James Edward Oglethorpe (1696-1785) was a soldier, philanthropist, member of Parliament, founder of the colony of Georgia, and a General in the British Army. Oglethorpe was born in London and received his degree from Cambridge University. He married Elizabeth Wright in 1744. He served as a member of Parliament from 1722-1754. Oglethorpe led a group of colonists to Georgia and settled Savannah on February 1, 1733. Oglethorpe is directly responsible for the distinctive urban development of Savannah as well as the initial treaties with the local Native Americans, the Lower Creeks. He colonized Frederica and Augusta in 1736. In 1742, he led the defense of St. Simons Island against the Spanish. He returned to England in 1743, but was recognized as Georgia's first governor until 1752.
From the description of James Edward Oglethorpe autograph and print, 1727, undated. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 537613067
