Rachel Hardy
- Born: Abt 1705, Somerset Co., MD
- Marriage (1): Samuel Hitch
- Died: 10 Dec 1771-17 Aug 1773, Somerset Co., MD
 Notes:
From A Hitch Orchard compiled by Daisy Hitch Davies in 1931:
"(Daisy Hitch's) Reasons for believing Samuel Hitch's wife was Rachel Hardy: A James Hardy Sr., son of Robert Hardy, made his will 1722-1727 at about the same time as Adam Hitch Sr. made his will. This indicates that James Hardy Sr. and Adam Hitch Sr. were of the same generation and their children would be likewise. Said James Hardy Sr. mentions his daughter Rachel in his will. From inventory of estate of Samuel Hitch, we know his wife was named Rachel. Also, Samuel Hitch after going to Massachusetts, where he married, names one of his sons Hardy Elgate. This indicated that he was a son of Samuel Hitch and named his son for his mother Rachel Hardy and grandmother Ann Elgate. Possibly also for his brother Elgate, who went to Massachusetts with him. Another proof is that Benjamin Hardy Hitch of Falmouth, KY., who also descends from Samuel Hitch and Rachel (Hardy) Hitch through son, Benjamin Hitch, has the same family name. Excerpt of letter from Benjamin Hardy Hitch dated Jan 31 1899: 'My middle name is a family name too (Hardy), but I don't know anything of any of the Hardy's. I think it was my great grandmother's maiden name.' Not by compiler - It was his great-great-grandmother's maiden name. Rachel seems to have named several of her children for her Hardy relatives. 'Robert' for her brother and grandfather. "Benjamin" for her brother. She has two grandchildren named 'Joseph' and 'Phillis'. A study of the Hardy wills will give proof of this." [*Note: this "proof" is rather circumstantial and weak.]
On Mar 22 1750/51, Rachel Hitch is mentioned relative to the estate of Samuel Hitch as follows: "Samuel Hitch his administration bond in common form by Rachel Hitch his administratrix with Elgitt Hitch &c Thomas Stanford of Somerset County for sureties in sum of 400 pounds sterling." (MdTP-34:125).
In the 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, Ratchell Hitch is listed in a household with negro Jack. In the 1754 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, Ratchel Hitch is listed in a household with Adam Hitch and negro Jack. In the 1756 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, Rachall Hitch is listed in a household with Benjamin Hitch and negro Jack. In the 1757 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, Rachell Hitch is listed in a household with Benjamin Hitch and negro Jack.
In 1767, Rachel Hitch held an account in John Nelms' store in Salisbury, Maryland. She bought oil which was delivered by William Bell for £0/3/0. She paid her debt in corn delivered by her negro, Jack, and by Stephen Lank.
Rachel Hitch wrote her will on Dec 10 1771 and it was probated on Aug 17 1773 as: Rachel Hitch of "Summerset" County:
·To her daughter Leah Hitch, "my best bed and furniture, yearlin' horse, puter dish, 3 plates, 1 bason.
·To son Elgate Hitch, "one cow and yearlin and one woke of oxens, one puter dish, 3 plates and one bason.
·Give my negro man Jack to daughter Leah" (Note - she ended up splitting him with Elgate). Testators: Joshua Hitch, Richard Nicholson (MdPrW-39:380, also SoWorig).
Her estate was inventoried between Feb 27 1773 and Nov 30 1773 and was valued at £43.12.5. Appraisers were Atkadozi Johnson and Thomas Stanford; Creditors were Charles Hayman and Ann Hayman; Next-of kin were listed as Leah Hitch and Richard Nicholson and the Administrator/Executor was Benjamin Hitch. (MdPrI Abstracts-1772/74). On Aug 17 1773, the records state: "Rachl Hitch her will of Administration Bond by Benj Hitch his administration will annexed with Charles Hayman of Duncan Maine his sureties in the sum of £100 sterlg dated 17th Aug 1773." (MdTP-45:182). On Dec 31 1773, the records state: Returns from Somerset County on "Rachell Hitch, her invent." (MdTP-45:233). On Sep 7 1774, Benjamin Hitch did account and administer the will of Rachel Hitch deceased, £43.18.0. Mentions, "of money paid by this accountant to Elgit Hitch which was due him from the Deceased out of his Fathers Estate. . ., £9.3.2" Again to Leah Hitch, £1.4.3 (MdPrA-71:201). Also mentions payments made to wife of William Lank. (MdPrA-71:213)
Notes:
Rachel Hitch wrote her will on Dec 10 1771 and it was probated Aug 17 1773. (MdPrW-39:380, also SoWorig).
Rachel married Samuel Hitch, son of Adam Hitch and Ann (?). (Samuel Hitch was born in Apr 1703 in Somerset Co., MD and died in 1750 in Somerset Co., MD.)
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