Having researched the family name Hilbun/ Hilburn for a decade I’ve come to some conclusions about the various branches or settlements of Hilbun/Hilburn families throughout the United States.  It seems that most of them are descended from the Vaughan Hilburn who was in southeast Virginia as early as 1730.  But, there are other Hilburns who are recorded even earlier than that.  What I am not sure of is if these Hilburns are connected to Vaughan Hilburn in any way.

The earliest record of Hilburns in the southern colonies was in Stafford County, Virginia in the Quit Rent Roll of 1723. The roll included=  “John Todd for Hillburn’s heirs; 290 Acres” and “general remarks: now John Peaks”. Source: The Register of Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co., Va. p.153.

Who these Hilburn heirs were is not known.  Stafford County, Virginia is in northeast Virginia; Vaughan Hilburn was an adult in 1730 but in southeast Virginia.  Could he have been one of the Hillburn heirs?
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In January 1728 in Queen Anne Parish, Maryland, a John Hilburn drew up his last will and testament.  Contents of this will-  “Sons William and John to remain with wife Frances until 21 years. Daughter Elizabeth to care of Mark Hargedon (Hargedine) & Jane, his wife, until 18 years. To wife Frances, personalty. Test: John Boulton, Edward More, Wm. Gough.” 19, 643.   I have photocopied this will from the Maryland State Archives.  It is not known who these Hilburns were and if there is any connection to Vaughan Hilburn.

Later in 1730, Vaughan Hilbun/Hilburn bought 100 acres in Isle of Wight County on the north side of Three Creeks beginning on the north side of Great Reedy Branch. He later was named an heir and administrator of a John Vaughan’s will.  The will dated February 9, 1736 in Isle of Wight, Virginia stated:   “WILL of John Vaughan. Legatee-wife Elliner, to Vaughn Hilburne, all my land at the death of my wife; to John Simmons, the minor son of John Simmons, Jr. of Surrey County, reversion of the bequest made to John Hilburn also to him. Vaughan Hilburn, executor.”  SOURCE: Virginia Land, Marriage, & Probate Records, 1639-1850.  A copy of this will is in my possession.

In 1737 Vaughan Hilborn was named a godparent for Sylvanus Stokes, son of Jones & Anne Stokes who was born 18 February 1737 and christened 16 March 1739/40.  Other godparents of this child were William Knight and Rebecca Hardwood.  Source: “Albemarle Parish Register of Surry & Sussex Co, VA.” Colonial Dames of America.- p 48.

In 1740 Vaughn Hilburn and Nathaniel Ridley were witnesses to a land deed for Thomas Johnston Jr. on the north.side of Three Creeks along Plowman’s Branch.

In January 1741, Vaughan Hilbun of sold his land on the north & south side of Three Creeks in Isle of Wight County to Joshua Nicholson.  The last record of Vaughan Hilburn in Virginia was 26 July 1742, the date he returned the inventory of the estate of John Vaughan, deceased.  This also was in Isle of Wight county.