's had strong Turner connections. Wills and deeds prove that William Everett married Sarah Speir, daughter of physician James Speir (see below) of Nansemond Co, VA. Sarah and William Everett named a son James, probably after Sarah's father. They also named a son Samuel Turner Everett. Sarah and William Everett's daughter Sarah married John Pollard. Sarah and John Pollard named one son Everett Pollard and one son Turner Pollard. I would guess that either William Everett's mother was a Turner or that Sarah Speir's mother was a Turner.

The 1704 quit rent roll for Isle of Wight County, Virginia listed Henry Turner. No Turners appeared in the Nansemond list.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jmljr&id=I138032

Spouse: Sarah Speir abt 1700 Nansemond Co VA
children:
James Everett b: Abt 1718
2. Samuel Turner Everett b: Abt 1719
3. Sarah Everett b: Abt 1720 in Nansemond County, Virginia,
m John Pollard, children: Everett Pollard, Turner Pollard
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jmljr&id=I138037

--
James Speir:
Bertie County; Dec 12, 1731; Feb court 1731
Son: James (plantation on Ahoskie). Wife and Executrix: Ann ("my manner plantation" and two negroes). Daughters: Morning Speir, Sarah Everitt. daughter-in-laws: Sarah and Patience Stalling.
witnesses: Robert Greaves, Culmer Seasoms, Jno Sutton.
clerk of the court: Rt. Forster.
---
Mohoon, Josiah (note names Burnet and Hyman
Jan 1 1772; Feb 2 1774:
sons Josiah and James (one plantation to each), John, Jesse.
daughters: Ann and Edee Mohoon.
testator bequeaths "remainder part of my estate.... to give all my children equally...."
executors: Needham Bryant, Elias Bryant, Thomas Hyman.
witnesses: John Bryant, James Burnet, William Bland
proven before Jo.
-- Martin.

-----
Note - Everitts were from Nansemond Co VA. So were Ballards.

........ 4 Elisha Ballard Born: Abt. 1744 Martin/Tyrrell, NC Died: 08 Dec
1835 Martin, Old Tyrrell Co, NC
............ +Mary Everitt Born: Abt. 1770 Died: Martin Co, NC
........ *2nd Wife of Elisha Ballard:
............ +Elizabeth (Burnett, sister of Marie Burnett Forman) Died: 14 Nov 1823 Martin Co, NC

Other Events and Attributes:

• Possessions: Abt 1790, Coles Creek, Natchez, Mississippi

Notes:

1810 Opelousas Census
132 COLE, James ?-1765 1762 NC
female 1766-84 Jemima CURTIS 1764? SC
male 1785-94 Richard 1795 MS
male 1795-1800 James Rentfroe 1797 MS
male 1795-1800 Jacob Stampley 1799 MS
male 1801-10 Stephen 1802 MS
male 1801-10 Jonathan 1805 LA
male 1801-10 William 1808 LA

Fought in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Possessions:
Natchez Records 1767-1805 by May Wilson McBee
Page 357 (no preview available)
William Ferguson to Thos Marston Green, 348 acres on Cole's Creek, b. by lands of John Smith, James Cole, Ben Stanley, and Benj. Roberts, for $350. ...no preview available for this page

page 80
1790. William Ferguson to Thomas Marston Green, 348 arpents b. by John Smith, James Cole, Benj. Stampley, Benj. Roberts, for $350 paid. Wit: Eben Rees. ...no preview available for this page

James married Jemimah Curtis in 1785 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez, Mississippi. Jemimah (daughter of Richard Curtis, Sr. and Phoebe Courtney) was born in 1764 in Craven Co, South Carolina; died in 1837 in Orange Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Property: 1734, Orange Co, Virginia; land grant

Notes:

Likely that Benjamin had emigrated from New Jersey prior to the death of his father, Thomas, in 1723. Ultimately settled on the South Branch Potomac River near present day Romney, Hampshire, West Virginia, USA. Received land grant from Lord Fairfax after he came to Orange County, Virginia in 1734. Was one of first 5 families to settle in present day Hampshire County, West Virginia, USA.
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=18cf&id=I330

Benjamin married Elizabeth Ann Hamilton, (immigrant) about 1719 in Freehold, Monmouth Co, New Jersey. Elizabeth was born on 8 Apr 1698 in Boness, Falkirk, Scotland; died about 1761 in Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Descendants of this marriage can be found here:
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=simmonswhipp&id=I11452

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 12 Dec 1790, Martin Co (prev Halifax Co), North Carolina

Notes:

Judah Burnett had brothers James Burnett, Matthew Burnett Jr, John Burnett, and sisters Mary, married to _____ Forman, Jean, married to _____ Ballentine, and Elizabeth, married
to _____ Ballard. All sisters were married by the end of 1790 (Martin Co will book B1,page 216). An executor and witness of the 3 February 1773 will in Martin Co of the John
Hynes will (Book B1, page 437) were Judah's brothers James and John. Therefore, they were probably born by 1750. John Burnett was also an executor of the 1781 will of Henry
Culpepper, while Judah Cherry was a witness.

In the 1785 Martin Co state census Matthew Burnett was living in district 7 (with one son under age 21, and three females in the house).

James Burnett (with four sons under 21, and four females) and John Burnett (with one son under 21, eight females, and seven slaves) lived nearby, close to Jonathan Cherry and
Ephraim Burnett (who had three females in his house).

The only Ballard families in district 7 (the Burnett families were only in district 7, the Halifax end of Martin Co) were Elias Ballard, (over the age of 60, with three females); Elisha Ballard (with two sons under age 21, two females, and seven slaves); and Jesse Ballard, living alone. There were no Foreman or Ballentine families. This information about the Burnett families helps to establish that most, if not all of Judah's siblings, were well established by 1785, many with children, and therefore were likely born by 1750, or before. The families of John, Matthew (with Ballard next door), James, and Ephraim Burnett were still in the area near Jonathan Cherry in 1790.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~eazier1/Cherry/CHERRY-Pgs201-300.pdf


Will:
(Martin Co will book B1,page 216).



Will of 1790, Mathew Burnett, Martin Co.,
Beverlythornton
Posted: 9 Feb 2002 6:55PM GMT

Surnames: Burnett, Foreman, Brown, Rascoe

I am trying to find where I can order the will of Matthew Burnett lived Martin Co.from at least 1762(then Halifax Co) in the 7th District according to Tax record of 1779. Had brothers, James, John and sister Mary who married Edward Foreman.

Re: Will of 1790, Mathew Burnett, Martin Co.,
Shelba77
Posted: 13 Sep 2009 12:30AM GMT

Surnames: burnett, Foreman, Cherry, ballentine, Ballard

Father or son name Matthew?
Don't have the will,but found the following abstract. Was under the impression that the Matthew whose will was probated 1790 was Matthew, Sr.
His wife was Sarah.
children:
1. John (b bef 1765 NC d Oct 12, 1814, Marion Dist., SC the
part now Florence Co. Md Rebecca. C 1802 moved to SC.
My ancestor.)
2. James
3. Matthew
4. Mary md Foreman
5. Judah/Judith md Cherry
6. Jean md Ballentine
7. Elizabeth md Ballard

http://boards.ancestry.com/localities.northam.usa.states.northcarolina.counties.martin/610/mb.ashx

Matthew* married Mrs. Sarah* (..) Burnett (Everitt?), (prob related?). Sarah* (daughter of William Everitt and Sarah Speir) was born about 1715; died after 1790 in of, Edgecombe Co, Norh Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Bef 1737, Orange and Frederick Co, Virginia
• Residence: 1747, Black Water River, Bedford Co, Virginia
• Residence: 1748, Mecklenburg Co, North Carolina
• Residence: 1758, Ashpole Swamp, Bladen Co, North Carolina
• Residence: Abt 1765, PeeDee River area, Craven Co, South Carolina
• Residence: Mar 1772, Natchez District, Mississippi; arrived in MS
• Residence: Oct 1772, Natchez District, Mississippi; arrived
• Possessions: 10 Sep 1784, Natchez, Mississippi and Province of Lousiana
• Residence: Abt 1790, Coles Creek, Natchez, Mississippi
• Possessions: 19 May 1794, Coles Creek, Natchez District, Mississippi; Inventory

Notes:

As a child, James moved to the counties of Orange and Frederick, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley between 1732-1737. In 1747, he moved to Lunenburg County (called Bedford County after 1754). In 1747, Janes Jr and his brother Stephen are found with their Uncle Mark Cole and the Rentfroes on the branches of the Black Water and Pigg Rivers in Virginia. On April 16, 1747, James Jr has 400 acres on both sides of Little Creek, a branch of the Black Water River. On March 28, 1748, he has 215 acres on both sides of Little Creek. On December 15, 1753, he has 400 acres on both sides of Story Creek, a branch of the Pigg River. James Jr, Mark Cole, James Sr Cole and Stephen Cole all lived on adjoining land at this time.

In 1757/58, James and his brother Stephen moved to Bladen County, North Carolina. They lived there about 7 years and then moved to Craven County, South Carolina. On March 26, 1765, James Cole of Craven County in the Government of South Carolina, sells to William Rentfroe of Bedford County, Virginia, for 30 lbs,. a tract of land containing 215 acres in Bedford County, on Little Creek, a branch of Black Water River. This land was surveyed for James Cole Jr on March 28, 1748. The grant was issued on August 16, 1756. It was acknowledged by James Rentfroe Jr who was the attorney for James Cole.

On October 10, 1757, James applied for land in Bladen County. One hundred acres on south side of Ashpole Swamp adjoining Richard Barfield. The land grant was issued on April 10, 1761. James conveyed this land to Thomas Robeson in 1765.

On February 18, 1765, James Cole of Craven County in the Province of South Carolina appoints James Rentfroe Jr of the County of Halifax, Colony of Virginia, Power of Attorney to transact all business for him.


James and his family arrived in Mississippi in March 1772. On moving to the Natchez District he is known as James Cole Sr. He and his family lived on Boyds Creek which was changed to Coles Creek in 1777. In 1799, the Natchez District was divided. The Coles Creek area on the north was named Pickering which changed to Jefferson County in 1802. His British Land petition says that James "arrived in this country with a wife and nine children."

On September 10, 1784, James Cole signed an agreement with Osborn Sprigg of the District of Natchez and the Providence of Opelousas, Louisiana. The agreement reads, "James Cole Sr to take in his posession all the stock of mares and colts belonging to the said, Sprigg. To take such care of them as to increase and benefit the stock...for two years; at the end of which, James Cole to take one-fourth of the increase as his own." signed Osborn Sprigg and James Cole.

Documents dating May 7, 1785, show James as an honorable, trustworthy citizen of the Coles Creek Community.

From the Spanish Archives of the Indies, we have a census taken in Natchez District in 1792 showing the names: James Cole Sr, James Cole Jr, John Cole, Stephen Cole, Solomon Cole, Mark Cole and William Cole.

In 1794, an inventory of the estate of the late James Cole, deceased as declared upon oath of Mary Cole, the widow, reads, "John Cole, the eldest son; Jacob Stampley and Captain Richard King, all of this District, Appraisers.
450 acres of land...more or less (not a large estate)
One negro man, supposed to be 35 years of age
One grey horse, about 12 years old
One cow and calf, One yearling heifer
One two year old steer, 12 head of hogs
One saddle One feather bed, sheets, furniture
One large and one small iron pot and one bake oven
Five wooden, common chairs; three pewter basins, 6 pewter plates
Two pewter dishes - 3 earthen dishes
Four knifes and forks
One plough - two falling axes - one broad axe and three weeding hoes
One old drawing knife, one foot adze - one frowe
A small looking glass
This inventory was taken on May 19, 1794.

When the United State asserted its claim on the British Colony in the Natchez District, it ordered the land free and independent of Spanish rule. Winthrope Sargeant was named the first Misssissippi Territorial Governor in 1798. The Land Commission proceeded to confirm all land grants held by the settlers of early British and Spansih titles. A tithable-list was taken of all heads of households. From the list we can account for the surviving members of the Coles in the Coles Creek settlement in 1798. Living in Coles Creek, Natchez District in 1798: Mary Cole, widow; James Cole Jr; John Cole; Stephen Cole; Solomon Cole; Mark Cole. Living in the Homochitto River, Natchez District in 1798, William Cole.

On June 5, 1806, Mary Cole, widow of James, sold to Moses Higgins, "title to that part of land on which I now live, 120 acres for $150.00. All my stock of horses, hogs, horned cattle and household furniture."

Mary Rentfroe Cole's probate of her will was held on March 17, 1810.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html


Residence:
Per "Sunlight on the Southside" pg 84, (from Steve Matthews via email) shown in Deloney's List, Meckenburg, NC titheables were:
Timothy Johnson
James Johnson .........4
Aquilla Gilbert ....... 1
Walter Mathews ........ 1
James Rentfro ......... 1
Joseph Rentfro ........ 2
Peter Vanbeber and
Isaac Vanbeber ...... 2
James Cole, Junr. ..... 1
Robt. Jones and
Thos. Jones ......... 2
William Rentfro ....... 1


Residence:
James and his family arrived in Mississippi in March 1772. On moving to the Natchez District he is known as James Cole Sr. He and his family lived on Boyds Creek which was changed to Coles Creek in 1777. In 1799, the Natchez District was divided. The Coles Creek area on the north was named Pickering which changed to Jefferson County in 1802. His British Land petition says that James "arrived in this country with a wife and nine children."

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html

---
http://www.libertychapelcemetery.org/files/family/travel.html.
.
Early Migration Trails.
From the Pee Dee River Valley, NC
to Cole's Creek and Curtis Landing The pioneers to the new "Natchez Country" would leave the Pee Dee River area of SC/NC and travel about 200 miles using pack-horses to the Holston RIver in northeastern Tennessee. They traveled via the South Carolina State Road (North) on the Warriors Path. They continued on the Catawba Trail to the Wilderness Road Fort near Kingsport, Tennessee. (Some of the present day towns and cities they would pass through were: Cheraws, SC; Wadesboro, NC; New Salem, NC; Lenoir, NC; Blowing Rock, NC; Boone, NC; Hampton, TN; Johnson City, TN; and Kingsport, TN. The automobile driving distance today would be over 250 miles.).
At the Wilderness Road Fort they secured/built flat boats. The flat boats were sturdy with one end enclosed for protection from the elements. The flat boat had to be designed to allow for the women, children, food, bedding and household items. They had to transport a milk cow, chickens, horses, hunting dogs and farm implements. Once aboard the flat boats they followed the Holston River to the Tennessee River which they entered near Knoxville, TN. (They traveled near present day towns of Surgoinsville, TN; Chalk Level, TN: Cherokee Lake; Buffalo Springs, TN; and Mascot, TN).
Indian attacks were a frequent occurrence. The pioneers always had to be prepared. The women often steered the boats while the men fought the Indians. Some used chairs as shields, holding against their chests as protection from the Indian arrows. Following the Tennessee River they reached the Ohio River near Paducah, KY. (On this leg they traveled near present day towns of Dayton, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Scottsboro, AL; Guntersville, AL; Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah,TN; Perryville, TN; Sycamore Landing, TN; Eva, TN; Aurora, KY; and Lake City, KY) From Paducah the flat boats floated down the Ohio River where they entered the Mississippi near Cairo, IL. (This is near present day Metropolis, IL; and about 30 miles south of Cape Girardeau, MO)..
At Cairo, IL the flat boats embarked on the "mercy" of the mighty Mississippi River for the rest of the journey to the "Natchez Country." (They traveled near present day towns like Hayti, MO; Cathursville, MO; Heloise, TN; Osceloa, AR; Memphis, TN; Helena, AR; Rosedale, MS; Greenville, MS; Lake Providence, LA; and Vicksburg, MS) South of Rodney one group of pioneers steered the flat boats into Boyd's Creek (now Cole's Creek) for the 15 mile trip to Curtis Landing on the South Fork of Cole's Creek. Other pioneers continued on to Natchez or Wilkinson County steering their flat boats up St. Catherine's Creek, the Homochitto River or Buffalo River..
These pioneers had made a trip of approximately 1400 miles by flat boat on water. The total miles traveled by horse-pack and flat boat would be about 1650-1700 miles..
Upon arrival it was necessary to fell trees and build log houses quickly. Fields needed to be cleared and cultivated. The survival for the first year was dependent on the family's ability to fish and hunt. Squirrel, deer, ducks, and wild turkey were the family's fresh meat..
One of the pioneer families who had a British land grant in Jefferson County included James Cole who arrived October, 1772 with the paperwork finalized in 1776. Richard Curtis who arrived in 1780..

In 1779, an expedition under Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana Territory, captured the British Fort in Natchez. After the fall of the British at Baton Rouge, General Galvez negotiated the surrender of the English Fort Panmure in Natchez on September 21, 1779. The Spanish, with generous land grants, gave the residents opportunity to move to Opelousas Post in early 1780.

Residence:
Residence Oct 1772 Natchez District, Mississippi
"Family tradition says, that 'James Cole with neighbors and kin came to the Natchez Country,' Mississippi on flat boats, by floating down the Holston, Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers.'
"From the records of the West Florida Land Petition, we know that James Cole arrived October 1772, with a wife and nine children."
Cole Foot Prints, p 29

Possessions:
p 6 Agreement. 10 Sep 1784 Osborn Sprigg, of District of Natches and Province of Louisiana, and James Cole, Jr., of same, agree that James Cole take into his possession all the stock of mares and colts that said Sprigg may have and take such care of them as to increase and benefit said stock, ... for two years, at the end of which James Cole to take one-fourth of the increase as his own. James (X) Cole, Osborn Sprigg, ack before Trevino.

The Natchez Court Records, 1767-1805 by May Wilson McBee
pg 135
http://books.google.com/books?id=yvJw1hHgSLMC&pg=PA115&lpg=PA115&dq=green,+province+of+west+florida&source=bl&ots=-PhXvwnRzr&sig=UyLpAOAD_6BqmGrQBlpgUxY2Cfc&hl=en&ei=tAIUTYznK8K88gbewKy7Dw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFcQ6AEwCA#v=snippet&q=hayes&f=false


Residence:
Natchez Records 1767-1805 by May Wilson McBee
Page 357 (no preview available)
William Ferguson to Thos Marston Green, 348 acres on Cole's Creek, b. by lands of John Smith, James Cole, Ben Stanley, and Benj. Roberts, for $350. ...no preview available for this page

page 80
1790. William Ferguson to Thomas Marston Green, 348 arpents b. by John Smith, James Cole, Benj. Stampley, Benj. Roberts, for $350 paid. Wit: Eben Rees. ...no preview available for this page

Possessions:
In 1794, an inventory of the estate of the late James Cole, deceased as declared upon oath of Mary Cole, the widow, reads, "John Cole, the eldest son; Jacob Stampley and Captain Richard King, all of this District, Appraisers.
450 acres of land...more or less (not a large estate)
One negro man, supposed to be 35 years of age
One grey horse, about 12 years old
One cow and calf, One yearling heifer
One two year old steer, 12 head of hogs
One saddle One feather bed, sheets, furniture
One large and one small iron pot and one bake oven
Five wooden, common chairs; three pewter basins, 6 pewter plates
Two pewter dishes - 3 earthen dishes
Four knifes and forks
One plough - two falling axes - one broad axe and three weeding hoes
One old drawing knife, one foot adze - one frowe
A small looking glass
This inventory was taken on May 19, 1794.

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Darlene-Cole-Fresno/GENE1-0003.html

James* married Mary* Rentfroe about 1754 in Black Water River, Bedford Co, Virginia. Mary* (daughter of James* Rentfroe, Sr and Esther* Van Bibber) was born in 1736 in Crooked Run, on the Shenandoah, Orange Co, Virginia; died in 1810 in Coles Creek Settlement, Natchez District, Jefferson Co, Mississippi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Possessions: 05 Jun 1806, Coles Creek, Natchez, Jefferson Co, Texas; sold to Moses Higgins
• Will: 17 Mar 1810, Coles Creek, Natchez, Jefferson Co, Mississippi

Notes:

1737 William Rentfroe, living in old Orange Co, VA, signed a petition:
"The inhabitants of Opeckon and Shenanadore humbly beg, that your Court give permission that two meeting places might be erected. One on the land of Rev William Williams near his home and another near the home of Morgan Bryan. Rev William of Presbyterian faith has promised to supply us the ministry of his office. " (Bk 3. p 101, Orange Co, VA)
23 May 1737: Wm Rentfroe "request that Peter Woolf or Solomon Froman be appointed Constable in my stead" (Deed Bk 2 Orange Co.)
24 May 1740 WmRentfroe buys from Robert McKay 828 acres on West side of Shenandoah River, on both side of Crooked Run (Bk 4, pg 191)

Possessions:
On June 5, 1806, Mary Cole, widow of James, sold to Moses Higgins, "title to that part of land on which I now live, 120 acres for $150.00. All my stock of horses, hogs, horned cattle and household furniture."

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1775, Great PeeDee River, mouth of Black River, South Carolina
• Residence: 1780, Natchez, Mississippi

Notes:

Richard Curtis, Jr.
First Baptist Minister in Mississippi
Richard Curtis, Jr. was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, on May 20, 1756; son of Richard Curtis, Sr. and Phoebe, widow of William Jones.
Richard Curtis, Sr., and family (there was a stepson, John Jones, who married Anna, daughter of William Brown on 28 Jun 1768, and five sons and three daughters) resided in 1775 on the Great Pee Dee River, near the mouth of Black River, South Carolina, but came to the Natchez Country in 1780, where Richard Curtis, Sr. died near Cole's Creek on November 10, 1784.
Accompanying Richard Curtis, Sr. to the Natchez Country were 3 sons, a stepson (John Jones) and 2 sons-in-law, three of whom later became pioneer citizens of Amite County: (1) son Richard, Jr. and his wife Pattie; (2) Son William Curtis and his wife; (3) and daughter Hannah Curtis, wife of John Courtney.
Richard Curtis, Jr., who had been licensed as a Baptist Minister in South Carolina in 1778, began to preach throughout the Natchez Country but especially in the Salem Community near Cole's Creek. In 1795 he ran afoul of the Spanish authorities for preaching and officiating at the marriage of his niece, Phoebe Jones to David Greenleaf, and he was forced to return to South Carolina, where he was ordained in 1796. He returned to the Mississippi Territory in 1798, and as Moderator helped to organize in due and ancient form Salem Baptist Church on Cole's Creek in Jefferson County as a regular Baptist Church, the first in Mississippi.
On May 9, 1806, Rev. Richard Curtis, Jr., assisted by Rev. Thomas Mercer, Rev. James Courtney from South Carolina, Rev. Isaac Jackson from New Providence Baptist Church and Rev. Jonathan Curtis from Salem Baptist Church, constituted the Ebenezer Baptist Church on Beaver Creek in Amite County and was the first Pastor.
Among the charter members were Mary Curtis, and his brother-in-law, John Courtney, both with letters from Salem Baptist Church on Cole's Creek.
Mary Curtis (wife or daughter?) dismissed by letter on October 1, 1808.
Rev. Richard Curtis, Jr., was Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Adams County, Mississippi (organized in 1800 and was the second Baptist Church in Mississippi), and a messenger to the Mississippi Baptist Association in 1808-1811.
Rev. Richard Curtis, Jr., was disallowed a claim of settlement on Beaver Creek in Amite County in 1802, because the land was not improved, but was granted 320 acres there in 1808. He is listed as a citizen of Amite County in the Census of 1805 and 1810. (A relative also named Richard Curtis is listed in the Census of 1810 and 1816.)
Rev. Richard Curtis, Jr. died of cancer on Beaver Creek in Amite County, Mississippi on October 28, 1811, and is buried in the yard of what was years later the residence of Dr. W. b. Kinnabrew, about 1/2 mile from Ebenezer Baptist Church, and there is a marble obelisk in the churchyard.
John Courtney, brother-in-law of Richard Curtis, Sr., was appointed delegate from Ebenezer Baptist Church of Amite County, Mississippi on January 31, 1807, to attend the organization meeting of the Mississippi Baptist Association at Cole's Creek Church.
He settled with his wife, Hannah Curtis, and 7 children on 666 acres on Beaver Creek, Section 30, Township 1 north, range 3 east in November, 1802.
Brother Benjamin Curtis, brother-in-law John Stampley, a Baptist Minister, and half brother John Jones and their families settled in the Cole's Creek area of the Mississippi Territory.
(The author of the above, who remains anonymous, inserted following note. jtd)
The second Baptist Church organized in Mississippi was located at the confluence of Big Bayou Pierre and Little Bayou Pierre in Claiborne County, Mississippi. This area is not in the city limits of Port Gibson, Mississippi.
The second Baptist Church in Mississippi was organized in 1798, in Claiborne County, Mississippi and was know as Bayou Pierre Baptist Church. It ceased to exist in 1825
.....Author is anonymous.
Submitted by Jeanne Truly Davis, January 2002.

http://jeffersoncountyms.org/bios.htm#curtis

-------
The Curtises, like the Willises, were originally from Virginia. Paxton wrote:

"The Curtises were known to be Marion men, and when not in active service, they were not permitted to enjoy the society of their families, but they were hunted like wild beasts from their hiding places in the swamps of Pedee." They were a thorn in the side of the British and their Tory neighbors."
Paxton continued,

"They left South Carolina in the spring of 1780 traveling by land to the northeastern corner of Tennessee. There they built three flat boats and when the Holston River reached sufficient depth toward the end of that year, they set out for the Natchez country of Mississippi by way of the Holston, Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers. Those mentioned above traveled on the first two boats; the names of those on the last boat are not known.
Those in the last boat had contracted smallpox and were required to travel a few hundred yards behind the other two boats.
Somewhere near the Clinch River, on a bend in the Tennessee River near the northwestern corner of Georgia, they were attacked by Cherokee Indians. The first two boats escaped, but the third boat was captured. The price paid for this attack was high, for the Indians contracted smallpox from them and many died."

Those on the first two boats continued on their voyage and landed safely at the mouth of Cole's creek about 18 miles above Natchez by land. Here in this part of the state they lived. They called Richard Curtis, Jr., who was licensed to preach in S. Carolina, as their preacher. He would later organize the first Baptist Church in Mississippi, in 1791, called Sa1em. As time passed the population increased. Some were Baptists such as William Chaney from South Carolina and his son Bailey. A preacher from Georgia by the name of Harigail also arrived here and zealously denounced the ?corruptions of Romanism.? This, along with the conversion of a Spanish Catholic by the name of Stephen d'Alvoy, brought the wrath
of the Spanish authorities. To make an example of d'Alvoy and Curtis, they decided to arrest them and send them to the silver mines in Mexico. Warned of this plan, d'Alvoy and Curtis and a man by the name of Bill Hamberlin fled to South Carolina, arriving in the fall of 1795. Harigail also escaped and fled this area."

Paxton said that the country between Mississippi and South Carolina was "then infested by hostile Indians." It is for this reason and others, I believe, that Curtis brought Joseph Willis with him when he returned to Mississippi in 1798, and the fact that Joseph was a licensed Baptist
preacher and Curtis was an ordained Baptist preacher. Curtis also knew well Joseph Willis? courage under fire since both were Marion men in the Revolutionary War.

After the trip with Curtis to Mississippi in 1798, Joseph returned to South Carolina for his family and to sell his property. As mentioned before, he sold all of his real estate to William Thurston in August of 1799,
indicating his preparation to depart South Carolina.
http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/evangeline/bios/willis.txt

Residence:
http://www.libertychapelcemetery.org/files/family/travel.html.
.
Early Migration Trails.
From the Pee Dee River Valley, NC
to Cole's Creek and Curtis Landing The pioneers to the new "Natchez Country" would leave the Pee Dee River area of SC/NC and travel about 200 miles using pack-horses to the Holston RIver in northeastern Tennessee. They traveled via the South Carolina State Road (North) on the Warriors Path. They continued on the Catawba Trail to the Wilderness Road Fort near Kingsport, Tennessee. (Some of the present day towns and cities they would pass through were: Cheraws, SC; Wadesboro, NC; New Salem, NC; Lenoir, NC; Blowing Rock, NC; Boone, NC; Hampton, TN; Johnson City, TN; and Kingsport, TN. The automobile driving distance today would be over 250 miles.).
At the Wilderness Road Fort they secured/built flat boats. The flat boats were sturdy with one end enclosed for protection from the elements. The flat boat had to be designed to allow for the women, children, food, bedding and household items. They had to transport a milk cow, chickens, horses, hunting dogs and farm implements. Once aboard the flat boats they followed the Holston River to the Tennessee River which they entered near Knoxville, TN. (They traveled near present day towns of Surgoinsville, TN; Chalk Level, TN: Cherokee Lake; Buffalo Springs, TN; and Mascot, TN).
Indian attacks were a frequent occurrence. The pioneers always had to be prepared. The women often steered the boats while the men fought the Indians. Some used chairs as shields, holding against their chests as protection from the Indian arrows. Following the Tennessee River they reached the Ohio River near Paducah, KY. (On this leg they traveled near present day towns of Dayton, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Scottsboro, AL; Guntersville, AL; Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah,TN; Perryville, TN; Sycamore Landing, TN; Eva, TN; Aurora, KY; and Lake City, KY) From Paducah the flat boats floated down the Ohio River where they entered the Mississippi near Cairo, IL. (This is near present day Metropolis, IL; and about 30 miles south of Cape Girardeau, MO)..
At Cairo, IL the flat boats embarked on the "mercy" of the mighty Mississippi River for the rest of the journey to the "Natchez Country." (They traveled near present day towns like Hayti, MO; Cathursville, MO; Heloise, TN; Osceloa, AR; Memphis, TN; Helena, AR; Rosedale, MS; Greenville, MS; Lake Providence, LA; and Vicksburg, MS) South of Rodney one group of pioneers steered the flat boats into Boyd's Creek (now Cole's Creek) for the 15 mile trip to Curtis Landing on the South Fork of Cole's Creek. Other pioneers continued on to Natchez or Wilkinson County steering their flat boats up St. Catherine's Creek, the Homochitto River or Buffalo River..
These pioneers had made a trip of approximately 1400 miles by flat boat on water. The total miles traveled by horse-pack and flat boat would be about 1650-1700 miles..
Upon arrival it was necessary to fell trees and build log houses quickly. Fields needed to be cleared and cultivated. The survival for the first year was dependent on the family's ability to fish and hunt. Squirrel, deer, ducks, and wild turkey were the family's fresh meat..
One of the pioneer families who had a British land grant in Jefferson County included James Cole who arrived October, 1772 with the paperwork finalized in 1776. Richard Curtis who arrived in 1780..

In 1779, an expedition under Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana Territory, captured the British Fort in Natchez. After the fall of the British at Baton Rouge, General Galvez negotiated the surrender of the English Fort Panmure in Natchez on September 21, 1779. The Spanish, with generous land grants, gave the residents opportunity to move to Opelousas Post in early 1780.

Residence:
http://www.libertychapelcemetery.org/files/family/travel.html.
.
Early Migration Trails.
From the Pee Dee River Valley, NC
to Cole's Creek and Curtis Landing The pioneers to the new "Natchez Country" would leave the Pee Dee River area of SC/NC and travel about 200 miles using pack-horses to the Holston RIver in northeastern Tennessee. They traveled via the South Carolina State Road (North) on the Warriors Path. They continued on the Catawba Trail to the Wilderness Road Fort near Kingsport, Tennessee. (Some of the present day towns and cities they would pass through were: Cheraws, SC; Wadesboro, NC; New Salem, NC; Lenoir, NC; Blowing Rock, NC; Boone, NC; Hampton, TN; Johnson City, TN; and Kingsport, TN. The automobile driving distance today would be over 250 miles.).
At the Wilderness Road Fort they secured/built flat boats. The flat boats were sturdy with one end enclosed for protection from the elements. The flat boat had to be designed to allow for the women, children, food, bedding and household items. They had to transport a milk cow, chickens, horses, hunting dogs and farm implements. Once aboard the flat boats they followed the Holston River to the Tennessee River which they entered near Knoxville, TN. (They traveled near present day towns of Surgoinsville, TN; Chalk Level, TN: Cherokee Lake; Buffalo Springs, TN; and Mascot, TN).
Indian attacks were a frequent occurrence. The pioneers always had to be prepared. The women often steered the boats while the men fought the Indians. Some used chairs as shields, holding against their chests as protection from the Indian arrows. Following the Tennessee River they reached the Ohio River near Paducah, KY. (On this leg they traveled near present day towns of Dayton, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Scottsboro, AL; Guntersville, AL; Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah,TN; Perryville, TN; Sycamore Landing, TN; Eva, TN; Aurora, KY; and Lake City, KY) From Paducah the flat boats floated down the Ohio River where they entered the Mississippi near Cairo, IL. (This is near present day Metropolis, IL; and about 30 miles south of Cape Girardeau, MO)..
At Cairo, IL the flat boats embarked on the "mercy" of the mighty Mississippi River for the rest of the journey to the "Natchez Country." (They traveled near present day towns like Hayti, MO; Cathursville, MO; Heloise, TN; Osceloa, AR; Memphis, TN; Helena, AR; Rosedale, MS; Greenville, MS; Lake Providence, LA; and Vicksburg, MS) South of Rodney one group of pioneers steered the flat boats into Boyd's Creek (now Cole's Creek) for the 15 mile trip to Curtis Landing on the South Fork of Cole's Creek. Other pioneers continued on to Natchez or Wilkinson County steering their flat boats up St. Catherine's Creek, the Homochitto River or Buffalo River..
These pioneers had made a trip of approximately 1400 miles by flat boat on water. The total miles traveled by horse-pack and flat boat would be about 1650-1700 miles..
Upon arrival it was necessary to fell trees and build log houses quickly. Fields needed to be cleared and cultivated. The survival for the first year was dependent on the family's ability to fish and hunt. Squirrel, deer, ducks, and wild turkey were the family's fresh meat..
One of the pioneer families who had a British land grant in Jefferson County included James Cole who arrived October, 1772 with the paperwork finalized in 1776. Richard Curtis who arrived in 1780..

In 1779, an expedition under Don Bernardo de Galvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana Territory, captured the British Fort in Natchez. After the fall of the British at Baton Rouge, General Galvez negotiated the surrender of the English Fort Panmure in Natchez on September 21, 1779. The Spanish, with generous land grants, gave the residents opportunity to move to Opelousas Post in early 1780.

Richard married Phoebe Courtney about 1750 in of, Craven Co, South Carolina. Phoebe (daughter of John Courtney and Hannah (..) Courtney) was born in 1700 in Prince Georges Co, Virginia; died in 1780 in Natchez District, Mississippi; was buried in 1780 in "Forty Hills," Natchez, Mississippi Territory. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

JERSEY SETTLERS: Vol. II, page 401:
Entire Genealogy of Jones Family.

William Jones, son of Lane Jones and Anne Barber Jones, m. Phoebe Brown, daughter of Zachariah Brown.

note: Phoebe Brown disputed - looks like she was Phoebe Courtney.
(see webpage: My Curtis and Courtney Families:
http://www.old-new-orleans.com/Curtis_and_Courtney.html

This site is tracking Phoebe and her 2nd marriage to Curtis, which the Jersey Settlers, stated that wife of William Jones remarried Curtis.

Curtis:
My 5-g-grandparents, were Richard and Phoebe COURTNEY CURTIS, Sr. Richard Curtis was of Welsh descent. H. Married (1) Martha "Phoebe" Courtney in about 1747, in Half Moon Swamp, Onslow County, NC; (2) Hannah SWAYZE, 1782, Cole's Creek, Jefferson County, MS.
He was born 2/6/1727/28; at age 11, Baltimore, MD,1738, orphan; bound until age 21 to William and Hannah Curtis Courtney; William Cook died before 1739 Hannah married Robert Courtney on 10/2/1739; Richard was bound to Robert and Hannah Courtney until age 21. He was in Onslow County, NC by 1747; 1754-1766, moved to Pee Dee, SC, to a Welsh community near the mouth of the Black River, about 60 miles north of Charleston, SC.
He fought in the American Revolution in SC; in 1780, fled his Tory neighbors. He and family went by wagon to Holston River, TN. They went by flatboats to the Natchez District of the Mississippi Territory, then under Spanish rule. There were 3 boats in the party. In boats 1 & 2: Richard Curtis, Sr., wife, two brothers, William and Benjamin Curtis, and their wives, Richard Curtis, Jr. and his wife, John Courtney and John Stampley and their wives, John Jones and his wife and others. In the 3rd boat were travelers who had joined the Curtis party. They were attacked by Cherokee, all of the people in the 3rd boat were either killed or captured.
They landed at Boyd's Creek (later renamed Cole's Creek) on March 1, 1781. Richard Curtis, Sr., died on 11 20/1784, Cole's Creek, in what would later become Jefferson County, MS.

also see:
The Olney Connection
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=olney&id=I131534

Richard Curtis, Sr. was born in 1728 but the place of birth is unknown. Richard was bonded to Robert Courtney in Baltimore Co., Md. in 1739.Robert moved his family to Onslow Co., NC in 1744 where he died in 1751. Meanwhile, Richard married Robert's daughter, Phoebe, after the death of her first husband, William Jones. William and Phoebe had one son, John Jones.