This early Georgia governor was a Salzburger who arrived as indentured servant in 1746. Johann Martin Boltzius, religious leader of the Salzburgers, brought Treutlen to Ebeneezer for an education that same year. His success at trade led him into a real estate career and life as a planter. His political career spanned lower jobs such as justice of the peace to member of the Provincial Congress representing the parish of St. George.

During the factitious Second Florida Expedition, Truetlen was elected as an interim governor under the state constitution. He worked to keep the government moving ahead, especially after the death of Lachlan McIntosh at the hands of Button Gwinnett. He retired from politics in January, 1778, following the election of his successor, John Houstoun.

He fled Georgia after the British burned his home and was murdered in South Carolina.