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
Vaughan & John Hilburn in Colonial Virginia & North Carolina ….
….and their connections to the Holliman Family, Part 1
The reason for this research between the Hilbun and Holliman families is primarily due to the fact that my direct ancestor, Holiman HILBUN of Burke County, Ga. had connections with a Harmon HOLLIMAN as he was a chain carrier on Holiman Hilburn’s land survey in 1788. AND in 1789, a land survey in Burke for William Thompson (who was somehow connected to the Hilburns based on land records) had Harmon Holliman and Richard Holliman as chain carriers. These connections with the Holliman family will be further explored in Part 2. Part 1 will show the first recorded connections between the Hilburn & Holliman families.
The first direct Hilburn/Hilbun ancestor we are aware of was Vaughan Hilburn who was first found in a 1730 land record in Isle of Wight, Virginia. By the late 1740’s it appears that Vaughan Hilburn had left Virginia and was in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The second Hilburn man, John, is first found in a ca. 1755 land record also in Edgecombe. The following narrative will show documentation of Vaughan and John Hilburn’s existence through the years prior to the Revolutionary War.
In 1730, on September 28, Vaughan Helburn received a 100 acres land grant in Isle of Wight Co, VA. on the North side of the Three Creeks, beginning on the north side of the great Reedy Branch. Source: Land Office Patents #13, 1725-1730 (v.1- 2 p.1-540), p. 500 (Reel 12). As of 1775, this was in Brunswick County. with some records of the area recorded in Surry Co., Southampton Co. as well as Isle of Wight Co.).
1736 IOW, VA. John Vaughan Will. This will names Vaughan Hilburn as an heir & administrator & names John Simmons & John Simmons, Jr. as heirs. Witnesses to the will were: John DORTCH, John UPCHURCH, John SPENCE & John VAUGHN. The will was probated in 1741.
Older Records Connecting Vaughn and others named in will:
- 1716- a “Jno. Vawhan” mentioned on Oct. 31 in Isle of Wight as having land on the SE Side of Three Creek, adjacent to Thomas Holliday.
- 1717- Mar 18 a John Vauhan bought 110 acres on the south side of the Nottoway River on the south side of Three Creeks in what was then Isle of Wight Co.
- 1725 Mar 24, John Dortch was granted 145 a. on South side of Three Creeks.
- 1730- Vaughn Helburn, 100 a. on the North side of the Three Creeks, beginning on the North side of the great Reedy Branch.
Three Creeks (comprised of Three Creeks, Little Creek, & Otterdam Creek) flowed from Brunswick into Surry Co. (the part that’s now Greensville Co) & on into IOW (now Southampton) where it emptied into the Nottoway River.
In 1737 Vaughan Hilborn is named a godparent in the following record- Stokes Sylvanus, son of Jones & Anne Stokes- born c. Feb 18 1737 to Mar 16 1739/40, p. 48. Godparents listed as: Wm Knight; Vaughan Hilborn; Rebecca Hardwood. “Albemarle Parish Register of Surry & Sussex Co.” published by Colonial Dames of America.
1740- May 17, Vaughn Hilburn- witness on deed for Thomas Johnston, Sr. conveyed to his son Thomas, Jr. 83 acres on the N. side of Three Creeks along Plowman’s Branch, witnessed by Nathaniel Ridley & Vaughn Hilburn (Proven Sep 22, 1740). Notes on Johnston family from their ancestors: Thomas Johnston, Jr. b. abt 1710-1720 in the upper parish of Isle of Wight Co., VA, the son of Thomas Johnston, Sr. He wasn’t mentioned in his father’s will of Apr 25, 1744 (Proven May 8, 1746) as he’d already received land from his father.
1741 Jan. 21. Vaughan Hillbun of IOW- 110 acres to Joshua Nicholson of Surry Co. for 5 shillings. North side of Three Creeks at upper end of the Broad Water, adjoining Mary Harris. Witnesses: James Bennet, Timothy Tharp, William Johnson, William Bennet
1 Aug 1745. Nicholson, Joshua. grantee. Land grant- Isle of Wight Co.
Description: 275 acres on the s. side of theThree Creeks, adjoining land of John Vaughan, James Ridley, James Bennet. Source: Land Office Patents No. 22, 1743-1745 (v.1 & 2 p.1-631), p. 329 (Reel 20)
NOTES FROM IOW Vestry Book online re: IOW & Vaughan Hilburn.
Nathaniel Ridley was appointed a vestryman according to IOW Vestry Book Records 1724. He later was Church Warden.
Other familiar names in the IOW Vestry Book during same time frame:
- Christopher Holliman
- Thomas Holliman
- Ruben Proctor- listed often as a vestry man
- John Proctor
- Newet Drew
- Maj. John Simmons appted vestryman in 1733
By the late 1740’s it appears that Vaughan Hilburn had moved to Edgecombe County, North Carolina as his name is on a roster of Captain John Sherrard’s Company in that county. In 1752, in Edgecombe, a John Hilburn and Rubin Proctor were chain carriers for a land survey for John Prockter. The land bordered Thomas Holliman’s corner on Tyancoca Swamp. This is the first known connection between a Hilburn and a Holliman, and the first record of a John Hilburn.
MY NOTE: In 1742 IOW, VA, John Proctor’s land bordered Thomas Holliman & John Holliman’s land. Vaughan Hilburn also owned land in IOW at the same time! His land was on the north side of Three Creeks & a Josiah John Holliman had land which bordered on the Three Creeks.
Thomas Holliman is found in Edgecombe in 1752, 1753-56, along with a Samuel who appeared there earlier. In addition, an Absalom Holliman is found on records in Edgecombe in 1754 as a CC, & 1756 as a witness to a will. In 1781, Absalom rec’d a land grant of 350 acres in Edgecombe. It’s likely that he was not yet an adult in the first two records; by 1781 he likely already had a family.
By 1755, John Hilburn was in Duplin County, N.C. as he bought 100 acres on the south side of Little Coharie Creek in August, but sold this land in March of 1756. During the same years, a Samuel Holliman bought & sold land in Duplin on the Great Cohary River. Although one record places Samuel Holliman in Edgecombe & Duplin in 1756: “1756 Edgecombe Co. (Halifax) Samuel Holliman, of Duplin Co, to Moses Hare, Edgecombe.” So Samuel Holliman was in Duplin at the same time as John Hilbun. Other Holimans in Duplin during this time frame include David Holliman
By 1759, a Samuel Holliman is listed as from Johnston County where he sold his land in Duplin on Great Cohary. Also in 1759, Thomas Holliman is listed in Johnston in same record as Samuel. Interestingly, Vann Hilbern is listed on the soldier roster for Johnston in 1761
1767 Capt. John Sherrard’s Company, Dobbs County, NC. Vaun Hilbern listed on roster, along with several Hollimans.
In 1769, in Dobbs County, Vaughn Hilburn is listed as having 1 taxable. Also Samuel Holloman is also on this tax list.
1779- Wilkes GA. WILL of David Holliman: Excrs.: Absolom & Charity Holliman, Oct. 1779. Probated 7/1783. David Holliman’s sons: David, Mark, Samuel; daughter: Alcy.
1786 & 1788- Wayne Co.; NC. Early Tax List. Vaughn Hilbourn
Part 2 to be published at a later date!
Hilburn pastors of Bladen County, N.C.
The following information was gathered from
“A Pictorial Directory of the churches of the Bladen Baptist Association, Bladen County, N.C.” at archive.org
(My note: Three Hilburn men of Bladen County mentioned in this book were brothers… Rufus Marion Hilburn, David Henry Hilburn & Amsey Ashbell Hilburn. They were sons of Henry Francis Hilburn, b. 1827. At least two, R. M. Hilburn and David H. Hilburn were Baptist pastors. The man S. H. Hilburn, delegate of Mt. Pleasant church is unknown at this time.
Even though my family is likely related to these Bladen Hilburns, we’ve not met and would likely be as far removed as 6th-8th cousins or so. It’s interesting to note that my line of Hilbuns also has several Baptist preachers, going as far back as my 3rd great-grandfather, Stephen N. Hilbun, born in 1805, in Georgia. )
Beards Chapel Church, a member of the Bladen Co., NC Baptist Association. The following ministers have served this church: C. E. Beard, Rufus M. Hilburn, W. 8. Melvin, Henry Carter, A. J. Freeman, Claude Home, J. K. Todd, Ara H. Dove, Joel Johnson, David Hilburn, Lloyd Johnson, R. L. Byrd, P. T. Britt, LL Todd, C. S. Smith, HB Bennett, LL Johnson, Gaston Hester, Hollan Hughes, Everitte Anderson,Thomas Hughes, A. N. Huneycutt, C. J. Ellis, Wilton M. Jones, LL Barnes, & Robert E. Hill. The present pastor is Ralph Gore.
Pastors who have served Center Road Baptist Church are Noah Mercer, G. L. King, W. L. Brisson, D. H. Hilburn, WM. Brisson, D. L. Johnson, D. L. Hewett, R. M. Hilburn, J. L. Tyner, E. O. Johnson, C. F. Dever, K. L. Stanley, R. A. Britt, W. A. Coleman, J. M. Fleming, Paul Britt, CB Home, HB Bennett, Bob Harris, A. T. Peacock, Vance Tyson, WD. Hudson, Alton Williams, Eddie Reynolds, Howard Davis, Paul T. Forrester, James L. May, Jerry Haas, & Earl Henry.
The First Baptist Church of Bladenboro, a branch of the Galeed Baptist Church, was conceived in the minds & hearts of Baptists in Bladenboro a year or two before its organization. A Sunday School was conducted in the old school building for quite a while before the church was organized. This old school building was located as the present site of the pastorium. The Rev. I. P. Hedgpeth with the Rev. Snowden Hester and Amsey A. Hilburn assisted in this organization in 1911.
Two ministers have been ordained at Hickory Grove. Robert M. Sessoms was ordained in May 1856, & Charles Hester was ordained in July 1971.
Pastors who have served the church are Elias Davis, Isham Stone, Haynes Lennon, Furney Prevatte, Elias Davis Johnson, J. G. Fisher, E. W. Wooten, W. S. Ballard, R. L. Byrd, J. M. Fleming, R. M. Hilburn, AH. Porter, R. S. Lennon, R. N. Cashwell, W D. Pridgen, E. A. Paul, R. A. Stankwytch, R. L. Edwards. I.H. Lambert, J. C. Shaw, Steve Hora, Robert Carter, LeRoy Trevathan, Bruce Lanier, and Joseph Stanley.
The church was admitted to the Cape Fear Association in 1870 as Mount Pleasant. In May 1892, a vote was taken to ascertain the feeling of the church in regard to organizing a Bladen County Association & the result was nine for, seven against. In Aug. 1892, the minutes state, “The business of Bladen County Association Convention was called by the Central Union to meet Sept. 15, with Brown’s Creek Church was taken up & Brother J. M. Register, S. H. Hilburn, were appointed delegates & S. B. Thompson, J. B. Melvin and J. P. Vause, alternates. An invitation was extended to the newly organized association to meetwith this church in case it should be decided to organize.” In Sept., 1892, the church asked the Cape Fear Association for a letter of dismission to organize a new association. On Nov. 7, 1892, delegates from the churches of Bladen Co. met at Mount Pleasant, Lisbon, and organized the Bladen Baptist Association. Mt Pleasant Church was dismissed from the Bladen Baptist Association in 1906, admitted to Cape Fear-Columbus Association in 1907; readmitted to the Bladen Baptist Association in 1923.
Other pastors who have served this church are Rufus M. Hilburn; William Brunt; E. W. Wooten; H. H. Hildreth; W. S. Ballard; William Brisson; A. H. Porter; John E. King; D J Clark; O. P. Meeks; WO Biggs; W. D. Pridgen; A. D. Woodell; M. D. Beasley; R. A. Britt; Jennis McLamb; Alton Coble, who served as Associational Missionary for the Bladen Baptist Association; H. D. Harris; and Clyde Coates. The present pastor is Theodore Lawson.
Salt Marsh Baptist Church. It was dismissed from Cape Fear Association in 1892 and became a charter member of Bladen Baptist Association. The church was dismissed from Bladen Baptist Assoc. in 1904 &admitted to Wilmington Association. In 1918 the church was dismissed from the Wilmington Association to become a member of Bladen Baptist Association.
The Woman’s Missionary Union was organized in 1952. Pastors who have ministered in this church, in addition to J. M. Register & A. D. Carter, include David J. Ray, J. D. Elwell, O L Stringfield, John Smith, Jack Bordeaux, J. P. Lennon, D. H. Hilbum, R. M. Hilburn, W. C. Walton, E. Boney, J. H. Hildreth, Charles H. Utiey, J. H. Dobson, A. L. Goodrich, Henry Carter, David E. Pait, C B Home, Charlie Brisson, G. D. Peterson, Hugh Cox, A. E. Herring, W. H. Coleman, Boney Kelly, Norman B. Edge, Albert Smith, Garland Bordeaux, Bill Reynolds, L.D. Smith, Maurice McLean, Earl Evers, Frank Turner, H. D. Harris, and Walter Hayes. The present pastor Is Donald Hughes.
Charter members of Richardson Baptist Church, organized in 1914, were David H. Hilburn, RK Nance, Colon Singletary, John C Davis, Oscar McLaughlin, Rad Hester, Mrs. RL Sessoms, & Mrs. Hoke Single- tary.
The first conference of the church was held Oct. 4, 1914. The minutes of that conference follow: “First Conference held with the First Baptist Church of Richardson, NC, roll called, absences noted, spiritual condition of the church inquired into, nothing reported. Doors of the church opened, received by letter, Carrie Singletary, Sarah Ann Singletary & Bert Singletary. Moved & seconded that David Hilbourn be called as pastor. Collection on the Sabbath was $2.30. David H. Hilbourn, moderator, RK. Nance, Church Clerk.”
Sandy Grove Baptist Church- Emmett Guyton served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 40 yrs, perhaps the longest tenure of service in any organization. Several men from this church have received the call to preach from God. They are Clyde Adams, Richard Edwards, Jerry Kinlaw, Charles Kinlaw, Stephen Cain, Mitchell Nance, Larry Hayes, and Richard Smith.
Pastors who have served this church include A. J. Freeman, M. L. Mintz, D. L. Johnson, J. T. Tyner, E. O. Johnson, R. E. Powell, S. N. Watson, C. B. Home, R. M. Hilburn, W. A. Coieman, C. R. Hinton, Wilbur Edwards, and Gaston Hester and Eugene Gaskins.
Shady Grove Baptist Church- Bladen Co. Baptist Association- Records show Elder James Cashwell to have been the first pastor; he also served the church in 1862. Others serving as pastors include R M. Sess-oms, E. J. Edwards, J. B. Downing, Rufus M. Hilburn, J. M. Register, John Prevatte, William Brunt, David Hilburn, CE Beard, W. Lee Brisson, J. Tom Tyner, D. Lloyd Johnson, R. M. Hilburn, DL Johnson, D. L. Hewitt, W. A. Coleman, K. L. Stanley, C. B. Home, Cleve Herring, Paul Britt, Charlie Brissori, C. S. Smith, R M Walton, Mark Owens, Earl Hales, Wiley Rutledge, Eugene Gaskins, Sam Jewell, & Harold Bell. The present pastor is Carroll Fonvielle.
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Bladenboro Baptist Church was organized March 27, 1917. The meeting took place in the public school–house at Bladenboro Cotton Mills, about 300 yards from the present location. The Rev. R. M. Hilburn was moderator and was called as the first pastor. W. B. Hester was the first clerk. W. B. Hester and J. D. Edwards were elected deacons.
In 1919 West Bladenboro petitioned for admission and was received into the Bladen Baptist Association.
The Hilburn Family gave land to the church for a church building in 1919 & the building was completed the same year. Brother Tommie Hewitt built and gave the first pulpit stand to the church.
Pastors who have served through the years are R. M. Hilburn, R. E. Powell, D. L. Hewitt, W. D. Pridgen, Wilbur Edwards, Will Coleman, E. N. C. Andrews, A. T. Cain, L. L. Todd, J. W. Meares, B. W. Howell, Gaston Hester, Joe Campbell, C. B. Dunn, Ernest Davis, CE. Brisson, Glenn Moree, Stacy Wells, Millard Johnson, Richard Smith, Bill Harrison, and Vernon McKeithan. The present pastor is Aaron Brooks.
It is believed that the Woman’s Missionary Union was organized in 1935 under the leadership of the wife of the Rev. AT. Cain. Later, the Girl’s Auxiliary, the Young Women’s Association, Sunbeams, & Brother-hood were organized. Some of the names have changed, but the organizations are still active.
Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1885 in a community without a place of worship. The first meetings were a Sunday Prayer Meeting that met in a sawmill shanty; later this group organized a Sunday Bible Class which met in the Cleveland Schoolhouse. Several of the early members came from the Galeed, Hickory Grove, Abbottsburg, & Sandy Grove Churches. The church was constituted with 41 members in 1886. The church is located two miles north of Bladenboro on NC Hwy 410. Three houses of worship have been built. The first was a one-room frame building, begun in 1886, & finished in 1904. An annex was built in 1923. …
Zion Hill was dismissed by the Cape Fear Association to become a charter member of the Bladen Baptist Association at its organizational meeting on Nov. 11, 1892. The Sunday Bible Class that later became Zion Hill Church, first became a Sunday School which met each Sunday. It has met continuously since the beginning. The church has ordained three men into the ministry. They are David H. Hilburn, RonaldHester and Merle Johnson. Pastors include Rufus M. Hilburn, George C. Calnes, J. M. Register, Joe Fisher, William Brisson, R. L. Byrd, J. H. Hildreth, W. L. Brisson, E. O. Johnson, K. L. Stanley, Paul T. Britt, Joel S. Johnson, C. J. Ellis, George H. Wallace, E. S. Lingle, Macon J. Davis, J C Shaw, Steve Hora, Joe H. Dempsy, Clyde Coates, George W. Langley & Tim Sellers. The present pastor is Robert L Boone.
Martin Family Newspaper Clippings
While this blog is primarily about my Hilbun ancestors, I am using this forum to post some old newspaper clippings of my maternal ancestors, the Martins, of Clarke County, Mississippi.
LucyA_Martin_death1925 This is the death of Lucy Autrey Martin, wife of John Henry Martin.
Early News Articles mentioning Hilbuns in Jones County, Mississippi.
Seaborn_Wade__postmasterNov1855 (SF Hilbun’s wife, M. Almedia Wade’s grandfather)
1906_SF_Hilbun__Wade_ 1906_Apr_21__AJ_Hilburn
DockHilbun_marriageMay19_1906_Laurel_Ledger
CharlieHilbun_marr_CallieHintonDec23_1905_
LaurelLedgerCleo MIller n AUnt Hilbun 9 1929
22Feb1924_HIndsCoGazette_RaymondMSp4_HarlHilburn
12Nov1929_MorningCall_p5_MrsHilbun
Early Newspaper clippings about Rev. Bruce S. Hilbun of Jones County, MS and his sons.
I’ve been able to locate some clippings from newspapers about some of my ancestors, and in particular about my grandfather, Bruce S. Hilbun, of Jones County, Mississippi. “Pop” was born in 1893 and died in 1978.
There are 15 clippings and I will add more later. Some of the articles below are also about my Dad, Joel P. Hilbun, and my uncle Billy S. Hilbun. In most, I have highlighted the Hilbun names. The articles shown on this page and which are NOT linked are from the Mississippi Baptist Paper, The Baptist Record.
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- The Baptist Record, 1/10/1918. Bruce Hilbun 1917 Ordination
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- Bapt. Record. 4/8/1971. BS Hilbun, interim pastor
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- Bapt. Record. 8/24/1972.
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- Bruce S. Hilbun from The Baptist Record, May 1940
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- Billy S. Hilbun to Gulfport
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- 1950 Billy S Hilbun to LA.
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- The Baptist Record. 10/17/1957
Daily Herald, 6/5/1934. Rev. BS Hilbun
1827 Will of William Hilburn, Barren County, Kentucky & other records
Barren County, Kentucky. Abstracts of Will Book 2, Covering 1817-1829.
These wills are at Barren Co. Courthouse.
p. 405. William Hilburn Sr. Mar. 27, 1827; May 1827.
To wife and children. To wife her lifetime.
Children: John Hilburn, Elizabeth Warren, Sarah Johnston, Sibby Ennis, Jemima Pierce, William M. Hilburn, Elias Hilburn.
Execrs.: Henry Skaggs, my friend and neighbor. Wit. Waddy Thompson, Charles Skaggs.
p. 528. William Hilburn inventory. June 1, 1827. Henry Skaggs, Administrator
p. 634. Wm Hillburn settlement. Oct 1829. H., Skaggs Admr. Sibbs Hilborn, widow.
According to this will, we learn that William Hilburn’s widow was Sibbs and he had seven children living in 1827. Based on other records found (census, marriage, etc.) the following shows his children in possible order of birth.
Name DOB Birthplace Married Date of Marriage
Sibby Hilbun 1797 Carolinas Ennis
John Hilbun 1796? ? Nelly Nash 1819
Mary Elizabeth Hilburn 1795 GA. Hugh Warren 1811 Green, KY.
Sarah Hilburn 1790 Isaiah Johnson 1810 Green, KY
Jemima Hilburn 1799 TN William Pierce 1815
William M. Hilburn Jane Perry 1827
Elias Hilburn Rachel Wilcox 1824
His daughter, Nancy Hilbun Baley died 1821, before her father. She married Obadiah Baley in 1812.
Marriage Records of William Hilburn’s Children:
1810– Green Co, KY. Marriage of Isaiah JOHNSON to Sarah HILBERT/HEBBON. Consent by Esse? Johnson, Wit. James Murphy. Consent letter- William HILBERN. Witnesses: Hugh Warren & James Murphy. M. David Elkins. Bond 21 Feb 1810. Marriages: Green Co., Ky. Marriages 1793-1836 Book A
1811- Hugh Warren & Elizabeth Hillbun. Bonded Aug 6. Witnesses: William Hillbun & Hugh Warren. Green Co, KY Marriage Records 1793- 1836
1812- Obediah Bailey and Nancy Hilbun. Bonded Dec 28. Witnesses: Obediah Bailey & William Hilbun. Green Co, KY Marriage Records 1793- 1836
1815 Jemimah HILBURN married William PIERCE on 13 Dec 1815. (Barren Co., KY Marriages). Green Co, KY Marriage Records 1793- 1836
Barren Co. formed in 1799 from Green & Warren Counties
1819 John HILBORN married Nelly NASH on 05 Apr 1819 (Barren Co., KY Marriages)
1824 Elias HILBORN married Rachel WILCOX 22 Mar 1824. (Barren Co., KY Marriages)
1827 William Hillbun married Jane Perry 27 JUL 1827 Green Co., KY
Other early Records (1800-1850) of William Hilburn and family of Kentucky
(Some of the children began to move west to Indiana, Illinois and Missouri by 1826)
1810 Green Co. KY Census, Township- not stated, p 9.
William Hilborn– 45+; 6 females; 4 males. Wm born before 1765, at least.
Males: 2 males < 10 (b. 1801-1810) (Elias?, …..)
1 male age 16-25 (b. 1785-1794) (John Hilburn?)
1 male age 26-44 (b. 1766-1784) (Wm HilburnJr?)
1 45 + (b. on/bef 1765) William. Sr.
Females: 4 girls ages 10-15 (b. 1795-1800) Nancy, Jemimah?
1 age 16-25 (b. 1785-1794) Elizabeth
1 age 26-44 (b. 1766-1784) (wife?)
1810 Greensburgh, Green Co., KY.
- 1 Hugh Warren Sr, William Warren, Ebenezer Perry, John Johnston, Isham Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Asa Johnston. Possible families of Hilburn girls’ spouses.
From book Tax Lists 1815-1819 by Gorin
1814 KY. William Hilbert 100 acres , unreadable, 1002.
1814 KY. John Hilburn no land, 1001
1815 KY. Willliam Hilbert 100 acres, Barren River, 1002
1816 KY. William Hibbourn 100 acres Little Barren, 1003
1816 KY. John Hibbourn 100 acres Little Barren
1817 KY. John Hilburn “
1817 KY. Laban Hilburn
1817 KY. William Hilborn
1819 KY. William Hilbon 100 ac. Little Barren, 1005
Waddy Thompson also had land on Little Barren 1817
1817 Barren Co., KY Order Book V. 4, 1812-1818- Peden
October County Court – P 156- “Ordered that the Sheriff pay William Hilbon the sum of $8.00 out of the depositum in his hands for last year for his take care of and supporting Absolam Hollaman two months past.
1820 Barren Co., KY Census
William Hilburn- p 16; 3 people. 1 male 16-18; (Elias?); 1 M & 1 F 45+; (b. 1775
John Hilburn- p. 17 5 persons. 1 male <10; 2 F < 10; 1 M 16-26; 1 F 26–45
1821 Greene Co., KY- Trammels Creek Baptist Church- Church minutes
May 5 – Members of Trammells Creek Baptist Church
Elias Hilburn,Sibby Hillbourn, Nelly Hillbun
Sept. Nelly Hilbern (wife of John)
1822 March– Elias Hilbron
1824 May– Nelly Hilborn
1826- Johnson County, INDIANA– (formed in 1823). Traverse Jury chosen for September term, 1826: Hugh Williams, Robert Winchell, John McCord, Jr., David Stevens, Elias Hilbun
1827 Mar 27. William Hilburn died in Barren Co., Ky. His will and settlement are in Barren Co. KY. Abstracts of Will Book 2, 1817-1829, as seen above.
1830 Morgan County, Indiana Census; not stated; p 35
William Hilburn– 3 males < 5 ; 1 male 20=30 (William); 1 female 5-10 ; 1 female 20-30
John Hilburn p 34- 1 male 20-30 ; 1 male 5-10; 1 female 15-20, 1 Female 50=60
William Hilburn ? p 34 . 1 male 30-40; 4 males? < 5; 1 F 15-20; 1 female 30-40
Elias Hilburn– 2 males < 5 ; 1 M 20-30; 1 female < 5 ; 1 F 20-30; 1 F 50-60. (This is the Elias in 1860 Monroe, ILL)
1835 Morgan Co., IN Elias Hilburn bought land
1837 Morgan Co., IN– Elias Hilburn bought land
1838 Jan. William Hilburn land purchase Sec.28, 10N 14 W- 40 acres
1838 Aug. 1. Morgan Co., IN William Hilburn bought 80 acres – Sec 17 9N14w S20 SWSW
1839 Clark County, IL. William Hillbun of Morgan Co., IN bought 40 acres of land
1839 Jan 31. Coles Co., IL. Frederick Hillbun married Sarah Goodwin. Coles County borders Clark county to its south.
From Family Maps- Morgan Co., Indiana:
Map grp. 9 2 parcels of land 2nd pm 12N IE
Elias Hillbun S13 SWSW 1/1/1835 A1 AND S24 nwnw 3/18/1837 A1
Map grp 10 1 parcel of land 2nd pm 12N 2E
William Hillbun Sec. 20. SWSW 8/1/1839 A1
1840 INDIANA- Morgan County, not stated, p 45
John Hilburn males: 1 <5; 1 m 50-60; 1 F 5-10; 1 f 40-50
1840 Illinois State Census
Clarke County– p 84 William Hilburn (This is likely William, father of James H. & Stephen) 1 male 30-39; 1 Female- 30-39; 1 M < 5; 2 M age 10-14; 1 M 15-19; 1 F <5; 1 F 5-9; 1 F 15-19.
Adams Co, Quincy Ward 3, p 3- Joseph R. Hilburn & Joseph K. Hilburn
1841 May. IL. William Hillbun bought 40 acres in Clark Co., IL. Sec. 14, 9N 14w. 1841 Apr 8. MO. Elizabeth Hillburn married Stephen Skaggs in Jefferson Co, MO. She was born about 1823 in Kentucky. Her first son is named John (Daughter of John Hilburn?)
1846-48- Mexican American War.
William Hillburn, Corp. to Sgt. Co. G, (Collins) 2 ILLINOIS foot. Alton, ILL (across from St Louis, MO on MS, above MO River). He died before Nov. 1, 1851, according to a military land warrant, citing his father Elias Hilburn as heir, & Elias assigned land to Leonard Graves. Wm. was a sgt. in Capt. Moore’s Company.
John Hillburn. 1848. Corpl. To Corpl. Co. G, 2 ILLINOIS. Infantry (Collins). Capt. John M. Moore
1850 Kentucky Census- Green Co., p. 44 WARREN, Hugh 67 M Farmer born in SC
Elizabeth 55 F born in GA Elizabeth Hilburn, daughter of Wm. Lists seven children.
1850 Kentucky- Greene Co., Dist. 2, p. 51 #374 Wm. Pierce age 67 Jemimah Pierce age 53 b. KY (Wm. Hilburn’s daughter)
1850 INDIANA- Morgan co., Washington Twp. Aug. 19 Household: 253- Austin Graves- 28 male. Farmer. Born in England; Catherine Graves 24 b. IN John Hilburn 28 farmer; Martha Hilburn– 54 prob. John’s mom
1850 Missouri, Holt County, Dist. 38
William Hilburn 48 born Tn (b. 1802)
Mary 38 Born Mo
Caleb 17 Mo
Catherine 15 Mo
Nancy 13 MO
Mary 12 MO
Stephen 10 MO
1850 Callaway Co., Dist. 12, MO p 118 Oct. borders Boone & Cole Counties
Phebe Zumalt 39 MO; Elizabeth Singleton- 18; Julia, John, Sarah, Isaac, Singleton- all born MO John Hilburn 24 farmer b. Indiana Lavisa Hilburn 21 b. Missouri James Hillbun 12 b. Missouri
1850 ILLINOIS, Monroe Co., Harrisonville.
John Hilburn 22 b. unknown farmer; Eliza- 20 B. TN; William – 9 mth b. MO
1860 Kentucky. Green Dist. 1, p 39
Wm. L. Pearce- 65 b. SC; Jemima- 61 b. TN (Wm Hilburn’s daughter)
1860 Illinois, Monroe Co. Twp 4 S Range 11 W, p 4. PO Mitchie.
Elias Hilbun 56 B. KY (b 1804) (John Hilburn was here in 1850)
Rachel 53 KY They married in 1824.
Sibyelle 22 In
Joseph 15 Mo
Eliza 12 ILL
Nancy 9 Mo
Christy Sanbern 19? Male laborer Ill
1860, Monroe, Illinois. Twp. 2, SR 11W. PO Eagle Cliffs
Household of AF Cann 31 ILL p 7
Elisa 30 TN (John Hilburn’s widow)
Ellis Bryant 11 Ill
Wm Hilborn 15 Ill
Mary Hilborn 5 “
Eliza Hilborn 2 “
to be continued…………
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.
James H. and Stephen Hillbun, sons of William Hillbun of 1840’s Indiana.
Pension Application of Adaline Hillbun, widow of James H. Hillbun
From US Archives, Washington, D. C.
Notes by Joy Hilbun Mohr, 2015.
The following is information gleaned from the 1921 pension application of Adaline Hillbun, 76 year old widow of James H. Hillbun, Civil War veteran. (Names are spelled like the documents read and in same way the applicant signed her name).
Adaline Hillbun gave her testimony for this pension application on September 29, 1921 in San Bernadino, California while visiting her sister. Her permanent address was in Yerington, Nevada and she stated that her occupation was housekeeper for her son Charles E. Hillbun.
She stated that she was the widow of James Henry Hillbun who served in Company K, 9th Missouri., then in Co. M, 13th Missouri Cavalry. Her husband was called James or Jim and was born in Indiana not far from Indianapolis. His parents were William and Jennie Hillbun and his mother died in Indiana when James was four years old. The family then moved to Boone Co., Missouri and lived near Claysville.
Adaline Bledsoe married James Henry Hillbun in Jefferson City, Missouri on March 8, 1861. James’ older brother John Hilbun was a witness to the marriage; John died before 1921. Her cousin, John Bledsoe, from Boone, Missouri was a witness to the marriage, in addition to Samuel Scaggs.
Adaline, also known as Ad, Addie, was born in Boone County, Missouri on January 1, 1845 to William Hamilton Bledsoe and Nancy Utt. Her siblings were Austin, who died at age ten, Aurene who died in infancy and Judy. She lived there until 1875.
James Hillbun died in Boone County, Missouri on February 6, 1873. His younger brother Stephen was living in Nevada and “sent for Adaline” and they married May 20, 1877 in Mason Valley, Nevada.
Adaline stated that her husband James’ father William Hillbun remarried but is dead now. In addition, she reported that “James had only 4 full brothers & 4 full sisters, and named them in the order of birth- Bettie, John, Elias, Bob, Linda, James H. and Stephen.” Adaline also said she had never met Bob and Linda but that Bob may still be living, and perhaps in Texas.
According to Adaline’s testimony, James didn’t own property and he died February 6, 1873. They had six children: William Hamilton, Mary Ellen, Amanda Elizabeth Perry, Harriet Little, Charles and James H. After his death she went to Mason Valley, Nevada in October 1875 and married James’ brother Stephen on May 20, 1877. They had three children- Sylvia A. Robinson, Henry who died at 19, and Sylvester who died at two days old. Stephen Hillbun died in 1892.
Several witnesses gave statements in support of Adaline’s application. One was Bessie Perry, a daughter of Adaline & James Hillbun. She stated that her father died when she was about seven.
Another daughter, Mrs. Mary Ellen Brooks also provided a statement to support Adeline’s application. The third witness was Adaline’s sister, Mrs. Judah W. Grant, age 65. Three other witnesses were another daughter, Harriet E. Little, and two neighbors in Nevada, Mr. William H. Camic and Frank Feigenspan.
James and Stephen’s father, William,is likely the son of William Hilbun who died in 1827 in Barren County, Kentucky. William Hilbun Sr., left a will naming several children. A later blog will provide this information.
Hilbun 