Early Pioneer
My 4th Great Grandparents George Forman and Sarah Erwin were in the Natchez District in 1790 and settled on Coles Creek.
George Forman was one of the early settlers of the Mississippi Territory. The Spanish Census for The District of Natchez in the year of 1792 lists “Jorge Forman” with 350 acres, 3 W/M’s under the age of 10, 1 W/M 16-26, 1 W/F under 10, 1 W/F 16-26, with 36 steers, 25 milk cows and 9 pigs.
–Spanish Census 1792 Villa de Gayoso
William Erwin is listed adjacent to George, he apparently is George’s father-in-law, George’s wife is Sarah Irwin/Erwin. This land is located on the waters of Cole’s Creek and on St. Catherine’s Creek. This appears to be the same area settled by Ezekiel Forman of Philadelphia, Pa. brother of General David Forman, of Monmouth County New Jersey, and Revolutionary War Hero.
Cole’s Creek was named for the Cole family, and Susan Cole marries William Forman, George’s son in Opelousas, La. in 1812.
I will also note here that Ezekiel Forman’s land is on the Bayou Sara and he shares ownership of another 1000 acres with Richard Butler. This is important because it establishes a contact between the Butler’s and the Forman’s of George’s line.
The above information is from documents found in “First Settlers of The Mississippi Territory”–Grants taken from the American State Papers–Class VIII Public Lands, Volume I, 1789-1809. Distributed by Ericson Books 1614 Redbud Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
George Forman is also credited with helping build the first Church in Natchez, Mississippi Territory with Ismy Forman, his brother. This was in 1803, according to the Reverend Moses Floyd. Edward Forman,Theophilus Marble, and John J. Robertson, and Thomas Owens also helped build the church.
1785-Chart prepared by Winston DeVille, at June 1963 meeting of Louisiana Genealogical Society in St. Landry Parish Court Room in Opelousas, La. Now in Jim Bowie Museum, Opelousas, La.
Under Commandant De Clouet 30 July 1785
Thomas Huffpower
George Forman
Ismael Forman
Source: The Hoffpauirs of Louisiana… Rosemary Wright Hoffpauir. This has been used by the Hoffpauirs to gain entry into the DAR-apparently these three are listed among Galvez’s troops possibly who fought with the Spanish against the British in Mobile and Pensacola during the American Revolution.
George is buried in Old Bethel Church Cemetery-Sec. 22-T8N-R1W On Cannonburg Road at intersection of Hill Road-Across from the Bethlehem Church-the front portion of the cemetery is Bethlehem’s behind it is Old Bethel Cemetery.
Submitted by Stephen D. Forman, Commander, Granbury’s Texas Brigade SCV Camp #1479, 11th Texas Cavalry Co. A, 12th Texas Cavalry Parsons Dragoons, Deo Vindice