The Hazzard Family Vault

The Hazzard family of St. Simons Island were prominent landowners, writers, and civic leaders connected to Christ Church Frederica and early Glynn County history.

The Hazzard Vault—once a prominent landmark in the cemetery but now largely a shell—was built in 1813 for members of the Hazzard family, though it is believed to be empty today.

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In 1818, brothers William Wigg Hazzard (1788–1861) and Thomas Fuller Hazzard (1796–1859) arrived from South Carolina and purchased land on the north end of St. Simons Island known as West Point. The family operated the West Point Plantation, and in telling their story we also acknowledge and honor the men and women who were enslaved there and forced to labor against their will.

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In 1827 the Hazzards expanded their holdings by purchasing the adjoining Pikes Bluff property from the estate of Edmund Matthews, the longest-serving rector of Christ Church Frederica’s 1808 church.

Both brothers were active members of Christ Church: Colonel William served several terms as Warden, while Dr. Thomas served on the Vestry. Each also represented Glynn County in the state legislature. Known as enthusiastic sportsmen, they enjoyed boat racing and hunting with deer hounds.

Both were also respected writers—Colonel Hazzard authored early accounts of Glynn County, while Dr. Hazzard published articles on agriculture, influenza treatment, and the cultivation of flowers “as conducive to health, pleasure, and rational amusement.” Their writings provide valuable insight into plantation life of the period, including crops grown and the enslaved labor that sustained them.

Part of the Hazzard property bordered the Wylly family’s “Village” lands, and in December 1838 a bitter boundary dispute led to Dr. Hazzard shooting John Armstrong Wylly. Though acquitted, the scandal led the Hazzards to withdraw from the Christ Church congregation; both brothers are buried elsewhere.

After Dr. Hazzard’s death in 1859, his property and the guardianship of his only child, Mary, passed to his brother William until his death in 1861. The family later returned to South Carolina, and in 1882 their heirs sold the property to James C. Chapman, architect of the present 1885 Christ Church building.