Tracing Hibbards – How Did They Get Here?
So, let’s have a look at the Hibbard family and see if we can put them together in some semblance of order and find links to the Dexter family as well.
Elizabeth Hibbard was born to William and Elizabeth (Dobbins) Hibbard along with her twin sister, Ann on 27 of July 1817 in Oxon (Oxford), Clanfield, England. The date of birth is established through 1851 UK Census, 1860 and 1870 US Federal Census records, the baptismal records confirm the approximate date of the twin’s birth. This much we already know.
What we don’t know, is how they connected!
Possible Link Through The Independent Chapel, Staines
Before her marriage to James, Elizabeth may have already been acquainted through a relation who was in the same Independent Chapel/Church in Staines. This Hibbard family had children at the same frames as Thomas and Susanna Dexter, James’ parents.
The baptismal records of Elizabeth Dexter on 24 January 1805 (daughter of Thomas and Susanna Dexter) and George Hibbard, a son of one James and Ann Hibbard (9 January 1805) were found and noted, and the next page William Dexter-6 September 1806; along with earlier baptisms for Edmund Hibbard (18 June 1803), another son of James and Ann; and John, a son of Thomas and Susanna Dexter (6 November 1803) .
Each of these children were baptized by one John Yockney, pastor of the church. Is It possible the families met at a church function in which the family of William and Elizabeth Dobbins Hibbard came to visit, met and hit it off – building relationships that would span time and continents?
The next thing I found was Elizabeth and James’ wedding, where, in the license it lists her late father William (farmer) and her brother Thomas and sister-in-law Maria (Knapp) as witnesses to the wedding. I may never find definitive proof of a familial connection between the two Hibbard families. Perhaps there really isn’t a connection, but people meet most of the time through common connections, not as strangers.
Perhaps the truth is that James, as a coal dealer – and his father’s representative – met the Hibbard clan through business. Maybe he inquired if there was a connection to the Hibbards from his church. Maybe he just saw William and his family often enough that his attraction to Elizabeth was kindled and grew.
But one thing I do know.
I know that two of Elizabeth’s brothers –Joseph with his wife Rachel and daughter Sarah, immigrated aboard different ships at different times.
- Joseph was on the Danube that arrived 30 August 1849 with wife Rachel and their daughter.
- Thomas, his wife Maria and their 5 kids, arrived 2 October 1850 on board the General Victoria. It is more than likely that this family connection sponsored the others.
- Elizabeth and James came the following year – 1851, leaving London’s port in July and arriving on September 3rd on the Southampton.
And, while Elizabeth and James didn’t stay in Elmira with her brothers any longer than it took for her to birth and wean her 6th child, Henry, Thomas and Joseph both built their lives quickly in Elmira and stayed until their deaths.
Sadly, Thomas only lived to age 47, and passed away in 1860. His wife, Maria finished raising their children, each of whom accomplished some renown –
- William Elisha became a painter in Boston. His mother lived with him and his wife Sarah, through 1865 with Willam’s sons Thomas and Charles.
- Daughter Susan appears to have moved back to England, marrying there.
- Thomas Hibbard Jr. opened a hardware store that remained in the community for many decades.
- Son Joseph was the last child born in England, and daughter Josephine, the first born in New York.
- The last child of Thomas and Maria Knapp Hibbard is perhaps the best known. His name was Charles Henry Hibbard. He served as pastor for several Episcopal churches, and at the age of 82, he passed away, much loved and respected by the accounts.
Elizabeth Hibbard Dexter and Thomas Hibbard’s other brother, Joseph and his wife and daughter, meanwhile established his own thumbprint in the Elmira community. He became known for his architecture and buildings. When he arrived in Chemung county, he made his living as a carpenter and undertaker, much like some of the Dexter clan.
More later!
Connie Spicer
Day 3: #ACS30daysofWriting #storynumberthree
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