Book Description

Genealogical research in colonial Virginia can be challenging, particularly in counties that have experienced significant record loss. Researchers with ancestors in these so-called "burned counties," including New Kent, Hanover, Albemarle, and Buckingham, frequently hit "brick walls" in striving to connect their known 19th century ancestors with earlier generations. This research volume traces the author's ancestor, James Hill, who died in Amherst County in 1831, back several generations to the end of the 17th and early 18th century. A comprehensive review of previously published work and surviving courthouse, processioning, parish, tithable, deed, taxation, Y-DNA, merchant accounts, revolutionary war, census, and other records provides the basis for conclusions. John Hill of Hanover, a freeholder planter who died in Hanover County about 1727, is identified as the patriarchal ancestor for James Hill and a number of other families with the Hill surname. A listing of many of the descendants of John Hill of Hanover, through four generations, is included.