Hilliard Zacheus BURT

     Hilliard Zacheus BURT, son of Zacheus BURT and Elizabeth BURT, was born on 17 September 1815 in Putnam County, Georgia.

He was probably one of the 2 males under age 10 listed in the household of his father, Zacheus BURT, in the 1820 Federal Census of Capt Thomas Bustins District, Putnam County, Georgia.

Hilliard married Sarah Cathel SMITH on 1 September 1846 in Talbot County, Georgia.¹

Hilliard Zacheus BURT was a farmer in Brantley, Marion County, Georgia. According to his biography, he was the "son of Zachariah [Sic] and Elizabeth (Burt) Burt, was born in Putnam county, Ga., in 1815. His [father], in North Carolina, was a soldier in that state, came to Georgia when fifteen years of age, and settled in Warren county. Afterward he moved to Putnam, and thence to Talbot county. From Talbot he moved to Marion county, leaving when he died a large estate in land and Negroes. He was a member of the Methodist church. His maternal grandparents, Burt, were natives of North Carollina, and migrated to Georgia and settled in Warren county about the beginning of this century. He was a soldier in the late war with Great Britain. Mr. Burt was reared a farmer and was educated at the 'old field' log school house common at the time of his boyhood. Being too old for active field service during the war he was detailed to look after the women and children. In 1947 he was married to Miss Sarah E. Smith, born in Talbot county, Ga. in 1826-- daughter of John L. and Hattie (Humphries) Smith. Mr. Smith was a native of Baldwin county, and a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Burt seven children have been born: Eugene, Williams, Stephen, Homer, Walter, Emma, and Rena. Mrs. Burt, who was a consitent and exemplary member of the Methodist church, died in 1868. Mr. Burt has always been an uncompromising, 'true blue democrat', and is enjoying, in his old age, the fruits of a laborious, well spent life. He has been regarded as one of the best and most prosperous farmers in the county, and held in high esteem by his fellow citizens."²

Hilliard Zacheus BURT and Sarah Cathel SMITH appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in 22nd District, Talbot County, Georgia. The household was listed as Hillian [Hillard] Burt, a 30-year-old farmer, born Georgia; wife Sarah, age 20; Joel Burt, 3; and Anna [Georgianna], age 1. Hilliard's parentsr, Zacheus and Elizabeth Burt lived next door.

Hilliard Zacheus BURT and Sarah Cathel SMITH appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 September 1860 in Buena Vista, Marion County, Georgia. The household was listed as H. Z. Burt, a 43 year old planter; his 31 year old wife, Sarah; and their children: Joel M. Burt, 12; Georgia, 10; Henrietta, 8; William Z., 6; Emily F., 4; and Stephen M., 1. Hilliard had real estate valued at $8,000 and personal property valued at $20,500.

Hilliard Zacheus BURT died on 27 January 1897 in Marion County, Georgia, at age 81.^1,3 He was buried in Brantley Methodist Church Cemetery.