The subject of this sketch was born November 22, 1822, in the old nation, East Tennessee, the third son of Michael Hildebrand, of Knoxville, Tennessee, of German descent, and who married a daughter of U. S. Indian Agent, Joseph Martin. She was one-fourth Cherokee, and granddaughter of the celebrated Granny Ward of national fame. Joseph received his education by private tuition, and emigrated west in 1842. In 1845, he began farming and raising stock in the Cherokee Nation, and continues that business at the present time. In 1867, he was elected judge of Coowescoowee district, and held the office four years. This was his last official position, as he never would again mingle in politics, no matter to what extent pressed or encouraged by his people; although he is, notwithstanding all this, a very true and devoted friend of the Cherokee people. In 1843, Mr. Hildebrand married Miss Lucy Starr, daughter of Tom Starr, of Flint district, a man of considerable prominence in his country. By this marriage they had three children, named Resea, Josephine and Alice. In 1852, Mr. Hildebrand married Miss Levaca Patterson, daughter of John Patterson, of Poke County, Tennessee, a prominent man in his country. In 1855, he married Miss Gentry, of Fort Gibson, who died in 1872 without family. In 1870, Mr. Hildebrand married Miss Mary King, who had one daughter named Ellie, born in 1871. Mrs. Hildebrand leaving her husband soon afterwards, he again married July 16, 1874, this time to Miss Martha Fields, a Cherokee, who died in 1890. In 1891, Mr. Hildebrand married Mrs. M. Cory, widow of the late Dr. Cory, of Silver Springs, Arkansas, with whom he is now living. Mr. Hildebrand is five feet eleven inches in height and weighs 175 pounds. He is a fine, handsome looking man, of good address, and is kind, charitable and true in his contact with his fellow men. Mr. Hildebrand is looked upon as a good Christian, and is popular wherever he is. He has 90 acres of land in cultivation, 50 head of cattle, some 7 head of horses, and a stock of hogs. He owns a good comfortable home wherein peace and harmony prevails.
