William Hitch

====================== The Quest for the William Hitches
There are many problems inherent to genealogy that inhibit unconditional identification of folks and families centuries ago, not the least of which is the propensity for parents to continually name their sons and daughters John, William, James, Robert, Mary, Ann, Sarah, etc.! These same problems with the Hitch family exist with all of these names but especially with the early William Hitches, it has led to an apparent on-going misconception that has spanned many, many years. I have, through very detailed research been able to prove this long held misunderstanding as false just this past week (Dec 2000) by a reference I found while reviewing early 18th century land records for Somerset County, MD. The story follows.

There are two particular William Hitches in question here - both grandsons of Adam Hitch. One is son of William Hitch (!) and the other is son of Solomon Hitch. William Hitch (1687-1730), the son of Adam Hitch was known as William Hitch Sr. in the old official records until he died in 1730 (actually, sometime thereafter if he was referred to posthumously). This William Hitch had a son William born cica 1719 who was known as William Hitch Jr., that is until after his father William died and another William Hitch was born as son of Solomon Hitch circa 1730. In later records, mostly after William of William reached maturity, William of Solomon came to be called William Hitch Jr. and William of William was then William Hitch Sr. So you see, the former William Hitch Jr. now became William Hitch Sr. - confused yet?] The proclivity here is that the elder LIVING William was denoted Sr. I will not even go into the confusion of the John Hitches here when there were three (3) living contemporaneously - John Sr., John Jr. and John the younger - and John Jr. was not son of John Sr., rather "the younger" was!

Now we have: William Hitch Sr. (born c. 1719) who was son of William Hitch of Adam and William Hitch Jr. (born c. 1730) was was son of Solomon Hitch of Adam. Thankfully, these were the only two William Hitches living at the time of our study here in Somerset County. Here's where the "problem" comes. William Hitch of Solomon (our William Jr.) has for many years been the favorite of the amateur Hitch genealogists as the one who married Mary Gillis and moved to near Bridge Branch (modern Bridgeville) Delaware when he purchased land there in Mar 1770. This family produced, among others, male children Gillis Hitch (the Revolutionary War pensionee) and who had lines that spread westward into Indiana and beyond and; Spencer Hitch who produced lines that spread to Caroline County in Maryland as well as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and beyond. In other words, there are many, many living descendants of this line, many whom are interested in family history and who have for years believed that they descend from Solomon Hitch of Adam through his son William Hitch. William Hitch of William (our William Sr. here) has always been but a footnote in Hitch history since it was believed that he died in 1767 and left his wife Ann and one known child, a daughter, Sophia Hitch whose further existence is thus far lost to history.

I have subscribed to the old and accepted lineage as such until my findings this week in the old land records which suggests that the two William Hitches probably were reversed all these years. That is, it is probably William Hitch, son of WILLIAM, that married Mary Gillis and carried on the long lines through to today and William Hitch of Solomon that was just the aforestated "footnote." Here is a paraphrased transcription of the record in question:

From the Somerset County Land Records, (Liber B- 160), on Feb 26 1757, William Hitch Jr., with Solomon Hitch and William Hitch Sr., planters, sold land in the tract "High Suffolk" for £100 to William Murray. This is land that Adam Hitch devised as a "deed of gift" to his son Solomon Hitch in 1728 and totaled 310 acres. Said Solomon Hitch devised this 310 acres to his two sons Solomon and William Hitch Jr.(!) mentioned herein through his will in 1748. These two and William Hitch Sr., "son of William Hitch deceased" were parties is this deal to sell the land to William Murray [note by me: William Hitch Jr. of William becomes William Hitch Sr. in this record] The metes and bounds of this land is described as beginning at a marked red oak near the head of Rockawalkin Mill Branch being the northern bounder of a tract formerly belonging to John Cordrey and now to Dennis Delany, Taylor, and where the said Delany now lives and it is in the first course and line of "High Suffolk", thence NE 50 poles, thence E 178 poles, thence ExS 106 poles to a marked white oak thence along a line of marked trees dividing it from the land of William Hitch Sr. (!), one of the parties to this indenture and son to William Hitch dec'd, thence SW 375 poles to a glade to the northward of a place where John Price formerly dwelt and is now in the possession of Willam Adams, thence running along and bounded by the said glade containing courses and distance nearly N42W about 164 poles until it intersects the line of Dennis Delany's land formerly John Caudries to the red oak in the first bounder - 310 acres. The record also notes that Ann Hitch is the wife of William Hitch Jr.

This record is important since it clearly states who is William Hitch Jr. (son of Solomon) and who is Sr. (son of William). It also notes that Ann is the wife of William Hitch Jr. In the Stepney Parish records, a William Hitch married Ann Collins on Oct 22 1755. This must be William Hitch Jr. as we know that the "other" William Hitch had wife Mary (now thought to be nee Whittington) during the same timeframe and thereafter until he died in Delaware in 1775. ================

In the Aug Court of 1732 for Somerset County, Rachell Hitch offered, with Daniel Cordry and Timothy Adkinson, bond of £139.4.2 for orphans William, John, Nehemiah, Rachell and Ezekiel Hitch "of William Hitch, dec'd". Balance due from account of estate of £64.12.1 to be paid when they are "of full age." (SoJ-1730/33:248).

In the 1734 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with George Vincent. In the 1735 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with George Vincent. In the 1736 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with George Vinson. In the 1737 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with George Vinson and Thos. Vinson, Sr. In the 1738 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with John Hitch Jr. and George Vinson. In the 1739 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with John Hitch Jr. In the 1740 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable.

On May 18 1741, William Heatch gave deed for land, along with Samuel and Elgate Heatch, to Isaac Handy (SoLR-MF:226). Mentions William Heatch (Sr.) "deceased, heir-in-law to Addam Heatch late of Somerset County". (SoLR Index 1665-1841). In the 1743 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1745 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with Nehemiah Hitch. In the 1746 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1747 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1748 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable.

In the 1748 court records, William Hitch is listed on "A List of Defaulters for Wiccomoco Hundred 1748": "Nehemiah Hitch 3-4½" "Wm Hitch 3-4½" (SoCP-1747/52, MdHR 7266:33-39).

In the 1749 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1750 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. On May 8 1751, William Hitch is listed in a suit vs. George Gale. "William Hitch late of Somerset County planter". George Gale charged that he owes £64 which Wm. denies. William was served summons and agreed to pay. (SoJ-1752/54:2). In the 1751 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1752 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household with negro Nan.

In the Mar court for 1753, William Hitch was involved in a suit with George Vinson and Nehemiah Hitch, owing Epraim King £40. They had to pay amount plus costs of 621¾ lbs. of tobacco. (SoJ-1752/54:67) In the same court session, William Hitch "late of Somerset County", was involved in a suit versus Henry Lowes as he owes him £8.7.6. John Hitch of Somerset County stood for William and paid the debt. (Ibid.:40) Finally, William Hitch was involved in a third suit owing William Adams £1.5.10. (Ibid.:67).

In the 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch Sr. (William, son of Solomon, is Jr. in the Tax Lists although the designation varies since this William is also noted as "Jr." in the land records when referring to his father, William Sr. - confusing?) is listed in a household as the only taxable. In the 1754 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch Sr. is listed in a household as the only taxable.

On Mar 27 1754, William Hitch, with Nehemiah and John Hitch, gave a deed of land to John Hitch (SoLR-B:26). This was land that was originally patented to Capt. Thomas Walker on May 12 1679, and conveyed to his son Thomas (the younger) at death and further conveyed as 1,450 acres called "High Suffolk" to Adam Hitch. On May 6 1728, Adam Hitch conveyed 400 acres of this to his son William Hitch who divided it equally among his four (4) sons, William, Thomas, Nehemiah and John through his will. Thomas died before reaching age 21 so his portion conveyed to William, the eldest son. Goes through metes and bounds of the 405 acre sub-tract again (see elsewhere). For £75, John Hitch bought the part assigned to Nehemiah Hitch as follows: Beginning at a marked white oak NE 124 perches, thence N57E 43 perches, thence SE 80 perches to a marked white oak, thence SW 164 perches to a marked hickory, thence NW 100 perches to the beginning containing 100 acres. The brother John Hitch is also referred to as John Hitch the younger here but he signs John Hitch Jr..

On Feb 26 1757, William Hitch Jr., with Solomon Hitch and William Hitch Sr., planters, sold land for £100 to William Murray (SoLR-B- 160). Land is in "High Suffolk" This is land that Adam Hitch gave to his son Solomon Hitch in 1728. Said Solomon Hitch devised this 310 acres to his two sons Solomon and William Hitch Jr.(!) mentioned herein. These two and William Hitch Jr., "son of William Hitch deceased" sold land to William Murray - note William Hitch Jr. of William becomes William Hitch Sr. in this record! Land begins at a marked red oak near the head of Rockawalkin Mill Branch being the northern bounder of a tract formerly belonging to John Cordrey and now to Dennis Delany, "Taylor", and where the said Delany now lives and it the first course and line of "High Suffolk". Thence NE 50 poles, thence E 178 poles, thence ExS 106 poles to a marked white oak thence along a line of marked trees dividing it from the land of William Hitch Sr., (!) one of the parties to this indenture and son to William Hitch dec'd. SW 375 poles to a glade to the northward of a place where John Price formerly dwelt and is now in the possession of William Adams, thence running along and bounded by the said glade containing courses and distance nearly N42W about 164 poles until it intersects the line of Dennis Delany's land formerly John Caudries to the red oak the first bounder containing 310 acres. It also notes that Ann Hitch is the wife of William Hitch Jr. This is confirmed in the Rent Rolls for the tract called "High Suffolk" (total 1450 acres, yearly rent £1.9.0). William, with Solomon Hitch & William Hitch, he sold 310 acres to William Murray. (SoRR-10:336).

On Mar 7 1757, William Hitch "son of William Hitch", sold 100 acres of land, part of "High Suffolk" to John Hitch Sr. This was land Thomas Walker was granted and went to his son Thomas Walker and then deeded to Adam Hitch. Adam gave 405 acres to son William Hitch beginning at the SW end of a line of marked trees dividing it from a part of the same tract of land given to son Solomon Hitch and on the west side of a glade that comes by where John Price now lives thence by a line of marked trees S46E 180 poles partly dividing it from land given to son Samuel Hitch, thence by a line of marked trees NE 200 poles dividing it partly from part of the same tract given to son John Hitch thence by a line of marked trees NExN 168 poles to the eastern most bounds of the said tract thence bounded by the out side line of the tract to the eastern side of the land given to Solomon Hitch. Thence SW by a line of marked trees dividing it from Solomon's land 325 poles to the first beginning containing 405 acres. William Hitch divided this equally between sons William, Thomas, Nehemiah and John Hitch by his will. Thomas was deceased before he reached age 21 so his part fell to William. John Hitch Sr. paid 10 shillings for the 100 acres that was originally allotted for Nehemiah Hitch beginning at a marked white oak and running NE 122 poles thence N74E 50 poles to a stake set in the ground. Thence SE 80 poles to a white oak thence SW by a line of marked trees 164 poles to a marked hickory, thence N46W 100 poles and thence with a right line to the beginning - 100 acres. (SoLR-B-161). This is confirmed in the Rent Rolls for the tract called "High Suffolk" (total 1450 acres, yearly rent £1.9.0) - William sold 100 acres to John Hitch. (SoRR-10:336).

In the 1757 Tax List for Nanticoke Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, William Hitch is listed in a household as the only taxable. On Mar 8 1770, William Hitch bought land near Bridge Branch called "Hale's Choice" (DoLR-23:492). Note that Bridge Branch is modern-day Bridgeville in Sussex County, Delaware. The boundaries were indistinct in those days and hence the record was entered for Dorchester County, Maryland.

The will of William Hitch being "sick of body" was written on Nov 17 1771 and probated on Dec 27 1771 as follows: ·To son Spencer Hitch, land "Nutters Addition" and 1 shilling ·To loving wife Mary Hitch and my daughters all my houses at Bridge Branch with 20 acres of land to wife for widowhood and daughters Eunice, Betty, Sarah and Sally while they remain single. ·To son William Hitch, land "Haelses Choice" after wife marries or at her decease and 1 shilling ·To son Whittington Hitch, land at the mill called "Davises Delight" and "Davies Ill Used" and 1 shilling ·To son Gillis Hitch, grist mill and 5 acres of adjacent land and 1½ acres other land. (MdPrW-38:558). "Haeles Choice" is a tract in modern Bridgeville, DE.

Between Jun 5 and 25 1772, William Hitch's estate was inventoried at a value of £95.5.7. Appraisers were Robert Clarkson and David Nutter; Creditors were Daniel Polk and Manuel Manlove; Next of kin listed were Spence Hitch and Whitington Hitch with Executrix Mary Hitch. (MdPrI-110:12,31).

William Hitch is listed for the first time on the Somerset County Tax Lists in 1734 suggesting he had reached age 15 near that time. (SoTL-1734)

The will of William Hitch was written Nov 17 1771 and probated Dec 27 1771 (MdPrW-38:558).

William married Mary Whittington? about 1740. (Mary Whittington? was born about 1730 in MD and died in 1796-1799 in Sussex Co., DE.)