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 (1803) of Williamsburg.

IN SUMMARY:

Because the lots lie in that part of Williamsburg which was in James City county it is difficult if not impossible to get clear titles 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 Chiswell's property though Mrs. Chiswell the widow may have continued to live at the property until the sale in 1770. Sometime prior to 1779 Benjamin Bucktrout, a carpenter and cabinet-maker, apparently had acquired the property. He had been located on Francis Street in October, 1774 though records do not seem to justify saying that he was on this property then. In 1777 Bucktrout had a store somewhere in Williamsburg and a 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 the location in 1779. Monsieur Jean Cadou, dancing and fencing teacher, advertised that he could be found "at Davenport's" and Monsieur de Chef de Bien, limner, offered his talents, also, stating that he was "at Mr. William Davenport's." As Bucktrout at this period owned only ¼ lot in the city, it would seem that he had sold the Chiswell property. However, we do not know the owner from ca. 1779 to 1806 when Anthony Robinson, lawyer and son-in-law of William Russell, clerk of the Williamsburg General Court, had become owner, As Robinson (from the Land Tax Records) gained the property via Moody, and as Philip Moody was sergeant of the town then, it may be that Robinson bought from the Chiswell estate because Bucktrout had never owned the property in fee simple. Robinson owned the property until 1814 when he conveyed to Reverend John Bracken, president of William and Mary College, who lived there until his death in 1818. Bracken's daughter, Julia Bracken Avery, was the next owner. She held it until ca. 1839 when Mrs. Susan Byrd purchased it and soon sold to Lemuel J. Bowden. Bowden was the owner and occupant until around the Civil War when he moved into a new house on Duke of Gloucester Street near the church. The new house is now known as the "Armistead House." A gap in title occurs until 1889 when James L. Slater was owner. In 1895 Slater sold to Richard G. Wise. He or his heirs held until 1922, when it was conveyed to S. D. Freeman. In 1928 it was bought by Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a very long house on this lot with two outbuildings to the south. The plats of the city made ca. 1803 by Bucktrout and the College Map (1791?) indicate the name "Chiswell" — a confusing situation in view of the fact that Chiswell died in 1766.

PHOTOSTAT COPY OF THE WILLIAMSBURG PLAT IN "WILLIAMSBURG, THE OLD COLONIAL CAPITOL" BY LYON G. TYLER

LOCATION:

The Chiswell-Bucktrout house is located on the south side of Francis Street in Williamsburg near the Capitol. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) opposite page. The lots are marked "Chiswell."

HISTORY:

Nearly all deeds or wills relating to lots in James City county court records or in the General Court records were destroyed during the Civil War. This precludes any chance of giving a clear title to these lots. From scattered evidence such as newspapers, family papers, suits and a few statutes, it has been possible to interpret the ownership of these lots only from ca. 1766 to the present.

Available facts point to Colonel John Chiswell¹ as the first owner of whom there is any record. Just when or how he came into possession cannot be said, nor can we know, definitely, if he was owner in fee simple. However, sometime prior to 1766 Chiswell was living at this location on Francis Street.²

Colonel Chiswell was a member of the House of Burgesses from Hanover County from 1742-1758. He represented Williamsburg from 1756-1758. He owned property in Williamsburg as early as 1752. In August, 1752, he and George Gilmer bought the Raleigh Tavern from Alexander Finnie.³ Eckenrode, The Randolphs, c1946, p. 36. 2 There are accounts of "Messrs Chiswell & Gilmer in Williamsburg" with Francis Jerdone, merchant at Yorktown, in 1751-'52; "Col. John Chiswell of Williamsburg" in 1754; and "Col John Chiswell" 1751.¹ From 1752-1766, Chiswell had slaves baptized in Bruton Parish.² Sometime prior to 1761 Colonel Chiswell owned lots 329-331 on Palace Green.³ From 1761-'63 Chiswell had accounts with Alexander Craig, sadler, in the city.⁴

The Chiswells occupied a prominent place in the community of Williamsburg. She was a daughter of William Randolph of "Turkey Island"; he was a son of Charles Chiswell, once Clerk of the General Court. Susannah Chiswell, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Chiswell, married Speaker and Treasurer John Robinson.⁵ Together with Robinson, William Byrd and Governor Fauquier, Colonel Chiswell owned valuable lead mines in Wythe County. In the opinion of Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, Mrs. Chiswell ranked with Mrs. Dinwiddie, and "Mrs. Attorney," wife of John Randolph, — for he requested "Mrs. Dinwiddie, Mrs. Attorney and Mrs. Chiswell or one of them to take her [his young daughter] under their care for a year or two in order to her further improvement."⁶ "Mr. Attorney" was the first cousin of Mrs. Chiswell; her aunt was Mrs. William Stith, wife of the president of William and Mary College and her brother, Peter Randolph, was a member of the Council.

In 1766 while in a tavern in Cumberland county, John Chiswell Alexander Welbourne Weddell, ed., Virginia Historical Portraiture 1585-1830, 1930, p. 169. 3 quarrelled with a Scotch merchant, Robert Rutledge, and called him "a fugitive rebel, a villain who came to Virginia to cheat and defraud men of their property, and a Presbyterian fellow…" according to one witness.¹ Chiswell killed Rutledge, was arrested, and was let out of jail on bail by three friends, John Blair, Presley Thornton and William Byrd. Chiswell's death on October 15, 1766 before the time of the trial, was explained by John Randolph thus:

On Wednesday last (15th) about 2 P.M. died at his House in this city Col. John Chiswell, after a short illness. The causes of his death by the Judge't of his physicians upon oath, were nervous fits owing to constant uneasiness of the mind. [The editor adds, "Notwithstanding this he is believed to have committed suicide."] ²

Speaker John Robinson, Chiswell's son-in-law, died on May 11th 1766 just a few months prior to Colonel Chiswell's death.³ As Robinson owed the state over £1,000,000 as Treasurer, an Act was passed in November, 1769 "for the more speedy and effectual recovery of the debt to the public from the estate of the late treasurer":

I. …It is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, [Assembly] That Edmund Pendleton and Peter Lyons, gentlemen, surviving administrators of the said John Robinson, or the survivor of them, shall, within six months from the passing of this act, fairly sell and dispose of all the lands, slaves, goods and chattels, and other estate of which the said John Robinson died seized and possessed, for all the interest which the said John Robinson had therein, or which he might lawfully part with, except the dower, or Susanna Robinson, his widow, upon twelve months credit, for the best price that can be had, and convey the same to the purchaser or purchasers in fee simple, who shall thereafter respectively hold the same, discharged of the title of the said John Robinson, and his heirs, and all claiming under him.

4

II. …

III. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the money to be raised, by virtue of this act, shall be accounted for by the said Edmund Pendleton and Peter Lyons [executors], and after deducting the expences of sale and collection, shall be paid to Robert Carter Nicholas, esq; treasurer of this colony, or to the treasurer for the time being,… to be by him applied towards the redemption of the treasury notes, and accounted for to the general assembly, until the balance due from the estate of the said John Robinson to the public, with the interest thereof, is fully paid and discharged; and when that is done, the surplus, if any, shall be applied in a legal course of administration of the said estate. And whereas part of the said John Robinson's lands are subject to the dower of Mrs. Elizabeth Chiswell; and if that dower should be laid off, and if the dower of the said Susanna Robinson should be assigned in each particular tract of land, it might prejudice the sales thereof, and it would be beneficial to the public, and enhance the sale if the said Edmund Pendleton and Peter Lyons, were allowed to compound for the said dowers:

IV. Be it therefore enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the said Edmund Pendleton and Peter Lyons shall have full power and authority to make any contract or contracts with the said Elizabeth Chiswell and Susanna Robinson, or either of them, for procuring their respective releases of dower in any of the lands of the said John Robinson, in which they are severally intitled to such dower, either by allotting them, and either of them, certain tracts of land in lieu of dower in the whole, or by allowing them the usual proportion of the money for which the lands shall sell, as to them shall appear just and equitable;…¹

In 1768 Mrs. Chiswell paid 9 tithes, chariot tax and quit tax on 200 acres in James City County.²

In June, 1768 Miss Polly Chiswell married Warner Lewis, Jr., in Williamsburg.³ This would be further indication that the Chiswells had not removed from the house following Colonel Chiswell's death.

The provision of the Act calling for a sale was carried out on 5 December 28, 1769, in a long announcement by Edmund Pendleton and Peter Lyons in the Virginia Gazette of the approaching sale of Robinson's plantations, and property in Williamsburg:

[December 28, 1769]

IN OBEDIENCE TO THE DIRECTION OF THE HOUSE OF BURGESSES, and by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of this colony, we shall proceed to sell all the estate of John Robinson, Esq; deceased, late Treasurer of Virginia, on twelve months credit… [date set for sale of Scotchtown, Mankahick, 4700 acres in Spotsylvania county, plantation below Morocosick bridge, "plantation where Mrs. Robinson now lives, lying on Mattapony river, in King and Queen county," Turner's warehouses &c., land belonging to the lead mines, Dismal Swamp company and other plantations…]

On Monday the 30th day of April will be sold on the premises, at Williamsburg, the houses and lots in the Back street, where Mrs. Chiswell now lives, which are conveniently and pleasantly situated, and so well known that it is useless to describe them. At the same time and place will be sold, the household and kitchen furniture, and several fine SLAVES, chiefly house-servants; also a chariot and horses, some milch cows, &c…
EDMUND PENDLETON.
PETER LYONS.¹

From the above two citations, we learn that Robinson owned property "in the Back street," in Williamsburg on which there were houses in which Mrs. Chiswell lived;² that Mrs. Chiswell had dower rights; and that Mrs. Robinson did not live in Williamsburg but at her plantation on Mattapony river in King and Queen county.

A few days prior to the proposed sale, the administrators ran this notice in the Virginia Gazette which called attention to the sale: 6

[April 5, 1770]

On Monday the30^th of Aprilwill be SOLD at Williamsburg, on the premisses,
THE HOUSES and LOTS in the back street, belonging to Mr. Robinson's estate, now in the occupation of Mrs. Chiswell, which are pleasantly and conveniently situated; also the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE in and belonging to them, several valuable SLAVES, being the servants usually employed in and about the house and kitchen, a CHARIOT and HORSES, a good COACHMAN, some MILCH COWS &c. At the same time and place will be sold a TRACT of LAND in James City county,…Lilliput, adjoining the plantation of Mr. Benjamin Weldon, containing about 400 acres. [other property to be sold also]…¹

The sale was held the last of April. Pendleton's accounts of administration show that Robinson's property in Williamsburg, "Lands had of Chiswell," brought £480:

SALES OF THE ROBINSON ESTATE Sales of the Estate of John Robinson Esqr.

Time of Sale	Place of Sale	Lands had of Chiswell	Other Lands	Slaves
1770 April	Williamsburg	£480	£533	£843.11.0

²

No other accounts of the Chiswells in Williamsburg have been located in any records. Just who bought the property is not known. There is some reason to believe that Benjamin Bucktrout,³ cabinet-maker, may have purchased it from the Chiswell estate.⁴ A strange item found in the Edward Charlton Account Book seems to indicate that Bucktrout paid "part House rent" to a Mr. Holt in 1776: 7.

1776	Mr Benjamin Bucktrout	Dr
	Jany To five Years Shavg	£5.0.0
	To part House rent pay Mr Holt	13.6.8

¹

Whether this bill was a past shaving account unpaid to Charlton and part rent to Holt as agent we do not know. We know from subsequent records to follow in the report that Bucktrout advertised "the House formerly Colonel Chiswell's" where he was then living (in 1779) for sale. (To follow chronologically in the report.)

We shall give Bucktrout's business-history in Williamsburg from 1771 to August, 1779:

[May 9, 1771]

Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD cheap for ready Money, by the Subscriber, in WILLIAMSBURG, A NEAT and ELEGANT ASSORTMENT of PAPER HANGINGS, of various Kinds, and of the newest Fashions, for Staircases, Rooms, and Ceilings; namely, embossed, Stocco, Chintz, striped, Mosaick, Damask, and common Rooms papered in the neatest Manner, and on reasonable Terms.
⸫ BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.²

Sept. 17, 1771.

To be SOLD, any Time, betwixt this and October Court, for ready Money, SUNDRY fine PRINTS done by Mr. FRY, and some ELECTION PIECES BY Hogarth, the Property of a Gentleman gone to England. They may be seen at any Time on applying to
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.

N.B. Sundry neat PAPER HANGINGS to be sold. —— — —Rooms neatly papered on reasonable Terms.³

Williamsburg, July 4, 1774.

I HAVE for Sale, for ready Money, the following Articles, viz. MATRASSES, made of the best English curled Hair, without 8 any Addition of Tow or Wool; HAIR SEATING for Chairs; BOXES of TYPES for marking Linen, Books, &c. PAPER HANGINGS, of the best Kinds, and most fashionable Patterns. — I have likewise to dispose of, the Remainder of the Time of an indented young Woman from Ireland, who was bred up as a Spinner in one of the first Linen Manufactures in that Kingdom; and the sole Reason of my parting with her is, my not having Employ for her,…
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.¹

[October 27, 1774]

Just Imported, and to be SOLD cheap for ready Money, by the Subscriber in Francis Street, Williamsburg, FINE Bottled Porter, Taunton Beer, Gloucester Cheese, Negro Plains, Kendal Cottons, Plain and Striped Blankets, Fine Lustrings of different Patterns, Yorkshire Cloths, Patterns for Mens Surtout Coats, with Trimmings to each, Mens fine and coarse Hats, Velvet bound Hats with Roses, Mens Boots, Womens and Childrens Leather Shoes, Mens Gloves, Womens fine French Kid Gloves, Guns, Silver mounted and plain Pistols, Saddles complete, Whips, Hair Brooms and Brushes, Wool and Playing Cards, Horn Lanthorns, Plaistering Trowels, Sets of Types for marking of Linen, Checks and Striped Holland, Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Paper Hangings for Rooms, Best Durham Mustard, Blue and White Water Jugs, Chamber Pots, Quart and Pint Mugs, Milk Pans, Sage and Balm Tea Pots, Coffin Furniture, Hair Seating for Chairs, Matrasses, Glass Salts, Vinegar Cruits, Salt, &c. &c.
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.²

This is the first mention made as to Bucktrout's shop on Francis Street.

[February 4, 1775]

BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT,
CABINET MAKER, IN FRANCIS STREET, WILLIAMSBURG,
STILL carries on that Business in all its Branches, where Ladies and Gentlemen may be supplied with any Sort of Cabinet Work in the best and neatest Manner… I return those Ladies and Gentlemen who were pleased to favour me with their Commands, my most grateful Thanks, and hope for a Continuance of their Favours, which to merit shall always be the Study of their most humble Servant,
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.

N.B. I should be glad to take one or two Apprentices of bright Genuises, and of good Dispositions, and such whose Friends are willing to find them in Clothes.³

In 1775 the Virginia Military Treasury Account Book shows that Benjamin Bucktrout was paid for "iron potts for public use."¹

On February 7, 1776 Bucktrout was paid "£77.6.9 for sundries for the Use of the army."² And, on February 27, 1776, he was paid "£17.8.0 for 6 Guns furnished the public."³

On the 19th of February, [1776] John Page wrote to Richard Lee concerning a powder mill which Bucktrout, ingenuously, had erected in Williamsburg. Page highly endorsed the mill and stated that he would encourage Bucktrout "to go on with his work."

On February 19th John Page wrote to Richard Henry Lee:

"I moved too, with the like success, that the sum of £40 should be paid to Bucktrout, for his ingenuity in constructing, and to defray the expenses of erecting a powder mill; and to enable him to prosecute his plan of working up the Salt Petre which may be collected in the neighbouring Counties, with his Hand Powder Mill now at work in this City. The President [Pendleton]—altho' I told the Committee I would engage to make 100 lbs. of Powder per day with it, and endeavoured to show the necessity of encouraging such a work — declared that in his opinion it was a Bauble, — and 5 members were of opinion that it was not worth the reward I proposed. I was ashamed for the Committee, and very much hurt to find that my recommendation of a machine which I understood perfectly and had seen tried, and a man of whose ingenuity I had before produced proofs by showing powder of his making and proving its excellence by actual experiments, had not the least weight with the Committee. The mill, Sir, alone, well attended, might supply a great part of our Country with Powder. I shall do all I can to encourage the man to go on with his work. I think private subscriptions, until the Convention meets, may enable him to be very serviceable. The Committee indeed, on finding that many people in Town entertain an high opinion of this Mill, begin to appear willing to give 10 some kind of encouragement to it." (Southern Literary Messenger, XXVII, 255.)¹

A letter in the Lee Papers, February 20, 1776 — John Page to Richard Henry Lee, Williamsburg had this statement: "Committee has ordered down the saltpetre which had been sent to Petersburg to be worked up by Bucktrout—hope this will encourage him to carry on manufacturing gun-powder to a large extent."²

Another letter of Page's to Thomas Jefferson continued to urge that Bucktrout's powder mill be taken into consideration and if possible, funds allotted to assist in operations:

"Wmsburg April the 26th. 1776

My dear Jefferson
…
Would you believe it, that we have not yet erected one Powder Mill at the public Expence, and that the only one which has received any Encouragement from the Public has made but about 700 lb., and that I have not been able to procure the least Assistance from the Committee for Bucktrout's hand-Mill, except their selling him about 400 lb. of Salt-petre of the Shops half dirt and common Salt for which they demand 3/ per lb., although his Mill is an elegant Machine and 2 Men can work it with ease, beating with 6 Pestles weighing 60 lbs. each in Mortars containing 20 lbs. of Paste, and he has actually beat 120 lb. of Powder in them and grained 40 lb. which has been used in proving Cannon &c. and which was found to be strong and good under every disadvantage of want of Sieves and being made with bad Sulphur and Nitre. And he has been at great Pains in erecting his Mill and Apparatus for it, and for a Salt-petre work with it, yet the Committee of Safety refused any Motion to allow him 30 or 40 Pounds as a Reward for his public Spirit and Ingenuity and to enable him to go on with his Plan. They insist on it that the premium of 6/ per lb. is sufficient Encouragement for making Gun powder, and are deaf to my Argument that Works of this Sort can not be erected and set a going without a good Stock of Money and that Premiums will do very well to keep up any Art once introduced, but are by no Means sufficient to introduce it into ready and general Use. This Powder 11 Mill is so simple that if it were once cleverly at Work it would please every one who saw it, and would lead numbers of ingenious People to erect such in different Parts of the Country. There might be one in every Coun[ty] which in my Opinion might work up the Salt-petre which ought to be made in each County, and in this Manner Powder enough might be made for all America…
John Page"¹

On February 27th, 1777 Page reported to Lee from Williamsburg: "…The two private Powder mills — for there are none belonging to the public — stand still for want of Saltpetre…"²

Research has not located Bucktrout's powder mill.

We do not know the location of Bucktrout's cabinet-making shop except it was "on Francis Street." We do not know where he made the powder as above described by John Page. On the extreme southern part of the lot, archaeological findings (1941) located long foundations (22' 10 3/8") with large fireplace (10' 7¼") at north end with another fireplace (smaller) at south end. An addition towards the south showed fireplace (2' 4¼"). See: drawing in Illustration #2 by James Knight. According to Mr. Knight, it was most unusual to find evidence of a brick building with three fireplaces. A smaller square building foundation (8' 1/") was found to the northwest of the building. To what use these buildings were put is not known. They may have been slave quarters or it is not impossible to think they may have been the cabinet making shop or possible the combination of cabinet-making and powder-mill shop. No artifacts were uncovered to add any light on the use to which this building was put.³

In February, 1777, Bucktrout had been appointed Purveyor and Steward to the Continental Hospital at Williamsburg: "And Benjamin Bucktrout is allowed two Dollars per Day for acting as Purveyor & Steward to the Hospital."¹

Though "Joseph Hay had been appointed apothecary to the Hospital with the pay of two Dollars and four Rations per Day he being restricted from any private practice," it seems that Bucktrout was allowed to continue with his store: "a cargo of goods just imported from St. Eustatia [will] be sold at publick vendue, at Mr. Bucktrout's store in Williamsburg."² And, in June, 1777 Bucktrout furnished rum at the meeting of the Botetourt Masonic Lodge in Williamsburg.³

In December, 1778, a warrant was issued by the Council "for Eight hundred pounds payable to Benjamin Bucktrout upon Account as Purveyor to the Public Hospitals."⁴

In March, 1779 "Thomas Russell was appointed Purveyor of the Public Hospital in y^e room of Benj^a Bucktrout who hath resigned."⁵

In August, 1779, Bucktrout offered for sale "the house formerly belonging to Colonel Chiswell" on Francis Street, as well as some of his household furniture and furnishings, cabinet-maker's tools, and seasoned wood for cabinet-making and building — the reason given that he expected to leave the state in October: 13

[August 28, 1779]

TO be sold betwixst this and the 27th of September, at private sale; the houses and lots where the subscriber lives, formerly belonging to Colonel Chiswell, it is very well calculated for a tavern as there is every necessary requisite, with a very good pasture joining. Also will be sold for ready money, on Wednesday the 22d of September, a variety of household and kitchen furniture, consisting of beds, bedding, mohogany chairs, tables, and chest of draws, hansome looking-glasses, Queen's china plates and dishes, ivory handled knives and forks, and an easy chair. Likewise two riding chairs and harness, two carts with harness for four horses, three very good milch cows, three good chair horses, two mare colts,… a negro woman, who is an exceeding good washer and ironer; likewise will be sold a chest of cabinet makers and house joiners tools, with a quantity of very fine broad one, two, and three inch mohogany plank, which has been cut this five years, a parcel of shingles, pine and oak plank and scantling, nails of different sizes, window glass 8 by 10, and many other articles.

⸫All persons indebted to the subscriber are desired to settle their accounts by the last of September; and those who have accounts are desired to apply for payment… I intend leaving this state in October next. BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.

If the house is not sold by the time mentioned, it will be rented by the last of September, for which bond and security will be required by B. B.¹

William Davenport,² tavern keeper, rented: 14

[October 2, 1779]

WILLIAM DAVENPORT
BEGS leave to inform the publick in general, and his friends in particular, that he has opened TAVERN in the house formerly occupied by Col. Chiswell, and lately by Benjamin Bucktrout, situate on the back street; and assures all those who please to favour him with their custom, that nothing in his power shall be lacking to give universal satisfaction. He has got good pasturage, but will not be answerable for horses that may stray or be stolen.¹

Shortly after the above notice, two Frenchmen: one a dancing teacher; the other a limner, announced that they were lodging at William Davenports:

[November 13, 1779]

MONSIEUR JEAN CADOU, takes this publick method of acquainting the Gentlemen and Ladies, that he intend opening a DANCING SCHOOL in this city. Those who choose to encourage him will please send or write to him at Mr. William Davenports where he lodges. He likewise propose teaching Gentlemen to FENCE in all its different branches, and will wait upon them by inquiring as above.²

[November 20, 1779]

MONSIEUR JEAN CADOU intends opening a DANCING SCHOOL, on Monday next, at the house of Mr. Cornelius De Forest, and will teach on Mondays and Tuesdays, for 50 dollars per month. He will also teach Ladies the FRENCH LANGUAGE, either at their own houses, or at the house of Mr. De Forest: Price the same as for dancing. Gentlemen may make application to him at Captain William Davenport's, in the back street.³

[November 20, 1779]

MONSIEUR DE CHEF DE BIEN, LIMNER IN MINATURE,
BEGS leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, who are desirous of having their pictures drawn in miniature, that they will be waited upon, by addressing a line to him at Mr. William Davenports.⁴

Bucktrout, evidently, became a Tory during the last part of the 15 Revolutionary War:

[November 24, 1781]

At the request of the Common Hall of this City, I am to inform your Excellency, that a number of Persons who were formerly residents of this Town, and who joined the British Army, have, since Lord Cornwallis' Reduction, returned here; and are at this time, quietly enjoying the privileges and advantages of good citizens which we cannot conceive they are entitled to. I have inclosed a List of such of them as can be recollected at present, and have no doubt that some mode will be adopted by the Executive to enquire into this matter.
Jacob Williams
Joseph Thompson
Henry Drake Watson
Benj. Bucktrout
James Hubard jnr:
Wm. Hill
James Ross¹

This is the only known account of Bucktrout's going off with Cornwallis. If Dr. Lyon Tyler is correct in assuming that Bucktrout had married a daughter of John Earnshaw, collector of the Upper ports of James River 1767-1775, then Bucktrout as a loyalist may have gone to England in 1777 to return with Cornwallis in 1781. Bucktrout may have been influenced by his father-in-law.² Further reason to believe that Page's account is correct as to Bucktrout's Tory association, is that in the Public Record List appears the name of James Hubard who was from Williamsburg.

Williamsburg Land Tax records — which include many lots in the James City part of Williamsburg — list Benjamin Bucktrout as owner of only ¼ lot.³ This would seem to imply that Bucktrout had succeeded in selling 16 the Francis Street property either in 1779 or sometime prior to 1782. Davenport's name does not appear in the tax records. This would indicate that he did not own lots in the city; however, some lot owners in the James City part of Williamsburg are not listed in the Land Tax records.

On the Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) there appears to be a very long house on this lot with two outbuildings to the south.¹ The plats of the city made ca. 1803 by Bucktrout,² and the College Map (1791?)³ only add to the confusion. In spite that Bucktrout occupied the Chiswell house and apparently had the right to sell it in 1779, both of the plats referred to above put the name, "Chiswell" on three lots on Francis Street and four to the south. Lot #9 marked "Chiswell or Robinson" seems to verify the connection between Chiswell's and John Robinson's property. No explanation can be found for so designating these lots as "Chiswell" unless the Chiswell estate held mortgage and Bucktrout never owned the property in fee simple.

In 1788 Bucktrout applied to the Executive "for his pay as Purveyor to Hospitals in the late War." He could collect the warrant he held from the Treasury and "begs to be allowed annual payment of interest thereon…"⁴

In 1806 Anthony Robinson, lawyer and a son-in-law of William Russell, clerk of the general court in Williamsburg, had become owner of the property: "8¼ lots via Moody." As Philip Moody owned only 3¼ lots (all accounted for) and as he was deputy sheriff at the time, it may 17 be that he was having a forced sale of the Chiswell-Robinson estate which had not been entirely settled or of Bucktrout's property. As there are no deeds to this property extant, it is not possible to clear this point. However, an insurance policy for 1806 giving the Ewing estate, described it as "between the Lotts of Josias Moody on the West and the Lott of Anthony Robinson on the East in the county of James City."¹

Robinson had been living in Williamsburg from ca. 1803. He continued to reside there until 1814 when he moved to Richmond to the office of Auditor of Public Accounts.² While in Williamsburg he settled the estates of William Russell, his father-in-law, and of Mrs. Jane Charlton, great-aunt of Mrs. Robinson and a well-known milliner in the city.³

In 1814 Robinson conveyed the property to Reverend John Bracken, President of William and Mary College and Rector of Bruton Parish Church for over forty years.⁴ The Land Tax shows the change in ownership thus: "Anthony Robinson & Elizabeth his wife to John Bracken Certain House and Lotts of land lying and being in the said City of Williamsbg."⁵ Land Tax records for 1815 give: "8¼ lot via Anthony Robinson and Elizabeth his wife——$120."⁶

Bracken continued to own the property until his death in 1818 when it became the property of his daughter, Mrs. Julia Bracken Avery, wife of 18 George Avery one of the operators and owners of the Dismal Swamp Land Company. Mrs. Avery paid personal property taxes in the city from 1820 to 1828.¹ We assume that she was living at this location during that time. Mrs. Avery, apparently, was the owner until sometime ca. 1840 when she conveyed to Mrs. Susan Byrd,² widow of Addison Byrd, grandson of William Byrd III:

[January 29, 1840]

[Susan Byrd of Williamsburg to Lemuel J. Bowden of Williamsburg Consideration: $2000]

…has granted, bargained and so let and by these presents does grant, bargain and sell unto the said Lemuel J. Bowden, his heirs and assigns all that piece, parcel or lot of land lying, being and situate in the City of Williamsburg, on Francis Street, purchased by her of J. C. Avery, which piece of land contains by estimation five acres, more or less, together with the dwelling house and other buildings, stables, yards, gardens, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, to the said piece or parcel of land…and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof. The said piece or parcel of land and the houses thereto attached are the same lately occupied by George W. McCandlish, and purchased by Susan Byrd of Julia C. Avery, by deed dated on the _____ day of _____, and recorded in the Hustings Court office of the City of Williamsburg…
S. Byrd Seal³ [Recorded Williamsburg Hustings Court January 29, 1840]

From the above we learn that George W. McCandlish⁴ was living on the property prior to its sale by Mrs. Byrd. From another source, we know that McCandlish was there in 1837.⁵

From 1840 to 1861 (when the Williamsburg Land Tax records cease), Lemuel J. Bowden¹ was owner.²

In December 1857, Lemuel J. Bowden insured his dwelling, furniture thus:

…On his Dwelling House in Williamsburg	$1800
On his Furniture therein	500

³

Because the court records for Williamsburg and James City county were destroyed in 1865 it is impossible to trace title until 1889 when James L. Slater acquired the property:

[November 20, 1889]

[Sydney Smith, special commissioner by decree of May 18, 1889, in Chancery Suit of Porter and wife vs Bowden's Personal Representative,
to
James L. Slater]

…All that certain lot of land, in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, fronting 130 feet on Francis Street and running back between parallel lines 96 feet, and bounded as follows: On the east by property of Delia A. Braithwaite, on the south by a portion of Bowden's lot, and on the west by the lot recently purchased by A. C. Peachy, being that portion of the Bowden lot known as and containing the `Old Residence' …⁴

In 1895 James L. Slater and Robinette, his wife, conveyed with general warranty, unto Richard A. Wise, the above described property:

[September 14, 1895]

[James L. Slater and wife
to
Richard A. Wise⁵]

…All that certain lot of land, with the buildings thereon, situate in the City of Williamsburg, County of James City, State of Virginia, fronting on Francis Street 130 feet, running south between parallel lines FREEMAN HOUSE (1929)
from negative made by Davidson (CWI Archives) 20 525 feet, and bounded as follows: On the north by Francis Street, on the east by estate of W. W. Braithwaite, on the south by estate of said Braithwaite, and on the west by the lots of J. L. Slater and L. W. Wales.…"¹

In April, 1922 Virginia Peachy Wise, heir of Richard A. Wise, conveyed to S. D. Freeman.² Freeman gave deed of trust to B. D. Peachy to secure Virginia Peachy Wise the payment of $5000. This deed of trust was released on April 3, 1928.³

There were many divisions of adjoining parcels of this property.

In 1928 Freeman and wife, conveyed with general warranty, unto Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, representing Colonial Williamsburg Restoration.⁴ It was leased to Freeman for five years.⁵

Several Williamsburg citizens recalled old Williamsburg around the period 1860-1865. Mr. John S. Charles referred to the property thus:

The long frame house now owned and occupied by Major Freeman, was standing in 1861, and although made longer, and otherwise improved, looks much as it did at that time, This house was the home of Lemuel J. Bowden, before he built the house now owned by Judge Frank Armistead.⁶

Mrs. Victoria M. Lee described the property in this way:

Next to the Graves house was the old Bowden house, a large frame building, with Dutch colonial dormers. This house was much larger than it is today. At a later date a Mr. Slater bought this property and cut the house in two parts. The gardens around this house were very beautiful. Lem Bowden, at that time, had just built the large, brick house now owned by Judge Armistead. He moved there, and his mother moved into a tiny, frame, story and a half cottage on the back of 21 the lot. She refused to live with her son because of his Union sympathies, as she was an ardent secessionist. ¹

For further details as to title, See: Accounting Department Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated.

Illustration #1

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

[Bucktrout Map 1803]

Archeological Drawings made by J. M. Knight, July 26, 1941, Area H.

Illustration #2

[1859-1861 tax rates above refer to Bowden's house and lot on Duke of Gloucester Street which he built about this time.]

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

JERDONE PAPERS 1750-1752
William and Mary College Archives
M-152-1 (CWI)

YORKTOWN ACCOUNT BOOK

1751 Dec. 16th	Col. John Chiswell	Dr
	6 pewter dishes	£1.10. -
	2 doz 6 hard mettle pewter
	plates	3. -. -
	1 damask Table Cloth 7/4	-.13. -
	1 damask Table Cloth 8/4	-.14. 6
	1 damask Table Cloth ¼	2.10. -
		£ 8. 7. 6
1752 May 16th
	Col. John Chiswell	Dr
	2 casks nails
	25 M 6
	25 M 6
	pork	£18. 4. 6
1751 June 27	Col John Chiswell	Dr
	To 11 yards Crape 4/6	£2. 9. 6
	To 3 yds black Allamode 3/9	.11. 3
	3/4 yds Buckram 1½ yds Irish linen	-. 6. 3
	2 sticks twist 7/½ 3 hank silk	-. 3. 6
	1 ps house Garters 2/ 3 hanks silk 9/	. 3. 3
	11 Coat Buttons 1/3 & 4½ Jacks	1.10.½
	1½ Ell Ozrabgs	1.10½

JERDONE PAPERS (W&M) 1750-1772
M-152-2 (CWI)

p. 71	John Chiswell & Company of Wmsburg bal fo: 53	£16.16.2
p. 87 1753 Apl	Chiswell & Gilmer in Wmsburg To Run Acct pr Journal Fo 84	£20.13. 0
p. 99 1754	Col John Chiswell of Williamsburg Dr Octr 24 [settlement by Chiswell for Buchanan & Hamilton	£773. 4. 3]

Alexr Craig Account Book (1761-1766)
Colonial Williamsburg Archives

"1761 May ___:
	Col. Chiswell
	To 9 feet 6 Reins	-. 8. -
June 26
	Colo Chiswell to be pd by the Speaker
	To Coupling Reins, 2 wooden girths & 1 Brass Screw rung for chair harness	-. 9. -
July 8
	Colo Chiswell
	To buckles & straps to a Trunk	-. 1. 1/3
	To Stirrups
	To Cruper Loop & 3 girths Straps	-. 1. 3
Oct -
	Colo Chiswell
	To a Strap to a Horse for Coach harness	-. 1. -
Nov. 18
	Mr Speaker
	To a Sursingle & Double girths	-. 5. -
	To mails straps for Mrs Chiswell	-. 1. 6
Dec. 30
	Colo Chiswell
	To mendg Chariot Braces	-.10.-
1762 Jan 8
	Colo Chiswell
	To 1 pr of Pale pieces, 1 pr of Side Braces & mendg 2 Traces	1. 2. -
1763 May 3
	The Speaker
	To mendg harness for Mrs Chiswell	-. 2. 6

pp. 201-202, f.n. 134, [Notes list of sales as given in "Lidderdale vs Robinsons admrs" (Ended Files 136 & 137, U.S. Dist. Ct. Richmond, or U.S. Circuit Ct. Rec. Book 20, pp. 274-464.)]

AREA H-11
Digital version unavailable [oversized image]

Illustration #5

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 servants' 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.
	South chimney of soft red bricks throughout.
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 cabinetmaker'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.

RESTORED/RECONSTRUCTED BUILDINGS AND THEIR EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY OCCUPANTS^*

^{Block 2
Bldg 17}

• 1.Building name: Chiswell-Bucktrout House
• 2.Location: Francis Street — south side, Block 2
• 3.Eighteenth-century use: dwelling, store (possibly this site c. 1774), tavern (by 1779)
• 4.Period to which structure restored/reconstructed: second half of eighteenth century
• 5.If exhibition building, period interpreted: —
• 6.6.

  Owners:	Occupiers:	Occupations:
  first known owner [in Williamsburg by 1752] before 1766 Col. John Chiswell (d. 1766)	family	planter
  until 1770 Col. John Chiswell's estate	widow (Peyton Randolph's first cousin)
  *-1774 Richard Adams & William Acrill esquires	?	?
  before 1779 Benjamin Bucktrout	family	cabinetmaker/merchant/upholsterer
  Note: Bucktrout & his family could have rented this property & Bucktrout carried on his business from here by early 1771 when Edmund Dickinson took over Hay's shop [Gusler, Furniture of Williamsburg, p. 64]
  1779 ?	William Davenport	tavern keeper

• 7.Comments on lifestyle of owners/occupiers: 1760s-1770 townhouse of Col. John Chiswell and his wife—both members of prominent wealthy and influential Virginia families. Their daughter Susannah married Speaker and Treasurer John Robinson. But the family was not without problems: Col. Chiswell killed a man in an upcountry tavern brawl and was said to have committed suicide before his trial; their daughter's husband owed the colony over £100,000 at his death.
• 8.Recommended name change: John Chiswell House
  Rationale: The house, reconstructed to the second half of the eighteenth century, was lived in by burgess John Chiswell and his wife from the 1760s to the 1770s. This provides the opportunity to show the townhouse of a wealthy planter.