Benjamin Fortson born in 1765 in Caroline County, VA; died in 1823; married (first) Dec. 28, 1790 in VA, Sarah "Sally" Head; married (second) in 1797, Elizabeth Gains, daughter of VA planter. He and Sally must have moved to Elbert County, GA within a short while after their marriage, for on 07 Oct 1793 they bought 100 acres on Beaverdam Creek. With the Heads, they were member of the Vann's Creek Baptist Church at Ruckersville, GA. He served in the War of 1812. Elizabeth Gains Fortson died in 1846. Son of Lt. Thomas Easton and Rachel Winn Fortson Jr. Benjamin's parents moved to Georgia by 1792, when Thomas Carter deeded to Thomas 330 acres on Beaverdam Creek in that part of Wilkes County that became Elbert County in 1790. Lt. Fortson and Rachel lived in the Ruckersville of Elbert County and were members of Vann's Creek Baptist Church also. One record gives the name of the Fortson' Elbert County home as Gatewood. They were slave owners, and Lt. Fortson was described as a man of education, culture, and unusual refinement. Lt. Fortson was justice of the peace during the period 1790-1805. Lt. Fortson's will, dated 24 Jan 1824, was probated in Elbert County 13 Mar 1824 and is reprinted at pages 61-62 of Boyd's family history. Lt. Fortson's estate, including nineteen slaves, was valued at $6,942.68. Benjamin's parents were second cousins.

Children by Sally Head:
1. James Fortson: b. 23 Dec 1791
2. John Fortson: b. 12 Feb 1794; d. 06 Dec 1860
Children of Elizabeth Gains:
3. Easton Fortson: b. 04 Jun 1798; d. 19 Jul 1851
4. Sarah (Sallie) Fortson: b. 30 Mar 1800
5. Thomas Fortson: b. 02 Feb 1802
6. Maud (Nancy) Fortson: d. while young.
7. Mahaleth Fortson: b. 30 Apr 1806; d. 06 Jan 1882
8. Rachel Fortson: b. 15 May 1808
9. Elizabeth A. Fortson: b. 01 Nov. 1810; d. 26 May 1839
10. Richard G. Fortson: b. 06 Jul 1815
11. Benjamin G. Fortson: 06 Jul 1815
12. Amanda M. Fortson: b. 19 Aug 1817; d. 06 Aug 1898