Captain John Huggins moved from Christ Church Parish, Charleston, S. C. to Claremont County, S.C. In 1788 he was appointed Sheriff of Claremont. Copy of his bond may be found in the State Archives in Columbia, S. C. In 1788 he was listed among the Grand Jurors of Camden District. On Sept. 4, 1788, he along with Sylvester Dunn and Samuel Bradley of Claremont County, was appointed collector and Appraiser, all accepting in writing. The census of 1790 shows him and his brother, Benjamin, in Camden District with a family which corresponds exactly with that disclosed by his Will. The Census of later years and such early County records, as were not destroyed by the fire which prior to 1815 destroyed all of the Camden District records, further verify that fact.

He evidently moved across Lynches Creek and into what is now Darlington County shortly after June 4. 1791, on which date he received a Warrant from Thomas Powe for 1,000 acres on the north side of that creek. The Creek separated the then Camden District from Darlington. The fact that he was well known in the Darlington area is evidenced by the fact that in 1791 he was serving in the Legislature as a Representative from that District, at which time he was appointed by that body, Justice of the Peace for Darlington County, South Carolina The above is quoted from the genealogy notes of Beatrice Elizabeth Baker. Her sources were the records of Dr. George Allen Huggins of New York City, from/and with the notes of her cousin Lulu Eaddy. and her cousin Nettielee Huggins of Washington, D. C.

The following is a transcription of The Will of John Huggins, dated Oct. 20, 182O.
It was furnished by Susan Hubbs personal Web site, from Mary Covington, for Internet download for Sam Rabon, Aug., 1999:

October 20, 1820. In the name of God, Amen, I, John Huggins, of Darlington District in the state of South Carolina, being sick and weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory, thanks to Almighty God for the same, do make and appoint this, my last will and testament, in manner and form as follows, that is to say, after my just debts are paid, I devise and bequeath the same as follows (viz.). First, I leave to my beloved wife, Clarissa, the use of one negro woman, named Mary, and her increase; one negro man. named Hammon, durings she remains my widow. After her death or marriage, this said Mary and her increase and said Hammon are to be equally divided betwixed my four children, Samuel Huggins. George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance, to them and their heirs forever. Item I leave the use of this plantation where I now live to my wife, Clarissa H. Huggins, durings she remains my widow. After her marriage or death, this said plantation to be equally divided between my son, Samuel Huggins. and my son-in-law, Paul Saverance and their heirs forever. Item I give to my wife, Clarissa H. Huggins. one horse, Sweeper, and one mare, Doll, riding chair and harness, one horse cart, side saddle and bridle, four cows and calfs that is now get up milking. Eight meat hogs, eight shoats, three sows, six ewes, that is with Paul Saverance's sheep, two ploughs and gear, all the household and kitchen furniture, except what she choose to give Redden Byrd Huggins, besides what he has got, two thirds of the crops. Item I give unto Redden Byrd Huggins, one negro man, named Limas, to him and the issue of his body and if he dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance and their heirs forever. I give to Redden one yoke of Butt head oxen, and cart, four ploughs and gear, one third of the crop. All of the sheep that is in my mark about home, I give to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins and Redden Byrd Huggins. Item I give unto Jane Vick, Doll's colt, and the old saddle. Item I give to Paul Saverance my riding saddle. Item I give the use of one negro boy by name Paul, to Abel Draper Dixon, the son of John and Margaret Dixon, and if he dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance, and their heirs forever. Item I give the use of one negro girl, by name Little Jenny, to Hezial Elsey Dixon, and if she dies without lawful issue, I will in such case give this said negro to be equally divided betwixt Samuel Huggins, George Huggins, Ann Halford, and Hannah Saverance. And lastly, I nominate and appoint my beloved son. George Huggins, and son-in-law, Paul Saverance my executors to this my last will and testament, revoking. disannulling, and making void all former wills by me made and allowing this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness, hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned. N. B. interlined before signed that is to say after the death of my wife, or marriage, the horse cart to be for my son-in-law, Paul Saverance, to him and his heirs forever.

Witness - Samuel H. Jeffords John Huggins (Seal)
Adam Huggins
James H. Huggins

Captain John Huggins of Darlington District commanded a troop of cavalry in the Britton's Neck Regiment of Militia under Col. Hugh Giles in Marion's Brigade in the War of Independence.  His service in the cause of American independence are attested, "inter alia" by the following voucher from South Carolina Stub Indents to Revolutionary War Claims:

"261)  Issued 12th August 1785 to Mr. Dan'l Dubose for 5 pounds 10 shillings W) sterling for a horse impressed by Capt. John Huggins for the use of Col. Giles' Regt. in 1779..."

The Constitution of South Carolina was adopted June 3, 1790, and Captain John Huggins was one of the first two representatives from Darlington elected to the legislature.  He attended the first session of the General Assembly on November 4, 1790.  In 1799 he was appointed to the General Assembly a Justice of the Quorum and of the Peace for that part of Darlington District "from Lynches Creek, the plantation of Captain C. Evans down to Effingham Mills, known as Upper Branch."  This patriot is interred at New Hope Burying Ground, near Lynches River, Darlington County.

Source:  "History of the old Cheraws", by Bishop Gregg; "Rambles in the Pee Dee", by H. T. Cook.

Captain John Huggins was listed in the Will of his Father, George Huggins, probated January 28, 1774.

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