Sarah Lank

This was a theory of the compiler up to the year 2000: "From records in the Maryland Hall of Records, Sarah Hitch was generally thought to be nee Denwood. However, a look into the background of some of these records shows that this is NOT true. Sarah Denwood is a whole generation removed from her supposed husband Nehemiah Hitch. In Sarah Hitch's will of 1778, she mentions next-of-kin as Thomas Hitch and Francis Lank. For this reason, Lank is most likely her actual maiden name."

The following was found in the records of Somerset County in Dec 2000: "Francis Langkake's will was written on Mar 2 1754 and it was probated in Somerset County on Jan 23 1759. His wife Rachel was Administratrix (SoW-30:637). He does not mention Sarah Lank or Hitch as daughter then but does mention sons George (deceased) and Stephen Langkake, daughter Isabella Benston (Denston, wife of William Benston), son-in-law John Disharoon (who evidently married another daughter who is un-named), son-in-law James Clarkson (who evidently married a second un-named daughter). The reason the latter two daughters are un-named is probably because they were deceased. Also mentioned are grandsons Francis Langkake (son of George, deceased), William and Cannon Langkake (sons of Stephen), William Benston (son of William and Isabella Benston), Obediah Disharoon (son of John Disharoon), and Thomas Langkake. Granddaughters mentioned were Judah Benston (daughter of William and Isabella Benston) and Judith and Frances Clarkson (daughters of James Clarkson)

By the time the Account was completed of Mr. Langkake's estate on Aug 25 1761, his wife Rachel had remarried as she as referred to as Rachel Hitch "alias Lank". Son Francis Langkake was the other administrator (MdPrA-47:142). More importantly for this subject, it mentions two Hitches as getting something from the estate. The first is Solomon Hitch because he was a creditor. However, the second is stated as "Nehemiah Hitch wright (sic) of his wife's 1/5 of 1/5." There were five (5) children as heir to the estate, hence the first 1/5. Evidently, Nehemiah Hitch's wife's Langkake parent had died and she had four living brothers/sisters - this would account for the "1/5 of 1/5." In later records (see below) Sarah Hitch has next-of-kin listed as Francis Lank. Francis Lank was son of George of Francis and is therefore assumed to be Sarah (Lank) Hitch's brother with George as her father." QED as they say in scientific circles!

When the estate of Mary Cannon was inventoried between Dec 16 1771 and Mar 30 1772, Sarah Hitch was listed as next-of-kin with Francis Lank for estate of Mary Cannon valued at £91.17.9. (MdPrI Abstracts-1772/74) On Jun 27 1778, Elias Hitch is mentioned in the will of his mother Sarah Hitch where he demanded administration and made oath. A bond in the amount of £2000 was placed by brothers Elias and Thomas Hitch and Charles Nicholson. Appraisers were Benjamin Byrd Sr. and Benjamin McClellan (SoW-1777/88:84). On Jul 24 1778, the inventory of Sarah Hitch was taken by Elias Hitch and valued at £30.18.1. Next-of-kin for Sarah Hitch was indicated as Francis Lank and Thomas Hitch. Creditors listed were Severn Hitch and William Winder Jr. (SoW-1777/88:104)

An administration of Sarah Hitch's account was performed in Somerset County on Oct 30 1781 and Aug 6 1782 where she is indicated as widow of Nehemiah Hitch and Elias Hitch is administrator. Payments to George Handy for account against Nehemiah Hitch. Also payments to William Winder, John Nelms and William Horsey of Isaac for their accounts against Nehemiah Hitch. Distributions to (from LWT of Nehemiah Hitch after death of wife) daughters: Mary, Cissiah, Sarah and Betty Hitch (Betty is deceased) and son George Hitch. It mentions (on Aug 6 1782) that "Betty Hitches part to be divided amongst Thomas, Elias, Mary, George, Keziah and Sarah Hitch." (SoAA-EB16:062/063, 071/072)

Sarah married Nehemiah Hitch, son of William Hitch and Rachel Humphreys, about 1745 in Somerset Co., MD. (Nehemiah Hitch was born about 1724 in Somerset Co., MD and died 16 Oct 1774-22 Mar 1775 in Somerset Co., MD.)