General Notes

REFN: 23717
[lillief.ged]
Owned a plantation situated on Mitchell Swamp, 3300 acres which was
granted in 1739 by King George II of England to Thomas Waring, and
purchased by John Graham in 1766; and 500 acres granted in 1767 by King
George III of England to John Graham.
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September 29, 2002
-------------------------Thee Journey and
Beyond-------------------------------
Scotland--- Northern Ireland ---Savannah, Grorgia---South Carolina
In loving memory of my #1 Papa, Homer Hamilton Harrelson, Sr.He had a
twinkle in his hazel-blue eyes. He loved abit of a joke now and then. Now
more than then. Papa was a very strict parent but never afraid to show
his awesome love. His hobbies were boating, fishing, hunting, and
carving. He loved travel and enjoyed adventures. Homer's secret recipe
for wine making was always in demand and often sampled. Homer was a
landmark around Loris and one of the greatest chefs in all these parts!
There is a road named in his honor, Papa's Bay.It is located on hwy. (9)
Bus. West about (2) miles out of Loris, SC.
Early 1700's bring new changes for many families. Crossing the ocean on a
big old ship, "Georgia Pink" to the New World was more than exciting.
Many would not survive the long journey and the hardships along the way.
Eager to meet the challenges of this New World John Graham takes a long
deep breath. He takes off his old hat and waved it in a salute- to his
bonnie Old Scotland.What a Grande adventure with Oglethrope to Savannah
Georgia.Well this is the way it all began. Reality from hardships and
shortages of food supplies and medicines soon set in. Many had to be
buried at sea. This took a toll on folks. The New World seemed far off
but they tried to keep their spirits alive.
Once landing in Savannah Georgia John kneeled down and scooped up a
handful of dirt. It sure was reassuring to have foot on dry land again.
Many bonds had been formed which would never be forgotten or broken. Oh
sweet Savannah, Georgia and new home were just the beginning for many
families. John and Mary were among these courageous folks, awe.
Once in an early Savannah court our John Graham was sited for not
removing his hat. It was noted that John Graham was a clever sort of
gentleman with a twinkle in his hazel-blue eyes. I think he was a
gentleman but one of great spirits. It seems to run in the genes still
even today. John lived life with flavor.
Oglethrope had laid off squares for the settlers in the new wilderness.
John Graham was granted lot #98 .He built a house on the small track of
land and grew their food supplies. Seeds for food supplies were brought
along from their bonnie old Scotland.Today parts of Savannah are still
laid off in squares and has much of old world history remaining. I worked
professional craft shows here on River Street where the ships still come
in today. It is an awesome site walking down Factors Walk. Lingering
shadows left behind revealed parts of yesterday and long ago. John and
Mary Graham were apart of these happenings.
Onward into South Carolina and finding his roots John and Mary forged
ahead. Here the bonnie Old Graham Plantation was born. John was granted
lands from King George II and later from King George III. A Kings Seal
was given to John. It has been entrusted down to each future generation.
Today it remains in the safe hands of our Graham clan historian and
godfather, Cousin Tugg Graham. It is kept in an undisclosed location in a
fire proof safe. Tugg and his sister Lenora live together today in
Nichols, SC. The rare and priceless King George II Seal can only be
viewed with special permission from cousin Tugg himself. John bought vast
amounts of land beside. John and Mary's family began to grow. There were
(5) boys, William, Mercer, Gilbert, and Joseph, and. John Graham. They
were self-sufficient and most determined to make their mark.
This bonnie ole Graham was known as mighty man with great courage and
strength