Not much is known about the original John Hearn that settled in Charles Town, South Carolina in the late 1600's. Records of the Province show that he acquired several hundred acres in South Carolina on October 12, 1698 and died February 5, 1718 at James Island, South Carolina. During his life in America, John Hearn managed to acquire a significant amount of land and other property. In 1710 a son was born to John Hearn and his wife Edith (last name unknown). He was also named John Hearn and we believe he was the first born American in our lineage. At the time of his father's death in 1718 young John Hearn was little more 7 years old and because there were no other surviving relatives, he went to live with a Territorial Governor appointed, guardian (Thomas Hasfort).

On February 22, 1732 he married Elizabeth Beddise in Colleton County, South Carolina. On November 28, 1732 John received a Royal Grant of 500 acres from King George II of England near Orangeburg, South Carolina and remained there until about 1747. John and his wife had nine children. The next HEARN in our lineage was born in 1734 in Colleton County, South Carolina, his name was William John Hearn. In about 1747 John Hearn sold his land in South Carolina and moved his family to what is known today as Bryan County, Georgia on the banks of the Ogeechee River (near Savannah).

In 1755 he was elected to the Territorial Assembly of the Colony of Georgia but was expelled a short time later when a letter, signed by John and seven other American Patriots, to anti British sympathizers in Savannah, was intercepted, by the British Army. Although he didn't live to see his beloved country obtain its freedom from British rule he continued to promote the ideals of freedom and justice for all Americans. He died on February 15, 1765 in Bryan County, Georgia.

Note: This information was obtained from the "Records of the Province of South Carolina" as referenced in a book titled "The Early Settlers of South Carolina" by Agnes Leland Baldwin.

The information regarding his landholdings near Orangeburg, is taken from " A History of Orangeburg County, South Carolina" by A.S. Salley Jr.