Biographical Sketches of the First Voyagers of “The Ann”
114 persons onboard "The Ann" left Gravesend, England on 17 November 1732 and arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in January of 1733.
The unfortunate poor of London settled and built Savannah. Was the experiment successful? Could the unfortunate poor prove industrious by establishing a colony? The Trustees maintained they would fare better in the Georgia colony, having an opportunity to better themselves. However, throughout colonial correspondence their history is dim, and instead of being enterprising, were described as idlers, even runaways. So, let’s trace what happened to some of them ~
Amatis, Paul silk maker, was brought over from the Piedmont area of Italy. Not long after attempting to grow the silk worm, removed to Charles Towne, South Carolina where he died in December of 1736.
Bowling, Timothy, potash maker, born 1694, died 5 November 1733.
Calvert, William, Trader of Goods, born 1688, wife, Mary,born 1690. Bringing with him William Greenfield, born 1713. Charles, his nephew, born 1716, Sarah Greenfield, niece, born 1716 and Elizabeth Wallis, his servant.
Cannon, Richard, calendar and carpenter, born 1696, and Mary, his wife, born 1699, received Lot No. 5 in Savannah. Brought with them sons, Marmaduke, born 1723, James (died on the voyage, 8 months old), daughter, Clementine, born 1720, and servant, Mary Hicks. Richard married (2nd) 24 October 1734, the widow of Daniel Preston. He died 27 May 1735. However,his son, Marmaduke survived, passing title of his father’s town lot as follows ~ On July 15, 1752, Marmaduke Cannon, the only surviving son and heir of Richard Cannon, heretofore of Savannah, callico printer, deceased, carpenter of Edistoe, South Carolina, 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.
Carwell, James, Peruke maker, born 1697 and Margaret, his wife (born 1700-died 7 September 1733). Granted Lot No. 4 in Savannah. Carwell was keeper of the workhouse as early as 1737, but his reputation drew complaints. In July of 1739 he was appointed Provost Marshal and Jailer at Savannah.
Causton, Thomas, callicoe printer, born 1692, granted Lot No. 24 in Savannah. He took an active part in public affairs in Savannah, being appointed 3rd Bailiff, then 2nd Bailiff in 1735. He operated the public store in Savannah, for which trust he was very unpopular. By 1739, after numerous complaints for mishandling, he was discharged by the Trustees. Causton embarked from England 6 November 1732, arriving 1 February 1733, and was granted Lot 24 at Savannah. His wife, Martha did not arrive until September of 1733, bringing with her the couple’s infant son. Martha died on 10 October 1740. When he first arrived in the colony, he was appointed Third Bailiff (1734), then made Publick Store Keeper 30 September 1733. Controversial, he lost both offices in 1739, accusing of abusing the Trust. People complained that he owned more land than anyone else. His plantation at Ocstead was probably the finish in the country, where he entertained the minister, John Wesley, and others. He had a son, Thomas Causton who was granted Lot No. 161 in Savannah in 1736. In 1740, he was a resident of Ocstead with his father, the late 1st Bailiff.Died 1 October 1740.
Christie, Thomas, Merchant, born 12 August 1700, son of Thomas Christie. (Chr. All Saints Church, New Castle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, England) and Robert Johnson, his servant. Christie was a controversial figure in the colony, was the recorder of Savannah, then 1st Bailiff in 1739. But the Trustees removed him from office the following year until he gave an accounting of his activities at the public store. He lived in open adultery with Mr. Turner’s wife. In June of 1740 he went to England, but that didn’t work out, so returned to Georgia where he was granted Lot 19 in Savannah. 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 Thomas Christie, a Merchant, embarked 6 November 1732 for the Georgia Colony, arriving 1 February 1733. For himself, Thomas Christie was granted Lot No. 19 at Savannah Town. He as made Recorder at Savannah, also Conservator of the Peace. 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 later returned. He died in April of 1751, just after boarding a ship on a voyage to London. Last Will and Testament dated 16 August 1751, probated 27 April 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.
Clark, Robert, born 1695, and Judith his wife, born 1703, and sons, Charles, born 1721 John, born 1728, Peter, born 1729, and James, born 1731. Received Lot 22 in Savannah. Died 18 April 1734. After his death Judith married Thomas Cross 29 June 1734 and quit the colony.
Close, Henry, clothworker, born 1690 and wife, Hannah, born 1700, and Ann, his daughter, born 1730. Received Lot No. 40 in Savannah. Died 14 December 1733. Hannah married again, James Smith of Carolina on 8 February 1734. 2 April 1734 her daughter, Ann, died, and she resided on the Savannah lot until about May of 1740 when it was sold to Capt. Thomson, then quit the colony to settle on an estate in Scotland.
Coles, Joseph, Miller and Baker, born 1704 London, and wife Anna, born 1700, and daughter, Anna, born 1719; also Elias Ann Wellen, servant. Coles received Lot 27 in Savannah, and died 3 March 1734/5. See William Harris.
Cooper, Joseph, Writer, born 1695. Received Lot No. 20 in Savannah. Died 29 March 1735.
Cox, William, Surgeon, born 1691, and Frances his wife, born 1697, and William, son, born 1720; Eunice, born 1600, daughter. Henry Lloyd, his servant. Received Lot No. 6 in Savannah. Died 6 April 1733, and the following year the children returned to England. Widow, Frances married Lieut. James Watts on 1 June 1734. Henry Lloyd Cox married Phoebe. He served out his indentured time, having a license to operate a public house in 1736. He returned to England with Capt. Thompson, arriving 2 May 1740.
Fitzwalter, Joseph, was born 1701 in Germany, embarked for the Colony of Georgia November 6, 1732, arriving 1 February 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. 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 Milledge, daughter of John, Town Lot in Savannah, Wilmington Tything, Darby Ward, No. 7; farm lot. To John Milledge, Jr., a town lot in Savannah, Frederic Tything, Darby Ward, No. 10; farm lot. He bequeathed 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.
Fox, Walter was made tything man 23 November 1736, received Lot No. 2 in Savannah, bt only felled one acre of land during his entire tenure.
Gready, John , born 1710, farmer, received Lot No. 3 in Savannah. Was apparently lazy as he was frequently found in Carolina and was tried and convicted for breach of Covenant with George Smith on 9 July 1737.
Goddard, James and Elizabeth, carpenter and joyner, born 1694, came with his wife, Elizabeth (born 1690) and son, John, and daughter, Elizabeth. Received Lot No. 1 in Savannah. Died 1 July 1733.
Gordon, Peter and Katherine, his wife. Upholster. Gordon born 1698 and wife, born 1704. In 1732 was appointed 1st Bailiff of Savannah.
Grey, Samuel , born 1702, silk throwster, brought with his apprentices: Cherwin Furzer, aged 16 and Cornelius Jones, aged 15. He was expelled from Georgia 17 June 1733.
Hodges, Richard was born 1787, basketmaker. His wife, Mary, was born 1690. Children: Mary born 1724; Elizabeth born 1826; and Sarah born 1727.
Hughes, Joseph and Elizabeth, his wife. Thomas Christie, Joseph Hughes and William Calvert were granted 5000 acres in trust to colonize settlers. He resided in Savannah where he was made Recorder and Conservator of the Peace. In 1738 David Provost as appointed successor to Joseph Hughes as overseer of the trust servants.
Jones, Noble, carpenter, born 1700. Sarah his wife, was born 1700, and their son, Noble, was born February 1732. Mary, his daughter, born 1729. and his servants, Thomas Ellis and Mary Cormock. He was employed to survey the peoples lots, but removed for negligence. He had Lot No. 21 in 1733 in Savannah. Had a plantation about 10 miles from Savannah, and became a useful citizen.
Littell, William, born 1701, hemp and flax, and wife, Elizabeth, born 1701; son, William, born 1730, and daughter, Mary, born 1727. Received Lot No. 37 in Savannah. He died 12 July 1733.
Milledge, Thomas, carpenter and joyner, born 1690, and Elizabeth his wife, born 1692; sons, John, born 1721; Richard, born 1724; and James, born 1731; and daughters, Sarah, born 1723; and Frances, born 1727.
Mugridge, Francis, sawyer, born 1693. Owned Lot No. 21 in Savannah. Died 1 July 1735.
Muir, James, peruke maker, born 1694, and Ellen, his wife, born 1695. John, his son, born 1731. Elizabeth Satchfield, servant. Had Lot No. 21 in Savannah. Remarried Mary Woodman on 29 December 134. As he had not cultivated his land, he ran away to Carolina and died there September 1739.
Overend, Joshua, born 1692, a mercer, received Lot No. 11 in Savannah. He died 23 June 1733.
Parker, Samuel, heelmaker, born 1699. Wife, Jane, born 1696. Son, Samuel, born 1716, and Thomas, born 1723. Samuel 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 1 July 1732/1733. His widow took possession of Lot No. 28 in Savannah and married again, to Samuel Mercer on 6 May 1734. She died 9 August 1742.
Penrose, John, born 1697, husbandman. Wife, Elizabeth, born 1686, was found guilty of keeping a baudy house on 26 May 1736, and she went to Carolina for fear of the Spaniards in September of 1740.
Pratt, Thomas, born 1711, had Lot No. 21 in Savannah in December of 1733. Returned to England without leae on 23 April 1735, so forfeited his lot to Mrs. Bovey.
Sammes, John, born 1690, cordwainer, had possession of his Lot on. 21 December 1733, received Lot 9 in Savannah. Died 21 August 1733.
Scott, Francis, born 1692, a reduced Military Officer, brought with him his servant, John (Richard) Cammeron. 1732 Francis Scott was Conservator of the Peace at Savannah. Died 2 January 1734.
Stanly, Joseph, born 1685, stockingmaker and can draw and reel silk, and wife, Elizabeth, born 1697, and brought John Macky, servant. Possessed of his Lot on 21 December 1733, and had felled, fenced and cleared 4 acres. Left the colony 29 July 1740.
Symes, George, born 1677, apothecary, and Sarah, born 1680, his wife. Daughter, Ann, born 1711. 1732 Conservator of the Peace at Savannah. Possessed of his Lot, 21 December 1733. Remarried Elizabeth Gray 10 March 1734-5. Received Lot No. 7 in Savannah.
Thibaut, Daniel, born 1682, understands vines, and Mary, born 1692, his wife, James son, born 1720 and Diana, daughter, born 1724. Received Lot No. 30 in Savannah. He died 24 October 1733.
Warrin, John , born 1698, died 11 August 1733, flax and hemp dresser, and wife, Elizabeth, born 1705, sons, William, born 1726, Richard, born 1728, John, born 1730, died 12 June 1733 and daughter, Elizabeth, born 1729. Received Lot No. 10 in Savannah. After her husband’s death, Elizabeth went to England and married Jonathan Hood, then returned to Georgia.
Waterland, William , born 1688, late a Mercer. 1732 Conservator of the Peace at Savannah. He was 2nd Bailiff of Savannah, but was dismissed for misbehaviour on 2 August 1733; afterwards going to Carolina. He was a brother to Dr. Waterland, the King’s chaplain, who, for his drunkenness would take no notice of him. Received Lot No. 34 in Savannah. Left Georgia on 4 February 1734.
Smith, John West, born 1699, and wife, Elizabeth, born 1669. Son, Richard, born 1727. He was appointed 3rd Bailiff 13 October 1733, which he resigned years later. Had a grant of 500 acres on 7 October 1735, and in 1737 was permitted to alienate this lot. He married Elizabeth Little, a second wife, on 28 August 1733. His third wife was Elizabeth Hughes whom he married on 24 April 1734. He was going to quit the colony for reason of ill health in June of 1739, but died of consumption before leaving. His wife remarried Will. Kelleway.
Wilson, James, born 1711, sawyer. Convicted for extortion in selling flesh meat 14 July 1734. Received Lot 32 in Savannah, left Georgia, but returned in 1740.
Wright, John, born 1701, Vinter, and Penelope, his wife, born 1701. John, son, born 1729, Elizabeth, daughter, born 1721. Received Lot No. 30 in Savannah. Died December 1737.
Young, Thomas, wheelright, born 1687. Received Lot No. 26 in Savannah in 1733, and married the Widow Box of Abercorn in July of 1734. In 1746, Thomas Young, who had been previously appointed as a goal keeper, was charged with various crimes and misdemeaners in the execution of his office by suffering sundry prisoners to escape out of his custody, he was dismissed from office. James Baillou, freeholder of Savannah, was appointed goal keeper in his stead.
Vanderplank, Thomas, born 1784, made Naval Officer 7 October 1735; received Lot 25 in Savannah. Died 1737.
Ref: Colonial Records of Georgia; A List of Early Settlers of Georgia by Coulter; personal research by Jeannette Holland Austin