Georgia Pioneers
Members Library

Biographical Sketches of Colonials -S-



Hutchinson Island near Savannah


Hutchinson Island Salter's Island Salter, Thomas was appointed Commissioner of Roads near Sunbury, Liberty Co., in 1773. In April of 1768 he was paid for executing a negro; in 1772 was Inquirer and Tax Assessor for St. Andrew's Parish. Died in Liberty Co. in 1790, the date of his will. Wife was Martha, who was born in Charles Towne, South Carolina, who died March 18, 1767, aged 24. He took advantage of the need for bricks in Savannah, and located on Hutchinson Island. He married Anna, the widow of Joseph Coles and mother of Ann Harris Demetre, the widow of William Thomas Harris of Frederica. This was an industrious family, and Salter apparently enjoyed some success in his trade. At his death, he owned Lot No. 9 in Wilmington Tything Derby Ward, a house and Lot No. 8 in Torvers Tything Deckers Ward (occupied by William Spencer), and Salters Island (which he bequeathed to his grandson, William Harris, son of Ann). Salter’s Island was located about three miles from Savannah. Anna Salter, his widow who named her grandson, William Thomas Harris, her daughter, Anne Demetre, and daughter, Pennellope Cassell. Land in Great Britain was mentioned. Salter was granted 500 acres of land on a piece of Marsh located near Augustine Creek. He arrived in Georgia on 17 December 1733 and was appointed Constable. Godson: John Anderson. In 1739 he was Tythingman. In December of 1741 he was granted 500 acres on Dawbus Island, south of Savannah, three miles below the town. He married Anne, the widow of Joseph Coles on 9 September 1736. His LWT dated 10/28/1752. Wife, Anne died December 1753 in Frederica, naming her grandson, William Thomas Harris "following in care of my daughter, Ann Demetre" in her Will. (See William Harris). Children:
  1. Anna Salter married Daniel Demetre.
  2. Pennellope Salter married Mr. Cassell.
Salter, Tolliver B. lived in old Washington Co., where he died in 1841, intestate. Thomas G. Salter was made Administrator of his Estate.

Schaeffer, Balthazer, born Seckback, Frankfort on the Main, Germany, 1 April 1742, migrated to Savannah in 1770 where he married 1st, 30 May 1772, Margaret Eppinger; 2nd, widow Unselt. He died in Savannah 1 May 1811. Children:
  1. John W. Schaeffer born 1773 married Mary Lawrence.
  2. George Schaeffer born 1775 married Mary Morgan of New York.
  3. James Schaeffer born 1777 married Susan Dasher.
  4. Frederick Schaeffer born 1779 married Mary Cole.
  5. Margaret Schaeffer born 1781 married Mr. Gugle.
  6. Jacob Schaeffer married the widow of his brother, John W.
  7. Sarah Schaeffer born 1787.
  8. Hannah Eppinger Schaeffer born 1789.
  9. Elizabeth Schaeffer.
  10. Simon Peter Schaeffer, born 1792, died 1849 in New York.
Schweiger, George, planter, married Margareta Zittrauer 19 May 1761. Stepson: Ernest Christian Zittrauer bequeathed 250 acres of land by the Cypresses, then to his wife, Hannah, at his death. Youngest stepdaughter: Gratiosa Zittrauer, 350 acres provided that after the death of the wife of George Schweiger, Gratiosa to pay her sister, Christiana Elizabeth Zittrauer, 35 pounds Georgia currency.

Schweighofer, Thomas was born ca 1729 Ebenezer, Georgia, a son of Paul Schweighofer and his wife, Margaretta Prindlinger. He wrote his Last Will and Testament in German. He married Hannah Floerl, born 1733 Ebenezer, Georgia, died 1 April 1769 Ebenezer, a daughter of Hans (John) Floerl and his wife, Anna Marcia Hoflinger. Children:
  1. Abiel Schweighofer, born 15 December 1758, left 100 acres of land where the barn is located.
  2. Benaiah Schweighofer, born 27 February 1760.
  3. Thomas Schweighofer, born 8 July 1761, left 50 acres of land where the dwelling house stands
  4. Salome Schweighofer, born 24 December 1762.
  5. Elisa (Elisha) Schweighofer, born 8 April 1764, left 50 acre of land adjoining Strings Road.
  6. Obadja (Obadiah) Schweighofer, born 4 February 1766, left six pounds Sterling.
  7. Elizabeth Schweighofer, born 25 March 1769, died 11 November 1834, Ebenezer; bequeathed five pounds Sterling.

Midway Cemetery, Midway, Georgia, founded ca 1752 by Puritans


Midway CemeteryScreven, James, General, born 1744 James Island, South Carolina, married 1764 Mary Esther Odingsell, died 22 Nov 1778, buried Midway Cemetery, son of James Screven and his wife, Mary Smith. Resident of Midway. From the Midway Museum:
"Toward the end of 1778, the theatre of war was transferred to the Southern Provinces, and the British planned an invasion of Georgia from East Florida. General Augustine Prevost sent one force, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel L. V. Fuser, by sea directly to Sunbury, near Midway, and another, under Lieutenant Colonel Mark Prevost, by land to rendezvous with Fuser at Sunbury. Colonel Prevost's force set out in November, 1778, toward Sunbury, destroying and plundering the plantations in its path.

"Colonel John White posted about one hundred continentals with two pieces of light artillery at the Midway Church and constructed a breastwork just south of it, hoping to hold off Prevost until help arrived from Savannah. When General James Screven arrived with some twenty militiamen, the Americans moved their position 1-1/2 miles south of the Church. During the skirmish which followed, General Screven was wounded and captured; he died while in the hands of the enemy. Outnumbered, White retreated to Midway Church. He succeeded in slowing the British advance by a clever deception. He arranged for a fictitious letter ordering the retreat as a trap to fall into their hands."

Rothenburg, Germany


Rothenburg Rothenburg Seckinger, Andrew (Andreas) was born 11 February 1717 in Rothenburg, Germany, died 22 July 1761 Ebenezer, Georgia married 25 July 1740 Rotenberg, Germany, Anna Catharina Gunter, born 3 June 1717 Rothenburg, Germany. Andrew was a son of Christoph Seckinger, born 8 November 1688 Rothenburg Parish, Germany, died 15 March 1740, married 18 February 1711 Rotenberg Parish and his wife, Katharine Waltz, the daughter of Hans Waltz, and had children : Matthias Seckinger born 11 February 1717, died 22 July 1761 Ebenezer; Andreas (Andrew), born 4 October 1722, died after 1749 Ebenezer; Lucia Seckinger born 12 January 172 Rotenberg, Germany. Christoph Seckinger was a son of Hans Jacob Seckinger, born 8 October 1654 Rotenberg, Schramberg, Germany, died 16 September 1713 Rotenberg married 26 December 1682 Magdalena Hebding. Hans Jacob Seckinger was a son of Hans George Seckinger born ca 1634 Rotenberg, Germany and his wife, Catharine. Andrew Seckinger and wife, Anna Catharine Gunter had Children:
  1. Marcia Catharina Seckinger born 13 April 1742 Rotenberg Parish, Germany.
  2. Chistian Seckinger born 13 May 1741 Rotenberg Parish, Germany.
  3. Johann Georg Seckinger born 14 January 1744 Rotenberg Parish, Germany, died after 1767 Effingham County, Georgia.
  4. Christiana Seckinger born 2 September 1745, died 20 May 1747 Rotenberg, Schramburg, Germany.
  5. Ann Seckinger born 15 December 1747 Rotenberg, Schramburg, Germany, died 1821 Effingham County, Georgia.
  6. Andrew Seckinger born ca 1748 Germany, died 1821 Effingham County, Georgia, married Mrs. Agnes Ziegler 17 May 1756 Effingham County. Hannah Seckinger born 1748 Germany, died 1821 Effingham County, Georgia.
  7. Jonathan Seckinger born 1 August 1758 Ebenezer, Georgia.
  8. Lucia Seckinger born 7 January 1760 Ebenezer, Georgia.
Sell, Jonathan, when he removed to Stokes County, North Carolina, gave power of attorney to Joel Cloud and Camm Thomas 500 acres on Sweetwater Creek, which had been granted to By Sir James Wright on 3 July 1770, then granted to Sell and Joseph Maddock. The deed stipulated that they were to be in charge of the land “so long as there shall remain one of the people called Quakers in said place.” (Maddox died in 1796)

Seymour, Christopher, public pilot and fisherman, had one child.

Sheftall, Benjamin, merchant, Jew, arrived in the colony 10 July 1733 and was granted Lot No. 64 in Savannah. Wife: Elizabeth, but at Hannah was named as his wife in his Will. Grandchildren: Sheftall Sheftall and Perla Sheftall to get the proceeds from the sale of 200 acres which was purchased from John Snooke. Children: Mordecai Sheftall

(Pictured is Mordecai Sheftall)
  1. Levi Sheftall born 11 January 1739 Georgia, died Savannah, married Sarah DeLemotta in the West Indies.
  2. Mordecai Sheftall.
  3. Sheftel Sheftall born 3 August 1734 in Georgia


Shepherd, James, wheelwright of Monmouth Street, London. Resident of Frederica.

Simpson, William, Chief Justice of the province of His Majesty in Georgia. His wife, Elizabeth, spent nearly two years in England because of bad health. Children:
  1. James Simpson.
  2. John Simpson married Anna McKenzie
Sinclair, Archibald, was first a servant to Patrick Houstoun, became an innkeeper in Frederica. Wife: Isabal. Son: James. Daughter, Margaret. James died before 1741. Sinclair was also bullied by Hawkins.

Slater, John, Sr. granted his son, John Slater, Jr., Town Lot No. 67 in Wrightsborough which was later deeded by Benjamin Rees to William Smith for 50 pounds.

Smallwood, Matthew married 15 January 1760 St. John’s Parish, Liberty County, Rebecca Sumner, and died ca 30 April 1773 at Midway, buried Midway Cemetery, son of Mr. Smallwood and his wife, Mary Bateman. Buried Midway Cemetery.
  1. Mary Smallwood, christened 10 January 1762 Liberty Co. m. Elijah Lewis, died 18 October 1791, buried Midway Cemetery.
Smallwood, Robert, brother to Matthew, was born ca 1733 m. 30 April 1773 Liberty Co. Nancy Mitchell, died 28 April 1775 Midway, buried Midway Cemetery. Son of Mr. Smallwood and his wife, Mary Bateman.

Smith, Benjamin came from North Carolina and settled in Wrightsboro in 1774. He brought with him a wife, five sons, three daughters, from the age of 17 to 1. Lived on 100 acres on Long Creek. William Smith was appointed administrator of Estate of Benjamin Smith on 18 September 1783, Wilkes County.

Smith, Guy, Reverend, was born 1756 in Georgia, died 27 August 1830 in Wilkes County, married Sally Stallings, the daughter of Jesse Stallings. He was a Primitive Baptist Preacher and Revolutionary War Soldier, who settled first on 400 acres in Wilkes County, in in Oglethorpe County. His will left one half of all his personal estate according to "our marriage contract" in the hands of Colonel Joseph Wooten. "The interest of Jesse Stallings, Jr., in his father’s estate, which I bought, I leave to my wife, Sally.":; Children:
  1. John Smith.
  2. Nancy Smith married Mr. Jennings.
  3. Mary Smith married Mr. Bailey.
  4. William G. Smith, born 1776 in Virginia, Planter, married K. Hardwick.
Smith, John, and wife, Mary, son, William, age 6, and daughter, age six months in 1743, came to Frederica 1735-1736. Had seven children in all. The family went to Charles Towne and England in February of 1742-1743. Resident of Frederica.

Smith, John, Captain, born in North Carolina, came to Georgia in 1773, was in the American Revolution, Georgia Rifleman. He died January 1795 in Wilkes County, married in North Carolina. Applied for the ceded lands in Wilkes County, bringing with him wife and two children. His estate records provide heir’s receipts. Children:
  1. Alexander Smith.
  2. Mary (Polly) Smith married James Wooten, son of Thomas Wooten.
  3. Mildred Smith married Thomas Wooten, Jr., son of Thomas Wooten, Sr. and wife, Tabitha (Bradford) Crowell.
  4. Nancy Smith married Lemuel Wooten, son of Thomas Wooten.
  5. Elizabeth Smith.
  6. Martha Smith born 15 November 1770 married John Walker.
  7. Franky Smith married Harris Coleman, died 1816.
  8. Margaret Smith married John Pope, died 1828.
  9. Charles Smith married 21 June 1818 in Wilkes County, Anne Fling, the widow of John Fling.
  10. Benjamin Smith.
  11. David Smith married Elizabeth.
  12. John Taylor Smith married Margaret in Wilkes County on 25 February 1801.
Smith, Michael, blacksmith and soldier in Capt. Demere’s Company. Had three children. Resident of Frederica.

Smith, Nevil, a baker, had wife and servant. Apparently Smith was first an indentured servant to Richard Hughes of Abercorn. Resident of Frederica.

Smith, Noah was born in Georgia 1771, died 12 December 1836 in Burke County, married Elizabeth Palmer on 24 December 1798 in Richmond County.

Smith, William was a merchant in Wrightsborough who owned 100 acresof land on Upton Creek near Wrightsborough, where he built a grist mill and his home. He later sold it to Ebenezer May and Ebenezer Hills for 413 pounds, six shillings, three pence. Originally he was granted to David Fleming by William Candler, and by him to Andrew Burnes, by him to Benjamin Few, by him to Rhesa Howard, then by him to said Smith. In 1796 William Smith bought 552 acres for $1,200 from Jacob Bull, Sr., on Maddock Creek, which was part of a tract granted to Maddock and Vernon for a horsepen. (The moiety sold as the property of Maddock at a Marchshal’s sale in Savannah to James Habersham).

Smith, William , the son of Madison Smith (born 1720 in Hampshire, England), was born 1765, died 16 July 1841, buried Bethany Church in Clinch County. He was a Revolutionary War Soldier. William emigrated with his father to Georgia in 1733, and grew up in Liberty County until about 1819 when he removed to Appling County and settled on the Little Satilla River, later locating on Red Bluff Creek. He married Mary Townsend Platt, born 2 January 1766, died Liberty County about 1808 and had seven children by her. Then he married Bineta Stephens, born 1766 in North Carolina, by whom he had 8 children. Children:
  1. Sarah Smith born 1787.
  2. William Smith, Jr. born 12 April 1789, died 1867, married Mary Ann Baxter, the daughter of Mordecai Baxter on 10 August 1810 at Beards Creek Church in Tattnall County. He married 2nd, 16 January 1856 in Berrien County, Mrs. Mary Mahon.
  3. Martha Smith born 1793 married Henry Dyess.
  4. Israel Smith born 1796.
  5. Nancy Smith born 1799 married John Williams.
  6. Elenor Smith born 1801 married James Jones.
  7. John Smith born 1802 married Cassia Sirmans, daughter of Benjamin.
  8. Rebecca Smith born 1811 married Joseph Sirmans, son of Josiah.
  9. Mary Smith born 1809 married Newsom Corbitt.
  10. Fannie Smith born 1815 married Martin Corbitt.
  11. Manning Smith born 1817, died 1881 Clinch County, married Elizabeth Tomlinson, daughter of Moses Tomlinson.
  12. Jesse Smith born 1820 married Nancy Tomlinson, daughter of Moses.
  13. Elizabeth Smith born 1823 married Rowan Pafford.
  14. James Madison Smith born 1830 married Winnifred Moore, daughter of Edward Moore.
  15. Naomi Smith, born 1832 married Thaddeus Sears.
Spalding, James, a resident of St. Simon’s Island. Wife: Margery. Died 1795. Son: Thomas.

Spencer, George, bricklayer from Saffron Hill. Wife, Mary, and daughters, Mary and Sarah (latter died before August of 1741). Spencer did brick work at Darien, but also helped to build the chapel and armory at Frederica. Dead by November 1742.

Stabler, David, husbandman of Paddington, west London. Wife, Frances. Sons: Thomas and William. Daughter: Susannah, born November 1735 on the voyage to America. Quit the colony before August of 1741. His son, Thomas was a freeholder 1738-1739. Resident of Frederica.

Staly, John, Jr. petitioned for Lot No. 18 on the River Ness, which he drew at the first settlement of that place, changed for Lot No. 17, drawn at the same time by Thomas Richards who left the colony. 30 October 1750. He removed to Midway where he died in 1790 when James and John Staly, executors, sold 3 slaves at the North Newport Bridge.

Stephens, William, Secretary of the Province of Georgia (1743-1750), arrived in Georgia 31 October 1737, and was granted 500 acres of land. He was a son of Sir William Stephens, Bart., born in the Isle of Wight (England) 28 January 1671, educated at Winchester School and King’s College, Cambridge. He emigrated to Charles Town, South Carolina in 1712. Died August 1753, aged 82 years. Son:
  1. Thomas Stephens, who arrived December of 1737, but quit the colony in August of 1739.
Stephens, William, born 1742, died 1819 at Savannah, was District Judge of the United States in Georgia. His obituary read: "His parents came to Savannah with Oglethorpe in 1732". Darien Gazette dated August 16, 1819. Wife, Charlotte. Niece, Eliza Helps, the wife of William Helps, resident of England. Nephew, William Stephens Deveaux, born ca 1813. He mentions in his Will, Charles Stephens and lands in America; also ancient farms and estates in Great Britain, near Lynington, devised him by his cousin, Mrs. Susannah Stephens, but possessed by his brother-in-law, John Rennie.

Stevens, Anna, innkeeper, having five children. Resident of Frederica.

Stevens, John, born 1737 in South Carolina, died 1777 Liberty County, Georgia, married Margaret McCarty. Was a delegate to the Provincial Congress. Children:
  1. Elizabeth Stevens.
  2. Mary Stevens.
  3. Margaret Stevens.
  4. John Stevens, Jr. married Araminthia Way Monroe.
Stevens, Samuel, a South Carolina planter, leased to Mark Carr of Sunbury 25 April 1759 for 10 shillings, 500 acres on the Midway River; bounded north by lands of William Carr, which was now the property of said Samuel Stevens, together with the gardens and orchards, for one year.

Stewart, Daniel, General, born 20 December 1760, St. John’s Parish, Ga. , died 1829, married 1st, Martha Pender , 1783. Buried at Midway Church Cemetery. He married 2nd, 1 January 1786 Susanna Oswald. Children:
  1. John Stewart born 1784, died young.
  2. Mary Stewart born 12 February 1788 Married Major Josiah T. Wilson.
  3. Daniel McLaughlin Stewart born 4 October 1791 and was married in 1824 to Elizabeth Eichenberger of Glynn County.
  4. Sophia Stewart born 1792.
  5. Susannah Stewart born 1794.
  6. Joseph Oswald Stewart born 1797.
  7. Martha Stewart, bapt. 15 August 1799.
  8. John Stewart married Hepworth Carter.
  9. Sarah Caroline Stewart died young.
  10. George Drusilla Stewart died young.
Stewart, James born 3 August 1732 Dorchester County, South Carolina, migrated to Liberty County in 1752, St. John’s Parish, married 1st. Susanna, 2nd 1782, Elizabeth Jackson. Children:
  1. William Stewart.
  2. John Stewart born 1765 married 1798 Susanna Graves.
  3. James M. Stewart born 31 October 1766 married Sarah Mann.
  4. Josiah Stewart (1771-1805).
  5. Charles Stewart married Christian Graham.
  6. Susanna Stewart married William Thompson.
Stiles, Samuel, born in the Bermudas, settled in Bryan County in 1769. He married Catharine Clay, daughter of Joseph Clay of Savannah.

Alva Parish Church Cemetery in Scotland



Alva Parish Church Struthers, William, Indian trader, in parnership with Patrick Brown, Lachlan McGillivray, John Rae and Daniel Clark of Augusta. Brother: John Struthers of the Parish of Alva in Scotland. Sister: Helen Struthers of Scotland. Nephew: William Struthers. Niece: Jean Struthers, son and daughter of his deceased brother, Thomas. Mourning rings were given to: John Rae, Patrick Brown, Lachlan McGillivray, Daniel Clark, Samuel Eveleigh of Charles Town, merchant, Alexandria Petrie, Charlestown goldsmith and Nicholas Chinnery, Indian trader.

Summer, Edward, in 1752 was granted 500 acres of land bounded east by Benjamin Baker, part north on lands owned by Andrew Collins and John Elliott, other sides vacant at the head of the Midway River. He married Mary Way 10 December 1779, Liberty County.
Sumner, Thomas, a prosperous freeholder between January 1737-1738. Wife, Mary. Son, Benjamin (born 1737), a second child, and servants. built the lighthouse on Tybee Island, which was in disrepair by 1743. Sumner was called to make the necessary repairs, but was in England, and did not return to Savannah until May of 1744. Sumner was a freeholder in 1738, and had Lot No. 185 at Frederica. His wife was Mary, and son, Benjamin, born in Georgia in 1737. Thomas Sumner, carpenter, petitioned on 4 July 1743 that his daughter and six servants be sent to Georgia, asking for 500 acres of land near Frederica. He had five servants in the Colony. He married the second time to Sally Quarterman on May 17, 1774, the granddaughter of Rev. Osgood. He Married third, Elizabeth (9/17/1783-5/1/1809) who married after Thomas Sumner’s death, Thomas Bacon, Jr. In July of 1743, Thomas Sumner requested from the Trustees that his six servants and his daughter be sent to America where he was a carpenter and had built two good houses in the Town of Frederica. 500 acres were granted him at Frederica, near the river, on April 30, 1743. From the Journal of William Stephens, Secretary to the Colony:
" Friday, 5 June 1741. By the return of Penrose's boat, that went hence on the 27th ult., arrived Thomas Sumner from Frederica, bringing his wife with him, in order to reside here during the time of his being employed about repairing the Beacon at Tybee, which I was extremely glad of, hoping to see that desirable work accomplished."
Thomas Sumner removed from St. Simon’s Island (Frederica) to Liberty County, where he was a member of the House of Representatives. He died in 1791.

Sweeney, Mr. was in Frederica a very short while before deserting his wife and two children. Resident of Frederica.