"poor and deserving" - see here: http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/ga_intro.htm
The state of Georgia was originally founded as a place that English debtors could go. It was also a refuge for those fleeing religious prosecution from Europe.
English Debtors
James Oglethorpe - Georgia
Georgia
Yes, Georgia was originally founded as a home for criminals who had been released from prison.
When the original proprietor returned the land that would become Georgia to England, it became available to others. A philanthropist named James Oglethorpe received the grant and established Georgia as a refuge for former convicts and debtors.
King James I sent the debtors to Georgia because the jails in England were running out of space.
It was a Refuge for those who were poor, or in debt. Sometimes under a contract those in England that were in jail because they couldn't pay their taxes or debt were shipped off to Georgia, for a chance to work off or pay their debt.
Georgia's colonists came from England. In 1732, James Oglethorpe established this colony as a refuge for English debtors. The colony was named for King George II.
Because it was established as a Colony to provide a refuge for European Quakers.
Georgia was Founded by James Oglethorpe as a refuge for debtors.
Georgia
Georgia