Joshua Whittington Hitch

There is much confusion in the early Federal period regarding the Joshua Hitches that lived then. Originally, it appeared that this Joshua Hitch was the son of William Elgate Hitch who was known to have had sons named William and Joshua from Chancery Court records from 1805. However, we finally resolve THIS Joshua - Joshua W. Hitch - to be a son of John Hitch. The evidence comes from Somerset County Orphan's Court proceedings from various years where Joshua is listed numerous times as under guardianship of Stephen Dykes. Additionally, for the date Sep 14 1813, those same records state "Stephen Dykes who intermarried with the widow of John Hitch," thus showing the necessary relationship. This is the John Hitch who married Jane Polk in 1797 and died in 1803 or 1804. Also, a recently found source (3 July 1999), shows the will of James Polk (c. 1777-1817) citing his sister Jane Hitch and nephew Joshua Whittington Hitch (SoW-EB23:252).

On Jan 8 1811, Stephen Collins and Whittington Polk were instructed to dispose of lands (of John Hitch) to the advantage of Joshua Hitch, minor. (SoOCP-1811/23:2)

On Jun 23 1812, Joshua W. Hitch received from Stephen Ward and wife, executor of Thomas Dashiell, one of the heirs in right of his wife of John S.A. Ward, deceased $523.65, it being the amount due him of Stephen Dykes guardian to me. Test: William Patrick, Jr.; Isaac M. Adams (SoReceiptBook-EB30:21).

On Sep 29 1812, Stephen Dykes was appointed guardian to Joshua Hitch with sureties paid by Isaac M. Adams and John H. Ward. (SoOCP-1811/23:24) and, on the same date, Stephen Dykes, Isaac M. Adams, John H. Ward are bound for Stephen Dykes as guardian to Joshua W. Hitch (SoBondBook-EB28:190).

On Sep 14 1813, the Somerset County Orphans Court Proceedings mentions, "Stephen Dykes, who intermarried with widow of John Hitch." (SoOCP-1811/23:33). Also, the same for November 16, 1813 (Ibid:35). On Oct 25 1814, the records states again, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch." (Ibid:47) and the same for November 14, 1815 (Ibid:58)

On Nov 21 1816, the Somerset County Orphans Court Proceedings mentions "Stephen Collins and Whittington Polk to pay Stephen Dykes who intermarried with widow of John Hitch" It also states, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch." (SoOCP-1811/23:70). On Dec 9 1817, the same records state, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch." (Ibid:80) Also, on Dec 22 1817, the record states, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch" (Ibid:89). On Nov 3 1819, the record states, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch." (Ibid:97) On Nov 14 1820, the record states, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch." (Ibid:112) On Nov 28 1821, the record states, "Stephen Dykes, guardian to Joshua W. Hitch" (Ibid:150)

In the will of Stephen Dikes (Dykes) probated Aug 10 1824 (written on Apr 3 1807), Joshua Whittington Hitch was listed as a witness and wife Jane (Polk) (Hitch) Dykes as heir. (SoW-1820/37:87).

On Apr 11 1826, Joshua W. Hitch, with Samuel McMaster (both of Worcester), and Whittington Polk and Robert W. Swan of Somerset, provided sureties for orphans Edward Charles Whittington and Southy Whittington (of John N.) where Sarah Whittington was appointed guardian. (WoOCP-LPS5:87)

On Apr 14 1829, Joshua W. Hitch, with John B. Blair, provided sureties for orphan William Davis (of William) who was age 13 on Jan 3 last where he was apprenticed to William Walea for the trade of harness maker & trimmer (Ibid:560)

On Nov 20 1829, Joshua W. Hitch paid $100 to John P. Martin for 25 (75?) acres of land being contiguous tracts "Killiary" and "Hogs Choice". The land is surrounded by John Williams and Angus Atkinson's land purchased at a Sheriff's sale, formerly the property of Nehemiah Holland. (WoLR-AV:318).

On Apr 13 1830, Joshua W. Hitch, with John S. Stevenson, provided sureties for orphans John R., David J., Joshua Hitch, and George H. Sturgis (all of James) where Sarah Sturgis was appointed guardian (She apparently Sarah Hitch Pollitt Sturgis) (WoOCP-LPS7:115-116)

Joshua W. Hitch is listed in the 1830 Federal Census for Worcester County - indicated on page 238, 2nd district, in a household with two males age 15-20, three males age 20-30, one female age 15-20, three slaves and one "foreigner not naturalized."

On Nov 13 1833, the records show where Sarah Whittington paid $237 to Joshua W. Hitch of Worcester Co. for one negro girl named Charlotte, age 15, that was formerly owned by John N. Whittington and who willed her to Joshua W. Hitch. (Ibid-AZ:426).

A Snow Hill, MD newspaper article (The Borderer) was written regarding Joshua W. Hitch on Jun 24 1834 who "has a handsome assortment of saddlery for sale" from insolvent debtor Parker Esham.

On Mar 1 1835, Margaret Sturges, wife of James Sturgis, paid $100 to Joshua W. Hitch, all of Worcester Co., for a 75 acre tract of land comprised of "Killiary" and "Hogs Choice". (Ibid-JCH2: 181). On Mar 14 1836, Stephen Purnell, Joshua W. Hitch and Mary his wife sold land to Andasia Robins for $1200. The land they sold her is described as Lot No. 33 in the town of Snow Hill, 2a of land on which Joshua W. Hitch now resides (Ibid-JCH3:99). This compiler believes this is about the same time this Hitch family pulls up stakes and moves to Vicksburg, MS. He is found in various capacities in the Vicksburg newspaper by at least 1838.

In the Federal census of 1840, J.W. Hitch was indicated in Vicksburg Township, Warren County, Mississippi in a household comprised of one male under age 5, one male age 30-40 and one female age 20-30.

Obituary in the "Vicksburg (MS) Daily Sentinel" of Jun 10 1844 states "Died yesterday morning, J.W. Hitch. Mr. Hitch was formerly of Maryland, but for several years past has been a merchant in this city. He left a wife and one child." In the same newspaper one week later, it states in the Sexton's Report for the two weeks ending Jun 15 1844: "J.W. Hitch, (died age) 45 years, congestion of bowels."

In "The Constitutionalist" (also Vicksburg) of Jun 8 1844, his obituary states "Departed this life on Tuesday evening last, Joshua W. Hitch, in the 45th year of his age. Mr. Hitch was a native of Maryland, but for the last nine years a citizen of this place. He has left a wife and little son."

He is even listed in an obituary on Jun 14 1844 in the "Baltimore Sun." (The (MD, Baltimore) Sun Index to Marriages and Deaths 1837-1850). The obituary states, "On the 9th inst., at the same place (Vicksburg, Mississippi). J.W. Hitch (died), formerly of Baltimore."

Inventory and Appraisment of the Estate of Joshua W. Hitch decd
1 one Bay Filly$50.00
1 one Dray 10$ one Cart 5$15.00
1 one Cotton Sain for Fishing10.00
1 one Lot of Buckets Scales & half Bushel2.00
2 two wedges and wheel barrow Saddle &5.00
1 Lot of Cooking utencials3.00
1 Small Iron Chest5.00
8 Hogs & Shoates10.00
2 Cows 5$ Ea10.00
one Lot of Cooking Knives forks spoons &25.00
one Lot of Books 3$ one lot of judges 2$5.00
one Gun & shot pouch5.00
one Pair Card tables 6$ 2 small, do 410.00
Two Looking Glasses 5$ Ea10.00
6 Chairs 1$ Ea 6$ 1 Rocking Chair 1.507.50
one carpet & rug 10$ Shovel Tongs & Andirons 5$15.00
one Concordian 1$ one map of U.S. 1$2.00
5 Chairs $1.25 one Desk 5$6.25
6 Hogs for Pork 1515.00
one Bed & Beding20.00
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230.75

M. Logan
James Folkes
John Lambers
[November Term 1844]
Shiover of the debts due by the Estate of Joshua W. Hitch, so far as the same have come to the knowing of the adms. to wit:
Debt due by afs to Water and Biggs, about$400.00
Debt due by afs to Jack & Council about45.00
Debt due by afs to Jno. Str____ about50.00
Debt due by afs to Price & Pierce, about40.00
Debt due by afs to B. Springer about20.00
Debt due by person of Seymour & Hitch, the payment of which Mr. H. assumed to some
one in N. Jersey name not recollected about300.00
Debt due to ______ Watson for store rent, P. Clark agent, about 100.00
Debt due by afs to Geo. Gunnell about 9.00
Debt due by afs to Hubbell & Wheeler about 6.00
Debt due to flat boats names and amount not known amounting to say 20.00
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$990.00

The ___________ _________ _______- amounting to $990 and one other debt due by now to A. C. Markle for a horse amounting to $50.00 making in all the sum of $1040.00 are debts due by the estate of J. W. Hitch.

Joshua married Elizabeth Whittington, daughter of John Nairn Whittington and Elizabeth Drummond, on 30 Mar 1825 in Somerset Co., MD.¹ (Elizabeth Whittington was born about 1804 and died before 20 May 1826 in Worcester Co., MD.)

Joshua next married Mary Elizabeth Dennis on 06 Sep 1826 in Worcester Co., MD.² (Mary Elizabeth Dennis was born on 29 Dec 1809 in MD,^{11 12 13 14 15} died on 02 Apr 1857 in Near Vicksburg, Warren Co., MS ¹⁶ and was buried on 03 Apr 1857 in Vicksburg City Cemetery, Vicksburg, Warren Co., MS ¹⁰.)