• General Notes

  [3104.ftw]
  
  [Brøderbund WFT Vol. 22, Ed. 1, Tree #3104, Date of Import: Dec 9, 1998]
  
  Following his marriage they lived with his widowed mother on the Mary River near Bluffton, SC where they had a fine plantation and many slaves.  But a bad storm on 8 Sep 1804 resulting in 12 of the slaves being drowned and much property lost, caused the family to consider leaving there. Later that year, Mr. Hopkins met his friend, Thomas Spalding of Darien (in Savannah) who suggested moving to McIntosh Co, agreeing to sell him 2-3 Plantations.  They moved in 1805 to McIntosh Co. GA (wife, 5 children & his mother)
  Served in GA Militia. Prominent citizen of McIntosh Co in the early 1800s. First settled on Sapelo Island at "Chatelet", a plantation from Mr. Spalding 22 Jan 1805.  But in 1808 because of the islands exposure to storms, he bought a home at Bellville on the mainland (also because  his dau. Mary died of membranous croup during a bad storm which made it impossible for days to get medical help). Lived there a year, then moved to High Bluff Plantation which he had bought and where his mother died in 1812. Also owned plantations  at Sapelo, Skiesfield on Heard/\'s Island, Bellville and Baisden's Bluff.
       Was Lieutenant in 21st district, McIntosh Co.17 Jul 1810; advanced to captain, then Major.  On 6 Nov. 1817 Brigadier-General 1st Brigade of the 1st Division. Capable officer. Served until his death.
       Served * terms in legislature as Prepresentative: 1807 to 1814. State Senator 1815, 1816. Justice of McIntosh Inferior Court 1813-1821.
       Buried in a family cemetery at Bellville, at age 49, on his old home plantation; wife buried by him at age 74
  ref: GA. Geneal. Mag 1963; GA Hist. Soc.; Pioneers of Wiregrasss GA vol.V:212-4

Details of Francis' family with Rebecca Sayre