The family bearing the above name was founded in Watervliet, New York, by John Fort, who was a merchant there for many years. He was a man of prominence and influence, who materially assisted in forwarding the interest of his town. He died in Watervliet, and is buried by his wife in Rural cemetery. He marred Eliza Schatman, who bore him five children:
- George, died young;
- Anna;
- Sarah, married Joseph Dutcher, of Schenectady, New York;
- Hattie, died in Washington, D. C., and
- Charles H., mentioned below.
(II) Charles Henry, youngest child of John and Eliza (Schatman) Fort, was born in Watervliet, New York, 1823, died in Albany, New York, October 14, 1904. He was educated in the schools of his native town, and entered active business life as a government employee at the United States arsenal. He became one of the most expert of gunsmiths. During the war of the rebellion the resources of the arsenal were taxed to the utmost limit. Mr. Fort was then at the head of his department and for months worked day and night, barely getting enough sleep to keep him alive. For twenty years he remained at the arsenal, becoming one of the most trusted and favored employees at the plant. After leaving the government service he entered into a partnership with William Shaw, and for years they conducted a grocery store in Watervliet. He was a Democrat in politics and was always prominent in the politics of his town. He was a member of the school board, electric light commissioner, and filled numerous other town offices, among them that of town treasurer. He was a member of the Masonic order and other fraternal and benevolent societies. He was a man of social, friendly nature, and was universally liked and respected. He married, in 1878, at Watervliet, Julia A. Boyle, (nee Dennis), of Troy, New York. They had one child, Millie E., who resides with her widowed mother in Watervliet. Mrs. Fort when a child was adopted by Josiah Boyle, of Leeds, England, who settled in Troy. He was a blacksmith and acquired considerable wealth. He was a well-known and popular man, who enjoyed the friendship of many of the prominent men of his day. Mrs. Fort received a musical education, and before her marriage was a teacher of music. She trained many of the present day musicians, some of whom finished their education abroad, and are now noted in the musical circles. Since the death of her husband she has taken full management of his estate, consisting largely of improved real estate. She is a member of the Home Mission.