COLONIAL GEORGIANS by Jeannette Holland Austin
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| PREFACE | HISTORY | Plantations | The Scotch Club |
| Anderson, David | Anderson, George | Anderson, Hugh | Anderson, James | Anderson, Richard | Anderson, William |
PREFACE
The information herein comes primarily from the correspondence written by colonials to the Trustees in London, England, concerning the business of the colony, Colonial Records of Georgia by Candler, colonial deeds in Deed Books C-1 and J, and The Early Settlers of Georgia by Coulter (passenger lists).Specifics, such as dates, come from the correspondence as well as from the passenger lists of those who traveled on their own account (paid their passage) and those whose passage was paid by the Crown.
The study involves some of the earliest settlers and their families.
The first portion of this book relates to A History of the Georgia Colony. It is exclusively taken from the correspondence and has no other influence.
Jeannette Holland Austin
A HISTORY OF THE COLONY
The hope of England that Georgians plant mulberry trees, cultivate the silk worm and thus produce silk Georgia. In this innterest they first sent for a German, Mr. Paul Amatis, who travelled to Georgia to get the enterprise going.In a letter from Mr. Amatis to James Oglethorpe, dated September 8, 1734, he wrote:
"....all the silk that I have drawn off for the past year in three different quantities....and I pray you also to cause people skilled and expert in the manufacture to come to see the said silk, and I have no doubt that they will find it in all its perfection, quality by quality...however I hope that this year silk will be more lustrious and not so smoky by reason of the precautions which I shall take...also how generous I have been in this enterprise since I have spent nothing...except those expenses I have been obliged to pay out of my subsistence along without having first wished to give you the marks of my skill; I hope that those persons you will completely satisfied in seeing results of my labours...."
This same year, Mr. Samuel Auspourger, a gentleman who had contracted with the Trustees in London to leave his home in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland to come to Georgia to grow mulberry trees and wind the silk, sent 20 pounds of raw silk to England, declaring it was as fine as any Itialian silk. Later, in July of 1739, he left America to go to England and obtain a land grant of 500 acres and to get some of his countrymen to return as servants to cultivate the trees.
Paul Amatis had troubles keeping the Trust Garden tended, complaining about various gardeneers who neglected it. He was not in the colony for prolonged periods of time, leaving the Garden to the German Trust Servants, while he went to recruit more servants from Switzerland, or to London with silk samples. Finally, he quit the colony altogether, disillusioned.
In January of 1740, Mr. Cooksey, arriving in London from Savannah, gave an account of life in the Georgia settlement, saying that black mulberry trees grew wild in the country, but in hickory ground or swampy land, and the silk people were not using the leaf: it being too harsh for the worm. The white mulberry trees were not thriving, and leaves were being brought down from Carolina.
For years, the Camuse family at Savannah were silk winders, and after the death of Jacques Camuse, Mrs. Camuse, widow, continued to work. She had her problems obtaining assistance, always writing the Trustees to send apprentices. The work was hard and competitive with silk workers in Purysburg, South Carolina. She grumbled to William Stephens, Secretary to the Colony, who finally procured for her payment for each apprentice trained, and finally secured a pension for her.
The land was not suitable, even though wild mulberrys grew along the Georgia coast, and particularly on St. Simon's Island. Colonists did not try to venture privately in this undertaking. It was strictly directed by the Trustees, who sent persons like Mr. Amatis, providing small numbers of trust servants to the Garden. Another problem was the survival period for sefvants. Many died once they put their feet on the soil, others were sickly, only living short periods of time. But I don't think the shortage of servants allotted for raising silk had much to do with its bandonment. The colonists were simply trying to survive. Those at Ebernezer raised corn, at New Inverness (Darien), cattle, on the Midway River, rice and cotton, and Savannah, the timber business prevailed. The settlers found large trees along the Altamaha River, where sawmills were erected, and large tracts of timber were cleared in Liberty Co., shipping logs up Savannah River to Charles Towne.
A South Carolina merchant, Sam Eveleigh, traveled back and forth into the Colony dealing with its businessmen, such as the Bakers (owned sawmills), consigning lumber, selling rum, shipping leather goods and trappins from America to England.
The first voyage of James Oglethorpe to Savannah carried indentured servants who had bound themselves over to the Trustees for specified periods of labour until the price of passage and subsistance had been worked out. At first, indentured servants received 25 acres of land of their own, irrespective of how much land their masters were granted, but later than was changed to 20 acres. Most trust servants were indentured for seven years. Also, it was generally true that a man in a family would come, working himself out of indenture, and then send for his family; but, it was also a fact that he allowed his wife to join him, also as a servant. One of the reasons for this was probably that he wanted to see what kind of conditions existed (if they were better than his homeland) before sending for his family.
But the Trustees would only pay the expenses of the most industrious-type males, who were often recommended by members of the Nobility,e tc.), who would be good workers in the colony. Also, the Mother Country did not want vile, foolhearted men, and they would find out about the conduct of the settlers from their correspondants, James Oglethorpe, or from William Stephens. One instance, a woman, on her voyage to Savannah in 1734 slept naked between two men. Immediately upon arrival, this was reported and she was tied to cart and lashed sixty times, then paraded down Bull Street for everyone to see. Then made to promise good conduct.
Vessles landed first at Purysburg and Charles Towne, South Carolina, where voyagers were told by Carolinians that Georgia was not a fit place to live, as well as other propaganda. South Carolina was definitely against Georgia settlement for a long while. Thomas Christie, Recorder at Savannah, in trying to get colonists shipped directly to Savannah, put it this way:
"We raise the envy of the people of Carolina by whom we suffer many aspersions and false reports, although we serve them for a bullwark against the indians, a curb to the negroes, raise the price of their markets and value of their lands and they get all our money in the bargain...with the advantage of their negroes, report that we need not sow any corn or rice, for they will always undersell us...I could wish the trustees would oblige all persons to whom they give grants, transport their persons and effects directly to this port." (Letter to James Oglethorpe from Thomas Christie dated at Savannah December 14, 1734).
Thomas Christie was granted much land to place settlers and Count Zinzendorf was given lands for the Germans, but these settlements departed Georgia in 1741 when the people began disputing among themselves about high Quit Rents and lack of negroes in the colony.
The first settlements were at Savannah, with protestants and Moravians, beginning in 1732, but there were people who also lived on Tybee Island. Nearly all of these persons were dead by September of 1735, however.
Rev. Mr. George Whitefield engineered a land grant for a heavy Sultzburger (Germany) settlement at Ebernezer. From his first voyage, even persons died within a couple of months, but those remaining erected huts to live in until the first corn crops were in. This group was protestant, and were disinterested in his Majesty's dreams of silk propagation, nor of having slaves to raise cotton and grow rice.
It was at Ebenezer that Mr. Orthman taught the principles of chriistian teaching, with John Martin Bolzius and Israel Christian Gronau as ministers.
In November of 1733 others were landed at Ebenezer in the ship, "Prince of Wales", of Capt. George Dunbar, who wrote the Trustees his letter dated November 5, 1734:
"Our voyage thither was detarded by a profound calme which continued from Thursday til this morning when I thank God we were favored with a faire wind and likely to continue. The indian king Quin and others are well and cheerful (remembering their English benefactors) except the Prince who is cold...but was much easier last night than any since he came on board. Messrs. Gordon and Vat manage the people with so much prudence and good...everything is as orderly as could be expected and I think myself extremely happy in both...."
Saltzburghers continued to be brought over for about twenty years, particularly in voyages gotten through the efforts of Mr. Vat and Mr. Whitefield. Mr. Whitefield really worked hard to provide a refuse for the Germans, constructing an orphanage which he called "Orphan House" with Pennsylvania iron and timber from the Georgia coast. Later, he built a church at Ebenezer.
On March 13, 1739 the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer asked the Trustees to transport more of their people from Germany, saying that they were being hindered by forst and snow in winter from doing anything in the fields and vineyards, but that at Ebenezer the climate was mild and soil fertile. People worked from early morning until 10 o'clock , then, in the afternoon from 3:00 until sunset. They did not agree with citizens in Savannah that only negroes could do the hard toil of raising rice and cotton, and laughted at this idea, saying that their last crop was greater than could be used for consumption. They asked the trustees for a mill to clean and process the rice, like they were using in Germany, but it was never provided. There may have, however, been some mills erected there. In June of that year, 116 more Germans were brought to Georgia by Capt. William Thompson.
In July of 1741, sixty one Saltzburghers arrived at Savannah, eighteen men, twenty-five women, ten boys and eight girls. Also, leaving Rotterdam were fifty other Saltzburgers on their way to Georgia.
On February 6, 1735 am embarkation arrived, settling on St. Simon's Island, called the Town of Frederica. The Creeks had agreed that the English settlers should have this island. The land was very fertile, chiefly Oak and Hickory trees, intermixed with Savannahs and old indian fields. The island was about 40 miles in circumferance, and a road was immediately opened for travel to the north and south of it. This did become a dangerous place to live, however, as Spanish raiders frequently landed their ships on the island.
The Towns of Ogeechee and Hardwick were located in Chatham Co., near Savannah. Abercorn and Goshen were located in St. Matthew's Parish, now Effingham Co., and sprang out of the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer. By 1738 there were ten settlements at Abercorn, twelve at Hampstead, twelve at Highgate, and Thunderbolt was almost deserted. One settler at Abercorn, Mr. Bunyan, in the fall of 1739, built a large ferry boat to carry about nine or ten horses at a time, to be kept at Palachocolas. In 1739, it was an indian town, with several plantations. In 1733 the village of Highgate had twelve French families, including Peter Morel and Simon Boisnelle. Highgate was located five miles southwest of Savannah. Thunderbolt had twenty-three families as well as a timber fort, and Ft. Argyle had ten families.
Meanwhile, back in Great Britain and Scotland, an organization called the "Society for Christianity of the Scots" was formed and money sent to the Trustees in London in the interest of taking care of any Scots who wished to migrate to Georgia. The Scots, of course, were in a depraved condition, and the first real departure becan in the Highlands, with Daniel McLachlan, who wrote a letter to the Trustees, dated London, May 9, 1735:
"Why, Sir, in the Highlands of Scotland, our rents have been raised very much of late; this has not proceeded so much from the avarice of the landlords, as to the vast increase of the people; and at the same time, the price of our cattle, which is the only support, and proper produce of this country, has prodigiously sunk. Upon this account, the bulk of the people is in a poor starving condition.
I have, Sir, in the shape of a Clergyman, for some years past, traveled up and down those ragged mountains; but touched with the melancholy situation of my relations and kindred; as we had then a very favorable account of new Georgia; I proposed to them I should go over and view this new plantation, and, at the same time, exactly learn what encouragement the trustees would give towards the transportation and settlement of so considerably a body of men -- to this they readily agreed, and assured me, that upon my return, they would be entirely directed by me...and if I can give the proper encouragement, upon my return from new Georgia, at least 700 or 800 honest, industrious people, will set out for this new plantation...."
The unfortunate Scots had placed their politics with Bonny Prince Charles, the Stuart Pretender to the Throne of England in 1715, and many lost their lands and titles, particularlythe Isle of Skye, owned exclusively by the Macdonalds and Macleods. They were anxious to begin again. Oglethorpe was interested in this appeal and made arrangements for the Highlands to come to America. At the end of the year they left Scotland with Capt. George Dunbar, in the "Prince of Wales", arriving early 1736 at Charles Towne. General Oglethorpe then made arrangements for them to be taken to a place south of Savannah, which they called "New Inverness" (now Darien). Here, they built Fort George and began fighting the Spanish.
In 1735 ,20,000 acres were granted by the Trustees, to be used for cultivation, and provided for the droves of people like Rev. MacLeod's congregation which he conducted from the Isle of Skye and settlers from the Highlands.
Also, plans were made to settle a clergyman at Savannah, a catechist and schoolmaster, and 300 acres were granted for this purpose. One very young and ambitious schoolteacher, James Habersham, squire, who ultimately became Captain General and Commander in Chief of the Colony from 1771 to 1772, journed with Mr. Whitefield, from Frederica, riding as far as the Vernon River. Mr. Habersham was to bring back the horses, while Mr. Whitefield went on by water. But the schoolteacher became lost in the swamps and could not get his horse to follow, so tied him to a tree. The next day he returned to search for the horse, and ambling about, was lost. A search party went out, firing pistols, calling out, but could not find him. This went on for several days until finally, one of the inhabitants of Hampstead found him in the swamp, lying on the ground, and answering in a weak voice.
In 1737, some persons at Cowen, England indentured themselves for five years to come to Georgia and servants. They were freed by 1743 and received 50 acres of land each at a Town called Vernonburgh.
Then, Augusta was founded in 1737 under the direction of Mr. Roger Lacey, an agent to the Cherokee indians. Lacey lived at Thunderbolt, and made the first experiment on potash. He acted as an Indian Agent, constructing forts at Augusta, but died in December of 1739. This was a prime trading post for the indians, who lived all around the Town. But they were friendly, never causing any disturbances, being bribe from time to time by General Oglethorpe, who brought them presents from England. Oglethorpe did everything he could to appease the indians, while white settlers enjoyed trading. Slavery was not permitted in Georgia, but eighty negroes actually worked on nearby plantations in the Augusta vicinity. Neither was rum allowed, but this was a place where it was traded, as Savannah people loved it. The Trustees knew that Georgians were getting rum, but never did anything about it, ignored reports, and did not enforce the laws. Constables in the colony didn't really care to enforce it either.
The Swiss protestants began arriving in Georgia in March 1741, when one hundred distressed German and Swiss protestants migrated.
From 1741 through about 1772 Scot-Irish from Nova Scotia and settled around Savannah and Augusta. From 1760 to 1769, six vessels arrived from Nova Scotia to South Carolina and Georgia, three to four thousand Irish.
In 1746, dutch servants arrived on the ship "Judith", with Captain Quarmer. Since Mr. John Rea's arrival from Belfast about 1741, or earlier, he began a joint effort, with his brother, Matthew Rea, to promote land settlements in Georgia. They advertised in the "Belfast News: for persons desiring to come to Georgia, but offered no real deals or encouragements, as South Carolina land promoters were doing, such as paid passage, etc. John Rea resided at Augusta and acquired a large land grant, along with George Galphin, his partner in 1768, of 50,000 acres. Some Irish came at first, but wrote back home to friends and relatives that Georgia was an accursed place to live and that John Rea was not concerned with anything except using them as a hedge between his own lands and those of the indians. Some of these letters were published in the newspapers. The enterprise continued until about 1772, with John Rhea dying shortly thereafter.
In 1770 Georgia had a settlement called "Queensborough", which resulted from land grants procurred by John Rea, and immigrants arriving on the ship "Hopewell".
Migrations of the Puritans began about 1752 from Dorcester, Williamsburg, Beach Hill, Chalres Towne, and Salem, South Carolina, to a place on the Midway River in Liberty County, called Midway, where Rev. John Osgood became the minister.. A few of these settlers were from Iniverness, Scotland and Shrewsburg, New Jersey, but most of them had their beginnings in 1630 in the counties of Devon, Dorset and Somersetsshire when they met at Plymouth, England to elect Rev. John Warham and Rev. John Macerick as Ministers to take them to New England. Sailing in March of 1630, they reached America in two months, landing at Mattpan, where a town was laid off called "Dorchester". Five years later, they founded the Puritan element in South Carolina, in response to a call of Joseph Lord, who announced that there was no religious persecutions in Carolina. Here, they settled on the Ashby River, about eighteen miles from Charles Towne, naming the village "Dorchester". From there, bands of Puritans migrated to Georgia. During the Revolutionary War, many were driven from their homes into South Carolina, but afterwards returned to rebuild plantations, for this was a good place to grow rice.
Quaker settlements in Georgia began just prior to the Revolutionary War, with Friends coming down from Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia to settle a town they named "Wrightsborough". This town was located in Columbia Co. (Now McDuffie Co., near Thomson). All Quakers were given land grants, individually, of 100 acres of land, with several townsmen from Savannah moving into the village, becoming Friends. Like all the small villages and towns mentioned, this place is completely gone from the map, but it is quite near Thomson, Ga.
Needless to say, the Georgia voyages did not consist primarily of indentured servants, although the Trustees welcomed them. Many, many, many private indivuals paid their own passage, bringing their families and servants with them to make their homes in Georgia. There were certainly more freeholders than indentured servants in the colony, and I did not find any records of prisoners being sent at all, although this might have been done on a single voyage. The Trustees did not want anyone, except of good reputation, and with strong, ambitious backs! Of the original settlers, the freeholders probably survived better than the servants, despite the indians, Spanish, threats from the French and dissidant South Carolinians. Colonists were given provisions from the stores at Frederica and Savannah, and if they requested to leave the colony, were denied.
Great Britain gave thousands of land grants, just to get large groups settled, but they relied on two or three persons to achieve this, granting 50,000 acre tracts to land promoters, partnerships, etc. Ministers usually travelled with their Protestant congreagtions, and England even went so far as to give them free use of cows for five years, as well as use of the land.
After an indentured servant was freed, he petitioned for lands for himself, and they were granted. But he had to have specific purposes and be zealous. They could always learn of dissidants by examining the Journals kept by William Stephens, Secretary of the Colony, and his son, Thomas, as well as those kept by Thomas Christie, Town Recorder.
From 1732 to 1739, 27, 185 acres of land had been granted for cultivation, and now, the Trustees voted to give females land grants. In the year of 1736, 9300 acres of land were granted to private individuals.
In September of 1739 the Creeks declared to General Oglethorpe their right and possession of all lands as far as the St. John's River on their concesssions of the Sea Coast Islands and all other lands to the Trustees. Unlicensed traders were given rum, taking it to the indians, but gave the indians smallpox, killing one thousand of them. The indians, of course, complained that they had been poisoned.
But the indians granted land also, especially around Augusta where interpreter Mary Musgrove lived. These redskins, of no real problems in comparison with Spanish indians, wanted more than anything to maintain goodwill with Oglethorpe. Among the indian traders at Augusta was John Musgrove, and when he died, his wife, Mary, who received in 1737 some land from Tomochici. They celebrated the occasion with a barbecue, inviting several indians, as well as William Stephens who recorded the land transaction.
Pipemaker's Bluff, near Augusta, having a creek of the same name, was considered indian territory, however, settlers built there homes there after trading with the indians flourished.
Plantations
Kenneth Baillie had a rice plantation in Liberty Co., he resided on St. Mary's Island, but he called it "Baillie's Island". The Baillie family later became Tories, fighting with the British in the Revolutionary War, and their lands and estates were confiscated.William Baker had a plantation at Midway, Liberty Co., owning extensive timber tracts and sawmills on the river.
Colonel Mark Carr first had his plantation on St. Simon's Island named by Gen. Oglethorpe as "Hermitage". But while on a trip with the General, the place was plundered and robbed by Spanish Indians and he was afraid to live there after that. Then, he built a plantation on the Midway River called "Carrsfield", where his son lived, but this place also became dangerous. As did his plantation "Blyth". In 1752, the Carr family settled on the north side of the Newport River, near Midway.
William Dalmas lived on Skidoway Island, never Savannah. In a letter dated August 23, 1734, Skidoway, to James Oglethorpe, he wrote:
"Sir, at your departure from this place, you was so good as to procure me a servant which I have not yet received, nor indeed can hear anything...I think it is my duty to acquaint you without being a very great hardship upon me...could be without one...our settlement is in tolerable good health, but have been a little alarmed with a report of fifty or sixty Spaniards and Spanish Indians being seen in a boat on our frontier to the southward."
Noble Jones, very active in the Crown's politices at Savannah, owned a plantation in Christ Church Parish, near Savannah, near the mouth of the Vernon River, on an island called "Hope Island". Nearby, he had his own fort to prevent the poor people at Frederica from escaping to other places for bread. His son, Noble Wimberly Jones, owned 1800 acres of land fifteen miles from Rocky Comfort, in St. George's Parish, Burke Co. On the Isle of Hope there were three plantations: Mr. Jones, Mr. Parker, Mr. Fallowfield. Mr. Fallowfield's house burned down in 1738.
"Chelmsford" was owned by Thomas Parker, a Gentleman of Savannah.
Of the plantations in Georgia in 1737, Mr. Causton, Storekeeper and Chief Magistrate of Savannah, built "Oxstead", a house described in William Stephens' Journal as "handsome, fit for any gentleman".
In 1765 East of Savannah and near the Vernon River lived John Russell and Mr. Bowen.
In 1773 Sylvanus Robinson resided near Sunbury, Liberty Co.; also Josiah Bacon, one of the Puritans from South Carolina, on the southside of the Newport Swamp, near Sunbury.
William Stephens, Secretary of the Colony, lived on a plantation with five or six servants, on the Vernon River, with seven or eight acres of cleared land.
Mr. Carteret's plantation was on the main opposite Frederica, having about twenty servants.
The plantation of Robert Williams, Merchant, was called "Landiloe", having 1500 acres on the Savannah River, where he kept forty servants and spent about 2000 pds. Sterling improving it.
Patrick Tailfer's plantation, near that of Mr. Williams', later suffered hardships and became impracticable to operate.
Jacob Matthews, the husband of widow, Mary Musgroves, bought some land formerly owned by Mr. Musgroves which he called "Cow Pen", near Augusta, and he lived there for sometime with ten servants.
Capt. Watson and Mr. Cooksey's plantations were near Augusta.
There was a creek dividing Augusta from indian lands, and a little below this creek was a plantation called "Irene" where John Wesley built a pretty house for an indian school, but soon grew weary, and left it.
Mr. Houstoun lived twelve miles southward of Savannah.
Hugh Anderson lived at St. Simon's Island where Oglethorpe told him to settle, with seventeen persons in the family, and servants. But he left this place in 1739 to go to Charles Towne, South Carolina, on account of hardships, later returning.
In 1739, Hugh Mackay had a plantation on Amelia Island where he raised corn with some of his trust servants he brought to America with him.
The Scotch Club
In December of 1738, Saltzburghers at Ebenezer and Savannah townsmen petitioned England to permit slavery in the colony, also naming a number of grievances, such as high quit rents, wanting to name their own bailiffs, and that Constables and Tythingmen be subject only to the orders of the Trustees. In essence, they were weary of local politics. Many people were leaving plantations idle at Savannah. Citizens became rowdy, sometimes robbing and stealing, then thrown in jail. The Scottish people at New Inverness (Darien) joined in the petition, and the Scotch Club was formed.South Carolinians were still making Georgians angry, claiming they only had five thousand white men to forty thousand slaves. The Spanish promised freedom to run-away slaves. Then, in May of 1739, some of the negroes started an uprising in Carolina, and escaped to the Spanish. The Georgia Constables were ordered to seize the run-aways. Then, Capt. Davis took his ship into Augustine and demanded that the negroes be released. But the Spanish just laughed at him, and the Georgians became hotheaded.
Thirteen freeholders ran away to Charles Towne, calling themselves the "Scotch Club", and prepared a pamphlet entitled "A True Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia in America from the First Settlement to the Present Period". Mr. Cockatt, then a Carolina Merchant, went to London where he showed it to the Earl of Egmont. But the Trustees decided to ignore it, and Mr. Crockatt published it in London and began selling it for 18 cents a copy. This shocked the Trustees.
More persons left for Charles Towne, deserting plantations, and at one time, where were only fifty persons in Savannah Towne. Colonists were called to Westminster to make reports, but they are all glum. The Trustees reconcilled the matter by sending food and provisions to the stores.
Meanwhile, in August of 1739, General Oglethorpe wrote the Trustees that the Spanish were bribing the Creeks into a rupture with the English, but that he met with the Creeks to settttle on certain treaties.
The French also reported neighboring indians intended to cut off all the white people who lived among them in order to deter traders from going up to them. But the Dog King assured indian trader, Mr. Willy (who was stationed at a small fort in the Creek nation to observe the indians) that they would never fight with the French, and had rather die with the English.
There were disputes in the military, a court martial was held at Frederica to settle differences among the officers.
The remaining colonists were unhappy what with Spanish alarms, and at Frederica, were disappointed over losing crops to the dry season.
Georgians, still perturbed with the English, nevertheless, bragged over successful expectations in a fight with the Spanish, but were worried because they heard there were fifteen hundred Spanish troops stationed at Augustine.
In October of 1739, Thomas Stephens, in order to pacify the indians, gave the Cherokees who had lost their harvest, fifteen hundred bushels of corn at Augusta.
In November, the French attacked Carolina indians and the Spanish attacked Georgia. Ft. Frederica was fortified as General Oglethorpe prepared to attack Augustine, but in the process became ill, and his ships' captains allowed Spanish vessels to get into Augustine with more supplies.
By February of 1740, Savannah was practically deserted, with all the Jews gone. At Frederica, only thirty-four freeholders were left; at Darien only forty freeholders and eighty people. Mr. Whitefield, the Ebenezer minister, had carried the Moravians of Savannah to Pennsylvania; others headed for New York, but turned back because of severe weather.
Finally, in October of 1741, the Trustees took some action to get the colonists to return to Georgia by summoning to London Mr. Crockat, their representative. Mr Crockat said that Carolina had an advantage with slave labor and that Georgia was stopping her run-way slaves, thereby protecting her from the Spanish. Also, that an acre of Carolina land could be bought for 1 shilling, and on 100 acres, 4 shillings were paid as quit rents; whereas, in Georgia, 20 shillings were paid for every hundred acres, being 4 shillings to the Crown and 16 shillings to the Trustees.
The Trustees still refused slavery, on the ground that the white man's throats would be cut and negroes would run to the Spanish, in view of the nearness of Augustine to the colony. But Georgians contented that if negroes were wel-used and threatened, they would never run away.
Savannah placed cannon at her docks, because an Van Ding, a native of Spain, of Dutch parentage, was privateering the Georgia coast. Now, Georgians feared pirates.
In July of 1742 the Cherokee indians fell out with the French, the Creeks with the Cherokees, and the two tribes went to war.
Then, Oglethorpe encourtered the Spanish in a battle at Bloody Marsh on St. Simons Island, where Scottish Highlanders fought valiantly in indian warfare, under the command of Lt. Charles Mackay.
Again, in December of 1742, the Spanish marched from Augustine to the St. John's River, but Oglethorpe drove them back. After the Spanish were finally driven from Georgia, the settlers who ran off to Charles Town eventually returned to their plantations to begin again.
HUGH ANDERSON, Esquire, came to the Colony of Georgia from Scotland on his account, arriving on June 27, 1737. Here is what he wrote the Earl of Egmont concerning his arrival:
"Savannah, 10th August 1737
To the Right Honorable the Earl of Egmont, London
....It has pleased God at last to land me in safety at this place with fifteen of family and servants....In general, I am fully satisfied that the prudent measures of the Trustees and support of the public will soon bring the Colony in a great measure to answer the expectations of the Nation. As for my own part as by expectations are not high nor my views ambitious, I no ways despair through the blessing of God upon the means of sobriety and industry to live with contentment myself and get needful education to my children, and as what time can be spared from the necessary affairs of life, I will spend in the study of nature and improvements, what discoveries I can make with certainty in my progress, this way I shall presume to communicate to you....
My Lord,
Hugh Anderson"
Hugh was granted Lot #178 in Savannah by General Oglethorpe for settling there, and, by December 7th, his son was also granted 500 acres of land.
He was first made Inspector of the Public Gardens and mulberry plantations, corresponding with Mr. Adam Anderson in England (one of the Georgia Trustees), reporting on the condition of the land, etc. One of his statements was the the land called "pine barren" was so bard that the best improver could not subsist without support from the Trustees. In a letter from Herman Verelst at Westminster to William Stephens dated September 14, 1739, "....And as Mr. Hugh Anderson has wrote very largely to the Earl of Egmont....and it is to him make your observations on those parts which relate to the lands with regard to their different soils and communicate the same to the trustees...."
He was given credit upon the Stores of Savannah, for his settlement there. In other words, the store at Savannah run by Thomas Jones, was to subsidize him for a little while. Jones had a great deal of difficulty with the supplies for the struggling colonists who were instructed to concentrate on mulberry trees and raising of the silk worm. When they abandoned the silk enterprises, and raised cattle and foodstuffs instead, trying to obtain as much as they could from the store, Jones complained bitterly. The store scarcely maintained its provisions to subsist colonists whenever they required it. However, a full report was always completed as to why provisions were needed.
As William Stephens traveled about the colony, writing his letters to the Trustees, he also kept a Journal. In one, dated February 5, 1738, he wrote:
"Monday, early morning, we kept on our way til about noon, arriving at Thunderbolt, I went ashore there, partly to visit Mr. Lacy who had been dangerously ill, and partly to see how the cultivation of land went forward and among his next neighbors...but I could not discover any great matters done among them. I was glad to hear Mr. Lacy had grown well enough to go to Savannah Town about an hour before I came. Then, we kept on our course and a few miles farther down the water, we came on Mr. Causton's plantation at "Ockstead" which stands on a fair eminence. Capt. Cascoigne and Mr. Hugh Anderson standing on the bluff, I went ashore to salute them, where I found a good dinner just on table...."
Two years later, Hugh Anderson found himself distressed with the land, high quit rents, and local politics. He joined a group of persons called "the Scotch Club". These persons had run off to Charles Town, South Carolina, declaring they would not return until something was done about their malcontents. It was in Charles Town that they published a pamphlet called "A True Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia", which was eventually published in London and sold for 18 cents a copy. Hugh was among the mutineers, taking his whole family with him to Charles Town. He felt strongly in favor of negro slavery and was quite angry with the Trustees because slavery was not permitted, also because the quit rents on land grants in South Carolina were lower than in Georgia. And South Carolina was prospering from slave labor. Nothing was ever done by the Trustees, who ignored the scandalous pahmphlet, except that they did provision the stores with more goods. Eventually, the rebellers returned to Georgia.
By 1741, Hugh Anderson had returned his family to the plantation, called "Hermitage". His petition of that date the Trustees for assistance, stated that he had left the Colony because of the hardships and while in Charles Town, was a lecturer in Botany. By now, he had seventeen in his family.
Wife was Elizabeth. Children as follows:I. Alexander Anderson.
II. Catherine Anderson.
III. Moore Anderson.
Another, Anderson, was JAMES ANDERSON, who was born 1710, and embarked for the Georgia Colony on October 20, 1735, arriving January 10, 1736. He was a Joyner by trade and was granted Lot No. 235 in Savannah. He was also granted 500 acres of land southward of Thunderbolt April 18, 1743 by the Georgia Trustees. He also owned about 1000 acres of land in St. George's Parish. Son:
I. James Anderson, carpenter, born in the Colony. In 1756, he hired two men and horses to chase several felons who had escaped from the prison in Savannah, about 120 miles out of Town. In 1797, he married Miss Martha Jones and they resided in Augusta, where he died November 14, 1802.
Brother to James Anderson, was JOHN ANDERSON, Esquire, who came to America in 1736 with his brother.
CAPT. GEORGE ANDERSON, a resident of Savannah, but while traveling from New York to Georgia, to go to Great Britain, was taken ill on board ship, and died. In September of 1771 he was granted 500 acres of land in St. John's Parish, at the time having a wife, Deborah, and three children, also three negro slaves. His second wife was Elizabeth (1711-1793).
Early in 1742, James Anderson was appointed Co-adjutor in building of the Church for the Orphanage which Rev. Mr. Whitefield founded, at Bethsaida, near Savannah.
At the time of his death, Capt. Anderson's occupation was carpenter. He left his sons, William, David and James, each 300 acres on Rocky Creek in St. George's Parish. William, son, was to be bound out at the age of fifteen, for five years, in the trade of his choice. His LWT dated 8/24/1764, probated 1/6/1769, named wife, Mary and children. Issue:
I. William Anderson.
II. David Anderson.
III. James Anderson.
IV. Mary Anderson.
V. Tabitha Anderson.
VI. Cynthia Anderson.
VII. Ann Anderson.
RICHARD ANDERSON was granted a Lot in Augusta on March 1763, it being 50 acres adjoining the land he had already purchased, and 500 acres ordered for Mr. John F. Williams.
WILLIAM ANDERSON was born in Dumfries, Scotland, and married Elizabeth. He lived in St. John's Parish, Liberty Co., planter. His brother was Robert Anderson, a blockmaker in London. The LWT of William Anderson dated 1/4/1772, probated 2/7/1772.
DAVID ANDERSON was granted 100 acres of land October 1770 in St. Andrew's Parish, adjoining the lands of Mr. Joseph Goodby, running the length of his line. He owned forty negro slaves.
Puritans, MICHAEL and JOANNA BACON, born ca 1670, migrated from England to Pennsylvania, then to Dorchester, South Carolina, were the founders of the movement in Liberty Co., Ga. Their minister had acquired large land grants for his congregation in Liberty Co., at Midway. South Carolina Governor encouraged Georgia settlement for these Puritans, because he said that there was a great opportunity in the Colony and fertile lands.
The old Puritan Church at Midway still stands. Midway is half way between Darien and Savannah. It's cemetery which is across the street from the church building, houses its original settlers.
Issue:
I. Sarah Bacon, b. May 4, 1702 Dorchester, S. C., d. August 29, 1769 Liberty Co., Ga., m. Peter Goulding.
II. Samuel Bacon was granted in 1752, 500 acres of land on the Midway River, bounded by lands of Kenneth Baillee, Esquire.
III. William Bacon, received a Land Grant on October 7, 1766 of 71 acres in St. John's Parish.
IV. Joseph Bacon, planter in St. John's Parish, Liberty Co., wife, Mary. His LWT dated 7/12/1765, probated 2/28/1765, gave wife, Mary, use of plantation and 150 adjoining acres, also five negro slaves, I. E., Tirah, Navo, Will, Came and Robe, which were to be distributed between his children at the death of his wife. Grandchildren: John Golden, Peter Golden, William Bolden, Abel Golden. To his son, John, he left the plantation on which John now lives, also 280 acres adjoining land. His 140 acres, near Dorchester, S. C. was to be sold to pay debts. Joseph's LWT named his brothers, Samuel Bacon and William Baker, exrs. Issue:A. John Bacon, b. 1774, d. Sept. 26, 1883 Liberty Co., Ga.V. Thomas Bacon, Sr., b. 1747 Liberty Co., Ga., d. Jan. 26, 1812 Liberty Co., Ga. In August of 1771 he petitioned for 500 acres of land on Little Mortar, stating that he had a wife and elven slaves at that time. Also, on the same date, he petitioned for 300 acres in St. Andrew's Parish. He had a son, Thomas Bacon, Jr., who married second, Miss Elizabeth Sumner, the daughter of Thomas and Anna Sumner. Elizabeth was born Sept. 17, 1783, died May 1, 1809 in Liberty Co. They lived at Midway.
B. Joseph Bacon.
C. Thomas Bacon.
D. William Bacon petitioned for 300 acres in St. Andrew's Parish on July 2, 1771 on Dogwood Swamp, stating that he had a wife and fourteen slaves, but that he only had 71 acres to cultivate.
E. Rebecca Bacon m. Mr. Quarterman, Puritan, of Sunbury, Ga.
The first Baillie to arrive in the Colony was JOHN BAILLIE who arrived August 1, 1734.
COLONEL KENNETH BAILLIE, farmer in England, born 1715, embarked from England to Colony of Georgia October 20, 1736, arriving January 10, 1736. He was part of a voyage from the Glen of Stralbdean, Inverness (the Highlands) of Scotland who sailed on the ship "Prince of Wales", Capt. George Dunbar, Skipper. The Scots were brought over to establish a fort in McIntosh Co., (Ft. George), and to fight the Spanish. Oglethorpe was impressed with Highlanders who knew how to fight in the woods. The Spanish Indians were constantly raiding, plundering and were on the warpath. He established himself as a planter of a rice plantation, also having timber lands and two lots at Sunbury. He owned over 1,000 acres of land on St. Mary's Island, his home stood overlooking the Midway River, and he called this place "Baillie's Island".
In 1742, while an Ensign to the Darien Company of Rangers who, while Gen. Oglethorpe was planning an attack on Augustine, were catptured by the Spanish and taken to Ft. Moosa. The planned attack failed. So, Ensign Baillie was taken prisoner and carried off by the Spaniards to Old Spain, but escaped from there, and returned to England. While in England, he appeared before the Trustees and made a report on the seige of Augustine. He said that the attack would have succeeded had it not been for the captains of the boats who did not capture Spanish vessels to prevent the Spanish from coming into Augustine with provisions and guns. He also report on the conditions of the soil and the complaints made by settlers for not being permitted negro slaves. When asked how he felt on the matter, he said that the Colony did not need slaves as long as the Spanish and Indians were threatening the settlements. Georgia was not supposed to have rum, but at Augusta, an indian trading post just south of the South Carolina border, rum was readily sold, and negro slaves were used on the plantations. Baillie was completely in favor of rum, and told the Trustees that he thought it was wholesome for the Colony.
Colonel Kenneth Baillie died Sept. 1766 in Georgia. His LWT dated 7/7/1766, probated 9/2/1766, St. John's Parish, left his eldest son, Kenneth a negro named "Cuff" and 400 acres adjoining Palmer Golden, 100 acres of timber, two lots on Sunbudy adjoining James Stuart. To wife, Elizabeth, he left a negro, Hester. To son, Alexander, he left negro, Joe, and 100 acres of swampland adjoining his own marsh and the 400 acres bequeathed to Kenneth. To son, Robert Carnibe Baillie, he left negro, January and 500 acres on North Newport adjoining lands of Matthew Rock, Stephen Clark and Samuel Bursley. To son, Kenneth, 800 acres, and to son, Alexander, 200 acres, and 1000 acres on St. Mary's River, when they attain age of twenty one years. Baillie's Island, where he now lives, was to be sold to the hightest bidder. To daughters Jane, a negro, Chloe, and to Ann, a negro, Doll. Also named daughters, Jean, wife of Andrew Darling, and Ann Elizabeth, wife of John Irvin. Issue:I. Kenneth Baillie was granted 350 acres of land in Sept. Of 1755 on the Newport River in Liberty Co, to be cultivated by seven negro slaves. Again, on Dec. 2, 1761, he received 800 acres in St. Mary's Parish. He had two white indentured servants. Kenneth, with his wife and five children, lived on their plantation called "Fairfield" in Liberty Co., where he died Dec. 18, 1766.
II. Alexander Baillie, Esquire, in 1752 petitioned for 100 acres of land on Long Island, which was near the Midway River. Again, he received a land grant of 150 acres in St. Mary's Parish on Dec. 2, 1766. He and his wife, Hester Jane (who died Aug. 13, 1794), resided on their plantation in McIntosh Co. Called "Laurel Hill".
III. Robert Carnibe Baillie, once residing on the Island of Jamaica, petitioned in 1742 for 1500 acres in the Colony of Georgia, on St. Simon's Island, adjoining lands of Mark Carr. In 1755 he was a Surveyor for the Midway District, and Nov. 17, 1760 qualified as a Member of the House to the Governor's Council from St. Andrew's Parish.
In 1761, he served in the General Assembly. He received a Land Grant of 200 acres in St. Andrews Parish on Jan. 6, 1767. In November of 1771, he was granted 500 acres on the Turle River in St. Patrick's Parish, where he used twenty slaves to cultivate it. He was active in His Majesty's politics, helping in the affairs of the Governor's Council in the Colony.
When the American Revolution came, he, therefore, did not take a stand with the rebels, but stood firmly on the side of England. Thus, after the war, in 1782, all of his estates were seized and confiscated, being declared a traitor. Robert probably escaped into Florida after the war along with the other Tories, but most of them came straggling back years later.
Robert married Miss Mary Ann McIntosh (1740-11/23/1803) who was born and died in McIntosh Co., the only sister to General Lachlan McIntosh. "Her parents and their followers were the first settlers to the Altamaha or anywhere south of Savannah." Ref: Obituary, Columbian Museum & Savannah Advertiser dated 12/3/1803. They resided on the Sapelo River in McIntosh Co.
Issue:A. Claudia Baillie, died Aug. 24, 1806.
B. Jane Baillie, died Riceboro, Ga., April 17, 1809. Ref: Columbian Museum & Savannah Advertiser 4/27/1809).
IV. Jean Baillie m. Andrew Darling, a Merchant at Sunbury, Liberty Co.
V. Elizabeth Baillie m. John Irvin, a Surgeon at Sunbury, Ga.
VI. Jane Baillie.
VII. Ann Baillie.
THOMAS BAILLIE, a Smith, brother to Colonel Kenneth Baillie, was in the Colony before Kenneth, having embarked Sept. 28, 1733 and arrived Jan. 14, 1734. He married Mrs. Hannah Cadman, the widow of John Cadman on July 15, 1735.
He petitioned, along with others, that he was desirous to settle on part of Wilmington Island, and that the area should be surveyed.
JAMES and JOHN BAILLIE (related to Colonel Kenneth Baillie), arrived January 10, 1736, along with Kenneth Baillie. James, who indentured himself to Kenneth, was born 1702. John Baillie was a farmer from Fortrose.
GEORGE BAILLIE, a descendant of the Scottish Highlanders who settled in McIntosh and Liberty counties, received a Land Grant of 350 acres in St. Thomas Parish on Oct. 31, 1765 and 300 acres, same parish, Oct. 31, 1765, and 1000 acres in St. Paul's Parish, on Sept. 2, 1766. This land was on Spirit Creek where he built a sawmill, later acquiring another 1000 acres (Nov. 1771) on the southside of Great Satilla River, which he cleared with the help of eight negro slaves, constructing another sawmill. He supplied great quantities of timber to the settlers in Augusta and Savannah.
George Baillie resided in Augusta, was a Merchant. He took a seat in the Georgia Assembly in January of 1761. In 1764 he was again elected Member of the House representing St. Paul's Parish (Augusta), which he declined because of private reasons, and did not take a seat in the General Assembly again until April of 1772, this time representing the Vernonburg District.
When the Revolutionary War began, George Baillie, still active in his Majesty's affairs, wrote a letter to the Commissary General complaining of the removal of stores, cannons, carriages, etc., and was told to tell the persons doing it to stop.
In 1766, he married Miss Jourdina Crooke and by her had a son, George Baillie, Jr., who died April 4, 1791 at Bellville, Ga., in Liberty Co.
WILLIAM BAKER was in partnership with Mr. Jenys at Savannah in 1734. They sold rum to indian traders, such as Mr. Wiggins, charging a duty on it. Also, they had a shipping vessel called "Charming Molly" which sailed to South Carolina, to the store of John Baker, Esquire (he died Sept. 10, 1736). The following is a letter from John Baker addressed to James Oglethorpe, Esquire:"By the Sea Horse' which arrived this morning....I had a letter from my partner accompanying a second bill of Mr. Caustons on the Trustees payable to us for 300 pds. Mr. Jenys took notice that he had enclosed me Mr. Mr. Causton's letter of advice, and also our account current with the Trustees, But on perusal I find there is no letter of advice and do suppose it may be with the First bill only, which is onboard the Garland' that sailed a few days before this ship but not yet arrived; as this second bill, therefore, my first get to hand (and perhaps without a letter of advice) I take the liberty to enclose you the account current which Mr. Jenys sent me, and hope you find the same to your satisfaction.John Baker of South Carolina was related to his partners, William and Samuel Baker at Savannah (The other partner was Mr. Jenys). They dealt in everything from skins to lumber, shipping it up and down the Georgia Coast, into South Carolina, and bringing merchandize out of Charels Town to sell at Savannah.
We have a ship The Charming Molly' which will sail for South Carolina in three weeks, if you have any commands that way, I shall be glad to serve you.
I am, Sir,
Your Humble Servant.
John Baker"
In a letter to William Jeffrey from Samuel Eveleigh dated July 4, 1735, Savannah, "I have consigned to Messrs. Samuel and William Baker...about 70 tons of live oak timber which I have consigned to Messrs. Peter Simond and Company, which was out by white people and has cost me a great deal of money, but I find it will do, I shall, for the future, employ negroes which will come a great deal cheaper....Samuel Eveleigh."
William Baker, a Planter in Liberty Co., married 1st, Martha Bathurst. The notice of it comes from a letter of Francis Bathurst to James Oglethorpe, as follows:"West Bluff, 17 February 1735The marriage took place on Feb. 1, 1735. William Baker married 2nd, Rebecca Lupton, the sister of John Lupton and Elizabeth. Rebecca died May 1767.
To James Oglethorpe, Esquire
"....and I am proud to tel you I have grown more with my few hands as I am credible informed than others with their great numbers have since the Colony was first settled...my eldest daughters have married, one to Mr. Baker, the bearer hereof, who came with us as Boatsson of the ship from England, an honest and skillful man in managing of a ship and a true painstaker and a very good husband....Francis Bathurst."
For a number of years, William Baker had petitioned the Trustees for the right to a Barony. A letter from James Wright to the Board of Trade dated June 15, 1767, at Svannah, reported on the lands in the Altahama, and mentioned Sir William Baker's prior claim. Order in Countil dated May 1, 1771, St. James Parish, "...the humble petition of several inhabitants of the province of Georgia, setting forth...that they are owners and possessors of several tracts of land which the Trustees foe establishing the said province under the charter of June 9, 1732 allowed to them, or their ancestors, as a recompense for their services and to others of the petitioners or their ancestors, who were ordered by General Oglethorpe's Regt., dispelled, in said province in the years 1748 and 1749....; that Sir William Baker claimed the same under pretense of a prior claim of 12,000 acres from the Lords Proprietors, that the heirs of said Sir William Baker have lately proposed to release their claims." The claims were denied by Committee of Council, on the theory that such claims might set a precedent.
The LWT of William Baker, planter, of St. John's Parish, dated 5/24/1765, named wife, Rebecca, and children. Wife to receive whatever estate was hers before her marriage to him. To son, William, two lots in Sunbury, Nos. 87 and 88, a tract of land whereon I now live, one third remaining estate to be given to him at age of 20 years. To daughter, Rebecca Jones, wife of Samuel, 250 acres adjoing East by John Stewart, 100 acres South by Joseph Way. To Sarah, 250 acres adjoining Josiah Powell, 100 acres, and personal estate to be hers at the age of eighteen years. Nieces, Sarah Baker and Elizabeth Baker, daughters of Benjamin Baker. Son-in-law: William Baker.
BENJAMIN BAKER was a brother to William Baker, Sr., was a Collector at Miday and Newport in February of 1755, also in April of 1760. He was commissioned by the Governor's Council in the Colony of Georgia to erect forts in that vicinity. Issue:I. Sarah Baker.RICHARD BAKER, Planter and Commissioner of Roads in St. John's Parish, Liberty Co. In March of 1765. His wife, Elizabeth, was expecting a child at the time of his death on April 17, 1755, Midway. Issue:
II. Elizabeth Baker.
III. Rebecca Baker (7/20/1756-11/7/1831) married Rev. Mr. Osgood. Residents at Midway.I. William J. Baker (1752-5/15/1788) Liberty Co., Ga.
II. Elizabeth Baker m. Mr. Quarterman of Midway.
III. Ann Baker.
IV. Rebekah Baker.
NATHANIEL BAKER (1750-11/25/1803), died Liberty Co., Ga.
THOMAS BAKER, SR., died Liberty Co. ca 1790.
JOSEPH S. BAKER, born Aug. 17, 1798 Liberty Co., attended Yale University, later transferred to Hampden Sidney in Virginia. He m. Miss McRoberts. In 1840, he removed to Columbus, Ga. Died Quitman July 23, 1877.
WILLIAM BATEMAN, an early settler, corresponded with the Trustees regarding his predictament."Savannah, Sept. 3, 1734
Honorable Sir,
I made bold to write to you from Charles Town, South Carolina, I here took the liberty to acquint you of there the people of that town speak concerning Georgia. I, at the same time, told you I hoped and did not doubt but I should be able to give you a quite different description of Georgian than what those people strove so much to make, not only me, but every person being concerned this place...Though a person may soon see through their artifice and that it is fear only of the great progress that has already been made in Georgia and in so short a space of time will greatly damage their trade and force them to be more industrious and more diligent than what they really are at present, for all the places I have ever yet been I never see the inhabitants, so indolent, so proud, nor so malicious as themselves:
I arrived here on Wednesday, the 28th of last month....when instead of finding what I heard of Charles Town, I found more ground cleared, more houses built, and a more regular manner than it was possible for me to conceive or believe...they tell me that all American never could boast the like before, and I have reason to believe it, and that Pennsylvania was then or twelve years before it could boast of such a town as Georgia is at present.
....I am without a servant, I chose a country lot and I am going to settle at a place called Hampstead, about four miles out of town....William Bateman."
However, before the year was out, William Bateman died in the Town of Savannah. He had been granted 75 acres on March 6, 1734. His mother, Mary Bateman, wrote the Trustees of the Georgia Colony on May 5, 1735 stating that her son had gone to Georgia at his own expense, by way of Charles Town, and took one servant with him. She later came to Georgia herself to raise her grandchildren, having received a year's maintenance from England to do so.
Mary, the wife of William, lived in St. John's Parish, Liberty Co., where made her LWT 4/29/1772, probated 12/15/1773. To her grandsons: Isaac and Benjamin Smallwood, she left one lot in Sunbury, No. 252. To granddaughters, Sarah and Martha Smallwood. Daughters-in-law: Rebecca and Mary Smallwood. Grandchildren: Isaac, Mary, Sarah, Benjamin, Martha, Francis and Mary Smallwood. Exrs: Sons, Mathew and Robert Smallwood, John Baker, Sr.
The LWT of Matthew Smallwood dated 4/8/1772, probated 7/8/1773, St. John's Parish, planter, named his mother, Mary Bateman, and wife, Rebecca.
SIR FRANCIS BATHURST, Baronet, arrived in Georgia January 3, 1735. A letter from Capt. George Dunbar, Capt. Of the ":Prince fo Wales", dated Nov. 5, 1734, gave an account of the voyage in his letter to General Oglethorpe:
"Our voyage hither was detared by a profound calme which continued from Thursday til this morning when I thank God we were favored with a faire wind and likely to continue.
The Indian King, Quin, and the others are well and cheerful (remembering their English benefavtors), except the Prince who is cold...but was much easier last night than any since he came on board.
The other passengers seemed pleased and are well except Sir Francis Bathurst, bade of an old wound on his shin, and Mrs. Floy, who is a little mended. George Dunbar" He received a land grant of 200 acres, settling at a place called "Westbrook".
Here is a letter about the voyage from Francis Bathurst, dated May 30, 1735, Savannah, to Gen. Oglethorpe:
"We arrived in the Colony January 3, 1735 and had a very pleasant passage and enjoyed a good state of health all the way, I am wonderfully delighted with the country, although I had been ill beginning by loosing of one of my servants who died of a dropsie in about a month after my arrival....Francis Bathurst"
Only a month later, a letter from Walter Augustine to Mr. Westbrook in Georgia, dated Feb. 6, 1734/5, related his troubles with Sir Francis Bathurst:"Sir, having received yours od date ye 28 Octr with ye Request of ye Honorable James Oglethorp Esquirs Orders and Directions for ye Boarding and Care of Sir Francis Bathurst whome I waited upon ye 28th of Decembr following and Conducted to my Habitation on ye 3d of Janu and have entertained him to this date untill Sr Francis began to be a little unruly. After pleading his interest and none of my bisness to serve him but as he thought fit wee had som words which were very high but Sr Francis finding I was too well knowing with his circumstances was pleased to acknoledg his fault and all made easy till another time. When one of his daughter (Martha) was maryed to Mr. Wm Baker mate and Botswaine of ye Prince of Wales, he fell out with me on ye acct charging me with his ruin and I telling him I though shee was very well off. He runs up to me and gave me a hunch or two and a slap in ye face, all wch I took very patiently as not willing to give room to be blamed but sent for Mr. Causton and let him know my abuse and upon my resenting such usage forbad him my habitation and now am a building him a place on his own land but still retaine ye privilege of giveing out his provisions which is nessesssserary....One of Sir Francis servants be dead having ye dropsy. There be about foure or five acres clered ground, and Sr Francis now begins to be very careful and industrious. Only his servants are intolerant.... "
A letter dated May 30, 1735, from Samuel Eveleigh to James Oglethorpe, Palace Yard, Westminster:
"Yesterday morning I went up to Augustine plantation and from thence paid my respects to Sir Francis Bathurst, who lives in a small house twenty feet long and twelve feet board, divided into two parts, one is a bedroom and the other a diningroom, the sides, ends and covers are clapboard, it may be in some measure water tight, but I am certain it can't be wind tight, he seems to be tolerably well and contented, when I came there he was just going to breakfast. He invited me and I partook of part thereof. It was a large dish of catfish and perch fried, caught the evening before by his son...and cold pork. I carried witth me two bottles of punch and two bottles of red wine and the former we drank after breakfast, the latter I left with him and in the last glass we drank his cousin's health, my Lord Bathurst. He has planted eight acres of corn and if the season proves good believe he will have a good produce therefrom....Others in the Bluff give a good character of the old gentleman and tell me that his wife and son work in the fields themselves.....Samuel Eveleigh".
Finally, A letter from Thomas Causton, dated July 7, 1735, reporting to the Georgia Trustees conditions in the colony."Sir Francis Bathurst and his Lady and son are very well, his two daughters are married, he is very well pleased with the country and lives very soberly and contented, he cannot frame himself to Augustines directions, but manages his own affairs very prudently...he has lost all of his servants but one, who is very ill, therefore I am obliged to help him in hoeing his corn....T. Causton".
Sir Francis Bathurst arrived in the Colony with a wife and three daughters and one son. His wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 10, 1736 and Sir Francis married Mary Pember, widow to Georgia. She died that October, and Sir Francis in November of 1736.
Issue of Sir Francis Bathurst and Elizabeth, his wife:I. Elizabeth Bathurst married Francis Piercy Feb. 9, 1735, a gardener in the Colony, who ran away to England, being caught in a fraudulent secreting of Robert Bathurst's goods. Letter from her brother, Robert Bathurst, dated March 12, 1736, at Bathurst Bluff:
"Dear Sister (Elizabeth Baker Piercy):
We received your letter on the 8th instant wherein you acquaint us of melloncholy account of your husband's death, for which we are all heartily sorry, but we received a letter about a month before by which we heard of it from Mr. Edward Bathurst and he writes us word that cousin Robert Bathurst has returned him no money, but if he does, my father will be no way remindful of you, but if you can go to the Honorable Trustees, they will send you over here and then my father will take care to do for you what lies in his power. Mr. Bercy and his wife live very wlel, which is all at present, but my father and mother's blessings and Pattys and my love. From your loving brother, Robert Bathurst."
II. Mary Bathurst drowned on her father's plantation in 1739.
III. Robert Bathurst ran away to Charles Town, South Carolina, to avoid paying his father's debts to the Trustees and was there killed by negroes on Sept. 9, 1739. Wife, Patty.
IV. Martha Bathurst married William Baker on Feb. 1, 1735, residents of Liberty Co.
JACQUES CAMUSE (also known as James Lewis Camuse) embarked on April 4, 1733, arriving in Georgia on July 21, 1733. He was a winder of silk who left Germany to go to England and there obtain permission from the Georgia Trustees to come to America. He brought his wife, Mary Jane and three sons, Francis, Jeffry and John Bapt. Camuse.
Initially, he was indentured to Mr. Paul Amatis, who was in charge of silk winding and the culture of mulberry trees. A letter from Paul Amatis, written in German, to James Oglethorpe, dated Sept. 6, 1734, explains:"....all the silk I have drawn off for the past year in three different quantities, and I pray you also to cause people skilled and export in the manufacture to come to see the said silk, and I have no doubt that they will find it in all its perfection, quality by quality.....however, I hope that this year the silk will be more lustrous and not so smoky by reason of the precautions which I shall take...."
The Camuse family was to cultivate the silk and were sent to Georgia for that express purpose. For that reason, Mrs. Camuse was greatly respected, having servants to train in the art. She was a headstrong woman, always quarreling with the magistrate and officials at Savannah, more particularly with William Stephens, Secretary to the Colony. She threatened to return to England from time to time, and Mr. Stephens feared that she might do so. She would be a loss to the Colony, since she was a good winder. Therefore, he finally suggested that she may be subsidized to become a manufacturer of silk, and later on the Trustees gave her a pension. Also, Mrs. Camuse was given two pds. Sterling for each person whom she perfectly instructed.
The Earl of Egmont, said in his Journal dated August 13, 1739:"That Camuse and his family, who have the management of the silk, are very diligent and give sufficient marks of their skill; and intend next season to perserve the seed in a cellar or some cool place, til they can be judge out of danger."In a letter from Harman Verelst to James Lewis (Jacques) Camuse dated June 11, 1740, Westminster, sent onboard the ship, Minerva, stating that Camuse was established at the estimate of 20 pds per year for his family to be employed in the producing of raw silk, also an allowance of 12 pds. For the maintenance and cloathing of a servant. He was to be provided with a cart and horse, and Mr. Stephens and Mr. Jones at Savannah are to get four proper servants for his wife. In the event the servants are young, they should be bound as apprentices to her to be instructed in the production of raw silk, and "The Trustees desire that your wife would be very instructive to all persons who are capable to receive her instructions that in case of her death the management and production of raw silk may go on;"
The major function of the colony was to cultivate silk, and the Trustees, in their correspondence, were insistnant upon the colonists being industrious in propagating the Mulberry Trees and in raising of silk. Plants were supplied to the colonists from the Public Garden .
The method of planting the mulberry trees was one which was prictised in Lombardy. Instructions from the Trustees:"Plant every field in a plantation, two or three rows of Mulberry trees at a small distance from each other, and the vines planted so as they may run up the bodies of the trees and intermix themselves with their branches and the extremities drawn out from tree to tree to hang in festoons between them. Besides the festoons, the vine branches may be extended right to left, and fastened to a row of stakes on each side running parallel to the trees, which will form a sort of penthouse made by the vine branches, and make a constant arbour in the summer, and in the middle, the corn may be raised."
James Lewis Camuse wrote a letter to the Trustees dated March 10, 1739, received at Westminster May 6, 1740:
"I most humbly presume the freedom to acquaint your honors of the nonpayment of the wages due me from the year 1732 to the year 1736 in order to the obtaining of which have applied by petitions to His Excellency, James Oglethorpe, who promised me account should be balanced and then sent to your honors to be adjusted....proves a very great hardship and disappointment, having abandoned and left my native country for your honors' service, hope humbly my industry and care in the Colony have been and is accepted in that branch of propagation which I profess as a proof of my diligence, have sent your honors 14 silk Avoirdupoise weight...the silk manufacture would abundantly increase if it was by the government financed and supported....James Lewis Camuse".
They always had troubles having enough mulberry leaves for the worm beds, so they imported leaves from Charles Town. However, the leaves were often dried. Nevertheless, the production nest, ontop of a long table, nurtured the worms.
Despite all the troubles in cultivation, the silk was regarded as good quality, and reasonable amounts were exported. By 1741, 300 caccoons of silk balls were exported in six weeks, Mrs. Camuse' balls weighting 140 pds.
Additional help came in 1742, when the trustees acknowledged a chest of silk sent by Mrs. Camuse, and sent a family of Germans on board the ship, Europa. "This family is Christopher Burgemeister, who has a wife and three sons." (Letter of Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Feb. 16, 1741/1742.)
JOSEPH CAMUSE, a carpenter, died at Savannah October 1764, his LWT dtd 9/28/1764, probated 10/12/1764, naming children, Joseph and Elizabeth, when of age.
COLONEL MARK CARR, ESQUIRE, commander against the Spanish under General James Oglethorpe's command, was also known as the greatest improver in the Georgia Colony, owning extensive plantations in St. Patrick's Parish and several town lots at Frederica. It was General Oglethorpe who told him where to make his plantation on St. Simon's Island, at a place called "The Hermitage".
On January 28, 1740, Capt. Mark Carr wrote from the Hermitage to General James Campbell a long accounting of General Oglethorpe's expedition into Florida in pursuit of the Spanish and of taking Ft. Picolata and Ft. San Francisco. He remarked that last season was the "wettest known in America", and that 50 out of 1200 persons had died of fevers; and that it was best to plant indian corn, peas, pumpkins and potatoes, rather than import the British seeds and plants.
His plantation on St. Simon's Island was one of the very few in that location because of the constant danger of raids by the Spanish Indians. It as described in the Queen's Court at Westminster on February 11, 1744 by Lt. Colonel Alexander Heron, in giving his report to the Trustees of the agricultural progress being made in the Colony: "...that all sorts of garden stuff grow extremely well, and particularly asparagus, all the year round without dunging the lands...That he himself (Col. Heron) occupied one field on St. Simons four years. That on three or four acres, he had 53 bushels of indian corn cleared, besides a third more at least spoil or lost at the time of the invasion (Spanish). That vines thrive extremely well and that he himself grated European vines on the wild ones on the island. And that in one year, there have been shoots of twenty seven feet from the grafting as big as his finger. That cotton grows on the land by one great necessity...that he has while mulberry trees which grow very well, but they are not the natural product of the country. That he thinks silk, wine oyl, and cotton may be raised very wel there...that the wood of St. Simon's is chiefly Live Oak...."
One of the inherent problems for the Colonists, however, was that of the indians and Spanish. The Spanish were always trying to get the indians to pilferage, burn and murder the white settlers.
In March of 1741, Colonel Carr's plantation was attacked and robbed by Spanish Indians from Augustine. They killed several of the corporal guards of soldiers posted at the plantation and servants, wounding others. The women and children locked themselves in the cellar at the time, while the indians plundered their way and carried off the booty in a large boat belonging to the plantation. When Colonel Carr found out about it, He was out in a ship with General Oglethorpe putting down other attacks. General Oglethorope sent out boats to overtake the indians.
In October, Colonel Carr went out on a voyage on Davis' Sloop, which became lost on the coast and was driven ashore, but all men aboard were saved. So, it was not until June that he returned, and William Stephens, Secretary of the Colony, expressed his relieft in his Journal dated June 1, 1741.
Colonel Carr described his settlement problems in a letter to the Trustees dated May 12, 1752:"In the beginning of the year 1739, General Oglethorpe put me in possession of 500 acres of land on the main to the south of Frederica called the "Hermitage", and the year following a tract of the like quantity to my second som, Thomas, as called "Carrsfield", on both of which I made very considerable improvements at a large expense, but in the year 1740 while I was in Virginia on his Majesty's service, my whole improvements, with my stock, was destroyed by Spanish Indians and several of my people cutt off, and by a moderate computation, my loss was several hundred and 50 pds. Soon after my return from Virginia, the General not thinking me safe there, granted me an island to the south of my former settlement which he called "Blyth", wherein I likewise built two brick, with several outhouses, as well as made very large improvements in cultivation, but by the withdrawing of the regiment these improvements not only became invaluable, but I was exposed and it became dangerous for me and my servants to remain upon it, and consequently, my money and time was in a great measure sunk.
You obliged me to moved into a less exposed neighborhood and I was advised to fix on Midway River where you pleased to grant my son, Thomas, 500 acres of land and also another tract of like quantity to me which was granted to, but resigned by Charles Ratcliff. On these lands, I have made larger improvements than ny person in the neighborhood, but to my great disappointments two-thirds (as the Surveyor can inform you) proves unfitt for any manner of cultivation and must soon want land to plant, unless I can gett an addition. Therefore, I request that you will grant my son, William, who is now near twenty one years of age, 500 acres of l and on the north side of Newport River, about four miles southwest on the same neck where I am settled, and likewise that you would allow me to exchange the tract of land laid out for Lt. Archibald Don on Midway River which I have made appear to you I purchased from him, for the like quantity on Newport River adjoining the same.
Gentlemen, as I presume that no person that ever was in Georgia has given better prooff of his zeale and industry to improve the Colony that I have done, I need not assure you that I shall continue in it, and your obliging me with my request, I hope will enable me to retrieve the uncommon losses I have sustained, which has been much more than I can mention or chooses to trouble you with, as it's a truth well-known to you, I am. Your very obedient humble servant, Mark Carr. P. S. I lay no claim to the lands formerly granted to me or my son at Hermitage, Carrsfield, or Blyth, which I resign (to remove where I have requested), notwithstanding my improvements thereon."
Colonel Carr did receive the above requested lands for himself and his sons, on the Newport River in Liberty Co.
In January of 1755 he was returned to the Legislature, representing Midway District, and in May of 1762, he was granted 220 acres in St. Andrew's Parish.
The LWT of Colonel Mark Carr, St. Patrick's Parish, dated 6/8/1767, probated 12/4/1768 bequeathed his sons lands as follows: William, town lot in Fredericka, No. 1 North; Thomas, Frederica town lot No. 21 North; Elizabeth, daughter of Elizabeth Rutherford, my island on northside of Midway River and tract on the main fronting on the island which I purchased of John Cubbage.
His first wife was Elizabeth Rutherford, and second wife, Grace, who was a widow when she petitioned for land in April of 1772. 100 acres were granted to her and her two children, in St. John's Parish, Liberty Co., adjoining the land of her son, William Carr (deceased) and Abraham Williams. She had three negro slaves to work the 100 acres granted.
Issue:I. William Carr, born ca 1732, deceased by 1772, was granted 500 acres of land on the westside of Newport River, Liberty Co.
Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 339-340, William Carr, planter of New Newport leased to Samuel Stevens, planter of South Carolina, April 25, 1759, Sunbury, 500 acres on north branch of the Newport River in the District of Midway, bound south on lands of Colonel Mark Carr, for one year.
William and Mary Carr of North Newport to Samuel Stevens, planter of South Carolina, Indenture of Release, April 26, 1759, Sunbury, the property is free of all manner of dowers, and especially the dower of Mary, the now wife of him, the said William Carr.
II. Thomas Carr petitioned the Georgia Governor's Council for land on the Midway River in Liberty Co. In 1748, and received it. In 1790 he was a Justice of the Inferior Court of Richmond Co., but by 1794, he was a resident of Camden Co.
III. Elizabeth Carr m. Mr. Rutherford and was bequeathed by her father an island on the northside of the Midway River.
IV. Judith Carr.
THOMAS CHRISTIE, a Merchant, embarked November 6, 1732 for the Georgia Colony, arriving February 1, 1733. On October 26, 1732 at the Palace Court in London. Thomas Christie (along with Mr. Joseph Hughes and William Calvert), was granted 5000 acres in trust for the Colony. Various persons were given portions of this trust from 1732 to 1752.
For himself, Thomas Christie was granted Lot No. 19 at Savannah Town. He as made Recorder at Savannah, also Conservator of the Peace.
In a letter from Thomas Christie to James Oglethorpe, Savannah, dated December 14, 1734, he wrote:"Most worthy Sir: Herewith you have the journal of the proceedings of our Court, warrants, and their returns, public orders I issued with the copy of our licenses for public houses and with the list of those who take more pains in cultivating their lands.
I have often spoke to Mr. Jones to send you a plan and keep a journal of the lands that he runs out, which I could never obtain...the corn and seeds that was in the storehouse when you went away was given to the people, was musty, damaged or spoilt so that it never came up and it was so long and late in the year before they got fresh seed...We raise the envy of the people of Carolina by whom we suffer many aspersions and false reports although we serve them for a bullwark against the indians, a curb to their negroes, raise the price of their markets and the value of their lands and they get all our money into the bargain...with the advantage of their negroes, report that we need not sow any corn or rice for they will always undersell us...I am fully persuaded that the indian trade and the reserved rents and fines for Trust lands will bring in the Trustees a considerable fund towards the support of this Colony and to defray those charges, but I must acquaint you that the people at Purisburg, Thunderbolt and Ft. Argyle have been all indian traders since you have been done.....Thomas Christie"
In 1739, Thomas Christie was appointed the first Bailiff at Savannah. In 1740, he lived in open adultery with Mr. Turner's wife, was tried, and found guilty. He then left Georgia, removing to South Carolina, but returned.
He died in April of 1751, just after boarding a ship for a voyage to London. LWT dated 8/16/1751, probated 4/27/1751 of the province of South Carolina, "now boarding on a voyage to London", leaving all his lands and Georgia properties to friends, John and Robert Williams.
The only known son of Thomas Christie, Archibald, received from the Estate of Richard Baker enough money to pay for his maintenance and schooling.
CAPT. PHILIP DELEGAL served with General Oglethorpe in the Colony, fighting off the Spanish invaders throughout Georgia, as well as Florida. In a letter to James Oglethorpe dated August 14, 1735 from Philip Delegal, South Carolina, Ft. Frederick:"I received the letter you honored me with dated the 16th of May last...I take leave to give you my hearty thanks for so great a favor. I have not words sufficient to express myself how much I am obliged to your honor...if it should happen any discrepancies in the Colony and that he give (Mr. Causton) me timely notice, I shall be ready to do him all the service in my power both by acting and threatening the mutineers, nothwithstanding that I am directly under the command of the Governor of South Carolina, no man being more willing to serve the Colony than myself. I do not think it proper to ask the Governor's approbation in assisting your Colony upon so critical a time by reason there is a dispute between the South Carolina agent and the indian nation and your agent about the trade, but as soon as I have opportunity I shall not fail to write to him, wishing for nothing more than to be able to give you the most convincing proof thereof. Philip Delegal. P. S. My son is at present in the country or elese he did not himself the honor to have wrote to you."
From the Journal of William Stephens, Secretary of the Colony for many years, who reported regularly all the business of Georgia to the Trustees in England:
"11 January 1738. A boat sent by Lt. Delegal at St. Simon's for Charles Town here in the morning and brought several letters; among others from Capt. Gascoigne, Mr. Horton, and Mr. Hawkins, for me....
2 February 1738. Thursday. Lt. Delegal in the morning crossed Jekyll Sound from his fort on St. Simon's and paid us a visit. Mr. Horton then did not allow us to put out without dining with him, which I perceived he had made provision for, and we fared well. Afterwards, Mr. Delegal took his leave and returned to his fort."
15 December 1740. The person on the boat who did not show himself yesterday we now heard was Colonel Barnwell of Carolina, to whom the General (Oglethorpe) had been friendly with; and it was not doubted but both he and Lt. Delegal had with them some particular orders and instructions from his Excellency." (At the seige of Augustine by General Oglethorpe)
Capt. Delegal served in Lt. General Parson's Regiment of Invalids, St. Peter's Port, on the Island of Guernsey, until he became active in his Majesty's politics.
December 19, 1751 he was granted 500 acres, adjoining that of his son. In 1755 he returned to the Legislature representing the Great and Little Ogeechee District, being elected a Member of the House. In 1757 he carried a bill to the Council to prevent any person from trading or encouraging indians to come into Georgia.
When Capt. Delegal died in January of 1769, his wife, Eleanor, removed herself to reside at Philip's Bluff in South Carolina.
Issue:I. Philip Delegal lived at Savannah. He received a land grant of 103 1/3 acres in Christ Church Parish on May 1, 1764. In March of 1771 he petitioned for an additional 150 acres of land on Racoon Hammocks, Christ Church Parish, but the grant was rejected. He was granted 200 acres north of Little Ogeechee, adjoining 64 acres already granted to him in Christ Church Parish. Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 35, William Lee to Capt. Phillip Delegal, Jr., receipt dated August 12, 1755, Savannah, for the sale of a negro woman named Aubah. Also, for negro man, Prrinces.DAVID DELEGAL was granted in May of 1771, 100 acres on the South Newport River, adjoining lands of John Jones and John Barger; also 450 acres on South Newport River, St. Andrew's Parish, bounded on the south by lands of Roderick McIntosh. He was raised in the Province of Georgia, and had nine slaves at the time of Grant. In November of the same year, he received 54 acres and 300 acres in St. Andrew's Parish.
II. Edward Delegal, a Planter, lived in McIntosh Co. And died Dec. 1771 in Chatham Co. He married Mary, and they had the following children: Marshella Delegal and Mary Ann Delegal.
III. Sophia Delegal.
IV. Catherine Delegal married Hugh Campbell, a South Carolina Marina.
V. John Delegal, a South Carolina Marina.
VI. George Delegal, a Georgia Planer, granted a Lot at Hardwick of 200 acres on April 1755. He petitioned for land April 1771 for 250 acres in Christ Church Parish, adjoining lands of Honrable James Habersham, Esquire. Also, for 582 acres for his deceased brother's children (Edward), Marshella and Mary Ann Delegal, May of 1771. Served in The General Assembly of Georgia in 1771. Wife, Jane. Had three children. Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 126-127, Richard Warren, schoolmaster, Little Ogeechee, to George Delegal, planter, of Little Ogeechee, Bill of Sale dated Oct. 17, 1767, a black mare formerly belonging to John Hunney Horn and lately to William Russell, planter of Edisto Island, South Carolina.
At the onset of the Revolutionary War, David Delegal was faithful to Great Britain, therefore, in 1782, his estates were confiscated and he was declared guilty of Treason.
JOHN FALLOWFIELD arrived in Savannah on February 15, 1734, and was granted Lot No. 136 in Savannah.
He had one of the three plantations on St. Simon's Island, but it was burned to the ground, along with all stores, goods, linens, etc. in January of 1738. His wife, Elizabeth, was walking out to greet him at the time, as he had just come from town with more stores and provisions. There was a little fire in the chimney which quickly caught up after she slammed the door, and it destroyed the house within a few minutes.
In 1735, he was Collector for the Town of Savannah. He participated in the complaints of the malecontents against England for high quit rents and refusal to allow slaves, and with a group of Scottish settlers called "The Scotch Club", went to Charles Towne, South Carolina in rebellion, he quitted the Colony. But, in 1741, he returned to Georgia, and lived on Hope Island, at the mouth of the Vernon River.
In a letter dated March 25, 1740 from Benjamin Martyn, Westminster, to John Fallowfield, he was instructed in his duties as Second Bailiff of Savannah. Shortly afterwards, he was removed from office because of his behaviour in joining The Scotch Club.
JOSEPH FITZWALTER was born 1701 in Germany, embarking for the Colony of Georgia November 6, 1732, arriving February 1, 1733. He was granted Lot No. 8 in Savannah and appointed Constable (along with Samuel Parker) in Savannah upon arrival.
He was employed in the Public Garden at Savannah for the propagation of plants, etc., and one account which he wrote to The Trustees in England, about 1735, as follows:"...The garden I have made great improvements in, most the tree stumps I have roote dup, planked the front walk with trees of orange six foot high which will bear fruit some this year...some orange trees this last season shott in the nursery four foot...I have a thousand of them; of mulberry plants, I have 8000...the olive trees like the soile...I have some of them shott six foot this eason, I have met with some cotton seeds from Guinea which from it I have raised 1000 plants...I thank God our Town is in very good health and increases mightily, for that place which was nothing but pine trees when we came is becoming almost as many houses and as Williamsburg, which is the metropoliss of Virginia, we exceed them in number of houses though they have been settled near a hundred years, though not our buildings quite so magnificent, in a word I take it to be the promised land, it's land is rich and fertile, its trees large and good for building both land and sea, various sorts of Gum and then as good as ones from East Indies, various sorts of drugs following shrubs and plants of various kinds, fruits, while of different species and very good, when cultivated, will be much finer...fine rivers...multitudes of fish and the best in the world salmon, trouts, sturgeons, of which I caught one weighed upwards of 300 pounds weight...our woods affords us good plenty of deer and bear whose meat is extremely good, turkeys in great plenty, I have shot six of a day and them very large, some weighting 25 pounds each....In 1735, he married (second) Mollie, an indian girl,on April 8th, of Capt. Tuscanna, who later ran away from him. The indian girl was the eldest daughter of Skee and niece of Talofaleche, some indians who lived about the Augusta area and who traded extensively with the whites.
Sir, I hope that the things that I sent...arrived safe in the Trustee's hands, I shall always make it my business so to send something of the produce of Georgia to their Honours....Joseph Fitzwalter".
In a letter dated July 25, 1735, Savannah, from Thomas Causton, to the Trustees:"The Caper plants are safe arrived, and are delivered to Mr. Fitzwalter to be planted and managed according to the directions of which he has a copy. The madder roots are dead; but as your honours could procure another parcel, I would take care of some myself, having property great deal cleared for that part...Mr. Johnson Dalmas being dead, I placed those servants under the care of Mr. Fitzwalter to be employed in the garden....T. Causton".He married third, Penelope, who died Nov. 1767, leaving all her personal effects to Frances Robe of Savannah in her LWT dated 10/7/1765, probated 11/19/1767. In the event of death of Frances Robe, then estate to go to John Milledge and Mary Elizabeth Millege, daughter of John, Town Lot in Savannah, Wilmington Tything, Darby Ward, No. 7; farm lot. To John Millege, Jr., a town lot in Savannah, Frederic Tything, Darby Ward, No. 10; farm lot.
LWT of Joseph Fitzwalter dated 10/18/1742, Savannah, Ga. Gave his wife, Pennellopy, his Town Lot No. 8, Wilmington Tything, Derby Ward, Garden Lot No. 37; farm Lot No. 9. After his wife's death, to go to his children (now in England) by his former wife, Mary, provided any of them come to Georgia within two years after his wife's death. If none come, then to go to John Horton and Elizabeth Wright. Also, a tract on Augustine Creek.
MICHAEL GERMAIN, a mariner, was born 1720, arrived in Savannah December 16, 1733, with his mother (wife of Peter Germain) and sister, Mary Margaret German. His mother later married Mr. Peter Emory, at Savannah.
In 1769, Michael German, freeholder, mariner, Savannah, deeded to William Russell of Savannah a Farm Lot in Jekyll Tything, No. 5, Letter B, southeast of Savannah, adjoining on one side a farm lot lately granted to the said William Russell...44 acres and 141 pole, being part of the lands granted Germain in the year of 17___ by James Oglethorpe, one of the Trustees for establishing the Colony. (Colonial Deeds, Book C-1, p. 52).
He married Priscilla at Savannah, and died at Savannah in 1769, his LWT dated 7/23/1753, probated 1/5/1769. To wife, Priscilla, he gave Town Lot No. 4, Jekyl Tything, Derby Ward, with the farm and garden lot. Also negroes, Piero, Sippia, and all the cattle branded "MSG Anchor". Mother, Ann Emery, to have use of one room in his house at Savannah.
MICHAEL GERMAIN, a silversmith, was married in 1783 to Miss Catherine Smith (she died at Goshen in 1790).
PATRICK GRAHAM,an Apothecary, was born in Scotland, came to Georgia Colony on his own account and at his own expense. He was granted Lot No. 189 in Savannah. He left the Apothecary profession to become a planter, when, on May 19, 1736 he received a land grant of 100 acres. Later, in 1739, Mr. Thomas Christie, the Town Recorder at Savannah, allowed him two of the Trust (indentured) servants to help in farming.
It was while attending Mrs. Ann Cuthbert, the widow of the late Capt. Cuthbert, from a dangerous fever (probably yellow fever), that he proposed marriage and they were later married on her late husband's plantation. William Stephens, Secretary to the Trustees and Mr. Jones were the only two invited guests.
Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 44, On July 15, 1752, Marmaduke Cannon, the only surviving son and heir of Richard Cannon, heretofore of Savannah, callico printer, deceased, carpenter of Edistoe, S. C., deeded to Patrick Graham of Joseph Town, a Savannah town lot, in Tything Ward with garden and lot, and 50 acres, which had been originally granted to Richard Cannon upon his settling in Georgia.
The LWT of Patrick Graham dated 5/26/1755, probated 8/27/1755, of Joseph's Town, named his brother, David, all my lands in Redford in Shire of Perth, N. Britain. To Mungo, land on Pipemaker's Creek, 450 acres. Named wife, Ann. Sister: Mary, relict of John Grenly, deceased.
Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 364-365, On April 26, 1756, Ann Graham, widow of Hon. Patrick Graham of Joseph Town, deceased, to Anne Houstoun, daughter of Sir Patrick Houstoun, Baronet, leases Town Lot in Savannah, No. 9, 3d Tything, Lower New Ward.
Colonial Deed Book C-1, p. 365-167, On April 27, 1756, Ann Graham, widow of Hon. Patrick Graham of Joseph Town, deceased, to Anne Houstoun, daughter of Sir Patrick Houstoun, Baronet, Indenture of Release, Town Lot in Savannah, No. 9, 3d Tything, Lower New Ward. "Whereas, the said Patrick Graham was in his lifetime lawfully seized in his demesne as of fee of and in one town lot....and whereas the said Patrick Grapham did by his Last Will and Testament give until Anne Graham, the premises hereinbefore mentioned...."
LT. MUNGO GRAHAM of the 2nd Troop of Rangers, commanded by James Edward Powell under the direction of Oglethorpe who fought the Spanish and Indians in the Colony, recorded a deed in Colonial Deed Book C-I, planter, Christ Church Parish, to John Robinson, commander of the private sloop of war called The Traill now in Georgia, formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., Indenture of Release dated July 8, 1758. "Whereas...did about April 1752 declare unto Patrick Graham, late of Savannah, deceased, in behalf of himself and one David Graham, two tracts of land...one tract of 500 acres for the said David, and 450 acres for Patrick, both known by the name of Redford, on Savannah Riber, all land then belonging to one, Samuel Baker, northwest on Pipe Maker's Creek.
His LWT proved 12/3/1766, Savannah, named children: James Graham, Elizabeth Butler, Alice Fullalove, Mungo Fonlayson. Nephews: James Love and his wife.
HONORABLE JOHN GRAHAM, ESQUIRE came to Georgia with other Scottish settlers in 1733 or 1734, and this is about the time that Patrick Graham arrive. In a letter from John Graham to the Trustees dated January 22, 1735:
"I make bold to let you know what I have done. I have improved my town lots, I have built two houses...I am a tanner...but I could see myself in it if your honor would assist me with a tanner servant by trade and of honest character....John Graham."In 1768, John Graham became a Member of the Georgia Council. In 1770 he was granted 50 acres of land in St. Andrew's Parish, as well as 1500 acres in St. Zjohn's Parish on a swamp three miles from the land of James Taylor on Canoochee, near the indian line. He had 42 slaves to work these lands. In December of 1770, he was granted 1500 acres of land four miles from land surveyed for Mr. Jesse Williams, in Christ Church Parish (had 43 slaves to work this land); 544 acres and 268 acres adjoining the 1500 acres in Christ Church Parish; 250 acres purchased from William McIntosh and John Caldwell; 250 acres on the Altamaha River; 100 acres adjoining the land he purchased from John Caldwell; and 1000 acres of land on Turkey Branch, on the southside of the Great Satilla River, four miles from Causton's Bluff, near the lands reserved for Brunswick.
Active in his majesty's politics, he traveled back and forth to England, and it was while he was there that he died in the year of 1791.
JAMES GRAHAM, ESQUIRE was a Member of the Georgia Council in 1763. Granted 2000 acres in St. John's Parish (Liberty Co.); 1000 acres adjoining the lands of Gobernor Ellis on St. Simon's Island, near the indian line. He was attorney for James Wright, Esquire in 1771, and in 1772 in charge of building the Light House at Tybee, in Savannah. He died in 1788.
WILLIAM GRAHAM, native of Scotland, was in Liberty Co. in 1778. He was a lumber manufacturer and died there October 27, 1818, aged 60 years.
JAMES GRAHAM, Savannah Merchant, was married to Miss Sarah Stuart, the daughter of Honorable John Stuart, the Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Southern District of North America in Charles Town, South Carolina in 1767. He and his wife lived in Georgia for a time, but were residents of London when Sarah died in September of 1774. James Graham died in Naples, Italy, October 2, 1785.
GEORGE GRAHAM, native of England, born 1765, died August 17, 1812, was naturalized as an American citizen in 1792. He was an eminent artist who settled in Georgia.
WILLIAM HARRIS, born 1720 England, died after 1742 at Ft. Frederica, St. Simons Island. He came to Georgia in one of General Oglethorpe's early voyages to Savannah, it being sometime prior to 1737, for, in April of that year, he was granted Lot No. 136 in Savannah by Oglethorpe. Each charity colonist was allowed 50 acres of land, five acres for a house and a garden in the town in which he lived, and 45 acres for farming outside of the town. Such was the case of William Harris. He was granted the 45 acres outside of Savannah, as his son, William Thomas Harris, in his Last Will and Testament, left an unimproved lot in Savannah as well as a 45-acre lot adjacant to Savannah, to his son, William Thomas Harris.
Also, William Harris was granted 50 acres outside the Town of Frederica where we know that he resided. It was the policy of General Oglethorpe to grant each "fighting man" 50 acres for life. Since William's acreage was granted near the fort (Ft. Frederica), he was apparently a soldier garrisoned at Frederica.
A description of the land granted William Harris at Frederica is that it was "on the Road to the North End, crossing Military Road from the Fort. The former road also led straightway out of the fork easterly from the Town into the farm area." In other words, one of the first streets to cross the main street, practically adjacent to the fort.
His garden land which was two or three miles out of town from the fort, known as the Garden Area, adjoined that of Lachlin McIntosh, who had 500 acres, James Arkin, who had 400 acres, and James McKay.
From the book, A List of Early Settlers of Georgia by Coulter (From Europe, on their own account): "Will Harris, Lot 126, Savannah, granted April 1737. Anne, wife on her husband's death, she and her son became inmate to Lot 68 with her mother, Ann Cassell Cole Salter. Lawrence Mellichamp possessed it before, who deserted June 3, 1736. Dead 1737. Will, son, born in the Colony."
Women were not allowed land grants, however, since Ann Harris had a son, she and her son became "inmates to Lot 68" in Savannah. This same type of situation no doubt gave her title to a subsequent lot at Frederica.
From the above acocunting, then, it is confirmed that William Harris paid his own passage from England to Savannah, and was not an indentured servant nor convict. This means that he was one of the persons which Oglethorpe recruited in England to come to Georgia and protect the frontiers from the Spanish.
William Thomas' fate did indeed lie with the Spanish who were continually a threat to settlers. Gen. Oglethorpe periodically sent his troops into the wilderness to battle samall bands of invaders. However, by July 5, 1742, the situation headed up, with a Spanish fleet being cited off the shores of St. Simons Island. Thus, on Jul 7th, General Oglethorpe, along with a company of Scottish Highlanders (recruited from the highlands of Scotland to protect the Colony), attacked. This battle was known as the Battle of Bloody Marsh and actually took place on the island. I believe that William Harris fought in this battle and that this is where he died, because shortly afterwards Gen. Oglethorpe granted his widow, Ann Harris, the town lot in Frederica, for the use of herself, her orphan son, and her mother.
The engagement cost many settler's lives, some of them being taken prisoners of the Spanish into Florida. However, it was successful in that it drove the Spanish from Georgia once and for all. This is the reason that the garrison at Ft. Frederica was disbanded by General Oglethorpe in 1749, taking his soldiers back to England. Soon thereafter, the town had a fire. For a while the town remained in tact, continuing to prosper. The widow of William Harris, being in the timber and shipping business, also remained. However, without the soldiers, the town fell into ruins, with the settlers moving off into Glynn and Liberty Counties to begin the ultimately expansive rice and cotton plantations. This was the beginning for the son of William Harris, William Thomas Harris, as he began his rice plantations in Liberty Co.
William Harris was married ca 1737 at Ft. Frederica to Anne Coles, born 1723 England, died 1759 Savannah, the daughter of Joseph Coles and his wife, Anna Cassells.
Anne Harris, widow, was an interprising woman, merchandising in shipping timber up and down the coast, having her own vessels. Eventually, she remarried, Daniel Demetre, and the activities surrounding that marriage are explained in the following deeds and contracts.
The following deeds from Colonial Deed Book C-1: Page 40-41, (Quadripartitttte Agreement Prior to a Marriage) -Daniel Demetre, Mariner of the Town of Frederica in the Province of Georgia, Ann Harris, widow, of Frederica and Anna Salter, widow, mother of Ann Harris, to Noble Jones and Thomas Raspberry, Gentlemen, and James Habersham, all of Savannah, whereas the said Daniel Demetre is seized and possessed... of a plantation on the Newport River called "Bethany" containing 500 acres bounded south by lands heretofore granted John Rutledge, North by River Newport, and East on marshes of said river....Whereas a marriage is intended shortly to be hand...between the said Daniel Demetre and the said Ann Harris...Daniel Demetre grants to James Habersham, Noble Jones and Thomas Raspberry....the aforesaid premises. And from after the determination of that Estate to such uses as the said Ann in and by her last Will and Testament...And whereas the said Ann Harris is seized and possessed...in a tract of land containing 50 acres on River Newport lately purchased by her of John Rutledge; Now the said Ann Harris doth covenant and grant to and with the said James Habersham, Noble Jones and Thomas Raspberry...the aforesaid 50 acres...after the solemnization of the intended marriage shall be ane enure and are hereby intended to be settled and assured to the use of them. Date: April 2, 1752.
Page 199-203, The Last Will and Testament of Ann Demetre, wife of Daniel Demetre, formerly Ann Harris, widow, dated February 20, 1755, to heir, Daniel Demetre, mariner. "Ann Demetre does publish and ordain these presents to be her last will and testament. Reference is made to a marriage settlement written on April 2, 1752 in consideration of a marriage between An harris, widow, and Daniel Demetre. Parties to the marriage settlement were Daniel Demetre, Ann harris, now Ann Deemetre, Anna Salter, mother of Ann Harris Demetre, and James Habersham, Noble Jones, and Thomas Raspberry. A 500 acre plantation called "Bethany" on the Newport River and a 50-acre tract on the same river, the latter purchased by Ann Harris from John Rutledge, were to become the joint property of Ann and Daniel Demetre, then go to the longest liver of us, and later to the heirs of Ann. The same provisions were to apply to a lot of land in the town of Frederica with improvements, also a lot in Town of Savannah with improvements, late Salter's, which would become the property of Ann Demetre after her mother's death. Now that her mother, Anna Salter, is deceased, Ann Demetre makes a will to bequeath her own property and that which she has inherited from her motherr. Anna Salter's will, dated December 19, 1753, gave to her all her property in Great Britain or any other place. It further stipulated that in case William Thomas Harris, Anna Salter's grandson, should die without heirs, then whatever was given to him by his grandmother's will would go to Ann Demetre. In her own will, Ann Demetre stipulates that her property will go to the heirs of Ann and Daniel Demetre. Ann Demetre also stipulates that if her son, William Thomas Harris, dies without issue and she inherits his property, then it will pass to Daniel Demetre or the children of Ann and Daniel Demetre. Date: August 2, 1758 at Savannah.
Page 313-322, James Habersham and Francis Harris, executors of the will of Daniel Demetre, late of Savannah aforesaid, Mariner, deceased, who intermarried with Ann Harris, widow, since deceased, who was the widow of William Harris and daughter of (Joseph)Cassell and Anna Cassell, afterswards Anna Salter also deceased, agree to convey specified property to William Thomas Harris in satisfaction of the latter's demands against Demetre's estate. In his will, dated July 12, 1758, Demetre bequeathed to William Thomas Harris a 750 acre plantation called "Bethany" on Dickinson's Neck in the district of Sapela and Newport, with all livestock, plantation tools and following slaves: Nicholas, Hagar, Tony, Prince, Belinda, Dinah, James and Silvia and their issue. By virtue of the will, dated December 19, 1753, of his now deceased grandmother, Anna Salter, William Thomas Harris lays claim to the aforesaid mentioned slaves....To prevent suits against Demetre's estates, Habersham and Francis Harris pay William Thomas Harris 20 pounds....and sell to Harris ten negroe slaves, namely, Judy and her cchildren, Will and Titus, Jenny, Harry and Priscilla and their children, Harry, Abraham, and London, and Brutus; also a lot at Frederica formerly occupied by the said Anna Salter and Ann Demetre adjoining a lot of John Latter.... Harris agrees to deliver up to Habersham and Francis Harris the following slaves belonging to the estate of Demetre: Ben, old Joe, Minerva and her child Joe, Penny and her child Adam, Jemmy, Jack and long Joe. Date: August 27,1759, Savannah.
Son of William Harris and his wife, Anne Coles:I. William Thomas Harris, b. 1738 Savannah, died June 1786, Liberty Co., Ga., date of his LWT. Wife, Mary. Children:SIR PATRICK HOUSTOUN, Baronet, emigrant from Scotland on July 11, 1733, married Miss Priscilla Dunbar, the sister of Capt. George Dunbar who brought Scottish Highlands to Inverness (now Darien) in 1733 and had many voyages to England to bring settlers. Eventally, he was given lands on the Georgia coast to settle, inwhat is now McIntosh Co.
A. William Thomas Harris b. ca 1758 Glynn Co., d. 1794 Glynn Co. (Glynn Co. Will Bk 1793-1809). Wife, Margaret. Mentioned William Harris, Sr. in his LWT.
B. James Harris b. ca 1760 Glynn Co., d. January 7, 1804 McIntosh Co.
C. Ann Harris b. ca 1760 Glynn Co.
D. Mary Harris b. ca 1761 Glynn Co. m. Jacob Johns.
E. Sabra Harris b. Glynn Co.
F. Jane Harris b. Glynn Co.
G. John Harris b. ca 1770 Glynn Co., died Aug. 1827.
Sir Patrick Houstoun had a plantation twelve miles south of Savannah, which he kept with the help of one servant. Also, he was granted 500 acres on the Newport River in 1755.
A letter from Samuel Eveleigh to William Jeffrey dated at Savannah July 4, 1735: "I have some reason to believe that one, Houstoun, a Scotchman, that sold these goods to the traders so cheap a rate is enticing entering into a partnership with Mackay, the Agent, and William McKenzie in Charles Town, and that the former has by this also wrote to one McKenzie I do suppose the brother of George, for a large parcel of indian trading goods. As you understand the Trustees has granted me liberty for the sole trade of Altamaha River....Samuel Eveleigh".
He died in Savannah in April of 1762. Lady Priscilla Houstoun, a widow in 1771, with ten slaves, petitioned for 500 acres on the Turtle River, four miles from the lands of the late Mr. Zouberbuhler. The LWT of Priscilla Houstoun, Savannah, widow, relict of Sir Patrick Houstoun, dated 6/10/1772, probated 3/8/1775, named daughter, Ann, wife of George McIntosh, giving her a negro, Chloe, and her son, George. Also named: Miss An Stuart. Sons: James, negro Abraham; John, negro, Hannah; William, 500 pds when age 21; George, 500 pds. when 21. Also, to daughter, Ann McIntosh, 500 pds when age 21.
Children of Priscilla and Patrick Houstoun:I. Ann Houstoun, wife of George Mcintosh, Esquire, Scottish Highlander who settled at Darien and who died during the Revolutionary War.
II. Dr. James Houstoun, Esquire, Physician and Surgeon, emigrated from Scotland with his father on July 11, 1733, Dr. Houstoun, in behalf of his kinsman, Mr. Houstoun of Glascow, proposed to go to Georgia and carry twelve servants on his own account. He was elected to the Legislature on January 7, 1755 for the Vernonburgh District. In October of 1770 he petitioned for 150 acres in St. Matthew's Parish, stating that he had been in the Province for a long time and had never had any lands granted to him. Owned one slave. In June of 1790 he was the commanding officer of a garrison under Colonel Clarke at Savannah, in the Revolutionary War, fighting for the United States. Surrendered to the English at Charles Town, and arrested by them for treason. He died September 15, 1793. He wife was deceased in 1770.
III. John Houstoun lived on a plantation at White Bluff and in July of 1773 reported to the Georgia Council that one of his negroes had died of smallpox and others were infected. The Council ordered that the infected negroes be kept in separate houses and that no one was allowed to leave the plantation for thirty days. John Houstoun was an attorney, acted as Governor and Member of Congress, Judge and Legislator. He died July 2, 1796.
IV. William Houstoun, Botanist in the Georgia Colony when he first came with his father, but succeeded March 6, 1734 by Robert Miller.
V. George Houstoun fought with the English in the American Revolution and was declared a traitor in 1782, his estates being confiscated. He married Miss Annie Moodie, the daughter of Thomas Moodie of Savannah on December 15, 1734.
VI. Patrick Houstoun, attorney, was granted a lot at Hardwicke in 1755; in 1770, 500 acres in St. Philipp's Parish adjoining the lands of Mr. Thomas Ross, John Mann and Susannah Wylly, and 500 acres in St. Andrew's Parish adjoining his own plantation. He married on February 5, 1801 Miss Eliza MacQueen, the daughter of Alexander MacQueen. He was elected Member of the General Assembly of the Province of Georgia for St. Andrew's Parish in April of 1771, and in May was appointed Justice for that Parish. In 1782 he was declared a traitor, his estates being confiscated, as he fought on the side of the English during the American Revolution.
NOBLE JONES was born 1700, and embarked for Savannah November 6, 1732, arriving February 1, 1733. The Trustees at the Palace Court in London granted him Lot No. 41 in Savannah and made him Conservator of the Peace.
In his letter to the Trustees in London, dated 1735, Savannah, he wrote:
"...as Ranger I do my constant endeavor to prevent any depredation being committed in any part of the province, particularly the cutting down Cypress and Love Oak trees, I have twice been to the southernmost parts of the province, the first time upon an alarm with about fifty men (all volunteers except the Scout boat), the pains of which voyage for fear, a first account should come to your hands, I will send by the next, the second time was with Capt. Dunbar who, I don't doubt has informed you therefor befoe now. We have an account of some Yamassee indians (supposed to be the same that killed Tomochachis people), are now scalking about Ft. Argyle on that river. I therefore set out tomorrow with Mr. Spangenberg to run out Count Zinzendorfes land (I having cleared abouve 3 acres of his own garden lot), at the same to see if we can come up with the strollers who come to psy and disturb our peace, as Ranger I always think it my particular duty to be first out on those occasions.
I have run Sir Francis Bathurst 200 acres by his direction and Sir Francis has made large improvement thereon considering he has lost by death two of this three servants...I have had bad success with servants, the old man continued sick from the time I first had him til his death, so that with him dying, I now left but two and those have been sick and area always in some contrivance, they have robbed me and others and runaway, but I have them both now, but am forced to keep one of them with a chain n his leg....Noble Jones".
In 1738, from William Stephens Journal: "10 April 1738 Monday...The two Constables Jones and Fallowfield (which was all we had) came early to town on the present occasion from their distant plantations and took breakfast with me, conferring on the affair they came about; which was more immediate to look into the condition of the arms...."
In 1740, Noble Jones was one of the three settlers on the Isle of Hope, located at the mouth of the Vernon River, Mr. Parker and Mr. Fallowfield being the other two planters. Nearby was Jones' Fort, with Noble Jones as commander to prevent the poor people of Frederica from escaping to other places that they may get bread.
For a long while, Noble Jones was surveyor in the Colony until he became disinterested and was discharged from his post. He helped fight in the seige of Augustine, afterwards, returning to Savannah to be appointed with a guardboat to watch the Narrows of Skidoway Island. In August of 1740, he was commissioned Lieutenant, and in 1743, made Captain, by General Oglethorpe.
In the Journal of William Stephens, dated February 15, 1741, he tells now Noble Jones came into town with his boat crew, leaving a guard behind him at the fort, to tell that Spanish Privateers were on the coast, cruising between Carolina and Augustine, and had, overtaken two or three small trading vessels, fraughted with provisions from the northern province to the southern, which privateers were fitted out at Augustine. The people figured this to be Van Ding, a native of Spain, of Dutch parentage, and that several of the American deserters at the Siege of Augustine were sailing with him. They feared the privateers might man out a boat to come within the inlets, among some of the settlements, for pillage, and could possibly outrow the guardboat at Savannah. Thererfore, a gun was brought out to the port, a small cannon, carrying a four pound ball, to be used in the event the privateers landed.
In 1750 he petitioned for 500 acres on the Little Ogeechee River, already having a lease for land on the Island of Hope, but never had owned any land of his own. In November of 1750, he was appointed Assistant to the Board of Governor's Council. In 1768 he was a Member of the Georgia Council as well as Conservator of the Peace. And in October of 1771, he petitioned the Trustees that he had some time ago purchased a planation from Inego Jones of the Island of Skidoway and that he had reason to believe that there might be considerable quantity of surplus land within the line of said survey (500 acres granted in December).
In February of 1772, Noble Jones had sixteen negroes which he planned to use on 800 acres granted him on the northside of the Ogeechee River.
He died 1777 in Savannah.
THOMAS JONES of Wales, formerly of London, a Clothworker, and voyaged with Oglethorpe on one of his trips to the Colony, came to America, arriving at St. Simon's Island, Monday, September 18, 1738, at that time being appointd Advocate of the Regiment, being asked by General Oglethorpe to inspect the store accounts at Savannah and to adjust Mr. Causton's accounts. For this reason he became known as a hot and passionate man, and was generally complained about by the other citizens.
In May of 1739, he was appointed Storekeeper for the whole province at an annual earnings of 30 pds. He soon quarrelled with Robert Williams which resulted in a fist fight, but their differences were later settled. In June he was appointed Overseer of the Trust Servants in the Northern Division of the Province of Savannah. These were the indentured servants to the crown, who could not be freed until their indenture time expired. After this they were freed and usually granted 25 acres of land by the Crown.
In the Journal of the Earl of Egmont dated October 10, 1739, Thomas Jones was described: "That Mr. Jones is so utterly rash, passionate and cruel, that twas to be feared he would drive the Colony away by Spring. That he declared he valued not the Trustees' orders, but would obey those of Colonel Oglethorpe."
In 1740, part of the Trustees servants (twenty-five) were employed by Thomas Jones on a new plantationn, one mile south of Savannah, but only 100 bushels of corn were produced. A complaint was made by Mary Townsend to the Palace Court that Mr. Jones had a store and supplied shops with goods at wholesale prices, but otherwise sold them retail.
However, Jones was continually given offices by the crown. He became third bailiff of Savannah, and was quickly known as a man of resolution, disliked by many. June 1, 1741, he was appointed one of the four assistants to Secretary William Stephens, Esquire, in the Town of Savannah, with John Pye elected as Clerk. John Pye investigated grievances of the people, and began charging Thomas Jones with malpractice of the public accounts. In a letter from Harman Verelst to Thomas Jones, dated at Westminster, December 14, 1741, Jones was complimented for his good work and accounting methods. "The Trustees are very well pleased with the exactness of the accounts you sent them by Captn. (William) Thomson, and are well satisfied in your capacity to serve them...."
In February of 1771, Thomas Jones was granted 100 acres of land in St. Mathews's Parish (Effingham Co.). He died at Savannah on June 5, 1810. His wife, Eliza, died at Savannah in 1817, her LWT dated 1/17/1817, Will Book F. In her Will, she named her mother, Mrs. Jane Rea, and the children of her husband: Jane Mary Jones and Martha Cowles Jones.
WILLIAM JONES of St. Andrew's Parish, Liberty Co., Gentleman, died 1775. His LWT dated 2/18/1768, probated 8/12/1775. He had a borhter, Charles Jones, to whom he gave land on St. Mary's Island, and six negroes. Sisters: Sally Jones, Susannah Jones. Nephews: Charles Middleton and William Middleton.
CORNELIUS JONES came to Georgia in 1732 onboard the ship, Volanti, along with John Vanderplank, Samuel Grey and Chetwynd Furzer (Capt. Smyter), leaving Gravesend, and wrote a letter to the Trustees that they were embarking for the Georgia coast.
JOHN JONES, a manservant in June of 1735, came to Georgia with Joseph Smith, Ann, his wife, and Elizabeth, his daughter, aged 7 months. They were passengers on the Prince of Wales, with Capt. Dunbar.
LEWIS JONES became involved at Savannah in the murder trial of three sailors who were found guilty and executed. Afterwards, he was criticised for leaving Charles Town in 1739. But when he returned, he was made Third Bailiff in Savannah, in October of 1739.
FRANCIS JONES of St. Mathew's Parish (Effingham Co.), was a planter and Quaker in Wrightsborough Township, owning 250 acres of land. His wife was Elizabeth. His LWT dated 2/18/1768, probated 8/12/1775. Children:
I. John Jones of Columbia Co. married Miss Phebe McDonald. They had the following children:A. Elizabeth Jones.II. Richard Jones.
B. Seaborn Jones. C. Milborn Jones.
D. Henry Jones.
E. Sarah Jones.
F. Mary Ann Jones.
G. Francis Jones married Mary who was born April 7, 1782. Issue: (i) Rachel Jones b. 1806 married Mr. Thomas; (ii) David Jones b. 1809; (iii) Allen Jones b. 1812; (iv) Rebecca Jones b. 1814 married Mr. Wilson; and (v) Lydia Jones.
III. Philip Jones lived Effingham Co.
III. Mathew Jones.
IV. William Jones.
V. Francis Jones.
VI. James Jones. In March of 1771 was granted 50 acres near lands of John Gray in St. Andrew's Parish, Liberty Co. In July, was granted 50 acres in Cowpen Swamp, St. David's Parish, Glynn Co. He served as Soldier in his Majesty's Independent Company commanded by Capt. John Epay and later ordered discharged. Had one child.
VII. Elizabeth Jones.
VIII. Sucky Jones (daughter).
JOHN KELLY, Stockingweaver, arrived in Georgia August 29, 1733, died in 1741, his LWT dated 1/18/1741. He left his son, John, a town lot in Savannah, and his son, William, a 45-acre lot. Wife, Ann. Children:
I. John Kelly, drowned at Augusta in 1773.
II. William Kelly.
III. Sarah Kelly.
BRYAN KELLY was granted 500 acres of land on the Savannah River, near Spirit Creek and 100 acres for use as a cowpen near Beaverdam on Post Road to Augusta in November of 1759. At the time of petition he had a wife, one child and ten negroes.
THOMAS KELLY applied for 400 acres on November 1770 for land on the northside of Altamaha River, four or five miles from the indian line. He had eleven persons in his family.
PETER KELLY, servant, son of the widow Kelly, died in 1742.
THOMAS LEE, SR. came to Georgia as a Trust servant for ten years, having embarked May 14, 1735. After his servitude, in February of 1759 he was granted 200 acres in Augusta on Williams Creek about 50 miles from Augusta and 40 miles from the mouth of the Little River.
Colonial Deed Book C-I, page 396-397, Isaac and Mary Trippe, cordwainer, Savannah, to Thomas Lee, blacksmith, Savannah, Indenture for Bargain and Sale, dated May 21, 1759, 100 acres in Newport District, bounded northeast by Lachlan McIntosh.
In December of 1760 he possessed 200 acres above Augusta and was ordered to vacate his land by proclamation because of the menacing indians in that area. He then petitioned for 300 acres, 35 miles above Augusta, where James Mathews formerly had a small settlement.
In October of 1770, Thomas Lee was granted 400 acres in St. Phillips Parish, Chatham Co.
His LWT dated 2/11/1778, Savannah, named wife, Mary Ann, leaving her negroes, Affa, Diana, Clarissa and Bob. Sisters, Ann and Rebecca Lee. Brother, William Lee, he left 650 acres in St. Philip's Parish. Godson: Isaac Weddall, 300 acres near Luke Mann.
Children as follows:
I. Thomas Lee, Jr. In April 1772, Thomas Lee, Jr. petitioned that his brother, John Lee, had obtained 300 acres in St. Phillip's Parish which was elapsed and that his said brother was now dead. Therefore, Thomas Lee, Jr. prayed for this land (reserved for 12 months).
II. John Lee, petitioned in November of 1771 for 250 acres in St. Phillip's Parish, Chatham Co., near the land of Thomas Lee, Jr., stating that he not been in the province and never had any land granted him. He was agranted 400 acres in March of 1771 at Queensborough, having a wife and five children. Deceased by 1772.
WILLIAM LEE, brother to Thomas Lee, Sr., late of Barbadoes, petitioned on February 4, 1755 for 1800 acres of land, stating that he had a wife and two children, and three servants and 28 negroes on his property. By his brothers will (Thomas), he was left two lots in St. Philip's Parish containing 650 acres. Deed Book C-I, Colonial Deeds, William Lee, Gentleman,Savannah to James and Elizabeth Rutherford, silvers of Savannah, July 18, 1755, a Town Lot in Savannah, Slopes Tything, Percival Ward, No. 3, and five acres, garden lot, west of town; 44 acres and 7/8 acre called farm lot. Wife, Charity, who died August 29, 1799, Richmond Co., Ga.
REBECCA LEE, sister to Thomas Lee, Sr., left by him in his Will, two tickets in the land lottery.
ARCHIBALD MacBEAN, an indian trader, arrived in Georgia January 16, 1738, with his wife, Elizabeth, aged 40. He came from the Highlands of Scotland to Darien, settling on a swamp which he named "Macbean's Swamp" in the Halifax District.
Others arriving on the same voyage in 1738 were: Margaret, aged 13, servant for seven years, a daughter of Archibald MacBean.
ALEXANDER MacBEAN, brother to Archibald and Laughlin.
LAUGHLIN MacBEAN, brother to Archibald and Alexander, was a planter at Augusta. He also came from the Highlands of Scotland. Died November 1756, leaving following children:
I. William MacBean of Augusta.
II. John MacBean of Augusta.
WILL MacBEAN, aged 27, a servant, embarked October 20, 1735, arriving in Georgia January of 1736, resided at Darien.
WILL MacBEAN, aged 17, trust servant, embarked June 24, 1737, arriving November 20, 1737, resided at Darien.
WILL MacBEAN, aged 21, trust servant, embarked June 24, 1737, arriving November 20, 1737.
DUNCAN MacBEAN, aged 21, servant to John Mackintosh, arrived January 10, 1736, with his son, Holmes MacBean.
McWILLIE JO MacBEAN, aged 27, servant to John Spence, arrived in Georgia January 10, 1736.
JOHN MACKAY was b. 1679 Durnes, Scotland, which is on the northwestern tip of Scotland. He was a farmer who embarked for America on Oct. 20, 1735, arriving in Savannah, Ga. 1/10/1736. John d. ca 1739 when two of his children are listed as orphans. The wife and children are listed on the passenger list. Wife, Jannett, b. 1703. Ref: Page 86, A List of Early Settlers of Georgia by Coulter; Historical Collections of Georgia by White, p. 332, Account of Orphans and Children that have been maintained and educated and are now in the Orphan House at Georgia.
Issue:
I. Hugh Mackay b. 1717, was Lieut. In Gen. Oglethorpe's Rangers, was granted 500 acres of land on 7/16/1735.
II. Elizabeth Mackay b. ca 1720 m. After 1742 Colonel Kenneth Baillie, b. 1715 Scotland, d. 1766 Sunbury, Liberty Co., Ga.
III. Mary Mackay.
IV. William Mackay b. 1729, was listed as an orphan on 2/28/1739 at the Orphan House in Savannah, age 10; placed out on 1/5/1744 to Thomas Salter, bricklayer, Savannah.
V. John Mackay b. 1732, listed as an orphan 2/28/1739 at Orphan House, Savannah, age 8, placed out on 1/6/1745 to James Papott at Savannah, carpenter.
PETER RODOLPH MOREL, a weaver, arriving in Georgia January 14, 1734, became a Victualer in Savannah. He applied for 500 acres on Hutchinson's Island in 1742, but was rejected. His wife, Martine, died in 1734.
In 1736 he wrote a letter to James Oglethorpe:"Peter Morel most humbly shows that for three years the supplicant has worked to clear the land in the lot which you have st out for him in the Village of Highgate, which is all pine with the marsh. He foresees from the harvest of this year that he cannot live off of it together with household. This is the reason that he prays your Highness to order that there be granted to his son, John, the lot which has gone back to the Trustees upon the death of Simon Boisnelle and of his wife. The said lot situated in the same village of Highgate, appears that it will produce for him better than the one that he now possesses; and the supplicant will never cease to make prayers for the preservation of your noble self, and to this end, for your health and prosperity, he prays that Heaven favors you with a happy voyage, and that you may land at the port which you desire....Peter Morel."
So it was that he settled at Highgate. He died at Savannah in October of 1752. LWT dated 10/15/1752, probated 10/27/1752. To eldest son, John, he left 500 acres on Pipemaker's Creek provided he gives my wife use of a town lot, No. 2, Try Konnel Tything in Darby Ward, No. 63 (5 acres) and farm lot No. 8 (45 acres). To wife and children use of John Penrose's farm where I now dwell. To daughter, Mary Ann, Town Lot No. 1, Digby Tything, Deckers Ward, 5 acre lot No. 40, Town Lot No. 8 (45 acres). To son, Peter, 50 acre farm in Abercorn. Children:
I. John Morel, President of Georgia, married in 1785 Miss Sally Powell, the daughter of Joseph Powell of London, but he was first married to Miss Polly (Mary) Bryan, the daughter of Honorable Jonathan Bryan, Esquire, at his plantation on January 29, 1767, of which a son was born: Bryan Morel (1768-12/31/1812) who married Miss Harriet McQueen on December 3, 1800, the daughter of Alexander McQueen (she died June 25, 1814). LWT of John Morel dated 6/23/1774, probated 4/19/1777, Christ Church Parish. Named son by first wife, the daughter of Henry Bourquin, viz: Peter Henry Morel. Sons by present wife, daughter of Jonathan Bryan, viz: John, Bryan and Isaac Morel, bequeathing them all the islands called Ossabaws in St. Philip's Parish. Daughter, Mary, by first wife and her sisters (by second wife), Esther, Hetty and Anne Bryan. Exrs: Wife, Henry Sheall, now of London, my late clerk and bookkeeper, Dr. Henry Louis Bourquin of Savannah and my four sons. To the eldest son, Peter Henry Morel, he left lot at Yamacraw adjoining Common of Town of Savannah, No. 1, formerly the property of James Box, decd. To son, John, he left Lot No. 2 in Savannah. To son, Bryan, he left Lot No. 3 in Savannah. To son, Isaac, he left 200 acres on Great Ogeechee River, St. Matthews's Parish. Also left his four sons, 500 acres on Vernon River in Christ Church Parish, originally granted to William Stephens.
II. Mary Ann Morel.
III. Jean Morel.
IV. Mary Morel.
V. Judah Morel.
VI. Peter Henry Morel, Esquire, born 1757, died Bryant Co. May 9, 1812, married Miss Nancy Valleau.
On February 18, 1790, he was given a 50 acre farm at Abercorn, Effington Co., by the Georgia Trustees.
JOHN MUSGROVE was an old-time indian trader at Savannah Town. He wrote a letter to James Oglethorpe, dated January 24, 1735, as follows:"...To acquaint you that we are all safely arrived and in good health and I bless God found my family all well. Tunoy has been ill, but now he is upon the mending hand and I hope he will do very well. Mr. Watson, who was my partner when I came from England, I do not like, nor approve of his way of proceeding, for I find since I came home to Georgia, by Mr. Watson's proceedings and abusing of the indians, I have lost my servant man, Justice, and he one day locked the door and did not let the indians in with their skins, which they brought with them...at last their patience was quite tried and very much vexed and broke open the door and was resolved to be revenged and as soon as my wife heard the door was broken open, she run to the window and told Mr. Watson and desired him to get away or else had been killed and because they could not find him Stechey knocked my boy Justice on the head directly and killed him...John Musgrove".
John Musgrove died at Savannah in July of 1735, and left his wife, Mary, an indian, William. . His wife, Mary, lived on Musgrove's Creek, near the Village of Goshen in Effingham Co.
A letter written by Thomas Causton to James Oglethorpe, dated Savannah July 7, 1735:
"...The presents for the Indian nation are all now delivered and Mrs. Musgrove has behaved very well, I have been much obliged to her in that matter. Poor Johnny is dead, of a fever; as he was a Constable, is buried in a military manner....T. Causton".
A letter written by T. Causon to Trustees in London, dated Savannah July 25, 1735:"I have paid Mrs Musgrove for another indian servant she has bought of a trader instead of her servant, Justus. Esteeche is reconciled to Mrs. Musgrove and his people, I explained to him your honours' orders in the presence of Tomochichi, and he showed a proper concern for his mishaps; mixt with an agreeable pleasure for a reconciliation...Mrs. Musgrove has removed all her store to the Cowpen, and has promised obedience to your honours' orders about rum....T. Causton".
A note was made in the Journal of William Stephens, Secretary to the Colony, dated December 12, 1737. "Dined with Mrs. (Mary) Musgrove, now Mrs. Mathews, sitting at the end of the table with two young girls, husband, and Tomochichi nearby, and a young shoter just ready barbecued over the fire in the wood. (Had two or three glasses of wine)...The occasion was a treat to Tomochichi and three or four indians upon his granting that spot of land to Mrs. Matthews and her husband."
Mary Musgrove, now Mrs. Jacob Matthews, the translator for Tomochichi, told Mr. Stephens that he wished to record that the land was hers. Stephens said that he would do so.
Jacob Matthews caused concern to the Trustees when it was reported to them that he behaved audaciously towards the Magistrates, they fearing for the peace of the town. And it was Mary, his wife, with whom they preferred to intercede with the indians.
Children of John and Mary: (from the Cuyler Collection, University of Georgia Library)
I. Edward Musgrove m. Indian girl, Nanny.
II. James Musgrove, bequeathed by his father a cowpin lot in Savannah, and an indian man called Justice.
WILLIAM HENRY PARKER, Esquire, 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 June 1, 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 August 7, 1742, he petitioned the Common Council for 500 acres of land near Thunderbolt. 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. William Henry Parker's LWT dated 11/16/1771, probated 8/14/1772, Savannah.
Children:
I. William Parker, granted 250 acres by the Trustees, "Brewton", died Savannah.
II. Henry Parker. Children:A. Joseph Parker, died May 6, 1770.
B. Mary Parker, died 1770.
III. Ann Parker, died Savannah 1798.
IV. Elizabeth Parker.
V. Jo Savile Parker, dead in 1733.
JAMES PARKER, 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.
SAMUEL PARKER, wheelmaker, was made Constable, along with Joseph Fitzwalter, in Savannah, in November of 1732, but he did not hold that office long, being replaced by Joseph Coles. He died July 1, 1732,1733.
ROBERT PARKER, 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 February 1, 1735, Savannah:"I was one of the number that came over in the Savannah, Lionell Wood, commander. We cailed down the river September 15 and arrived December 16 following 1733...Mr. Oglethorpe sent me up to the Pallachuckolas 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's 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 ahorse 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, March 12, 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:
I. Edward Parker
II. Robert Parker, Jr.
THOMAS PARKER, Gentleman, of Savannah, came with the first settlement to Georgia and married Elizabeth the sister of Charles Watson. She died 1766. In 1753 he requested 300 acres of land on the east side of Hutchinson's Island and received it from the Governor's Council.
His LWT dated 4/16/1759, probated 12/11/1759, bequeathed his Savannah town lots to Charles Watson, Francis Harris and William Russell of Savannah. Also bequeathed to Ann, the wife of Charles Watson, some land, and to his deceased sister's husband (Prudency), John Fitch, of Chelmsford in Essex County, England, a Leathercutter, 300 acres called "Chalmsford".
MRS. AGNES PARKER, one of the settlers in 1735 under Colonel Pury, was born 1712, and livd 58 years in Georgia, dying in 1792.
MRS. ELIZABETH PARKER, born 1724, died October 11, 1808, native of England, lived Savannah for 66 years.
JAMES PARKER, ESQUIRE, died on the Isle of Hope August 11, 1797, 60 years old, having been born in Georgia in 1737.
DR. JOHN PERKINS was Commander of Ft. George on Cockspur Island, also collector and assessor for Frederica in 1755 and 1757. 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.
SAMUEL PERKINS was elected Bailiff of Frederica in 1735, left the Colony in 1741.
JONATHAN PERKINS, ESQUIRE, of the Island of Barbardoes, died at Savannah February 25, 1800.
CAPT. GEORGE PERKINS, master of the ship "St. Helena", was launched at Beaufort, South Carolina, at the time of his death in 1766.
THOMAS PERKINS 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 Co.
JOHN PYE describes his voyagle in a letter to Harmon Verelst, dated June 29, 1737:"After a voyage of ten weeks, I arrived safe at Savannah the 6th day of June where I am in good health and hope these lines will find you the same. As for the Colony of Georgia, I don't fear liking very well, I am in the house of a very good gentleman where I am entertained exceeding well - therefore, you nor none else need not at all doubt of my good principall and well doing and I hope to be very useful to the Trustees, therefore, I hope they will encourage me accordingly. I have but one thing which makes me uneasy and that is I articled with the Trustees for too little wages which, in the Colony, will not hardly find me in shoes and Ossenbrig Cloaths, things are so dear. Therefore, Sir, I desire you will spake to the Trustees and desire them to do me the favor as to send me some Dowlass and thin cloathing and I will outset with Mr. Causton for them and in so doing, you will oblige. Your most humble servant, John Pye. P. S. Pray send the enclosed to my mother and send me an answer."
In 1739 he married the sister of John Brownfield. That same year, Thomas Jones wrote to the Trustees that John Pye "writes well and is very faithful and can be depended upon." But Thomas Christie, who was in charge of the accounts at Savannah, was being audited by the Trustees, and the following appeared in the Journal of the Earl of Egmont on October 10, 1739:
"That Mr. Pye, one of the clerks who aided on this affair, is very faithful, and has concealed nothing which could give light to any account, and writes well; but is too heedless to be depended on."
During the suspension of Mr. Christie, he was commissioned to the 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 complaiined about his business dealings.
During the grumbling of the colonists concerning high quit rents on their lands, forbidden slavery, a large group of them obsconded to Charles Town, Savannah, to publish a pamphlet, "A True Narrative of the History of the Colony of Georgia." John Pye, taking their side, advertised in March of 1741 that he was returning to England on a matter of great consequence. He had signed a petition against the Trustees, along with other colonists, outlining their complains.
On July 26, 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. His LWT dated 4/6/1755, probated 10/18/1755, Savannah. Children:
I. Mary Elizabeth Pye.
II. Elizabeth Pye.
NATHANIEL POLHILL, from Southwark, England, an Upholsterer, was 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. Matthew's Parish on March 3, 1767.
I. 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.
JOHN RAE migrated from Maghrenock, near Ballynahich in County Down, Nova Scotia, to South Carolina in 1729 or 1730. He applied for extensive l and grants in Georgia because of his connections with the North of Ireland, and was granted 50,000 acres on the Ogeechee River in Queensborough (now Burke Co.), 40 miles from Augusta, for his countrymen or friends. Two of his letters asking for settlers appeared in the "Belfast News Letter" in 1765. At this time, he was sending 100 pounds to educate the children of his dead brother and invited his countrymen to share in great fortune, guaranteeing the free use of cows and horses for five years.
His brother, Matthew Rea, financed the arrangements for the voyage, on the "Prince of Wales: to sail in 1765 from Belfast to Charleston with passengers, thence to Savannah. The ship saild in February. Matthew Rea was a land promotor for America, and lived in the Village of Drumbo in County Down, and was either a small laandowner or farmer. He had the means to undertake two tours of the surrounding countryside in furtherance of his emigration plans, acting as middleman in the emigration trade, and agent, working with his brother, John Rea, in Georgia to obtain emigrants to the Colony.
As far as this land business was concerned, John Rea was described as a scoundrel in a letter published in 1770 describing georgia as "a woeful place...a poor hole...accursed place...inhabited by a few Irish and some run-aways from all parts of America...that John Rea was more concerned with erecting a hedge between himself and the indians than with promoting the happiness of his settlers". As the ship "Waddell" sailed in November of 1773, Mathew's activities on behalf of Georgia and his brother came to anend.
John Rae was a resident of Georgia in August of 1741, where he was appointed Conservator of the Peace ten years later. In 1752, he petitioned the Georgia Trustees for 300 acres on Argyle Island on the Savannah River and 100 acres on Pipemaker's Creek. In 1755, he was elected Representative to sit in the Assembly for Georgia at Augusta, and a lot was granted to him at Hardwick, in Chatham Co.
In behalf of his settlement efforts, he petitioned for relief for building a Church at Augusta in 1756, and received it. In February of 1768, he petitioned for lands on the Ogeechee River to be reserved for three years, in hopes of getting Irish settlers there. He printed ccopies of law and sent this to friends in Ireland, but the encouragement was much less than what was being given to South Carolina settlers, for in that State, free passage was provided, as well as other advantages. His friends wrote they would come to Georgia only if their passage was paid and they had use of lands free of expense and were exempted from taxes for ten years. The Georgia Trustees granted this wish to the Irish potentials, calling it "An Act for Encouring Settlers to Come into the Province."
John Rea, however, was very active in His Majesty's affairs, trying to obtain settlers for the Augusta area. He was Commissioner at Augusta, Collector and Assessor, in charge of erecting forts, printed the laws, built churches, and was in charge of building barracks for the soldiers. John Rea lived on 200 acres on Stony Creek, three miles above Augusta, adjoining the lands of George Galphin, where he had a grist mill. In April of 1765, he petitioned for land originally surveyed for Isaac Barksdale to his widow, but the lands were passed in the name of John Rae, Jr.
Other laands were 300 acres on Briar Creek, 200 acres in St. Paul's Parish (granted 1770< and 300 acres in St. George's Parish.
He had a negro slave, Nero, who was convicted in 1772 of felony, for breaking open a store of rice and taking several barrels. Ten other slaves are found in the records, however there were probably a good deal more slaves who cultivated his lands.
In 1771, John Rae was convicted of the manslaughter of Mrs. Ann Simpson, at Savannah, but was later pardoned. All his friends petitioned in his behalf, stating that he had been in the province for nearly forty years and had an unblemished character and had filled many offices of public trust. He has also been a Member of the Georgia Assembly, which was a very highlyr espected position in the province.
John Rae was married to Miss Phoebe Johnson. He died in Richmond Co. in the year of 1784, leaving extensive real estate holdings in Augusta (Joseph Ray was appointed Administrator of the Estate). He was the first of his brothers to come to America, with Robert Rae coming about 1770. His brother, James Rae, never came, but his son, James, Jr. did. He had a sister, Deborah Armstrong, who lived in Ireland in 1779.
The children of John Rae as follows:
I. Jane Rae married Mr. Somerville sometime after 1762 and had a daughter, Ann Somerville. She inherited the Augusta holdings of her father, and died there in 1779. She is named in the Will of her uncle, Robert Rae, who died in Chatham Co. In 1779. She was also named in the Will of her brother, John Rae, Jr. of Savannah, who left her all of the Augusta land, and she is Executrix of his estate, along with Robert Rae and Samuel Elbert. John Blenfield, Indian Trader, left all his estate of Jane and Mary Rae, the daughters of John Rae, executor, John Rae, Augusta Storekeeper, dated 10/24/1747, Richmond Co.
Isaac Barksdale, Augusta Indian Trader, in his Will dated June 12, 1757, bequeathed to Jane Rae, the daughter of his partner, John Rae, 1000 pds South Carolina currency to be paid to her at the age of eighteen years, his Will being probated November 8, 1757, Richmond Co., with John Rae and John Oyston, Executors.
Edward Somerville, Savannah Merchant, in his Will dated September 10, 1762, probated September 20, 1762, bequeathed Miss Jane Rae 100 pds sterling, and Judith Cammeron the remainder of the estate. Executor, John Rae, Esquire and Thomas Eaton.
II. John Rae, Jr. of Savannah, died Savannah in 1777, his LWT dated 4/12/1777, naming as executors his sister, Jane Somerville, Robert Rae and Samuel Elbert. He bequeathed to the daughter of Jane, Ann Somerville, leaving Jane all of his Augusta land. Also, bequeathed to Elizabeth Elbert, daughter of Colonel Elbert; also to Caty Elbert (Vol. B, 1777-1787, Christ Church Parish, Chatham Co.)
Isaac Barksdale, Augusta, Indian Trader, in his Will dated June 12, 1757, bequeathed to John Rae, Jr. one half of 500 acres of land on Uchee Island, sixteen miles above Augusta; also a negro boy, Ned.
III. William Rae of Savannah. Wife, Sarah Jane. He was deceased in 1787. His daughter, Elizabeth Rae married Thomas Jones who received a land grant in St. Mathew's Parish, Effingham Co. In 1771 of 100 acres, and who died at Savannah on June 5, 1810. Eliza died at Savannah, her Will dated Jan. 17, 1817, Chatham Co. Will Book F. In her Will, she named her mother, Mrs. Jane Rae, and the children of her husband: Jane Mary Jones and Martha Cowles Jones (Thomas Jones came from Wales, arriving at St. Simon's Island in 1738. He formerly lived in London, a Clothworker, and voyaged with Oglethorpe to America).
Deed of William Rae and his wife, Sarah, dated May 7, 1787, of Savannah to Robert Jones of Richmond Co. For 150 acres of land (Page 66, Book C, Richmond Co. Deeds).
Isaac Barksdale, Augusta Trader, in his Will dated June 12, 1757, bequeathed to William Rae a negro boy, Sambo, guns and pistols.
IV. Mary Rae. John Blenfield, Indian Trader, bequeathed all his estate of Jane and Mary Rae, daughters of John Rae.
DEBORAH RAE ARMSTRONG, sister of John Rae, Sr., lived in Ireland at the date of the Will of another brother, Robert Rae, in 1779.
ROBERT RAE, brother of John Rae, Sr., died October 1779 in Savannah. In January of 1772 he petitioned the Georgia Trustees for 200 acres of land on the Kiokas, formerly surveyed for Samuel Wells, with four negroes to work the land. He was in business with Georgie Whitefield (Robert Rae, George Whitefield & Co.) and these gentlemen petitioned for 500 acres in St. Paul's Parish in 1771.
His wife was Rebecca, and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Church. His Will dated October 13, 1779, probated October 30, 1779, named his brothers, leaving to the children of his brother James Rae, deceased, of Ireland, as well as his sister, Deborah Armstrong of Ireland, land in Killein, Ireland, and the plantation on the Savannah River opposite Little Island, and land north of Hutchinson's Island (this land now being in South Carolina). To his nephew, James Rae of Augusta, he bequeathed all the property and his interest in Rae, Whitefield & Co., Rae's Elbert & Co., and Rae's Elbert & Graham. Will probated at Savannah. Robert Rae married first a wife who died at Augusta in 1768; later married Rebecca.
MATHEW RAE, brother of John Rae, Sr., land promoter, lived in Ireland.
JAMES RAE, brother of John Rae, Sr., was deceased in Ireland in 1779, but his son, James Rae of Augusta, lived in America:
I. James Rae of Augusta married Ann (who married John Cobbison ca 1791, after the death of her husband, James Rae). He died in 1789, intestate in Columbia Co.
By Lewis Gardner, Esquire, Register of Probate for County of Richmond to Ann Rae, Whereas, James Rae, late of this county, deceased, died intestate. July 2, 1789. Columbia Co. Letters of Administration, 1788-98, page 7.
John Cobbison and wife, Ann, Administrators of the Estate of James Rae, sold to George Graves, Lot No. 19 in Augusta. Test: Andrew Whitfield. Dated June 21, 1791. Deed Book D, Page 141, Richmond Co. Records.
James Rae and his wife, Ann, sold to Peter Wagnon of Augusta, « acre on Broad Street, Lot 18, dated 1789. Deed Book A-2, page 130, Richmond Co. Records.
The heirs of James Rae, deceased, asked that the ferry be called "Rae's Ferry" on the Savannah River in Richmond County, opposite Campbellton, be confirmed. June Term 1801, Minutes, Richmond County.
Children of James Rae, the son of James Rae:A. Isabella Rae, died 1808 Richmond Co., named her grandmother, Phoebe Johnson. Also nephews, James Rae Wilkinson and Seaborn Jones Wilkinson. (Richmond Co. Estates, Will dated November 19, 1807, probated June 6, 1808, page 43).
Deed Book F, page 233, Richmond Co. Records, Seaborn Jones and his wife, Sarah Harwood, August 29,1796 deed to Elizabeth and Isabella Rae, daughters of the late James Rae, deceased, 75 acres of land, being part of 600 acres on the Savannah River at Rae;s Creek (land originally granted to John Rae, Sr.).
B. Elizabeth Rae, daughter of James Rae, son of James Rae, married November 1, 1798 in Richmond Co., John B. Wilkinson. Issue: James Rae Wilkinson and Seaborn Jones Wilkinson.
THOMAS ROBINSON, Savannah Marina. 500 acres were granted him December 9, 1751 by the Trustees. He died October of 1758 after he had been out to sea for three months on a cruise against his Majesty's enemies. His entire estate was bequeathed to Hest er Minis, the daughter of Abigail Minis of Savannah.
JOHN ROBINSON was recommended in June of 1735 by E. Sparks (account of the African Co.) To be sent to Georgia. But his wife and seven children arrived with him from Ireland in 1772, and petitioned for 500 acres on the southside of Brier Creek, between the lands of Dennison and Gordon.
SYLVANUS ROBINSON was the Commissioner of Roads near Sunbury, and in September of 1773 had a plantation near that town.
MOSES ROBINSON, born ca 1770, lived in Washington Co., where he died in 1850. Letters of Administration were granted to William A. and Rufus A. Robinson, Executors, on September 2, 1850 (Volume A, page 443, Washington Co. Estates).
WILLIAM RUSSELL, Merchant and Comptroller, first lived at SavannahTown, then in St. Mary's Parish. He was from White Chapel, Middlesex, England. Wife, Jane, who resided in Georgia for a time, then returned to England and was there when her husband died. His wife's brother was James Gallache of Savannah, a carpenter. William Russell died February of 1769 in London. Clerk of the Trustees in 1739. LWT dated 2/21/1768, probated 6/13/1767, formerly of Savannah, but lately of St. Mary's Parish. Jane, his widow, was granted 116 acres on December of 1770 in Chatham Co., having been left sixteen farm lots from her husband located on Jekyl Island and at Frederica, as well as three negroes. Jane died in 1790.
JOHN RUSSELL of the schooner "Benjamin" was a suicide in 1768.
CAPT. HUGH RUSSELL, (1724-7/21/1797) master of the ship "Hercules" traded between London, Savannah and Antiqua.
DAVID RUSSELL was granted 100 acres April of 1771 in St. George's Parish, Burke Co., also a lot in Queensborough. He had a wife, six children and one negro.
BENJAMIN RUSSELL of Augusta died July 2, 1801.
SAMUEL RUSSELL of Savannah married Sarah Delyon, the daughter of Abraham Delyon March 26, 1806.
JOHN RUSSELL of Savannah died October 9, 1806, aged 30.
THOMAS SALTER, a Saddler at Savannah, was granted 500 acres of land on a piece of marsh located near Augustine Creek. He arrived in Georgia on December 17, 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 September 9, 1736. His LWT dated 10/28/1751. 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:
I. Ann Salter married Daniel Demetre.
II. Pennellope Salter married Mr. Cassell.
SAMUEL SALTER 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.
TOLLIVER B. SALTER lived in old Washington Co., where he died in 1841, intestate. Thomas G. Salter was made Administrator of his Estate (Page 198, Volume A, Washington Co. Estates).
JOHN SALTER, born ca 1780, lived in Washington Co. in 1830.
ZADOCK SALTER, born ca 1790, died 1847. William P. Taylor was appointed guardian of the orphan of Zadock Salter, Mary Ann Salter, on January 12, 1847.
WILLIAM STEPHENS, Esquire, Secretary to the Colony, arrived at Charles Towne, South Carolina October 26, 1737, and from there went to Georgia. On April 27, 1737 he was granted 500 acres in Georgia. In 1741 he was designated by the Trustees in London to act as Secretary of the Colony, which office he held until 1751. He was born in the Isle of Wight, and his third son, Thomas Stephens, also received land grants in America. His plantation was on the Vernon River where he resided with five or six servants. Most of his time was spent travelling about Georgia, taking notes of the process of cultivation, settlers, etc., and reporting to the Trustees. In this respect, he kept a Journal of the daily life in the Colony.
He corresponded regularly with Harman Verelst about the silk production in Georgia who were concerned that the colonists were more interested in raising silk at Purysburg, South Carolina, rather than in Georgia. In 1741 and 1742 he reported having raised 170 bushes of corn and 20 bushes of pease, and 57 bushes of potatoes on his own plantation. He also had a hand in dispatching the German servants to the Public Garden, in land grants, exchanges, and sales of land, as well as the Savannah clergy.
His son:
I. Thomas Stephens was known as zealous and ambitious. In 1741 he told the Trustees that every man was entitled to support his property and that he felt, along with the other settlers, that lands should be granted in fee simple, and not belong to the Crown. He ultimately becfame Judge of the Inferior Court in Liberty County, as well as Speaker in the Georgia Legislature. He died April 7, 1801.
Another WILLIAM STEPHENS, born 1742, died 1819 at Savannah (Chatham Co. Will Book F, will probated 9/8/1819), 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.
THOMAS 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. 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 died in Liberty Co. in 1791.
JOHN VANDERPLANK, Seaman, born 1684, embarked November of 1732 for the Georgia Colony, arriving February 1, 1733. He was granted Lot No. 25 at Savannah. John Vanderplank, and others, arrived ont he ship "Volanti" with Capt. Edmund Smyther at Gravesend, the second ship sent to Georgia by the Trustees, a vessel which exported pitch and tar. He wrote the Trustees in December of 1732 that they were about to embark for Georgia."Savannah, 14 December 1734, to James Oglethorpe: Mr. Amatis arrived here the first October last and has sowed some thousand mulberry trees which comes up very well...Mr. Vanderplank hath not yet been able to get up the peoples cattle according to your last instructions, so they are by this time almost turned wild and instead thereof Mr. Causton now buys beef of the indians or Mrs. Musgrove; so that now we have little hopes of seeing them any more....Thomas Christie".
John Vanderplank was a Naval Officer, appointed his position on August 20, 1735 by the Georgia Trustees. In September of 1735 he was made Searcher in the Town of Savannah.
He was married to Mary, who did not arrive in the colony until October 21, 1734. Mary's Will dated at Savannah, mentioned the Rev. Mr. John Joachim Zubly to receive the remainder of her estate and her pretentions in the estate of John Vanderplank, her late husband. James Miller, tea cups, etc. Mentioned Daniel Demetry, John Farley. Goddaughters: Anne Whitfield, Rebecca Lee, Grace Polhill, Mrs. Wright, Mary Habersham, and Elizabeth Wright.
John Vanderplank died December 11, 1737, and was buried like a soldier - like manner in the evening; forty men under arms attending him in the grave, firing three vollies and several minuteguns from the fort which was discharged during the time of the interment.
CHARLES WATSON, Attorney, appointed Recorder of the Town of Savannah on November 21, 1741. In March of 1742 he was appointed Second Bailiff of Savannah, and later Magistrate.
The nephew of Charles Watson, George Elliot, was sent to the colony to reside with his uncle in 1742, but in June drowned while bathing. Charles Watson had a brother, Edward Watson.
In May of 1745 he was recalled to London, along with Thomas Jones, because of charges brought by Mr. Jones against him, charging him with a debt of 15 pounds sterling, for which Watson gave a promissary note. Watson claimed that Jones had been paid, but Jones said that Watson was a profane man, cursing, swearing and using his office (in a public house in Savannah) to instruct people to play dice to the detriment of several of them. Having been charged with profanity and gaming by Jones, Watson denied all the charges, asking to be returned to Georgia.
Sometime later, he left the Colony to return to his homeland in England, but being met there with disappointments, wanted to return to Georgia, and, July 10, 1746 the Trustees appointed him to succeed William Spencer in the Office of the Third Bailiff in Savannah, the council recommending to pay his passage in 1750.
In 1755, Charles Watson was in the Legislature from Savannah, but was later expelled for non-attendance. Then, in 1763, he was Master-in-Chancery, reporting of the necessary charges of governemtn for the years 1763 and 1764.
In 1769, his first wife died, and he married second, Sarah, who died in March of 1771, her Will being dated 3/5/1771 wherein she bequeathed all of her estate to Samuel Farley and William Stephens, Savannah attorneys, for the benefit of her daughter, Sarah Dudley.
When Thomas Parker died in Savannah, he left his town lots to Charles Watson, Francis Harris and Mr. Russell of Savannah.
The Will of Charles Watson, Gentleman, dated at Savannah 11/8/1770, probated 1/7/1771, left bequests to the nephews of his late wife, viz": Daniel Tebeau (infant), Charles Tebeau, Ann Tebeau, Samuel Tebeau, John Tebeau, Norris James Tebeau. Daughter-in-law: Sarah Dudley, Jr. Wife: Sarah. His plantation in Christ Church Parish, three miles from Savannah, 500 acres, to his wife, Sarah, and after her death to go to Norris James Tebeau. Samuel Farley, lawyer in Savannah and Clotworthy Robson, my Savannah Lot. Niece: Sepha Watson.
The Will of his wife, Sarah, dated 3/5/1771, probated 3/21/1771, bequeathed to Samuel Farley and William Stephens of Savannah, attorneys, all the estate for her daughter, Sarah Dudley, until age twenty-one years, or her marriage.
JOSEPH WATSON, an Indian trader at Yamacraw in 1743, petitioned the Trustees in the Queen's Court at Westminster that he had settled and improved 100 acres of land at Yamacraw Bluff, called Watson's Store, 500 acres of land adjoining Mrs. Musgrove's 500 acres, on the east of the Savannah River, and that he had also settled and improved one half of the trust lot adjoining, asking that these lands be granted to him in fee simple, which they did.
He was resident in the colony in 1735 he was tried by the Magristrate, and all of his papers were seized with a warrant and his store nailed up. He argued that the proceedings of the trial were illegal, that he was hurried through, and suffered greatly in jail.
Leading to his imprisonment was the fact that Mary Musgrove had complained bitterly against Watson, stating that while in her absence, Watson would not allow the indians to trade their skins. She returned to find that Watson was in the store and had the door bolted. That the indians broke in the door to seek revenge. When Mrs. Musgrove heard then, she begged Watson to escape, for fear the indians would murder him. When the indians broke in, and Watson was gone, they murdered Mrs Musgrove's slave, Justice. Watson was frightened, being urged to remove from the colony, but did not.
John Wesley, the popular minster at Savannah, sympathized with Watson, preaching a serman, "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar or not", directing the serman to Watson - that people should insist on their rights when oppressed by inferior Magistrates.
In a letter from Robert Parker to Robert Hucks dated June 3, 1735, Savannah, "....In the case of Capt. (Joseph) Watson is worth your consideration; we are apprehensive his accusers has urged things against him that may even affect his life if his close confinement don't do it. He will die guiltless of the accusation...."
March 22, 1737, Sarah Watson, the wife of Joseph Watson, petitioned the Trustees, complaining of Mr. Causton, one of the Chief Magistrates, who had imprisoned her husband for two years, on lunacy charges. The board considered her petition for some time, and he was eventually released.
In August of 1750, Joseph Watson petitioned the Trustees to pay his passage back to Georgia, and that was granted. He died in 1757, his lWT dated 9/28/1757, probated 6/1/1758. To his nephews, Joseph Dacker and Edward Dacker he left all his lands in Nova Scotia. To three sisters, Martha Packer, Christia Bateman and Esther Holsey, he left his lands in Lincolnshire. Mentioned lands formerly called Yamacraw, but now Watsonburg, two lots to Hugh Ross. To: Mrs. Ottlenghe, "Nancy". Georgia estate to go to William Read.
HUGH WATSON, aged 18, embarked November 20, 1735, arriving in Georgia January 10, 1736, as an indentured servant to Thomas Baillie. In July of 1739, he was murdered by a beef fork, and the murderer was not caught.
GEORGE WHITEFIELD embarked for Georgia January 6, 1738, arriving May 7th, send to be a deacon in the Church of England. . He received a land grant of 300 acres in Savannah for the support of an Orphan House. He called the orphanage, Orphan House Academy, and when he died it was bequeathed to Selina, Countess Dowager of Huntingdon, and when she died it went to James Habersham, Esquire, a Captain General and Commander in Chief in Georgia between 1771 and 1772. Whitefield owned the building he called the "Tabernacle: in London, and another one called "Tottenham Court Chapel", which he bequeathed to Daniel West in Spittlefields and Robert Keen in the Minories.
George Whitefield had two brothers, Richard and Thomas. His brother-in-law was James Smith, a hosier in Bristol. Niece was Mrs. Francis Hartford of Bath. In December of 1770 he died leaving many bequests of his property, etc. to the people of the Orphan House Academy.
William Stephens, Secretary of the Colony, wrote in his Journal...."July 2, 1738 Sunday. Mr. Whitefield gained more and more the affections of the people having his labour and assiduity in the performance of devine offices; ... without shew of austerity, or singularity of behavior in conversation, contributed not a little, and open the way for him to inculcate good precepts with greater success among his willing hearers..."
In August of 1738, Mr. Whitefield left for Frederica, and on the way rode as far as the Vernon River, taking with him Mr. Habersham, the schoolteacher, to bring back the horses, while he went on by water. But the young schoolmaster became lost in the swamps and could not get his horse to follow, so he tied him to a tree. The next day he returned to search for the horse, and ambling about, was lost. A search party went out, firing pistols, calling out, but could not find him. This went on for several days until finally, one of the inhabitants of Hampstead found him in the swamp, lying on the ground, and answering in a weak voice.
May 30, 1739 Mr. Whitefield purchased some ironwork from Pennsylvania and wrote Georgia for timber to be cut for the construction of the Orphan House, also for a church at Ebenezer.
From the Journal of the Earl of Egmont, dated February 2, 1741:
"This day Mr. George Whitefield wrote to the Trustees from onboard the Minerva' in his passage to England, that he had received our letter of June 11th and our orders to the Magistrates of Savannah relating to the Orphan House, which had it noot been erected, there would be this time scarce an inhabitant left in Savannah....that all he proposed by setting up a cotton manufacturing was to weave cloth only for their own use...I feared as many do that we are misinformed about the affairs of the poor deserted Georgia. That he had resigned the parsonage of Savannah...That he was coming over for a few months and would return again to America. That Georgia will never flourish till established by religious people."
Mr. Whitefield was well supported by the Trustees in the accomplishment of the orphanage and churches in Georgia. March 11, 1741 Mr. Whitefield landed at Falmouth, England, from Charles Town, South Carolina and received further support from England.
He was an active religious leader, traveling to and from Pennsylvania for building materials, and to London, for financial aid. His accomplishments were large upon the settlers, and by December of 1764, he was successful in acquiring an endowment to build a college.
THOMAS YOUNG, born Gloucester, Scotland in 1687, was one of the first Tythingmen in the Town of Savannah, until replaced by Mr. John Penrose in November of 1732. 100 acres were granted to him June 2, 1736 by the Trustees. He married Mary Box 1734/5, who, as a widow, desired to return to England after his death. In a letter to the Trustees dated June 22, 1735, he wrote:
"I should be very ungrateful if I did not return my great God, thanks, and your honours for sending me here to a place where no man can starve but the contry live in plenty, if he will work as I do. For I do assure your honours I work daily and that ever since I have been here...the great charge of my family increasing, for when I came here I was single. Bur since God has blessed me with a wife and three children...that I have a lot for to improve and another for my grandson, Thomas Eggerton, whom his buty a youth, besides my home to take care of...."
ISAAC YOUNG arrived in Georgia August 21, 1736 and began working himself out of debt in the bricklayer's business. He was employed by William Stephens, to get horses to be used by General Oglethorpe's Rangers in fighting the Spanish and indians. He went to Carolina on March 28, 1741 to purchase a number of horses for this purpose and returned in May. He then went back to Purysburg, South Carolina, to get some of the horses he had left there. Owned 150 acres, on Pipemaker's Creek, between Savannah and the indian lands.
In 1739 he petitioned the Trustees to grant him 100 acres, having done this many times in the past. He married first to the daughter of Thomas Mouce, who died in July of 1740. Then married Martha, who died July 14, 1763. He lived at Savannah until his death in 1766. LWT dated 10/11/1766. Third wife was Mary.
By his first wife, Sarah Mouce, he had children: Nathaniel, John, Elizabeth, Isaac and Thomas. William young was the son of the second marriage, to Martha.
Children:
I. Honorable William Young, born 1743, the son of Martha and Isaac Young, married Sophia, died Jan. 18, 1776 Savannah. In April and June of 1771 he was elected Speaker in the General Assembly of Georgia and was granted 150 acres adjoining lands of David Lewis on Beaverdam Creek. At the time of the petition he had a wife and six children. Children:A. Dr. James Box Young, Savannah physician, married Miss Betsy Clay, daughter of Hon. James Clay in 1791. He died August 22, 1800 in New Jersey. Child: Ann Clay Young, died September 12, 1797.
B. Mary Young.
C. Christiana Young married Mr. Dillon.
II. Isaac Young, son of Sarah and Isaac, married Mrs. Odinsells, widow of Benjamin Odinsells in 1787 (she died at Little Ogeechee October 21, 1799). He died in 1799, his LWT dated 10/11/1766, naming sons, Isaac and Thomas. Daughter; Mary, and wife Martha. Children to receive 300 pds when age 21 or married.
III. Thomas Young, son of Sarah and Isaac, born 1721 in Scotland, the son of Sarah and Isaac Young, his mother having died soon after she arrived in the colony). He was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Bosomworth (born South Carolina, died age of 86, in Georgia, June 19, 1814), the widow of Adam Bosomworth on October 20, 1765 and had six children.
IV. Mary Young married Mr. James Whitefield, Gentleman, at Savannah and they had a son, James Whitefield. Mary died November 1, 1767. Then James Whitefield married Mrs. Elizabeth Love, the widow of James Love on September 10, 1768 (she died June 8, 1796). James Whitefield was a Clerk of the U. S. District Court and Register of Probate in Chatham Co., he died November 5, 1795.
V. Elizabeth Young, daughter of Sarah and Isaac Young, born in Georgia, dead in 1740.
VI. John Young, son of Sarah and Isaac Young.
VII. Nathaniel Young, son of Sarah and Isaac Young.
BARTHOLOMEW ZOUBERBUHLER of St. Gall in Switzerland first petitioned the trustees in October of 1745 to be sent to Purysburg, South Carolina. After his father died at Purysburg, Bartholomew requested a land grant in Georgia of 500 acres, and received it. He was ppointed Missionary at Savannah in the place of Thomas Bosomworth who had quitted the colony. He became Rector of Christ Church at Savannah. His mother was Catherine Barbara Listenburger and his uncle, Joannes Zouberbuhler of Faiss and Canton in Switzerland. His nephew was Jacob Waldburger of Purysburg, South Carolina.
Colonial Deed Book J, page 261-263:
William Gerald de Brahm and Wilhelmina, his wife, of Ebenezer, give a six months lease to Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, clerk, Savannah, 437 acres in Savannah, North by Joseph Gibbons, East on Sigismund Biltz, and Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, South on Benjamin Farley, West of John Rodolph Pury and Mathew Mauve.
The House of Commons attended his divine services in February of 1757 because of the anniversary of the martydom of King Charles I. The Trustees paid for a commodious pew in the north isle of his church for the accommodation of stranges in November of 1761, at the public expense. He died in Savannah December 11, 1766, his LWT dtd 11/25/1766, probated 12/19/1766.