James Habersham

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. 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.

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.

Early years

Habersham was born in Beverley, Yorkshire, the son of a freeman and burgess, on 26 January 1712. He was baptised in the Anglican church of St Mary's. In 1722, he moved to London, where he worked as a merchant apprentice. In the 1730s, Habersham began following the teachings of George Whitefield and converted to Methodism. At Whitefield's behest, Habersham traveled to the Province of Georgia as a missionary and schoolteacher in 1738.