Jacobus Hilton

by


Jacobus Hilton was born in August 1705. He was the son of William Hilton and his second wife Anna Van Berkhoven Hilton. He grew up in a large family in the Southside home of a former soldier and marginal trader.

In 1733, he married Judith Martin at the Albany Dutch church. By 1755, the marriage had produced ten children who were christened in the church where he was a regular baptism sponsor.

Jacobus also settled in the first ward where he acquired land. He was a freeholder and was appointed firemaster in 1735. The census of 1756 listed him in a "good house" which he shared with his brother. That document also identified him as a "wampum maker." On several occasions, he was paid by the city for going to New York on city business and for other services. In December 1754, he was named co-executor of the estate of his "friend" Isaac Fryer.

Jacobus Hilton probably died in December 1763 when "widow Hilton's husband" was buried by the church. Subsequent community rolls detail the holdings of his widow and sons.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of Jacobus Hilton is CAP biography number 7523. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 8/5/07