John Hilliard of Province of Maryland, 1634, St. Mary's and Calvert Cos, Md.

Source: "The Flowering of the Maryland Palatinate," Harry Wright Newman, Balto: Gen. Pub. Co, 1985, pp. 230-231 in Biographies of the Adventurers.

Biography of the Adventurer John Hilliard:

"John Hilliard was transported by Father Andrew White in 1633 on the Ark. Father White assigned his land rights to Thos. Copley, Esq. John Hilliard was literate; he stated in court he wrote a letter by direction of James Cauther and was often called upon to appraise estates. At the convening of the Assembly of January 1637/8, as a planter of St Mary's Hundred, Francis Rabett held his proxy; but on Mar. 3, 1637/8, he attended the Assembly in person. As a resident of St. Michael's Hundred on Dec. 11, 1642, he contracted to serve John Hollis (Hallowes) for one year for 1100 lbs. of tobacco. (While re-indenture was an exception in Md, this is evidence of its occurrence. ) On Dec. 1, 1643, he complained of an injury sustained by John Hollis, late of Va., carpenter, so he probably served in the capacity of a joiner or woodworker. On Sept. 17, 1649, he witnesses the instrument by which Edward Hill granted power of attorney (poa) to John Hollis; on Feb. 1, 1661/2, he witnessed an assignment of Richard Smith to Thomas Gerard, Lord of St. Clement's Manor.

He became an overseer for William Bromhall, of Calvert & Kent Cos., who died testate c1660, making Wm. Parratt & William Turner trustees of his estate. In April 9, 1663, at the Prerogative Court, Wm. Turner presented a petition stating John Hilliard, overseer of the servants of Wm. Bromhall 'hath clandestinely runne away out of this Province as your Petr. carryed away the Inventory & Appraisement of the Estate.'

John Hilliard (resided) at least 27 years in the Province (SM & Calvert Cos. Md.), but no records for his marriage or his children have been proved. If he had a family, they no doubt accompanied him when he left the Province. Hilliards were found in Somerset Co Md. when in 1671/2 Thomas Hilliard, son of John Hilliard, was the sole heir in the will of Geo. Evans, inheriting several plantations." [Wills, Liber 1, f. 50; Liber 2, f. 410]

Newman Cited Sources:

Land Office Liber 2, f. 166

Md. Archives:  Vol. 4, pp. 225, 513; Vol. 47 p. 214.

Md. Hall of Records (Md. Archives)  "Testamentary Proc. Liber 1d, f. 77.

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