Elkanah Deane: Coachmaker of Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 370
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
2000
ELKANAH DEANE
Coachmaker of Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, VA
December 1997
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to present available information on the life of Elkanah Deane, coachmaker of Williamsburg, with emphasis on his training and business activities in the colonial capital of Virginia. Most information contained in his document is taken from advertisement in New York and Williamsburg newspapers, but additional data has been found in family papers, county records, writings of modern researchers, and other related documents. Information concerning the Deane Property is taken primarily from documents relating to archaeological efforts at Colonial Williamsburg, but also from period maps. The source of each specific item contained in the appendix is noted with that item.
This document is divided into the first section which is a narrative of Deane's life and business activities, with a latter section, the appendix, which contains specific facts presented in chronological order. The narrative is based upon and supported by specific information contained in the final section.
NARRATIVE
By mid-eighteenth century, Dublin, Ireland had become a center of coach making with a reputation which rivaled that of the most prestigious center of the day, Long Acre, London. It was from Dublin that some of the earliest coach makers came to the major urban areas of the American colonies. James Hallett, a Dublin-trained coach maker, offered his services to the citizens of New York by the 1750s. Samuel Lawrence came later, and by 1764, Elkanah Deane advertised that he carried on the coach making business in all its various branches in a most complete manner, offering to make, trim, paint, gild, and finish all kinds of coaches, chairs, sedans, and sleighs in a very genteel and elegant manner.
Elkanah Deane served his apprenticeship in coach making under Joseph Carncross, of the City of Dublin, and practiced the trade there as a journeyman for a number of years before immigrating to New York City. He came from a family of entrepreneurs. His father, Elkanah Deane, Sr., sold cordials, whiskey, gin, and brandy. A wide range of liquors were manufactured by a brother, Richard Deane, who produced these products for public consumption and for sale by his father. Nesbitt Deane, another brother, produced all kinds of beaver and castor hats. Also, another brother was a coach maker who later became a partner in the coach making business with Elkanah. Elkanah Deane, Elkanah Deane, Sr., and brothers Richard, Nesbitt, and William immigrated to New York sometime in the 1760s. In New York, Elkanah Deane, Sr., sold liquors and cordials at his store near the Ferry Stairs. Richard, the distiller, produced all manner of distilled spirits near the ferry to Brooklyn. Nesbitt, the Hatter, advertised in 1766 that he had just opened a shop in 2 Broad Street, near the Royal Exchange, where he made and sold all manner of hats of the latest styles from London and Dublin. William, of course, became a partner with Elkanah in the coach making business.
Elkanah Deane first advertised his work in the New York Gazette on February 23, 1764, where he offered to provide coach making services in a most complete manner. His shop was located in Broad Street, next door to a Mr. William Gilliland. On October 29, 1765, Elkanah Deane was made a Freeman of the City of New York. This act was in keeping with the tradition of accepting tradesmen as "Freemen" upon joining the Company or Guild of that particular city. Although there were many attempts to establish Guilds and Companies in the American colonies, these organizations never were granted the authority to control their trades as they were in England and Europe. It seems that Elkanah Deane operated his coach making business by himself until sometime prior to February 27, 1766, when a partnership was mentioned in an advertisement which referred to Elkanah and William Deane, Coach Makers from Dublin.
The coach making partnership of Elkanah and William Deane was one of the premier shops practicing the trade in the 1760s. It was said that their shop was the "most elaborate establishment" of the five coach making shops in the city. From the beginning of their advertisements, the Deanes offered to make all kinds of vehicles in the "most genteel and elegant Taste, and make them in superior fashion to Europe yet at inferior prices. " As they promoted the superiority of their own goods, they attempted to evoke colonial, patriotic sentiment with statements such as the following: 3
"These Proposals (guarantees of equal or superior workmanship and warrantee on work for a year), and the great expense and Trouble we have been at by getting proper Men and Materials to accomplish said Trade, we hope will have some Weight with all who wish Prosperity to this Country, or even their own Interest, and that they will give as the Opportunity of promising what we have asserted. "
The Deanes brought to New York a group of skilled artisans who practiced the several skilled trades typically associated with building elegant carriages of the period. In one of their advertisements they stated that they had brought out highly skilled workmen at great expense which enabled them to do all of the work necessary to produce the varied styles offered for sale. This meant they had full-time, skilled tradesmen such as coach smiths, coach spring makers, wheelwrights, coach painters, coach trimmers, gilders, coach harness makers, etc. Each of these skills was a trade unto itself, practiced by skilled artisans who had served a proper apprenticeship to his trade, with little, if any, crossover between these trades. One such skilled artisan was a coach harness maker who appears to have been an indentured servant to the Deanes. This could have been the result of the Deanes paying his transportation from his homeland to New York in return for a period of indentured service. On May 19, 1766, Richard Barlow, Coach Harness Maker, ran away from his indenture. The ad stated that Barlow was "much in debt to the subscriber (Deane)"
James Beekman, a prominent merchant in New York, patronized the Deanes on several occasions. In 1765 Elkanah Deane built a new Chaise costing £68 for the Beekman Family. Both a chariot and a phaeton owned by the Beekman were repaired several times by the Deanes. Some have attempted to use this business relationship between James 4 Beekman and Elkanah Deane as justification to assert that Elkanah Deane built the Beekman Coach which is today owned by the New York Historical Society. The coach purchased by James Beekman in 1771 was procured through Peter Burton, a ship's captain, whose vessel most often plied the route from London to New York. The Beekman Ledger C, page 230, reflects a price of £138 paid to Burton by Beekman for the vehicle. Those knowledgeable in the area of eighteenth-century coach styles suggest the vehicle was made in England, or possibly France. Although the circumstances are far from certain, it appears that Burton delivered a coach ordered by Beekman, or he bought the coach on speculation and sold it to Beekman.
Another customer of Elkanah Deane was his Excellency the Right Honorable, the Earl of Dunmore, Royal Governor of the Colony of New York. For the Royal Governor, Elkanah Deane made a coach, phaeton, and a chaise. In later advertisements in Williamsburg, Elkanah Deane states the quality of his work could be verified by visiting the Palace in Williamsburg and viewing the vehicles which he made for Lord Dunmore in New York. However, the claim filed by Lord Dunmore in 1784 for property lost in the Revolutionary War, contains a sworn statement by Mr. James Minzies, Secretary to Lord Dunmore, that all carriages owned by Dunmore were made in England.
Prior to Elkanah Deane coming to Williamsburg, coach making was a well established trade in Virginia. The Virginia Gazette of August 18, 1738, reported that "William Evans, Coach Maker, who lately lived in Williamsburg but removed to Rappahanock, was found murdered in the woods". Samuel Bowler, coach maker from London, advertised in the Virginia Gazette on April 6, 1739, that he "undertakes to serve 5 gentlemen in making and repairing Coaches, Chariots, Shaises, and Chairs". By August 22, 1761, John Shephard, coach maker from London, was practicing his trade in Williamsburg, and Charles Taliaferro was providing coach making services earlier that year. Additionally, on April 9, 1772, about the time Elkanah Deane was establishing his coach making business in Williamsburg, William Halliday, coach maker from Long Acre, London, announced he was opening his business in the street leading to the Capitol Landing. Thus, Deane was only one of several well-qualified coach makers offering their services to the citizens of Williamsburg.
An invoice dated December 3, 1771, from John Norton contained an order for a variety of coach maker's materials for Deane, the coach maker, to be delivered in Williamsburg. These materials included a variety of woodworking tools, bench stones, a book of cyphers, painting materials, and gold leaf. Other items were a book of "draughts (drawings) for coaches and chariots both of the newest fashion", and six electric Globes of different sizes. These latter items were glass spheres filled with certain gasses which produced static electricity when rubbed with appropriate materials. These devices were believed to cure a variety of physical ills, or at least, alleviate the symptoms.
This early invoice for materials used in coach making may suggest that Elkanah Deane had already arrived in Williamsburg. The first advertisement for his coach-making business is dated June 17, 1772. An advertisement dated June 4, 1772, in the New York Journal shows that William Deane was in business by himself practicing the coach-making trade on Broad Street. In his ad in the Virginia Gazette, Elkanah Deane offers to produce carriages of the most elegant fashion including the styles of coach, landau, chariot, post 6 chaise, phaeton, curricle, chaise, and chairs. Included in the advertisement is the offer to rent two or three rooms to accommodate gentlemen seeking lodging, and his willingness to "take two apprentices who can come well recommended and whose friends or family are willing to give a gratuity to have them accomplished in their business". By this statement, Elkanah Deane was requiring families to pay for the privilege of apprenticing their sons to Deane, which was out of the ordinary since no money typically changed hands during the course of a typical eighteenth-century apprenticeship. On July 4, 1772, Elkanah Deane purchased four lots, totaling two acres, from William Carter and his wife Rebecca, for the sum of £700, Virginia money. Elizabeth Deane appears to have been an agent for Joseph Beck, Staymaker from London, who owned a staymaking shop on Broad Street in New York. An advertisement in the Virginia Gazette, dated May 21, 1772, informs the people of Williamsburg that they may give orders for Mr. Beck to Mrs. Deane of Williamsburg.
Deane's business seemed to be prospering. He appears to have worked diligently to establish a coach making shop in Williamsburg on the scale of his New York shop, and in keeping with the tradition of top quality shops as he had known in Dublin. On July 8, 1772, he purchased from Robert Carter 1128 pounds of bar iron for use in his business. His hard work in serving his customers seemed to have established him as a respected member of Williamsburg society. Bridenbaugh wrote that, "...So pleased was the Earl of Dunmore with the coach made for him that he persuaded Elkanah Deane to move to Williamsburg when he went there as governor in 1772." If, in fact, this statement by Bridenbaugh is correct, then Dunmore may have been instrumental in easing Deane's entry into the "right circles" within Williamsburg. The Journal of Joseph Pilmore, Methodist 7 Itinerant, reflects that when Pilmore visited Williamsburg on August 20, 1772, he, "…found Mr. Dean, a coachmaker from New York, who lately settled here, and he entertained me very kindly…" There is no indication that Deane and Pilmore had met previously, nor that Deane was sympathetic to the reform movement of Methodism within the Church of England.
His advertisement on April 8, 1773, sought three or four journeymen chair makers, and one or two apprentices. Here no mention is made of the families paying a gratuity. Again, bar iron was purchased from Robert Carter on February 26, May 14, July 23, and November 4, totaling almost 1500 pounds weight. On October, 1773, Deane's advertisement mentioned he had secured the services of a coach painter "who is as good a craftsman" as he had met since his residence in America. This advertisement started the verbal confrontation with Peter Hardy through repeated advertisements in the Virginia Gazette.
It appears that Peter Hardy worked for Deane as a journeyman or apprentice coach maker in New York and later in Williamsburg. Mary Goodwin, in her research report, Wheeled Carriages in Eighteenth-Century Virginia, states specifically that Hardy was an apprentice to Elkanah Deane, but offers no source to substantiate that claim. This relationship ended quite acrimoniously and Peter Hardy set up business in a shop at the Custis site near the Madhouse. In advertisements placed in the Virginia Gazette, Deane assailed Hardy's training as a coach maker and his ability as a craftsman. Hardy responded in kind in an advertisement on November 11, 1773, by referring to Deane as an "uncouth Hibernian Cottager" and "The Palace Street Puffer". All of this seems to stem from a 8 lawsuit by Deane against Hardy which was settled on November 15, 1773, when Deane was awarded a decree that Hardy must pay Deane over £67, New York money. The case between Elkanah Deane against Peter Hardy was heard by six justices, including Peyton Randolph, Thomas Nelson, and John Dixon. The award of New York money and Deane's previous mention of Hardy working under him for two or three years before October 28, 1773, (only a year and a few months after Deane arrived in Williamsburg) leads one to believe that Hardy was a journeyman or apprentice who worked for Deane in New York and followed Deane to Williamsburg. No other details of the case are known.
All of this aside, Elkanah Deane continued to prosper. An entry in Ledger B, page 93 of George Washington's accounts reflects that Deane was paid for servicing George Washington's chariot. On April 7, 1774, Deane again advertised his services and stated he was in need of a few more journeymen for his shops. Specifically, he needed journeymen chair makers to make chair bodies and wheelwrights to make chair wheels. Again, he advertised for two or three apprentices who have been genteelly brought up and tolerably educated. In this same ad he mentions that he has for sale some choice brandy, gin, rum, and several kinds of cordials such as aniseed water, orange water, clove water. all fours (?), cherry brandy, and raspberry brandy. Some suggest these products may have been made by his brother Richard, the distiller. This ad is repeated in May 19, 1774. A ledger entry, dated September 3, 1774, in the account books of Matthew Phripp reveals that Thomas Nelson, Esq., of Yorktown, has authorized Phripp to pay E. Deane the sum of £70 Virginia money for a new phaeton and harness.
By March 23, 1775, there were signs that business was not going well for Elkanah 9 Deane. His advertisement for that date implored his customers who owed him money to pay so that he could support his credit. He went on to say that because of the many disappointments he had suffered, it was out of his power to extend further credit, unless under bond with approved security. This notice to debtors was perhaps motivated by a dire need of cash, or the knowledge that he was in failing health. Also, one of his journeyman chair makers, Obadiah Puryer, who was indentured for a year, had run away from that indenture with Deane. This situation suggests that Deane may have been using, at least to some extent, indentured journeymen tradesmen to staff his shops. Again, on June 22, 1775, Deane made a plea for payment of debts by his customers. This was the last advertisement placed by Elkanah Deane.
An advertisement on October 27, 1775, for sale of the property belonging to the late Elkanah Deane shows that he had died. The ad states that many of the buildings on the property were "but lately built", indicating that Deane had built some new buildings for his coach making business. Obviously, the property did not sell since Edward Roberts advertised on December 15, 1775, that he carrying on his business of saddlery and harness making at the shop of the late Mr. Elkanah Deane new Palace Street, and John Howard continued to carry on the coach painting business at the same site. Also, the advertisement of December 15, 1775, notified the public of a sale to be held before the door of the Rawleigh Tavern on January 8, 1776. To be sold for ready money were five Virginia-born slaves, a genteel mahogany bedstead, a one horse chair with a top over it, made by Mr. Deane, a tumbler with tired wheels made only a few months ago, a copper boiler holding 150 gallons, and other articles. It is unclear from the wording of the advertisement whether 10 these slaves belonged to Deane or to someone else, and these slaves were simply offered for sale along with Deane's property. Some, however, have interpreted this advertisement to suggest that Deane owned the five slaves. On January 6, 1776, William Holliday advertised that he had opened a coach making business at the late Mr. Elkanah Deane's shop near Palace Street.
Late that year, on December 13, 1776, Elizabeth Deane wrote in an ad in the Virginia Gazette that the proceeds of a public sale which liquidated property of her husband, had been "feloniously carried off" by William Deane, brother of Elkanah Deane. In addition to the money, William Deane was accused of taking "the books (ledgers), notes and bonds" belonging to the late Elkanah Deane.
The property had not sold by June 12, 1777. Another coach painter, Campbell Thomson, advertised that he carried on his trade at the Deane Shop. On July 11, 1777, Samuel A. Bell, coach maker, offered his services to the public in the "shop lately occupied by Mr. Deane". Mrs. Deane appears to have died prior to October, 1797. The Deane estate continued to own the property until 1847 when Robert Saunders, owner of the "Carter-Saunders House" purchased the property.
There are many questions concerning Elkanah Deane that presently cannot be answered with certainty, but are left open to speculation and conjecture. One can conclude that Elkanah Deane dealt in the highest circles of New York and Williamsburg society. His training with the noted coach maker, Joseph Carncross of Dublin, and his shops in New York being described as the most elaborate in the city, illustrate the fact that he was one of the premier coach makers of the colonies. These factors strongly suggest he operated a 11 coach making business on the order of the more elaborate operations in London and Dublin. Such a business required a number of structures suited for the trades of coach making, wheel making, coach-spring making, coachsmithing, coach trimming, coach painting, and coach harness making. Mrs. Deane's newspaper advertisement following her husband's death reads, "...The houses are in good repair and some of them but lately built." This evidence shows there were several structures on the Deane property located on Palace Street which housed the various trades necessary to produce the vehicles Deane offered for sale to the citizens of Williamsburg.
Little is known of Elizabeth Deane except that she was a person who pursued business ventures in her own way - offering corset stays made in New York to the ladies of Williamsburg. There is no information to suggest the Deanes had children, although apprentices to the coach making trade may well have been housed in the Deane House on Palace Street. Mrs. Deane was faced with administrating the will of her husband, and this task was complicated by Elkanah's brother coming to Williamsburg and absconding with the proceeds of the estate sale, as well as the ledgers from his business.
Documentation clearly indicates he served the transportation needs of several important colonists on a regular basis. His prominence in such influential colonial cities as New York and Williamsburg indicates he not only dealt with the most important and powerful persons of the colonies, but also did exceptional work for them. Men such as Robert Carter used his name as a reference point for advertising his property, indicating a degree of stature and reputation within the community. From his advertisements and background, one can see that Deane was an ambitious and skilled artisan, as well as an 12 astute businessman. He seemed to have spared little expense in establishing his business and marketing his products. As the conflict began to develop between the colonies and Great Britain, he was obviously aware of the issues on both sides of the argument since he had provided his services to both British officials and future patriots, including Lord Dunmore, James Beekman, George Washington, and Thomas Nelson.
ELKANAH DEANE PROPERTY
The Elkanah Deane property lies at the intersection of Palace Street and Prince George Street, and is bounded to the North by the Carter property. It consists of Colonial Lots 329, 330, 331, and 332. The property line between the Deane and Carter properties is quite confusing since the buildings near that property line are called the Carter buildings.
H. S. Ragland, the archaeologist who excavated the site, wrote in 1931 of the apparent discrepancies in the Frenchman's Map:
"About 40 feet apparently has been dropped out of the Deane property. According to the Waddill Survey, the distance from the colonial North line of Prince George Street to the colonial South line of Scotland Street is 429,00 feet. The Bucktrout map shows that the dividing line between the colonial Scotland Street lots and the colonial Prince George Street lots was midway between the two streets.
Then, the lots were 214.5 feet (13 poles) deep. The northern half (of the Saunders Dinwiddie end) of the block is apparently plotted correctly on the Frenchman's Map, for it scales about 215 feet. However, the southern half, the Deane end of the block, scales only 175 feet. Therefore, all three outbuildings shown by the Frenchman along the north line of the lot should have been plotted about 40 feet further north."
As was common for the time, Ragland did not write an archaeological report for the work done on these properties. However, a map drawn of the Foster Property (portion of the Deane property) by James M. Knight, January 14, 1949, contains a note:
"This wall is approximately on the original dividing line between the Elkanah Deane and Carter-Saunders property ".The referenced wall lies on an east-west line between the McKenzie Apothecary and the Carter Kitchen. 14
From this information, it is clear that both archeological efforts have concluded the "Frenchman's Map" is inaccurate with respect to this property line. Therefore, the McKenzie Apothecary and those buildings to the west have been re-constructed on foundations which are on the Deane Property and are presently incorrectly identified as Carter outbuildings. Accepting this location of the property line, these buildings, as they stand today, were re-constructed on foundations which most probably were for Elkanah Deane's shops.
Figure 1: Foundations located through archaeology.
Figure 2: Deane Property as presented on the "Frenchman's Map", circa 1782.
Figure 3: Composite of the "Frenchman's Map" and the results of archaeological discoveries, Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4: Conjectural depiction of how the Deane Property may have appeared during the time Deane operated his shops on the site.
APPENDIX
Bridenbaugh, Carl. The Colonial Craftsman, University Press, New York, 1950, p. 91. "Manhattan likewise recruited most of its carriage workers from abroad. The first practitioner there seems to have been Nicholas Bailey who made and repaired 'Shaes and Coaches' in 1740. The rise in prosperity occasioned by the French and Indian War caused a spurt in the trade as the number of carriages kept in town rose from four to seventy, ensuring five master artisans ample local custom. Of these Elkanah and William Deane from Dublin maintained the most elaborate establishment, making all kinds of wheeled vehicles, harness and saddler's work, in addition to painting, japanning, and gilding. They guaranteed all coachwork to be performed in their own shop 'at the prime cost of that imported,' thereby eliminating insurance, freight, and assembling charges that always went with the imported vehicles. Even so, it was a luxury craft; a plain coach cost £165 and a fancy one £200. So pleased was the Earl of Dunmore with the coach made for him that he persuaded Elkanah Deane to move to Williamsburg when he went there as governor in 1772."
Haughton, George W.W. The Coaches of Colonial New-York, Hub Publishing, New York, 1890. pp. 15-16."Elkanah and William Deane, Coach-Builders
I shall have no better opportunity than this to briefly sketch the Deane family, which, at this time, was an important factor in New-York trade.
Like James Hallett, they were from Ireland. They proudly advertise themselves as 'late from Dublin.' Elkanah Deane, Senior, sold cordials, whiskey, gin and brandy at his store near the Ferry Stairs. These liquors were manufactured by his son, Richard Deane, distiller from Ireland, who located near the ferry at Brooklyn. Nesbitt Deane, probably another son, supplied all kinds of beaver and castor hats, black or white; and, in his advertisements, prides himself as 'cocking his hats in the genteelest taste of Dublin and London.' As shown by the Beekman Ledger, Elkanah Deane, another son, was a coach-maker; and was soon afterward joined by his brother William. The first published announcement of their business appears in the Post-Boy of Feb. 27, 1766, and is so complete and interesting that it seems worthy to be presented in full. Here it is:...
[This advertisement can be found in Feb. 27, 1766, Post Boy, also contained in this document, page 26.]
The remark contained in this advertisement : 'We can afford to make any of them on more reasonable Terms than has been yet done by any person in this City,' evidently has reference to the claims of James Hallett and of Samuel Lawrence; and still other builders, now unknown to us, by reason of their lack of enterprise as advertisers, may have put in an appearance since Hallett's first announcement sixteen years earlier. "
20Stratton, Ezra. World On Wheels, Blom, New York, 1972, pp. 409-410."The earliest importers of carriages expressly for sale were the brothers Elkanah and William Deane, who came as emigrants from Dublin in 1766, bringing with them several workmen. On arrival here they seem to have changed their minds, and instead of continuing the importation they announced by advertisement that they contemplated opening "as a new affair," as a shop for the construction of all manner of carriages, at five percent below importation prices, and mention that they have brought out workmen at great expense, to build 'coaches, chariots, landaus, phaetons, post-chaises, curricles, chairs, sedans and sleighs," a catalogue ample enough, but too full for the market at the time, and so they offer in addition 'to gild and japan, and carve and paint,' showing that they did not entertain 'great expectations' of a large trade in manufacturing carriages.
The following, copied from an old newspaper dated May 19, 1766, is interesting, as showing that the Deanes could not depend entirely on the workmen they had 'brought out, at great expense,' from Ireland: 'Run away from the subscribers, on Tuesday last, Richard Barlow, by trade a coach harness-maker. He had on when he went away, a Claret colour'd Coat and Breeches, a striped Cotton and silk jacket; he had short Curl'd Hair, is about five Feet seven Inches high, and for some Time before he runaway had a condemn'd down Look on his Countenance, which proceeded from his being detected in a dishonest Action. As he is much in debt to the subscribers, all Masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their Peril. Who ever secures the said Richard Barlow, so that the subscribers may have him again, or lodge him in any of His Majesty's Gaols, shall have Five Dollars reward. Given under our hands at New York, this 17'' of May 1766, Elkanah and William Deane. "
White, Philip L. The Beekman's of New York in Politics and Commerce, 1647-1877, The New York Historical Society, New York, 1956. "Among the more highly skilled trades Beekman did business with many independent artisans. Prominent among these was the coach-maker, Elkanah Deane. This Irish immigrant maintained with his brother William the 'most elaborate establishment' in the city of any of the five master artisans in their trade. From them James purchased in 1765 'a New Chaise' costing £68. In 1767 the transportation needs of the family were further eased by the purchase from Major Francis L. Carey of a chariot and a phaeton for £95 each. Both vehicles were repaired by the Deanes at a cost of £11. Some weeks after the purchase James had the phaeton's springs altered by the Deanes for £1 and within the next year he made four more trips to the establishment for repairs which cost in all £8. This suggests that the techniques of the twentieth-century garage-operator were not unknown to his eighteenth century predecessor. "21
1764 The New York Gazette, February 23, 1764. "Elkanah Deane
The Coach-making Business is carried on in all its Branches, in the most complete Manner, by Elkanah Deane, from Dublin, Who has opened Shop, next Door to Mr. William Gilliland, in Broad-Street, New-York, and proposes to make, trim, paint, gild, and finish, in the most genteel and elegant Taste, all kinds of Coaches, Chairs, Sedans, and Sleighs, with their Harness; and as he is determined to make such work as will give Satisfaction in every Particular, and to charge at the very lowest Terms, he hopes for the Favour and encouragement of the Publick. Gentlemen residing in the Country, writing to him, may depend on having their Orders executed with punctuality. "
1765 New York Mercury, September 8, 1765."To the Publick.
We the Subscribers being determined to give all the Satisfaction in our Power to those Gentlemen and Ladies, who have or may employ us, for the Time to come, that they shall have their Work done in the best Manner, for the following prices, Viz.
A Plain Coach, and a Harness for two Horses 165..0..0 Ditto, with Livery Lace, and fringed Seat, Cloth and richly painted and finished 200..0..0 Chariots in Proportion, according to the Patron given. A Set of Coach Wheels, finished with iron work and painted 13..0..0 Chariot, or Post Chaise, ditto 11.10..0 A Chaise with Steel Springs, and Iron Axletree, compleatly finished 65..0..0 Ditto, with Wood Spring, Axletree, finished plain 55..0..0 A new Chair, with Steel Springs, and Iron Axle Tree, finished in the best Manner 45..0..0 One plain, ditto 35..0.. 0 A Pair of Chaise or Chair Wheels compleatly finished 6..0..0 A new Chaise Harness 6..0..0 A pair of Coach Wheel Harness, plain 13..0..0 Chariot, or Post Chaise, ditto 12..0..0 The best hunting Saddle, wilted, with a Girth, Stirrups, & Cruper 3..5..0 Plain ditto 2.12..0 Pellam Bit Bridle 8.. 0 Snaffle do 4.. 6 And all other work relative to the Coachmaking or Sadler's Business, on the most reasonable Terms, by Elkanah and William Deane, At their shop in Broad-Street, New York.
22P.S. Said Deanes return their sincere thanks to those who have already favoured them with their Commands, and hope for a continuance of their Friendship. "
New York Historical Society Records, October 29, 1765 "Elkanah Deane made Freeman in New York City on this date. "
1766 New York Gazette, February 20, 1766."NESBITT DEANE, HAILER FROM DUBLIN
Begs leave to acquaint the Public that he has opened Shop in Broad Street, near the Royal Exchange, in New York, where he manufactures and sells...All Kinds of Hats, vs(illegible) Finck Beaver Hats for Clergymen, or other Gentlemen; Beaveret and Custom Hats: Black or white, plain or furred Riding Hats for Ladies; and black or white, plain or furred, Hats for Children...As he hath served his Time in one of the most noted Shops in Dublin, for obtaining Premiums, all those who please to favor him with their Custom, may depend on meeting with the Utmost Satisfaction, both from the Quality of his Goods, and the Lowness of the Prices, as also in cocking his Hats in the genteelest Tastes, as now worn in London and Dublin. All gentlemen and Ladies sending their orders, shall have them completed with the greatest Punctuality and Expedition.
N.B. He will give good Encouragement to Country Merchants. "
New York Gazette, February 27, 1766."Elkanah and William Deane Coach-makers from Dublin
Return the Gentlemen and Ladies of this Province, &c. their sincere and hearty Thanks for the Favours they have been pleased to confer upon them, and hope for a Continuance of their Custom; and at the same Time beg leave to inform them and all the others, that they have now done to great Perfection, all Branches of the Coach-making Trade, as can be imported; such as wood Work, in all its Branches; Carving, Painting, Gilding and Japanning; Trimming, Harness and Sadler's Work: Likewise, Smith's Work of all Sorts, relative to said Trade, even Axletrees and Steel Springs, equal in Quality, if not superior, to any imported from England. As we can now make and finish, (without the Assistance of any out of our own Shop) in the gentealest and best Manner, all Kinds of Coaches, Chariots, Landaus, Phantons, Post-Chaises, Curricles, Chairs, Sedans, and Sleighs. We can afford to make any of them on more reasonable Terms than has been yet done by any Person in this City, and as we are determined to contribute as much as in our Power, to the Prosperity of this Country, we are determined for the future, to make and sell any of the above 23 Carriages, Five per Cent. Cheaper than they can be imported from England. And as a greater Encouragement to all who love to see Trade prosper here, and that think they might have better Work from England, our Proposals are, if we do not execute and finish equal to any Pattern from England, Draft or Order given us, we will not desire any Gentleman who bespeaks said Work, so take it; we likewise will warrant and engage all our Work for one Year, (accidents excepted) being the most that any Coach maker in Great Britain or Ireland do. These Proposals, and the great Expense and Trouble we have been at, by getting proper Men and Materials to accomplish said Trade, we hope will have some Weight with all who wish Prosperity to this Country, or even their own Interest, and that they will give us an Opportunity of promising what we have asserted. Gentlemen and Ladies residing in this Country, by writing to said Deanes, at their Shop in Broad-Street, New York, may depend their Orders shall be executed with the greatest Fidelity and Dispatch.
N.B. Said Deanes have two Curricle Chairs, one Chaise, and a Kittereen-Chair, one Double Horse Sleigh, with or without Harness, and one Pair of Curricle Harness, with a Steel Sliding Bar, which have been for some Time in Use, and will be sold reasonably. "
1772 Virginia Gazette, May 21, 1772."JOSEPH BECK
STAYMAKER
From LONDONIn BROAD STREET, New York, between the old Dutch CHURCH STREET and his Excellency General Gages, MAKES all kinds of stays for Ladies M ss in(illegible on the copy of the Virginia Gazette that was checked) the newest taste, and at the lowest prices.- Being inclined to extend his business, he begs leave to inform the ladies of Virginia, who may occasion to employ him, that by giving their orders to Mrs. Deane, of Williamsburg, they will be taken care of, and to such as are convenient will take their measures, and the necessary directions. Those who chuse to employ him may rely on the utmost punctuality and dispatch. "
The New York Journal, June 4, 1772."William Deane, Coach-maker, Informs the public in general and his customers in particular, that he carries on his business as usual in Broad-street where he makes all sorts of coaches, landaus, phaeton, curricles, chairs and chaises; likewise all sorts of harness and saddlers work, as also painting, guilding and japanning, in the neatest and most elegant manner. And as he finishes all carriages whatever in his own shop without applying to any other, He is likewise determined to make them as good, sell them as cheap, and be as 24 expeditious as there is a possibility. And to convince the public of the truth of what he asserts, he will make any piece of work that is required, equal to any imported from England, and will sell it at the prime cost of that imported, by which means those who are pleased to favour him with their custom will save the freight, insurance, and expenses naturally attending in putting the carriages to rights after they arrive. And as further inducement, he will engage his work for a year after it is delivered, that is, if any part gives way or fails by fair usage, he will make it good at his own expense. Those advantages cannot be obtained on carriages imported. He has now considerable stock of the best of all materials fit for making carriages. For the above reasons, he most humbly requests the encouragement of the public, which will be most gratefully acknowledged by him.
Said Deane paints and repairs all manner of old work very reasonably, and has for sale just finished a new phaeton, and four new chairs. "
Virginia Gazette, June 18, 1772.25"THE Subscriber, having served a regular Apprenticeship to the noted Mr. Joseph Carncross, of the City of Dublin, COACH-MAKER, and for many Years past carried on the COACH-MAKING TRADE, in all its different Branches, in Ireland, and in New York, where he had the Honour of making a Coach, Phaeton, and a Chaise, for his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, is now removed, with his Family, from New York to Palace Street, in this City, where he proposes to make and repair all Sorts of Coaches, Landaus, Chariots, Post Chaises, Phaetons, Curricles, Chaises, and Chairs, with Harness of every Sort; also Steel Springs, and Iron Work of every Kind relative to the Coachmaking Trade; likewise Painting, Gilding, and Japanning. The Subscriber being determined to do all his Work in the best Manner, and on the lowest Terms, humbly hopes those Gentlemen that are pleased to employ him will pay Cash, at least for any piece of new Work, on Delivery of the Same; and will be truly thankful to every Gentleman or Lady who will employ him to repair Carriages, even if the Repairs do not exceed Half a Bit. The utmost Care, and Dispatch of Business, shall be the constant Study of the Publick's most humble Servant,
Elkanah Deane.*** Having two or three spare Rooms he would be glad to accommodate Gentlemen with private Lodgings. ----He will also take two Apprentices, who can be well recommended and whose Friends are willing to give a Gratuity to have them accomplished in their Business. "
York County Records, Deed Book 8, pp.238-241, July 4, 1772.26William Carter, surgeon, Gloucester,
Rebecca, his wife
James Carter
John Carter Gentlemen
to
Elkanah Deane, coachmaker,
Consideration: £700 current money of Virginia"THIS INDENTURE made the fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and seventy two BETWEEN William Carter of the County of Gloucester Surgeon and Rebecca his Wife, and James Carter, and John Carter, of the City of Williamsburg Gentlemen of the one part, and Elkanah Deane, of the same City Coachmaker, of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of Seven Hundred pounds current Money of Virginia by the said Elkanah to the said William James and John Carter in hand paid at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents, do grant bargain sell alien enfeoff and Confirm unto the said Elkanah Deane his heirs and Assigns forever all those four Lots of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg and Parish of Bruton County of York on the West side of Palace Street and bounded on the North by the Lots of the Honourable Robert Carter, on the West by Nassau Street on the South by Prince George Street and on the East by the Said Palace Street lately in the possession of the said William Carter except a small piece of parcel thereof adjoining the Lots of the Honourable Robert Carter Esquire and conveyed him by the said William Carter by Indenture bearing date the eleventh day of August one thousand seven Hundred and sixty one, Recorded in York County Court which said Lots were sold and conveyed to the said William Carter by John Robinson Esquire deceased by the Deed bearing date the twentieth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine recorded in the General Court. And all Houses Buildings...TO HAVE & HOLD...forever...IN WITNESS...
William Carter L. S.
Rebecca Carter L. S.
James Carter L. S.
John Carter L. S.Sealed and delivered In presence of
Fras Tomkies
John Hughes Witnesses for Wm and Rebecca Carter
AlexE Craig
John Tazewell as to Wm & Jas & Jno Carter
William Cowan Ditto
Henry Tazewell
Thos Everard
Will: Russell"
MSS Papers of Robert Carter, Microfilm, CW Archives, July 8, 1772. "Sales of Barr-Iron rendered by Mr. Robt Prentis (for Robert Carter)
1772 July 8 Elkanah Deane - - - - - - - - -1128 lbs. "
York County Records, Deed Book 8, pp. 242-245, July 14, 1772. "Grantor: Elkanah Deane, coachmaker & wife Elizabeth(x), WilliamsburgYork County Records, Judgments and Order Book, 4, 1772-1774, p. 50, July 20, 1772.
Grantee: John Carter, Wmbg.
Date: 14 July 1772 Recorded: 20 July 1772 Parish: Bruton
Acres:(4 lots) 2 acres Price: 5s. (Mortgage)
Bounds: Deane owes Carter £700 Va curr. This to secure payment Proviso: If
Deane pays £700 + interest (£200+ interest by 26 Oct. 1773 + £500 +
interest by 25 Apr 1775), this is void. Until default Deane may occupy
mortgaged premises. Commission to Peyton Randolph Esq., John Prentis, +
John Dixon to hear Elizabeth's acknowledgement. Done by Randolph & Dixon
15 July 1772. Witnesses: Peyton Randolph, John Dixon, John Tazewell,
Eilli Russell, Thos Everard. "
"An Indenture of Bargain and Sale between William Carter and Rebecca his Wife and James Carter of the one part and Elkanah Deane of the other part was proved by the Oath of John Tazewell William Cowan and William Renforth Wilnefoes thereto and together with the Commission annexed and the Certificate of the Execution thereof Ordered to be recorded.
An Indenture of Mortgage between Elkanah Deane and Elizabeth his wife of the one part and John Carter of the other part was proved by the Oaths of Peyton Randolph John Dixon and John Tazewell witnesses thereto and together with the Commission annexed and the Certificate of the Execution thereof Ordered to be recorded. "
James Cocke to John Norton, London, Norton Manuscripts, CW Archives, December 3, 1772."Dear Gentlemen
27
I received your kind favor of the 31st August last covering Invoice Goods for Dean the Coachmaker amounting to £145.18.9 which are come safe to hand & satisfaction... (Also there was an invoice of December 3, # 1771 including coachmaker's materials. Note made by Mary Stephenson in her research report.)
4 doz best Carvers Gauges Sorted 2 doz John Greens best Firmers 1 Good handsaw. L Tennent do 1 brace & Bitts 1 Turkey Stone free of flints 7 inches long and 3 broad. 1 Book Cyphers. 1 do od draughts for Coaches & Chariots both of the newest fashion. 1 doz. Carver Chissels 3 doz best hair Pencils for Herald painting 3 doz books Gold leaf 6 Electric Globes of different sizes 3 doz Carver Gouges. "
1773 Virginia Gazette, April 8, 1773. "THREE or FOUR
JOURNEYMEN CHAIRMAKERS
Would meet with encouragement,
As also ONE or TWO
APPRENTICES,
By applying to ELKANAH DEANE;
Who has for SALE and Elegant
PHAETON and CHAISE. "
Virginia Gazette, October 28, 1773. "ELKANAH DEANE,
COACHMAKER,
Has for SALE a Neat
POSTCHAISE and HARNESS,
almost as good as new; also a neat single CHAIR and HARNESS; entirely new, which he will sell cheap for ready money, at his shop in Palace street: where gentlemen may be supplied with carriages and harnesses of every kind in the coach or chair way, completely finished, and agreeable to appointment. He likewise repairs carriages and harnesses, and the PAINTING BUSINESS is done in the most elegant manner, having now procured as good a hand as he has met with since his residence in America. ---In my former advertisements I mentioned where I served a regular apprenticeship, namely to Mr. JOSEPH CARNCROSS, in the city of Dublin, and carried on the coachmaking trade for several years at home; also, that on my coming to America, I made, in the city of New York, for his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, a coach, phaeton, and a chaise, which may now be seen by any gentleman that has an inclination. I chose to be thus particular, as there is a certain CANADIAN, who resides near the Madhouse, and tells of his long experience in Europe, but never was one yard nearer to it than he is now, nor in 28 his life ever saw three four wheel carriages made till within these two or three years, and the whole of his knowledge, I can venture to say, without any presumption, he gained in my shop. I return my most sincere thanks to the gentlemen and ladies of Virginia, who have favoured me with their commands, and they may be assured I will always make it my study to please. "
Robert Carter Account Book, 1759-1775, February, May, July, and November 1773."Mr Elkanah Deane Coachmaker in Wmsburg
[in account with Robert Carter]
1773: Dr. Feby 26 To ¼ Ton of Barr Iron but if weighed 4 lb short @ £22.10.2 pr Ton 5.11.8 May 14 To 634 lb of Barr Iron @ £ 22.10. pr Ton 7. 1.8 £12.13.4" [Settled Nov.4, 1773]
Elkanah Deane of Wmsburg Coach-Maker 1773: [In account with Robert Carter] Dr July 23 To 322 lbs Bar Iron @ £20.10.0 Ton delivered by Mrs. Crawley 3. 5.0" [Settled Nov. 4, 1773]
Virginia Gazette, November 11, 1773."To the public. There having appeared a sentence or two in the conclusion of an advertisement in this Gazette of the 28th of October which hint at a certain Canadian, the same must acknowledge that at first the language seemed strange to him but after a moment's reflection on that short paragraph he plainly perceived both its meanness of diction and poorness of style to have come from some awkward and uncouth Hibernian cottager, and who, on account of that troublesome passion called envy, hath thought proper, and that in a most gross manner, to question him concerning his abilities in his business. The purport of that insidious clause being looked upon not only by himself, but by many others, as a most ungenerous and envious piece of gasconade, in order to engross the unwary credulity of many, to whom the truth may not be very obvious, and will sometimes escape the nicest enquires, he shall entreat it as a favour of his well-wishers, lest they should think him ungrateful, to listen to an observation or two, which, in all probability, will serve to remove the doubt of the unguarded assertion of his most revered matter, THE PALACE STREET PUFFER. And first of all, he would be glad to ask that ingenious and skillful Irishman. who repeatedly makes his boast and so much values himself on having served a regular apprenticeship in his own dear country, and thereby sufficiently enabled to have taught him his business, whether it were not lucky for him, nay, he might venture to say extraordinary, to have met with an 29 apprentice, whom he was just going to imitate into the knowledge of his art, that finished and completed, as far as comes within the limits of his profession, the last of the three carriages which he makes mention of may be seen at the palace. He would further ask that air and ingenuous Hibernian, in his most if this certain Canadian, who must necessarily be honest thinking moments, guilty of ingratitudes not to acknowledge this great obligation he unknowingly has brought himself under, were not the sole instrument in inserting a piece of work, quite upon a new model, for a customer, and if it were not approved of by every body that saw it, especially by the gentleman for whom it was designed, and, in particular, praised by that bold falsifier. Strange, that a man should belie his own conscience!
My wellwishers, I hope, will not look upon these few plain truths as merely to frustrate and disappoint the malicious designs of an envious man, but also to baffle any future attempts that he may be made by the said Hibernian to depreciate my abilities, and lessen my credit, being fully persuaded it will never be the case, unless it be through the instigation of malice supported by IRISH IMPRUDENCE. I am the public's devoted humble servant,
PETER HARDY***The subscriber has got an exceeding good workman, both in coachmaking and in wheelwright business, which will enable him the sooner to complete the demands of such as will favor him with their orders. "
Nomini Hall Waste Book (Robert Carter), 1773-1783. "Elkanah Deane for repairs done my Chair-- £6.9.6"
York County Records, Order Book, 4, p. 422."Monday 15th of November 1773
Present at Court Peyton Randolph Esq. Thomas Nelson
Dudley Diggs Anthony Robinson John Dixon
David Jameson Joint Justices...Elkanah Deane Pit
a( } In Debt
Peter Hardy DeftPursuant to a Award made and returned It is Considered by the Court that the Plt recover against the Deft Sixty seven pounds nine shillings and two pence current Money of New York the Debt in the declaration mentioned and his Cash by him in this behalf expended But this Judgement is to be discharged by the Payment of Eighteen pounds nine shillings and three Pence current Money of Virginia with Interest at five per Centum per annum from the 30 eleventh day of January 1773 it paid and the cost. "
Pursuant to an award made and returned It is Considered by the Court that the Pit. recover against the Deft Nine Pounds and nine pence the balance of accounts between the Partners and his Costs by him on his behalf expended.
Elkanah Deane Pit
agst } In Covenant
Peter Hardy DeftPursuant to an award made and returned It is ordered that this First must be dismissed and that the Deft pay into the Plt his Cost. "
George Washington's Ledger B, p. 93, November 17, 1773. "By Mr. Dean servicing my Chariot. 2.185.6d. "
Virginia Gazette, November 18, 1773. "TO the PUBLIC.
PETER HARDY was indeed the Canadian I meant to show in his true light, that he might not impose on the public. It is to him, not to his clerk, I address myself. In his advertisement of the 19th of August last he flatters himself he is well acquainted with the different branches of coach and chaise making, having studiously endeavored to obtain them by a long course of practice in Europe; he means he would flatter the gentlemen of this colony to believe his notorious lies, as I can prove he never saw one yard of Europe, neither did he ever work for nay coachmaker but me. Quere, where then did he get his knowledge in the coach and chaise way? Not in Canada, as there never was a coach seen there but one. My stile may be poor, but it is honest; such as you, or your clerk, cannot answer, but as lawyers commonly do, when they have bad cause by endeavoring to evade coming to the point. I think you have furnished me with a just appellation for yourself, of being a puffer. What I have inserted is truth. Learn to be honest, and speak truth, and then I will answer you when you please. Till then adieu. From your's
AN HIBERNIAN. "
Virginia Gazette, November 25, 1773. "The conscientious Elkanah Deane, doubting of his own integrity and veracity has got an officious monitor, who makes bold to admonish me by telling me to be honest: How justly he may be authorized so to do, I leave to the determination of the public; however, I thank him kindly for his unasked admonition. But it is to you I address myself not your monitor. You urge me to declare what I have yet never denied, that is, my not having been in Europe. 31 thought I had sufficiently given you to understand how it came about, but since you will have a public declaration it was a mistake of the person who wrote the advertisement for me because I had mentioned to him that my father had served his time there he did not know but what I had also. I hope you will no longer accuse me of not coming to the point. I think your monitor has led you astray by introducing the cant term pettifoger; query that is neither resoluble by him or you. No matter where this Canadian has learned his trade; though you falsely But let us come to the point, which shall be, since you will have it, in your shop. you will have it I am not a workman, to make, each of us, a coach, and stipulate any certain sum, to be depending on the best finished of the two, in every respect, as will for the goodness of the work as the ornamental part which shall be decided by those who are judges, that they and every one may impartially say the WORK HAS CROWNED THE WHOLE. Farewell.
From your's
A CANADIAN. "
1774 Virginia Gazette, April 14, 1774."ELKANAH DEANE,
COACHMAKER,
At his Shop in Palace street,
WILLIAMSBURG.MAKES all kinds of coaches, chariots, postchaises, phaetons, curricles, chairs and chaises, with harness of every sort. Carriages of every kind are repaired, painted, and jappaned, in the best manner, and on the most reasonable terms, for cash. Gentlemen or ladies residing in the country, by sending their commands to said Deane, may depend on being well used, and their commands executed with the greatest care and dispatch. He returns his unfeigned thanks to those gentlemen and ladies who have favoured him with their custom, and is determined to make it his study to please all who are kind enough to employ him.---Being in want of a few more JOURNEYMEN, he will give the following prices, provided they are good hands; For every chair body, single or double, according to my directions, I will give four pounds, for every chair carriage eighteen shillings, for every pair of wheels twenty two shillings, and so in proportion for all other work. I would willingly take two or three apprentices who have been genteely brought up, and tolerably educated; no others need apply. ----Said Deane has some choice brandy, gin, rum, and several kinds of cordials; such as anniseed water, orange ditto, clove ditto, all fours, cherry brandy, and rasher?), ditto; all of which he will dispose of on reasonable terms, for cash, to those who will take a quantity. "
Virginia Gazette, April 14, 1774"CAMPBELL THOMSON
HERALD AND COACHPAINTER
32 TAKES this Method to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen that he has opened shop opposite the new Hospital in Williamsburg, where he carries on the Painting Business; he likewise paints all Kinds of Landscapes with Accuracy, and repairs all kinds of Painting and Gilding in the most elegant manner. Those who please to employ him may depend on a full Exertion of his Abilities to give general Satisfaction.N.B. He will take a Negro Boy as an Apprentice"
Virginia Gazette, May 19, 1774. "CARRIAGES of various sorts and prices to be sold by ELKANAH DEANE, coachmaker, at his shop in Palace street, Williamsburg; who makes all kinds of coaches, chariots, post chaises, phaetons, curricles, chairs, and chaises, with harness of every sort. Carriages of every kind are repaired, painted, gilded, and jappaned, in the best manner, and on the most reasonable terms, for cash. Gentlemen or ladies residing in the country, by sending their commands to said Deane, may depend on being well used, and their commands executed with the greatest care and dispatch. He returns his unfeigned thanks to those gentlemen and ladies who have favoured him with their custom, and is determined to make it his study to please all who are kind enough to employ him.--Being in want of a few more JOURNEYMEN, he give the following prices, provided they are good hands: For every chair body, single or double, according to my directions, I will give four pounds, for every chair carriage eighteen shillings, for every pair of wheels 22 shillings, and so in proportion for all other work. I would willingly take two or three apprentices who have been genteely brought up, and tolerably educated, no others need apply.--- Said Deane has some choice brandy, gin, rum, and several kinds of cordials; such as anniseed water, orange ditto, clove ditto, all fours, Cherry brandy, and rasberry ditto, all of which he will dispose of on reasonable terms, for cash, to those who will take a quantity. "
Virginia Gazette, May 26, 1774.33"For SALE
THE improved SQUARE of LOTS adjoining the lots belonging to Mr. E.DEANE, coachmaker in Palace street, Williamsburg. JOHN TAZEWELL, esquire, of this city, is empowered to sell.If the purchaser, or purchasers, do not pay ready money, his bond with improved securities, made payable to ROBERT CARTER, will be satisfactory.
Conway Robinson Papers, Maryland Historical Society, September 3, 1774. "Tho. Nelson, Esq. to E. Deane:
To a new Phaeton and Harness .................................£70.0.0"
Conway Robinson Papers, Maryland Historical Society, November 24, 1774. "Thomas Nelson to Matt Phripp
To your acceptance of Elkanah Dean's order for £40.0.0
To interest on Elk. Dean's order having credited so much on this loan 7 months
£1.3.4"
1775 Virginia Gazette, March 23, 1775.To be sold CHEAP, for CASH,
AT my shop in PALACE street, a neat new post chariot, a phaeton, and a great variety of chairs, double and single, of different forms and prices. I request those gentlemen that are indebted, to pay me in April next, that I may thereby support my credit, and be enabled to carry on my business. The many disappointments I have met with has put out my power to give any credit in future, unless upon bond, with approved security, to bear interest from the day the work is delivered. I return my sincere thanks to those gentlemen who have favoured me with their commands.
ELKANAH DEANE***Ran away the 18th instant (March) OBADIAH PURYER, a journeyman chairmaker, who engaged under certain written agreement to serve the subscriber for one whole year, from the 29th day of August last. I do hereby forwarn all persons from employing or harbouring the said Puryer, being determined to put the law in force against him, unless he returns to his service. I suspect he may be lurking somewhere about Richmond. E.D. "
Virginia Gazette, June 22, 1775 "Mr. PINKNEY,
PLEASE to let those gentlemen know who are indebted to me that unless they discharge their respective balances this meeting, their names will be inserted very shortly in all the Williamsburg papers, that the world may know how tradesmen are treated in Virginia.
ELKANAH DEANE. "
Virginia Gazette, October 26, 1775. "To be SOLD or RENTED.
THE HOUSES and LOTS of the late Elkanah Deane, pleasantly situated 34 in Palace street, in this city. There is a well of good water in the lot belonging to the dwelling-house, and a fine garden and pasture at the back of the same, all well paled in; also several springs and a run of water throughout the land. The houses are in good repair, and some of them but lately built. And on Tuesday the 7th of next month will be sold, for ready money, the HOUSEHOLD [sic] and KITCHEN FURNITURE, a large quantity of coachmakers, joiners, and blacksmiths TOOLS. There are on hand, and will be sold, very cheap, for cash, an elegant PHAETON, single and double CHAIRS of several sorts, finished in the best manner. All persons indebted to the said estate are requested to make immediate payment; and all those whose accounts are not settled at the next meeting of the merchants, it is expected will give bond. Those also who have demands against it are desired Immediately to bring in their account to the subscriber, who is authorized to settle the same.
ELIZABETH DEANE. "
Virginia Gazette, October 27, 1775."To be SOLD or RENTED
The HOUSES and LOTS of the late Elkanah Deane, deceased, situated in Palace Street, Williamsburg, upon which is a well of fine water, an exceeding good house containing several springs, which form a run of water quite through it. The houses are all in good repair, and some of them lately built--And on tuesday the 7th of November will be sold, for ready money, the household and kitchen furniture, a large quantity of coachmakers, joiners, and blacksmiths tools, belonging to the deceased.---There are on hand, and will be sold remarkably cheap, for cash, an elegant phaeton, double and single chairs of several sorts, finished in the best manner.
ELIZABETH DEANE, adm.***All persons indebted to the said estate are requested to make immediate payment, or give bond for what they owe; and those who have demands against the same are desired to bring them in, properly proved, to William Page, who is empowered to settle the estate. "
Virginia Gazette, November 4, 1775. "To be SOLD or RENTED,THE HOUSES and LOTS of the late Elkanah Deane, deceased, pleasantly situated in Palace Street. There is a Well of good Water on the Premises, and exceeding good Garden and Pasture at the Back of the Dwelling-House, all well paled in; and there are several Springs, and a Run of Water through the same. The Houses are in good Repair, and some of them but lately built. And on Tuesday the 28th of November next will be sold, for ready Money, the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, a large Quantity of COACHMAKERS, JOINERS, and BLACKSMITHS TOOLS, belonging to the 35 said Deceased...There are on Hand, and will be sold remarkably cheap for Cash, an elegant PHAETON, and DOUBLE and SINGLE CHAIRS of several Sorts, finished in the best Manner.
ELIZABETH DEANE, Administratrix.N.B. All Persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make immediate Payment, and Bonds will be expected from all who do not settle their Accounts at the meeting of the Merchants; those who have any Demands against the said Estate are desired to bring them in, properly proved. "
Virginia Gazette, December 15, 1775. THE subscriber continues to carry on the business of SADDLING, CAP, and HARNESS making, at the late mr. ELKANAH DEANE's shop, near Palace street.
EDWARD ROBERTS. "
Virginia Gazette, December 15, 1775. "THE subscriber still continues to carry on the PAINTING business on COACHES, CHARIOTS, &c. at the late mr. E. DEANE'S shop, near Palace street.
JOHN HOWARD. "
Virginia Gazette, December 15, 1775."To be SOLD before the Rawleigh door in Williamsburg, the 8th day of January next, for ready money,
FIVE Virginia born SLAVES, viz a stout negro fellow about 35 years old, a negro man and his wife about 25 years old each, and two of their children (boys) the one about 8, the other 3 years old; a genteel and fashionable mohogany bedstand complete; a one-horse chair, made by mr. Deane last summer, with a top over it, which will carry double, and is very little worse for use; a good tumbler, the wheels tired, and was made a few months ago; also a new COPPER BOILER, that will hold 150 gallons, with several other articles. The sale will begin about 3 o 'clock in the afternoon. "
1776 Virginia State Auditors' Papers, Vol. 26, p. 187.36
Virginia State Troops in the Revolution "To cash paid, Elizabeth Deane for Steel furnished the Public. "
Virginia Gazette, January 6, 1776. "THE subscriber begs leave to inform the publick, that he has opened the late mr. Elkanah Deane's shop near Palace street, where he intends to carry on the COACH and CHAIR making business in its various branches.
WILLIAM HOLLIDAY. "
Virginia Gazette, December 13, 1776. "WHEREAS Elizabeth Dean, WIDOW of the late Elkanah Dean, coachmaker of the City of Williamsburg, administered to the Estate of her deceased husband, and sold, by public Sale, to the Amount of two Hundred and forty odd Pounds of said Estate which Money was collected, and feloniously carried off, by a certain William Dean, Brother of the said Elkanah Dean, who likewise put the Books, with several Bonds and Notes, into the Hands of Mr. James Hubard, for the Recovery of such Sums: This is to forwarn all Persons concerned not to pay any Money to said Hubard, as his Receipts cannot be good against any Payments to him on Account of the Estate, the Books, Bonds, and Notes having been taken from me very much against my Will.
Elizabeth Dean. "
1777 Virginia Gazette, June 12, 1777."The subscriber having been for many years overseer of BUCKRAM and GLUE manufactory in Ireland, hereby informs the managers of the Williamsburg manufacturing society, that as the expense of erecting such a work will be but small the factory being convenient to a tan yard, that those articles may be made as cheap as they have ever been imported. If such a scheme should have been adopted by the society, the subscriber will spare no trouble to instruct any one of their servants.
R. Campbell Thomson.He may be spoke with at Mrs. Dean 's shop, in Palace street. "
Virginia Gazette, July 11, 1777. "SAMUEL A. BELL, coach-maker, begs leave to inform the publick, that he carries on his business at the shop lately occupied by Mr. Dean, in the Palace street where the gentlemen may have their work done in the most elegant and substantial manner, and with punctuality. He is in want of 3 or 4 good hands, to whom suitable wages will be given. "37
1778 York County Records, Order Book 4, p. 181, November 16, 1778. "On the Motion of Eliza Deane It is Ordered that John Tazewell John Carter and John Greenhow or any two of them do examine State and Settle his Account of the Administration of the Estate of Elkanah Deane decd and make report to the Court. "
1779 York County Records, Order Book 4, p. 245, November 15, 1779. "The several Orders for the settling the Estates of Strifling Cashey, James Hubbard, James Bates, Elkanah Deane, John Mafs, Anthony Robinson and Henry Bowurock Tard not being complied with ons(?) again renewed and continued 'till next Court performed..."
1780 York County Records, Order Book 4, p. 289, August 21, 1780. "Deanes estate ordered settled"
1782 Williamsburg Land Tax Records, 1782. "Elizabeth Dean....4 lots...£6. "
1783 Williamsburg Personal Property Tax Records, 1783. "Elizabeth Dean as owning 1 slave and 1 cattle. "
1784 Loyalist Claims made by British and Tories, M 527 Colonial Williamsburg Library.
Claim of Lord Dunmore to his property in the Revolutionary Colonies "16. In the park at Williamsburg 13 Coach and} 416- Saddle Horses............. 32 } 32... 2 Coaches one quite new ......... 160 33... A Chariot........... 40 34... A Phaeton + two new one Horse Chaises. 80 35... Carts Waggons at the Palace... 40 320.-- Evidence of the foregoing Memorial of The Earl of Dunmore
Carriages.... The Several Carriages cost him much more than he has charged them at.
Major John Randolph Grymes. Sworn...
38Furniture
Says he cannot speak to the Particulars. The Palace was nobly furnished as a Governors House ought to be. He had besides a great many valuable Horses + many Carriages.Mr. James Minzies late of Williamsburg and Secretary to Lord Dunmore. Sworn... The Carriages he says were imported from England and are moderately charged.... Says that from his situation of being Lord Dunmore's private Secretary it consists with knowledge that he exerted himself to the utmost on the behalf of the British Government. "
New York Daily Advertiser, May 19, 1784. "William Dean. -For Sale, and Elegant Phaeton upon a new construction:...Enquire of Mr. Deane, Coach maker, Broad-street."
York County Records, Order Book 5, p. 80."On the motion of John Minson Galt and Humphrey Harwood who made Oath according to Law and with James Honey their Security entered and acknowledged their Bond in the Penalty of five hundred Pounds conditioned as the law directs Certificate is granted them for obtaining Letters of Administration of the Estate of Elizabeth Deane deced in due form.
Ordered that James Galt, James Henry, David Morton and George Reade or any three of them being the first sworn before a justice of this county do appraise in current Money the Slaves of any possessed--Estate of Elizabeth Deane decd and return this appraisement to the Court. "
"FOR SALE
An Elegant New Phaeton, Upon a new constructioon; been only once used, with Harness compleat, and turns light. Enquire of Mr. DEANE, Coach Maker, Broad- Street. April 26. "
1788 New York Daily Advertiser, May 1, 1788."William Deane, Coach-Maker, No. 52 Broad-Street makes and repairs all kinds of Coaches, Chariots, Phaetons, Chairs, Sulkeys &c. &c in the newest and most approved taste, likewise all kinds of harness work, made or mended in the strongest and best manner.
He has now ready for sale a great variety of handsome single horse chairs, four elegant new Phaetons, and two Chariots, with harness all complete. Likewise, 39 coach glass of all sizes and coach and harness furniture, bridles, bitts, stirrups, whips &c. &c. All which, he will sell on the most reasonable terms for cash.
He returns his sincere thanks to his friends and the public in general, for past favors, and assures them that as he has a number of excellent workmen now engaged, it shall be his particular study to give the utmost satisfaction. "
INDEX
- -A-
- -B-
- -C-
-
- Carncross, Joseph -
- 1, 10, 24, 27
- Carter, Robert -
- 6-7, 11, 25-26, 28-29, 32
- Carter, William -
- 6, 25-26
- Cary, Francis L. -
- 20
- Chair -
- 1, 5-9, 20-22, 27, 29, 31-36, 38
- Chaise -
- 3-4, 6, 20-21, 23-24, 27, 30-32, 37
- Chariot -
- 3, 5, 8, 20-22, 24, 27, 30-33, 35, 37-38
- Church of England -
- 5
- Coaches -
- 19, 20-24, 27, 30-32, 35-39
- Coach Harness Maker (Making) -
- 3, 9, 11, 20, 35
- Coach Maker (Coachmaking) -
- 7, 21, 24-32, 34, 36
- Coach Painter (Coachpainting) -
- 3, 7, 9-11, 31
- Coach Spring Maker -
- 3, 11
- Coach Trimmer -
- 3
- Cock, James -
- 26
- Cordials -
- 1, 8, 19, 31-32
- Curricle -
- 6, 20, 22-24, 31-32
- -D-
- -E-
-
- Evans, William -
- 4
- -F-
- -G-
- -H-
- 2
- -I-
- -J-
- -K-
- -L-
- -M-
- -N-
- -O-
- -P-
- -Q-
- -R-
- -S -
- -T-
- -U-
- -V-
- -W-
- -X-
- -Y-
- -Z-