James Habersham (26 January 1712 – 28 August 1775) was a pioneering merchant and statesman in the British North American colony of Georgia. Habersham is credited with opening the first direct trade between Savannah, Georgia, and London, England. He was an influential advocate for slavery in the colonies and served as King Secretary of the Province and as President of the King's Council. In opposition to his adult sons, Habersham remained a Loyalist during the American Revolution. All three of Habersham's sons became actively involved in the Revolutionary movement. Joseph Habersham became a zealous revolutionary in 1774. After July 1776, both he and brother John took up arms against the British and their loyalist allies, while James Jr. contributed to the revolution through political and fi