Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The house known as the "Chiswell-Bucktrout House" is situated on Francis Street in Williamsburg. The lots are marked "Chiswell" on Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) and on the Bucktrout Map (1807) of Williamsburg.

IN SUMMARY:

As the lots lie in that part of Williamsburg which was in James City County in the eighteenth century it is difficult if not impossible to get clear titles to the property as court records were largely destroyed by fire during the Civil War. The first known owner and occupant was Colonel John Chiswell who was on the location prior to 1766 at the time of his death. Following his decease, there was a sale of his property. Mrs. Chiswell, the widow, may have continued to live there until the sale in 1770. Sometime prior to 1779 Benjamin Bucktrout, carpenter and cabinet-maker, apparently, had acquired the property. In 1774 he had been located on Francis Street. Present records do not justify stating that he was on this property then though any new data may give this information. In 1777 Bucktrout had a store somewhere in the city and a small powder mill. In August, 1779 he offered the property for sale noting that it was "where the subscriber lives, formerly belonging to Colonel Chiswell." William Davenport, a tavern keeper, opened and operated at this location in 1779. Monsieur Jean Cadou, dancing master, advertised that he could be found "at Davenport's" and Monsieur de Chef de Bien, limner, offered his talents, also, "at Mr. William Davenport's." As Bucktrout in 1782 owned only 1/4 lot in the city according to the tax records, it would seem that he had sold the Chiswell property. However, in 1782 James Southall, a tavern keeper, was owner of the property from ii 1782 to 1806. Anthony Robinson held the property until 1814 when he conveyed to the Reverend John Bracken, president of William and Mary College who lived thereon until his death in 1818. His daughter, Mrs. Julia Bracken Avery, lived on the property until her death in 1835. Prior to 1840 Mrs. Susan Byrd had purchased it though, most probably, she never owned it in fee simple. Lemuel J. Bowden became the owner in 1841. He held it until around the Civil War when he moved into a new house on Duke of Gloucester Street near the Church. A gap in title occurs until 1889 when James L. Slater was owner. In 1895 Slater sold to Richard A. Wise. He or his heirs held until 1922 when it was conveyed to S. D. Freeman. In 1928 the property was bought by Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration. The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a very long house on this site with two outbuildings to the south. The plats of the city made ca. 1807 by Bucktrout and the College Map (1791?) indicate the name "Chiswell."

Lemuel J. Bowden

Lemuel Jackson Bowen was the son of William and Mildred Davis Bowden of James City county, Virginia. In 1830-31 he was a student at William and Mary College. In 1833 he obtained a license to practice law in Virginia. In 1840 he purchased the house and lot known as the "Chiswell-Bucktrout House" for $2000. He lived in and retained the property until ca. 1861. In 1856 he bought from the trustees of Bruton Parish Church a lot which lay southwest of the Church. He built a "splendid ediface of brick on this lot."

Bowden was a member of the state legislature for three terms, a member of the Virginia Constitutional Conventions of 1849 and 1851; in 1861 he was a presidential elector. Elected to the United States senate by the so-called Virginia legislature held in Alexandria following the Civil War, he served from March 3, 1863 until his death in Washington City, January 2, 1864.

While mayor of Williamsburg in May, 1862 he was called "a traitor" by the citizens. A band serenaded Mayor Bowden on May 14th. There was loud cheer and calls of "Down with the traitor! If we ever recover our power…"

Both Lemuel Bowden and his brother Henry Moseley Bowden, were strong in their devotion to the Union cause, and sooner than abandon their convictions, they removed from Williamsburg during the Civil War. Henry went to Norfolk where he was clerk of the circuit court there and Lemuel took up his residence in Washington.

Sources used in compiling these notes:

• Tyler's Virginia Biography, vols. III & IV, pp. 103, 416-417 respectively.
• Armistead Papers, William and Mary College Archives.
• Armistead House History, Research Department.
• Chiswell-Bucktrout House History, Research Department.
• Southall Papers, William and Mary College Archives.
• A Provisional List of William and Mary Students (Richmond:1941)

THE REVEREND JOHN BRACKEN

John Bracken was born in England in 1745 and died in Williamsburg in 1818. he appears in Virginia church history in July, 1772 when he was "Licensed for Va. For Amelia County." In 1773 he was chosen rector of Bruton Parish, and in 1776 he married Miss Sally Burwell, daughter of Carter of "Carters Grove," deceased. The marriage was announced in the Virginia Gazette thus:

"Rev. John Bracken, Rector of Bruton Parish, to Miss Sally Burwell, daughter of the late Carter Burwell, Esq., of Carters Grove."

Three children were born of this marriage: John, born 1779, Julia Carter born 1781 and Sarah born 1785. All of these births were recorded in Bruton Parish Register. Julia married George Avery. She lived in Williamsburg in 1819-1827. Sarah married John Butler in July, 1809. (Letter of St. G. Tucker to Joseph Cabell, July 21, 1809 (Alderman Lib., films #7; M-62-7, CWI)

In 1777 Bracken was occupying the handsome brick house on Francis Street still known now as the "Allen-Byrd House." He rented this house from Mrs. Mary Willing Byrd, executrix of William Byrd III, the former owner. As Master of the Grammar School and Librarian ca. 1777 to 1779 — when the Grammar School was abolished along with his professorship of Humanity — he, apparently, occupied the Francis Street property. In 1780, 1782, and 1783 Bracken was paid by Humphrey Harwood, local carpenter and builder, for teaching the Harwood boys. In 1784 he advertised in the Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Richmond, that he was undertaking "the tuition of five or six boys, who may also live with him. As his attention will be entirely confined to so small a number, the terms for board and tuition will be forty guineas per ann." The same year, Bracken paid Byrd's estate £46.16.0 "for rents."

In 1786 Bracken became owner of the former Byrd House and lots in Williamsburg.

In 1787 the Grammar School was held in the Capitol with Bracken as head master. This year he brought suit against William and Mary College to recover his lost professorship and also for back pay which he claimed he should have received following the abolition of the Grammar School in 1779. In 1792 he was reinstated at the college; in 1793 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the College. In 1800 Bracken was named mayor of Williamsburg. In 1812 he was selected as President of William and Mary College. He held this office until 1814. From 1801-1818 Bracken was one of the managers of the Dismal Swamp Land Company.

In 1815 Bracken bought the property known as the "Chiswell-Bucktrout House" and held it until his death when his heirs became owners.

In July, 1818 he died. A Richmond newspaper stated that he died on July 15th and a Norfolk paper stated that he died on July 16th. Both state that he was buried at Carters Grove. No marker has survived if there was ever one to his memory. On July 30, 1818 Robert Saunders of Williamsburg wrote to Joseph Prentis, Suffolk, "Our old pastor too, Mr Bracken has passed to the world of Spirits-tranquil and resigned as Job."

Sources used in compiling these notes:

• Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church, vol. 10 (1941), pp. 354-389, contains as article by Rutherfoord Goodwin, entitled "The Revered John Bracken (1745-1818)."
• The Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, (Richmond, Nicolson & Prentis, eds.), October 30, 1784.
• Richmond Enquirer, July 24, 1818.
• American Beacon, Norfolk, July 22, 1818
• Virginia Gazette (Dixon [& Hunter], ed.) September 21, 1776.
• William & Mary College Notes, compiled by Mary M. Goodwin, Research Department, CWI.
• Virginia State Library: U.S. Circuit Court, Va. Dist., Ended Cases "Murdock & Co. vs. William Byrd's Extx, 1797. Acct Estate of Colo Byrd with Mary Byrd Executrix made September 29th 1790."
• Dismal Swamp Land Co. Papers, M-36-3, CWI
• Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., June 17, 1773.
• Ibid., Purdie, ed., September 13, 1776.
• Ibid., (other items in this paper).
• Swem's Virginia Historical Index.
• Tyler's Virginia Biography, vol. I.

For further data on Bracken in Williamsburg consult House Histories of Allen-Byrd House, Bracken House, and Chiswell-Bucktrout House, Williamsburg.

BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT

COLONEL JOHN CHISWELL

Colonel John Chiswell of Hanover County, Virginia married Elizabeth Randolph, daughter of Colonel William and Elizabeth Beverley Randolph. She was born on October 14, 1715; married Colonel Chiswell on May 19, 1736 and died February, 1776 at the home of her daughter in Caroline County.

Colonel Chiswell was the son of Charles Chiswell (1677-1737) who was Clerk of the General Court. John Chiswell was a metallurgist, member of the House of Burgesses from Hanover 1742-1755 and from Williamsburg 1756-1758. At one time he lived at "Scotchtown" in Hanover County. In Williamsburg he lived in the house now known as the "Chiswell-Bucktrout" on Francis Street.

Children of Colonel Chiswell and his wife Elizabeth, were: Elizabeth, born May 24, 1737; married Speaker John Robinson (his third wife) in December, 1759; Mary, born 1739 February 22nd, married Warner Lewis Jr. in 1768; and Lucy, born August 3, 1752, married Colonel William Nelson of Hanover County on November 24, 1770.

William Byrd, John Chiswell and his son-in-law, John Robinson, owned lead mines in Wythe and Montgomery County, Virginia. Upon the death of Chiswell in 1766, and of Robinson the same year, it was found that the mines were financially involved almost to the point of insolvency.

Colonel Chiswell was part-owner of the Raleigh Tavern. In 1752 he and George Gilmer bought the Tavern. Prior to 1761 Chiswell had owned Lots 329-332 on Palace Street.

In 1766 while in a tavern in Cumberland County, John Chiswell quarreled with a Scotch merchant, Robert Routledge, and called him "a fugitive revel, a villain who came to Virginia to cheat and defraud men of their property, and a Presbyterian fellow…" Chiswell killed Routledge, was arrested, and was let out of jail on bail by three friends who were judges of the General Court. Before the time for trial, Chiswell died — some said by his own hand. Chiswell died in Williamsburg on October 15, 1766, at his house on Francis Street.

Mrs. Chiswell was living at the Chiswell house in Williamsburg in 1770 when it was sold. She died in March, 1776, at the home of her daughter Mrs. William Nelson, in Caroline county, in her 54th year. William Nelson was executor of her estate.

Sources used in compiling these notes:

• York County records, Deed Book 6, pp. 364-366 (August 11, 1761). Deeds V, p. 493 (August 17, 1752). Deeds 6, p. 506 (May 2, 1763).
• The Beverly Family of Virginia, by John McGill (Columbia, S.C. 1956) p.118. 48
• Virginia Magazine of History, vol. III, pp. 263-264; vol. XVI, p. 207.
• Journals of the House of Burgesses 1742-47, 1748-49, 1752-55, 1756-1758.
• Mays, David: Edmund Pendleton 1721-1803 A Biography, vol. I, appendix VI, pp. 384-385 (Harvard Press, 1952).
• Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., Oct. 17, 1766.
• Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., March 8, 1776.
• Campbell's Colonial Caroline (Richmond: 1954) p. 485.

ANTHONY ROBINSON

Anthony Robinson, son of Anthony V of York County was born in 1770. He married Elizabeth Rusell, daughter of William Russell, clerk of James City county court. He died in Richmond in 1851.

Anthony Robinson moved to Richmond in 1785. About 1797 he moved to Williamsburg as assistant in the office of William Russell. In 1799 he married Russell's daughter and returned to Richmond where he became assistant to William Wirt, the clerk of the House of Delegates. In 1802-3 he returned to live in Williamsburg where he remained until 1814 when he returned to Richmond in the office of Auditor of Public Accounts and later as discount clerk in the Bank of Virginia. In 1850 he became Agent for Pension for the state.

In 1806 he bought 6 ¼ lots valued at $100 via Moody of Williamsburg. From subsequent records we know that these were the lots known as the "Chiswell-Bucktrout" property. In 1815 he conveyed to John Bracken according to the Land Tax Records.

Mrs. Robinson was the niece of Mrs. Jane Hunter Charlton and Margaret Hunter.

Mrs. Robinson's sister, Jane, married Michael B. Poitiaux.

JOHN ROBINSON

Robinson, John, son of John Robinson, president of the council, was born February 3, 1704. He studied at William and Mary College, and after graduation was probably for many years the most influential man in Virginia. He resided in King and Queen county upon the Mattaponi river where his residence was known as "Mt Pleasant." He was a member of the house of burgesses for King and Queen county from 1736 to 1765 and speaker of the house from 1738 to 1765, and treasurer during the same period. As a presiding officer he was compared to Richard Onslow, speaker of the house of commons. As treasurer he ably administered the financial affairs of the colony, but was to free in lending out the colony's money. On his death in 1765/66 it was found that he owed the public £100,761 7s. 5d. It seems certain, however, that he expected to return this sum from the payments of the creditors or from his own estate. In the end this was indeed done and the public suffered no loss. He died May 11, 1766. He married three times (first) Mary Storey, (second) Lucy Moore and (third) Susanna Chiswell, daughter of Colonel Chiswell, of Williamsburg. His only known descendants are those by his daughter Susan of the last marriage, who married Robert Nelson, of "Malvern Hill."

On Saturday night last, the Honourable JOHN ROBINSON, Esq; in the 63d Year of his Age, Speaker to the Honourable House of Burgesses, and Treasurer of this Colony, paid the last Debt to Nature, after labouring some Days with the most excruciating, Torments of the Stone, which he bore with that Christian Fortitude and Resignation to the Divine Will, which had ever dignified his Actions. To say only that he was a good Man, would not be doing Justice to his Excellence; for he was an affectionate Husband, a tender Father, and an universal Friend to Mankind. In a Word, his Soul was animated with every social Virtue, which, from every honest heart, must draw a Tear of Sympathy to the Memory of such a worthy Member of Society.

Sources used in compiling these notes:

• Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., May 16, 1766 (Robinson's Death)
• D.J. Mays, Edmund Pendleton (1721-1803), vols I & II (Cambridge, 1952)
• Virginia Magazine of History, vol XXXVXI, pp. 201, 210 (portrait)
• Ibid., vol XXXV, p. 42 Vestryman Stratton Major Parish
• Charles Campbell's History…of Virginia (Phila 1860) p. 548 (burial place)
• Bishop William Meade's Old Churches & Families, vol I, p. 378 (epitaph on tomb at Mount Pleasant)
• Tyler's Virginia Biography, I, p. 315.

JAMES BARRETT SOUTHALL
(1726-1801)

James Barrett Southall was the son of Dasey and Edith Southall. He was born in October, 1726. he married Frances [Jerdone? Or Jones?] and had these children: John, born 1763; James who was a Major and Captain in 1781-1782; William, commander of the Williamsburg militia in 1780; Frances who married John Daingerfield; Elizabeth who married Peter Randolph of "Chatsworth"; Ann who married Thomas Mutter; George who never married and Peyton who married Helen M. Macauly of Yorktown. She married after Southall's death, Robert Anderson of Williamsburg.

James Barrett Southall was a tavern keeper in Williamsburg many years. He rented Mr. Weatherburn's tavern from ca. 1767 to 1771 when he went to the Raleigh Tavern. He was owner of 6 ¼ lots on Frances Street from ca. 1782 to his death. These lots were known as "the Chiswell property."

Southall insured the Raleigh Tavern in 1896 at $2150. In 1797 he advertised the Tavern for rent stating that "as a public house, it is inferior to none in the place."

Southall died in 1801 in Williamsburg.

SOURCES:

• Armistead Papers 1736-1897 (61), William & Mary Archives, folder 3.
• William and Mary Quarterly, series 1, vol. 12, pp. 29-30.
• The Beverly Family of Virginia, p. 182.
• Tyler's Quarterly Magazine, vol. 8, p. 133.
• Owalthmay's Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution, pp. 728-729.
• Mutual Assurance Society Policy (1796), original Virginia State Archives; copy Colonial Williamsburg.
• The Virginia Gazette and General Advertiser (Richmond) Sept. 20, 1797.
• Williamsburg Land Tax records, Virginia State Library; copy Colonial Williamsburg.
• James City County Land and Personal Property Tax Records, Virginia State Library, copy Colonial Williamsburg.
• Notes on Raleigh Tavern, Research Department.

DR. RICHARD ALSOP WISE

Dr. Richard Alsop Wise, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1843, was the son of Gov. Henry A. Wise of Virginia. He attended private schools in Richmond, Dr. Gessner Harrison's university school, and William and Mary College for two years. He served in the Confederate army as a private in Stuart's cavalry and as assistant inspector-general of Wise's brigade. He was graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1867 and practiced afterwards. From 1869-1880 he was professor at William and Mary College; superintendent of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum 1882-1884; member of the state legislature 1885-1887; clerk of the circuit and county courts of Williamsburg 1887-1893; Republication congressman 1898-1900. Dr. Wise died on December 21, 1901 at Williamsburg, his home.

Henry A. Wise and Virginia P. Wise, children of Dr. Wise, inherited the property on Francis Street, Williamsburg. Henry A. Wise died ca. 1915. Virginia P. Wise sold the property in 1922 to S.D. Freeman, who in 1928 conveyed to W.A.R. Goodwin, acting for the Williamsburg Restoration.

Sources used in compiling these notes:

• Tyler, Lyon G., Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, vol. III, p. 134 (N.Y. 1915)

The Chiswell-Bucktrout property was excavated in 1941 and the report written by Francis Duke. No artifacts are discussed nor is any indication of date provided. It is, however, suggested that the building would have been suitable for servants quarters. The relevant passage is as follows:

• H-11 (see photographs N6704-5)
• Farthest south in the line of outbuildings is a long foundation which contains indications of a large outside chimney at the north end and a double chimney near the south end. The building consisted of two divisions, a long north section with a 13" brick foundation and a short south section with a 9" foundation.
• The south chimney has a small fireplace on its south side, and on the north a larger fireplace which is not, however, as large as that of the north chimney.
• Though the location of this building would seem suitable for servant's quarter, the plan does not follow a common pattern.
• Foundations similarly long and narrow, of as yet unknown purpose, have been found in the Taliaferro-Cole and Patsy Custis lots.

• Brick	-8 ¼" - 8 ½" x 4" x 2 5/8". Very hard, dark brick on north (exterior) chimney with soft red bricks on inside
  Mortar	-Shell
  Condition	-Bad

A search of the archaeological collections has revealed the bowl of an eighteenth-century pewter spoon, the bowl of a latten spoon with a triple spoon mark and dating from the late seventeenth or eighteenth century, as well as the bone back from a toothbrush of the first half (?) of the nineteenth century. The collection houses not one single ceramic fragment of any date, nor does it contain any items of glass or lead. Iron items comprise part of a bit (eighteenth century) two pieces of iron cooking pot and part of an HL hinge (almost certainly nineteenth century) and a large nail or spike of uncertain antiquity.

It is surprising that so large a building should have yielded so little. Nevertheless it might be assumed, on the evidence of the spoons, that the structure served a domestic rather than an industrial purpose. Such evidence alone is, of course, so slender as to be virtually useless. However, coupled with the absence of evidence indicating the presence of a cabinet-maker's workshop or powder-mill, it could conceivably be used to suggest that these operations were not carried out on this site.

I regret that we cannot be more positive.

Dr. Riley asked me to check for any information not included in the house histories of the lots in the vicinity of your dig behind the Chiswell-Bucktrout House.

As you know, the absence of early James City County records eliminates many of the possible sources for documentary evidence from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries for this section of Williamsburg. Tracing the ownership of property in this area, without the benefit of deeds, complicated the writing of the house histories; consequently, the house histories are sketchy and based mainly on indirect information. I have checked the house histories for the section along the south side of Francis Street from the Chiswell-Bucktrout House east to the entrance to Bassett Hall. Though one might question certain conclusions in the house histories, the lack of direct evidence makes discounting these conclusions impossible. The following material includes information found since the house histories were written, combines references from separate house histories, and adds evidence which appears on maps of Williamsburg. Obvious discrepancies occur which might be made clearer if more records were available; however, all known sources have been checked.

A deed (1774) from Philip Ludwell Grymes to James Hubard for five lots - lots 252, 253, 801 [exact location unknown but possibly south of either lot 252 or lot 253], and two lots described as "that tract above granted Lots which was lately the Property of Philip Johnson" — was located in the loose papers of Fredericksburg District Court. These lots were bound "on the South by the Street Laid off by the said Johnson" [see appended deed].

The lots of Philip Johnson referred to in the 1774 deed appear east of Queen Street and below the lots bordering on the south of Francis Street on several maps of the city. The Tyler Map numbers the lots 1-34. The Bucktrout Map (1803) gives the same numbering (unless the numbers were added later). The Lively-Bucktrout Map (1867), like the 1803 map, identifies the lots as "Col. Philip Johnson's Lots, attached to the City—19 Acres and 26 poles, laid off into Lots as above" but does not number the lots. Two acts in Hening's Statutes at Large refer to the lots laid off by Philip Johnson: one dated 1758 states that the land was divided into thirty lots; the act dated 1761 refers to thirty-two lots [see appended Lively-Bucktrout Map and acts].

Dr. Riley asked me to check for any information not included in the house histories of the lots in the vicinity of your dig behind the Chiswell-Bucktrout House.

As you know, the absence of early James City County records eliminates many of the possible sources for documentary evidence from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries for this section of Williamsburg. Tracing the ownership of property in this area, without the benefit of deeds, complicated the writing of the house histories; consequently, the house histories are sketchy and based mainly on indirect information. I have checked the house histories for the section along the south side of Francis Street from the Chiswell-Bucktrout House east to the entrance to Bassett Hall. Though one might question certain conclusions in the house histories, the lack of direct evidence makes discounting these conclusions impossible. The following material includes information found since the house histories were written, combines references from separate house histories, and adds evidence which appears on maps of Williamsburg. Obvious discrepancies occur which might be made clearer if more records were available; however, all known sources have been checked.

A deed (1774) from Philip Ludwell Grymes to James Hubard for five lots - lots 252, 253, 801 [exact location unknown but possibly south of either lot 252 or lot 253], and two lots described as "that tract above granted Lots which was lately the Property of Philip Johnson" — was located in the loose papers of Fredericksburg District Court. These lots were bound "on the South by the Street Laid off by the said Johnson" [see appended deed].

The lots of Philip Johnson referred to in the 1774 deed appear east of Queen Street and below the lots bordering on the south of Francis Street on several maps of the city. The Tyler Map numbers the lots 1-34. The Bucktrout Map (1803) gives the same numbering (unless the numbers were added later). The Lively-Bucktrout Map (1867), like the 1803 map, identifies the lots as "Col. Philip Johnson's Lots, attached to the City—19 Acres and 26 poles, laid off into Lots as above" but does not number the lots. Two acts in Hening's Statutes at Large refer to the lots laid off by Philip Johnson: one dated 1758 states that the land was divided into thirty lots; the act dated 1761 refers to thirty-two lots [see appended Lively-Bucktrout Map and acts].

The street mentioned on the 1774 deed as the southern boundary does not appear on any of the above maps or in the acts quoted in Hening. Extending Ireland Street to the east would have given access to all of Johnson's lots. Evidence that Ireland Street extended to the east by 1873 appears in Deed Book I, pp. 433-434 [Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse]. The location of Joseph M. Walthall's house and lot which would have included at least on of John's lots, was described as bounded on the north by Francis Street, on the west by Queen Street, and on the south by Ireland Street.

The drawing of Williamsburg included in the Simcoe papers in our manuscript collection shows a street south of Francis Street which appears to run in front of Tazewell Hall. The undated map which identifies the public buildings, including the courthouse and hospital, was made sometime after 1774. Since some parts show great detail but other parts have obvious errors such as the location of Nicholson Street, it may be a composite drawing made from earlier sketches [see appended map].

The Southall Papers [a collection of late eighteenth and early nineteenth century material from the files of the Williamsburg lawyer George W. Southall] and the Finnie Accounts [accounts, 1776-1780, of William Finnie, District Quartermaster General] were checked for material relating to lots owned by Benjamin Bucktrout. The references in the Southall Papers to land owned by Benjamin Bucktrout concerned land outside of Williamsburg. One item of interest was located in this collection: an order for the sergeant to apply to Richard M. Bucktrout for the plan of the city drawn by his father in 1804. [see appended order]. Two entries for 1779 in the Finnie accounts refer to property of Benjamin Bucktrout in Williamsburg. On May 25th William Finnie, DQMG Accounts 1776-1780, Auditor's Item, Virginia State Archives].

No written evidence has been located to identify a tailor with the lot directly east of the Chiswell-Bucktrout House. In May, 1773m, Archibald Diddep, tailor, advertised that he had moved to a house next to Dr. Pasteur's [Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., May 13, 1773, p. 3]. Dr. William Pasteur was living in the Semple House at that time. Other advertisements and tax records place Diddep on lot 255, just west of the Semple House from 1773 until his death in 1785. Diddep is the only tailor we can identify with this section of Williamsburg. The tailor named Grymes whom Dr. Riley spoke to you about was John Grymes. We have only one reference to this man who did some work for the Burwell's at Carter's Grove from 1779-1782 [Ledger, 1779-1786, Burwell Papers, Colonial Williamsburg Incorporated].

Deed of Philip Ludwell Grymes to James Hubard

This indenture made the first day of November in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy four. Between Philip Ludwell Grymes Esqr. of Brandon in the County of Middlesex and Judith his Wife of the one part, and James Hubard of the City of Williamsburg of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Philip Ludwell Grymes Esqr. and Judith his wife for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred pounds Current money of Virginia to him and in hand by the said James Hubard at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof doth acquit the said James Hubard his executors and Administrators, have and each of them hath granted, bargained, sold aliened, released and Confirmed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and Confirm unto the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns forever, all that Messuage or Brick dwelling House situate on the South side of Francis Street in the City of Williamsburg, also three Lots of land on which or one of them the said dwelling House standeth and which said lots of Land are described in the plan of the said City by the figures 252. 801. and 253 and all houses outhouses buildings on the said Lots, or on either of them now standing or being and a seat or pew in the South Gallery of the Church of Bruton in the said City usually occupied by the family of the said Philip Ludwell Grymes Esqr. together with all Commodities, emoluments, profits and appurtenances whatsoever to the said granted Messuages and Lots of Land belonging or in any wise appertaining or therewith usually occupied, used, or enjoyed, or accepted reputed taken or known to be part or parcel thereof, and also all that tract or parcel of Land, situate lying and adjoining to the South of the three above granted Lots which was lately the Property of Philip Johnson, and bounded on the West by the lots of Richard Adams, and William Acrill Esquires, on the East by the lot of Benjamin Harrison Esqr. and on the South by the Street Laid off by the said Johnson, with all Houses thereon and also the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents and Services of the said premises, and all and every part thereof with all the estate right, title, Interest, Claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Philip Ludwell Grymes and Judith his Wife, of in and to the said Messuage page 2 Dwelling house and premises and every part and parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said Messuage and dwelling House and all and singular the said Lots and premises above mentioned and every part and parcel thereof with all the appurtenances unto the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Philip Ludwell Grymes for him and his heirs, the said Messuage or dwelling House and premises, and every part thereof, against him and his heirs, and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever to the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. And the said Philip Ludwell Grymes for himself and his heirs doth Covenant and agree with the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns that he will sign seal and execute any other Instrument of writing for the further Conveying and assuring the said Messuage or dwelling house and all the premises hereby granted unto the said James Hubard his heirs and assigns as he shall be desired for that purpose. And the said James Hubard doth convenant and agree for himself and his heirs and assigns to and with the said Philip Ludwell Grymes that he and his said wife shall have free liberty and permission to sit and use the seat or pew hereby granted to the said James Hubard in the Church of Bruton. In Witness whereof the parties to these presents, have subscribed their hands and affixed their Seals, the day and year above written.

Philip L Grymes SL
Judith Grymes SL

Sealed and delivered
In presence of
Thos. Nelson Junr., J. Ambler
Wm Rynolds, Thos. Everard

George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King defender of the Faith &c. To Thomas Nelson Junr. Jacquelin Ambler and William Rynolds Gent. Greetings. Whereas Philip Ludwell Grymes and Judith his wife by their certain Indenture of bargain and sale bearing date the first day of November 1774 have sold and conveyed unto James Hubard the fee simple estate of five Lots of Land with the appurtenances lying and being in the City of Williamsburg in the County of James City of which said Lots three are described in the plan of the said City of Williamsburg by the figures 252. 801 and 253, and whereas the said Judith Grymes cannot conveniently travel to our General Court of this Dominion to make acknowledgement of the said conveyance Therefore we do give unto you or any page 3 Two or more of you power to receive the acknowledgement which the said Judith shall be willing to make before you of the conveyance aforesaid, contained in the said Indenture which is hereunto annexed, and we do therefore command you that you do personally go to the said Judith and receive her acknowledgement of the same and examine her privily and apart from the said Philip her husband whether she doth the same freely and voluntarily without his persuasions or threats and whether she be willing that the same should be recorded in our said general Court and when you have received her acknowledgement and examined her as aforesaid that you disctinctly and openly Certify us thereof in our said General Court under your Seals sending then there the said Indenture and this Writ. Witness John Earl of Dunmore our Lieutenant and Governor General at Williamsburg the first day of November in the fifteenth year of our reign.
Ben. Waller

By Virtue of this Writ. We did go to the within named Judith and examined her priviliy and apart from Philip Ludwell Grymes her husband, and before us she acknowledged the Indenture annexed to be her act and deed and declared she did the same freely and voluntarily without the persuasions or threats of her husband and that she was willing the same should be recorded in the General Court. Certified under our hands and seals this 4th day of February 1775.
Thos. Nelson Junr. SL
J. Ambler SL

Virginia to wit
At a General Court held at the Capitol the 17th day of April 1775. This Indenture was proved by the Oaths of Thomas Nelson Junr. William Rynolds and Thomas Everard Witnesses thereto, and together with the commission annexed, and the certificate of the execution thereof, Ordered to be recorded.
Teste
Ben. Waller C.G.C.

A Copy,
Teste
Peyton Drew C.G.C.

[endorsed]
1775 Book 29, page 637
Grymes & Wife
To Copy Deed
Hubard

Mr. And Mrs. Grymes were well known residents of Middlesex and Genl Thos Nelson & Mr. Ambler inhabitants of York and magistrates of York County.

Swann
Vs
Seldon

Extd by deft
W.C. Seldon
Octo: 11: 1830

Source:

• Loose Papers, Fredericksburg District Court.
  Submittd by George H.S. King
  1303 Prince Edward Street
  Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
  11 August 1967

Plot of the City of Williamsburg

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. [1758]

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, 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 and Elizabeth his wife, 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 hath been represented to this general assembly by the said Philip Johnson, that he hath laid off seventeen acres and 26 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 26 poles so laid off into lots, 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 inhabitants of the said city, and shall be subject to the same jurisdiction, rules and government with the other inhabitants of the said city.

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. [1761]

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 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 hereafer 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 pf 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 fee simple 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 great 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.

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-Governor, 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 & assigns for ever; and that the said forty-three acres of land, with the appurtenaces, 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, privileges 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.

Simcoe Papers 1781-1806

Southall Papers
Folder 197