James Habersham

For his son, the American merchant, slave trader, planter and politician, see James Habersham Jr.
James Habersham
Born(1712-01-26)26 January 1712
Beverley, Yorkshire
Died28 August 1775(1775-08-28) (aged 63)
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Occupation(s)Merchant, planter, missionary, teacher politician

James Habersham (26 January 1712 – 28 August 1775) was an English-born American merchant, planter, missionary, teacher and politician who lived the majority of his life in the Province of Georgia.[1] Habersham is credited with opening the first direct trade between Savannah, Georgia, and London. He was an influential advocate for slavery in the Thirteen Colonies and served as Secretary of Georgia and as President of the Georgia General Assembly's Upper House. In opposition to his adult sons, Habersham remained loyal to the Crown during the American Revolution.[2]

All three of Habersham's sons became actively involved in the Patriot cause. Joseph Habersham became a zealous revolutionary in 1774. After July 1776, both he and brother John enlisted in the Georgia Line of the Continental Army, while James Jr. contributed to the revolution through political and financial service. The senior Habersham's death in 1775 prevented the painful family division from extending into the war years.[3]

  1. ^ Grey-White, Deborah (2013). Freedom on My Mind. Boston, MA.: Mary V. Dougherty. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-312-64883-1.
  2. ^ Lambert, Frank (February 14, 2005). James Habersham: loyalty, politics, and commerce in colonial Georgia. Wormsloe Foundation Publication. ISBN 978-0-8203-2539-2.
  3. ^ "Habersham Family". New Georgia Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 2012-04-17. Retrieved 2016-10-05.