Thomas Fornes (abt. 1720 - bef. 1784)

Born about 1720 in North Carolina [uncertain]

Descendants

Died before 21 Apr 1784 before about age 64 in New Bern, Craven, North Carolina, United States

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Biography

Thomas Fornes was born in North Carolina.

Thomas Fornes was a North Carolina colonist.

John, Jonathan as well as William Fornes were believed to be brothers of Thomas, each sons of this generation of Thomas (circa 1720-1786). Thomas Fornes (abt.1750-abt.1829) who was in the American Revolutionary War was the only surviving son: John, William and Jonathan (assuming these were all brothers) died during the American Revolutionary War; i.e., this Thomas was believed to be the father of the serving sons, including Thomas Fornes.^[1][2]

1) Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina in The American Revolution & 2) Military Service Pay Vouchers of next generation Thomas and His [alleged] Brothers^[1][2]

• NOTE: The Thomas and presumptive brothers mentioned appear to all be brothers of the next generation, Thomas Fornes. It is also possible that they all were not all brothers.
• The North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution. Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina in The American Revolution: With an Appendix Containing a Collection of Miscellaneous Records. 1932, p. 423, 436, 1179. Baltimore, Maryland: Reprinted for Clearfield Company Inc, by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. (2000, 2003) for The North Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution.

Military Land Warrants, Continental Line (Part I). A LIST OF WARRANTS FOR LANDS GRANTED THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS IN THE CONTINENTAL LINE OUT OF THE SECRETARY'S OFFICE:

No. To whom (acres) granted and rank, Service in months and Location and to whom deeded and date of warrant. Within the limits of the lands allotted the officers and soldiers of the Continental Line, by Law, 1783, Oct. 14

• 627, to Thomas Fornes, Heir of [brother?] Jonathan Fornes, Deceased (640 acres), 84 months served, warrant of 21 Apr 1784 by Colonel Blount and John Gray Johnston.
• 628, to Thomas Fornes, Heir of [brother?] John Fornes, Deceased (640 acres), 84 months served, warrant of 21 Apr 1784 by Colonel Blount and John Gray Johnston.

These two entries suggest that if they were brothers, both Jonathan and John were deceased before 21 Apr 1784, and more importantly, it is implied that their father was also deceased by then.

• Fornes in Index (p. 1056, 1179)

1. Fornes, Jonathan
2. Fornes, Thomas^[3]
3. Fornes, William [presumptive brother]

Research Notes

• The Whitford articles^[1][2] mention that Thomas and his brothers were in the American Revolutionary War. Thus far, no additional records to conclusively confirm this relationship other than those shown above have been located.
• A 200 acre North Carolina Land Grant for Thomas Fornes of Craven County was issued 24 Oct 1782 and Warrant/Plat entered 10 Feb 1779, on the North Side of Neuse River and East side of Swifts Creek, citing Grant 40, File # 3773, Patent Book 48, p. 287, Entry 199. If we can locate the probate file of either generation of Thomas Fornes, we may be able to properly attribute the land grant. Citing Virtual Shuck, NC Land Grant Images and Data, Thomas Fornes, Craven Co., File No. 3773. MARS: 12.14.50.3771. Neuse River, Swift Creek.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Analysis of primary sources is described, though without direct citations. Whitford, Sara. Some notes about families from Craven County, Pitt County, and Beaufort County area. Articles, Beaufort County Genealogy, Craven County Genealogy, Miscellaneous Records, Mysteries, Pitt County Genealogy. Since 2007. Accessed 7 Mar 2024.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Analysis of primary sources is described, though without direct citations. Whitford, Sara. Mystery: Who is Mary Fornes. Articles, Craven County Genealogy, Deeds, Grants and Patents, Mysteries, Pitt County Genealogy, Wills & Estate Records. Since 2007. Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
3. ↑ See also: Thomas Fornes was in a military record on 24 Jan 1782 in New Bern, Craven, North Carolina, United States.
   
   • Military:
   "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782"
   citing Digital film/folder number: 004320524; Image number: 887
   FamilySearch Record: Q2WT-PHCJ (accessed 8 March 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-99W8-NSGQ
   Name: Thomas Fornes; Military Service Date: 24 Jan 1782; Military Service Place: New Bern, Craven, North Carolina, United States; System Of Record: SLS.
   • Military: "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782"
     citing Digital film/folder number: 004320524; Image number: 889
     FamilySearch Record: Q2WT-5TBT (accessed 8 March 2024)
     FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-L9W8-NSYH
     Name: Thomas Forns; Military Service Date: 21 Feb 1783; Military Service Place: New Bern, Craven, North Carolina, United States; System Of Record: SLS.
   • Military: "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782"
     citing Digital film/folder number: 004320524; Image number: 891
     FamilySearch Record: Q2WT-PZ2R (accessed 8 March 2024)
     FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-L9W8-NSR4
     Name: Thomas Forns; Military Service Date: 14 Jan 1785; Military Service Place: New Bern, Craven, North Carolina, United States; System Of Record: SLS.
   • Military: "North Carolina Revolutionary Pay Vouchers, 1779-1782"
     citing Digital film/folder number: 004320524; Image number: 884
     FamilySearch Record: Q2WT-P826 (accessed 8 March 2024)
     FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-L9W8-NSY4
     Name: Thomas Fornes; Military Service Date: 02 May 1786; Military Service Place: North Carolina, United States; System Of Record: SLS.