William Fly (1794 - abt. 1855)

Born 11 Sep 1794 in North Carolina, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Mary (Mitchell) Fly — married [date unknown] (to about 1855) in Maury, Tennessee, United States

Descendants

Died about 1855 at about age 60 in Gonzales, Gonzales, Texas, United States

Biography

Colonel William Fly filled various offices in the militia of the county, and was a Magistrate in Maury Co., Tn. for a number of years. Whenever he became a candidate, he invariably was elected. He was handsome and commanding looking man and, when dressed in his regimentals and mounted on his fiery white steed, he was most distinguished looking.

After his marriage, they settled on a tract of land given by his father-in-law in Maury Co, TN. Later he moved to Williamson Co and then back Maury Co on Beach Creek.

The next move was to Yalobusha Co, MS, where he had two plantations and was a very successful planter. The house here was a large brick structure called "The Castle".

It was here that his wife's cousin, Governor Polk, later president, came to visit them. Later Col. Fly sold out and moved to Madison Co, MS to educate his children. He bought a large plantation several miles form Sharon and lived in town until his youngest child graduated, when he moved to the plantation.

In 1853 he moved his family and 100 salves to Texas, settling on Oyster Creek, Brazoria Co (presently Angleton, possibly the grounds of Retrive State Prison). They traveled overland and were months on the way.

The youngest daughter, Ella and her husband, Thomas Catchings, went with them, as did most, if not all, of their children and grandchildren. The land was very rich, but the climate was so malarial that Col Fly And thirteen slaves died.

A year later this plantation was sold And Mrs. Fly moved to Big Hill, Gonzales Co, Texas. At the close of the Civil War, 300 slaves were set free. She died a year later in 1866. The energy, intelligence and uprightness of the parents were manifested by the children in a remarkable degree. It is said that in three generations of the Fly's there have been 25 to 30 lawyers, two of whom are Texas Supreme Court Judges, several other judges, ministers and physicians.

Planters lived in the bygone days. One year on Col Fly's plantation 300 hogs were killed, which meant that 600 hams and 600 shoulders were consumed, for not a pound meat or anything else was ever sold. In addition, 600 chickens were raised and others were bought from the negroes. 45 cows were milked and all the milk and butter consumed. It took the milkers form before daylight until almost noon to attend the milking. The ladies of the household instructed the slaves and visited and cared for them in sickness. Each of the daughters, as well as their mother, had her own ladies maid. The garments of the negroes were out and sewed by colored sewing women, superintended by their mistress.

When Col. Fly left the place on Turkey Creek, after making several moves, his father-in-law, Andrew Mitchell, was worried over his not settling down in one place. on hearing of this Col. Fly made a prophecy that in given number of years he would be able to buy out all the other relatives and their families.

The prophecy was literally fulfilled as he proved to be a fine business man. (family recollection author unknown, some of this info is also contained in a letter by GWL Fly)

Col. William Fly, Born in Northampton County, N.C. September 11th 1794 Died in Brazoria County, Texas March 1st 1855

He was a man of great energy of character, His memory is embalmed in the heart of his wife and children forewhom he toiled with ceaseless care for more than forty years.

He had many conflicts in life but his end was peace. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, (From his tomb covering, Methodist Cemetery, West Columbia, Brazoria Co, Texas)

Sold two plantations in Miss, and moved to Madison Co, Miss, bought plantation; to educate children.

Burial: Methodist Church Cemetery, West Columbia, Texas

Census 1850: 1850, Mississippi, Madison County, HH 8/8

Military: Various offices of military

Occupation: Magistrate - Maury co

Residence: 1835, Tax List of Yalobusha Co, MS

More information on William Fly and his family can be found here

William was born about 1810. He passed away about 1885.

Sources

• Family Fly Forum
• Personal recollection