by Karen Yvonne Hamilton, 2025

Frances Elizabeth HARRIEDE (HARRARD) was born in 1832 in Colquitt County, Georgia. She married James HOPKINS in Leon County, Florida, on September 27, 1850, when she was 18 years old.

Colquitt County Marker
  • Jane Ann was born on September 18, 1847, in Colquitt, Georgia.
  • Charles W was born in 1854 in Colquitt, Georgia.
  • James Berrian was born on November 1, 1857, in Colquitt, Georgia.
  • John Simon was born on January 14, 1859, in Colquitt, Georgia.
  • Henrietta “Rita” was born on December 3, 1863, in Colquitt, Georgia.
Jane Ann HOPKINS Knowles
James Berrain HOPKINS
John Simon HOPKINS Frow

Family stories suggest that James and Francis moved to the Florida Keys to escape the yellow fever epidemics sweeping the country. 

In 1850, James and Francis lived in Leon County, Florida with their daughter, Jane. Next door lived James and Martha Harriede and Jacob Harriede. James and Martha are possibly Francis’ parents?

Year: 1850; Census Place: Division 8, Leon, Florida; Roll: M432_59; Page: 70A; Image: 144

In 1860, James and Francis lived in Colquitt County, Georgia with four children. James was a farmer with $350 in real estate and his personal estate was worth $150.

Year: 1860; Census Place: Miller, Georgia; Roll: M653_130; Page: 528; Image: 530; Family History Library Film: 803130

James Hopkins and Frances Elizabeth HARRIEDE Hopkins died on the same day, August 11, on Knockemdown Key, and as yellow fever was raging through the islands at that time, it is likely that they succumbed to it. Frances was 33 and James was 37. They had been married for 14 years.

At least one family account says that baby Rita died with her parents. This fact comes from a letter from a family member describing how James, Frances, and Rita all died of the yellow fever in August 1865. However, the 1870 census shows Henrietta living with Justin and Jane Ann Knowles so it is assumed that they adopted her.

READ MORE ABOUT Yellow Fever (Yellow Jack or the Yellow Plague) in Florida

Frances’ Bible 1846

I am in possession of Frances’ bible, passed down to me by my aunt, Jane GARCIA Rowland. I am able to transcribe much of it because I know the names. The underscores I couldn’t figure out. I do know that Justin was born Jan 8th. My records say 1847 in Long Island, Bahamas. Also George Washington’s biological parents were Justin’s parents, John Thomas Knowles and Hannah Elizabeth Prance. He is Justin’s brother. Their mother died 20 days after giving birth to George. Infant George was adopted and raised by Justin and his wife, Jane Ann.

TRANSCRIPTION: 

Frances Elizabeth and James Hopkins died the 11th August 1865. 

Henrietta Hopkin born the 3 of December 1863

Thomas Knowles son was married to Jane Hopkins at Key West the 11th of May 1865 

George Washington Knowles was born May the __ in the year of our lord 1866. May 7th 1866

Justin Everet J E ___ Knowles was born 1 January __ the year our lord Jan 1 1844. 

SOURCES

1850 United States Federal Census; 1860 United States Federal Census; Dodd, Jordan R, et. al., Early American Marriages: Florida to 1850.; Dodd, Jordan R, et. al.. Florida Marriages, 1822-1850; State Archive, Tallahassee and Clerk of Courts; Various Counties; County Marriages, 1803-1963; Family Interviews

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Colquitt County By Melody S. Jenkins https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9780738567563
History of Colquitt County by W. A. Covington https://www.amazon.com/-/es/History-Colquitt-County-W-Covington/dp/0871523183

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