Nathan Fortner 1775 1853

According to The History of Chickasaw County Vol I, Nathan Fortner was born about 1770-1775 in Edgefield, South Carolina. Edgefield county was created in 1785 from the 96th District. Prior to about 1655, this land belonged to the Cherokee Indians.

Nathan married twice. His first wife was Mildred Stewart (1775-1820), daughter of John and Susannah Fulkerson Stewart from Darlington, South Carolina. We do not know the date of Nathan and Mildred's marriage. They had 10 children, all born in South Carolina.
1. Allen Basco (1799-1887)
2. Sarah Letha (1800-1854)
3. Isaac I. (1801-1869)
4. Avey (1802-?)
5. Ansel (1805-1885)
6. Nicey (1810-1862)
7. Elizabeth (1811-1874)
8. Thomas (1812-?)
9. Margaret (1815-1890)
10. Nathan, Jr. (1817-1881)

Nathan married a second time to Margaret Robertson (1805-1866). We do not know her parents. They had 7 children. The History of Chickasaw County, Vol I says that Nathan moved west from South Carolina to Alabama and later to Mississippi. We can see this move when we look at the birth of his children.
1. Mary Ann Amanda (1805 SC - 1866)
2. Sarah Ann (1827 AL - 1900)
3. Viney (1829 AL - ?)
4. William (1833 AL - 1907) This is my great-great grandfather.
5. Rubin (1836 MS - ?)
6. Lucinda (1839 MS - 1874)
7. Mary Malindie (1845 MS - 1926)

On 5 Dec 1826 in Edgefield county, SC, Nathan leaves to Ansel 88 acres on Catfish Creek and Savannah River. Deed Book 43, page 76. Margaret Faulkner wife of Nathan Falkner relinguishes her dower to said land. Isaac also received 88 acres. Deed Book 43, page 379.

Nathan's will is recorded 1 Dec 1831 in St. Clair, AL. He leaves his possessions to Ancel.

It seems as if all of the children eventually went to Mississippi with the exception of Ansel who stayed in Alabama and possibly Thomas who may have remained in South Carolina. Some of the children left Mississippi and went to Texas or to Arkansas.