Adam Hitch

BACKGROUND: Ancestry of Adam Hitch. There is little known about this but what we do know is that the Hitch family was involved with The Virginia Company of London in its early days of the settlement of America. The Virginia Company founded the first permanent settlement in America, Jamestown, in 1607. From an initial population of about 100, many of which died in the first two years, the Virginia Company sent thousands of people to Jamestown annually through the middle 1600s. By 1625, the total population in and around Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia was still less than 5,000 people.

The Hitch surname shows up in the annals of early Virginia quite often. A John Hitch of London received a share of land from the Virginia Company from Francis Carter on July 17, 1622. The reference, as transcribed in the records of the Virginia Company states, "ffrancis Carter passed ouer one share of land vnto Iohn Hitch Cittizen of London beinge the last share of the later 40 assigned vnto him from the Right Hono^ble Lady D'Lawarre." Additionally, a John Hitch (as Hitchy)is listed as living in James City County (near Williamsburg) in early 1625.

There is also record of one Henry Hitch who sailed back-and-forth between England and Virginia (and perhaps New England) many times in the early 1600s. In 1622, Captain Butler published "the Vnmasked face of our Colony in Virginia as it was in ye Winter of ye yeare 1622". In it, Butler made many accusations of hellish living conditions in Virginia in hopes of proving that the colony was not suitable for human habitation. A rebuttal was prepared to Captain Butler's claim where members of the colony and frequent visitors made testimony contrary to his accusations. Henry Hitch made a deposition as part of that rebuttal on April 30, 1623 that went as follows:

"I Henry Hitch Chirurgion of ye James haveinge been sev^erall times in Virginia and lived att one time there about 5 monneths doe affirme all the Answers w^thin written save y^t I know not of ye matters about James Citty. Henry Hitch"

From it we see that Henry Hitch was a doctor on board the ship James during the early years of the Jamestown and Williamsburg settlements. He made many trips to the colony and once spent a full five (5) months in Virginia.

A Henry Hitch, maybe the same one, also shows up in The Index Library when his will was administered on September 8, 1630. The reference refers to the will of "Henry Hitch of parish St. Ethelburgha (sic), London, but (who was) deceased abroad. Admon w(ith) will, Sept. 8 to relict Francis N.E." The author believes that Henry Hitch's wife, Francis may have been living in New England at the time as denoted by the "N.E." in the reference. This is further supported by the fact that the James was known to have a regular trading route which took it from England to New England and Virginia in the early 1600s. Whether this Henry Hitch is the same as the one who made deposition to The Virginia Company in 1623 will have to remain speculation until the author gathers more information in hopes of determining any potential relationship.

Two other references to the Hitch surname have been uncovered by the author in relation to early Virginia. Both are small mentions-in-passing which only reference the name with little background information. The first is a reference to a William Hitch who was a witness to a 1663 order of the court regarding an orphan in Surry County. The second is a November 16, 1674 reference to an Elen Hitch as a transportee to Virginia by Captains Laurence Smith and Robert Beverly. This, along with them having transported numerous others, entitled them to 6500 acres of land in Rappahannock and New Kent Counties. From here, the Hitch name disappears until it shows up in earnest in colonial Maryland after 1687. This compiler believes that there is a connection to the John Hitch of the Virginia Company and our Adam Hitch, perhaps as grandfather (John-William-Adam) but, with most of the early Virginia records having been burned during the Civil War there is little likelihood of proving that at this point.
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Adam Hitch's Wives

There has been a long-standing "tradition," based upon primarily amateur genealogical studies, that Adam Hitch had two wives. The first, Hannah Elgate, daughter of William Elgate, has always been purported to have been mother to all of the Hitch children. Second, Adam Hitch married later in life to lady named Mary whose maiden name remains a question.

Both of these women were indeed wives of Adam Hitch; however, my research has uncovered some major inconsistencies that seem to indicate that Adam probably had two other wives - one of which was mother to the majority of his children. Much thanks is owed to Rebecca (Becky) Miller of the Nabb Center at Salisbury University for help with sorting out all this information and making sense of the details. Becky descends from Adam Hitch through his daughter Catherine. The following paragraphs lay out the findings and probable sequence of Adam Hitch's FOUR wives:

Wife Number 1 - Ann (_?_)

There is no doubt that Adam Hitch's first wife was named "Ann" as she appears as such in the old Somerset land records (Liber IKL) announcing the births of William (1687), Mary (1689), Adam Jr. (1691) and Solomon Hitch (1694). Also, Adam and "Ann" (or Anne) Hitch appear together in the land records when selling tracts in 1695 and 1700.

Over the years, many who had studied the Hitch family have assumed that "Ann" Hitch was just a shortened form of "Hannah" Hitch and that this was one person - nee Hannah ELGATE, daughter of William Elgate. This whole assumption seems to be based on the singular fact that William Elgate in his will (written 1727 and probated 1738) left land to "granddaughter Katherine Hitch." This report argues that this record in fact offers disputing evidence that Hannah Elgate was the first wife of Adam Hitch. From the evidence so far, we can ascertain that Adam was married to this Ann from 1686/87 to at least late 1700. We will further refine these dates later.

Wife Number 2 - Hannah Elgate

Hannah Elgate was doubtless a wife of Adam Hitch based on the William Elgate will written in 1727 that names granddaughter Katherine Hitch. The bequest was a rather significant one in that it was for 150 acres of land called "Jeshimon." But why does Mr. Elgate bequest only to Katherine Hitch when there were numerous other grandchildren Hitch? Was it because that Katherine was a child of his daughter Hannah Elgate and the others were not? This now seems to be the case.

Remember that in land sales of Adam Hitch in 1695 and 1700, his wife was clearly named Ann or Anne Hitch. However, in 1709, when the next land sale of Adam Hitch occurred, his wife is clearly named Hannah Hitch. Also, Adam Hitch's children came on rather regular 2-to-3 year intervals between his first in 1687 and Samuel Hitch born circa 1703/7 (and probably closer to the year 1703 than 1707). The next child, Elgate Hitch was not born until 1712/13 leaving a good-sized "gap" between those children. While it is possible that the gap may have been caused by having children that did not survive infancy, it seems more likely that it was due to the passing of the earlier wife, Ann, and marriage of Adam to Hannah Elgate.

From this information, we can ascertain that Hannah Elgate became Adam Hitch's wife sometime before 1709 and, since she is not named in the will of William Elgate, she had died by 1727.

Wife Number 3 - Ann Bundick

Another "Ann"! The Ann and Hannah Hitches through the life of Adam have led to the belief that Hannah (Elgate) Hitch was also called Ann Hitch in the records. However, a singular record from the Somerset land records seems to show that this belief was wrong:

SoLR-IK:19 of the Somerset County, Maryland Land Records reads, "Capt. Wm Whittington planter, Somerset County agst Adam Hitch of Stepney Parish in ye county of Somerset planter and Anne his Adam Hitch et uxor wife late Anne Bondick Alias Dictus. Anne Bondick of Stepney Parish in ye county aft sumonsed to appear unto Wm Whittington of a plea that they render unto him 3412 pounds of tobacco and _____ from him they unjustly detained. Any where upon Francis Allen his attorney saith that whereas ye ___ Anne for thee was sole to witt ye 8 day of Oct 1617 (sic) at ye Parish and county of within jurisdiction of this court by her certain willing obligatory which ye set in with ye seale of the said Anne signed here into Court brings ye date where of ye same day & year did acknowledge ye herselfe to be bound unto ye Wm 3412 pounds of tobacco ___ to be paid unto ye said Wm when he should be there unto required yet ye Anne whilst ____ that often required the same for ye Wm hath not rendered nor ye Adam & Anne since ye (nuptuals?) between them celebrated but ye same to render hath denyed & ___ doth deny to ye damage of the said Wm of 2000 pounds of tobacco where of he bring ____" (underlined areas are hard to decipher) The trial for this record occurred on Nov 3 1719.

Unfortunately, the clerk erroneously recorded the date of the debt as "8 day of Oct 1617" so we do not know when the real date was - perhaps 1716, but it is unsure. We do know that the court heard the case in Nov 1719.

From this record, we can see that, by that "8 day of Oct _____," Adam Hitch's wife was Ann Bundick (the modern spelling of the indicated Bondick). Since the case was heard in 1719 and it was typical for a case like this to take a while to work through the court, a date of 1716 or 1717 would not be unreasonable to fill that blank that resulted from the clerk's error.

Two land sales occurred after this time by Adam and Ann(e) Hitch - one in 1721 and one in 1722. From these records, we can assume that Adam married Ann Bundick before 1717 and that she was still his wife until at least 1722.

Wife Number 4 - Mary (_?_)

Adam Hitch married one final time in his life, this time to "Mary" whose maiden name is lost. In a land sale from 1728 (new style), the sellers are named Adam Hitch and Mary, his wife. Also, when Adam Hitch wrote his will in Jan 1731 (ns), which was probated the same month and year, he mentions his wife Mary Hitch. This "widow" Mary Hitch is listed in the Somerset Tax records until 1735 when she disappears from the records. So we might now assume that "Mary" became Adam Hitch's wife before 1728 and remain so until his death in 1731. She probably died or remarried in 1735/36 when she no longer appears in the tax lists.

Adam Hitch first appears in the Somerset County, Maryland records when he received a deed for land from William Jones, Jr. (SoLR-MA3:891,892). Actual record is dated Mar 13 1687/88 and transfers 300 acres of land called "Beaver Dams". This tract was alternatively named "New Holland" and is located to include the area where Perdue Stadium (minor league baseball) stands in modern-day (2017). It is unclear but probably unlikely that Hitch lived on this tract before he sold it in 1695. He became constable of "Annimessex" in Mar 1691/92 so probably lived down on the "Allerton" tract discussed below.

On Jun 13 1688 Adam Hitch made a petition to the court "showing how that being sumoned &c _____ to attend as a Jury man but som cattle breaking into his corn ffield was forced to stay for tomorro..." He was ordered to appear for the next court in Aug instead. (SoJ-1688:50). He made another petition on Aug 14 1688 where he said that "hoggs broke into his corn field" and he was "so damnified &c your petitioner did happen to come one hour late". He was excused for sufficient reason. (Ibid.:58).

Adam Hitch is named several times in the records of the Somerset County Court between 1690 and 1691. On Jun 4 1690, he is named as the twelfth juror for the Orphan's Court. (SoJ-1689/90:87). On Jun 10-12, 1690, he is listed as juror on three more occasions. (Ibid:106/107, 114/116, resp.). On Nov 11 1690, he is named as the twelfth member of the Grand Jury. (Ibid.:187). Finally, on Nov 12 1690, he is listed as released from service on the Grand Jury (Ibid:195).

"Entries. Returnable the Second tuesday in August Anno Domini 1691 C N.E.I. B Caps. agt. William Coulbourne Currier to answer unto Adam: Heatch in a plea of trespass on ye Case,
Subpa. Robert Catlin & John: Davis. Evid. on part of the plt. (SoJ-1690/91:147) On Oct 2 1691, Adam Hitch is listed as a juror again (Ibid:177) and he is listed in a suit against William Coulbourne on Oct 9 1691 (Ibid:181). On Mar 8 1691/92 we find, "Upon Information to this Court that Richard Rugg late Constable of Annimessex hundred was dead. the Sd Court doe Order Addam: Heatch Constable in sd Ruggs place. and that he ye said Heatch be Sumd to appear before Some Justice of the Peace to take the Oath of a Constable. wch. Sum & Oath was Sent" (SoJ-1691/92:166) In the June Court of 1692, Adam Heatch was subpoened to appear as follows: "Subpa Andrew Whittington Wm ffossett Brian Conaway Adam Heatch & Brian ODougherty for James Barry plt Doram Olanman Deft".

In the November Court of 1692 we find: "Likewise Came Richard. Tull Junr with his Security Adam: Heatch and pr Recognizance the sd Tull in Open Court did Confess himself to be indebted to their Maties in the Sum of tenn pounds Sterling money of England and the Said Heatch in the Sum of five pounds like money due to be leavied on his their goods & Chattels Lands & tennemts. for their Maties uses &ca. ________ - - - - - - - - - - ___________ The Condition of the abovesd Recognizance is Such that if the above bound Rich Tull be of the good behavior & abearance to all their Maties Liege people of this C Province dureing this Courts pleasure as also pay his fine & fees then the abovesd B Recognizance to be void & of none effect Otherwayes to be and remaine in full power force & vertue (SoJ-1692/93:112) Case against Richard Varden and Richard Tull for "misdemeanors"; Varden makes bond for £10, security John Barber; Tull makes bond for £10, security Adam Heatch.In that same record, we find that Adam Heatch had completed his term of constable of "Annimessix" and being replaced by George Wilson.

On Mar 22 1693, he got a deed for 75 acres of land from tract called "First Choice" (which had 150 acres total) from William Foxson for 1,300 pounds of tobacco (was first granted to William Stevens). It was on the east side of the Chesapeake Bay and south side of Beaver Dams at ye head of Annamessex River. The 75 acre tract was named "Allerton." (SoLR-L:117). The actual record is dated Aug 8 1693 and describes land bought for "1500 pounds of tobacco". This land is located west of US 13 on the road to Crisfield in the modern day, about 1 mile to the east with the north end of the tract at Turkey Branch Road. The probable location of Hitch's portion is about 0.6 miles to the south of that point. Adam Hitch may have lived on this tract till 1700 when he purchased "High Suffolk" in the Rockawalkin area.

In the 1693/94 Court, we find: "Cepi / Caps agt John:Barronskill of Somerset County Cordweiner to answer unto Adam Heatch of ye Same County of a plea that he perform Covenant with him according to ye form & effect of a Certain Instrument under the hand &Seal of him the Said John. &ca (SoJ-1693/94:76)

On Jun 12 1695, Adam and Anne Hitch were paid 6,000 lbs of tobacco by Nicholas Tyler (Taylor) for 600 acres of land called "New Holland." It was land originally granted to Cornelius Johnson (which he had owned by May 13 1685) in Jun 1688 on the east side of the Chesapeake Bay about 6 miles up the SE branch of the Wicomico River - land was near place called "Paquarson". Cornelius had sold it to William Jones in Mar 1687. (Ibid.:281)

"Memorand that this day (viz) the 15th day of Janry ano Domii 1695/6, Adam Heatch made Oath before me that he attended twelve dayes as an Evid(ence) for John Strawbridge agt Andrew Whittington. Sworn in Open Court before me Samll Hopkins" (SoJ-1695/96:112)

Adam and Ann Hitch then gave a deed for 75 acres of land called "Allerton" (see above) to Joseph Benton (Ibid.:562). Actual record is dated Mar 22 1700. Adam also received a deed for 1,450 acres of land called "High Suffolk" from Thomas Walker and Sarah his wife and Nicholas Evans and Rachel his wife (SoLR-L:563). Record is dated Sep 15 1700. On Jun 7 1702, Adam Hitch received Power of Attorney from Thomas Pemberton of Sussex County, Pennsylvania Province (modern Delaware) to sell 900 acres of land called "Pemberton." (SoLR-GI13:119,122). On Aug 15 1705, Adam Hitch is indicated as selling land to John Roach on behalf of Thomas Pemberton. (SoLR-GI13:123).

The following is from an article I did for the Hitch Family Newsletter (Issue 15). I place it here for chronological significance:

The Bar Tab of Adam Hitch - 1705 to 1708

While rummaging around in some old Maryland records for Somerset County, I ran across an interesting reference to Adam Hitch in the Judicials. It is what amounts to be a bar tab for Adam Hitch at Alexander Wilson's Inn for the years 1705 to 1708 - almost a full 300 years ago! It seems Mr. Wilson got tired of waiting for Adam to pay up so he brought the issue up in the Somerset County court in 1709.

Remember Adam Hitch is the patriarch of a good 65% to 70% of the Hitches who now live in the U.S. [The others descend from Christopher Hitch from 18th century MD and VA or one of the other 12 lines who immigrated here in the 19th century]. This account is very interesting in that it sheds some light on some of the social aspects of life in the very early 18th century on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Adam Hitch liked to imbibe in some spirits every now and then and, he seemed to a particular liking for rum and hard cider ("syder" in the records). Other refreshments including sweet "syder", wine, beer, "flip", "sampson" and "punch". Thanks to my friends on the Lower Delmarva Genealogical mailing list, I have been able to ascertain what some of these items are:

·pottel (pottle) - equal to a half gallon ·gill - 1/4 pint (4 oz.); however other definitions indicate a gill equals 8 oz. ·joyn - ??? - might be related to demijohn which is a large bottle with a bulging body and narrow neck. ·flip - mixture of beer and spirit sweetened with sugar and heated with a hot iron. ·punch - beverage composed of wine or spirits mixed with hot water or milk and flavored with sugar, lemons and some spice or cordial ·sampson - ??? ·diet - Oxford English Dictionary citation from year 1566: to feed, to take one's meal; citation from year 1635: to board.



He would often treat and be treated by guests to refreshments including Thomas Poll(itt), Richard Plunkett, William Noble, William Hayman, William Goddard, John Louis, John Davis, John Gillie (Gillis?), and Daniel Jones. Once, Adam Hitch even sent "his man Bryan" to pick him up a gill of rum. "His man" probably refers to a servant, slave or tenant of Adam Hitch. Here's the transcript of the Somerset Judicial records for 1709 to June 1711, Folio 267 and 268:

Alex'r Wilson, plaintiff vs Adam Heatch, defendant

- Somerset - Adam Heatch of Somerset County Planter was attached to answer unto Alex'r Wilson of said county Inn Holder of a plea of trespass upon the case. And where upon the said Alex'r Wilson per Samll Worthington his attorney complaineth that the said Adam in the month of August 1708 and before at Pocomoke within the jurisdiction of this court became indebted unto the said Alex'r in the sum of sixteen hundred and ten pounds of tobacco it for sundry ordinary expences and accomodations as per account here unto annexed may here in court appear and the said Adam being indebted being indebted in manner aforesaid for and in consideration aforesaid at the time and place aforesaid did upon himself assume and faithfuly promise that the aforesaid 1610 pounds of tobacco unto the said Alex'r he would well and truly content and pay when there unto required although the said Adam the sum of five hundred fifty seven pounds of tobacco in part of the said debt hath paid yet the residue of the said debt being one thousand fifty three pounds of tobacco the said Adam (though often there unto requested) the said Alex'r hath not paid but the same to do hath denyed and still doth deny to the loss and damage of the said Alex'r of two thousand pounds of tobacco and there upon he brings this suit.

- Worthington

Mr. Adam Hitch debt

June the 16th 1705 Lbs.
To one gill rum at 005
To 1 half pint ditto 010
To a joyn for punch 008 2
To 1 quart of punch 017 2
To 1 quart of ditto 017 2
August the 15th
To 1 quart of beer 003
To 1 gill rum 005
To 1 quart of flip 017 2
To 1 pottel of syder 010
To 1 quart of sampson 017 2
November 13th
To 1 gill of rum 005
To 2 gal of syder 040
To 2 gills of rum 010
To 1 pottel of syder sweet 012 2
January the 8th
To 2 pint of rum 010
To 2 gills of ditto 010
To 2 pint of ditto 010
To credit to Thomas Poll: 1 qt. syder 035
To ditto Richard Plunkett 1 pottel syder 010
To Wm. Godards note excepted per you for 069
To credit to Wm. Hayman 6 pottels of syder 060
March 14th
To your man Bryan per your order one gill of rum 005
June the 11 1706
To 1 gill of rum 005
September 14th
To 1 pottel of flip 035
To 1 gill of rum 005
To 1 quart syder 005
To 1 gill of rum 005
To 1 gill ditto 005
To 1 gill ditto 005
To 1 pottel syder, 1 pint of wine 005
To 1 pint of wine 015
To 1 pottle syder 010
To credit Wm. Davis 3 gal and 1/2 sweet syder 087 2
To John Davis meat accepted per you for 100
To credit to Wm. Davis more to 3 pottels syder 030
To ditto to ditto 1 gal ditto 020
To ditto to ditto 5 pottels of ditto 050
To ditto to ditto 3 pottels of ditto sweet 037 2
December 3rd
To ditto to ditto 1 pottel of ditto sweet 012 2
To 1 qt. of syder 005
To 1 quart of syder 005
To 1 quart of ditto 005
To 1 gill rum, 1 pottel syder sweet 010
To 1 quart syder 005
To 1 quart ditto 005
July the 14th
To credit to John Louis 1 pottel syder sweet 012 2
To 1 pottel ditto 012 2
sum 895 2

To your account brought forward 895 2

March 1707
To credit John Gillie 1 diet, 2 qts syder 026
To 1 quart syder sweet 006
To I pottel beer 010
June 11th
To credit to Richard Plunkett 065
To 1 quart of flip 017 2
To 1 diet 010
September 9th
To 4 qts. syder sweet 025
To 2 qts.ditto 012 2
To 3 qts. ditto 015
To 1 pottel ditto at 010
To 2 qts, ditto 2 diets 030
To 1 qt. flip, 3 gills rum 032 2
January 12th
To 1 gill rum 005
To 1 qt. flip, 1 gill rum 022 2
March 1708
To 2 gal. corn, 2 diets 026
To 2 qts. syder, 2 pt. rum 020
To 1 pottel beer 006
To 1 qt. punch, 2 gills rum, 1 diet 037 2
To 9 pts. of wine, 2 diets 2 gills rum 165
To 3 pottels corn, 2 pottels wine 069
June 8th
To 1 bottel wine, 1 gill rum 035
August
To 7 quarts cyder 035
total sum 1610
Per contra credit Per tobacco paid Wm Noble Senr 400
Per tobacco paid ditto Noble more 120
Per Richard Plunkett 010
Per Daniel Jones 2 shill. 3 pence at 027 557

balance 1053

errors excepted per me Alex'r Wilson

At which day being trial day the deft. and pltf. being called and the deft. Adam Heatch having filed no plea the pltfs, attorney humbly moves the court for judgement which being considered by the court here is granted according to the rates of this court and that the pltf. Alex'r Wilson recover of this deft. Adam Heatch the balance of the account according to the declaration to wit one thousand fifty three pounds of tobacco as also two hundred fifty one pounds of tobacco for his cost and charges laid out and expended --- and the deft. in mercy.

Now, to continue with the rest of the historical records:

On Jul 20 1709, Adam and Hannah Hitch sold, for 5,000 lbs of tobacco, 200 acres of land to Thomas Phillips called "Green Recantation." It was land granted to William Green on Nov 28 1679 near the Nanticoke River and north most side of Quantico Creek. Mr. Green had sold the land to Roger Burkam on Oct 3 1687 and the land went to John Burkam at his death. John and Elizabeth Burkam sold it to Adam Heatch for 3,000 lbs of tobacco. (Ibid.:449). On Jul 20 1709, Adam Hitch paid 5,000 lbs of tobacco to James and Elizabeth Russell and James and Frances Bouger for 500 acres of land called "North Wailes." The land was originally granted to Alexander Thomas and located on the east side of the Chesapeake Bay and south side of the Nanticoke River. Land went to Elizabeth Thomas (Russell) and Frances Thomas (Bouger) when Alexander died. (Ibid.:454).

Adam Hitch was listed in the Somerset County, Maryland Rent Rolls dated Jul 20 1709 for a tract called "North Wales" (total 400 acres with an annual rent of £0.16.0) surveyed Nov 24 1685 on the south side of the Nanticoke River. This is the same 500 acres he bought from James Russell and James Bougher and wives. (SoRR-9:143). Also, for tract called "Greens Recarnation" (total 200 acres with an annual rent of £0.8.0) surveyed Jul 28 1679 by William Stevens, located on the north side of the main branch of Quantico. He sold 100 acres to Thomas Phillips. (SoRR-9:95).

On Aug 5 1713, Adam Hitch was listed as a witness (with Thomas Humphries Jr., Thomas Hickman, Thomas Vinson) to will of Lambrook Thomas who had listed son-in-law John Cordrey, daughter Mary Cordrey, granddaughter Mary Cordrey, daughter Rebecca Prise (Price), grandson Crispine Prise, grandson Elick Prise, and granddaughters Ann Prise and Grase Prise. (SoW-EB9:47). On Sep 18 1713, Adam Hitch was appraiser for the estate of William Bounds. (They Lived in Maryland, Somerset County 1700-1725). On Apr 14 1714, 50 acres of land called "Faurtum" was for Adam Heatch. He assigned the same for Edward Martin (SoRR:231). On Jul 20 1714, Adam Hitch was appraiser for the estate of Thomas Relfe Jr. (They Lived in Maryland, Somerset County 1700-1725).

On Aug 30 1715, Adam Hitch gave sureties of £200 for Michael Disharoon's estate with Ann Disharoon (his wife) as executrix (MdTP-21:497). Also on Dec 6 1717, he provided sureties, with Jonathon Heymann (Hayman), for testamentary bond of Bohle Hogins?? (MdTP-23:169). Also, on May 28 1718, he was listed as creditor to estate of Joseph Austin (taylor). On May 4 1718, Adam Hitch provided bond in sureties of £200 sterling. (MdTP-23:258). On Jun 19 1718, Adam Hitch, of Stepney Parish, was listed as a defendant in suit by Benjamin Wailes. (They Lived in Maryland, Somerset County 1700-1725). On Sep 3 1718, he was listed in a court suit against Nehemiah Mezick, agreed upon. (Ibid.) Adam Hitch was listed as administrator for estate of Edward Shoars (Shores). Estate valued at £33.0.8, written Oct 8 1718, probated Apr 1 1720 (MdPrI Abstracts-1720/24).

On Feb 21 1720/21, Adam Hitch received an inquisition on his mill seat returned by Robert Martin, Sheriff of Somerset County. The record states this was an "indented inquisition taken at Cottinghams Creek on Feb 21 1720 with jurors present: Robert Wailes, Capt. James Givens, Neal McCloyster, Robert Jones, Thomas Collier, William Young, Charles Young, Richard Nichols Sr. and Richard Nichols Jr. The jurors found no damage to his lordship but damage to William Elgate of 50 pounds of tobacco yearly. It mentions 20 acres of land - 10 acres on ye west side of said Creek beginning at a marked pine standing in the branch below ye mill thence N81W 40 perches, thence N9E 40 perches, thence S81W 40 perches till it ____ the Mill Damme and thence with a right line to the beginning. This land purchased of John Cordrey (Caudrie) Jr. Also 10 acres on ye east side of ye branch beginning at a marked red ashe standing a little below ye mill dame in ye branch, thence NE 16 perches, thence N4E 80 perches, S 16 perches, S15W 50 perches, thence right line to beginning. (MdCC-3:588)

On Apr 2 1721, he patented land called "Come By Chance", 563 acres "on the south side of the main branch of Cottingham Creek".

On Jul 1 1721 Adam Heatch and his wife Ann gave deed for land to Frances Lancake, bricklayer, for part of "Come By Chance" and "High Suffolk" for 18,000 pounds of tobacco. Portion was for 400 acres out of the two tracts - 317 acres of "Come By Chance" and 83 acres from "High Suffolk". Begin at a white oak standing by head of Mill Branch from thence running down ye branch S54W 20 poles, thence S19W 230 poles, thence S34W 65 poles, thence S 60 poles to a Spanish oak on ye east side of the Mill Branch in a forke thence running N65E 22 poles thence S70E 46 poles thence N70E 40 poles thence S45E 40 poles thence N75E 165 poles thence N35E 90 poles to a post standing in ye glade of ye forke branch thence running N45W 285 poles to ye first bound. (SoLR-JK:161). In the Aug Court of 1721 for Somerset County, Mr. Adam Hitch was listed first in the "Pannel of the Grand Jury." (SoJ)

On Feb 8 1721/22, Adam and wife Anne Hitch sold 100 acres of land (70 acres of "Come By Chance" and 30 acres of "High Suffolk") to John Cordrey Jr. for 10,000 pounds of tobacco. Begin at marked white oak being the first bounder of High Suffolk thence NE 50 poles thence S29E 80 poles, thence S60W 107 poles thence S9W 100 poles till it intersects a line of marked trees marked for ffrancis Lankake from thence N46W bounded by the afsaid line of marked trees to a marked white oak standing in the head of the Mill Branch being the first bounder of a tract belonging to ffrancis Lankake and from thence bounded up the said branch N54E 160 poles to the first bounder laid out. (SoLR-JK:214)

On Mar 5 1721/22, Adam Hitch was listed as Foreman of the Jury. (SoLR-IK:127). He was also listed as such for the Jun court of 1722. In 1722, Adam Hitch was mentioned in petition for ferry over Wicomoco River. (With John Hitch, Adam Hitch [Jr.]). Note, this became Upper Ferry c.1727. (MdHR 7266-1-4, SoCP). On Nov 21 1722, Adam Hitch made an accounting of Edward Shores estate (SoAA-5:23). In the March Court of 1723/24, Adam Heatch is listed as jury foreman (SoJ-1723/25:143). In the March Court of 1723 (Ibid:139), Adam Hitch gave security for an ordinaty license at the courthouse: "John Dennis Jun Petⁿ Somersett County fs:To the Worshipfull Justices of Somersett County Now in Court Sitting the humble Petition of John Dennis Jun.^r Humbly sheweth to your Worships That Whereas your petitioner has for some time sold Liquors at the Court house in SomersettCounty to the Use of those that should Call for the same Humbly prays your worships to grant your petitioner Lycence for the Keeping an ordinary or publick house at the place afd and in duty Bound your petitioner will Ever pray --John Dennis Jun^r
The Petition afd being read & heard and fully understood It is Considered by the Justices
that the afd Petitioner be granted as praid the afd John Dennis Jun.^r giveing Security according to Law &^c Whereupon the said John Dennis Jun.^r Together with John Dennis Sen and Adam Heatch of Som^rsett County Gentlemen his Securitys all Present here in Court in their proper persons acknowledged themselves to Owe and Stand Justly Indebted unto his Lordship the right honourable the Lord proprietary of the province of maryland his heirs and assess Successors in the sum of twenty pounds Sterr Joyntly & Severally to be Levied on their Bodys goods and Chattles Lands or tenements for the Use of his Said Lordship his heirs & Successors In Case the said John Dennis Jun.^r Entertain any Freemen or Loose person in his house above twenty four hours (Court times Excepted) unless Such person be Capable to give his Vote for a delegate in this County or that he be retained as a servant to you Nor shall you Entertain any other person whatsoever that shall be Noted to you as a Common Tippler by the Justices of the County Court and Likewise pay unto the honourable Philemon Loyd Esq.^r the sum of five hundred pounds of tobacco for Lycence Every Year that he shall Keep Ordinary and in Every Respect Comply with the act of assembly Entituled an act for Regulating ordinarys &^c"

In the 1724 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Hitch is listed in a household with "a boy negro, Hannah, Moll" In the 1725 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Hitch Sr. is listed in a household with Adam Hitch Jr. and negroes Toby, Hanow, Moll, Conundom.

On Nov 12 1726, Adam Heetch was listed as appraiser with Thomas Humphrys for estate of Richard Nickollson (sic; Nicholson). Estate valued at £64.4.4. Also, for the period Dec 19 1726 to Jan 16 1726/27, Adam Hitch is listed as an executor, with Thomas Humphries, to will of George Hutchings. (SoW-EB9:108). Also, for the period Jul 16 1727 to Jul 5 1729, Adam Heatch was again listed as appraiser with Thomas Humphris for estate of Robard Stevenson. Estate valued at £11.18.4. (MdPrI Abstracts-1724/27, 1726/29). In the March Court of 1727/28, Adam Heatch is listed as jury foreman (SoJ-1727/30:66).


In the 1727 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Hitch is listed in a household with Elget Hitch, Isaac Highway, and three negroes. His household is next to that of Wm "Hitch", "Saml Hitch", and "Jno Hitch".

In the Aug 1727 Somerset County, MD court, it was reported that "Thomas Humphries and Adam Heatch report they laid out road to the 'Meeting House' in accordance with order of court, Jun 22 1727 directing them to lay out a road from the Upper Ferry road over Wickacomocee River to the Presbyterian Meeting House standing on or near riverside. Ye said road to be laid out ye most nearest way and least to prejudice to any person &c.'" (SoJ-1727/30:37). For the Nov 1727 Court, Adam Hitch is listed as a member of the Grand Jury along with Thomas Humphreys, Francis Landeake, etc. (SoJ-1727/30:60).

On Jan 19 1727/28 - Aug 3 1728, Adam Heatch and "Mary, his wife", gave deed for land to "Edw Shores of Dorchester County" for part of tract "North Wales" containing 200 acres. Shores paid with 6,000 pounds of tobacco. Land is that Adam Hitch bought from James and Francis Boucher and James and Elizabeth Russell (in SoLR-CD:54). It was originally granted to Alexander Thomas and went to daughters Elizabeth (Russell) and Francis (Boucher) after his decease. (SoLR-SH:39).

In the Mar Court for 1727/28, Adam Heatch is listed as Jury foreman on a bastardy case. (SoJ-1727/1730:65). He is again listed for a like case for the Jun 1728 Court (Ibid.:96) and Aug 1728 Court (Ibid:120). Listed in the Somerset County, MD Rent Rolls of May 6 1728 for tract called "Come By Chance" (total 560a, yr. rent £1.25.0) surveyed May 22 1707 for Adam Heath (should be Heatch/Hitch) on N. side of Wicomico River about 2 mi. from said river about 20 poles from a mill dam branch known as Cottingham Creek. (SoRR-9:264).

On May 6 1728, Adam Hitch and Mary Hitch, "his wife" gave deed of gift for 94 acres of land to Jno. Heatch, deed of gift for 212 acres of land described as two tracts "High Suffolk" and "Come by Chance" on the north side of the "Wiccocomioco River" to Samuel Heatch, deed of gift for 310 acres of land to Solomon Heatch and deed of gift for 405 acres of land to William Heatch (SoLR-SH:23,26).

Details of Adam Hitch's "deeds of gift" in 1728

Samuel Hitch - part of High Suffolk and Come By Chance (SoLR-SH:23)

212 acres - Beginning at a marked tree standing at the SE side of a glade nere to where John Price now lives and at the SE corner of ffrancis Lancake's land from thence by a line of marked trees S12E 270 poles thence E 93 poles thence N39W 45 poles thence E 80 poles, thence by a line of marked trees dividing it from a parcell of land given by me to son Jno Hitch NNW 200 poles thence by a line of marked trees dividing it from the lower end of Willm Hitches land N46W 130 poles from thence with a right line to the first bound

John Hitch - part of High Suffolk (SoLR-SH:24)

94 acres - Beginning at the easternmost end of the land I gave to my son Wm. Hitch and from thence by a line of marked trees dividing it from Willm Hitches land SWxS 168 poles thence by a line of marked trees still dividing it from said William's land SW 200 poles to a line of a parcell of land given by me to Saml Hitch thence SSE 185 poles till it intersect the southern most bounds of the said land called High Suffolk from thence with the outside lines of the said High Suffolk to the SE till it comes to the end of the line of marked trees where it first begun.

Solomon Hitch - part of High Suffolk (SoLR-SH:25)

310 acres - Beginning at a small marked red oak on the north side of a path by a glade side on the head of the Mill Creek near to where Jno. Caudrey now lives being the northern bounder of the said Caudrey's land in the first course of the said tract called High Suffolk from thence with a line N 50 poles thence E 178 poles thence ExS 95 poles by a line of marked trees thence by a line of marked trees SW 375 poles dividing it from a part of the said tract layed out for Willm Hitch by a glade to the northward of where John Price now lives from thence bounded by the said glade to the line of Jno. Caudrey's land bounded by the said Caudrey's land to the first bounder.

William Hitch - part of High Suffolk (SoLR-SH:26)

405 acres - Beginning at southwest end of a line of marked trees dividing it from a part of the said tract called High Suffolk given to my son Solomon Hitch on the west side of a glade that comes by where Jno. Price now lives thence by a line of marked trees S46E 180 poles partly dividing it from the land I have given to my son Saml Hitch thence by a line of marked trees NE 200 poles dividing it from a part of said land given to Jno. Hitch thence by a line of marked trees NExN 168 poles to the easternmost bounds of ye said tract called High Suffolk from thence bounded by ye outside line of ye said tract to ye eastern side of ye land I gave to my son Solomon from thence SW by a line of marked trees dividing it from my son Solomon's land 375 poles to ye first beginning.

In the 1728 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Hitch is listed in a household with Algate Hitch, Jacob Crouch, and negroes Tobe, Hannah, Donnuda.

On Aug 18 1728, Adam Heatch was ordered, with Thomas Humphreys, to pay Betty Gale £2.9.0 and 238 lbs of tobacco for part of George Hutchins estate. (SoJ-1727/30:110). On Sep 5 1728, Adam Hitch received a commission for being Executor for the estate of George Hutchins. (MdTP-28:244). Adam Hitch made a deposition in the case of Daniel Hull. Deposition date is Sep 28 1728 and states that Adam Hitch is age 69 (notably, not "about"). To prove bounds of a certain tract of land called "Long Ridge", "about 34 years ago" Adam Hitch bought from Robert Catlin. (SoJ-1727/30:151). In the Mar 1729 Court Adam Hitch gave a deposition in the case of Daniel Hull. The deposition is dated Sep 28 1728 and states that he is age 69 to prove bounds of a certain tract of land called Long Ridge, "about 34 years ago" that he bought 135 acres of land from Robert Catlin laying on Murumsco Dam or branch called "Long Ridge." This record mentions Mitchell and Daniel Long made probate of Samuel Long and also mentions Edward Cullen. (SoJ-1727/30:151).

In the 1729 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Hitch is listed in a household with Elgett Hitch, and negroes Toby, Franck, Hannah, Cununda, Mowgah. In Jun 1729, Adam Heatch was mentioned in Francis Lanakuke (sic) petition for land "in Rockawalkin being part of two tracts of land belonging to Adam Heatch". "Come By Chance" and "High Suffolk". (SoJ-1727/30:182). On Jul 11 1729, Adam Hitch is listed as providing Administrator's bond for the estate of Henry Hutchins. (MdTP-28:390).

On Jul 28 1729, Francis Langcake brought a petition to assess the boundaries of his land, part of tracts "Come By Chance" and "High Suffolk" sold to him by Adam Heatch. Commissioners were ordered to take depositions to ascertain the bounders of the land. A deposition was taken of Robert Givan, age 58, who stated that eight years past he was employed by Adam Heatch to survey and lay out 400 acres for Francis Langcake and that a dead gum stump beside a mulberry post marked with 16 notches was a bound. Also, a large stooping white oak near "ye forke of a glade about 100 yards southward of John Price's house" was the third bounder. Further, he states that he ran with a straight line of marked trees to "ye first bounder being a marked white oak. On ye east side of ye Rockiawalkin Mill branch" being a bounder of Jno. Cordrey's land sold him by Adam Heatch laid out at the same time. Thomas Humphries, age 44, stated that he was with said Givan when he surveyed the land and corroborated his deposition fully. The deposition by John Caldwell, age 46, states that "about sixteen months ago he was employed by Sam'l Heatch to lay out land given him by his father Adam Heatch." He also mentions the "old gum stump about 100 yards southward of Jno. Price's house on ye east side of a glade of the mill branch." This was indicated as the place where said Langcake's land ended and there is where he began to lay out Samuel Hitch's land. John Cordrey, age 48, then deposed that he was also with Givan when he conducted his original survey and corroborated Givan's deposition stating that he was the owner of the land adjacent to Langcake. (SoJ-1727/30:212,213).

On Apr 1 1730, Adam Hitch was listed as Executor for the estate of George Hutchins. (MdTP-28:458). On Apr 10 1730, Adam Hitch was listed as a witness for the will of Crispin Price. (They Lived in MD, Somerset County 1726-1750, Coldham, Liber EB9-132) In the 1730 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Adam Heatch is listed in a household with Elgate Heatch and slaves Toby, Frank, Hanna, Mow, and Cannador.

On Jan 16-22 1730/31, Adam Heatch gave deeds of gifts to Samuel Heatch ("one negro boy named Johnna"), Elgate Heatch ("one negro woman called Conounder"), John Heatch ("one negrow woman called Moughyer"), Solomon Heatch ("one negro man called Franck", Catherine Heatch ("one negro girl called Sarah"), Elizabeth Heatch ("one negrow girl called Moll") and Samuel Heatch (one negro boy named Johnna). (SoLR-SH:295/297).

Adam Hitch's will was written on Jan 22 1730/31 and probated on Feb 15 1730/31. It is paraphrased as follows:

Adam Heatch, of Somerset County, Maryland, Jan 22 1730 (1731). To my wife Mary I give one-third of my dwelling plantation, one-third of my personal estate, and an equal interest with my children, in my water mill, to be enjoyed by her during her widowhood. To my son Elgatt Heatch and heirs, that part of my dwelling plantation which is included between Samuel Heatch's land and the mill branch, with part of a tract called "Come By Chance", and part of another tract called "High Suffolk". To my grandson Adam Price, I give 90 acres where John Price now lives after the death of his mother. To all my children viz - Solomon, John, Samuel, Elgatt, Elizabeth, Mary Price, and Eve Smith, I give my personal estate which is to be shared by them equally, but William Heatch's children are to have an equal part thereof. Son Solomon to be executor and John Handy to be overseer. Teste: John Handy, George Lancake, John Crouch. Proved Feb 15 1730/31. (SoW-EB9:135).

For his estate, an inventory was performed between Feb 23 1730/31 and Aug 24 1731. Adam Heatch's estate was inventoried at a value of £239.1.7. Appraisers: Robert Givan, Isaac Handy Creditors: Cum. Atkinson, John Prior Next-of kin: Elgeate Heatch, Samuell Heatch Adm/Exec: Sollomon Heatch. (MdPrI Abstracts-1729/34) A second inventory was performed between Nov 18 and 22 1732 where his estate was re-appraised at a value of £253.5.11. Appraisers were Robert Givan and Isaac Handy; Creditors were Robert Givan and John Prior; Next-of kin listed were John and Samuel Heitch; the Administrator/Executor was Solomon Heitch. (MdPrI Abstracts-1729/34)

In the March Court of 1731/32, there appears the following posthumous listing for Adam Hitch: Depositions of wittness taken upon a ^tract^ of Land Called "Long Ridge" in Somerset County the fourth Day of May Ann Dom 1730 before us Wm Lane and Francis Allen Comissioners appointed by theWorshipfull the Justices of Somerset County Court to Examine Evidences in Relation to the Bounds of a tract of Land Lying in said County of Somrset Called Long Ridge as Follows Vizt: --David Willson of Somerset County Gent aged twenty five years or there abouts being by us sworn upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God Deposeth and Saith that on the thirteenth day of Aprill last past M.r Adam Heatch told him that when he bought the tract of Land Called Long Ridge to the best of his knowledge he was told that there was a bounder by the branch side and that this Deponent apprehended him to Speak of the Lower End of the Said laid Land and the said Adam Heatch at the Same time told this Deponent that he thought the Land that Edw.d Beachamp and Daniel Hull were Disputing about was daniel Hulls Land and the Said Adam Heatch being also now here present did further say thin his hearing he believed that Rob.t Catlyn had told him that there was another tree by the branch side but he Could not swear Positively to it --Edmond Beachamp Sen.r aged fifty three Years or there abouts being also by us Sworn upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty God Deposeth and Saith that on or about the Sixteenth day of March last he heard M.r Adam Heatch (note: Mar 16 1729/30) say that Robert Catlyn told him when he was at the Marked White oake then in his View Mentioned in the Deponents Deposition this day on behalfe of Edw.d Beachamp that to the best of his knowledge the Said Robert Catlyn said there was another tree stood down by the branch at the Lower End of the said Land and also that this day in his hearing the said Adam Heatch did say that he believed that Robert Catlyn had told him that there was another tree by the branch side but he Could not swear Positively to it --Timothy Swilliven Aged Sixty three years or there abouts being by us sworen upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God Deposeth and Saith that about Nineteen years agoe or there abouts James Curtes the man which this Deponant bought the Land Called Long Ridge of Shewed him a white oake markt on four sides then in his Sight Standing by a path on the North Side of Moronsco Dambs and the aforesd Curtes Layed his hand on the aforesd Bounder and told him this Deponent that was the first Bounder of the Land Called Long Ridge and this Deponent further Saith that he was afterward in the woods with W.m Catlin and that the Said Catlin told him this Depo.t that the aforesd white oake was the first Bounder of the afd Land Called Long Ridge and this Depon.t further Saith that at the time aforesd when James Curtes Shewed him the Bounder this Deponant said to the Said Curtes that the marks in the tree was almost grone out and this Deponiant with an ax sliped the aforesaid Bounder faceing towards the path aforesd which slipe plainely appears before us and further Saith not. --William Pusey aged thirty two years or there abouts being by us sworn upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God Deposeth ^and saith^ that he this Deponent was oneof the ^former owners of the^ aforesd Land Called Long Ridge and that he was told by Joseph Porter that the white oake now in his Sight Standing on the North side of Moronsco Dambs by the Side of a path was the first bounder or Corner tree of the aforesaid Land Called Long Ridge aforesd which is the Same tree Sworn to by the above Timothy Sullivin and further saith not. --William Catlin aged forty four years or there abouts being by us Sworn upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God Deposeth and ^saith^ that he heard Adam Hitch and James Curtis say that the white oak now in Sight was the bounder of Long Ridge which is the same white oak mentioned in the above Depositions and the said Catlin being by us the Commissioners Desired if he new of aney other bounder belonging to the aforesd Land to shew it but the afd Catlin Denied that he knew of no other bounder for said the Deponant aforesd If I Could have shewed aney other bounder he should have shewed it before now and that would have Ended the Dispute and further Saith not.
Depositions of wittnesses taken at the house of Edward Beachamp in pocomoke hundred in Somerset County the fourth day of may Anno Dom 1730 before us Francis Allen and William Lane Commissioners appointed by the worshipfull the Justices of Somerset County Court to examine Evidences on behalfe of the Said Edward Beachamp in relation to the bounds of a tract of Land lying in said County of Somerset Called Long ridge as Follows viz.t: --Adam Heatch of Somerset County Gent aged Seventy two years or thereabouts being before us sworn upon the holy evangelist of almighty God deposeth and Saith that about thirty eight years ago he purchased the tract of Land called Long Ridge of Robert Catlyn who shewed this deponent the white oak marked on four sides with four Notches Each Side then in his view standing by the side of a path Leading from Annemessex Dams to Morumsco Dams Called fentons Path and that Robert Catlyn told him the Same was the Dividing bounder between him the Said Adam Heatch and Sam.l Long and that he was possessed of the Same about tenn years and Claymed the Land by the said bounder as one of the Corner bounded trees thereof and further Saith not but that he always thought the Land Runn along up the branch. - Adam Heatch. --Joseph Porter or Somerset County Cordwayner aged Forty one Years or thereabouts being in view of the afd Marked white oak and by us sworn upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God Deposeth and Saith that about fifteen or sixteen years ago being in Company of W.m Catlyn going by the Said tree the said W.m Catlyn shewed him the said tree and told him it was the Corner tree of the Land that formerly belonged to his father Robert Catlyn and that afterwards one Timothy Swillivin purchased the Said Land and told this Deponent that he Claimed the Said tree as his bounder and about twelve or thirteen years agoe sold the same Land to James Doughaty who also held the Said Land and Claymed the Said tree as his Bounder. --Edmond Beachamp Jun.r aged twenty One Years or there abouts being by us sworn upon the holy evangelist of Almighty God deposeth and Saith that about two Years agoe he was in Company at the above white Oake then in his View with Daniel Hull and that the said Daniel Hull at that time pulled out the pattent of his Land as he stood by the ^said^ tree and Stretched out his hand and told this deponant that the Cours of his Land Run after the manner his said hand was Stretched out which this deponant believes was about North or North East and further saith not. --Edmond Beachamp sen.r aged fifty three years or there abouts being also sworn by us upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God deposeth and saith that the within Mentioned white Oak then in his View was Counted by the Neighbours to be the dividing tree between Samuel Longs Land and Long Ridge and further Saith not." (SoJ-1730/33:177-180).

Even in the Mar Court of 1736/37, he is mentioned in a case in a deposition by William Catlin (age 47 or so) as "a certain Adam Hitch late of the afd County deceased" about land called Long Ridge. (SoJ-1735/37:312).

Adam married Ann (?) about 1686. (Ann (?) was born about 1667 and died about 1704 in Somerset Co., MD.)

Adam Hitch's Wives

There has been a long-standing "tradition," based upon primarily amateur genealogical studies, that Adam Hitch had two wives. The first, Hannah Elgate, daughter of William Elgate, has always been purported to have been mother to all of the Hitch children. Second, Adam Hitch married later in life to lady named Mary whose maiden name remains a question.

Both of these women were indeed wives of Adam Hitch; however, my research has uncovered some major inconsistencies that seem to indicate that Adam probably had two other wives - one of which was mother to the majority of his children. The following paragraphs lay out the findings and probable sequence of Adam Hitch's FOUR wives:

Wife Number 1 - Ann (_?_)

There is no doubt that Adam Hitch's first wife was named "Ann" as she appears as such in the old Somerset land records (Liber IKL) announcing the births of William (1687), Mary (1689), Adam Jr. (1691) and Solomon Hitch (1694). Also, Adam and "Ann" (or Anne) Hitch appear together in the land records when selling tracts in 1695 and 1700.

Over the years, many who had studied the Hitch family have assumed that "Ann" Hitch was just a shortened form of "Hannah" Hitch and that this was one person - nee Hannah ELGATE, daughter of William Elgate. This whole assumption seems to be based on the singular fact that William Elgate in his will (written 1727 and probated 1738) left land to "granddaughter Katherine Hitch." This report argues that this record in fact offers disputing evidence that Hannah Elgate was the first wife of Adam Hitch. From the evidence so far, we can ascertain that Adam was married to this Ann from 1686/87 to at least late 1700. We will further refine these dates later.

Wife Number 2 - Hannah Elgate

Hannah Elgate was doubtless a wife of Adam Hitch based on the William Elgate will written in 1727 that names granddaughter Katherine Hitch. The bequest was a rather significant one in that it was for 150 acres of land called "Jeshimon." But why does Mr. Elgate bequest only to Katherine Hitch when there were numerous other grandchildren Hitch? Was it because that Katherine was a child of his daughter Hannah Elgate and the others were not? This now seems to be the case.

Remember that in land sales of Adam Hitch in 1695 and 1700, his wife was clearly named Ann or Anne Hitch. However, in 1709, when the next land sale of Adam Hitch occurred, his wife is clearly named Hannah Hitch. Also, Adam Hitch's children came on rather regular 2-to-3 year intervals between his first in 1687 and Samuel Hitch born circa 1703/7 (and probably closer to the year 1703 than 1707). The next child, Elgate Hitch was not born until 1712/13 leaving a good-sized "gap" between those children. While it is possible that the gap may have been caused by having children that did not survive infancy, it seems more likely that it was due to the passing of the earlier wife, Ann, and marriage of Adam to Hannah Elgate.

From this information, we can ascertain that Hannah Elgate became Adam Hitch's wife sometime before 1709 and, since she is not named in the will of William Elgate, she had died by 1727.

Wife Number 3 - Ann Bundick

Another "Ann"! The Ann and Hannah Hitches through the life of Adam have led to the belief that Hannah (Elgate) Hitch was also called Ann Hitch in the records. However, a singular record from the Somerset land records seems to show that this belief was wrong:

SoLR-IK:19 of the Somerset County, Maryland Land Records reads, "Capt. Wm Whittington planter, Somerset County agst Adam Hitch of Stepney Parish in ye county of Somerset planter and Anne his Adam Hitch et uxor wife late Anne Bondick Alias Dictus. Anne Bondick of Stepney Parish in ye county aft sumonsed to appear unto Wm Whittington of a plea that they render unto him 3412 pounds of tobacco and _____ from him they unjustly detained. Any where upon Francis Allen his attorney saith that whereas ye ___ Anne for thee was sole to witt ye 8 day of Oct 1617 (sic) at ye Parish and county of within jurisdiction of this court by her certain willing obligatory which ye set in with ye seale of the said Anne signed here into Court brings ye date where of ye same day & year did acknowledge ye herselfe to be bound unto ye Wm 3412 pounds of tobacco ___ to be paid unto ye said Wm when he should be there unto required yet ye Anne whilst ____ that often required the same for ye Wm hath not rendered nor ye Adam & Anne since ye (nuptuals?) between them celebrated but ye same to render hath denyed & ___ doth deny to ye damage of the said Wm of 2000 pounds of tobacco where of he bring ____" (underlined areas are hard to decipher) The trial for this record occurred on Nov 3 1719.

Unfortunately, the clerk erroneously recorded the date of the debt as "8 day of Oct 1617" so we do not know when the real date was - perhaps 1716, but it is unsure. We do know that the court heard the case in Nov 1719.

From this record, we can see that, by that "8 day of Oct _____," Adam Hitch's wife was Ann Bundick (the modern spelling of the indicated Bondick). Since the case was heard in 1719 and it was typical for a case like this to take a while to work through the court, a date of 1716 or 1717 would not be unreasonable to fill that blank that resulted from the clerk's error.

Two land sales occurred after this time by Adam and Ann(e) Hitch - one in 1721 and one in 1722. From these records, we can assume that Adam married Ann Bundick before 1717 and that she was still his wife until at least 1722.

Wife Number 4 - Mary (_?_)

Adam Hitch married one final time in his life, this time to "Mary" whose maiden name is lost. In a land sale from 1728 (new style), the sellers are named Adam Hitch and Mary, his wife. Also, when Adam Hitch wrote his will in Jan 1731 (ns), which was probated the same month and year, he mentions his wife Mary Hitch. This "widow" Mary Hitch is listed in the Somerset Tax records until 1735 when she disappears from the records. So we might now assume that "Mary" became Adam Hitch's wife before 1728 and remain so until his death in 1731. She probably died in 1735/36 when she no longer appears in the tax lists.

Summary

From all this information, we seem to draw the final conclusions:

Wife 1: Ann (_?_), born circa 1667 and died probably not long after son Samuel Hitch was born in 1703/7 (most likely about 1704). Adam married Ann (_?_) circa 1686 and they had children William, Mary, Adam, Solomon, John, Eve, Elizabeth and Samuel Hitch..

Wife 2: Hannah Elgate, married Adam Hitch between the passing of his first wife circa 1704 and the 1709 land sale mentioning Adam and Hannah Hitch. Hannah Hitch died before circa 1716/17 when Adam Hitch's wife Ann Bundick appears in the records. She was probably born circa 1680/85. Adam and Hannah Hitch had children Elgate and Katherine Hitch.

Wife 3: Ann Bundick, married Adam Hitch before 1717 but after the birth of Katherine Hitch circa 1714. Ann (Bundick) Hitch died 1722/27. There were no known children from this marriage.

Wife 4: Mary (_?_), married Adam Hitch before 1727 but after the land sale of Adam and Anne Hitch in 1722. Mary Hitch died after Adam in 1735/36. There were no known children from this marriage.

Adam next married Hannah Elgate, daughter of William Elgate Jr. and Sarah Keene, about 1708. (Hannah Elgate was born about 1682 in Somerset Co., MD and died in 1715-1716 in Somerset Co., MD.)

Adam next married Anne Bundick in 1715-1716 in Somerset Co., MD. (Anne Bundick died in 1722-1727 in Somerset Co., MD.)

Adam next married Mary (?) in 1722-1727. (Mary (?) died in 1735-1736 in Somerset Co., MD.)