John Hitch

In 1722, John Hitch was mentioned in petition for a ferry over Wicomoco River with Adam Hitch Jr. and Sr.. This eventually became Upper Ferry circa 1727. (SoCP, MdHR 7266-1-4). In the 1724 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in his household as the only taxable. In the 1725 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in his household as the only taxable. In the 1727 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in his household as the only taxable. In the 1728 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in his household as the only taxable and as a defaulter of £0.3.6.

On May 6 1728, Jno. Heatch received a deed of gift for 94 acres of land from his father Adam Heatch and Mary Heatch, "his wife" (SoLR-SH:24). Also, on May 6 1728, John Hitch shows up in the Somerset County Rent Rolls for a tract called "Come By Chance" (total 560 acres, with an annual rent of £1.25.0) surveyed May 22 1707 for Adam Heat(c)h on the north side of the Wicomico River about 2 miles from said river about 20 poles from a mill dam branch known as Cottingham Creek. (SoRR-9:264).

On Oct 12 1728, John Hitch purchased land called "Fathers Neglect" from John Caldwell. This was land Caldwell had patented "on the north side of the head of Wicomico River back in the woods about one mile and one half from said river." John Hitch bought 126 acres as follows: beginning at a marked "hyquory" standing in the eastern most line of a tract now owned by Adam Hitch called "High Suffolk" and about one half mile eastward of William Hitch's house, thence S34W 240 poles, S29E 99 poles, N45E 82 poles, N31W 44 poles, N19E 50 poles, S66E 22 poles, S10E 52 poles, N45E 60 poles, N 48 poles. (SoLP, Cert 852)

In the 1729 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as ______ Vinson. In the 1730 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in his household as the only taxable. On Jan 16 1730/31, John Heatch received another deed of gift, this time for "one negrow woman called Mough (Moughyer)" from Adam Heatch (SoLR-SH:297). In the 1731 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as slave Mow. On Aug 18 1731, John Heatch provided surety against the estate of Chrispin Price. James Smith and Eve his wife (This is John's sister Eve Hitch) were listed as executors (SoJ-1730/33:144). In the 1733 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as an unnamed slave.

In 1734, John Hitch patented land called "Fathers Neglect" for 126 acres.

In the 1734 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Heatch is listed in the same household as slave Mow. In the 1735 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as slave Mercer. In the 1736 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Heatch is listed in the same household as an unnamed slave. In the 1737 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as Richard Nichols and slave Morah. In the 1738 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as Richard Nichols and slave Mowear. In the 1739 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Heatch Sr. is listed in the same household as slave Mouah.

In Aug 1739, John Hitch faced the court to declare that "Stafford a negro boy of John Hitch being brought here unto court is adjudged to be the age of tenn years." (SoJ-1738/40:166). In the 1740 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as slave Moyah. In Mar 1742, the Somerset County Court "ordered that John Hitch be overseer of the Roads instead of Thomas Covington from the foot of Caldwell's new bridge over Rockawalkin Branch through the woods to Walkers old field." (SoJ-1740/42:225). In the 1743 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as slave Moryer. In the 1744 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as slave Moroor. In the 1745 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as slave Murrer.

On Nov 16 1745, John Hitch was listed as a creditor to estate of John Price valued at £15.9.3. This same reference also named John Hitch as "next-of- kin" to John and Mary Price. (MdPI-31:339) In the 1746 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as slaves Taus(?) and Mowyou.

In 1748, John Hitch is listed in Somerset County Court Papers for 1747-1752 on a paper entitled "Alowances Wickacomoco" as follows: "John Hitch Senr" "Elgt Hitch" (SoCP, MdHR 7266-33-41)

In the 1748 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch is listed in the same household as Joshua Hitch and slaves Slafow(?) and ______. In the 1749 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as Joshua Hitch and negroes Stafford and Moyor. In Mar 1749, George Vinson was appointed overseer of the roads instead of John Hitch for the ensuing year. (SoJ-1747/49:190). In the 1750 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as Joshua Hitch, Jno. Hitch and negroes Stafford and Will.

In Jun 1751, the court decided to put Phillis Bready into the custody of John Hitch until she reached age 16. He was to teach her "to read well the bible and to knitt sew and spin and other housewifary. . . give her a suit of cloathes over and above her common wearing cloathes...". (SoJ-1749/51). In the 1751 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as James Hitch and 3 negroes. In the 1752 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as negroes Moyer, Staford and Hannah.

In the Mar Court of 1753, "William Hitch late of Somerset County", in suit vs. Henry Lowes as he owes him £8.7.6. John Hitch of Som. County stood for him and paid debt. (SoJ-1752/54:40). In the 1753 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as James Hitch and negroes Staford, Hanah, Mower.

In the 1754 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as Joseph Hitch and negroes Staford, Hannah, Mower, and Sue. Joseph Hitch is crossed out of the record as if entered by mistake. (It could be that he had not quite reached the required age of 16 for being taxable.) In the 1756 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as Joseph D. Hitch and negroes Mouer, Staford and Hannee. In the 1757 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as negroes Staford, Mowe, Hannah, and Sue.

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).

On Mar 7 1757, John Hitch, with William Hitch, "planters", sold all that parcel of land in "High Suffolk" where said William now lives. On the north side of the Wicomico River (formerly called the Rockawalkin River) "in neck of land called Rockawalkin." Begin at a marked white oak standing at the SW end of a line of marked trees dividing it from part of said tract given by Adam Hitch to his son Solomon and on the west side of a glade that came by where John Price formerly dwelled thence S46E 81 poles, thence NE 124 poles, thence N74E 50 poles, thence N77E 67 poles, thence NE 135 poles, thence NWxN 66 poles, thence WxN 14 poles to the afsd line of marked trees, thence to the first beginning - 200 acres of the original 1,450 acres of "High Suffolk". This was part of the 405 acres Adam Hitch gave to William Hitch in 1728 which went to sons William, Thomas, John and Nehemiah Hitch. William here became part to half of the 405 acres. John Hitch seems to appear here just to verify that he will not bring future claim to the land. They were paid £157 by George Wilson (SoLR-B:158).

In the 1759 Tax List for Wicomico Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland, John Hitch Sr. is listed in the same household as negroes Mower, Stafford, Hanner, Sue and Gary. On Oct 7 1759, John Hitch received a land patent for 25 acres called "Last Choice." (Somerset County Land Patents Certificates) John Hitch was assigned a warrant of survey by William Polk for 25 acres out of his 185 acres on Oct 3 1759. The survey revealed land described as beginning at a marked red oak on the east side of an old main road from Caldwell's Mill to Spring Hill Chapel on the west side of Caton's Branch, thence SE 135 poles, thence N 84 poles, thence with a right line to the beginning.

On Apr 14 1760, John Hitch received a land patent for 50 acres called "Chance." (Somerset County Land Patents Certificates) John Hitch received a warrant for survey of the land on Apr 19 1756. The land was surveyed May 1 1756 and described as "…back from the head of the Wicomico River between a tract of land belonging to Col. Robert Jenkins Henry and a tract sold by Joshua Caldwell to Richard Waller and on the south side of Caton's Branch…" Thence, beginning at a marked white oak on the north side of the Wicomico River about four miles back in the woods on the south side of Caton's Branch by the side thereof, thence N57W 100 poles, thence S33W 80 poles, thence S57E 100 poles, thence a right line to the beginning containing 50 acres. Improvements listed include 200 "pannels of good fence" and 12 acres of cultivated land.

In the Judicial records, we find, "Somerset fst Be itt Remembred that on the Nineteenth Day of January in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty Charles Nicholson Personally apeared before me the Subscriber one of his Lordships the right Honourable the Lord propriataries Justices of the peace for Somtt County and Confesed that he was Guilty of Begitting A Bastard Child on the Body of Sarrah Lank thereupon the siad Charles was by me Fin'd the Some of thirty shillings for his sd. offince which he being unable to Pay Fown was ordered to give Security Thereupon the said Charles with A Certain John Heatch Sinr. and Elgate Bird An did acknowledg themselves and Each of them to Owe and stand Justly Indebted unto his Lordship the right Honourable the Lord propiotary in the sum of three pounds Current money of Maryl. and on there & Each of their Bodyies Good[s] And Chattles Lands and Tenements for the use of his said Lordship his Heirs and Successors to be made and Levied in Case the said Charles Doth not pay and Satisfie unto the Justices of the County aforesaid for the use of the said County the Som of thirty Shills. on or before the Nineteenth day of Janry. next Ensuing and the said Charles being
Also ordered to give Security for the Indemnification of the County aforesaid from any Costs that may Happen by means of the Birth and Maintainance of the Child aforesaid Thereupon the said Charles together with [Jno.?] Hitch Senr. & Elgate Byrd of Somtt County present and in their proper persons acknowledged themselves Indebted Unto his Lordship the right Honourable the Lord propiatary in the sum of One hundred pounds Current money of Maryland to be Levied of theire Bodyes goods or Chattles Lands or Tenements joyntly and severally to be made and Levied if it Happens that the said Charles Nicholson Does not save and keep indemnified the justices of Somerset County Court from all Costs Charges and Troubles that might Accrew by means of the Birth Maintainance and Bringing up of the said Bastard Child aforesaid taken & Ackno:ledgd this 19th Day of January 1760 Before Wm. Winder Seal" (SoJ-1760/63:7)

On Jan 19 1761, Charles Nicholson was found guilty of begetting a bastard child to Sarah Lanck. "John Heatch Senr" acknowledged and gave security along with Elgate Byrd. (SoCP-1761/64, MdHR 7266-54-49)

John Hitch Sr.'s will was written on Sep 9 1762 and probated on Mar 16 1763. It is transcribed and paraphrased as follows: John Hitch of Somerset County "being very sick and weak in body:
·To my son Joshua Hitch plantation where he now lives
·To my son John Hitch plantation he now lives 150 acres in quantity to be taken from the south end of the land Joshua lives on.
·To my son George Hitch plantation I now live, one young mare, one new bed & furniture, one cow & calf, one sow and piggs, one ewe and lamb, iron pot, 2 pewter basons, one dish & ½ dozen pewter plates, 3 flag chairs unless George dies without heirs in which case they are to be divided equally between my children Joshua, John, James, Joseph Hitch, Baty Rencher
·To my daughter Sarah Talbard and son-in-law John Talbard £0.1.0 and nothing else
·To wife Baty Hitch the rest for her widowhood then to the children."
Witnesses: Joshua Humphris, Nathan Culver, Stephen Ellis. (SoW-31:883)

In May and Jun of 1763, John Hitch's estate was inventoried at a value of £109.12.8. Appraisers were William Murray and Thomas Humphriss; Creditors were George Handy and James Huston. Next-of kin were listed as Joseph and John Hitch and the Executor was Joshua Hitch. (MdPrI Abstracts-1763/66)

John Hitch Sr.'s will was written on Sep 9 1762 and probated Mar 16 1763 (SoW-31:883)

John married Elizabeth (Baty) (?) about 1720 in Somerset Co., MD. (Elizabeth (Baty) (?) was born about 1700 in Somerset Co., MD and died after 1762 in Somerset Co., MD.)