Son of John [1804-?] and Sarah Ann Lemon (Lemmon).

Married Frances Rebecca (Snyder) Hilton on November 18, 1850 in Montgomery County, MD

Children:

- John W. Hilton [1852-1870]

- Henry Mortimer Hilton [1854-1934]

- Almira V. Hilton [1856-1870]

- Sedonia Frances Hilton [1858-1917]

- Jessie Virginia Hilton [1860-1944]

- Clagett Cornelius Hilton [1867-1933]

Life Story

Barnesville Master Plan, 2005

A number of private homes and three local churches were built by a notable rural craftsman who flourished in upper Montgomery County from the Civil War period to the early years of the present century. It illustrates how the largely unschooled but skillful master builders of the 18th and 19th centuries were able to leave a clear and enduring imprint on rural America.

William T. Hilton, whose work is seen on this tour, was born in 1829 on the western outskirts of Barnesville, and died 80 years later in Barnesville town. He did all his work within a few miles' radius of his birthplace. No record exists of when or with whom young Hilton undertook his training as a carpenter. Presumably he began early, at 12 or 14, and since he lived at home he must have learned his trade from one of the builders then living in the Barnesville area. "Builder's books", with plans and details of currently fashionable architectural designs, were the country builder's substitute for advanced training. Hundreds of such books were in use in the mid-19th century.

By 1850 young Hilton was 21 and must already have become a journeyman, for late that year he married, and soon after left Barnesville to seek a career as master builder in the "Mouth of Monocacy" area (present-day Dickerson). Big commissions began to come his way in 1861 with the construction of the Sugar Loaf Mountain Methodist Chapel, and when the Civil War began he purchased for $150 an exemption from the draft so as to ensure the support of his growing family.

In keeping with a widespread rural practice of that day, Hilton became an undertaker as well as a carpenter. The two occupations were then more closely and naturally allied than is the case today, for coffin making rather than embalming was the undertaker's principal function. Toward the end of the century undertaking became an increasingly important part of William Hilton and Sons' business.

Obituary

The Washington Post - January 27, 1909

William T. Hilton, aged 79, died this morning at his home at Barnesville, of a complication of diseases. Surviving are his wife and the following children: Clagett C. and Mortimer Hilton, Mrs. Thomas Story and Mrs. Jessie Price, all of Barnesville.