[3104.ftw]
[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 22, Ed. 1, Tree #3104, Date of Import: Dec 9, 1998]
There is a photo of the tomb of William Travers in the cemetary at St.
Augustine,FL on Cordova near Sarogossa St, said to be the oldest cemetary in
the U.S.. Wm Travers died 31 Oct 1840, aged 45 yrs. The house in which he
lived was still standing and in good condition and was occupied as a club House
when photo taken by Judge Edward Swann 7 Dec.1926.
MANAGER Forbes interests in Florida 1821 on. Personal trusted friend to Forbes
Grave of William:"This Marble Covers the Grave of Major William Travers who d.
on the 31st day of October, aged 48 years. He was a Genrleman of Benevolent
heart, and umblemeshed integrety and left not an Enemy behind him. His
mourning widow hath placed this monument. May He Rest in Peace, Amen.
At his bapt.recorded in Cathedral records, St. Augustine, his godparent
Prespiter William Travers & Anna Travers (Thos. Hassett as Proxy)
at 1st marriage, wit:Col. Jose Coppinger, Gov. of FL; Dr. Telasitias de
Almanza.("Apostolic Missionary in Ireland")
William Travers Estate 11 Oct 1848: B.E.Carr sundries $143.91; C.Rampon,
funeral Service $10.50; M.Leonardy making coffin $14.60; Dr.C.Byrne, medical
Attn $56.00; S.F.Jones $5.25; Freight on Slab $6.00; Cert. that slab put on
grave %50.00; Philip Gomez,work on grave $16.50; Sarah Peck, medical attendance
$92.35. total $571.82.
Sanchez vs.Finegan: William Travers personal property appraised by Mathew
Solana & Charles Robiou 19 Aug 1842.:1 carriage $40; 1 cart $25; 2 double
barreled guns $60; 1 gold watch $50 - $200; 1 horse, saddle, bridle $100 -
$400.
Census:1813-1814 Treasury Ward St.Augustine, age 22.
Census 1830 Custom House Ward 1830:1 male (30-40) 4 slaves
census 1840 Custom House Ward:1 male (40-50);Fem.1(0-5),2(5-10);1(20-30);10
slaves.
Sanches vs.Finegan St. Johns Co.,Court files. William Travers occcupied a
dwelling on Charlotte St. as attorney for Forbes and with the permision of the
Forbes heirs. The lower part he occupied as a store, and the Spanish Collector
lived in the upper part for which Travers received the rents of ca. $25. per
month from about 1814 to 1819. After the collector left, Travers moved back
and continued there until Judge Reid came, & then Judge Reid occupied it for 2
to 3 yrs. Then General Hernandes went in. Mr. Travers died in that house
(Testimony of George Gianopole, who also worked for Forbes)
1814 Census states single, age 22. in Treasury Ward, St. Augustine
1821: Wm.Travers Alderman of St. Augustinge, Castle Wardon & Board of Health
Arr.3/21/1826 Schooner "William" from Charleston
On 18 Nov.1826 elected Alderman
Arr.1 Jul 1829 Schooner "William" from Charlston
Arr.26 May 1830 Sch.William from Charleston
Announcement printed 25 Aug 1830 in East FL Herald "Marries Rebecca Smith of
St. Marys, GA.26 Aug 1830
13 Jan 1836 Is an Aide on Gen. Staff, 2nd Brigade. William Travers in Dr. Peck's Ledger between May 1837 - Oct.1837 28 entries, charges & payments. one Hulls Abdominal Compressor $12. Wm. Travers is listed in the 1840 census, but died 31 Oct 1840 at the age of 45 after an extended illness. He had set out for Cuba sometime after 1821 on the schooner "Florida" with his 1st wife and their 2 children. The boat capsized & his family drowned. In 1830, he m. Rebecca Smith & after Travers' death, she m. Joseph Finnegan in 1842. In July of 1840, Wm. Travers executed a trust deed to Mary Smith, his mother-in-law, for his Charlotte St. property, a lot north of St. Augustine & his 5 slaves in trust for Rebecca Smith Travers and their children. (Finnegans is the one, who in 1862 was the Conf. General at the Battle of Olustee)
William Travers was described as a gentleman of independent fortune & that since he had made disposition of most of his property, he was expected to move to Cuba to join his "connections" who had moved there when Florida was ceded to the US, but was still active in St. Augustine up to 1838, when he was one of the signatores petitioning against the incorporation of East Florida into the new state of Florida.
St.Augusting, E.FL.3 Nov 1838:"City Election Notice: that election will take place on the 2nd Monday in Nov.(the 12th).Inspector William Travers. Prospectus of the Town of St.Johns, already owning lot 2, Block 6. Mr.Travers St.Augustine,The News 8 Nov 1838: Polls to be oppened 2 pm.for election to take
place on the 1st Mon. in Jan.next for President of Trustee...Wm.Travers one of the directors listed.
Died 31 Oct 1840 at his residence, at age 45; bur Old Spanish Cem. "He was a gentleman of benevolent heart & unblemished dignity and left not an enemy behind"