Fort was made judge of the southwestern circuit in 1882 and was the youngest member of the bench.[3] He made a run for congress in 1896 to fill the vacated seat of Charles R. Crisp[7] but was defeated by Elijah B. Lewis.[4] He served as circuit judge until 1991 when he left to become a railroad commissioner.[3]
He had eight children,[1] including Hollis Fort,[2] who was also a Sumter County lawyer and state legislator.[8]
Fort died April 20, 1907, from pneumonia at his home in Americus. He was survived by his wife and six children.[4] He was buried in Oak Grove cemetery.[4]