John Postell Williamson

John Postell Williamson (September 28, 1778 – January 3, 1843) was one of the wealthiest real-estate owners and planters in Savannah, Georgia, in the first half of the 19th century. He was elected mayor of Savannah in 1808 and served a one-year term.

Life and career Williamson was born on September 28, 1778, in Pocotaligo, South Carolina, to John Garnier Williamson and Jane Parmenter. He was one of their five children. She died in 1819, at the age of 35, during the birth of their eighth child.

Williamson inherited the Brampton Plantation on which he was born, and he also owned plantations named Retreat, Clifton and Placentia. purchased the plantation at public auction in 1848, but he was financially ruined when General Sherman's troops trampled and burned his fields and torched his home. The balcony was saved, and was later used at the Savannah home of Cornelia Groves. John P. Jr. never re-planted at Brampton, instead selling it to his cousin, Dr. James Bond Read, in 1867 for $11,000 (~$ in ). The only part of the plantation that was reserved was the Williamson cemetery in its northeastern corner. The John Williamson Range, between West Bay Street and West River Street, is believed to be named for either John P. Sr. or John P. Jr.