Background

Zubly was born on August 27, 1724 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the son of David Zublin.

Education

Zubly received his schooling at the Gymnasium in St. Gallen. On August 19, 1744, he was ordained at the German Church in London. In September 1770 the College of New Jersey gave him the honorary degree of A. M. and four years later, that of D. D.

Career

In 1744 Zubly went to Purrysburg, South Carolina, following his father, David, who had emigrated to America in 1736. In answer to a call from the Independent Presbyterian Church at Savannah he removed to Georgia, entering upon his duties in 1760. Several of his sermons were published. He participated in many phases of Georgia's religious and civil life. Occasionally he preached to congregations other than his own, to the German Lutherans especially. Zubly became the chief spokesman and defender of the dissenting groups against "Episcopal oppression, " particularly respecting oaths, burials, fees for tolling the bell, and marriage licenses. He gradually accumulated a large amount of property in land and slaves, and he held minor civil offices from time to time, such as clerk of Christ Church parish. In July 1775, when the provincial congress of Georgia met in Savannah, Zubly was chosen a delegate from that town. As a member of the congress he served on the committees which prepared an address to Gov. James Wright, a petition to the King, a letter to the Continental Congress, and a message to the inhabitants of the province. He was one of those chosen by this congress to represent Georgia in the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. Zubly at first cooperated heartily with the Congress. He participated in the debates on fortifying the Hudson River and on the state of trade, and served as a member of the standing committee on accounts or claims. Opposed to a complete break with Great Britain because he dreaded the establishment of a republic, which to him was little better than government of devils, he was unwilling to support the demand of the radical members for independence. When in October 1775 Samuel Chase publicly accused him of disloyalty to the cause of America, he suddenly departed for Georgia, leaving for his fellow delegates a message that he was "greatly indisposed. " Soon after his return to Savannah the council of safety of Georgia took him into custody. Late in 1777 Zubly was banished from the province and half of his estate was confiscated. He lived in South Carolina for two years, but when the royal government was restored in Georgia in 1779, he returned and again took up his pastoral work. He lived in Savannah until his death, after a long and painful illness, two years later. Zubly wrote and preached where Loyalist sentiment was strong, where opportunities for familiarity or even acquaintance with the arguments and activities of the foremost colonial leaders were comparatively few. His conception of the fundamental differences between Great Britain and America was clear, even if his observations on them were not profound or original. He published a number of pamphlets and articles, The Stamp-Act Repealed (1766); "An Apology for a Law Suit" (1767-1768); An Humble Inquiry (1769), reprinted under the title, Great Britain's Right to Tax Her Colonies (1774); Calm and Respectful Thoughts on the Negative of the Crown (1772); a sermon, The Law of Liberty (1775), in which he described the British constitution and proposed methods of opposition to oppressive acts which might lead to war; and an appeal to Lord Dartmouth on behalf of the colonies published in the London Magazine, January 1776. He also discussed the relations of Parliament and the colonial assemblies, the nature of government, law, and liberty. He thus acquainted the inhabitants of the most southern and isolated colony with many of the ideas which were current in the more populous regions further north.

Achievements

• Although a delegate for Georgia to the Continental Congress in 1775, Zubly resisted independence from Great Britain and became a Loyalist.

Works

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  • The real Christians hope in death, or, An account of the edifying behaviour of several persons of piety in their last moments: with a preface recommendatory by the Rev. Mr. Clarke.

    (Title: The real Christians hope in death, or, An account ...)

  • The law of liberty. A sermon on American affairs, preached at the opening of the provincial congress of Georgia. ... With an appendix, giving a ... recover their liberty. By John J. Zubly, D.D.

    (The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration a...)

  • The law of liberty A sermon on American affairs, preached at the opening of the Provincial Congress of Georgia Addressed to the Right Honourable the Earl of Dartmouth

    (The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration a...)

  • The nature of that faith without which it is impossible to please God, considered in a sermon, on Hebrews XI. 6. Without faith it is impossible to please him.

    ( The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration...)

  • Great Britain's right to tax her colonies: placed in the clearest light.

    (Title: Great Britain's right to tax her colonies : placed...)

Personality

Able and energetic, a learned man, and a person of a warm and zealous spirit, Zubly spoke English, Dutch, French, Latin, and German.

Connections

Two years after his arrival to the United States, Zubly married Ann Tobler, November 12, 1746. Of this union two daughters survived the father.

Father:

David Zublin

Spouse:

Anna Tobler

References

• A Warm and Zealous Spirit: John J. Zubly and the American Revolution, A Selection of His Writings
• American Revolution in Georgia, 1763-1789
• The journal of the Reverend John Joachim Zubly, A.M., D.D., March 5, 1770 through June 22, 1781 (Collections / Georgia Historical Society)