Rhoda Fort
b. 4 June 1795, d. circa 1874
- Father: Owen Fort b. 10 May 1756, d. 1818
- Mother: Elizabeth Moorman b. 12 November 1764, d. circa 1834
- Rhoda Fort was born on 4 June 1795 in Georgia.
- She married Mark Red Wood, son of Solomon Wood and Elizabeth Eason, on 1 June 1813 in Jefferson County, Georgia, by license issued 22 May, with Aaron Law officiating.
- Rhoda Fort who married Mark Red Wood was a first cousin of Tomlinson Fort; their fathers were brothers.
- On 31 December 1816, Mark Red Wood signed the following will: State of Georgia, County of Jeferson.
I, Mark Red Wood, of the County and State aforesaid, being of sound and disposing mind and memory but aware that it is appointed of all men to die, do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament, I commit my soul to Almighty God.
I give to my wife, Rhoda Wood, the following property to wit: one negro girl, named Petty, about twelve years of age, one bed and furniture to her and her heirs forever.
I give and bequeath to my beloved nephew, Red Agustus Mitchell, Five Hundred Dollars. I give and bequeath to my beloved nephew, Red Allen, Five Hundred Dollars and I wish my executors hereinafter named to pay the aforesaid sums to my two nephews, Red Agustus Mitchell and Red Allen.
I will and bequeath all my property both real and personal, in possession or in action to my brothers, Green and John White Wood, and to my sisters, Nancy Allen, formerly Nancy Wood, and Polly Mitchell, formerly Polly Wood, and to Elizabeth Mitchell, formerly Elizabeth Wood, and to their heirs forever, share and share alike. It is also my wish that on the event of either of my brothers or sisters departing this life anterior to my death, that then and in that case the parts or portions allotted to them be given to their children and that in the division of my property, they or their guardian or guardians represent their deceased parrents and for him or them to receive their portions. Then I hereby appoint my beloved brother Green Wood, and my trusty friend, Eason Allen, my executors to carry into effect this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I hereunto attach my name and affix my seal this the 31st day of December, 1816.
Signed and sealed in the presence of witnesses who did each sign and subscribe to each others presence. (signed) Red Mark Wood. Witnesses: M. G. Bostick, T. M. Berrien, Aaron Low, J. I. C. - Rhoda Fort became a widow at the circa August 1818 death of her husband.
- The following appeared on 18 August 1818 in the Georgia Journal: Died, recently Mr. Mark R. Wood and Mr. John White Wood, both citizens of Jefferson county; the former in Laurens county, the latter at his place of residence. They were the youngest sons of Gen'l Solomon Wood, and appeared to have inherited those virtuous tracts, and inestimable qualities, that so eminently characterised him. They were public spirited, generous and patriotic--their arms were nerved for the defence of their country, and prompt for the vindication of its rights--their spirits obsequious to the public voice, and their interest subservient to the public good. In the walks of private life, in which they were destined to move, they were distinguished for their many social virtues, and admired and esteemed by all who knew them. They have left respectable relatives, who are alive to the emotions of sorrow for their untimely exit, and friends and acquaintances, who, while they duly appreciate their worth, sincerely regret the bereavement of it.
- She married William Tomlinson, son of Aaron Tomlinson and Leticia (?), on 3 August 1820 in Jefferson County, Georgia, by license issued the same day, with Isaac Brinson, MG, officiating.
- William Tomlinson and Rhoda Fort appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1830 in Jefferson County, Georgia. Also in the household was another male, probably age 30-39 in the household. They apparently were living not far from Rhoda's brother Charles Fort.
- William Tomlinson and Rhoda Fort appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1840 in Jefferson County, Georgia. Also in the household was one male age 10-14, and one famale age 15-19, possibly nephew and niece (?)
- William Tomlinson and Rhoda Fort appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Lower Township, Houston County, Georgia.
- Rhoda Fort became a widow at the circa September 1851 death of her husband William Tomlinson.
- The following appeared on 23 September 1851 in The Georgia Telegraph: Georgia, Houston county. Whereas, Rhoda Tomlinson, applies to me for letters of administration, on the estate of William Tomlinson, late of Houston county deceased.
These are therefore to cite and admonish all and singular the kindred and creditors of the said deceased, to be and appear at my office, within the time prescribed by law, to show cause, if they have, why said letters should not be granted.
Given under my hand at office, this September 16th, 1851. B. Batton, c. c. o. - The estate of William Tomlinson entered probate in Houston County, Georgia, on 4 November 1851, with his widow Rhoda Tolinson as executrix, and Sehpherd Rogers security.
- The following appeared on 2 March 1852 in The Macon Weekly Telegraph: Two months after date, applkications will be made to the Court of Ordinary of Houston county, for leave to sell lot of land No. 35, in the 18th District, formerly Henry, not Dekalb county-- the property of William Tomlinson, late of Houston county, deceased. Rodah Tomlinson, Adm'x.
- She married William Parker Gilbert on 5 January 1853 in Houston County, Georgia, by license issued the same day, with minister W. P. Grindy? officiating.
- Rhoda Fort became a widow at the 2 March 1859 death of her husband William Parker Gilbert.
- Charles Matthew Fort appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Bridgeville PO, Pickens County, Alabama. Other members of the household included Rhoda Fort. Also in the household were his son Charles Tomlinson Fort (age 24) and wife Emma (19), and son Arthur P. Fort (19).
- Rhoda Fort appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Bridgeville PO, Pickens County, Alabama.
- Rhoda Fort died circa 1874.
- She was interred at Garden Cemetery, Aliceville, Pickens County, Alabama.
- After Charles Whitehead's death, Susannah Tomlinson Whitehead married Arthur Fort. They were the parents of Dr. Tomlinson Fort who likely was associated with Dr. Jared Irwin before his death in 1812. It seems possible that Rhoda Fort, first married to Mark Red Wood, and her second husband Wm Tomlinson, are connected with these two.
- Last Edited: 25 May 2016