Bassett Hall Historical Report, Block I Building 22Originally entitled: "Bassett Hall, Block 1 Lot 22"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1005
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
BASSETT HALL
Block 1 Lot 22
| I. SUMMARY | |
| II. OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS | |
| 1.Bray family (late seventeenth century to mid eighteenth) | |
| 2. Col. Thomas Bray (ca. 1749-1751) | |
| 3. Col. Philip Johnson & wife (ca. 1751-1789) | |
| 1. Richard Hunt Singleton, renter (1771-1773) | |
| 2. Francis Russworm, music teacher, renter (1771-1773?) | |
| 4. Richard Corbin (ca. 1793-1796) | |
| 5. Burwell Bassett (1796-ca. 1840) | |
| 6. Abel Parker Upshur (1840-fee simple-1843) | |
| 7. John Coke (1843-1845) | |
| 8. Goodrich Durfey (1845-1869) | |
| 9. Israel Smith (1869-1879) | |
| 10. Smith heirs (1879-1927) | |
| 11. Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration acquired this property in 1927. |
| 1. Pictures | |
| 2. Land and personal property tax lists, Williamsburg & James City county | |
| 3. Maps | |
| 4. Biographical sketches | |
| 5. Upshur Letters | |
| 6. Richard Corbin Accounts | |
| 7. Chain to title as prepared by Channing Hall |
SUMMARY
"Bassett Hall" comprises a part of that large tract once the property of the Bray family. By marriage to Elizabeth Bray, daughter of Thomas Bray, owner in 1749, the lands came into the possession of Colonel Philip Johnson ca. 1751. The "plantation" of Johnson is cited in the Virginia Gazette of April 4, 1755 as "near the Capitol in Williamsburg." In 1766 "the houses and lots of Johnson adjoining the City of Williamsburg" were advertised to be rented. (The Virginia Gazette describes Johnson's property as "the houses, lots, garden, stable and pasture, where I lately lived.") By 1771 Johnson had rented his house to Richard Hunt Singleton who kept an ordinary there until sometime in 1773. Singleton advertised his site as "Colonel Johnson's house, behind that of Mr. Waller." Several efforts were made to sell the property but Johnson died in 1789 with it unsold. on the Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782), the dwelling-house, rectangular in shape with a rear wing, is placed about 400 feet from a street to the north. There are three out-buildings about 50 feet to the southeast and one to the southwest. Another small building is about 350 feet to the south. A rectangular shaped yard upon which the house faces is about 400 feet by 200 feet with a small building in the northwest corner. The College Map (1791?) indicates "the lands of Philip Johnson" in this area, as does the Bucktrout Map (1803). Other maps of later date show the houses and adjoining farm lands. Prior to 1794 Richard Corbin was the owner. Several deeds between 1800-1806 and an insurance policy to bordering property, show that Burwell Bassett of "Eltham" has come into the lots and lands of Johnson; and the Williamsburg Land Tax records give Bassett as owner of "2 lots valued at 20 and 10" respectively. From 1820-1839 Bassett appears as owner of "1 lot valued at $75." In 1840 Abel P. Upshur of "Vaucluse" on the eastern shore of Virginia, became the owner. In 1843 the records show that John Coke was owner of "1 lot valued including buildings at $2550 via Abel P. Upshur." In 1845 Goodrich Durfey became the owner of "1 lot Valued at $2550 including buildings. Formerly ded to John Coke." In 1869 the property was conveyed to Israel Smith by the executor of Goodrich Durfey. From a study of a plat made by S. Smith (dated 1868) one sees that Durfey during his tenure, retained as his dwelling-house tract the 85 acres with avenue leading into Williamsburg via Francis Street, and sold other lands adjoining. Another plat (not dated-possibly 1869) is a colored map of "Bassett Hall" and surrounding lands. The dwelling is drawn as a rectangular building with rear wing, facing upon a 2-acre lawn. A circular drive is shown in front of the house, and a road leads out to Francis Street north and the farm lots to the south. Though court records of Williamsburg and James City county were largely destroyed by fire in 1865, one deed book was saved and from this record it is possible -ii- to trace the title to "Bassett Hall" from Israel Smith's ownership to the present time. Further title to the property as prepared by Channing Hall for Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin representing the restoration of Williamsburg, can be found in Illustration #7, Appendix.
[Tyler Map]
BASSETT HALL
Block 1 Lot 22
LOCATION:
The house with extensive grounds known as "Bassett Hall," is located south of Francis Street near the Capitol in Williamsburg.
HISTORY:
The well-known lots in Williamsburg called "Bassett Hall" were a part of a large acreage owned by the Bray family and heirs in the late seventeenth century and up to the early nineteenth century.
Although many of the records concerning the property were lost with the destruction of the James City County Court records in the Civil War period, enough have survived to trace the title to the property.
A survey of lots incorporated into the City of Williamsburg (1749) known as "Waller's Map" designates "Col. Brays Land" to the south of "Mr. Waller's Pasture"; and "Col. Thomas Brays 2 Lotts" as adjoining "Mr. Benjamin Waller's Lot."(1)
The above reference to "Col. Bray" undoubtedly means Col. Thomas Bray, grandson of James Bray who held property at Middle Plantation [later Williamsburg] in 1657.(2) Though we do not know the exact location of James Bray's house, there is record -2- that as early as 1676 a Court Martial Court was held in the home of Bray to try William Drummond.(1) James Bray died in 1691 leaving three sons: David (died 1717), Thomas (dead 1732), James (died 1725) and a daughter, Ann (died 1710/11). According to Hening's Statutes... (Vol. IV, pp. 370-376), David Bray had acquired Tutty's Neck (adjoining the present Bassett Hall) via Frederick Jones. David Bray, Jr. having died in 1731, and his uncle, Thomas, being dead by 1732, there was a suit over the meaning of the first David Bray's will. The suit was between John Randolph, heir of David Bray, Jr., and Thomas Bray, son of James Bray (deceased in 1725).(2)
It looks as though in 1750 the "Bassett Hall" tract comprised about nine hundred and fifty acres in James City County and four lots in Williamsburg. Following the death of Thomas Bray in 1751, there was a suit between his only heir, Elizabeth Bray Johnson, wife of Col. Philip Johnson,(3) and William Armistead and Judith Bray Armistead, his wife, who were heirs of David Bray. In 1753 it was decreed that Armistead and wife be allowed Nance's Neck and "two lots in Williamsburg adjoining the lots of Dudley Digges and James Spiers," and Johnson and his wife be allowed acreage in James City county and "two lots in Williamsburg -3- between Benjamin Harrison and Benjamin Waller."(1)
On November 5th and 6th, 1751, John Blair made the following comment in his Diary:
(2)5--
6. Mr. Johnson's bill in equity against Bray's execrs was red by the court.
Mr. Johnson has 9 months given him to consider if he will prosecute his appeals agt Judy Bray Ingles, and agt Col. Bray's execrs for the 2 moitys of Nances Neck, but this by consent of partys.
Johnson's plantation is cited in the Virginia Gazette of date, April 4, 1755:
NOTICE is hereby given;(3)
THAT there is a good Stable and Pasture, with all Sorts of Provinder for Horses, at the Plantation of Philip Johnson, near the Capitol in Williamsburg; where Gentlemen may depend on having proper Care taken of their Horses, Carriages, &c.
There is no mention of a dwelling house at "the plantation"; nor can the bounds of the property be clearly defined. However, from the record as reported by Hening, it seems certain that Johnson's plantation comprised a part of Thomas Bray's lands which were entailed to his daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Philip Johnson.
It is not known whether Johnson took up his residence in Williamsburg following the death of his father-in-law, or whether he continued to live at his plantation in King and Queen County. -4- He served as a Burgess from that county from 1752-1755 and 1756-1758. It seems reasonable to suppose that he maintained two residences-- using the Williamsburg home when the Burgesses were in session. Undoubtedly, he kept overseers and slaves at the Williamsburg plantation.(1) There is a reference in the accounts of Alexander Craig, Williamsburg harnessmaker, to "Mr. Johnson' brewer."(2)
Johnson's purchases from the Virginia Gazette covering the years 1750-1765 were items such as "3 sets of Journals House of Burgesses, Stith's Sermons, Aesops Fables, binding your Bible, 1 Psalter and Wilson's Sacrament."(3)
In 1758 certain lands of Philip Johnson in Williamsburg had been vested in John Robinson in trust. The enactment related to seventeen acres and twenty-six poles adjoining the southern bounds of the said city and forty three acres of land with the appurtenances lying in the parish of Bruton and county of James City. The seventeen acres so laid off by the said Philip Johnson into thirty lots to be built upon and saved according to the conditions that shall be contained in the deeds of conveyance, shall be added to and made part of the city.(4) Under the conditions, -5- houses of some nature must be built upon the land. Johnson was given nineteen acres and twenty six poles of land in fee simple; and the forty three acres of land with the appurtenances … contiguous to the nineteen acres and twenty six poles were vested in John Robinson in trust for benefit of Johnson's children.(1)
In 1765 the Virginia Gazette Day Book of date October 19, 1765 charged Philip Johnson five shillings for "Adv. House &c."(2) As Mrs. Johnson had died recently, this may be the reason Colonel Johnson was offering the Williamsburg property for rent.
By 1766 Johnson had become heavily involved in debts. His houses and lots adjoining Williamsburg were advertised for rent:
TO BE RENTED June 6, 1766.
THE houses, lots, gardens, stable, and pasture, where I lately lived, adjoining the City of Williamsburg, Any person inclinable to rent them for a year, or term of years, may know the terms by applying to Doctor Hay,(3) or Philip Johnson.(4)
In the above notice, it is clear that Johnson had lived in Williamsburg, that there were gardens, houses, lots, stable and a pasture to his property.
In 1768, there appeared in the local newspaper this notice -6- from Johnson:
THIS is to request the favour of all my Creditors to meet me at the brick house of Mr. Gabriel Maupin, in Williamsburg, the second day of next month...(1)
Philip Johnson
As John Robinson, trustee of the lands of Johnson and children, had died by November, 1769, other trustees were appointed to hold the monies and property. According to Bray's will, Philip Johnson, his son-in-law, would have a life right after the death of his wife, Elizabeth.(2) These lands were described thus:
… one messuage, and three hundred and twelve acres of land, adjoining to the city of Williamsburg, except nineteen acres, and twenty-six poles, laid off into lots, and annexed to the city of Williamsburg, by an act made in the first year of the reign of his present majesty... also of forty-three acres, purchased by Philip Johnson, gentleman, of John Baskerfield, also of six hundred acres, with the appurtenances, called and known by the name of Tutty's neck, and also of two lots or half acres of land on Francis street, in the City of Williamsburg, situate between the lots of William Pasteur and Benjamin Waller, gentlemen, in trust, as to one moiety thereof for the use of Philip Johnson, gentleman, during his natural life …(3)
Dr. William Pasteur's lot was west of the Johnson house and Benjamin Waller's house was to the east--both facing upon Francis Street.
By March, 1771 Colonel Johnson had succeeded in renting -7- his house in Williamsburg:
(1)WILLIAMSBURG, March 7, 1771.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to acquaint the Gentlemen who favoured him with their Custom that he is now removed to Colonel Johnson's House, behind that of Mr. Waller; where they may depend upon the best Accommodation for themselves, Servants, and Horses. RICHARD HUNT SINGLETON.
Singleton appears first in Williamsburg in February, 1769 when he gave notice in the Virginia Gazette that he was ready and willing to have patrons for his tavern located at the former home of John Coke.(2) He was forced to move on account of sale of the property. He removed after January 31, 1771.(3)
On May 16, 1771 Francis Russworm, music teacher, advertised that he would open a school in Williamsburg "at Mr. Singleton's House":
It is not known just how long Russworm held the school at Mr. Singleton's house as this is the only notice about his school. -8- It is of record that "Mr. Francis Russworm, of Nansemond County, who played such a sweet Fiddle, and was a worthy good-tempered Man, had the Misfortune to be drowned a few Days ago in crossing over some Ferry."(1)BEGS Leave to acquaint the young Gentlemen-in and about Williamsburg that he shall open School on Monday the 3d of June, at Mr. Singleton's House, to teach the VIOLIN, GERMAN and COMMON FLUTES. His Terms may be known by inquiring at the Post office, and where those Gentlemen who intend becoming Scholars will please to subscribe their names.
He will wait upon young Ladies at their own Homes, to teach them to dance a Minuet after the newest and most fashionable Method.(4)(1)
In October, 1771 trustees of Johnson's property advertised a sale on the 31st. "Mr. Singleton" was still in tenure:
WILLIAMSBURG, OCTOBER 1, 1771.
PURSUANT to a late Act of the General Assembly, which hath received the Royal Assent, we propose to sell to the highest Bidders, on Thursday the 31st Instant, at four o'Clock in the Afternoon, before Mr. Southall's door, in this City, the DWELLING-HOUSE, OUTHOUSES, GARDEN, and PASTURE, where Colonel Philip Johnson formerly lived, now in the Tenure of Mr. Richard Hunt Singleton; also the Remainder of the same Tract of LAND Adjoining the City of Williamsburg, with two LOTS on Francis Street, between the LOTS of Mr. Waller and and Doctor Pasteur; the whole to be disposed of together, or in Parcels, as may best suit the Purchasers.
At the same time will be sold a Tract of LAND called Tutty's Neck, containing about six Hundred Acres, more or less, very convenient to the City of Williamsburg, where on at(~ all necessary Houses for Cropping. Two Years Credit will be allowed the Purchasers upon their giving Bonds, with approved Security, payable with Interest from the Dates.
PEYTON RANDOLPH RO. C. NICHOLAS Trustees. LEWIS BURWELL PHILIP W. CLAIBORNE
(2)
In the above quoted notice, the property of Colonel Johnson is clearly defined: two lots on Francis Street, a dwelling and outbuildings, and about six hundred acres called "Tutty's Neck" with necessary buildings for cropping, and the remainder of the -9- dwelling-house tract.
Another notice from the Trustees of the property sheds additional light on the situation:
Singleton continued to rent Johnson's house and lands:WILLIAMSBURG, November 21, 1771.
THE Trustees, not thinking it proper to proceed on the Sale of Colonel Philip Johnson's Land, near this City, on the 31st of October, last, according to their former Advertisement, without an exact Survey of the valuable Tract called Tutty's Neck, and having the Land contiguous to the Town laid out in small Parcels, now give Notice that they intend to sell those lands on Tuesday the 10th December, at four o'Clock in the Afternoon, before Mr. Southall's Door; when the plan of the Survey and Division will be shown to any who are inclined to buy. The Purchasers will be allowed two years Credit; and it is expected they are to give Bonds, with unexceptionable Securities, which are to carry Interest from the Time they bear Date.PEYTON RANDOLPH
(1)
RO. C. NICHOLAS Trustees.
LEWIS BURWELL
PHILIP W CLAIBORNE
WILLIAMSBURG, January 27, 1772.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick that he still continues to occupy the House, on the South Side of the Capitol, where the Gentlemen Burgesses may depend upon the best Treatment, on the most reasonable Terms, fromTheir very humble Servant, RICHARD SINGLETON.
N.B. Good Stables, Pastures, &c.
(2)
Singleton moved from Johnson's property in January, 1773, to the house on the main street known as "Brick House Tavern" lately occupied by Davis.(3) Just what disposition was made of Johnson's -10- property from 1773 to ca. 1800 when a purchaser was found, follows.
In April, 1773 another attempt was made to sell the property:
To be SOLD, on Friday the 30th Instant (April) at five O'Clock in the Afternoon, before Mr. Southall's Door, in Williamsburg,
The Dwellinghouse, Outhouses, Lots, and Pasture, where Colonel Philip Johnson formerly lived, in this City. The Commodiousness of their Situation need not be described, as it is so well known. Any Person inclining to purchase may in the mean Time treat with Peyton Randolph and Robert Carter Nicholas, Esquires. The tenement may be red up-on immediately, and the Purchaser, will have Credit till next Christmas, paying Interest from the Day of Sale, and giving Bond, with approved Security.(1)
The property had not been sold in 1777 though an effort had been made by the Trustees in order to pay the creditors:
WILLIAMSBURG, February 26, 1777.
THE Trustees of Col. Philip Johnson being anxious to settle his Affairs, and having good Prospect of paying in a short time, the Demands of such of his Creditors as acceded to the Deed of Trust, desire a meeting of those Creditors at the House of Mr. James Southall in this city, on Thursday-the 13th of March next. If any of them should be unable to attend, they are requested to send their claims properly stated.-- All those indebted to the Trust Estate for the Hire of Negroes, or other wise, are desired to make immediate Payments to Mr. John Watkins of King William County, who will attend here the same Day. No indulgences can be given.
THE TRUSTEES.(2)
During 1777 the Trustees advertised in the Virginia Gazettes, that Johnson's plantation in James City county known as "Vaux Hall" and his plantations along the Chickahominy river, -11- were for sale.(1) There seems to be a great urgency for the sale on account of Johnson's many creditors. He, evidently, had not lived at Williamsburg since 1765 about the time of his wife's death. Doubtless, he was up at "Vaux Hall" or some other plantation in James City county as he had served as Justice of the county from 1773 to 1776. In 1776 Colonel Johnson resigned as county lieutenant on account of age and infirmaties.(2)
Maps of the period cite the lots of Johnson in this way: A Map known as the Brown Map (1780) shows "Col. Phil. Johnson's Lots annext to the City. 19 acres and 26 poles laid off into lots as above"(3) The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates the dwelling house--rectangular in shape with rear wing--placed about 400 feet from street; three outbuildings about 50 feet to the rear and 2 outbuildings in right rear and left rear about 25 and 350 feet, respectively, from the dwelling. The dwelling sets about 500 feet from the Waller house. A rectangular-shaped yard is about 400 feet by 200 feet with a small building in the northwest corner on the street. The outbuildings are not inclosed in the 250 by 200 feet area. (See: architect's drawing from the Frenchman's Map Illustration #3.)
-12-James City Land Tax records show that in 1787 Philip Johnson paid taxes on 204 acres of land at 9/8 per acre.(1)
In 1788 all the trustees appointed for Johnson and his children's property had died and it became necessary to appoint new trustees.(2)
On March 19, 1789 a newspaper item reported the death of Colonel Philip Johnson:
DEATHS. Departed this life on the 15th Instant Mr. PHILIP JOHNSTON [Johnson] of James City county.(3)
James City county Land Tax records carry Johnson's land acreage from 1787 to 1801 as 204 acres.(4) In 1802 Johnson's Estate held 195 1/4 acres.(5)
The above tax records for James City county, do not apply to the 2 lots of Johnson's which lay in Williamsburg on which his dwelling house stood.
Checking into every available source has produced no deed of conveyance or any references to the sale of the Williamsburg property of Johnson's. However, from a letter dated October 29, 1795 by Burwell Bassett to Richard Corbin of Williamsburg, there is every indication that Corbin was the owner of the property -13- now known as "Bassett Hall " prior to 1794. He paid the Sheriff of James City County tax on 323 acres of land in 1794. (Corbin Papers M-58-2). Loss of James City County records in the Civil War period, possibly, explains the fact that no court records of conveyance of this property to Corbin have been found. Corbin was only 25 years old when he sold to Bassett. (To follow in report.)
Richard Corbin was the son of John Tayloe Corbin of "Laneville," King & Queen county, and Mary (Molly) Waller, daughter of Judge Benjamin Waller of Williamsburg.(1) Just what reason Corbin had for living in Williamsburg 1794-1798 is not known. His uncle, Robert Hall Waller, lived next door in the Benjamin Waller House. He may have come following his marriage. He seems to have done a repairing and refurnishing job to the house (inside and out in 1794-1796, using Williamsburg carpenters, blacksmiths, tanner, bricklayers and merchants in the project. Josias Moody, blacksmith, made "14 Stanchons [for] yr window curtains"; Rockesby Roberts, carpenter, John Keiter, tanner; Humphrey Harwood, contractor and brick mason; Robert Greenhow, merchant, furnished paint brushes, hinges, locks, glass panes &c; and Peter Powell made saddles, harness &c. Corbin ordered many expensive items -14- of furniture and furnishings from Richmond merchants at this time: from Samuel Swann he paid for "Making 2 Sopha Slips, 22 Chair slips, 2 sophas, 10 chairs, 1 pair card tables, 1 Pembroke table, 12 chairs and 2 arm chairs; also, making 4 sopha pillows, 4 window curtains, 4 window cornishes; 1 cabriol sopha, 2 bureaus with circular fronts, 6 Winsor chairs &c." From Thomas Gilliat, Richmond, he ordered "45 yards carpeting," and from Charles Hunt, Williamsburg merchant, he bought "1 Large Wilton Carpet--£l7.5.6." From Philadelphia, he ordered "a Boliction front Sideboard--£20, 2 Dining Tables and a Mahogany bedstead and a Sett of cornices." From another Philadelphia merchant, John Marshall, he ordered "A Cask boil'd Linseed Oil contg. 20 Galls, a box of 8-Nails (95 lbs), a Box containing 78 lights Glass, 6 kegs White Lead grod in Oil," paid George Chaplin £2.16.6 "for drawing timber 3 days."(1)
An Account Book of Galt and Barraud, Williamsburg doctors, indicates that Richard Corbin was in Williamsburg in October, 1794, and paid for 47 visits of the doctors from October 20, 1794 to November 17, 1795.(2) From May to November he paid £15.11.6 in medical bills.
James City Tax lists shows that Corbin paid tax on 325 acres at 18/2 pr. acre.(3) -15- Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, made changes for Corbin in 1794.(1)
In October, 1795 a letter from Burwell Bassett(2) of "Eltham," King William county, indicates that Bassett would buy Corbin's property;
Eltham
October 29, 1795Dear Sir
Your favor of the 21st I received on geting home last night. Having made up my mind on the subject when I spoke to you I have not since altered it I therefore accept the purchase of your property in Williamsburg on the terms contained in your letter. I shall be so much engaged in preparing for my trip to the northward that it will be impossible for me to see you. If you wish any thing further on this business I shall be glad to see you at Eltham next week on thursday next our [blot] which will be a double inducement for your ride we expect many horses and good sportOn my part I shall hold this obligatory on me and should be satisfied with a line from you that it meets your approbation.
With respects to Mrs Corbin and our friends of Williams[burg] I remain with esteem
Yr Obt Svt
Burwell Bassett(3)
On January 1, 1796 a receipt for the property was given:
January 1, 1796
Rect. Tho. B. Dawson for Burwell Bassett for Property in & near Williamsburg
1796
I Hereby certify that I Thomas B. Dawson of the City of Williamsburg, received at the hands of Richard Corbin of the said City, this first day of -16- January 1796 for, an account of, and at the request, of Burwell Bassett Esqr of the County of New Kent: all the Houses and Lands in and near the said City formerly the Property of the said Corbin, but sold to the said Bassett, which Houses Lands &c I now hold on account, and at the risque of, the sd Bassett.
Witness my hand
Thos B. Dawson
done in presence
of
N.B. The words "I now hold" being first interlined.(1)
One of Colonel Bassett's noted guests was the Irish poet, Thomas Moore an Englishman, who stopped by en route from Norfolk to Richmond in 1804.(2) The story goes that Moore was so enchanted by the fireflies which he saw flitting through the lovely garden that he wrote the poem "To The Firefly."
Several deeds to adjoining property around 1800-1806 as well as insurance policies of the Mutual Assurance Society indicate that Burwell Bassett had become owner of Philip Johnson's lots and lands in and adjoining Williamsburg. In 1802 Littleton Tazewell insured his property [Tazewell Hall] as "situated between the Land of Burwell Bassett and that of Samuel Griffin."(3) A deed from Lewis Saunders to Littleton Tazewell located Bassett on the land formerly owned by Johnson: "… The greater tract by the lands of Burwell Bassett, by those of Littleton Tazewell, by those -17- of Gabriel Maupin decd, and by the Creek which heads near Southall's Mills... being the tract of which the said John Saunders...died intestate, sometime in the year 1793..."(1) An insurance policy of James Semple in 1806 described Burwell Bassett as east and Bucktrout west.(2)
Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1804 give Bassett as owner of "2 lots valued at $20 and $10" respectively. From 1812 to 1820 Bassett is listed as possessing "6 lots valued at $30." From 1820 to 1838 Bassett whose residence is given as "James City" is owner of "1 lot in Williamsburg valued at $75."(3) The 2 lots listed in the land tax list above quoted, doubtless, were the entrance lots to Bassett Hall by way of Francis Street. From the fact that owners of Bassett Hall paid taxes on lots in the city (adjoining Waller's lots on Francis Street), it seems reasonable to state that such land was used as an entrance park to the Bassett Hall dwelling-house lots which lay in James City county.
In 1816 Bassett wrote to George Blow, son-in-law of Benjamin Waller, decd, regarding renting the Waller House, next door to Bassett, to a Mrs. Euphalia Claiborne.(4) She rented the Waller House from 1817-1820. In November 1816 "House a Lots -18- rented to Col Burwell Bassett for $150 pr Year to be put in complete order, enclosed & stable repaired."
By June, 1836 there is indication that some of Colonel Bassett's land had been disposed of. A.P. Upshur(1) in writing to Beverley Tucker from "Vaucluse" said: "I have just received yours of the 3d Inst I had heard before, of the purchases & sale of Col Basset's land, & did not doubt that there was good reason for you not retaining it for me..."(2)
Upshur became the owner of Bassett Hall on May 5, 1840.(3) Upshur held it until 1843 when John Coke of Williamsburg became the owner.
Apparently, the reason for Judge Upshur settling in Williamsburg in 1840 was that following the reorganization of the judicial system in Virginia, he again became judge of the General Court which sat in Williamsburg.(4)
In 1843 John Coke became the owner. Land Tax records gave: "1 lot including buildings $2550 via Abel P. Upshur-See an act of Assembly, passed, 31st January 1843, which, by extending the limits of the city, a small slip of land theretofore taxed to Colo. Bassett's estate becomes merged in the property purchased by Mr.J. Coke of the Hon. A.P. Upshur, who purchased of Galt who -19- purchasd of Bassett."(1)
Coke held the property until November 18, 1845 when it was conveyed to Goodrich Durfey.(2) In 1850 Durfey was charged in the land book with: "1 lot valuations with buildings $2250. Formerly ded to John Coke." Durfey in 1861, was charged with: "1 lot valued at $3500."(3)
Several plats have come to light recently which give the Bassett Hall tract with adjoining lots. One with date on the back: "1868," is of exceptional interest as to locations of houses and farming area. In the lower corner of the map is: "Plat of Col. Durfeys house tract after cutting of[sic] 60.2 & some perches for Mr. Lefelver & contains 381..3..28 perches, endorsed A on back, by Sidney Smith Trustee and referred to in deed of Z.G. Durfey to Israel Smith. Cut the cloth where paper is slipped under." On the back of the map the following is written: "B This is the plot referred to in the deed from Z.G. Durfey to Israel Smith, executed 15th Decr 1868, S. Smith sub Trustee." Upon examination of the map one sees a large area southeast of the dwelling house tract the 85 acres with avenue leading into Williamsburg via Francis Street.(4)
-20-Another plat with no date, is now in the Research Department. It is a colored map of Bassett Hall and surrounding lands. The dwelling is drawn as rectangular with rear wing, facing upon a 2-acre lawn. A circular drive-way is shown in front of the house and a road leads out to Francis Street and to the farm lots in the rear of the dwelling house. Dr. Morris is noted as the occupant of the Benjamin Waller lot, J. W. Custis(1) and Wooden to the west. Farm lands, gardens, orchards, barns, ice house, hog pen, cow yard, pasture--all show on the map to the rear of the dwelling.(2)
In 1865 most of the court records of Williamsburg and James City County were destroyed by fire. Only one Deed Book (1854) was saved from Destruction. From this existing source, it is possible to trace the title to Bassett Hall.(3)
Upon the death of Durfey in 1869 the property was conveyed to Israel Smith.(4) The chain to title as prepared by Mr. Channing Hall for Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin in 1927 can be found in Illustration #7. Dr. Goodwin was representing the interests of Williamsburg Restoration in securing the property from the owners at that time.
Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg, in writing of Williamsburg during the Civil War period as he remembered -21- it, described Bassett Hall thus:
Bassett Hall, with its spacious grounds, presents about the same appearance as it did in former years. The house now used as a residence by Mr. Dana was put there in recent years.(1)
Mrs. Victoria King Lee writing in 1933, also, had this to say about Bassett Hall:
Across the road and far back from it [the Mahone House on Francis Street] at the end of a lane of beautiful trees stood Bassett Hall, the home of Colonel Durfey. This house looked as it did when it was burned a couple of years ago.(2)
Dr. Lyon G. Tyler in Williamsburg the Old Colonial Capital (1907) had this to say about Bassett Hall:
This handsome residence, adjoining Peyton Randolph's(3) lot, was formerly the property of Burwell Bassett, nephew of Mrs. Washington. He was born March 18, 1764, at "Eltham," in New Kent County, and for many years was a member of congress, dying without issue in 1841. George Washington was a frequent visitor at this house. In the summer of 1804, Williamsburg was visited by Thomas Moore, the Irish poet, who was much impressed with the beautiful lawn at Bassett Hall, illuminated at eve by myriads of fire-flies. Having never seen these insects before, he was inspired to pen the following lines: To The Firefly.(4)
... The place is now the property of Mrs. Rebecca Minton Smith.(5)
For further details of the Smith term of residence and sale to Colonial Williamsburg see: Illustration #7 and Accounting Department files.
Footnotes
Illustration #1
List of Pictures on File of
Bassett Hall
- Bassett Hall, north elevation, photograph #N 1532
- Bassett Hall, Francis Street, #1491 - photostated from original in the Library of the New-York Historical Society
- Bassett Hall, Francis Street, photostated from photograph in Harper's New Monthly Magazine , p. 944. [Article bound in vol. 2, in William and Mary College Archives entitled: "The College of William & Mary," Vol. II.]
- Bassett Hall in Williamsburg, photographed from Catalogue of the College of William and Mary Session 1895-96. Announcements, 1896-97, College Archives.
- Bassett Hall, Williamsburg, from photograph in Tyler's Williamsburg... (1907) p. 249.
Bassett Hall
J. Blair Spencer's An Illustrated Historical Sketch of Jamestown,
Williamsburg and Yorktown (1907) page 37.
Photograph #1491 from CW Archives
Photograph #61 from CW Archives
Illustration #2
TAX RECORDS - JAMES CITY COUNTY
| 1787 | Johnson, Philip | 204 acres-9/8 pr. acre-Value $98.12-Tax 1.9.7 |
| 1813 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres $1015.05-Tax $6.49 |
| Bounded By Williamsburg Stage Road on N. the Road to King's Mill on the E Tutters Neck Hill run & Saunders tract on the S & Littleton Tazewells on the W. |
| value land | Total value land and buildings | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1819 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres'- $1746 ---- | $5849.10 -- Tax $7.32 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W ¾ SE from Court House | |||
| 1820 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1822 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1826 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ---- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E. Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1828 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1829 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1830 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1832 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1834 | Bassett, Burwell | 335 acres-- $1746 ----- | $5849.10 -- Tax $5.27 |
| Bounded by Wmsburg Stage road N Road to King's Mill E Tuttie's Neck mill and Saunders Tract S & SW and Tazewell's Este W 3/4 SE from Court House | |||
| 1835 | Bassett, Burwell | 329 acres-- $2500 ----- | $5789.24 -- Tax $4.63 |
| James City by Stage Road N King's Mill Road E Tutters Neck Mill &Saunders tract S & by Litt: W. Tazewell's Est. W ¾ miles S.E. of Court House | |||
| Note: 6 acrs taken from the tract &ch. to Richd M. Bucktrout | |||
| 1837 | Bassett, Burwell | 329 acres-- $2500 ----- | $5789.24 -- Tax $4.63 |
| James City by Stage Road N King's Mill Road E Tutters Neck Mill &Saunders tract S &by Litt: W. Tazewell's Est. W 3/4 miles S.E. of Court House | |||
| Note: 6 acrs taken from the tract &ch. to Richd M. Bucktrout | |||
| [Value of Lots] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1804 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $20 | |
| 1806 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $20 | |
| 1807 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $10 | |
| 1809 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $10 | |
| 1810 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $10 | |
| 1811 | Burwell Bassett | 2 lots | $10 | |
| 1812 | Burwell Bassett | 6 lots | $30 | |
| 1814 | Burwell Bassett | 6 lots | $30 | |
| 1817 | Burwell Bassett | 6 lots | $30 | |
| 1818 | Burwell Bassett | 6 lots | $30 | |
| 1819 | Burwell Bassett | 6 lots | $30 | |
| 1820 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | James City, Residence |
| 1825 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1828 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1830 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1831 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1835 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1838 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $75 | " " " |
| 1840 | Burwell Bassett | 1 lot | $100 | New Kent, Residence |
| 1841 | Burwell Bassett Est. | 1 lot | $100 | |
| 1842 | Burwell Bassett Est. | 1 lot | $100 | |
| [value incl. bldgs.] | ||||
| 1843 | Coke John | 1 lot | $2550 via Abel P. Upshur See an Act of Assembly passed, 31st January 1843, which, by extending the limits of the city, a small strip of land theretofore taxed to Colo. Bassett's estate becomes merged in the property purchased by Mr. J. Coke of the Hon. A.P. Upshur, who purchased of Galt who purchad of Bassett | |
| 1847 | Coke John | 1 lot | $2550 | James City County. |
| 1850 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $2550 | Formerly chgd to John Coke |
| 1852 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3300 | |
| 1854 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3300 | |
| 1856 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3300 | |
| 1857 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3500 | |
| 1859 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3500 | |
| 1861 | Durfey, Goodrich | 1 lot | $3500 |
Illustration #3
| 1749 | Waller Map |
| "Col. Brays Land" to the south of "Mr. Waller's Pasture," also, "Col. Thomas Brays 2 Lotts" adjoin "Mr. Benjamin Wallers Lot." (See Research Department files.) | |
| 1780 | Browne Map |
| To the east of Tazewell Hall lies "Col. Philip Johnson's Land." This land is to the south of lots 18-34. East of these lots were "Col. Phil. Johnson's Lots Annext to the City. 19 acres and 26 poles laid off into lots as above" The 19 acres were immediately south of the Semple, Bassett and Waller lots on Francis Street. (see Research Department files.) | |
| 1782 | Frenchman's Map |
On the Frenchman's Map a house shaped ![[figure]](http://research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/CWDLImages/ResearchReports/images/low/RR100506.jpg)
is located about 400 feet from 2nd Street [Francis Street] with 3 out-buildings about 50 feet to the rear, and 2 out-buildings in rear to right and left some 250 feet from the dwelling house. The dwelling house is pictured about 500 feet from the Waller dwelling house on Francis Street. The rectangular-shaped lot upon which the house apparently faces, is about 400 feet by 200 feet with a small building in the northwest corner. The out-buildings to the rear of the dwelling house are not inclosed in the area of the dwelling, but are inclosed in an area about 250 feet by 200 feet. (See copy of map in Illustration #3) | |
| 1782 | Rochambeau Map |
| Johnston's Mill located to southeast of the Capitol; Saunders tract to the south of Williamsburg near College Landing (of value in Bassett history); King's Mill to the south of Capitol. (See Research Department files.) | |
| 1791 | College Map |
| Col. Philip Johnson's Land to the east of Tazewell Hall and south of Hubbard, Waters, and Bassett. Also south of Corporation lots. There are 1119 acres and 26 poles of Johnson's land to the east of these lots laid off into lots, and annext to the city" These 19 acres are to the south of the Semple and Bassett lots on Francis Street across from the Capitol. (See copy of map in Illustration #3.) | |
| 1803 | (?)Bucktrout Map |
| Col. Philip Johnson's Land to the east of Tazewell Hall and south of the Waters, Hubbard, Bassett, and Corporation lots. The 19 acres and 26 poles of Col. Phillip Johnson's Lots attached to the City laid off-into Lots as above. These lots are to the south of the Semple, Bassett and Waller lots. (See Research Department files.) | |
| 1818 | Ladd Map |
| A Plan of that Part of the Virginia Canal from College Creek to Williamsburg - 1 mile and 22 poles and 20 links, - Tazewell Meadow, and Delk's Land. (see Research Department files.) | |
| 1868 | Map endorsed A on back by Sidney Smith Trustee [Dec. 15, 1868, date on back] |
| Plot of Col Durfeys house tract - Drawings of Waller house, Waller graveyard, Bassett Hall house to southwest, long avenue, gateposts. | |
| no date | [1868 Colored Map probably] |
| Bassett Hall house drawn [rectangular with rear wing] facing upon a 2 acre lawn; Dr. Morris's [Waller house] to the northeast; graveyard to the rear of Morris house; J. W. Custis lot to the northwest; gardens and orchards to rear; barn, ice house, hog pen, etc. See map for details. (See Illustration #3). | |
Plot of Basset Hall
Original: drawing on cloth, in Archives Gift from Channing Hall, Jr. (1956) - was in his father's files - probably came from the Misses Smith's papers at the time the property was purchased for Colonial Williamsburg. Whether or not it is the same date [c. 1869] as other plat in Archives [see below] or is of a later date is unknown, but it has much the same information, appears to have been copied from colored plat. This colored plat, drawing on cloth, included many names & information as to size of various divisions of tract. It was owned by the Misses Smith who inherited Bassett Hall from Isaac Smith. It is believed plat made c. 1869 when Isaac Smith purchased property from Goodrich Durfey's executors. When C.W. purchased Bassett Hall, Channing Hall, Sr. obtained plat and turned it over to Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin who turned it over to C.W. In 1939 plat placed in Research Archives. [Full memo with plat in Archives.] Channing Hall, Jr. gave photostat of this map (original on linen) to Mr. Kendrew--October, 1956. Shows Bassett Hall property &c.
Map in Research Dept.
Date on back-1868
Bassett Hall and outbuildings as scaled from the Frenchman's Map and replotted at scale of 1"=100' and superimposed on tracing of 1928 survey of the property
HSR
Illustration #4
BURWELL BASSETT
Burwell Bassett, born March 18, 1764, was the son of Burwell Bassett (1734-1793) of "Eltham," New Kent County, Virginia and Anna Maria Dandridge, daughter of John Dandridge and a sister of Mrs. Martha Washington. His forebears for five generations had been Burgesses or members of the Virginia Council. He was related on maternal sides to the Cary, Burwell and Churchill families. His great grandfather, William Bassett of "Eltham" as a Burgess and Council member, lived at times in Williamsburg. Colonel William Byrd in his Diary (1717-1721) made frequent references to going to Colonel Bassett's while attending the sessions.
Burwell Bassett attended William and Mary College about 1782. He was a member of the House of Delegates 1787-1789; Senate 1793-1805; member of Congress 1805-1813; House of Delegates 1819-1821; member of Congress 1821-1829. He died in New Kent county at "Eltham" on February 26, 1841.
Bassett married Elizabeth McCarty, daughter of Daniel McCarty of Pope's Creek, Westmoreland County, on January 10, 1788. She died without issue. Bassett married (2) Anne Claiborne, daughter of William Dandridge Claiborne of "Liberty Hall," King William County, and Euphania Claiborne. (He died June 18, 1811; she died May 1, 1832).
In 1796 he secured the property in Williamsburg now known as "Bassett Hall" from Richard Corbin. Bassett owned and lived here for some years. (See: House History)
Sources used in compiling this data:
- Virginia Magazine History, Vol. I, p. 324.
- William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 2 (2) p. 171; Ibid., Vol. 5 (1) p. 37.
- Biographical Directory of American Congress.(1950) p. 823.
- Diaries of Washington, Vol. III, p. 295.
- Freeman's George Washington, Vol. 7, p. 8fn.
- Bassett Papers (Microfilm 22-3, CWI).
- Tyler's Virginia Biography, Vol. II, pp. 98-99.
- Richmond Enquirer and Richmond Whig: Obituary Notices, Index to, (Richmond, 1923) in Bulletin of the Virginia State Library (October, 1921).
NOTES ON THE BRAY FAMILY
(Compiled)
DURFEY FAMILY
SERVERINUS DURFEY
Serverinus Durfey was a tailor who was occupying the house in Williamsburg now known as the "Blaikley-Durfey Shop," from 1773 to his death in 1785. His widow, Frances Durfey, held the property until her death in 1792. Her estate kept the property until 1806 when William Durfey was the owner until his death ca. 1809. William Durfey's estate held the lot until 1821 when it was sold to William R. Jordan. (From: Williamsburg Land Tax Records, originals in Virginia State Library Archives, Richmond, Virginia.)
In 1779 Serverinus Durfey kept a store on the above property. (Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis, eds., August 28, 1779).
Bruton Parish records list the following Durfeys: Altazara, Elizabeth, Francis, Jacob, Margaret, Mary, Samuel, Susanna, Severinus, Thomas, Thomas G. and Z.G. All of these except Z.G. Durfey lived in the 18th century. Z.G. Durfey was a vestryman at Bruton Parish Church in 1905. (The Record of Bruton Parish Church by W.A.R. Goodwin, edited by Mary F. Goodwin (Richmond: 1941))
GOODRICH DURFEY:
Goodrich Durfey owned the house on Duke of Gloucester Street now known as "Hartwell Perry's Ordinary." It is nearly opposite to Bruton Parish Church.
In 1845 Durfey bought the property from John T. James. A new house had been erected on the lot by James in l844. The buildings were valued at $2800. (Williamsburg Land Tax records) Durfey was the owner in 1860.
In 1853 he advertised the house and lot for sale:
"HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE!
I offer for sale, my house and lot now occupied by Mrs. Coleman, and located on main street in Williamsburg. The house is capacious enough to accommodate a large family, and is in first rate repair. It contains two fine rooms in the basement: a large parlour and dining room on the first floor, with a passage: two large, and one small chamber, on the second floor with a half passage; two excellent chambers in the attic. The lot contains two acres of land and has a stable, carriage house, smoke house, and well enclosed garden &c. There is roomy kitchen adjoining the house in good order, and a pump of fine water in the yard. Any person having -2- children to educate would do well to purchase, as Williamsburg is well supplied with schools of a high order, both male and female; where children can acquire a thorough education at a moderate expense.
Price will be moderate and terms made easy. Apply to the subscriber in Williamsburg.
GOODRICH DURFY."(1)
From around 1876-1929 the property was owned and used by Bruton Parish Church as a rectory. In 1929 it was sold to Williamsburg Restoration.
RICHARD CORBIN
Richard Corbin of "Laneville," King and Queen county, Virginia was the son of John Tayloe Corbin (will, 1794; filed 1794) and Maria (Molly) Waller (will, 1794; rec. 1797). "John Tayloe Corbin, a resident of Caroline county, was chief espionage agent for the British and liason officer between the acting and actual royal governors. He was caught in October, 1775 and thrown into the guardhouse at Williamsburg, where he languished without the benefit of a trial until the Spring of 1776, when he was brought before the Committee of Safety for the colony and offered his release from prison if he agreed to remain in that section of Caroline County between the Pamunkey-North Anna and the Mattapony Rivers upon the penalty of a ten thousand pound bond until hostilities ceased between Britain and her American Colonies. John Tayloe Corbin accepted this offer and sat out the war in Caroline." (Colonial Caroline by T.E. Campbell (Richmond, 1954) pp. 251-252.)
In April, 1790 John Tayloe Corbin bought of Nathaniel Burwell, son of James, a tract of land of 1800 acres in York county on which Nathaniel lived, formerly the residence tract of his father: on York river, Queen's Creek and King's creek. (York county Records, Deeds 6, p. 451.)
Richard married Rebecca Parke Farley, daughter of James Parke Farley and Elizabeth Byrd Farley (who later married John Dunbar, and then Henry Skipwith). At the death of his mother in 1797 he inherited "Laneville" and other plantations which had been a part of his father's estate. (According to his father's will.)
Richard Corbin was the owner of the "Bassett Hall" property in 1795 when he sold it to Burwell Bassett. The final papers did not pass until 1796. While owner of the property, Corbin made repairs both inside and outside and seemed to have furnished it with new and expensive furnishings which included furniture, draperies &c. It is assumed that he returned to "Laneville" in 1797 following the death of his mother.
Corbin's children were: Elizabeth Farley Corbin who married Champe Carter of "Shirley"; Rebecca Parke Farley who married (1) John Faunteroy, (2) Wm. N. Wellfords Catherine Carter Corbin who married (1) Dr. Wm. Faunteroy and (2) Samuel P. Byrd; and James Parke Corbin who married (1) Jane Welford, and (2) Elizabeth L. Hoomes.
Richard Corbin at one time was owner of "Nesting," "White Hall," "Corbin Hall," "Green Branch," "Moss Neck," "Farley Dale" and "Laneville."
Rebecca Parke Corbin, his wife, was executrix until her Corbin - 2 death when John Faunteroy and William Boyd became adm de bonis non.
Corbin died at "Laneville" in June, 1819, age 48. His wife, Rebecca Parke Corbin of "Laneville," died April, 1822. Both obituaries appeared in the Richmond Enquirer.
Sources:
- William Ronald Cocke III: Hanover County Chancery Wills & Notes (1940) p. 40.
- Fredericksburg Dist. Ct. Papers,
Will of Richard Corbin (1790),
Will of John Tayloe Corbin (1792),
Will of Maria Corbin (1794) copy Research Department (M-147). - Virginia Magazine History, vol. XXX, p. 314; vol. LX, p. 221.
- Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., Feb. 21, 1771.
- Richmond Enquirer, July 2, 1819 gives death notice.
- Virginia Colonial Abstracts, by Fleet, vol. 27, p. 60.
- Tyler's Quarterly, vols. I, p. 70 &II, p. 322.
- Corbin Papers, C.W.I.
- Lees of Virginia by E. J. Lee.
- Bulletin of the Virginia State Library (Richmond: 1923): Index to Obituary Notices in the Richmond Enquirer (1804-1828), and the Richmond Whig (1824-1838).
COLONEL PHILIP JOHNSON
Colonel Philip Johnson married Elizabeth Bray, daughter of Thomas Bray of "Littleton," James City county, and his wife Elizabeth Meriwether Bray. Their children were: James Bray Johnson who died in 1779; William Bray; Elizabeth Bray who received £500 when twenty one years old from the estate of her grandfather, Thomas Bray; Rebecca not married in 1783; Martha and Anne Bray.
From ca. 1751 to 1768 Philip Johnson had slaves baptized in Bruton Parish. He owned many acres of land in James City county according to the Land Tax for James City county. Most of this acreage came to him by marriage into the Bray family. Colonel Johnson became highly involved financially and was in debt of great consequence in his latter days. One plantation he owned in James City county was known as "Vaux Hall." This was on the Chickahominy River. There were suits which are recorded partly in Hening's Statutes at Large... relating to the settlements of his wife's interest and his children's interest in the Bray properties.
Colonel Johnson died in March, 1789 according to the Virginia Gazette and General Intelligencer.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Bruton Parish Church Register, microfilm CWI
- Hening's Statutes at Large... Vols. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12
- James City county Land Tax records, Microfilm CWI.
- Virginia Gazette, Purdie, June 13, 1777.
- Virginia Gazette and General Intelligencer (Richmond, March 4, 1789).
ABEL P. UPSHUR
Abel Parker Upshur, son of Colonel Littleton Upshur and Anne Parker, daughter of George Parker, was born in Northampton County, Virginia, June 17, 1790. He attended Princeton and Yale Colleges and studied law under William Wirt. He was admitted to the bar in 1810 and practiced in Richmond. He was for some time Commonwealth's Attorney of the City but returned to Northampton County and lived at "Vaucluse" in that county. In 1824-26 he was a member of the House of Delegates, was a Judge of the General Court and served from 1826 to 1841. Upshur was a member of the constitutional convention of 1829. In 1841 President John Tyler made him Secretary of the Navy. Upon the resignation of Daniel Webster he was appointed Secretary of State. On February 28, 1844 Upshur was killed by an explosion on the steam war vessel, Princeton, near the mouth of the Potomac river, while on a pleasure trip with the President and other members of his cabinet to witness the trial of the Princeton's guns. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington.
Upshur married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Dennis. He married in 1826 Elizabeth A. Brown Upshur, daughter of John Brown Upshur and Mary Elizabeth Stith Upshur. An only child survived: Susan B. Upshur who married a Mr. Ringold of Washington.
It is interesting to realize that "Vaucluse" has been in the Upshur family since 1768 when Arthur Upshur acquired it from William Waters who had removed to Williamsburg. (See: Waters- Coleman House History, Research Department)
A portrait of Judge Upshur painted by Sarah M. Peale in 1842 is in the Maryland Historical Society. A copy appears in Richmond Portraits (The Valentine Museum 1949).
A photograph from Charles Fenderich's Portfolio of Living American Statesmen, appears in Virginia's Eastern Shore by Ralph T. Whitelaw, vol. I, p. 416, (Richmond, 1951). He is pictured in the robes of a judge.
Sources:
- Tyler's Virginia Biography, vol. II, p. 209.
- Virginia's Eastern Shore by Whitelaw (Richmond, 1951) vol. I, pp. 415-420.
- Richmond Portraits (The Valentine Museum, 1949)
- Tucker-Coleman Collection (CWI)
- Dictionary of American Biography vol. XIX, pp. 127-128.
JUDGE BENJAMIN WALLER
Benjamin Waller was born in King William County, Virginia, son of Colonel John Waller and Dorothy King Waller. Judge Waller married Martha Hall in 1746. There were thirteen children among them William Waller of "Bellefield," York County, who married Elizabeth Macon; Benjamin Carter who married Catherine Page; Robert Hall who married Nancy Camm, daughter of John Camm, President of William and Mary College. Benjamin Carter owned and lived in the house on Waller Street now known as the "Powell-Waller House" and Robert Hall Waller lived in his father's former residence on Francis Street near Bassett Hall. The Waller Map made in 1749 of Judge Waller's lots east of the Capitol, was made by his brother, William Waller of Spotsylvania county. It is copied in Deed Book V, p. 334, York County court records.
Judge Waller at the age of ten was brought to Williamsburg by Secretary John Carter who had recognized in the bright lad promise of a brilliant future. He attended William and Mary College and later went into the Secretary's office for training. Later, he studied law and began to practice in 1738 in Williamsburg. He acted as Recorder, Trustee, Clerk of James City county, executor, signer of treasury notes, member of various important committees of the House of Burgesses, judge of the state General Court and of the Court of Admiralty. He was a Vestryman of Bruton Church.
Judge Waller died in 1786 at his home in Williamsburg.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Waller House History, Research Department
- Tazewell Family-by Littleton Tazewell, Photostat from William and Mary College Archives (restricted)
- York County court records.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 2l.
[Marriages] JOHN TAYLOE CORBIN, Esquire, one of the Representatives for KING and QUEEN, to Miss M0LLY WALLER, of this City.
Source:
- Virginia Gazette, (Purdie & Dixon) February 21, 1771.
Hening's, Statutes at Large ...., Vol. VII, pp. 247-248.An Act for vesting certain lands therein mentioned in Philip Johnson, gentleman, adding the same to the City of Williamsburg, and for other purposes therein mentioned.
I. WHEREAS John Robinson, esquire, is and stands seized of divers lands and tenements, in the parish of Bruton, in the county of James-City, in trust, as to one moiety thereof for the use of Philip Johnson, gentleman, during his natural life, and after his decease, in trust, and to and for the use of such child or children as he now hath or may have by Elizabeth his present wife, daughter of Thomas Bray, gentleman, deceased, to whom he shall give or devise the same by deed or will, subject nevertheless to the dower of the said Elizabeth; and as to the other moiety thereof, in trust, and to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, his heirs and assigns for ever, in case he shall pay unto such child or children of him and the said Elizabeth all and every such sum and sums of money as the said Elizabeth, notwithstanding her coverture, shall, by any deed or instrument in writing, duly executed by her, give, direct, and appoint, according to the proviso; and his covenant contained in an indenture of release, bearing date the twenty-second day of October, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one, made between the said Philip Johnson and Elizabeth his wife, of the one part, and the said John Robinson of the other part, which indenture is now remaining on record in the secretary's office, but in case he shall not pay such money, then in trust, and to and for the use of such child or children, as aforesaid, to whom the said Elizabeth, by such deed or instrument in writing, shall give, direct, and appoint the same; and in case the said Elizabeth shall execute no such deed or instrument, then in trust, and to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, during his natural life, and after his decease, in trust, and to and for the use of such child or children as the said Philip Johnson now hath or hereafter may have by the said Elizabeth, to whom he shall give or devise the same by deed or will as aforesaid, and to the heirs and assigns of such child or children, subject nevertheless to the dower of the said Elizabeth.
II. And whereas it bath been represented to this general assembly by the said Philip Johnson, That he hath laid off seventeen acres and twenty-six poles of the said trust land, adjoining the southern bounds of the city of Williamsburg, into thirty lots, which he is desirous may be added to and made part of the said city: And the said Philip Johnson being seized in fee simple for forty-three acres of land, with the appurtenances, late the estate of one John Baskerfield, lying in the said parish of Bruton, and county of James City, contiguous to the said trust lands, and of greater value than the said seventeen acres and twenty-six poles so laid off into lots, -2- which he is willing should be settled in lieu thereof: Be it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That the said seventeen acres and twenty-six poles of land, adjoining the southern bounds of the said city of Williamsburg, shall be, and the same are hereby vested in the said Philip Johnson, his heirs and assigns; and that the said forty-three acres of land, with the appurtenances, lying in the said parish of Bruton, and county of James-City, late the estate of the said John Baskerfield, shall be, and the same are hereby vested in the said John Robinson, his heirs and assigns, in trust, and to and for the same uses that he is and now stands seized of the residue of the said trust lands.
III. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the said seventeen acres and twenty-six poles of land, so laid off by the said Philip Johnson into lots, adjoining the said city of Williamsburg, so soon as the said lots shall respectively be built upon, and saved according to the conditions that shall be contained in the deeds of conveyance thereof, shall be added to and made part of the said city; and the freeholders and inhabitants of the said lots shall then be entitled to, and enjoy all the rights, privileges, and immunities granted to and enjoyed by the freeholders and in- habitants of the said city, and shall be subject to the same jurisdiction, rules, and government with the other inhabitants of the said
city.
Hening's, Statutes at Large ...., Vol. IV, pp. 370-376.An Act to confirm and establish an Agreement therein mentioned, made between Thomas Bray, gent. And John Randolph, Esq. for the settlement of their respective rights to certain Lands, whereof David Bray, the elder, gent. deceased, died seised; and for other purposes therein also mentioned.
WHEREAS David Bray, the elder, late of the parish of Bruton, in the county of James City, gent. deceased, was in his lifetime seised in his demesne, as of fee, of several messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, lying and being in the counties of James-City, Charles-City, York, and New-Kent; and was also seised in fee-tail, with the revertion in fee expectant thereon, of a tract or piece of land, lying and being in the counties of James-City, and York, containing one hundred and ninety acres, more or less, by virtue of the last will of his mother Angelica Bray; and by his last will and testament in writing, bearing date the twenty first day of October, in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and seventeen, devised all his lands to his son David Bray, the younger; &thereby declared his will &meaning to be, That if his son David should live 'til he came to the age of twenty one years, and should not have issue of his body, lawfully begotten, that he should not sell or dispose of any of the said lands until he had such issue; but if he should live to have such issue of his body, and attain the age of twenty one years, if both these things should happen, he gave his said son, all his lands, to him and his heirs for ever; but in case he should the before he had lawful issue, he gave all his said lands to his brother James Bray, and the heirs male of his body, lawfully begotten; and in default of such issue, his will was, that all his said lands should be equally divided between the heirs of his said brother James, and the lawful heirs of his late deceased sister, Anne Ingles, late wife of Mongo Ingles, as by the said will morefully may appear, and died so seised: After whose death, the said David Bray, the younger, entered into the tenements aforesaid, with the appurtenances, and was thereof seised: And the said David Bray, the younger, was also seised in his demesne, as of fee, of one messuage, plantation, piece or parcel of land, commonly called and known by the name of Tuttie's Neck, containing by estimation, three hundred acres, more or less, lying and being in the parish of Bruton, in the county of James-city, which was purchased by Judith Bray, the mother of the said David Bray, the younger, of one Frederick Jones; and also of fourteen acres of land, with the appurtenances, lying and being in the parish of Bruton, in the county of James City, aforesaid; which the said David Bray purchased of one Bryan, and his wife: And by his last will, bearing date the fourth day of June, in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty one, among other things, devised the residue of all his -2- estate, both real and personal, and all revertions and remainders thereof, to John Randolph, esq. and his heirs, for ever, upon certain trusts therein mentioned, as by the said last mentioned will more fully doth appear; and died without issue: After whose death, several disputes and controversies have arisen between Thomas Bray, gentleman, who is son and heir of the said James Bray, and the said John Randolph, concerning their respective rights, to the messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, whereof the said David Bray, the elder, at the time of his death was seised in fee: the said Thomas claiming the same under the will of the said David Bray, the elder, and the said John Randolph insisting, that as the said James Bray died in the life-time of the said David Bray, the younger, and the said Thomas could take nothing by the said will; but the said John Randolph, claimed the same under the will of David Bray, the younger; and the said John Randolph, also claimed the revertion in fee, in the one hundred and ninety acres of land aforesaid, the estate-tail being extinct.
II. Whereupon, it was agreed between them, for the final ending, settling, and determining the said disputes and controversies, That the said Thomas would convey to the said John Randolph, and his heirs for ever, all and singular the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances, lying and being in Martin's-Hundred, in the county of James-City, aforesaid; which the said David Bray, the elder, purchased of Aristotle Grice, John Thorp Grice, Edward Grice, Thomas Grice, William Fuller, and Charles Barret, or of any other person within that neck, called Barret's-Neck: Also one messuage and plantation, piece or parcel of land, commonly called Hicks's, containing by estimation, one hundred acres, more or less, lying and being in the parish of Bruton, in the county of York, aforesaid; which was purchased by the said David Bray, the elder, of one Mary Whaley: And all that piece or parcel of land, containing fourteen acres, more or less, which is part of a tract of two hundred and ninety acres, devised to the said Thomas Bray, by his uncle Thomas Bray, deceased, being that parcel of inclosed land, in the occupation of Thomas Jones, gentleman, adjoining to the land of the said John Randolph: And that the said John Randolph should convey to the said Thomas Bray, and his heirs for ever, all that messuage and plantation, piece or parcel of land called Tuttie's-Neck; also all that piece or parcel of land, formerly the land of Angelica Bray, aforesaid; and also all that piece or parcel of land, purchased by the said David Bray, the younger, of Bryan, and his wife, with their and every of their appurtenances: And also release all his right and pretensions, to all the lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances, of which the said David Bray, the elder, was seised in fee, at the time of his death; except what is before mentioned to be conveied to the said John Randolph, as aforesaid.
-3-III. And whereas, by one indenture made the twenty eighth day of May, in the year of our lord, one thousand seven hundred and thirty two, between the said Thomas Bray, of the one part, and the said John Randolph, of the other part, in pursuance of the said agreement, and for the considerations therein mentioned, the said Thomas Bray did give, grant, bargain, and sell unto the said John Randolph, his heirs and assigns, all and singular the said lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances, lying and being in Martin's-Hundred aforesaid, in the county of James-City, aforesaid, which the said David Bray, the elder, purchased of Aristotle Grice, John Thorp Grice, Edward Grice, Thomas Grice, William Fuller, & Charles Barret, or of any other person within that neck, called Barret's-Neck, (in exchange for the said messuage and plantation, piece or parcel of land, called Tuttie's-Neck;) also all that messuage, and plantation, piece or parcel of land, commonly called and known by the name of Hick's, (in exchange for that tract, piece or parcel of land, formerly the land of the said Angelica Bray;) and all that said tract, piece or parcel of enclosed land, in the occupation of the said Thomas Jones, (in exchange for that tract, piece or parcel of land, purchased by the said David Bray, the younger, of the said Bryan, and his wife,) with their and every of their appurtenances, and the revertion and revertions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits thereof; and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, possession, claim, and demand whatsoever, of the said Thomas Bray, of, in, and to the premises, with the appurtenances, to have and to hold the premises, with the appurtenances, unto the said John Randolph, his heirs, and assigns, for ever, to the only use and behoof of the said John Randolph, his heirs, and assigns, for ever: And in consideration thereof, and of the sum of five shillings, the said John Randolph did give, grant, bargain, and sell, to the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns, for ever, all that said messuage and plantation, piece or parcel of land, commonly called and known by the name of Tuttie's-Neck, in exchange for the said land in Martin's-Hundred, and Barret's-Neck; also all that said tract, piece or parcel of land, formerly the land of the said Angelica Bray, in exchange for the said messuage and plantation, piece or parcel of land, called Hicks's; and also all that said tract, piece or parcel of land, purchased by the said David Bray, the younger, of the said Bryan, and his wife, in exchange for that said tract, piece or parcel of inclosed land, in the occupation of the said Thomas Jones, with their and every of their appurtenances, and the revertion and revertions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits; and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, possession, claim, and demand whatsoever, of him, the said John Randolph, of, in, and to the said premises, with the appurtenances last mentioned, to have and to hold the last mentioned premises, with the appurtenances, to the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns for ever, to the use of the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns for ever: And the said Thomas Bray, for himself, his heirs, executors, and administrators, did covenant with the said John Randolph, and his heirs, that the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns, shall and will stand seised, of the tenements last mentioned, with the appurtenances, to such uses, intents, and for such estates, and remainders, as are expressed in the will of the said David Bray, the elder: And the said John Randolph, did further, by the said indenture, give, grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, quit-claim, and confirm, unto the said Thomas Bray, and his heirs for ever, all and singular the messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances, whereof the said David Bray, the elder, was seised in his demesne as of fee, at the time of his death, in the actual possession of the said Thomas Bray, except the messuages, lands, and tenements, with the appurtenances before mentioned to be granted, bargained, and sold to the said John Randolph, and the revertion and revertions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits thereof; and all the estate, right, title, property, claim, and demand whatsoever, of him the said John Randolph, of, in, or to the same, and every part and parcel thereof, to have and hold the tenements, last above mentioned, with the appurtenances, to the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns for ever, to the only use of the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns for ever: And the said Thomas Bray, for himself, his heirs, executors, -4- and administrators, did covenant with the said John Randolph, and his heirs, that the said Thomas Bray, and his heirs, shall and will stand seised, of the tenements last above mentioned, with the appurtenances, to such uses; and for such estates and remainders, as are expressed in the will of the said David Bray, the elder, and to no other uses, intents, or purposes whatsoever: And the said John Randolph, the tenements last mentioned, did warrant, against himself, and his heirs, as by the said indenture, relation being thereunto had, more fully and at large may appear.
IV. And whereas, the said Thomas Bray, and John Randolph, have applied to this general assembly, for an act, to confirm and establish the said agreement, having made publication of their design, three Sundays successively, in the churches of the parishes where the premises respectively lie: And forasmuch as the same is very just and reasonable,
V. May it please your most excellent Majesty, For preventing all future disputes between the said Thomas Bray, and John Randolph, and their families, touching the premises, at the humble suit of the said Thomas Bray, and John Randolph, that it may be enacted:
VI. And be it enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, That the agreement, settlement, and provisos, in the indenture above recited, mentioned between the said parties, -5- be and is hereby confirmed and established, and shall for ever hereafter be valid and binding, upon them and their heirs, and all others claiming under the will of the said David Bray, the elder. And that the messuages, plantations, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, with the appurtenances, by the said John Randolph given, granted, bargained, sold, remised, released, and confirmed, to the said Thomas Bray, his heirs, and assigns, as aforesaid shall pass in descent, revertion, and remainder, according to the limitations and estates, mentioned in the last will of the said David Bray, the elder; any thing to the contrary thereof, in any wise, notwithstanding.
VII. Saving to the king's most excellent majesty, his heirs, and successors; and to all and every other person and persons, bodied politic and corporate, their respective heirs, and successors, all such right, title, estate, interest, claim, and demand of, in, and to any of the lands before mentioned (other than the persons claiming under the last will and testament of the said David Bray, the elder, or any of them) as they, every, or any of them, should or might claim, if this act had never been made.
VIII. Provided always, That the execution of this act shall be suspended, until his majesty's approbation thereof shall be obtained.
Hening's, Statutes at Large..., vol. Vi, pp. 412-416.An Act for establishing an agreement made between Philip Johnson, and William Armistead, gentlemen.
WHEREAS David Bray the elder, late of the parish of Wilmington, in the county of James City, gentleman, deceased, in his lifetime, and at the time of his death, was seised in fee-simple, of, and in four lots of land in the City of Williamsburg, and several tracts or parcels of land, in the said county of James City, containing by estimation nine hundred and fifty acres, or thereabouts, and of, and in another tract or parcel lying in the county of Charles-City, containing by estimation, eighteen hundred and fifty acres or thereabouts, known by the name of Nance's-Neck; and being so seised, by his last will and testament in writing, bearing date the twenty first day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventeen, devised all his lands to David Bray his son, and declared his will and meaning to be, that if his said son David should live till he came to the age of twenty one years, and should not have issue of his body lawfully begotten, he should not sell or dispose of any of the said lands, until he had such issue; but if he should live to have such issue of his body, and attain the age of twenty one years, if both the things should happen, he gave his said son all his lands to him and his heirs forever; but in case he should die, before he had lawful issue, he gave all his said lands to his brother James Bray, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, and in default of such issue, declared his will to be, that his said lands should be equally divided between the heirs of his said brother James Bray, and the lawful heir of his late deceased sister, Ann Ingles, late wife of Mungo Ingles, as by the said will, recorded in the court of the said county of James-City, may, among other things appear. And after the death of the said David Bray the father, the said David Bray the son, entered into the said lands, and died seised thereof without issue of his body; and the said testator's brother James Bray in the said will named died, leaving issue Thomas Bray, his eldest son, and heir male of his body, who after the death of the said David Bray the son, entered into the said lands, and died seised thereof, without heir male of his body, leaving a daughter named Elizabeth, then and now the wife of Philip Johnson, of the county of King and Queen, gentleman, having first made his last will and testament in writing, bearing date the seventh day of May, one thousand seven hundred and fifty one, and thereby devised the remainder in fee-simple, of one moiety of the said lands to Benjamin Waller, and William Prentis, gentleman, in trust, to, and for several uses in the said will mentioned, as by the said will remaining of record, in the court of the said county of James City, may among other things appear. And whereas one Judith,- Bray Ingles, was heir at law of the said Ann Ingles, the sister of the said David Bray the father, and named in his will, and is intitled to the other moeity -2- of the said lands, and hath lately married one William Armistead, gent. And whereas at a general court, held at the court-house in Williamsburg, the eleventh day of October one thousand seven hundred and fifty two, in a suit in chancery, between the said Philip Johnson, plaintiff, and the said Benjamin Waller, and William Prentis, defendants, it was decreed and ordered by the said court, that the said Benjamin Waller,and William Prentis, should convey unto John Robinson, esquire, all the lands and slaves devised to them by the said Thomas Bray, to hold to the said John Robinson, his heirs and assigns, in trust, as to one moiety thereof, to, and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, during his natural life, and after his decease, in trust, to, and for the use of such child, or children, as the said Philip then had, or might thereafter have by the above named Elizabeth, his wife, to whom he should give or devise the same; by his deed, will, or other instrument in writing, duly made and executed, and to his, her or their heirs and assigns forever; subject nevertheless, to the dower of the said Elizabeth therein; and as to the other moiety in trust, to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, his heirs and assigns forever, in case he shall pay unto such child or children, of him and the said Elizabeth, all and every such sum or sums of money, as the said Elizabeth, notwithstanding her coverture, shall by any deed or instsument [sic] in writing, duly executed by her, give, direct and appoint, according to a proviso and his covenant, contained in a certain indenture of release: But in case the said Philip Johnson, shall not pay such sum of money, then in trust, to and for the use of such child or children aforesaid, to whom the said Elizabeth, by such deed or instrument in writing, shall give, direct and appoint, the same: And in case the said Elizabeth, shall execute no such deed or instrument, then in trust to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, during his natural life, and after his decease, in trust, and to, and for the use of such child or children as the said Philip Johnson then had or might thereafter have by the said Elizabeth, to whom he shall give or devise the same, by his deed or will as aforesaid, and to the heirs and assigns of such child or children forever; subject nevertheless to the dower of the said Elizabeth, therein, as by the record and proceedings of the said suit in chancery, remaining in the general court aforesaid may among other things appear: And the said Benjamin Waller, and William Prentis, have accordingly conveyed to the said John, Robinson, and his heirs, the said lands and slaves in trust, and to, and for the several uses in the said decree mentioned. And whereas in case partition shall be made of the said lands, between the said Philip Johnson and Elizabeth his wife, and the said William Armistead and Judith Bray, his wife, the value of the said lands will be considerably diminished, and it will be more beneficial to all parties claiming the same, if they shall remain entire; and the said Philip Johnson, and William Armistead, have agreed, that all the said tract of land known by the name of -3- Nance's neck, with the appurtenances, and two of the said lots of land, adjoining the lots of Dudley Digges, gentleman, and James Spiers, in Francis-street, in the said city, shall be vested in the said William Armistead, and Judith Bray his wife, and the heirs of the said Judith Bray; to hold to them in the same manner, and for the same estate, as they would have had and held the moiety thereof, if this act had not been made: And that the other two lots of land lying in the said street, between the lots of Benjamin Harrison, gentleman, and the said Benjamin Waller, and all the said tracts or parcels of land in the county of James City aforesaid, with the appurtenances, shall be vested in the said John Robinson, to hold to him, his heirs and assigns in trust, and to and for the same uses, and in the same manner, as the said John Robinson and his heirs would have had and held one moiety thereof, if this act had not been made: And that the said William Armistead shall pay to the said John Robinson the sum of three hundred and ninety pounds, the value of one moiety of the said tract of land, known by the name of Nance's-neck, more than the value of the said tracts or parcels of land in the said county of James-City, to be laid out by the said John Robinson in purchasing slaves, to be held by him in trust, to and for the same uses, and in the same manner, as the lands and slaves conveyed to him by the said Benjamin Waller, and William Prentiss, as aforesaid, which agreement the said Judith-Bray, the wife of the said William Armistead, and the said Elizabeth, the wife of the said Philip Johnson, are willing to have confirmed.
II. BE it therefore enacted, by the Lieutenant Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That the agreement above mentioned between the said parties, be, and is hereby confirmed and established, and shall forever hereafter be valid and binding between them and their heirs, and all others claiming under them. And that all the aforesaid tract of land, known by the name of Nance's neck, and every part thereof with the appurtenances, and the said two lots of land adjoining the lots of the said Dudley Digges and James Spiers, shall be, and the same are hereby vested in, and shall be held, possessed and enjoyed by the said William Armistead, and Judith Bray his wife, and her heirs, and they shall be seised thereof in the same manner, and of, and in the same estate, as they would have had, held, and been seised of, in the one moiety thereof, if this act had not been made. And that all the aforesaid tracts or parcels of lands, in the said county of James City, with the appurtenances, and the said two lots of land, lying between the lots of the said Benjamin Harrison, and Benjamin Waller, shall be, and the same are hereby vested in, and shall be held by the said John Robinson, his heirs and assigns, and he, and they shall be seised of the same, in the same manner, and of, and in the same estate, and in trust, and to, and for the same uses as the lands and slaves conveyed to him the said John Robinson, by the said Benjamin Waller, and William Prentis as aforesaid; and that the said John Robinson, his heirs, executors, and administrators, after the above mentioned three hundred and ninety pounds shall be paid to him or them, shall lay out the same in purchasing slaves, and the said John Robinson, his heirs, executors, and administrators, shall hold and be possessed of such slaves so to be purchased, in trust, and to, and for the same uses as the lands and slaves conveyed to him by the said Benjamin Waller, and William Prentis, as aforesaid, a list of the names of which slaves shall be, by the said John Robinson, returned to the court of the said county of James City, there to be recorded.
III. Saving to the king's most excellent majesty, his heirs and successors, and every other person and persons, bodies politic and corporate, their respective heirs and successors, all such right, title, estate, interest, claim, and demand, of, in, or to either of the above mentioned tracts of land, other than the persons claiming under the said Judith Bray, the wife of the said William Armistead, and the last will and testament of the above named Thomas Bray, or either of them, as they, every, or any of them should or might claim, if this act had not been made.
Hening's, Statutes at Large ...., Vol. VII, pp. 452-454.An Act for vesting certain lands therein-mentioned in Philip Johnson, gentleman, adding the same to the City of Williamsburg, and for other purposes therein mentioned.
I. WHEREAS John Robinson, Esq. is and stands seized of divers lands and tenements in the Parish of Bruton, in the county of James City, in trust, as to one moiety thereof for the use of Philip Johnson, gentleman, during his natural life, and after his decease in trust, and to and for the use of such child or children as he now hath or may have by Elizabeth his present wife, daughter of Thomas Bray, gentleman, deceased, to whom he shall give or devise the same by deed or Will, subject nevertheless to the power of the said Elizabeth; and as to the other moiety thereof in trust, and to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson, his heirs and assigns forever, in case he shall pay unto such child or children of him and the said Elizabeth all and every such sum and sums of money as the said Elizabeth, notwithstanding her coverture, shall by any deed or instrument in writing duly executed by her give, direct and appoint, according to the proviso and his covenant, contained in an indenture of release, bearing date the twenty-second day of October, one thousand seven hundred and fifty-one, made between the said Philip Johnson and Elizabeth his wife of the one part, and the said John Robinson of the other part, which indenture is now remaining of record in the Secretary's office; but in case he shall not pay such money then in trust, and to and from the use and behoof of such said child or children as aforesaid, to whom the said Elizabeth by such deed or instrument in writing shall give, direct and appoint, the same; and in case the said Elizabeth shall execute no such deed or instrument then in trust, and to and for the use of the said Philip Johnson during his natural life, and after his decease in trust, and to and for the use of such child or children as the said Philip Johnson now hath or hereafter may have by the said Elizabeth, to whom he shall give or devise the same by deed or will as aforesaid, and to the heirs and assigns of such child or children, subject nevertheless to the power of the said Elizabeth.
II. And whereas it hath been represented to this general assembly, by the said Philip Johnson, that he hath laid off nineteen acres and twenty-six poles of the said trust land, adjoining the southern bounds of the city of Williamsburg, into thirty-two lots, which he is desirous may be added to and made part of the said city; and that the said Philip Johnson is seized in feesimple of forty-three acres of land, with the appurtenances, late the estate of one John Baskerfield, lying, in the said parish of Bruton and county of James City, contiguous to the said trust lands, and of greater value than the said nineteen acres and twenty six poles so laid off into lots, which he is willing should be settled in lieu thereof.
-2-III. And whereas notice hath been published three Sundays successively, in the church of the said Parish of Bruton, that application would be made to this present general assembly, to vest the said nineteen acres and twenty six poles of land in the said Philip Johnson in fee-simple, and to settle the said forty-three acres of land in lieu thereof, pursuant to your Majesty's instructions: may it therefore please your most excellent majesty, at the humble suit of the said Philip Johnson, that it may be enacted, and Be it enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governour, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That the said nineteen acres and twenty-six poles of land, adjoining the southern bounds of the said city of Williamsburg, shall be, and the same are hereby, vested in the said Philip Johnson, his heirs and assigns, to the only use and behoof of the said Philip Johnson, his heirs & assigns for ever; and that the said forty-three acres of land, with the appurtenances, lying in the said parish of Bruton and county of James City, late the estate of the said John Baskerfield, shall be, and the same are hereby, vested in the said John Robinson, his heirs and assigns, in trust, and to and for the same uses that he is and now stands seized of the residue of the said trust lands.
IV. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the said nineteen acres and twenty-six poles of land, so laid off by the said Philip Johnson into lots, adjoining the said City of Williamsburg, so soon as the said lots shall respectively be built on and saved according to the conditions that shall be contained in the deeds of conveyance thereof, shall be added to and made part of the said city; and the freeholders and inhabitants of the said lots shall then be entitled to, and enjoy, all the rights, priviliges and immunities, granted to and enjoyed by the freeholders and inhabitants of the said city, and shall be subject to the same jurisdiction, rules and government, with the other inhabitants of the said city.
V. Saving to the king's most excellent majesty, his heirs and successours, and to all and every other person and persons, bodies politick and corporate, their respective heirs and successours, other than the persons claiming under the trust aforesaid, all such right, title, interest, property, claim and demand, as they, every, or any of them, should or might have had or claimed if this act had never been made.
VI. Provided always, That the execution of this act shall be, and the same is hereby, suspended, until his majesty's approbation thereof shall be obtained.
To The Firefly
by Thomas Moore
At morning when the earth and sky
Are glowing with the light of spring
We see thee not, thou humble fly!
Nor think upon thy gleaming wing.
But when the skies have lost their hue,
And sunny lights no longer play,
Oh then we see and bless thee, too,
For sparkling o'er the dreary way.
Then let me hope, when lost to me
The lights that now my life illume
Some milder joys may come like thee,
To cheer, if not to warm, the gloom.
Illustration #5
From Tucker-Coleman Collection, Research DepartmentLetter of A.P. Upshur to B. Tucker Esq., WilliamsburgVaucluse Jany 27 1840
Dear Judge
I received last night, your letter of the 13th & at the same time, one from Christian upon the same subject, dated 12th ... I have given the night to reflection on the subject of Galt's(1) land, & have come to the conclusion to take it at $10000. 1 expected to get it for less, but as it seems to be considered worth that, I will agree to give it. I confess however, that it is not without some misgivings, that I burthen myself with such a debt, at my time of life... At all events, if I buy Galts & should not sell this, I can sell that if it should become necessary. As I shall have to set it up with the necessary labour, I shall have occasion for all the cash I can raise. Cole will bear this in mind, & obtain as long credits as he can. As he & Christian were both present when Christian undertook to make the purchase for me, they will of course, move together in the matter. John Coke is waiting my determination, & therefore I should be glad if you would communicate it to him. I speak of 10000$ as the price, because both you & Christian seem to think that it-can certainly be bought for that ... But I do not mind a few hundred either way ...
Letter of A.P. Upshur to B. Tucker Esq WilliamsburgLetter A. P. Upshur to B. T. Tucker Esq. WilliamsburgVaucluse Ap 5 1840
My dear Judge
As to my Galt business you will perceive from a letter of mine written since that, to which yours is a reply, that the course you have pursued, is exactly according to my wishes. I hope I shall succeed in reconciling my family to the change. It is probable that they will not go with me in May ...
From Tucker-Coleman Collection-Department. ResearchRichmond Nov 28 1840
Dear Judge
On my arrival at Jas: Town, I met Goodrich Durfey, who proposed to purchase my land. I had offered it to Tyler, (who requested me to give him the refusal) at 12 000 $ payable by annual instalments, & told Durfey that I could not give him a positive answer til Tyler should decide; but that I would not wait many Days for that. I wrote to Durfey from Petersburg, offering the land to him for $12 000, he to relieve me from Vest & Coke's mortgages, & to pay me the balance with interest at any time he chose, within reason; & telling him that I should be ready to close the bargain with him, by the time I could receive his answer, whether I should have heard from Tyler or not. I have not heard from either of them ... I am determined to sell, although I would greatly prefer to retain the land ... I am unwilling to burthen myself with such an amount of debt [this debt and other] I am otherwise determined to sell, provided I can get cost. The actual cost to me was about $10500, & if I Can do no better, I am willing to take what will be equivalent to that sum with interest from the 5th of May, 1840, to the time of sale ...
A. P. Upshur
To-B. Tucker Esq. WilliamsburgVaucluse June 17 1836
Mr. Dr Sir
I have just received yours of the 3d Inst I had heard before, of the purchases &sale of Col Basset's land, &did not doubt that there was good reason for your not retaining it for me. You judged rightly, that I could not conveniently pay the whole sum at once, particularly as I am to run a race through the C of Appeals for the large debt I have recently recovered in Staunton. I am very sorry indeed, that it has so turned out ...
Abel P. Upshur
To- Beverley TuckerVaucluse March 17t 1837
My dear Sir
Your suggestion about my removal to Williamsburg, is not a new idea to me. I have meditated ... and one of my chief inducements was, that I should have the counsel &assistance of yourself..
A. P. Upshur
To B. Tucker Esq. WmsburgVaucluse July 28 1838
My dear Sir
I should delay yet a little longer, my reply to your letter, if it was not for that part of it, which relates to Doctor Peachy's land. As he has an offer for it, &is reserving it for me, I ought not to leave him any hopes in uncertainty as to my wishes. Please say to him that I do not wish to purchase.
A. P. Upshur
To- B. TuckerVaucluse Novr 15th 1838
My dear Judge,
Is there any better mode of making a few thousands easily than by planting the morus multicantis? There seems to be a growing disposition in the country to engage in the making of silk, and the probability is that the demand for the mulberry will not decrease for many years. If you agree with me, I propose to you to take one half my purchase of the vineyard and engage in the culture of that tree. We shall require but a few acres of the land, and it is probable that the balance of the estate will rent out for enough to cover all our expences except the cost of the plants. Think of this and let me know the result.
A. P. Upshur
To-B. Tucker Esqr WilliamsburgVaucluse January 14th 1839
Dear Judge
I have received a letter from Col Mc.Candlish, written in behalf of William U Delk, expressing his desire to lease, or rent the Vineyard, for farming purposes only. By the same mail, I also received a letter from Captain Charles Lively, expressing the desire of himself, and his co-tenant Jarvis, to remain on the land, upon the same terms as heretofore. I have written to these men, referring them to you. Will you do me the favour to make with all, or either of them, such bargain as you think proper.
A. P. Upshur
[To-] B. Tucker Esqr WilliamsburgVaucluse Feby 25 1839
I am glad to set off with Christian. The land I know, is intrinsically worth twice what I gave for it, if the title were clear; but it is not clear. The present condition of the land is such, that I could not make any thing from it, without expending 1500$ in buildings &as much more in labour, (exclusive of slaves,) utensils &stocke. If I should lose the land, I should probably lose the improvements, and should certainly lose a great deal in utensils and stock. ... I think I do well to be off. The interest is enclosed, which please deliver to Christian...
A. P. Upshur
To Judge B. Tucker WilliamsburgNorfolk Decr 4 1840
Dear Judge
I have this moment, received a letter from Durfey, decling my offer. He says my terms are so much more than he is willing to accept, that he deems it unneccessary to make my any offer, but he also says that he is anxious to have the land &will give as much as any one else will give ...
Remember that the property cost me $10500 on the 5 May last, &I shall be very glad to get my money back with interest, or without a serious loss.
A. P. Upshur
[To] B. Tucker Esq WilliamsburgVaucluse Ap 10 1841
My dear Judge
Your letter has given the coup de grace to my already expiring hopes, in regard to the sale of my land. Well, I have only to look out for the ways &means of completing my payments for it...
A. P. Upshur
[To] B. Tucker Esq WilliamsburgNorfolk June 10, 1841
Dear Judge
I have prepared an advertisement to be inserted in the Beacon of this place &the Whig of Richmond notifying all the world that my W~nsburg land is for sale... If I can get within five or six hundred dollars of the actual cost, I shall be content...
A. P. UpshurA. P. Upshur
[To] B. Tucker Esq. WilliamsburgVaucluse July 28, 1841
Dr Judge
I would greatly prefer to sell, &am still in hopes that a purchaser will offer. This however, is so improbable, that I will not lose a good tenant by waiting for it. I am wholly unable to say what sum it will or ought to rent for. Mccandlish told me that he did not think it would command more than 300$, but surely that must be a mistake. However, get what you can...
[To] B. Tucker Esq Williamsburg
Vaucluse Aug 7t 1841
Dear Judge
Entre nous, I have for sometime, feared that I should be compelled to encounter such a sacrifice with this Wmsbg land. I cannot pay the mortgages, if called on to do it shortly, so that, it depends very much upon Cole &Coke, whether I am to be ruined or not ... I will hold on a little longer...
Illustration #6
Letter from Hon. Burwell Bassett, Williamsburg, to George Blow, Sussex- 1816, Oct. 22- " You have been apprised that Mr Goodall is in your house but that he does not calculate to remain in it. I learn of Mr Waller that he has no thought of purchasing at your price. I am therefore from the desire to have Mrs Claiborne near me induced to send over to offer Mrs Claiborne for a tenant it is indispensable to her to know immediately whether she can get the house as you will perceive by my sending over. Some repairs will be necessary since I left this for the springs great part of the garden pails have been torn down. You will oblige me by writing me and saying what will be your rent, as you cannot decide on repairs with out seeing the place it might be placed on the footing that each of us choose a person to say what repairs were necessary provided you &I could not agree..."
Richmond Account of Richard Corbin of Williamsburg
1794-1795
Corbin Papers, (M-55-2 CWI) :Philadelphia Account of Richard Corbin of Williamsburg
1794 Richard Corbin of Williamsburg Account with Samuel Swann, Richmond
May 10 To Making 2 Sopha Slips @ 15/. . . £1.10.-- Ditto 22 Chair Ditto @ 2/6 . . . . 2.15.-- To 2 Sophals . . . . . . . . . 28.--.-- " 10 Chairs @ 50/ . . . . . . 25.--.-- " 1 pr Card Tables . . . . . 9.--.-- " 1 Pembroke Ditto . . . . . . . . 3.--.-- " 12 Chairs @ 50/ 2 Armd Do @ 56/. 32.16.-- Novr 12 Making 4 Window Curtains 15/. . 3.--.-- ditto 4 Window Cornishes @ 25/. 5.--.-- To Making 4 Sopha Pillows @ 2/ . . -. 8.-- 1795 May 7 To Making 4 Window Curtains @ 12/. 2. 8. 0 " 4 Window Cornishes @ 25/ . . . . 5.--.-- " 3 Yards White Cotton @ 2/6 . . -. 7. 6 " 58 Yards White Cotton @ 2/6 . . -.19. 4 " 4 White Tausels @ 2/ . . . . . . 8.-- " 1 Packing Box . . . . . . . . . -. 6.-- £168. 1. 7 1/2 Augt 19th To 1 Cabrioal Sopha. 18.--.-- " 2 Beaurols wth Circular fronts & Colum Corners @ £ll.0.0 ea . . . . 22.--.-- " 1 Ditto Circular front plain . . 9.--.-- " 6 Winsor Chairs Wt Mahogy Arms @ 28/ 8. 8.-- " 12 Ditto plain @ 20/. 12.--.- Aug. 19th 1795. £167.10.10 ½ Rect bill of Richard Corbin from Thos Gilliat, Richmond,1794, April 29, 45 yds Carpeting . . . 7/6. £ 16.17. 6 £ 18.15.6
| 1794, July 1, | ||
| Richard Corbin Bot of John Marshall, Philadelphia, [brass andirons &c]. . | £ 25. 9. 7 | |
| A Cask boil'd linseed Oil contg 20 Galls @ 6/6 & Cask 7/6 . . | 6.17. 6 | |
| A Box contg 95 lbs fine drawn 8 nails @ 15d & Box 1/1 . . . | 5.19. 9 | |
| A Box Containing 78 lights Glass 11 by 15 @ 1/9. | 6.16. 6 | |
| 6 kegs White Lead grod in oil wt 1/4 C each . | 8. 5. 0 | |
| £ 61.13. 3 | ||
| 1794 [November-December] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Account with Lawrance Linke, Philadelphia | ||
| To a Boliction front Sideboard . . . . . . . . . . £ | 20.--.-- | |
| To 2 Dining Tables (£9.10 each 2 Do ends @ £6 each) . . . . | 31. 0. 0 | |
| To a Mahogany Bedstead . . . . . . . . | 8.10.-- | |
| To a Sett of Cornices for Do . . . | 3. 7. 6 | |
| £ 66. 2. 6 | ||
| [Dec. 5, 1794 for 20lbs Candles] |
| 1794 [March-May] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Peter Powell, [saddler &chairmaker], [Acct] . . . . . . . | £ 7.15. 9 | |
| 1794 August | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with John Coke [for corn] . . . | £ 1.16. 0 | |
| 1794 [August-December] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Josias Moody, [blacksmith] | ||
| To 14 Stanchons yE Window Curtains @ 1/3 by Mr bucktrout .. . . . . . . | £ -.17. 6 | |
| To 6 hooks &12 Staples yr windows @ 9d pr sett by Kr Garrett . . . . . . . . | -. 4. 6 | |
| To a bar yr Chimney by Harwood's Matt . . . . | .19. 8 | |
| £ 2. 9. 5 |
| 1794 [September-December] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with John Keiter, [tanner], | ||
| To 3 Bushels hair at 1/3 per Bushell . . . . . | £ 7.15. 9 | |
| 1795-August 20, | Richard Corbin's Account with Peter Powell, [saddler] | |
| [repairs to bridles, saddles &c] . . . | £ 1. 3. 9 | |
| 1795-1796 August-February | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Robert Greenhow, [merchant], | £ 4. 0. 4 ½. | |
| 1796 February 27, | Dr. Philip Barraud, Williamsburg's Account with Richard Corbin, [Williamsburg]. | |
| P. Barraud bt a gold repeating Watch, chain &c. | ||
| imported for Mr. Corbin . . . . . . | £91.11. 6 | |
| 1796 Feb. | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Leroy Anderson, Mercht-. | £ 1.18.9 | |
| 1796 May 16th | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Robert Greenhow, [merchant], [hinges for doors &c.] . . . . | £ 2.11. 3 | |
| 1798 August, to June, 1799 | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct. with Leroy Anderson, [merchant], | ||
| [cask of porter and other sundries, hose, goods]. | £17.18.1 ½ | |
| 1798-1799 October-June | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Robert Greenhow, [merchant], | ||
| [general merchandise accounts] | ||
| [To 2 Boxes of Glass 8 &10 @ 66/ ea . . . . | 6.12. 0 | |
| 3 large paint brushes 2/ . . . . . . | 0. 6. 0 | |
| [coffee, sugar, nutmeg, ribbon, tea &c] | ||
| 2 pr H Hinges 12/ 1 pr Do 4/6 . . o . . . | 0.16. 6 | |
| 3 Stock Locks 7/ ea . . . . . . . | 1. 1. 0 | |
| 2 Cocks 5/ . . . . . . . | 0.10. 0 | |
| £ 50.19. 7 | ||
| Cash paid | 9. 0. 5 | |
| £ 60. 0. 0 | ||
Williamsburg Accounts of Richard Corbin
1794-1799
Corbin Papers (M.-55-2 CWI)
| 1794 | Richard Corbin's Account with Mathew Anderson, [merchant], |
| [Feb.-Dec.] | [... gloves, 15 window glasses, 7 window panes .... £4.5.8] |
| 1794 | March-November | |
| Richard Corbin's Acct. with Charles Hunt, dec'd, [merchant], …[general items of all kinds] | ||
| 1 Large Wilton Carpet . . . . . . | £17. 5. 6 | |
| Advance 40 p Cent . . . . . . | 6.18. - | |
| 24. 3. 6 | ||
| 4000 4d Nails . . . . ... . . . . | 1. 4. | |
| £ 76.16. 4-¾ |
| 1794 | [June-September] | |
| Richard Corbin's Acct. with Solomon Cumbo, [drayage], | ||
| To freight of 2 sofas 18/ ditto 10 Chairs 10/. | £1. 8. 0 | |
| To ditto 3 Tables 9/ ditto 1 box 1/ ... 1 sofa ⅓ | 0.11. 3 | |
| To Cartage 12 Chairs 2/ . . . . . . . . . | 2. | |
| pd Septr 6, 1794 | £2. 3. 3 |
| 1794 | Aug. 9 | ||
| George Chaplin received of Richard Corbin £2.16.6 in part, "for drawing timber for him three days." | |||
| 1794 | [September-October] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct. with James Semple admr of William Harwood, decd. | |||
| [brick layers, lime whitewash &c | £ 6. 7. 9 | ||
| 12 day's work of Matt, bricklayer, 6 ½ days other bricklayers] | |||
| 1794 | [Feb.- December] | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct with Rockesby Roberts [carpenter] | |||
| To a mahogany knife box . . . . | £ 0.12. 0 | ||
| 1794 | May 24th | ||
| Richard Corbin's Acct. with John Houston, [jeweller] | |||
| To 1 Dozen tea Spoons 60/ . . . . . . . . . . . . | £ 3. 0. 0 | ||
| To Repairing a breast plate for Horse . . . . ... | 0. 1. 3 | ||
| £ 3. 1. 2 |
Humphrey Harwood
(CWI)
| 1794 th | MR CORBIN | Dr |
| April 20 | ||
| To Whitening 1 Room @ 3/ & Peck Whitewash @ 2/ | £ -. 3. 6 | |
| May 3 | ||
| To 2 days Hire of Nat, whiteg Cieling & 2 closets, laying 1 harth & mending back | -. 9. - | |
| To ½ Busl Whitewash @ 2/ & 3 Bushs Lime @ 9d | -. 3. 3 | |
| th | ||
| 8 | ||
| To 2 days Hire of Nat laying stones in the Spring House | -. 8. - | |
| To 2 Bushs Lime @ 9d . . . . . . . | -. 1. 6 | |
| To ¾ of a days Hire of do Whitenq | ||
| Cielings & Peck Whiteq . . . . . . . . | -. 3. 6 | |
| th | ||
| 24 | ||
| To Whiteng 1 Cieling ½ Peck Whitewash | -. 1. 9 |
Illustration #7
[These abstracts were prepared in 1927 by C. W. Hall. Upon re-checking in March, 1959 they were not all found to be correct according to the references used in the material below.]
BASSETT HALL
AN ABSTRACT OF TITLE made October 26, 1927, by C.M. Hall, Attorney at Law of Williamsburg, Virginia, for William A.R. Goodwin of Williamsburg, Virginia, to a certain tract of land lying partly in the City of Williamsburg and partly in Jamestown Magisterial District, James City County, Virginia, generally known as "Bassett Hall", the same being described in a certain deed dated October 22, 1927, from Edith M. Smith, Alice Colden Smith and Fannie B. Smith to William A.R. Goodwin; said land containing 190 acres.
The records of the City of Williamsburg and County of James city were destroyed in the year 1865, having been burned in the City of Richmond, to which they had been removed for safe keeping during the War between the States. This destruction was complete except as to one Deed Book for James City County, starting the year 1854. This book is said to have been saved by reason of having been lost on the way to Richmond and subsequently found. By reason of this loss it is not possible to trace titles in the local Clerk's office back of the year 1854 as to the County of James City, or back of the year 1865 as to the City of Williamsburg. The only way in which same might be traced would be by reference to the Land Books in the City of Richmond, which would indicate only transfers; and such examination is not usually deemed necessary.
1. DEED.
By deed dated in May, 1857, the day being left blank in the deed, recorded November 14, 1859, in James City Deed Book #1 pages 367-8, Goodrich Durfey and Margret W. Durfey, his wife, conveyed to William Lyon land described as follows:
"All of that certain piece and trace of land situate and being in the County of James City known as part of the Bassett Farm, containing by recent survey 298 acres; and bounded as follows: North by lot of Charles Lively and the road from Williamsburg to York Town, East by a public road called Quarter Paths, South by the lands of William Allen, West by the lands of James W. Custis, Munford and Goodrich Durfey to the beginning, at Charles Lively's lots."
2. DEED OF TRUST
By deed dated April 3, 1858, recorded November 14, 1859, in James City Deed Book #1 pages 369-70, William Lyon conveyed to J. B. Cosnahan as Trustee the same land acquired by him by the foregoing deed, in trust for the purpose of securing the payment of four bonds or single bills, under seal,...
This deed of trust refers to the foregoing conveyance from Goodrich Durfey to William Lyon, and speaks of the deed as being dated June 19, 1857, The deed is, at end dated June 19, 1857, though at its beginning its date is given as May __ 1857. This error is of no importance.
3. LAND BOOK
The earliest available Land Book in the local Clerk's office for James City County is that for the year 1866, in which, on page 8 at line 12, William Lyon is charged in fee with 298 acres, it being stated that the tract has no name, and that it adjoins N.C. and J.H. Crenshaw, and is one-half mile southeast of the Courthouse. It will be observed that the deeds in Paragraphs 1 and 2 only refer to the land as being in James City County. Later conveyances affecting the whole of Bassett Hall, apparently containing 381 acres, refer to same as being located partly in the City and partly in the county. Apparently the portion conveyed to William Lyon was wholly in the County, as in the earliest available Land Book for the City of Williamsburg found in the local Clerk's office, being for the year 1865, William Lyon is charged with no real estate. In the same Land Book, at page 3, line 14, Goodrich Durfey is charged in fee with "residence," in the City of Williamsburg; but there is no way of identifying it as being the Bassett Hall dwelling house.
4. WILL
By an un-numbered Will Book marked as follows: "Wills, James City Circuit Court," extending from November, 1869 to November, 1902, there is found on Pages 1 to 3, the will of Goodrich Durfey, and the order probating same...
The material portions of the will are as follows:
"First. I give to my son, Zachary Durfey, either the farm on which I now reside, that is to say, the land purchased by me of John Coke, formerly owned by Burwell Bassett, Containing about Three hundred and Eighty One Acres, with all the buildings thereon, and Valued by me at eight thousand dollars, or my farm in James City County Called 'jockey's Neck,' Containing about five hundred Acres, and Valued by me at Five Thousand dollars, the Choice to be made by my Said Son Zachary Durfey when he shall arrive at the Age of Twenty One.
Secondly. In Case my Son the Said Zachary Durfey Shall elect the farm first herein named, I give and bequeath to him the sum of Two thousand Dollars; or if the last named farm, the Sum of Five Thousand Dollars in addition to the real estate which he may so elect, and whatever else he may receive under any Subsequent Clause of this my will--thus making his portion herein- before named Ten Thousand Dollars in either Case.
**********
Fifthly. I Authorize and empower My Executors hereinafter named or Such as may execute this will, to rent out my two farms herein named, to good tenants (who shall be required to Keep them in good order) until my Son the said Zachary Durfey shall arrive at the Age of Twenty One, making choice of them, as hereinbefore indicated: then they Shall Sell the farm Not So elected, together with any and all the real estate not hereinbefore devised belonging to me, at such time and in such manner as they may think best for the interest of my Estate, and Apply the proceeds in payment of my debts and legacies."
The sixth clause names the testator's son, Zachary Durfey, and his two daughters, Elizabeth Nimmo Durfey and Margaret G. Lea, wife of Col. John W. Lea, as residuary legatees and devisees.
Seventhly. I appoint my friend James W. Custis, my son in law, Col. Jno W. Lea, and my son Zachary Durfey, when he Shall Arrive at lawful Age, Executors of my will."
By the codicil dated December 6, 1868, it is provided that on account of the feeble health of James W. Custis, Thomas P. McCandlish is named as one of the Executors in his stead. The codicil further provides that the testator's son, Zachary Durfey, shall be allowed to qualify without security.
5. DEED
By deed dated December 15, 1869, recorded January 4, 1870, in Williamsburg Deed Book #1 pages 193-5, and in James City Deed Book #2 pages 273-5, Zachry G. Durfey, Executor of the last will and testament of Goodrich Durfey, deceased, ... conveyed to Israel Smith land described in the said deed as follows:
"...that Certain tract or parcel of land Situate partly in the City of Williamsburg and partly in the County of James City State of Virginia, called "Bassetts Hall," containing about three hundred and eighty one acres, more or less, bounded as follows--Commencing on the north, at the north East Corner of James W. Custis' lot, thence along the Street to the lot Occupied by Dr. Wm S. Morris, thence South to the Corner of said Morris's lot thence east along ditch separating it from said Morris's lot and James Mahone, John Lucas and Charles Lively's lots to the road leading from Wmsburg to York Town, thence along said road to the road Called quarter paths, thence along last mentioned road to the middle of Tutters neck Dam, thence South west to fence separating it from 'Delks', thence north to fence on the farm, thence southwest to corner of Munford's fence Thence North west along said Munford's fence to the Corner of Dr. Camm's land, thence along ditch bank & fence separating it from said Camm's land to the lot formerly owned by R. M. Bucktrout, Decd thence east to the of said Bucktrouts lot and thence north to the begining as will appear by reference to the plot of W. I. Morrsett, markd B. and being part of the tract which the said Goodrich Durfey, in his life time purchased of John Coke and Eliza his wife as aforesaid, and the same first mentioned in the will of the said Goodrich Durfey, Decd."
Zachary G. Durfey, as Executor and for himself individually, warranted title generally.
The deed recites that Goodrich Durfey and his wife in their life time conveyed to William Lyon 298 acres, briefly describing same, being a part of the tract of land which Goodrich Durfey purchased from John Coke and wife on November 18, 1845; that William Lyon to secure that payment of $7450.00 as purchase money, simultaneously conveyed said 298 acres to J.B. Cosnahan, Trustee, that Lyon was unable to pay same and agreed in writing with Durfey in 1865 to give the land back to Durfey, who agreed to give up the bonds still unpaid; that no deed was executed to carry out said agreement, that Lyon was still willing to abide by the agreement, that his bonds for purchase money had been given up and received by him, and that he and Sydney Smith, Substituted Trustee in place of J.B. Cosnahan, who had died, (the said Sydney Smith having been substituted as Trustee by order of the County Court entered December 13, 1869), consented and agreed to sign and execute this deed; that Durfey's last will and testament was admitted to probate, then quoting the first and second paragraphs as above given; that Zachary G. Durfey had arrived at the age of twenty-one and had qualified as the sole Executor, and had elected to take the farm Jockey's Neck, and had entered into a contract with Israel Smith to convey Bassett Hall to him.
The deed shows that the purchase price of $8,000.00 was to be payable as $4,000.00 in cash, and the balance in certain installments.
NOTE: It is reasonable to rely upon the correctness of the recitals made in the deed. Those that are material have already been set out, as shown by the records. I consider the deed a good and effective conveyance of the Bassett Hall tract, I do not find of record the plat referred to in the description; though the present owners have in their possession two old plats of the tract which have already been exhibited to the present purchaser.
6. DEED OF TRUST
By deed dated December 15, 1869, recorded January 4, 1870, in Williamsburg Deed Book #1 page 196, and in James City Deed Book #2 page 275, Israel Smith conveyed to Sydney Smith and William S. Peachy the Bassett Hall tract, containing 381 acres as acquired by him by deed of even date for the purpose of securing to Z.G. Durfey, Executor of Goodrich Durfey, the sum $4,000.00 with interest, of which $1,000.00 matured on January 10, 1872, with interest annually from January 10, 1870; and $3,000.00 matured on January 10, 1874, with interest payable annually; as evidenced by single bills of Israel Smith under seal, dated December 15, 1869, for unpaid purchase money.
7. ASSIGNMENT AND RELEASE.
In James City County Deed Book #2 page 451 is found recorded a single bill under seal dated December 15, 1869, made by Israel Smith for $1,000.00 payable to said Durfey, as Executor; together with an assignment by the Executor to Richard W. Hansford dated June 19, 1871. The Clerk's certificate shows that on March 25, 1872, Richard W. Hansford, Assignee, appeared and acknowledged that the $1,000.00 bond had been paid in full.
8. ASSIGNMENT
By Assignment dated September 10, 1873, recorded September 15, 1873, in Williamsburg Deed Book #1 page 346, Zachary G. Durfey, Executor of Goodrich Durfey, assigned to McRee Swift of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a single bill,, under seal, of Israel Smith dated December 15, 1869, and payable January 10, 1874, and the deed of trust set out in paragraph 6, securing same. The assignment recites that the single bill for $1,000.00 secured by said deed of trust had been paid by Israel Smith.
NOTE: It does not appear that the deed of trust set out in paragraph 6, has been formally released. The release set out in paragraph 7, is sufficient for all practical purposes as to the $1,000.00 bond. The $3,000.00 bond was assigned to McRee Swift as set out in paragraph 8, and while it has not been released I do not think that this would in any way place a cloud upon the title, as our statute prevents foreclosure of a deed of trust later than twenty years from the maturity of the obligation secured. In this instance, more than fifty years has passed since maturity of the bond.
It appears that the $3,000.00 bond is further secured as set out in deed of trust mentioned in paragraph 9 B.
9. A. DEED OF TRUST.
By deed dated February 5, 1872, recorded on the same day in Williamsburg Deed Book #1 pages 285-6, Israel Smith and Rebecca M. Smith, his wife, conveyed to William S. Peachy, Trustee, the Bassett Hall tract, containing about 381 acres, for the purpose of securing to William W. Vest the sum of $1500.00 and interest as evidenced by bond of Israel Smith dated February 5, 1872, payable on or before February 5, 1873.
NOTE: The lien of this deed of trust does not appear to have been released of records; but as the statutory provision of twenty years for the enforcement of a deed of trust has long since elapsed I do not regard the failure of the records to show release of same as constituting a cloud upon the title.
9, B DEED OF TRUST
By deed dated September 10, 1873, recorded September 15, 1873, in Williamsburg Deed Book #1 pages 347-8, Israel Smith conveyed to William S. Peachy, Trustee, the Bassett Hall tract containing 381 acres to secure to McRee Swift the performance of Smith's agreement as set out in the deed of trust. Recital is made that McRee Swift bought the $3,000.00 bond secured by the deed of trust set out in paragraph 6, at Smith's request; that the rate of interest is changed from 6% to 8% payable in New Jersey, and that the bond will mature on January 10, 1874.
NOTE: The lien of this deed of trust has not been released, but same is no longer enforcible under the Virginia law as above mentioned.
10. WILL.
The will of Israel Smith was probated on April 14, 1879, which order of probate and the will and codicil are recorded in Williamsburg Will Book #1 pages 311-313. The order shows that the will, dated December 6, 1870, and the codicil dated December 25, 1875, were probated and that Rebecca M. Smith qualified as Executrix with leave given Fannie Belle Smith and Alice Colden Smith to come in and qualify. The will appointed Rear Admiral Charles H. Bell and Rebecca Hinturn Smith, the Testator's wife, Executors. The codicil recites the death of Real Admiral Bell and appointed the said Rebecca M. Smith and the Testator's daughters, Fannie Belle Smith and Alice Colden Smith, as Executors.
The second paragraph of the will is as follows:
"Second. I give to my Executors full power and Authority to Sell and Convey a 11 or any of my real estate."
The third paragraph provided that money derived from sales of real estate should be invested by the Executors and the interest paid to his wife during her life and at her death that the proceeds be equally divided among his children upon reaching twenty-one years of age.
The fifth paragraph of the will is as follows:
"Fifth. If my Executors deem it best not to Sell my real Estate I direct that the profits, rents or income derived from Said real Estate be paid to my wife during her life time and at her death to be equally divided among My Children, if they have arrived at the age of Twenty one years, and if any have not arrived at this age I direct that the Share of any such Children be invested at interest to the benefit of Such Children or any of them, during their minority but to be paid as far as Necessary for their Support."
NOTE: The widow Rebecca M. Smith, lived until the year 1911, I am informed that the testator, Israel Smith, was the father of four children by his two marriages, all of whom survived both him and his widow, all of whom reached the age of twenty-one years before the death of the widow. I am of the opinion that these four children, namely: Alice Colden Smith, Fannie Belle Smith, Edith Minturn Smith and Margaret W.S. Bird, nee Smith, sometimes called "Meta S. Bird," became the fee simple owners of the property at the expiration of the life estate of Rebecca M. Smith.
11. DEED
By deed dated October 12, 1882, recorded January 23, 1883 in James City Deed Book #4 pages 324-5, Rebecca M. Smith conveyed to William H.E. Morecock a parcel of land in James City County containing, according to survey, one acre and 1/20 of an acre, being a portion of the Bassett Hall farm. The deed refers to a plat attached thereto, made by Carey P. Armistead, which plat is recorded on page 325.
12. RIGHT OF WAY.
By right of way agreement dated November 24, 1900, recorded December 31, 1900 in James City County Deed Book #7 page 461 Rebecca M. Smith, Alice Colden Smith, Edith M. Smith, Meta W.S. Bird and H. S. Bird, her husband, and Fannie B. Smith granted to the Chesapeake Telephone & Telegraph Company, A Virginia Corporation, a right of way for a telephone and telegraph line, appliances, etc. over and along that tract of land in Jamestown District, James City County, Virginia, near the City of Williamsburg, fronting on the main road leading from Williamsburg to Yorktown, for the purpose of running on that portion of the said tract of land then occupied, or which might thereafter be occupied, as a public road or roads. The agreement was not to be exclusive.
13. DEED.
By deed dated November 7, 1903, recorded December 9, 1903 in James City Deed Book #9 pages 148-9, Rebecca M. Smith, Executrix under the last will and testament and widow of Israel Smith, deceased, Aiice Colden Smith, Edith Minturn Smith, Meta W.S. Bird and H. S. Bird, her husband, and Fannie B. Smith conveyed with General Warranty and the usual covenants to Elling P. Strand land described as follows:
"That certain tract, piece or parcel of land situate, lying or being in Jamestown Magisterial District, James City County, Virginia, containing by actual survey 112-3/4 acres, bounded and described as follows: Beginning at a large cedar tree on the main road leading from Williamsburg to Yorktown and running thence along said road S. 51.25° E. 1.31 chains, thence S. 68° E. 9.40 chains, thence S. 58° E. 6.63 chains to what is known as Quarter Paths road leading to King's Mill; thence along said Quarter Paths road S. 10° W. 32 chains to gate post thence S. 19° W. 9.94 chains along said road, thence S. 49° W. 5.80 chains along said road: thence S. 73.5° W. 7.92 chains along said road, thence S. 72.5° W. 17.44 chains, thence N. 20.75° E. 63.62 chains to point of beginning, the same being a portion of the tract of land called Bassetts Hall conveyed to Israel Smith by deed from Z.G. Durfey, Executor of G. Durfey, deceased William Lyons and Sydney Smith, Substituted Trustee, bearing date on the 15th day of September, 1869, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the Court for the County of James City and the City of Williamsburg in James City Deed Book #2 pages 273-4, to which deed reference is here made."
14. DEED
By deed dated November 12, 1903, recorded January 16, 1904, in James City Deed Book #9 pages 195-6, Rebecca M. Smith, as widow and Executor of Israel Smith, deceased, Alice Colden Smith, Fannie B. Smith, Meta W. S. Bird and H. S. Bird, her husband, conveyed with General Warranty and the usual covenants to Milan Smith 40 acres of the Bassett Hall tract, described as follows:
"That certain tract, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in Jamestown Magisterial District, James City County, Virginia, and known as a part of Bassetts Hall, tract supposed to contain 40 acres, be the same more or less, and bounded as follows, to-wit: Commencing at a point on the Quarter Paths road leading to King's Mill where the land hereby conveyed intersects with the land recently conveyed to Elling P. Strand, a course running N. 72.5° E., thence running down said Quarter Paths road to Tutter's Neck Creek, thence along the meanderings of said Creek or swamp to the western boundary of the said Bassetts Hall tract, thence along the western boundary of the said Bassetts Hall tract separating it from Delks to a point where the southwestern corner of said Elling P. Strand's land intersects and thence in a straight line N. 72.5° E. to the point of beginning; bounded on the north by the land of Elling P. Strand, on the east by the said Quarter Paths road, on the south by the said Tutter's Neck Creek, or swamp, and on the west by Delks; the same being a portion of the tract of land conveyed to Israel Smith by deed from Z.G. Durfey, Executor, William Lyons and Sydney Smith, Substituted Trustee, bearing date on the 15th day of September, 1869, and recorded in the Clerk's Office of James City County and the City of Williamsburg in James City Deed Book #2 pages 273-4.
15. DEED
By deed dated January 4, 1913, recorded January 9, 1913, in Williamsburg Deed Book #6 pages 312-13, and recorded January 16, 1913 in James City Deed Book #13 pages 567-8, Meta S. Bird and Hugh S. Bird, her husband, conveyed with General Warranty and the usual covenants of title to Edith Minturn Smith by the following descriptions:
"All the right, title and interest of the said parties of the first part in and to that certain piece, parcel or tract of land situate, lying and being partly in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, partly in Jamestown District, James City County, Virginia, generally known as Bassett Hall, and containing two hundred and twelve (112) [sic] acres, more or less, but sold in gross and not by the acre, more particularly bounded and described as follows: On the north by Francis Street, the property of the Morecocks and other property and by the main road leading from Williamsburg to Yorktown, on the east by the lands of L. W. Wales, H. W. Dana and other properties and a lot now owned by the said Edith Minturn Smith; together with the buildings and improvements thereon, the interest of the said Meta S. Bird in the said property hereby conveyed being a one-fourth undivided interest; the same being a part of the land of which Israel Smith died seised and Possessed, the same having been conveyed to him by Z. G. Durfey, Executor on the estate of Goodrich Durfey, and William Lyons and Sydney Smith, Substituted Trustees, by deed dated December 15, 1869, and recorded in the Clerk's office of the City of Williamsburg and County of James City in James City Deed Book #2 pages 273-4, to which reference is here made."
16. OPTION AGREEMENT
By agreement dated March 15, 1916, recorded March 17, 1916 in James City Deed Book #15 pages 416-17, Fannie Belle Smith, Alice Colden Smith, and Edith M. Smith contracted and agreed with James R. Branch that they would within ninety days from the date thereof sell and convey to said James R. Branch certain land at $300.00 per acre, according to survey to be furnished by the grantors, the $500.00 cash payment for the option to apply on the purchase price. The land to which the agreement applied is described as follows:
"All that certain piece or parcel of land together with its appurtenances, being the eastern portion of the property remaining and known as the Bassett Hall tract, beginning at the point on the south side of York or Woodpecker Street where said tract joins the land of Irving S. Whitcomb, and extending along south side of said York or Woodpecker Street in a westerly direction three hundred sixty-five feet, more or less, to a point forty feet east of the western point of said tract at its juncture with said street, extending back southwardly and between parallel lines, the eastern line being the present western line of said Whitcomb property to the southern boundary of said tract, and containing between 30 and 40 acres."
The land owners further agreed to dedicate a street forty feet wide running south from York Street the entire length of Bassett Hall tract and parallel and adjoining the western line of the property contracted to be sold, which street should be for the joint use in common of the two properties.
17. DEED
By deed dated April 10, 1916, recorded May 1, 1916, in James City Deed Book #16 pages 125-6, Fannie Bell Smith, Edith [sic] Colden Smith and Edith M. Smith conveyed to Williamsburg Park Corporation, a Virginia Corporation, with General Warranty and the usual covenants of title, land described as follows:
"All that certain piece or parcel of land lying and being in James City County near Williamsburg in the State of Virginia, containing thirty-six and one half (36 1/2) acres, according to a survey or plat dated the 8th day of April, 1916, made by Bolton, Clark and Pratt, Inc., Civil Engineers of Richmond, Virginia, which plat is attached to this deed to be recorded herewith for the purpose of describing the boundaries of the land hereby conveyed. The lands hereby conveyed being a portion of the residue of the Bassett Hall tract and the said lands are bounded on the north by York Street, on the east by lands of the York Land Company and on the west by the forty foot road which is hereby set apart and granted as a easement of way by the parties of the first part to the parties of the second part, its successors and assigns, for the joint use of the owners of the residue of the said Bassett Hall tract, and the owners of lots and parcels of land hereby conveyed. The said road forty feet in width is to be at all times open its full width and length as shown on said plat."
On page 126 of D. B. 16, is recorded the plat referred to showing that the land conveyed is thirty-six and one half acres exclusive of the road reserved, and further showing the road between the unsold Bassett Hall land and the parcel conveyed.
NOTE: It will be observed that the land conveyed by deed set out in paragraph 17, is without doubt the same land covered by the option agreement set out in paragraph 16, though James R. Branch did not untie in said deed. It is indicated, however, by a deed of trust from Williamsburg Park Corporation to E. Lorraine Ruffin, Trustee, dated April 17, 1916, recorded in James City Deed Book #16 pages 127-31, from the quoted resolution of the Board of Directors of the grantor Corporation that said Corporation took over as its obligation an agreement of Garrett & Co. with James R. Branch as to the purchase of said land.
18. SEWER RIGHT OF WAY.
By right of way agreement dated June 3, 1921, recorded August 18, 1921, in Williamsburg Deed Book #9 pages 216-17, Edith M. Smith and Alice Colden Smith conveyed to the City of Williamsburg a right of way over, under and through property therein described for the purpose of constructing, operating maintaining and repairing a sewer main...
19. CURRENT LAND BOOKS.
In the Land Book of the City of Williamsburg for the year 1927, page 14, line 30, Israel Smith and E. M. Smith Estate is charged in fee with "House and lot, Bassett Hall, East Francis Street," with land and buildings. In the Land Book for James City County for the year 1927, page 8, line 19, Israel and E. M. Smith Estate is charged in fee with a part of Bassetts Hall containing 132h acres.
NOTE...
20.
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CERTIFIED,
C.W. Hall, Attorney at Law