Thomas Hitch

This is the only Thomas Hitch we find born early enough (and to have lived) that could be the one mentioned in the court records as "Thomas Hitch (who) did fornicate with Mary Humphries" on Jun 11 1770 and had a bastard child. He was fined 30 shillings. (SoJ-1769/72:222)

This is probably the Thomas Hitch who tried to patent land called "Hitch's Chance" in 1773 for 22½ acres (see Somerset County Unpatented Land, Certificate No. 315). Thomas Hitch received a warrant on Jul 2 1773 from William Cottman Waller where he assigned 21 of his 91 acres to him for survey. The survey revealed that the land contained a total of 22½ acres and was located "…on the north side of the head of the Wicomico River…" "…beginning at a marked hickory standing on the north side of said Hitches house and on the north side of a path that leads from Gilliss Polk's mill to Waller's Mill thence…" S78:30W 18 poles, thence S13:30E 12 poles, thence S48:30E 52 poles, thence N73E 40 poles, thence N6E 26 poles, thence N63:30W 34 poles, thence N2W 18 poles, thence N88W 35 poles, thence S3:45E 23 poles, thence S42E 22 poles, thence S48W 2poles, thence right line to beginning. For some reason this land never received a patent; however, it does reveal some information about the location of Thomas Hitch's home.

On Feb 23 1774, Thomas Hitch received a Bill of Sale from Elizabeth Maddux for one negro woman named Rachell, one bed and furniture, all of her personal estate for £5. (SoLR-F:128). In his father's will, probated Mar 22 1775, Thomas Hitch received 40 acres of land called "Culver's Mill" (SoW-40:384). In the Store Accounts of John Nelms of Salisbury, 1758-1787 (John Jacob, Jr.), between 1775 and 1787, Thomas Hitch brought balance of £2/12/7 from Ledger H. He gave a note to Nelms for that amount in 1787.

When the will was proven and inventory of his mother Sarah Hitch's estate was taken in 1778, Thomas Hitch was listed as next-of-kin, along with Francis Lank. He is listed as a Sergeant of the Salisbury Battalion, Blackwater Company of the Maryland Militia in the Revolution for the year 1780.

Listed in the Tax Assessment of 1783 in Rewastico Hundred as Thomas Hitch Sr. with land "Denwoods Den" (98.25 acres) and "Peace & Quietness" (36 acres) as well as two slaves, two horses and eight cattle. There were three males and two females in the household at that time. (TA1783). On Oct 21 1790, Thomas Hitch took a bond for land called "Peace & Quietness" from Nathan Culver - 36 acres for £800. (SoLR-J:124). Elias Hitch was a witness. (This is probably Thomas Hitch Jr.)

Thomas Hitch's estate was inventoried for 195.3.9 on Mar 9 1790 by Benjamin Byrd and William McClellan. Next of kin named were Hekeziah Maddux (Thomas Hitch's brother-in-law) and Elias Hitch. Robert Lemmon was principal creditor. Elias Hitch was admin, taking over for former admin Jenny Ann Hitch and confirmed the inventory on May 1 1790. Slaves owned were Rachel, Isaac and Levin. (SoInv-EB15:628)

On Apr 12 1791, Thomas Humphris was appointed guardian to Nehemiah Hitch (of Thomas Hitch) who was over age 14. (SoOCP-1777/92:98). On May 16 1791, Thomas Hitch's administrative account was taken with Elias Hitch as administrator de bonus non that was unadministered by Jenny Ann Hitch, former executrix. Amount of inventory was £595.3.9 from May 1 1790. Payments to Ezekiel Humphries, Elias Hitch, George Stevens, John Howard, John Nelms, John Maddux, Levin Irving, Thomas Fletcher, Isaac Anderson, James McKay, Isaac Vincent, Elijah Hearn, Ezekiel Bell, Joshua Hitch, Sarah Hitch, Sarah Bailey, Benjamin Riley, Lambert Hyland (late sheriff for 1784/85 taxes), Dr. Irving, Benjamin Wailes (sub-sheriff for 1789/90 taxes), Charles Nicholson for coffin, Dr. Josiah Dashiell, Thomas Humphries, Jesse Maddux, Stephen Mitchell, James H. Dougal, George Smith, John Maddux. Distribution to his four children: Polly, Nehemiah, Ivey and Thomas Hitch. (SoI-EB15:729; SoAA-EB16:442/443)

In the 1793-1796 Somerset County Assessment Record, Thomas Hitch (Heirs) was listed in Broad Creek Hundred and assessed for 110¼ acres of land for £75. Total assessment was £75, £75, £75, £75 for years 1793, 1794, 1795, and 1796 respectively. This is the same land that is indicated as Nehemiah Hitch (Heirs) in the 1798 Federal Assessment.

Thomas Hitch's estimated years of birth relate to his parents approximate marriage year (1745) and when he petitioned to patent land in 1773 at which time he must have been at least age 21.

These dates represent the period between when Thomas Hitch last shows up in the records as living and when his son is appointed a guardian following his death.

Thomas married Mary Humphreys.

Thomas next married Jenny Ann Maddux, daughter of Alexander Maddux and (?) (?), about 1767 in Somerset Co., MD. (Jenny Ann Maddux was born about 1750 in Somerset Co., MD.)