In the beginning, Fortsville was listed as a part of St. John’s River City.
In 1878, the legislature approved the “laying out and running off” of a road from Fortsville to the Saint John’s River.
In 1893, a sum of $1,150 was granted by the legislature to build bridges and throw up causeway in Bexley, Hartford and Fortsville.
Footnote: Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1878, pp. 5-6; Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1893, p. 9.
In 1914, two new local institutions were incorporated. One was the Baptist Industrial Academy, with the Rev. James Kelly and the Rev. L. J. Campbell as trustees. The other was the Union Baptist Church.
One year later, the Saint Philips Parish of the Protestant Episcopal Mission was formed. Named leaders included Alexander A. Pierre, senior warden; Samuel P. Hodges, secretary; and vestrymen: James C. Rutlege, junior warden; Thomas L. Morris, E. J. Snyder, C. E. Verdier.
Footnote: Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1914, pp. 7, 37; Acts 1915-16, p. 9; Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1915-16, p. 20.
A fever for brass bands swept coastal Liberian towns in the early twentieth century. It hit Fortsville in 1927, when the local Diamond Musical and Social Brass Band was incorporated.
Founders included Joseph L. Reeves, manager; Mascon S. Hall, band master; Joseph F. Barnard, assistant band master; James T. Roberts, secretary; Josiah C. Reeves, treasurer; Joshua A. Winkey, drum major; Samuel Snyder, conductor; Arthur Hall, drum major; and members: H. C. Barnard, H. C. Reeves, James T. Forte, Nathaniel Anderson.
Footnote: Acts 1927-28, p. 40.
In 1937, the local J. J. Minor’s Lodge No. 144 of the United Brothers of Friendship was incorporated.
Officers were Charles A. McIntosh, worthy master; C. E. Bernard, d. m.; Joseph Bernard, worthy secretary; W. E. Roberts, assistant secretary; J. T. Bernard, w. treasurer; Joseph E. Holt, w. chaplain; H. C. Reeves, r. s.; R. Z. Reeves, l. s.; W. E. Avery, i. s.; Joseph E. Reeves, o. s.; trustees: Thomas L. Frazier and James R. Page; W. H. Reeves, junior pilot; James S. Hill, senior m.; Joseph Washington, junior m.; and sick committee: Josiah T. Junius and David Morris.
Footnote: Acts of the Liberian Legislature, 1937, p. 90.