According to N.O.C. Vol 2 page 174; There is no proof that Dr Wm. Offutt was a son of John Offutt & Esther, but it seems probable that out of his 7 children John would have named one of his sons for his father. Also speculates that he may be named Wm. Johnson(Johnston) Offutt for his mother Esther Johnston.
According to Vivian Mettee, William was the son of Archibald Offutt. She states that William was of the American Revolutionary Period, and practiced medicine until he gave up his practice and became affiliated with the Harris Tobacco Warehouse in 1797.
She has as references:
"Augusta Chronicle & Gazette dated 18 Mar 1797".
Also it is listed that Dr. William Johnston Offutt, of Columbia Cty., GA, received a passport through the Creek Nation, 23 Feb 1806, 16 Feb. 1807 and 18 Feb 1808. The 1807 passport was issued on the application of John Irvin, Esqr. Just ahead of that last passport was a passport issued to Richard Harris through the Creek.
He may have also been a witness to the will of Samuel Harris who died 28 Dec 1799.
A Johnston Offutt was listed as the appraiser of Alexander Gibson's estate, 24 Dec 1799.
Vivian Mettee lists several deeds that may have belonged to the above:
Deed, 15 Jan 1800, Columbia Cty., GA
William J. Offutt was granted 960 acres adjacent John Watson's land and on the other sides by White Robertson.
Deed , 30 Apr 1800
William J. Offutt of Richmond Cty., GA to Thomas Carr, of Columbia Cty., GA, 960 acres in Columbia Cty., GA.
Deed, 5 Aug 1807 (Book N)
William J. Offutt of Washington Cty., GA to John Carter of Richmond Cty., GA for $600.00, lots being in the city of Harrisburg, Richmond Cty., GA near the Savannah River.
Wit: David Allison, Ezekiel Harris of the county of Wilkes, GA.
Deed, 17 Jul 1794, Richmond Cty., GA
Lettice Offutt was granted 550 acres adjacent the Wilkes Cty. line and James Jackson's land.
This Letitia or Lettice was probably Letitia Harris who in 1752 married Dr. William J. Offutt in Savannah, GA.
Further Documentation:
1799; Columbia County Warrant Dated April 1, 1799 and surveyed April 5, 1799, by William Walton DS, certified by John MacIntosh. Adr. June 5, 1799 by Thomey Carr and Parks Bacon, for William J. Offutt. 960 acres of Pine Land no. 843.
1-1-1800; William J. Offutt granted 960 acres in Columbia County. Signed by Thomas Johnson S.E.D. Registered Jan. 15, 1800.
June 12, 1786; Letice (Probably should be Letitia) Offutt issued in Richmond County, now Columbia County warrant dated 12 June 1786, Surveyed July 28, 1788 by An'd Craward, D Scerd by John Walton, C.S. 550 acred of O & H Land - Wal Williams Creek.
July 17, 1794; Lettice Offutt Granted 550 acres in land lying in the County of Richmond, now Columbia County, Georgia, her heirs and assigns forever, Registered July 19, 1794 J. Meriwether, S.E.D.