HILBUN FAMILY BOOK
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Loyalist Claims of William Hilburn, Sr. & William Hilburn Jr. of South Carolina
SOURCE of information: from Ancestry.com database:
UK, American Loyalist Claims, 1776 -1835
AO 12: American Loyalists Claims, Series 1, Piece 071: Decisions, Examinations, Army & Navy, 1788-89
William Hilburn, Jun’r
(handwritten page#) 240 (120)
Office of American claims
1 April 1789
Present:
Colonel Dundas
Mr Mackenzie.
Examination on the demand of William Hilburn Jun’r late of South Carolina.
Demand:
A mare and saddle and a wagon with cloth and gears valued at 132 pounds
Memorial read
From William Young in behalf of William Hilburn Jun’r
Stating, “that in the year 1780 a mare and saddle wagon with cloth and gears were impressed for His Magesty’s service in South Carolina, the property of William Hilburn Jun’r and valued at 132 pounds, as will appear by the certificate in the memorialist’s possession.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(handwritten page#) 241
Charles Stedman examined says….
That the Power of Attorney from William Hilburn Sen’r to Colonel William Young produced in his William Hilburn Sen’r claim he presumes was intended to include a power for prosecuting both claims, and from that idea he appears in consequence of Colonel William Young’s general power to Lewis Wolfe and Charles Stedman, already produced to the Board.
He has not any knowledge of the claimant, or the circumstances of his demand resting the Right of it on the written documents produced.
Observes as in the case of William Hilburn Sen’r that at the time when the horse, waggon, etc. are stated to have been taken, many waggons, horses, etc. were impressed for the King’s Service.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
(handwritten page#) 242 (121)
Produces Vouchers (Viz’)
No. 1 Appraisement of William Hilburn and John Dun, dated 4th August 1780 that the mare and saddle and wagon with cloth and gears belonging to William Hilburn Jun’r were worth L132.
No. 2 Certificate of William Meek wagon master, that the above mare and saddle and wagon with cloth and gear were impressed for His Majesty’s Service and taken near Campden by the Rebels on the 15th August 1780.
“Indorsed J. H. Cruger Col.”
“Commanding at Ninety Six”
No. 3 Certificate of Thomas Brown Lieut. Col. Commandant Kings Rangers to the handwriting of Colonel Cruger.
Charles Stedman
Sworn before the Commissioners at their office in Lincolns Inn Fields 20th April 1789.
E’d G B…? Witness: James Betts
Anthony Scott
………………………………………………………………………………………………
(handwritten page#) 243 (121)
Report
On the claim of William Hilburn Junr So Carolina
In this case no proof is produced to the loyality of William Hilburn Jun’r, and the voucher is not of a kind that would warrant payment.
The Commissioners therefore disallow the Demand.
Thomas Dundas
Robert Mackenzie
………………………………END OF William Hilburn Jr.’s CLAIM……………………………….
Claim of William Hilburn, Sr.
(handwritten page#) 246 (123)
Office of American Claims
1st April 1789
Present
Colonel Dundas
Mr. Mackenzie
Examination in the Demand of William Hilburn late of South Carolina.
Demand
2 Horses and gears valued at L260
Memorial Read
From William Young in behalf of William Hilburn
Stating, “That in the year 1780 Two horses and Gears were impressed for his Majesty’s service in South Carolina the property of William Hilburn and valued at L260 as will appear by the certificate in the Memorialists possession.”
Charles Stedman Examined.
Produces a Power of Attorney to William Young from William Hilburn Sen’r the claimant.
…………………………………………………………………………….
(handwritten page#) 247
dated East Florida 22 June 1784
Also a Power of Attorney from William Young to Charles Stedman & Lewis Wolfe dated 13th February 1789 under which the Examinant appears in behalf of the claim.
The Examinant has not any knowledge whatsoever of William Hilburn or of the Demand nor any further proof to produce in support of it, than the written vouchers produced
It however consists with his knowledge, that about the time when the Horses and gears are stated to have been taken, many wagons, horses etc were impressed from the inhabitants, for the Kings Service . Mr. Stedman believes that the sum charged is South Carolina currency.
Produces the following vouchers viz’t
……………………………………………………………………….
(handwritten page#) 248. (124)
No 1 Certificate of William Hilburn and “John Dun dated 4th August 1780, that the two horses and gears, belonging to William Hilburn Sen’r were of the value of L260.
No 2 Certificate of William Meek wagon master, that the above horses and gears were impressed for His Majesty’s Service and taken near Campden by the Rebels on the 15th August 1780.
“Indorsed JH Cruger Lieut Col
Commanding at Ninety Six
No 3 Certificate of Thomas Brown Lieut Colonel Commandant Kings Rangers, to the handwriting of Colonel Cruger.
Charles Stedman
Sworn before the Commissioners at their office in Lincoln’s Inn Fields 20th April 1789.
Ed. J. B….. Witness James Betts
Anthony Scott
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
(handwritten page#) 249.
Report
On the claim of William Hilburn South Carolina.
There not being any proof that William Hilburn ever was, or continues to be one of His Majesty’s Loyal Subjects and as the Voucher is not of a kind to warrant payment.
The Demand therefore is not admitted.
Thomas Dundas
Robert Mackenzie
Source Citation:
The National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; American Loyalist Claims, Series I; Class: AO 12; Piece 71.
Joel P. Hilbun 1929-2025
My amazing father passed away on May 10, about two weeks after my sweet Mom passed away. We mourn as we miss them terribly, but we mourn with hope because we know they are with their Lord & Savior, Jesus.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baton-rouge-la/joel-hilbun-12370769
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/baton-rouge-la/lurline-hilbun-12356407
Woodward A. Hilburn (Hilbun) 1774-1855
The first record of Woodward or Woodard Hilbun/Hilburn is the following in which he was a witness to a land record. There are at least 15 records with Woodward’s name, from 1799 to 1850. The Bladen land records in 1804-1806 prove that Woodward’s middle name was Atkinson. It likely was a family name. He is believed to be the son of Vaughan Hilbun who was likely born in the 1730’s in Isle of Wight, VA.
1799 Dec. Brunswick Co., N. C. John Hilburn of Brunswick to Bartholomew Floyd of Brunswick, 100 A. on S. side of Beaver Dam Swamp. Witnesses- Elias Duncan & Woodard Hilburn.
1800 Oct 28 Brunswick Co, NC- 1094 (235). Woodard Hilbern enters 400 ac. bordering Elias Duncan including place where Shadrach Wilson lived. Source: “Abstracts of Land Entries: Brunswick Co, NC, 1794-1820” by R. B. Pruitt, 1989.
1804. Bladen– Woodward A. Hilburn warrant #1409 issued Jul. 3, 1804 by TW Harvey to Wd. A. “Hillburn” for 640 ac., joins “the” big survey; entered Jan. 7, 1804; 40 ac. surveyed Dec. 13, 1805 by W. Hendon; N Allen & C Tison, chain carriers; (Land on S. Side of the Western Prong, begins at a small black jack on “the” great survey line at fork of Powell Road, joins Bluff Road, & King; 2 copies of survey in shuck). Bladen Co., NC, Land Warrants 1778-1803, AB Pruitt, p. 255.
1805—Bladen Co., NC. Patent entered Mar 18; issued 27 Nov 1806. Woodward Atkinson Hilburn– 300 acres; State of North Carolina, # 3143. To all to whom these presents shall come meeting: Know ye that we for & in consideration of the sum of 50_ for every 100 acres hereby granted, paid into our Treasury by Woodward A. Hilburn have given & granted & by those presents do gain & grant unto the said Woodward A. Hilburn a tract of land containing 300 acres lying & being in our County of Bladen on WORRELS Mill branch. Beginning at a pine Darneys Corner & runs S. 62 Et 23 ch & 50 Cks to a stake No 85 Et 28 ch to a pine No 31 Et 10 ch to a stake No 58 Wt 9 ch 9 ch & 70 Cks to a pine Benjamin WORRELS corner thence with his line No 55 ch & 20 Ck to a stake So 45 lot 37 ch & 30 Cks to a pine McKays corner with his line # 45 lot 28 ch is a stake So 35 lot 5 ch to Hadicks line w/his So 10 Et 15 ch to a stake So 80 lot 19 ch to a stake thence to beginning. Entered the 18th Mar 1805. Patent dated the 27th Nov. 1806. SOURCE: Bladen Co, NC Register of Deeds, Bk 34, P. 36. File # 6013
1805 Jul 10. Grant 4763 (6013). Woodward Atkinson Hilburn– 300 acres issued Jul 10 1805 by Nathan Williamson to “Wood” Adkinson “Hilburn” for 300, joins James Allen Haddock & Benjamin Worrel & on by ….W. Hendon on WORRELS Mill on the south side, entry……on Worrels Mill Bridge border; begins at …& Wiley Braddy, chain carriers. Nov 18, 1806, Wood…. #172 (signed. ). J. Craven, comptroller, grant #3143? Issued…..
In Search of An Ancestor-
Hilbun Family Land Records in North Carolina prior to 1800
by Joy H Mohr
INTRODUCTION:
The earliest record of my 4th great-grandfather, Frederick Hilbun, is from a land record in Burke County, Georgia in 1788. He was one of four Hilbun/Hilburn men, Holliman, James and William, documented living there from 1788 to 1792. Holliman Hilburn was likely the oldest as he was the first and only one to purchase land during those years. (Frederick did purchase land after 1800). It is likely these Hilburn men were born between the years 1766-1772.
According to census and Bible records, Frederick Hilbun was born in North Carolina in 1768, but the mystery remains; who were Frederick’s parents? Since he was born in 1768, his father would have likely been born before 1747. Therefore, my research has focused on the Hilburn adult men recorded as living in North Carolina during the decade in which he was born. Those men who meet that standard were John Hilburn, born in 1734 or earlier, Vaughn Hilburn, born at or before 1742, and Hamblin Hilburn and William Hilburn who would’ve both been born by 1746. The calculations of their birth year are based on their first known land purchase as they had to have been 21 years of age at that time. This document is an attempt at learning about those Hilbuns, where they lived, and if a connection to Frederick can be established.
Thanks to records that still exist from the 1700’s, I have been able to find several Hilbun land records. All land owned by Hilbuns in North Carolina prior to 1793 was in Duplin/Sampson County with one exception! Vaun Hilbern was granted land in Dobbs County in 1763 and owned it for approximately 20 years. Vaun, also recorded as Vaughan, Vaughn, and Vann, was enumerated on a roster of Edgecombe County’s militia during the Spanish Alarm in 1748 which is the first record of a Hilbun (often spelled Hilburn, and various other spellings) in North Carolina. A John Hilburn was also in Edgecombe County in 1754 as he was recorded as a chain carrier on a land survey for John Proctor. The following year, John Hilburn bought land in Duplin but seemed to have moved to Bladen County by 1769. It is believed that John, Vaughn and possibly Hamblin were sons of Vaughn Hilburn who purchased land in Isle of Wight, Virginia in 1730.
For almost 40 years, from 1755 through 1793, Hilbuns owned land in Duplin County! It is likely that Frederick was born in Duplin. In 1786, the area in Duplin where Hilbuns owned land became part of Sampson County. The Hilbuns who owned land in Duplin /Sampson were John Hilbun, Hamblin Hilburn, Patience Hilburn and Vaughn Hilburn. Two other Hilbuns, Henry Hilburn and William Hilbun, were recorded as witnesses to land records in Duplin.
Frederick Hilbun was in Georgia as early as 1788, yet Hamblin and Vaughn’s families are well documented as continuing to live in North Carolina after 1800; therefore, it is believed that Frederick Hilbun’s father likely left North Carolina prior to or during the Revolutionary War. While I still have not found any record proving that these North Carolina Hilbuns from the 1700’s were my ancestors, I believe they were, primarily based on DNA evidence. A DNA connection has been established between my father and a descendant of Hiniard Hilburn who was born in Columbus County, North Carolina in 1799. His father is unknown, but he was related to Hilburns in Columbus who descend from Hamblin Hilburn. Early records suggest that Hamblin was related to John and Vaughn Hilburn.
Therefore, a thorough examination of North Carolina land records during this time could possibly shed light on this theory. Again, this study concentrates on Hilbun land records prior to 1800. There are numerous Hilbun land records after 1800, primarily in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Robeson Counties.
Sources and Methods.The source for this information has primarily come from the land records available online at Sampson County’s Register of Deed’s office (www.sampsonrod.org). The biggest help in finding the location of the lands owned by Hilbuns has come from the Duplin-Sampson Land Grant Maps compiled by Thomas Mitchell Byrd, found online at http://www.sampsonhistory.org, the site for the Sampson County Historical Society. These maps have proven to be extremely valuable in this research! Mr. Byrd describes the maps:
“The Duplin Sampson Land Grant Maps is a series of 46 maps that show the first identifiable property owners in these two adjoining North Carolina counties.” Each map covers the same area & carries the same name as the quadrangle maps of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the official mapping agency of the federal government. At least one waterway is cited as a reference in nearly every grant, & these waterways were the principal guide in mapping the grants. “The maps show the names of the grantees, along with the acreage, location, configuration & date of their grant, & the file number in North Carolina State Archives under which information on the grant can be found. “
citation is above
Each quad map is seven miles east to west and 8.5 miles north to south. Based on this, the Hilbun owned lands were all within approximately 8- 10 miles of another. The Hilbuns owned land which is in present day Sampson County, south of Clinton and northeast of Ingold. The land they owned was within a 10-mile radius.
The records listed here are lands bought and sold by Hilbun/Hilburn men, and one Hilburn woman in North Carolina during the 1700’s. In addition to the Duplin/Sampson lands, I’ve also included records of Hilbun owned lands in Dobbs and Wayne Counties. In order to research and understand these lands in comparison with each other, I have assigned a number to each land purchase. In addition, land records in which a Hilbun is a chain bearer, or an adjoining landowner are also included. The names will be written in this document as they are spelled in the records.
The basic information for each land transaction will be presented, along with related records and an analysis of the information.
Map showing the locations of Hilbun lands. Most of the Hilbun lands were south of Clinton and north of Ingold.
SOURCE: Quadrangle Map Directory- Duplin-Sampson Land Grant Maps by Thomas Mitchell Byrd and Donald F. Carter. 2013.
HILBUN LAND RECORDS
HILBUN Land Record #1 Duplin Bonnetsville Quadrangle
1755 Aug 19. John HILLBUN bought 100 ACRES from John ROE
LOCATION: south side of Little Cohary (presently located southeast of Roseboro)
PERSONS NAMED: Jeremiah BULLARD- adjoining landowner (AL)
John BERRY- witness
ORIGINAL PATENT OWNER: John ROE
OWNED THIS LAND: seven months
DETAILS: John Roe, planter, of Hanover County, North Carolina sold land to John HILLBUN, of Duplin County, for 15 pounds Virginia currency. The land is described as one tract of land & plantation lying on the south side of Little Cohary … to a red oak at the head of a valley between Jeremiah Bullard & John Hilbun. The witnesses were John Berry and Jeremiah Bullard. The deed was registered October 9, 1755. Sampson Register of Deeds (ROD) Book 2, p. 284-285
RELATED LAND RECORDS: The following day, John Roe sold 100 acres of adjoining land to Jeremiah Bullard, of Duplin for 12 pounds Virginia. The land was one tract of land & plantation lying on the south side of Little Cohary …up to a maple in Allums Branch then to Little Cohary Swamp, & witnesses were John Berry & John Hillbun. Book 2, p. 285-286.
On April 14, 1759, Hilburn is mentioned in a deed from John Brown to John Williams in which Brown sold land “west of Little Coharie Creek below Hilburt’s line.” I assume this is John Hilburn as there is no other similar name in that area, & John Brown was known to Hilbun as he was a witness in the sale of his land. Sampson ROD: Bk 1, p 215
In 1768, Jacob Lockarman, sold landto John Parker. He later is on a Revolutionary War muster with Hamblin Hilburn. The land was described as on “the west side of Little Cohary Crk, beginning below Hilbert’s line,” a tract of land to John Brown in 1756 & from John Brown to J. Williams to Lockerman. Witnesses: John Williams, Rich’d Sessums. Bk 1 p. 214-5
ORIGINAL PATENT: John Roe was granted 200 acres on Little Cohery Creek, on March 31, 1755; this Grant #148 is found in Book 2, p. 120. It was described as on Little Cohery … running through the marsh …to a maple in Allumes and back to Little Cohery Swamp. It was surveyed for John Roe on June 18, 1753 by T. Skibbow D. S.
SALE OF LAND: On March 2, 1756, John HILBUN of Duplin sold 100 acres & plantation, to John Parker of Duplin for 15 pounds. The land was on the south side of Little Cohary beginning in the swamp … to the head of a valley joining Jeremiah Bullard. Within the deed it states that Hilbun is “the true sole & lawful owner of the above Bargained premises”& he is “lawfully possessed of the same in mine own proper right as a good perfect & absolute estate of inheritance in Fee Simple.” The only stipulation in the deed was the owner must pay the annual quit rents. The witnesses were John Berry & John Brown. Book 2, p. 346
ANALYSIS: John had to have been born in 1734 or earlier. He & Jeremiah Bullard bought adjoining land & served as each other’s witness, so it is likely they were related or good friends. Seven months after buying this land, he sold it. This is the LAST record of John until 1766 when he witnessed a deed from Rogers to Rackly, AND was an adjoining landowner near Six Runs. As mentioned, in 1768, Lockarman sold land to Parker described as being below “Hilbert’s line”. Was this simply a reference to Hilburn’s past land, or did he still own land in that area in 1768? Where was he for ten years??
HILBUN LAND RECORD #2. Dobbs County Walstonburg Quad
23 Sep 1763. Vaun HILBERN received a land patent for 195 acres. Location: on south side of Nahunty (area later became Wayne County)
PERSONS NAMED: John ELLIOT- AL (adjoining landowner); Robert FELLOW- AL; John WORRELL- AL; Rich’d WORRELL- CB (Chain Bearer); John ROWELL- CB
ORIGINAL PATENT OWNER: Vaun Hilbern
OWNED THIS LAND for: possibly 16 years; sold it between 1777-79
DETAILS: On September 23, 1763, a patent was entered in Dobbs County, North Carolina for a 195-acre survey for Vaun Hilbern on the south side of Naughhunty (also spelled Nauhunty). This land joined John Elliot and Robert Fellow’s lines & ran south to John Worrell and John Elliot’s corner. The chain bearers were John Rowell and Rich’d Worrell. This grant #66 was issued on 12/21/ 1763 & found in Book 8, p. 7. Source: Ancestry.com, North Carolina Land Grant Files, 1693-1960. Original data: N. C. Land Grants, North Carolina Archives.
In 1758, Dobbs County was formed from the eastern portion of Johnston County. Old Dobbs included today’s Wayne, Greene, Lenoir and small portions of several other counties.
RELATED LAND RECORDS: Vaun Hilbern was the first of the Hilbuns to be recorded in North Carolina as he was on a roster of the 1748 Edgecombe County Militia from John Sherrard’s company. This roster is from the State Records of North Carolina, Volume 22, pages 282-283. Other names associated with Hilbun are also on the roster are (listed in order) John Rowell, John Worrel Sr., Richard Warrel, John Worrel, Jr., Vann Hilbern, Elisha Woodard and Thomas Woodard, Jr. Elisha Woodard later owned land in Duplin joining Hamblin Hilburn’s land on Buckhorn Creek. I suspect that this Vaun Hilbern in 1748 was the Vaughan Hilburn from Isle of Wight, Virginia.
In Edgecombe County in 1754, a John Hilburn was a sworn chain carrier on a land survey for John Proctor. The land was on Tyancoky Swamp and bordered Thomas Holliman’s land. Tyancoky Swamp is in the Pinetops Quadrangle. The distance between Tyancoky, now referred to as Cokey Swamp, and Nahunta (35.5126605, -77.7324773) is approximately 20 miles.
SALE OF LAND: The exact date of sale is unknown. According to page 281 in Old Dobbs County Book 11, January 1777 – April 1779, Vaughn Hillburn sold land to Samuel Pike. Details of this transaction are not known as the original deeds were lost, although the following record sheds some light on the 195 acres Vaughan received in 1763: “On May 31, 1784 Sam Pike gave to son, 100 acres on the south side of Naughhunty Swamp, being part of a tract granted to Vaun HILLBORN on 21 Dec 1763. Book 2, 1784-1785.
ANALYSIS: Based on this 1763 land record and on other records, there is a preponderance of evidence to suggest that Vaughn and the Worrells were related by marriage. John Worrell was an adjoining landowner and it’s believed that Worrell was Vaughn’s father-in-law; Worrell’s 1788 will names an Elizabeth Hilburn as an heir. Also, two Worrell family members were named in Vaughn Hilburn’s 1830 estate in Hinds County, Mississippi after his death.
Vaun Hilbern, Sr. was in Edgecombe in 1748 while John was there in 1753. It is likely that Vaun Jr. was the one who bought land in 1763. It is also believed that this Vaun Hilburn bought land in Sampson County in 1790 and is enumerated in the 1790 Sampson census with a large family.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!
HILBUN FAMILY BOOK
A HISTORY OF THE HILBUN FAMILY
with an emphasis on the lines of
Rev. Stephen Newberry Hilbun (1805-1888)
and father, Frederick Hilbun (1768-1857)
including many references to HILBURN families
throughout the United States.
Prepared by Joel P. Hilbun and Joy Hilbun Mohr
Joseph Hilbourn of Pennsylvania in 1765 North Carolina
Joseph Hilbourn 1765 North Carolina revised 11/14/2021
A Joseph Hilbourn is mentioned in two land records in Cumberland County, North Carolina, dated 1765. The property of a Richard Carroll of Cumberland was seized and sold in order to satisfy judgment obtained by Joseph HILBOURN on April 15, 1763 in Wilmington District Superior Court. Mr. Carroll was in debt to Mr. Hilbourn although these land records do not give details of that debt. The two records are summarized below and the hyperlinks are at the bottom of the page. They are a copy of the original documents which were downloaded from the Cumberland County Register of Deeds website.
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In these two deeds Joseph Hilbourn is not identified by trade nor by residence. The other men mentioned are identified by residence. The only possible clue as to Joseph Hilbourn’s residence is that the debt owed to him was “106 lbs. of lawful money of Pennsylvania.” There have been NO other records found of a Joseph Hilbourn in this county.
Further research into these documents reveals that both Richard Carroll and John Brownlow were merchants in the 1760’s and Mr. Carroll had a store in Fayetteville. Source: http://www.historync.org/index.htm as “Early Merchants of NC- before 1800.”
In addition, John Brownlow was listed as “Gent” in 1761 in Cross Creek, Cumberland County. He was associated with Porterfields as “merchant and tavern keeper,” a “Merchant” in Cross Creek in 1763-75, 1767 Tax List & had one slave. He was a Juryman in 1773.
There are only two other records found of a Joseph Hilbourn or any other spelling of this name, in North Carolina during this time. The first record is from 1767 in Chowan County in the Index of Deeds; William Jackson granted land to Joseph Hillborn. The deed is found in Book N1, p. 45. No other info is known. In 1769, in Craven County, Joseph and Amos Hillburn, merchants from Pennsylvania, bought slaves from a Mr. Crawford; the abstract follows:
However, a merchant and “gentleman” named Joseph Hilbourn was prominent in Philadelphia between 1773-1779. It appears that he was also the treasurer of the Pennsylvania Hospital. The following is a timeline list of records found on a Joseph Hilbourn/Hilborn, Hillburn who resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
From the U. S. Quaker Meeting Records 1681-1935
- 1753 Joseph Hilburn applied for a certificate to go to Dublin on trade.
- 1759-1772- Rachel Hilburn and children, Joseph and siblings were members of the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting.
- 1760 Friends’ leader visited Joseph Hilbourn to condemn him owning a slave
- 1761 Joseph Hilburn and others were warned against slave buying and keeping
- 1769 Philadelphia Tax list- Joseph Hilburn in Southwark Dist.; Amos and Miles Hilburn in N. Ward District.
- From The Papers of Robert Morris, 1781-1784, Vol. 6-7, p. 516, we learn the following: Joseph Hilbourn- 1732-1802, Apparently a Quaker merchant who had been treasurer of the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1773-1780. See Labaree and Willcox, eds.; Franklin Papers, XX, 450n, 451. 516, 575. And, page 515 states: “Mr. Jos. Hilborn being possessed of Genl. Green’s Drafts on me Cabled for the Money which I am not able to pay at present but promised payment as fast as money came in…”
Robert Morris, 1734-1806 was an important figure in the politics of Pennsylvania, and was likely the most prominent businessman of his time. He also was considered “the Financier of the American Revolution,” was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, and a committee chairman in the Continental Congress. Mentions Jos. Hilborn on p. 515 and then in the Footnotes.
- 1773- from Documents Relating to Colonial, Revolutionary & Post-Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey– “For further information apply to Anthony Sykes, Esq; in Burlington county; Abel James & Joseph Hilborn, Merchants, in Philadelphia. ”
- 1777-1779. Joseph Hilborn, Philadelphia, a private in Capt. Robert Smith’s 5th Company.
- 1780-1781 P. 90 in General Muster Book#1, in 8th Company of Philadelphia.
- 1787- Joseph Hillborn & Christopher Marshall are executors in the Mar 31, 1787 will of Thomas Paschall, Philadelphia merchant, proved Apr 2, 1796. Will Book X, Philadelphia Co., Pa.
- 1788- The Independent Gazetteer, 25 Feb 1788, Mon, 1. A Philadelphia paper…..”Mr Joseph Hilborn, Treasurer to the Society regarding American Manufacturing.”
- 1788 newspaper- “From a desire of rendering the Philadelphia Dispensary more extensively useful, by informing the indigent sick where they may apply for medical assistance, the following list of contributors …. are published by the managers of the institution: Joseph Hilbourn”. 1788 January 19. Pennsylvania Evening Herald (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Vol. V1, Issue 6, Page 3. Source: genealogybank.com
- 1790 Philadelphia, PA Census. Joseph Hilbourn, Gent’n; 2 males >16, 3 females.
- 1791 Philadelphia City Directory: Joseph Hilbourn Occupation: “gentleman” Address: 12 N. Fourth Street.
- 1798- Joseph Hillborn and others are executors in the July 17, 1798 will of Anna DeMorault, proved Feb 19, 1801. Will Bk Y, Philadephia Co., Pa.
- 1798 Jul 18- Joseph Hilbourn mentioned in a newspaper as adjoining landowner on 4th in Philadelphia to a property being auctioned off. SOURCE: Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, PA. Issue 2343, Page 1. Source: Genealogybank.com
- 1799- Joseph Hillborn named as an executor in the Dec 27, 1799 will of Christopher Marshall, druggist in Philadelphia, proved in 1807. Will Book 2A, Philadelphia Co., Pa.
- 1802- Abstract of will of JOSEPH HILLBORN, City of Philadelphia. November 3, 1802. Proved February 8, 1803. Will book 1A, p. 77. Philadelphia Co., PA. He died at age 70.
Estate to sister Elizabeth Hillborn. Nieces: Elizabeth West, Rachel Roberts and their children Joseph Roberts, Hannah Good and Lydia Savill.
Exec: Elizabeth Hillborn, Isaac Wampole.
Wit: Henry K. Helmuth, John Pierie, Peter Wagner, Junr. - Joseph’s parents were John Hillborn and Rachel Strickland; their children:
- Elizabeth Hillborn b. 1731
- Joseph Hillborn, b. 1732, died Bet. 1802 – 1803 in Philadelphia, Pa.
- Frances Hillborn b. 1734
- John b. 1736
- Miles Hillborn b. 1738
- Amos3 Hillborn- will of Nov. 1770, proved Jan 25, 1771. Names mother Rachel, brothers Miles and Joseph; sisters Elizabeth & Frances, nieces Elizabeth and Rachel Hillborn. Exec: Joseph Hillborn. Will bk P, Philadelphia Co., Pa.
- Thomas b. 1744
This information about Joseph Hilbourn of Philadelphia actually suggests that he and Joseph Hilbourn in the North Carolina records were likely the same person. The key to learning more about this Joseph Hilbourn in the Cumberland record would be to locate the Wilmington Superior Court Records which likely are in the North Carolina Archives.
Is Joseph Hilbourn the father of Frederick Hilburn, born in 1768?
My research on this Joseph Hilbourn has been fueled by my interest in proving or disproving the claims of some family researchers, found primarily on Ancestry.com, that Joseph Hilbourn of Pennsylvania is the father of my 4th great-grandfather, Frederick Hilburn who was born in 1768 in North Carolina. I have found absolutely NO evidence to support that claim. If someone has evidence please share it with me. There is circumstantial evidence that the Joseph in 1765 North Carolina was the same Joseph in Pennsylvania, but Joseph Hilbourn of Philadelphia apparently did not have children as in his will of 1802 he only named his sister and nieces as heirs.
There are three references to a Joseph Hilbourn in North Carolina in the 1760’s, yet they are in three different counties. It’s significant that there ARE more than a dozen records of other Hilburn men in the state prior to the Revolution, and the majority of those records are in Duplin and Sampson Counties. It is most likely that Frederick Hilburn’s father was one of these men- John, Vaughn, William, and Hamblin Hilburn. Since Frederick was born in 1768, his father would’ve had to have been born before 1750. It’s obvious from records found on these men that they were related, although the exact nature of their relationship remains unknown. It’s likely that Frederick’s father left North Carolina during or before the Revolutionary War as Frederick is first found in Georgia as a young adult in 1788.
TIMELINE of HILBUN/HILBURN men in NC 1750-1770:
1754 is the earliest date found of a Hilburn in North Carolina. John Hilburn was a chain carrier for a land survey for a John Proctor in Edgecombe County. Two years later, in 1756, a John Hilburn bought land south of there, in Duplin County.
1762- Duplin- a William Hilbon was a witness to land sale from Jos. Baker to Benj. Lanier.
1763– Dobbs- Vaun HILBORN– bought land on Nahunta swamp. In Duplin Hamblin HILBURN was a witness on a land deed.
1763 Wilmington, NC-Court case involving Joseph HILBOURN
1766 Duplin- John Hilbun was witness for a land deed and an adjoining landowner
1767 Duplin– John HILBURN and Hamblin HILBURN both bought land.
1768 – Frederick Hilbun was born in North Carolina to whom?
1769 Duplin- John HILBUN and Hamblin HILBURN both sold land. In Dobbs, Vaughn Hilburn is on Tax list
(All Duplin County land records are online at Sampson County Register of Deeds website).
Lagniappe:
Likely not related to Joseph Hilbourn, but another Hilburn merchant from 1765 is Thomas Hillburn of South Carolina. Thomas’ will was filed in the same year in which Joseph Hilbourn collected on his debt in North Carolina. All of we know about Thomas Hillburn is from his Will- he was a storekeeper and he lived in what is present day Marlboro County, less than 100 miles from Fayetteville. No other Hilburn was named in his will and no other Hilburns have been found in this area during the 1760’s although William Hilburn did have land about 135 miles west on a branch of the Bush River.
1765 Apr 27. Thomas Hillburn, will, Prince Frederick’s Parish, Craven Co., South Carolina. W253-254. Storekeeper: 1). Widow Rebecca Tompling; 2). Susannah Mixon, daughter of Wm. & Abigail Mixon, part of land purchased of Jeremiah Rowell Sr. on Gachway (Cashaway) Neck on NE side of Pee Dee River. 3). William Watkins & John McCall, Jr. to have remainder of estate. 16 Jan 1765, probated 21 Feb 1765. R: md p 471. Will book QQ 1760-67. Source: Probate Records of SC. Estate quit rent-1768 on 200 A. in Craven paid by Wm Wilkins, Exectr.
Jeremiah Rowell and William Watkins are mentioned in the early history of the Cashaway Baptist Church which can be found online. Rowell is documented as having left a Welsh Tract church in Pennsylvania (which was later in Delaware) to move to South Carolina. Some of the early settlers came from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. More research is needed.
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1830-1910 Census Records of Frederick Hilbun, children and Descendants who settled in North Louisiana
NOTE: Names spelled as they appear in the census
*Frederick & his Children listed in red; NOTES in italics
COMPILED BY Joy Hilbun Mohr 2020
| YEAR | Parish/County & STATE | Hilbun Households & # of persons | Hilbun Households | Households/ or NOTES |
| 1830 | Lowndes Co., AL | John Hillbourn 3 Joseph Hillbourn– 3 | William Hillbourn- 4 Frederick Hillbourn– 6 | Stephen Hillbourn- 4 Henry Hillbourn– 9 |
| 1840 | Lowndes Co., AL | Joseph Hilborn- 8 Stephen Hilborn– 10 | William Hilburn-9 F. Hilborn– 8 | C. Hilborn- 13 (unknown who C. was) |
| Butler Co., AL | Benjamin Hilburn- 5 | |||
| Randolph Co, Ga | James B. Hillburn- 4 | Henry Hillburn– 8 | ||
| 1850 | Lowndes, AL | Joseph Hilborn– 54 James, David, Dora A, Harmon H., Sarah, Jane Frederick Hilborn- 82 Jane Hilborn– 17 | WilliamHilborn 52 Elizabeth, Nancy, Susan, Mary, Sarah, Emily, Frances, William H., Frederck,….. | ….. James A.- 8, James M.- 21. Stephen N. Hilbun’s son. |
| Butler Co., AL | StephenHilburn45 Sarah 22 illiter. Mary 18, Sarah 17 , Joseph, David, John ……. | … continued Elizabeth, Marietta, Frances, Patton, Holland- 2 | ||
| Bienville, LA | JamesB Hilburn47 Billinda 42 Jasper W 11 | Continued: Edwin- 4; George W. 2 | ||
| Jackson Parish, LA | FrancesBaxter 31 Lucinda Baxter 29 Lewis- 5; Daniel W- 3 | Lucinda –Henry Hilbun’s only KNOWN child | ||
| Ouachita, LA Wards 9 &10 | John Hilbun 59 Mary 50 David Fred’k 17 Elizabeth 15 | Wm. Bryant Hilbun 30 SarahAnn 24 Narcissa, Theodocia; Henry 3; Fleming D 2 mo | WB Hilbun next to A. Brock … son James W. marr. Eliz AHilbun, d/o John. She marr. Jam. LDurham | |
| Union, LA | B Hilbran 33 Mary 28 Emily 14; Mary 12; James- 10; John- 8; William – 6; Benjamin 3 | Joseph 26 living w/Perdue family Died 1900 | All born in Georgia. Is this Henry’s son? Check this out | |
| 1860 | Holmesville, Pike Co., MS. | StephenHillbun53 Sarah A. 30 John 20, Elizabeth 18 Mary 17, Drucilla 16 | minister children cont.: Patton 15, Hollis 12 Fletcher 11, Thos 8, | children continued: Martha 4, Stephen 1. |
| Natchitoches, LA | WilliamHilbun60 Elizabeth 54 Emily 22 b. Al Frederick 18; Andrew- 16 | Next to bro-in-law, David F Kimball who marr. Wm’s sister Sarah; She died 1849 | J. C. Hilburn rec’d 2 tracts of land in Natch. | |
| Jackson LA PO Vernon | Frances Baxter 46 Lucinda 38 Miles 14 ; Eli- 9 | Henry Hilbun’s only known child | ||
| Union, LA | JosephCHilburn38 John Fred.- 6; James E.- 5; Charles M.- 2; JA- 8 female; | BenjaminHilburn 45 Eliz 22; John- 18, James- 16; Jeff. 14…… | Cont. .. Hillery- 12, T.- 9; McD 7; MJ- 5; Victoria-1 | |
| Winn, LA | John Hilbun 69; living w/ daught. Eliz Brock. Wm. H Hillbun 23 living w/ Puckett fam. | David F.Hilburn27 Julia AR 21 Almedia A 5; Margaret A 2 | JB Holiday- 33 Lucy AHoliday- 28 & 3 Kimball kids; + her kids | |
| 1861 | 1861, Bienville Parish, LA. | Elias B. Hilburn, JJ Hilburn, WW HIlburn | Joseph Hilburn James B. Hilburn | From Planter’s Directory 1861 |
| 1870 | Bienville, LA | Jas. Hilbun 67 Rileman? 34 Louis 19 Joseph 13; Gussy- 7. Jas. Hilbun 31 & wife | E. B. Hilburn 40 Matilda 35 Franklin 15, Thomas 11, Nancy, Mary, Caroline, Charles 3 | Moved to Texas 1870; 1880 in Robertson TX |
| Jackson, LA PO Douglas | FA Baxter 57 L (Lucinda) 49 E 18 son, LM 24 (daughter of Henry Hilbun) | TJ Hilburn 46 (John’s son?) SA – 33 AK- 11, JH 8, NI 4, AI- 2, & JN 2 mths | Ward 6, Vernon P. Office: JS Hillburn- 27 with family of wife & 3 kids. | |
| Natchitoches, LA Cochatta Chute | Ellen Hillborn 40 Martha 18 Pilott “ 17 Napolean “ 15 Henry “ 14; Jessie “ F. 12 | Betsey Hillburn 65 Andrew Hilburn25 Wiley Weaver 23 Sarah A Weaver Holiman Weaver 2 | Wm’s widow & son? Joseph’s daughter Sara | |
| Rapides, LA Cotile | JosephC Hilbun 48 John F. 16 Charles M 11 | James E Hilborn15 w/Stinson family in Union Parish | ||
| Winn, LA ward 5 Atlanta | DavidF Hilborn 38 Julia AR- 31; Almeda A. 14 Margarett A 11; Francis J- 1 | Winnfield: Maxwell Hilbron 16; living with S. Kimbrol family …. | ||
| Wayne Co., MS | Stephen Hilburn– 63, | Township 9 pastor | ||
| 1880 | Bienville, LA | Edward Houston Jane Houston (Eliza Jane Hilbun) & family | 1st Ward | |
| Claiborne, LA | JasperW Hilburn 41 Olive 28 & 4 daughters | 5th ward | ||
| Lincoln, LA | FrancisBaxter 63 Lucinda 62 Ely – 28; Miles Baxter- next door | Lucinda is Henry Hilbun’s only known child | 5th Ward: James E Hilburn living w/Eliza Stinson | |
| Natchitoches, LA | James Andrew Hilburn 28 Betsy Hilburn- 80 mom Catherine- 40 sis John 10 son | James A. born MS Betsy born GA | ||
| Ouachita, LA 9th ward | T J Hilbun 56 Sarah A 40 John H -17; Judson A -11; Jasper N- 8; Martha E 6; Sarah E, 4; B. Lee 2 mo. F | (Thomas Jefferson) b. Lowndes, AL | Ouachita 9th Ward J. F. Hilburn 30 Mary A. 26 | |
| Rapides, LA Cheneyville | JosephC Hilburn 58 Treasy Hilburn 50 | |||
| Winn, LA 6th ward | David F. Hilbun 47 Julia- 41; Joanna- 11; Jessie 7 Robert L.- 4; David F.- 1 | 1900 Travis Co. TX | 8th Ward Catherine H Hilbun 37 Fred- 11, Martha J 8, Wm 6. Living w/James Durham | |
| 1900 | Grant, LA | Robert L Hilbron 24 | b. LA/AL/AL | |
| Ouachita Ward 9 Ward 7 | J. F. Hilbun 50 widowed John Henry 39 Melvina 48; Jefferson 10 | Jed Hilbern 31 (Judson) Lou 23 Minnie 8; Fred B. 5; Wm H 4; Bertie 4 mth | Thomas J. Hilburn 76 Adline- 64. 10 kids; 5 livin Bula F. 20 | |
| Rapides | J F Hilburn 45 Josephine 31 Rosa Lee 14; Joseph 12 William 10; Lou C 8; Charlie M. 4; Ella 2 | Walter Hilburn 25- boarder with Miller family in Boyce. | ||
| Sabine Parish | Katherine Hilburn 57 | Living with Roe family | ||
| Winn | David F. Hilburn 67 | Fleming David 21 | Nathan Wm. 24 | |
| 1910 | Ouachita Ward 9 | John H Hilburn 48 Nancy 57 Thomas 19; Sara A – 78- mom | Judson A Hilburn 41 Lucy- 36 Benoit- 6 more children | Fleming Hilborn 60 Ann 55 George F. 19 Elizabeth 23 Daugh. in law |
| Rapides | Frederick Hilburn. 56 Josephine 41 Joseph 22 William 21; 4 daughters | Cotile- H Walter Hilborn 32 C Frances- 34; Walter B.- 7; Mary 5, Frances 3 | William Hilburn 22 Bessie 23 Carrie 2 Herman 3 mo. | |
| Winn | Robert L. 34 | David F. 70 | ||
History of the Hilbun Family of Jones County, Mississippi
BY JOY HILBUN
The first Hilbuns to settle in Jones County, Mississippi was the family of John Wesley Hilbun, son of Stephen Newberry Hilbun (born 1805, GA). They ended up in Jones County sometime before 1870 after moving from nearby Wayne County.
An oral tradition passed down through generations of Hilbuns reports that the Hilbuns had planned to move to Texas and were actually on their way there when they became stranded by a snow storm in Jones County’s Big Creek community! The Wade family of Big Creek showed much kindness to them and insisted that they settle in the community. We are not sure of the exact year of that storm, but several newspaper reports from February 1868 mention heavy snowfall in southern areas of Mobile, New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi. The Times Picayune on February 1, 1868 reported that Mobile had received a bit of snow on January 30th. Still we are unsure when the Hilbuns made this trek through Jones County as they were not included in the 1870 Jones County census which was enumerated in July 1870. The family consisted of John Wesley Hilbun, his wife, Susan Elizabeth, step-sons/nephews, Andrew Jackson, Stephen Fillmore, and William P., and his children with Susan- Lula Drucilla, Theodosia, and Mary Catherine.
The Hilbuns of Jones County have been traced by records back to Frederick Hilbun, through his son Stephen Newberry Hilbun (SNH) who was born in 1805 in Burke County, Georgia. Frederick Hilbun and family moved to Lowndes County, Alabama by 1820 and most of his sons lived there for years.
In 1828 Stephen N. Hilbun married Priscilla Hannah in Montgomery County, Alabama. Although Stephen was listed as being a farmer and a blacksmith in the 1850 census, he apparently also felt a calling by God to preach as he was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1849. His older brother Joseph Hilbun donated land for a new church to be built in 1841 and Stephen and brothers, William and John were trustees for that church. In 1851 Stephen was ordained as a Baptist minister of the Gospel.
In 1854, SNH’s third son, William, married Susan Elizabeth Beard in Monroe County, Alabama. William Hilbun and his father-in-law, Moses Beard, bought adjoining land in the Clear Creek community of Wayne County, Mississippi by 1859. William’s brother, David Frederick Hilbun, also moved to Wayne County. William Hilbun and Susan had three sons- Andrew Jackson who was born in 1856, Stephen Fillmore born in 1857; and William P. “Billy, born in 1860.
Early in 1860, SNH moved his family, including son John Wesley, to Holmesville in Pike County, Mississippi. His two oldest sons remained in Monroe County, Alabama. SNH continued to serve as a preacher as he is mentioned in the minutes of a Mt. Zion Baptist Church as preaching from 1860-1861. At the end of 1861, Stephen became pastor of Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana, which is fairly close to Pike County, Mississippi.
With the advent of the Civil War, six of Stephen’s sons enlisted to serve with the Confederacy. In March 1862, sons William and John Wesley Hilbun enlisted with Company E of the Shubuta Guards of Clark County, Mississippi, a part of the 37th Mississippi Infantry Regiment. Both brothers were wounded in the Battle of Corinth and spent months recovering in the hospital and at home. John’s recovery was slow and he was discharged by order of General Johnston in the summer of 1863. William, however, was able to rejoin his unit which was already engaged in the Battle of Vicksburg. He was severely wounded in this battle. After the surrender of Vicksburg he received his parole on July 4, 1863. On July 15 William died in the hospital. He is buried in the Confederate cemetery, Soldiers Rest, a part of the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Vicksburg. His older brother James Monroe Hilbun died of small pox during the war three months prior.
After William Hilbun’s death, his younger brother John Wesley stepped in and married Susan Elizabeth, William’s widow in Wayne County. He thus became step-father to his three nephews, Andrew J., Stephen F. and William P. John Wesley and Susan later had several children- Lula Drucilla, Theodosha, Mary Catherine, John T., and Daniel B.
After the Hilbuns settled in Jones County, John Wesley Hilbun bought several tracts of land primarily south of U. S. Highway 84 in the Big Creek community and in what later became the Centerville community. In 1879 he bought 163 acres in Section 6 of Township 8 North, of Range 13 W. Most of his children settled in the same general area. Some present-day Hilbun descendants still own some of the land that was originally purchased by John Wesley.
The John W. Hilbun family is in the 1880 Census of Jones County, living in the Pinelville Community. He is listed as “J. W. Hillborne” age 45, with wife Susan E., age 43, and son S. F., age 22, and six other children. John W. Hilbun served as Postmaster in Pinnelville at one time.
John Wesley’s father Stephen Newberry Hilbun would visit them in Jones County from time to time. He was living with John when he died in 1888; this is the reason his tombstone is in the Big Creek Cemetery.
Stephen F. Hilbun and William P. Hilbun both bought land in 1896. Stephen bought 40 acres in Section 9 while William bought 81 acres in Section 6.
The map below shows land bought by John W. Hilbun, Stephen F. Hilbun, and William P. Hilbun. There are also many familiar names listed near the Hilbuns- many Wades, including Daniel W. Wade’s land is seen northeast of Stephen’s land. Stephen F. Hilbun married Daniel Wade’s daughter, Mary Almedia. North of that in Section 3 is the land of Franklin M. Flynt which is highlighted with a red dot; his land was later bought by Stephen Hilbun. This is the land on which Bruce S. Hilbun raised his family!
Hilbun lands in Township 8 North, of Range 13 West
in Jones County, Mississippi
1763 Vaughn Hilburn, Dobbs County, North Carolina Land records
On 23 Sep 1763 a patent was entered in Dobbs County, North Carolina for a 195 acre survey for Vaun Hilbern on the south side of Naughhunty (also spelled Nauhunty in another record for him). This land joined John Elliot and Robert Fellow’s lines and ran south to John Worrell and John Elliot’s corner. The chain bearers were John Rowell and Rich’d Worrell. This grant #66 was issued on December 21, 1763 & found in Book 8, p. 7.
SOURCE: Ancestry.com. North Carolina, Land Grant Files, 1693-1960. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Original data: N. C. Land Grants. Microfilm publication, 770 rolls. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, North Carolina
(An interesting observation from these records- Vaughn/Vaughan’s name is consistently spelled “Vaun” although Hilburn is spelled in the following ways- Hilborn, Hilburn, Hilbern, Hilbourn and Hillburn.)
It is unknown which Vaughan Hilburn bought this land in 1763. Was it the “first” Vaughan Hilburn who was in Isle of Wight, Virginia as early as 1730? If so, he would’ve had to have been approximately 54 years old when he bought this land in Dobbs. We do know that Vaughn Hilburn, #2, who married Elizabeth Worrell in Dobbs, died in 1834 in Mississippi. If this land was bought by him, he would’ve lived another 71 years, making him over 90 at death, and born by 1742.
This land is in “Walstonburg Quad” of Dobbs County on the south side of Nahunty in an area which later became Wayne County. Persons named in this record are:
- John ELLIOT- AL (adjoining landowner)
- Robert FELLOW- AL
- John WORRELL- AL
- Rich’d WORRELL- CB (Chain Bearer)
- John ROWELL- CB
Vaun Hilbern was the original patent owner and he owned this land for possibly 16 years and likely sold it between 1777-79.
Images of Vaun Hilburn’s 1763 land records:
In 1758, Dobbs County was formed from the eastern portion of Johnston County. Old Dobbs included today’s Wayne, Greene, Lenoir and small portions of several other counties.
RELATED LAND RECORDS: Vaughan Hilburn of Isle of Wight, Virginia was the first of the Hilbuns to be recorded as being in North Carolina. He was on a roster of the 1748 Edgecombe County Militia from John Sherrard’s company. This roster is from the State Records of North Carolina, Volume 22, pages 282-283. Other names on the list associated with Hilbern are (listed in order on the roster) John Rowell, John Worrel Sener, Richard Warrel, John Worrel, Juner, Vann Hilbern, and later on the list is Elisha Woodard and Thomas Woodard, Jun. Elisha Woodard later owned land in Duplin joining Hamblin Hilburn’s land on Buckhorn Creek. Also related is that in Edgecombe County in 1754, a John Hilburn was a sworn chain carrier on the land survey for John Proctor. The land was on Tyancoky Swamp and bordered Thomas Holliman’s land. Tyancoky Swamp is in the Pinetops Quadrangle.
SALE OF LAND: Not totally known. Vaughn Hillburn sold land to Samuel Pike p. 281 *, OLD DOBBS COUNTY BOOK 11 – January 1777 – April 1779. More details of this transaction are not known as the original deeds were lost. Although the following record sheds some light on Vaughn’s 195 acres he received in 1763- 1784 May 31 Sam Pike to son, Book 2, 1784-1785, 100 acres on the south side of Naughhunty Swamp, being part of a tract granted to Vaun HILLBORN on 21 Dec 1763.
ANALYSIS: Based on this 1763 land record and on other records mentioned, there is a preponderance of evidence to suggest that Vaughn and the Worrells were related. It’s believed that John Worrell was Vaughn’s father-in-law; Worrell’s 1788 will names a Elizabeth Hilburn as an heir. Two Worrell family members were named in Vaughn Hilburn’s 1834 estate in Hinds County, Mississippi after his death.
Both John Hilburn and Vaun Hilburn were in Edgecombe; Vaun #1 was there as early as 1748 and again in 1763 (Vaughan #1 or #2?) while John Hilburn was there in 1753. The distance between Tyancoky, now referred to as Cokey Swamp, and Nahunta (35.5126605, -77.7324773) is approximately 20 miles.
The 1834 Will of Vaughan Hilburn
Vaughan Hilburn, who was named in the 1790 Sampson County, North Carolina Census with nine children, died in Hinds County, Mississippi in 1834. He was likely the father of John, Frederick, Henry, Woodward, Vaughan Jr., James, Luke, Benjamin, and others. He is not to be confused with the “first” Vaughan Hilburn who was first recorded in Isle of Wight, VA (IOW, VA) in 1730. It’s most likely that this Vaughan of IOW, VA was the father of Vaughan Hilburn who died in Mississippi in 1834.
I first became aware of this will from the book Hinds County, Mississippi, Vol. I, 1822-1859, Will Book I Abstracts by Clara Wright Forrest, in which Vaughan’s will was transcribed. There were no familiar names listed in the will to suggest this was the same Vaughan Hilburn who was born in North Carolina and was likely the father of Hilburn men of Copiah, Misssissippi. Since this was only a transcription of the will, I felt it was necessary to view a copy of the original will.
In 2012, I went to the Mississippi State Archives and read a copy of the original will on microfilm. It was obvious that Mrs. Forrest’s transcription had some errors! Her transcription is as follows with my corrections in BOLD.
Abstract of Vaughan Hilborne’s Will, p. 41.
Hinds County, Mississippi, Vol. I, 1822-1859, Will Book I Abstracts by Clara Wright Forrest.
Vaughan Hilborne departed this life about the 5th of September 1834, & about a week before his death he reported (repeated) in a conversation with Wynand Vannamen that he should shortly die and that he wished what he had to be sold except his bed and bed cloaths, and that he wished Isaiah Warner (?) (Worrell) and Levi Bankston to see to the selling of said property and pay his debts and what was left he wished Axsa Waddel (?) (Axey Worrell) to have, and also he wished her to have his bed and bed clothing. He also said that this was his will and had been for some time- that he always wished for her (meaning the said Axey) to have what he had after paying his debts, that in repeating the above conversation he expressed it fully that it was his will. Probated October 27, 1834; Witness: Wynand Van Namen (signature)
This will was actually recorded in October, almost two months after Vaughan’s death and was based upon the testimony of a friend or neighbor in Hinds County. Vaughan Hilburn must have been living in Hinds County, MS at the time of his death. According to land records of persons named in the will, he was living in southern part of the couty which borders Copiah County, where his sons John & Frederick Hilburn owned land. Although only John Hilburn owned land by this date and his land was in Township 10, Range 8E in Section 14. At the end of 1834, Frederick Hilburn and John Hilburn, Jr. also bought land in the same township and range as John Sr.
It is believed that Vaughan Hilburn’s wife was Elizabeth Worrell, daughter of John Worrell who died after 1788 in Wayne County, North Carolina. In his will dated December 22, 1788, Worrell willed five shillings to several persons in a list- Wm. Worrell, Eliza Hilburn, Priscilla Peacock, and Benjamin Worrell. He did not state the relationship to these except he did identifyRich’d Worrell as a son, his wife and a grandson. It’s believed the others listed are relatives at least and likely children.
Will of Vaughan Hilborne, Hinds County, MS. 1834
Persons named in Vaughan Hilborne’s 1834 Will:
Wynand Van Namen. Van Namen was the witness who testified that he had spoken to Hilburn about his wishes only weeks before his death. He appears to have been a neighbor of Isaiah and Exum Worrell (see the Hinds County plat map on the following page). He is found in the 1830 and 1840 Hinds County census as “Hynand Van Namen”, age 30-40, and in the 1850 Hinds Census with wife Ann. He was born in Holland.
Axsa or Axey Worrell. Axsa or Axey Worrell, was born about 1810 in North Carolina and died in 1887 in Attala, MS., (according to the Worrell Family Website). At the time of Hilburn’s death she was single. She married James Mallette (b. 1788 VA) in Hinds County in 1837. His father was William Mallotte II; in 1809 Mallotte owned a inn on the “road west” in Baldwin Co., GA. In 1816 they moved to Lawrence Co., MS & later to Hinds County.
Biographical facts from the Bible given to Axsa by her father upon her marriage in 1837 mentions her sisters, Elizabeth (married Harrison Watson), Martha (married Wm R. Brock) and brother Exum. Her father, Isaiah is also mentioned in Vaughan’s will; he was the son of Richard Worrell, Sr. who was the brother of Vaughan Hilburn’s wife Elizabeth Worrell. According to family records, Vaughan married Elizabeth around 1748.
Isaiah Worrell– Isaiah was Vaughan Hilburn’s wife, Elizabeth’s nephew. He is believed to have been her brother Richard’s son. He was born in 1785 in Wayne County, NC and died after 1860 in Lebanon, Hinds County, Mississippi.
Lawrence County, Mississippi State & Territorial Census Collection 1792-1866. Date unknown.
- Isaiah Worrell 1-3-1-3 Total: 8
- Elijah Fisher 1-3-1-3 Total: 8
Isaiah Worrell is found in Monticello in Lawrence County, MS in the 1820 census. There were actually two Isaiah Worrells listed, along with a William Mallet.
Isaiah and Vaughan both appear to have moved from North Carolina to Mississippi Territory by 1812, as they are both found in early census records of Lawrence County. Since Worrell was named as administrator of Hilburn’s estate, it is believed that he and Vaughan were not only related by marriage but also close friends.
Levi Bankston– 1830 Census Hinds County Census- between 50-60 years old. In 1826, Bankston bought 80 acres in Hinds in Township 3 N, Range 3 W, Section 6 and lived fairly near Isaiah Worrell. The plat map below shows the section of Hinds County in which Bankston, Worrell and Van Namen lived.
Isaiah Worrell had land in sections 28 and 33, Exum Warrel had land in section 28, while Van Namen had 40 acres in Section 32. At the time Vaughan Hilburn died, Isaiah Worrell owned land in Section 33. These sections are slightly shaded for the purpose of identification.
Vaughan Hilburn Estate Records
(from MS. Archives; obtained from Ancestry.com)
1836 Dec 16. Inventory of Property Sold of Vaughan Hilburn estate.
Thos. A. Jelks, Isaiah Worle, James Mallett, John Brown, MC Moore, Jos. Stewart, John Brown, Charles Stovall, William Walker
Hilbun 