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Biographical Sketches of Colonials -P-Q-



Paddero, John, planter. His plantation was located on the Savannah River, 300 acres. Wife: Margit. Children:
  1. Solomon Paddero
Parker, Agnes, Mrs., one of the settlers in 1735 under Colonel Pury, was born 1712, and lived 58 years in Georgia, dying in 1792.

Parker, Amos, soldier in Capt. Mark Carr’s Marchine Company, lived in Frederica in 1743.

Parker, Elizabeth, Mrs., born 1724, died October 11, 1808, native of England, lived Savannah for 66 years.

Parker, James, Esquire, died on the Isle of Hope August 11, 1797, 60 years old, having been born in Georgia in 1737.

Parker, James, silversmith of Savannah, his LWT dated 12/15/1766, probated 5/18/1770, left brother, William Henry Parker, all real estate for the use of his three sisters, Grace, Mary and Susannah.

Thunderbolt near Savannah, the intra-coastal waterway

Thunderbolt Parker, Robert, Sr.. of Lyn, a Merchant, was appointed Chief Constable in Savannah on October 18, 1733. He had a brother, Edward, who arrived in Georgia in 1733. In a letter to the Trustees in London, Robert Parker wrote on 1 February 1735, Savannah: "I was one of the number that came over in the Savannah, Lionell Wood, commander. We sailed down the river 15 September and arrived 16 December following 1733...Mr. Oglethorpe sent me up to the ...... in April, where I continued til called down Capt. Mackay on the latter end of May and presented with a commission from Mr. Oglethorpe appointing me Lt. of the Independent Company. In compliance with it, I went up to Joseph Town, where I found the soldiers employed in hewing, sawing and clearing land. The Capt. Went to Charles Town to provide the presents and horses for the indian journey, but complained afterwards of being detailed per the ill usage of the Charles Town Merchants. Mr. William Sale died the 8th of July and 22nd I came down from Josephs Town in a high fever.... ...In September, I married the widow of Mr. (William) Sale, by which I am possessed of your honours grant for 500 acres of land with six stout men servants. After her husband's death, my wife agreed with Mr. Causton to deliver her goods into the stores...On the 30th of October, I resigned my commission to Capt. Mackay when I had been six months in the company and for being detained by sickness for three months...I bought a horse for the indian journey...was drowned crossing Savannah River, before I saw him...was my land run out at this time I might possibly get enouch cleared, fenced and planted to raise provision for the year ensuring....Robert Parker, Jr." Upon the death of William Sale, his widow was resolved to go to England, and asked John West to sell the land grant to Patrick or James Houstoun, one of the Scots gentlemen. Later, she told Robert Parker that she feared losing her grant, and was afraid that West would not pay her for the four servants. So Parker told her that he would go to England to take care of her grants, but later she changed her mind and Married Parker, remaining in the Colony. The following month, 12 March 1735, at Mill Bluff at Savannah, Robert Parker again wrote the trustees of his progress:
"I am capable of raising sundry plants and perhaps pursuing in a little time sundry roots, barkes, etc. that may be beneficial to mankind... I have seen a great deal of the world and must claim a little knowledge in most sciences, and as I have leisure time now on my hands and conveniency, which in England I was debared from by a multiplicity of business and the thickness of the town I lived in, but here I have undertaken to planting a garden, the plan of which I send for your inspection...I have erected a sawmill just by it that a pump and a few trees at a little expense can bring the water into any part of it, the soile is good and will produce almost anything, though our waters here in the lattitude of 32 degrees-10, are very cold for the most part of January and February, we had frosty nights, ice about the thickness of a crown most mornings, though the day is very clear and serene....I have a vast deal of wild coffee, some of the berrys I gathered about October last...which I compared with raw coffee....it was sure as plump and fine. I have taken several trees or plants into my garden....Robert Parker."
The mill he spoke of was at Thunderbolt, near Savannah. In a letter to the Trustees dated June 3, 1735, Savannah, Robert Parker wrote of the progress of his mill, etc. Children:
  1. Edward Parker.
  2. Robert Parker, Jr.

Chelmsford in Essex, England

Chelmsford Cathedral Chelmsford Map Parker, Thomas, Gentleman, of Savannah, came with the first settlement of General Oglethorpe into Georgia and was married to Elizabeth, the sister of Charles Watson. She died in 1766. During the year of 1753 Thomas Parker applied for a land grant of 300 acres of land on the east side of Hutchinsons Island which was granted by the Council of the Governor. His Last Will and Testament dated 4/16/1759, probated 12/11/1759, bequeathed his Savannah town lots to Charles Watson, Francis Harris and William Russell of Savannah. He also bequeathed to Ann, the wife of Charles Watson, some land, and to his the husband of his deceased sister, Prudency), John Fitch, of Chelmsford in Essex County, England, a Leathercutter, 300 acres called Chelmsford.


Parker, William Henry, Esquire, was born ca 1690, a son of Ann Parker, had siblings, Edward, James, Grace, Mary and Susannah. While on board the ship Georgia:, June 15, 1733, he was appointed one of the Constables at Savannah. He was granted 2800 acres of land in Georgia for the Trust, along with John Barnes and Joshua Sacheverel, in the settlement of the Colony. On 1 June 1741, William Edward Parker was appointed as one of the four assistants to the President of the Town of Savannah, William Stevens, Esquire, with John Pye as their Clerk. On 7 August 1742, he petitioned the Common Council for 500 acres of land near Thunderbolt. When the province was divided into two counties (1741) he became assistant to Sir William Stephens, then succeeded him in 1750 as President of the Savannah province. From 1751 to 1754 he was Executive of the Colony. He lived at Savannah, planter. He was married to Elizabeth Farley, the sister of Samuel Farley of Savannah, and she died on the Isle of Hope in 1787, having arrived in Georgia from England on August 29, 1733. He was granted 250 acres known as Brewton by the trustees, then inherited half of Brewton, 250 acres which descended to him, as heir of his brother, Edward Parker, deceased. Children:
  1. William Parker, granted 250 acres by the Trustees, Brewton, died Savannah.
  2. Henry Parker. Children:
  1. Joseph Parker, died May 6, 1770.
  2. Mary Parker, died 1770.
  3. Ann Parker, died Savannah 1798.
  4. Elizabeth Parker.
  5. Jo Savile Parker, dead in 1733.
Parnel, Daniel, brazier from Saffron-Hill in London, came with the original Frederica settlement. He and his wife left Frederica about 1738.

Paterson, Robert, writer, clerk of the stores, naval officer, accountant, probably of French extraction. Wife, Mary Ann, who died before August of 1741. Sons, Patrick, David, Alexander, all born in Georgia, and a servant. Thomas Jones reported to the Trustees in July of 1741 that Paterson kept a bawdy house in Frederica.

Patterson, William was born 1743 in Georgia, died Jefferson County. Enlisted in the Revolutionary War while a resident of St. Georges Parish. He married Nancy Mossman in 1765.

Peavy, Dial was granted 200 acres in Wrightsborough Township on 6 September 1774. In 1786 these lands were conveyed by Richard Call to Thomas Glascock. Then on 18 November 1797 James Riley of Edgefield County, South Carolina deeded them to James Shields for $240.00.

Penrose, John, husbandman, born 1697 and Elizabeth, his wife, born 1686. Penrose had difficulties in the early years at Savannah, being fined trice for selling spiritous liquors without a license, and twice for assault and defamation. He owned Lot No. 15 in Savannah, which over-flowed with the swamp. In 1742 he ran away to Charles Town, but must have returned because of a complaint by David Montaigut who petitioned the Board that in August of 1741 he had advanced John Penrose of Savannah, freeholder, sundry merchandize and money (200 pds) to enable him to finish and completely fit out for sea a schooner he was then building in this river. That payment being due on 8 August 1744, and Penrose, is now loading the vessel with rice in this port for the Province of New York. Prays for warrants to be issued to stop schooner until payment received. They did not stop Penrose from doing business, as he put up his lott in Savannah for collateral. Peter Morel mentioned the farm of John Penrose at Highgate in his Will dated 1752. " To wife and children use of John Penrose's farm where I now dwell."

Perkins, Abington was born ca 1740 in North Carolina and was granted some of the ceded lands in Wilkes County. Known Children: (there was also a daughter born between 1766/1770).
  1. Jesse C. Perkins born 1768 in North Carolina, died Greene County, Georgia, aged 79 years; listed on 1790 Wilkes County Tax Digest. He was married to Sarah Guest, the daughter of Thomas Guest of Wilkes County. The Estate of Thomas Guest "paid Sarah Perkins, Trustee for Elizabeth Guest; paid Jesse C. Perkins, trustee for Elizabeth Guest." Children:
    1. Jesse Perkins was deeded by his father the family plantation, plus 100 acres, being the upper part of a tract formerly run for William Killgore on the Savannah River.
  2. Averilla Perkins, daughter, born between 1766/1770 in North Carolina. She was deeded cattle by her father on 4 March 1786, with Benjamin Perkins and Jesse Perkins, Testators.
  3. Isaac Perkins married Hannah Guest on 28 October 1810 in Wilkes county.
Perkins, George, Capt., master of the ship St. Helena, was launched at Beaufort, South Carolina, at the time of his death in 1766.

Perkins, John, Dr. was Commander of Ft. George on Cockspur Island, also collector and assessor for Frederica in 1755 and 17527. A Lot at Hardwicke was granted him in 1755, along with Peter Perkins. Also, granted Town Lot in Frederica on September 6, 1763. He died Savannah in 1766, a Quartermaster and Surgeon, having served in the first troop of Rangers to fight the Spanish under Oglethorpe. He wife, Christian. LWT dated 7/2/1766, probated 12/1766.

Perkins, Jonathan, Esquire, of the Island of Barbardoes, died at Savannah February 25, 1800.

Perkins, Peter was born ca 1740, died 1803 Warren County. He was granted 500 acres of land in St. Pauls Parish (Richmond County) in 1770; in 1788, granted 200 acres in Wilkes County; and in 1784 granted 287 acres in Washington County. His wife, Sarah, died when Jethro Darden was appointed administrator of her estate. He must have joined the Quaker settlement at Wrightsborough because he owned a lot there before removing to Wilkes County about 1787. He sold this lot. Peter Perkins and his wife, Sarah, of Wilkes County deed to Peter Overby for 50 pounds, a lot in Wrightsboro, Georgia, originally granted the said Peter Perkins in 1770. Children:
  1. John Perkins, in 1797 owned land on Rocky Comfort Creek in Warren County.
  2. Peter Perkins.
  3. Jenny Perkins married Mr. Clowers.
  4. Abigail Perkins married Mr. Kidd.
  5. Abram Perkins.
  6. Eleanor Perkins married Jethro Darden.
  7. Jemima Perkins married Mr. White.
  8. Sarah Perkins married William Wilkins.
  9. Elizabeth Perkins married Mr. Neal.
  10. Nancy Perkins married Mr. Greathouse. She was deceased in 1801 when her father made his will.
Perkins, Samuel, born about 1703, second bailiff in 1735, had a prosperous business in Frederica, running a store and owning a perigua with Thomas Hawkins. Wife, Catherine. By trade he was a coachmaker from London. Perkins was apparently well-bred who was bullied by Hawkins. His wife had a fine reputation who cheerfully handled affairs in the store during her husband’s absence. Perkins took the side of Allen, and as a result was tricked by Hawkins who pretended to be sick when it was time for him to appear in court, even laughing and joking about it. When the Trustees rebuked Perkins for his participation in the affair, he decided that it was quite impossible to earn a peaceful living alongside Hawkins in Frederica, and packed up his family and left for Charles Towne in May of 1741.

Perkins, Thomas granted March 3, 1761 200 acres in St. John's Parish, and again in April of 1772 100 acres of land in St. John's Parish, Liberty County.

Perritt, John. 300 acres laid out to him in the township, located in a fork of Upton Creek, commonly called Stubbs Creek.

Pettycrow (Pettygrow), John, Indian trader and victualler. Wife: Catherine. Sister: Mary Egan of Lisbane, Ireland. To his "reputed natural son, John Pettycrow", two horses of his choice. Children:
  1. John Pettycrow.
  2. Januarye Pettycrow
Phifer, Daniel, of Hampstead, wrote his will in French. He directed that Michael Bourhalter (above) take charge of his persons estate and real estate in the interest of his children, to receive twelve pounds, eleven shillings to relieve his debuts and for aiding him in his passage from London to Georgia and carrying for his needs from Calais to Savannah. Also, to pay Bourhalter for the transport of his old clothing from Berne, Switzerland to Calais and five pounds to go to Peter Cobler (Coble) for aid in passage from London to Savannah. Children:
  1. Isabelle Phifer.
  2. Ulric Phifer.
  3. Jean (John) Phifer
Phillips, Isham was born 1741 in Georgia, died Henry County in 1837, married Mary Dawson.

Phillips, Joel, son of William Phillips and his wife, Harriett Horn, lived on Little River in Wilkes County; was in the Battle of Kettle Creek during the Revolutionary War; and in 1784 and 1785 granted 250 acres and 950 acres in Wilkes County. On 2 February 1784 he petitioned for 575 acres in Washington County, stating that he was a Minute Man during the war. Children:
  1. Whitmell Phillips.
  2. Zacheus Phillips.
  3. Zacheus Phillips.
  4. Zacheus Phillips.
  5. Elijah Phillips.
  6. William Phillips,
  7. Mary Phillips.
  8. Sarah Phillips.
Phillips, John was the son of William Phillips and his wife, Harriett Horn, of Amherst County,Virginia whose sons petitioned for land grants in Georgia. He first lived at Carmachen Town. On 7 September 1762 he was granted 150 acres of land in St. Paul’s Parish (Richmond County) by the King of England. Against, on 29 October 1765, he was granted 100 acres of land in St. George’s Parish (Burke County). His residence was in Richmond County, where he died in 1784. Administrators of his estate were appointed on 28 October 1784. Wife, Ruth. He named seven children in his Last Will and Testament. Children:
  1. George Phillips. On 5 March 1784 George Phillips deeded Hezekiah Bell his part of the land willed to him by his father, John Phillips, deceased, being 200 acres in Richmond County. George died in Greene County between 1816 and 1841. Wife, Sally. Children:
    1. Jane, wife of Cullen Cradille.
    2. William Phillips.
    3. Lancellot Phillips.
    4. Henry Phillips.
    5. Edwin Phillips.
    6. George W. Phillips
    7. Lewis Phillips.
  2. Sophie Phillips married Gideon Patterson. On 5 March, 1784, Gideon Patterson asked for his part of 150 acres of land on the Savannah River, adjoining the lands of James and Nathan Beall; also for his part of 200 acres willed to his wife, Sophie Patterson by her father, John Phillips, deceased, for which he received 50 pounds.
  3. Jeremiah Phillips. On 5 March 1784 deeded his part of the 200 acres of land willed to him by his father, John Phillips, deceased.
  4. Willery Phillips.
  5. Nerlends Phillips.
  6. Ruth Phillips.
  7. Mary Phillips.
Phillips, Joseph, son of William Phillips and his wife, Harriett Horn, was born 1734, died 1800. He first received a land grant in Albemarle County, Virginia in 1746, but on 10 January 1751 was granted 500 acres of land in Washington County, Georgia. In 1781, he received two tracts each in Washington County, because of his service during the Revolutionary War as a Minute Man under Colonel Elijah Clarke. He resided near the Oconee River Reserve, on the northern tip of the river, near the Greene County line in Morgan County. Children:
  1. William Phillips.
  2. Isaac Phillips.
Phillips, Mark, son of William Phillips and his wife, Harriett Horn, was born in Virginia, died in Wilkes County in 1792. In 1790 he served in the Inferior Court of Wilkes County. Mark and his wife, Nancy Phillips of Wilkes County deed to George Barber of Franklin County for five pounds, 575 acres of land located on the north fork of the Oconee River, which was originally surveyed on 14 August 1784 and granted to Mark Phillips. Date: 27 July 1791. In 1799 he was granted two headright grants in Burke County. Children:
  1. Burrell Phillips.
  2. Mark Phillips.
  3. Gabriel Phillips.
Wrightsboro Plat Phillips, Zachariah, son of William Phillips and his wife, Harriett Horn, was born in Virginia, but removed to Georgia after having sold his 144 acres of land located on the north fork of Nassau Creek in Amherst County. 7 February 1772 he petitioned the Georgia Trustees for 100 acres of land in Wrightsborough Township, stating that he’d been in the colony for sometime and had a wife and ten children. Zachariah built a mill on Kettle Creek (now in Wilkes County), but near Wrightsborough, and helped his brother, Joel, organize a church in that vicinity. Zachariah Phillips built a mill on Kettle Creek… When he was away in the Revolutionary War, his wife was annoyed by the Tories. On one occasion it is said that she had been washing clothes and had hung them out to dry when a Tory came up, and seizing a shirt, started to run off with it…She ran out to protect her property… she seized one end of the shirt and the Tory the other and both pulled… Mrs. Phillips…pointing her raised forefinger at the Tory, said scornfully, Sir, were you born of a woman? …He left the shirt of Mrs. Phillips." The signatures of Zachariah and Joel Phillips appeared on the petition of the citizens o f Wrightsborough in 1774, stating they had no position with the Boston Tea Party. Known Children: William, Reuben, Hillery, Joseph, Mark, Ichabod, James, Elizabeth, and Josiah.

Pierce, William was born 1740 in Georgia, died 10 December 1789, Savannah, married Charlotte Fenwick, daughter of Edward Fenwick of South Carolina. Child:
  1. William Leigh Pierce of Savannah.
Polhill, Nathaniel, from Southwark, England, an Upholsterer, as granted 150 acres of land on November 21, 1733. In July of 1735 he applied for license to stay six more months in England and did not return to the Georgia Colony. Apparently the first wife of Nathaniel Polhill, Grace Redford, thought that he was dead, and in 1738, was advanced some money by the Trustees, giving her a servant. Nathaniel Polhill, however, died at Berkeley Co., South Carolina in September of 1761, and his wife at that time, Hannah, was granted his entire estate. Also, Hannah received a land grant of 1150 acres in St. Matthews Parish on March 3, 1767. Children:
  • Thomas Polhill, a son by the first wife who lived in Georgia, married Mary (Polly) Anderson, the daughter of James Anderson, deceased, on January 18, 1786 in Effingham Co., his first wife having died in 1783. Mary died January 10, 1804 Effingham Co. In 1782, Thomas Polhill's estates were confiscated by the Americans, because he had been a Tory during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Polhill and Mary Anderson had a son, Benjamin Polhill, who died July 26, 1800 in Effingham Co., aged 4 years.
    Some of the Polhills who lived at Black Swamp, South Carolina were related to Georgia settlers: one Nathaniel Polhill who married Eliza St. John Singleton in 1806; Captain Thomas Polhill, Jr. who Married Thuzza Lawton, daughter of Joseph Lawson in 1806; and Rev. Thomas Polhill who married Rebecca Hamilton on July 19, 1809 in Black Swamp, South Carolina.

    Powell, Henry. Resident of Frederica.

    Prevost, Daniel, in Frederica by May of 1738, storekeeper. In 1739 he built a warehouse. Quit Frederica by July of 1743.

    Proctor, Thomas, Sr., carpenter from Tottenham Court Road in London, came with the first group of settlers. Wife: Elizabeth. Sons: Thomas, William, John and James. Daughter: Susannah. James was dead before September 1738, with John and Susannah dying shortly thereafter. Quit Frederica before April 1740.

    Proctor, Thomas, Jr., in Frederica in 1738, gone by 1740.

    Pye, John, arrived in the colony before 1737. In 1739 he married the sister of John Brownfield. During the suspension of Mr. Christie, Pye was commissioned to the Office of Recorder, until he was removed about 1741, with Charles Watson replacing him. He was in charge of the malcontents and complaints at Savannah. Thomas Jones, in charge of the store and public accounts, was investigated by Mr. Pye and charged with malpractice. Jones was still storekeeper for the Colony, exporting goods produced on the plantations to England, certifying weight, value, etc., but many citizens complained about his business dealings. On 26 July 1742, the Georgia Council made note of the fact that "another" child of John Pye was Deceased.

    Pye ultimately returned to Georgia, as did the other malcontents, residing at Savannah with his wife, Deborah Brownfield, to whom he left his entire estate, two town lots, and particularly 200 acres near Highgate. Children:
    1. Mary Elizabeth Pye.
    2. Elizabeth Pye
    Pyke, Richard. Wife, Elizabeth. A servant to the Trustees on Amelia Island, but by 1738-1739 he had been taken to work in the watch-house near Frederica. It was his job to watch out for runaways or invaders.

    Quarterman, John, born ca 1730 Midway, Liberty County, Married 11 October 1754 Sarah Osgood, the daughter of John and Hannah Osgood. Thomas Sumner and James Wilson apply for Letters of Administration for John Quarterman, deceased, Liberty County, 27 January 1791. Children:
    1. Sarah Quarterman born 21 July 1755 Midway.
    2. Elizabeth Quarterman born 27 December 1757 Midway.
    3. John Quarterman born 30 December 1759 Midway.
    4. William Quarterman born 3 April 1762 Midway. Quarterman. John, Sr. was born before 1710 in Dorchester, South Carolina. In 1752 John Quarterman, Sr. was granted five hundred acres of land, bounded east on land possessed by Nathan Taylor, and south by the lands of Isaac Lines and Andrew Collins, all other sides vacant, at the head of the Midway River. He married about 1732 Anne. After her death, he married Elizabeth Baker 8 June 1756 in Liberty County. Elizabeth died 12 Aug 1755, buried Midway Cemetery. He must have married again, Hannah, because she was mentioned in his will. Children:
    1. John Quarterman married Sarah, the daughter of John Osgood. They have five Children: Sarah, John, William, Elijah. Mentioned his brothers in his will (Thomas, Robert and William). The rights to seats in the Midway Meeting House were given equally to all of his sons.
    2. Thomas Quarterman was born 1738 in South Carolina, died Midway, Georgia in 1791. Came with his parents to Liberty county. Married 1st, in 1758, Rebecca Bacon, and 2nd, in 1776, Rebecca Smallwood. . Thomas died in Liberty County 1791. The widow of Thomas Quarterman married Colonel Thomas Elliot in Liberty County (Ga Gazette 15 July 1790). Their son, Joseph Quarterman, was born 7 April 1764, christened 20 May, Liberty Co., m. 16 May 1787 Liberty Co. Elizabeth Quarterman. He died 26 December 1801, buried Midway Cemetery.
    3. Robert Quarterman.
    4. Mary (Hannah) Quarterman died 22 February 1765 at Midway, and was buried in Midway Cemetery, buried Midway Cemetery.
    5. William Quarterman.
    6. Jemima Quarterman.
    7. Richard Quarterman