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

James Edward Oglethorpe (1696-1785), founder of Georgia, born in London, England.

From the description of Letter to Sir John Philipps, 1734 Jan. 16. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 38478068

Epithet: Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Carolina and Georgia

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000357.0x00018c

Epithet: Brigadier-General

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000357.0x000181

In the early 18th century, the Moravians, in Germany, experiencing a revival of their faith, encountered misunderstanding and religious persecution. Their leader, Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, inquired of the Trustees of Georgia whether a party of Moravians might settle in Georgia. After receiving a positive response from the Trustees, the first small contingent of Moravians arrived in Savannah in 1735. Initially, the Protestant group was led by August Gottlieb Spangenberg and David Nitschmann and Johann Hagenin Savannah. The group concentration on converting Native Americans and slaves in the region. By 1745, most of the group left Georgia for Europe and Pennsylvania. Groups of Moravians returned to Georgia intermittently in 1745, 1765, 1774, and 1800.

From the description of James Edward Oglethorpe and Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf letters, 1734-1735. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 180190203

Epithet: General MP

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000351.0x000244

Colonist of Georgia.

From the description of Autograph receipt signed : London?, 1728 Apr. 20. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270611646

Epithet: Lieutenant-General

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000357.0x000183

Epithet: General

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000357.0x000182

British soldier, politician, and founder of the colony of Georgia. In June of 1740 Oglethorpe led a force of Georgians and Carolinians on an unsuccessful expedition against the Spanish at Saint Augustine, Florida.

From the description of Letter : to Colonel Vanderdussen, 1740 July 13. (The South Carolina Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 36793865