The Hilileighs of Clifton (Part 6) John Hilileigh b 1698

John was the son of Thomas Hilileigh - see the last post.

He was baptised in St Michael's Church, Spurriergate, York on 15th December 1698. 

There are a number of records referring to John, the last of which is dated 2nd February 1743. However, there is no record of either a marriage or a burial for him, and no records for anyone with the surname Hilileigh (or similar) after 1743.

John Hilileigh's name appears on the UK Register of Duties paid for Apprentices' Indentures. The Register shows the money received for the payment of taxes for an apprentice’s indenture between 1710-1811. The registers kept track of the money paid by masters of a trade to have an apprentice. John is referred to as a 'Milliner', 'Merchant' or 'Mercer'.

A view of York in the late 18th century. Licence obtained

John was listed as a Subscriber to 'Eboracum: or, the History and Antiquities of the City of York, from its original to the present time. Together with the history of the Cathedral Church and the lives of the Archbishops'. He was also listed on the Register of the Freemen of York.

There is an entry for John in 'The Company of Merchant Adventurers in the City of York: Register of Admissions 1581-1835'. It shows that he was a milliner/mercer, apprenticed for 8 years to Samuel Colston of York, merchant, in April 1716 aged 16 years, admitted in February 1725/6 by indenture, and elected warden 1736-8.

We must assume that this Hilileigh family died out with John - a family with its origins in Sowerby which moved to Clifton at the end of the 1300s, a family that became prominent in the village with members who were important landowners in the area.