Oglethorpe, James Edward, 1696-1785

James Edward Oglethorpe (1696-1785) was an English statesman and soldier who served as a member of Parliament for thirty-two years. His interest in penal reform coupled with his humanitarian bent and support for imperial expansion led him to conceive of and establish the American colony of Georgia, where newly freed and unemployed debtors from England were to be sent. In addition to his political and philanthropic interests, Oglethorpe was active in the military, attaining the rank of General and, late in life, passed into the literary circle of Samuel Johnson (1709-1784). He died in England.

From the description of Estate papers, 1770-1789. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 207161937

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