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.
- The Baptist Record, 1/10/1918. Bruce Hilbun 1917 Ordination
- Bapt. Record. 4/8/1971. BS Hilbun, interim pastor
- Bapt. Record. 8/24/1972.
- Bruce S. Hilbun from The Baptist Record, May 1940
- Billy S. Hilbun to Gulfport
- 1950 Billy S Hilbun to LA.
- 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.
Will of F. A. Hilbun, 1872, Tunica County, Mississippi
1872 WILL of F. A. Hilburn– Tunica County, Mississippi.
Transcribed by Joy Hilbun Mohr from Microfilm copy of WILL from Mississippi Dept. of Archives and History, Jackson, MS. In addition, this will is now availabe on Ancestry.com. That one appears to be a transcription of the original will and there is very little to no punctuation within the will.
The last will & Testament of one F. A. Hilburn being of sound mind but knowing the uncertainty of human affairs knowing that life is short & death certain I hereby direct that after my death all my just debts & funeral expenses be paid that my personality be first exhausted to the payment of my debts & if there be not sufficient therefore that my plantation on which I now reside be rented leased or cultivated as to my executors may seem best & the profits arising therefrom be appropriated to the payment of my said debts & after the same shall Have been thus paid I direct that my plantation be continued to be cultivated or rented as to my executors may seem best & that the profits arising there from be appropriated to the maintenance of my two daughters Susan F. Hilburn, Sarah A. M. Webster until they shall marry & to the education & maintenance of my three sons Andrew J. Hilbun, Fredrick A. Hilbun & Lemuel T. Hilburn until they respectively attain the age of 21 years & that after my youngest son attains the age of 21 years or in case of his death also then when my next youngest son attains the age of 21 years I will & direct that all my property both real and personal be equally divided among all of my children then living to wit Susan F. Hilbun Sarah AM Webster, Andrew J. HIlbun, Frederick A Hilburn, Lemuel T. Hilbun and William W. Hilburn I do hereby appoint DJ Richmond, JV Bridgforth, and George C. Summerwill as executors of this my last will and testament.
I do hereby nominate and appoint GC Summerwill as Guardian of my sons Andrew J Hilbun, Frederick A> HIlbun and Lemuel T Hilbun this the 9th day of November 1872.
F A Hilburn (seal)
Signed sealed published and declared by this said F A HILBURN as his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other & at his request have herewith set & subscribed our names & seals this the 9th day of November 1872.
GC Summerwell
F. J. Phillips
John O Donnell
J. V. Bridgeforth
State of Mississippi. Tunica County.
In the Chancery Court of Tunica County of said County. Jany. Term AD 1873
IN the matter of a certain instrument of writing purporting to be the last will & testament of F. A. Hilbun deceased. Be it remembered that at a term of the chancery court of the county & state aforesaid bequest and held at the court house in and for said county on the first Monday in January 1873 personally appeared in open court, GC Summerwell & J V Bridgeforth subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of F. A. Hilburn, deceased late of said county who having been first duly sworn deposed and said that the said F. A. Hilbun signed published and declared said instrument as his last will and testament on the 10th day of November 1873 the day of the date of said instrument in the presence of those deponents and T. J. Philips, John O’ Donnell the other subscribing witnesses to said instrument that said testator was then of sound and deposing mind and memory and twenty one years of age and upwards and that they the said deponents and the said T.J. Philips John O Donnell subscribed and attested said instrument as witnesses to the signature & publication thereof at the special instance & request and in the presence of each other on the day and year of the date thereof
J V Bridgforth
Sworn & subscribed
This 8 day of
January 1873
Clb Dunaway??
My notes regarding this will……. This will of F. A. Hilbun appears to be of Frederick Hilbun, son of Woodward Hilbun. They both are found in the 1850 Census of Pontotoc County, MS. Frederick is in Pontotoc in 1860 and in Tunica County, MS in 1870.
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyMy Reasons for Becoming a Baptist- by Rev. Stephen N. Hilbun. 30 Jan 1851
The following is a transcription of an article which appeared in the Alabama Baptist paper, Southwestern Baptist, on January 30, 1851, written by Rev. Stephen Newberry Hilbun. This same article was also published in the Tennessee Baptist paper the following month. These articles can be found on Newspapers.com with a subscription.
Stephen N. Hilbun’s great-great grandson, Rev. Joel P. Hilbun transcribed the article. It follows:
“On a certain occasion I stood, as a spectator, on the water’s edge, where the solemn ordinance of Baptism was to be administered by a Baptist minister. He declared that believers are the only subjects, and immersion the only mode, of baptism known in the New Testament; and although I had heard as much affirmed many times before, on this occasion a powerful impression was made on my mind. Is it a fact that the Scriptures furnish neither precept nor example of Baptism by sprinkling or pouring, nor of infants as subjects? Would Baptists constantly and openly affirm such a thing and no one be able to put them to silence, if they have not the Word of God to sustain them? Is the prejudice of education—is the force of circumstances of associations—sufficient to shut our eyes to facts as plain and palpable as Baptists say they are, in this case? Thus, perplexed and reflecting, I turned to the New Testament and sought carefully, patiently, and I think, honestly, for the truth, willing to know and practice it as far as capable. The result of that investigation was, I came fully and satisfactorily to the following conclusions.
1. The Baptism of John, the disciples of Christ, and the apostles was, without the least possibility of successful contradiction, immersion only, and that of believers, in the name of the holy Trinity.
—For instance the baptism of Jesus in Jordan—John ‘baptizing in Enon near to Salim because there was much water there”—Philip and the unoch both went down into the water, &c. In short whatever the manner of the baptismal action is hinted at, it is most clearly to my mind immersion. And as to the proper subjects. The Bible contains not one most distant allusion the baptism of infants, or any but believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. But believers, “both men and women,” Acts 8:12—“those who had received the Holy Ghost, Acts 10:47—Lydia, hearing Paul preach by the “river side” and her household in which it is not likely there were many infants, and certainly no proof, Acts 16:14, 40—the Jailer ‘with all his house rejoiced believing in God’ 34—Chrispus ‘believing in the Lord with all his house,’ Acts 18:8—Stephanas and his house, who ‘addicted themselves to the service of the saints,’ 1 Cor. 1:16—these were baptized & such as these, but no infants, in apostolic times.
2. There being no Bible authority for infant baptism or any other mode of immersion, the usage of the Baptist church in this respect, is consistent and Scriptural. I am acquainted with the logic of learned Pedo-baptists; but it can not satisfy minds that take an intelligent and impartial view of both sides of the question. But I do not say this to question or impeach the candor and honesty of my brethren whom I have left. I doubt not their honesty; but I think they have looked at only one side of the question, or looked through colored glasses as I did.
3. With these views, honesty and candor compelled me to dissolve my connextions with the Methodist Episcopal church, and seek a connexion with that church which clings to the Bible and repudiates the doctrines and commandments of men, in ecclesiastic faith and practice.
Thus, beloved brethren and friends, I have given in a few words, my principle reason for becoming a Baptist, and, I think honestly, as in the sight of God. For the last twenty years I have been a Methodist, and nine years of that time have been trying to preach the Gospel. I was contented in that church, and have been satisfied with her usages and doctrines, and enjoyed the consolations of religion, as well as I expect to in the Baptist church; but a sense of duty, and a conviction of truth, have influenced me in this step, and I feel that God is with me, and his word sustains me in the confident belief that I am right.
I do not by any means, discard infant salvation because I do infant baptism. Baptism is no Saviour—Christ the Lord of glory crucified, is the only Savior; & we must obey him as King in Zion & Head of all things to the church, even if his commandments do clash with our prejudice & education. Unconscious infants cannot obey, nor is there any commandment in the Scriptures addressed to them, or obligatory upon them until they are capable of understanding something of its import; & a proxy obedience to a divine law or requirement, is either inconsistent, or else for all I can see, might be extended as in the Catholic church, to supererrogation, so that the son or daughter might be saved for the righteousness of sponsors or parents.
May the Lord help us by his Word and Spirit to live to his glory, and when our pilgrimage has ended, save us in his kingdom.”
Stephen Hilbun
Brooklyn, Ala., Jan. 30th, 1851
Transcribed by Rev. Joel P. Hilbun, great-great grandson of Stephen Hilbun.






