Hi there,

I am interested in any information about the Stephen Hildreth family that lived in Richmond in the 19th century.  I understand that he once lived in the "Clement Hoyt House."  Can you tell me if that house still exists?  Some sleuthing I did suggests that the address may be 2666 Cochran Road.

Thank you!

Hi Rachel,

I had the opportunity to do some research last week. I am assuming that your inquiry is regarding Steven Safford Hildreth born July 10 1850 died Jan 22 1907. He was married to Emma Adella and he was the son of Henry Hildreth and Betsy Ann Maxwell.

I could not find and record of him living in the Clement Hoyt House. I did however find out that his father, Henry,  was appointed surveyor of highways April 15 1846 for district 4. District 4 would be in fact where 2666 Cochran Road would be located. Today there is no dwelling there, but it is still pasture land. As Steven was listed as a farmer on his death certificate, and if in fact your address for him is correct, I would assume that he could have been farming family land there. The actual land purchased by Clement Hoyt is close to the center of town, and the adress of 2666 Cochran Road, is at the other end approximately 5 miles apart.

There is no record of him living in the Clement Hoyt Home, bit I'll continue to look into this. As usual, this kind of sleuthing often leaves you with more questions than answers, its all part of histories mysteries!

I also found other records of members of the Hildreth family from the 1800s and would be glad to share them with you if you are interested.

Dave