Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Location:

The lots and property which are the subject of this history are located on the south side of Francis Street, facing upon Market Square. On the College Map (1791?) there are eight lots bounded by Francis Street on the north, Queen Street on the east, England Street on the west, and Ireland Street on the south. These lots are marked "Bracken." (See photostat copy of Tyler Map, an adaptation of the College Map, in Illustration #1 of the appendix.)

History:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) of Williamsburg shows a large rectangular house with a smaller house to the east situated on what appears to be the central lot of the block. The house is set back on the lot and not on a line with other residences on the street called by the Frenchman "Sud Street." (See Illustration #1.) On the map of Williamsburg owned by Miss Annie Galt (Browne, c. 1780?), the eight lots are marked "Bracken." (Copy of map in Department of Research.)

Apparently, the rectangular house, with dependency, as drawn on the Frenchman's Map, is the same building owned (and probably built) by William Allen sometime prior to 1770. On March 29, 1770, Allen advertised his property in Williamsburg for sale:

Thursday, March 29, 1770
Surrey, March 26, 1770.

To be SOLD at seven years credit, or longer if required,
2 A SQUARE of 8 lots in the city of Williamsburg, with the following improvements, a new/brick dwelling house, with four rooms below and three above, a good kitchen, grainery, and stables, with every/other house necessary for a family, also a well of good/water. The lots are all inclosed, and the garden well/paled in; the situation is near the College, and very/pleasant. The premises may be seen by applying to Dr./ James Carter, and may be entered upon the 1st of May/ next. The price will be made known by
WILLIAM ALLEN

(Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed.)

Nothing else is known about Allen's ownership of the house and lots in Williamsburg. In 1774, another had come into possession of the property. This lack of information has been brought about largely by the destruction of the James City County court records during the Civil War.

From subsequent notices it is obvious that the next owner of the property was William Byrd III¹ of "Westover." Byrd, by will of date, July 6, 1774, stated that certain provisions should be made as to his "house in town":

…My will is also that my house in own be sold & a thousand pounds of the money be applied to pay Mr. William Allen for it, & the overplus to the payment of my Debts.(Virginia Magazine of Honor and Biography, Vol. 38, p. 60)

According to the previously quoted Gazette advertisement of March 26, 1770, Allen planned to give possession of the property to the new owner by May 1, 1771. Apparently Byrd bought the property and was occupying it in 1771 as Colonel Byrd was noted, in the will of John Blair dated October 25, 1771, as being in Williamsburg: 3

…
Item…I likewise give to my son James those two lots which I hold in the City of Williamsburg opposite to Col. Byrds, to his and his heirs forever.(York County Records, Wills, Deeds, Book XXII, p. 44.)

"Colonel Byrd's Lot" in Williamsburg was advertised as the place at which Joseph Faulks would perform in horsemanship for the public (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., October 29, 1772).

Col. Byrd died in January 1777. On March 14, 1777, the executrix of Byrd's estate placed the following notice in the Virginia Gazette (Purdie, ed.):

To be SOLD, agreeable to the last will and testament of the Hon. William Byrd, esq; deceased, on Thursday the 24th of April, at Westover, in Charles City county, About 25 miles below Richmond town.
ONE hundred Virginia born SLAVES…
THE EXECUTRIX

N.B. The executrix has also for sale a good brick house, situated in the city of Williamsburg with four rooms on each floor, lately occupied by the said William Byrd, esq; and at present by the reverend mr. Bracken. The dwelling-house has all convenient out houses, and several enclosed lots adjoining. Also the very valuable library of the said deceased, consisting of near 4000 volumes, The house and library will be disposed of either by private or publick sale, as may be most agreeable to the purchasers.

Again, in 1777, the executrix of Bryd's estate advertised the Williamsburg property for sale at auction:

To be SOLD by auction, before the Raleigh door in Williamsburg, agreeable to the last will and testament of the late Hon. William Byrd, esq; on the 20th instant at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
A BRICK house in the said city with four rooms on each floor, now inhabitied by the reverend mr. Bracken, together with all convenient outhouses, and six lots adjoining enclosed. The premises are in good tenantable repair, and will be shown to such persons as incline to become purchasers, any day till the sale. The terms of the sale are for ready money, but those who have demands against the estate, by bill of exchange protested, or judgment, will have the same allowed by
THE EXECUTRIX(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., May 16, 1777.)

4

The descriptions of Byrd's houses and lots in Williamsburg, as noted by his executrix, correspond in large degree with William Allen's description of March 1770 (previously noted). In each case, enclosed lots, outhouses, and the four rooms on the lower floor are mentioned. With regard to the upper floor there is a slight difference in the three advertisements, as Allen noted that there were three rooms on the upper floor while Byrd's executrix placed the number at four.

The property advertised for sale "by auction" on May 16, 1777, evidently was bid by the executrix. On May 15, 1778, the property was again advertised for sale for "ready money":

To be sold on Thursday the 29th instant (May) at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, before the Raleigh door in Williamsburg, agreeable to the last will and testament of the late Hon. William Byrd, Esq; for ready money, the dwelling-house of the said decedent, in Williamsburg, together with the lots adjoining. The premises are so well known, and have been already advertised particularly, that a further description is unnecessary.
THE EXECUTRIX(Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Hunter, eds.)

Research has failed to establish with certainty the purchaser of the Byrd houses and lots in Williamsburg until c. 1785 when the property was under the ownership of the Reverend John Bracken.¹ However, land tax transfers for 1786 give this information: "William Lightfoot² to John Bracken…8 lots."

5

In 1787, the tax records give: "John Bracken*…6 lots…£16.10; "Mr. Bracken has only six lots But has been charged with Eight..H. Harwood." (See tax accounts, Illustration #2.) If the above lots denoted in the tax accounts indicate the block of lots on which the Allen Byrd house was located, then William Lightfoot must have bought the lots at the Byrd sale in May 1778. Such reasoning seems justified by the following tax accounts: "1782-Lightfoot's Est…6 lots…£10"; and "1784-Lightfoot's Est…6 lots…£10." (Land tax records, Department of Research.) There is some confusion as to the number of lots assigned to Bracken. The tax records give Bracken as owner of six lots, and the College Map (1791?) assigns him eight lots (an entire block), with "Bracken" also noted on the small lots, #241 and #242 (first adjoining lots east of Queens Street facing on Francis Street)¹. Such a difference may be explained as being due to the careless copyists or to a misinformed cartographer.

Bracken held the property, apparently acquired via Lightfoot, from c. 1785 until 1806. Bracken's continuity of ownership is reflected in the following tax accounts:

1788--	John Bracken…6 lots…£16.10
1789--	same
1790--	John Bracken…6 lots…£15.--
1791--	same
1792--	same
1797--	John Bracken…6 lots…£15.--
1797--	John Bracken…1 lot…£7.--
	(Land Tax Accounts for Williamsburg, photostat copy in Department of Research.)
1794--	Richard Crump to John Bracken--1 lot2
	(Tax Transfers for Williamsburg)

From these tax records it is obvious that Bracken did not buy other lots in the city until 1794.

5

During the years 1785-1794 Humphrey Harwood, carpenter and brick mason, filed the following bills or accounts for repairs and building materials against Bracken:

1785
November	26	To 2 bushels of mortar 2/. & repairing plastering 2/	£ : 4: 6
December	9	To 3 bushs of mortar 3/. 40 larthes at 1/2. & 150 nailes	: 4:42
		To repairing Larthing & Plastering 3/0	: 3: 9
1786
December	10	To Repairing plastering in 2 Rooms, & passages & do a Cealing.	2: 5:
		To 6 Days labr. at 2/6	:15:
1787
January	20	To 8 bushels of lime 8/. & 895 Bricks at 3/ pr. C	:14:10
		To larthing and plastering 96 yds at 6 in Kitchen	2: 8:
		To Repairing do up stares 15/. & 8 days labr. at 2/6	1:15:
		To Ditto Kitchen Chimney & Oven 24/. & laying harth 3/9	1: 7: 9
March	24	To White-washing 8 Rooms & 2 passages at 4/	2: 5:
		To do. 4 Rooms to Kitchen at 4/	:16
		To 5 ½ bushles of Whitewash at 2/	:11:
November	1	To 2400 Bricks at 30/. & 14 days labour at 2/6	5: 7:
		To building a Chimney to Landary	2:10:
		To underpining do & Smoke House	1:10:
		To laying 4 Hearths at 2/6 & repairing 2 do 2/6	:12: 6
		To do to Landary 3/6 & floor 12/6	:16:
		To plastering 2 Chimnies 5/ & to 4 days labr 10/	:15:
		To repairing Back-steps 10/	:10:
	23	To underpining stable 15/. & laying ye Dairy-Floor 6/	1: 1:
		To lathing & plastering 56 yds in Landary at 6	1: 8:
		To 5 days labour at 2/6 & 2 bushels of lime 2/	:14: 6
December	1	To building a Stove 12/6 & 2 days labr 5/	:17: 6

(Humphrey Harwood Ledger B, pp. 78, 121.) It cannot be stated with certainty that such building and repair work done by Harwood was on Bracken's property on the six or eight lots noted above. In the light of previous data cited, it seems altogether reasonable to think that it was. In the account of March 24, 1787, note that "8 Rooms & 2 passages," and "4 rooms to Kitchen" were white-washed; also an "up Star" [upstairs] is listed in the account of January 20th. In the accounts of November 16th and 23rd charges are made for repairs to outbuildings, such as a "Landary," "smoke House," "Diary," "Kitchen," etc. — all of which would 7 indicate that Bracken's establishment was large and extensive.

In March 1799, Mr. Bracken's house in Williamsburg is noted as being in a rather bad state if repair. Lucy B. Randolph,¹ in writing to St. George Tucker made this comment: "She [Lucy Randolph's aunt] requested me to tell you she prefers Mr. Carters House to Mr. Brackens, as she thinks the necessary repairs of the latter will make it as dear as the former, she leaves decision entirely to you…"(Mss. Of Tucker-Coleman Collection, Department of Research.) This reference to repair work necessary on the Bracken property is rather surprising in view of the fact that Bracken had contracted with Harwood for extensive work as late as 1794. It is possible that the house of Mr. Bracken referred to above was his property acquired c. 1794 via Richard Crump. (This property is supposed to have been located on lots #241-242. See house history, Department of Research.)

In 1801, the lot of Reverend Bracken is noted on an insurance policy of Wilson Miles Cary.² Policy No. 490 of the Mutual Assurance Society notes that Cary's lot occupied by himself was "situated between the Lot of John Bracken and the Hospital for Lunatics in the county of James City…" (Copy of policy in Insurance Book, Department of Research.)

The tax records for the interim of 1798-1807 charge Bracken for property listed as follows:

1798	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
		1 lot	7.--
1799	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
		1 lot	7.--
1800	John Bracken	6 lots	$50.--
		1 lot	23.--
1801	John Bracken	6 lots	$50.--
		1 lot	23.--
1803	John Bracken	7 lots	$73.34
8
1806	Samuel Tyler via Bracken	8 lots	(Williamsburg Tax Transfers)
1807	John Bracken	1 lot	$5.00

(Williamsburg Tax Records, photostats in Dept. of Research - see Illustration #2.)

An insight into what transpired between 1797, when Bracken owned 7 lots, until 1807, when he is charges with only one lot, follows. In 1804, John Bracken wrote Mr. Ash, representative of the Mutual Assurance Society, relative to the policy on his house:

Sir,
Chancilor Tyler¹ is the present Occupant & Proprietor of the house formerly insured by me in this City. It was sold by me two years ago to Mrs. Dixon of Gloster, & by her to Mr. Tyler. They both had knowledge of the Insurance, & indeed expressed themselves pleased at the circumstances. I request therefore you will forbear to send in future any letters on that Subject to _______
Your hble Servt
John Bracken

Wmsburg
15 Aug. 1804

(Photostat, Department of Research)

"Mrs. Dixon of Gloster"² evidently did not hold the property but a very short time as the tax records and Insurance policies indicate that Bracken sold the property to Samuel Tyler before 1806. Bracken may have held a deed of trust on the property until 1806 when Tyler made the necessary arrangements 9 to hold fee simple rights to the property.

In June 1806, Samuel Tyler insured the buildings, recently acquired, with the Mutual Assurance Society. Policy #707 was a revaluation of declaration #107: "I… Samuel Tyler residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City…declare for assurance my one Building on the South side of Francis Street in the city of Wmsburg now occupied by myself and situated between the Lott of Col: Wilson M. Cary West and the Lott of Elisabeth Carter East in the county of James City. The Dwelling House marked A [valued] at $7000." According to the diagram, included in the policy, the dwelling house was of brick covered with wood, two stories high, 44 feet by 34 feet. (See Illustration #3 for copy of policy.) From the policy drawing, the house stood in the block bound by Francis Street on the north, England Street on the west and by a side street on the east. The building was 42 feet distant from a wooden house.

In 1807, the tax records charge Samuel Tyler with 16 lots in Williamsburg, valued at $120. (See Illustration #2 of the appendix.) In 1812, Samuel Tyler's estate is charged with 16 lots valued at $120. (Ibid.) In 1813 and 1814 the same values hold.

In 1815, the heirs and representatives of the estate of Samuel Tyler, deceased, again insured the property with the Mutual Assurance Society under policy #1527, a revaluation of declaration #707: "We the underwritten Elizabeth Tyler and George Loyall representing the estate of the heirs of Samuel Tyler decd residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City…declare for assurance our building on the Court house Square & Francis Street now occupied by Elizabeth B. Tyler situated between Streets on every quarter in the county of James City… 10 The Dwelling marked A [valued] at $2500." According to a diagram included in the policy of buildings insured, the brick dwelling was covered with wood, two stories high, 44 feet by 34 feet, with office, kitchen and stable on the premises. (See copy of policy, Illustration #3.)

In 1820, the method of expressing value of property in the tax records was changed. Samuel Tyler's lot was valued at $2400, with "sum added to lot on account of buildings" being $2000. (See Illustration #2 for tax records.) The lot of Tyler's estate had the same valuation from 1820 to 1830 when the widow, Elizabeth S. Tyler, sold to Charles S. Wingfield one lot which was recorded in the tax accounts as follows: "Value of lot including buildings $2400 [and] Value of buildings $2000 Via Elizabeth B. Tyler widow of Samuel Tyler decd." (See policy 5043(1823) re of 1527; also 7608 re of 5043-Illus. These policies have come since the report was prepared.)

Wingfield held the property only one year. In 1831, Jacob Sheldon was charged with one lot. The property was assessed at $2400 for the lot and building, with value of building being placed at $2000, "Via Charles S Wingfield and Eliza his wife." (Williamsburg Tax Records - Illustration #2.)

Sheldon held the property until 1850, when apparently becoming involved financially, his property was sold by the commissioner to John Coke. Tax records for 1850 reveal that John Coke had acquired one lot from "Commr Garrett," assessed at $2400 with the value of the buildings represented at $2000. Coke held the property until his death in 1865 when he devised it to his wife. (Information from chain of title filed in Accounting Department.) Coke described the property as "the Byrd residence."

Coke's ownership lasted until his death in 1865. During his ownership of property, the values place on lot and buildings for tax purposes were as follows: 11

1850	lot and buildings	$2400	bldgs	$2000
1854	lot and buildings	$3000	bldgs	$2500
1859	lot and buildings	$4000	bldgs	$2800
1861	lot and buildings	$4400	bldgs	$3200

(Williamsburg Land Tax Records - copy in Illustration #2)

The will of Elisa Coke, widow of John Coke, was made on Jun 3, 1865, and recorded on March 25, 1868, in James City County and the City of Williamsburg courts. (Will Book I, pp. 162-3.) Her residence was devised to her children. On January 24, 1876, a deed was entered on record whereby Mary E. Motley, a daughter of John Coke and wife, became owner of "…a certain house and lot in the City of Williamsburg formerly owned and occupied by the said John Coke, bounded North by Francis St. South by Ireland Street East by Queen St. and West by England St…"(Williamsburg Deed Book I, p. 415.) In 1880, Mary E. Motley conveyed title to the property to E. M. Lee. (See abstract of title prepared by V. H. Geddy, Accounting Department.) Further transfers are on record in the abstract of title.

To revert to the period around the Civil War — one finds a description of "the square," owned by John Coke, as remembered by Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollection of Williamsburg":

The square bounded by Francis, England, Queen and Ireland streets was owned by Mr. John Coke. On the northwest corner of this square, there was built in 1860 the law office of Octavius Coke. This house was removed to Fort Magruder during the War to provide shelter for officers of the northern army, while its owner was serving without shelter in the southern army. There was only one dwelling in this square, and that is the one now there, and known as the Coke House, now owned by Mr. Jackson and is in better condition than ever was.

Another citizen of Williamsburg, recalling Williamsburg in 1861, had the following to say about the Allen-Byrd House, as it is now known:

East of the Bright house, in the next block, there was only one building. This was a large, square, brick house owned by the Cokes. At that time it had a small box porch in front. Tremendous gardens surrounded the house. I recall especially the beautiful crepe myrtles and 12 pomegranate bushes. This estate was one of the largest in Williamsburg, but from time to time the property has been sold off in small lots.("Williamsburg in 1861," by Mrs. Victoria Lee, copy in Department of Research)

Summary:

The first record known which apparently described the property is now designated as the Allen-Byrd House appeared in the Virginia Gazette of March 29, 1770. William Allen of Surrey County was advertising his square of eight lots in Williamsburg for sale. From the detailed description of the "new brick dwelling with four rooms below and three above," dependencies, stables, inclosed lots and garden, it is obvious that this property was the same sold to Mr. William Byrd III about 1774. Byrd's executrix advertised the property for sale in the Gazette three times in the period from March 1777 to May 1778. The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782?) shows a large rectangular house with smaller house to the east situated on what appears to be the central lot of the block. On the map of Williamsburg owned by Miss Galt (Brown c.1780?) the eight lots are marked "Bracken," which fact seems to indicate that the Galt map was made later than thought. The land tax records of Williamsburg seem to point to the fact that William Lightfoot came into possession of the property when Byrd's estate was settled. In 1785 the following record appears: "William Lightfoot to John Bracken…8 lots." (Lightfoot had been charged with 6 lots in 1782.) In 1787, John Bracken is charged with six lots valued at L16.10, with the note: "Mr. Bracken has only six lots But has been charged with Eight." The College Map (1791?) indicates "Bracken" on the eight lots above noted. Bracken held the property until about 1806 when Samuel Tyler became the owner. Insurance policies of Samuel Tyler for 1806 and of his estate for 1815 bear out the location and description of the property heretofore given and coincide in large degree with the tax records as to valuations and size of house and lots. Tyler's heirs kept the property until 1830 when they sold it to Charles B. Wingfield. Wingfield held the property only one year. It seems that Jacob C. Sheldon was the next owner, followed in 1850 by John Coke. Coke and his heirs held the lots until 1880. From 1880 to the present time, a description of the chain of title can be found in the accounting department, Colonial Williamsburg (prepared by V. H. Geddy).

APPENDIX

Illustration #1	- Maps
Illustration #2	- Tax Records
Illustration #3	- Insurance Policies

Illustration #1
Allen-Byrd House
Francis Street

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

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

WILLIAMSBURG LAND TAX RECORDS

			Annual Value
1787	John Bracken*	6 lots	£16.10
	*Mr. Bracken has only six lots But has been charged with Eight: H. Harwood
1788	John Bracken	6 lots	£16.10
1789	John Bracken	6 lots	£16.10
1790	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1791	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1792	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1794	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1794	Richard Crump to John Bracken…	1 lot		(Tax Transfers for Williamsburg)
1796	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1797	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1797	John Bracken	1 lot	£ 7.--
1798	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1798	John Bracken	1 lot	£ 7.--
1799	John Bracken	6 lots	£15.--
1799	John Bracken	1 lot	£ 7.--
1800	John Bracken	6 lots	$ 50.00
1800	John Bracken	1 lot	$ 23.00
1801	John Bracken	6 lots	$ 50.00
1801	John Bracken	1 lot	$ 23.00
1803	John Bracken	7 lots	$ 73.34
1806	John Bracken Rev.	1 lot	$ 5.00
1806	Samuel Tyler vie Bracken…	8 lots		(Tax Transfers for Williamsburg)
1807	John Bracken	1 lot	$ 5.00
1807	Samuel Tyler	16 lots	$120.00
1809	Samuel Tyler	16 lots	$120.00
1810	Samuel Tyler	8 lots	$100.00
1812	S. Tyler's Est	16 lots	$150.00
1813	S. Tyler's Est	16 lots	$150.00
1814	S. Tyler's Est	16 lots	$150.00
1817	S. Tyler's Est	16 lots	$150.00

			Value of lots	Sum added to lot on account of the buildings
1820	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1821	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1822	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1823	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1824	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000

			Value of lots including buildings	Value of bldgs
1825	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1826	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1827	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1828	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1829	Samuel Tyler's Est	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1830	Charles S. Wingfield	1 lot	$2400	$2000	Via Elisabeth B. Tyler widow of Samuel Tyler decd.
1831	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000	Via Charles S Wingfield and Eliza his wife
1832	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1833	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1834	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1835	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1836	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1837	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2000
1838	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$1600	$1500
1839	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$1600	$1500
1840	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2200
1841	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2200
1843	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2200
1847	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2200
1850	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot	$2400	$2200
1850	John Coke	1 lot	$2400	$2000	deed from Cmmr Garrett
1854	John Coke	1 lot	$3000	$2500
1859	John Coke	1 lot	$4000	$2800
1861	John Coke	1 lot	$4400	$3200	reassessed for new buildings

Policy No. 707, Mutual Assurance Society, Revaluation of Building insured per Declaration No. 107.
June 1, 1806

"I the underwritten Samuel Tyler residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City…declare for assurance my one Building on the South side of Francis Street in the city of Wmsburg now occupied by myself and situated between the Lott of Col: Wilson M. Cary West and the Lott of Elizabeth Carter East in the county of James City
The Dwelling House marked A at $7000"

Policy No. 1527, Mutual Assurance Society, Revaluation of a Building formerly declared for Assurance by Samuel Tyler per declaration No. 707.
June 9, 1815-

"We the underwritten Elizabeth B Tyler and George Royall representing the estate and the heirs of Samuel Tyler decd residing in Williamsburg in the county of James City…declare… our building on the Court house Square & Francis Street now occupied by Elizabeth B Tyler situated between Streets on every quarter in the county of James City
The Dwelling marked A at $2500"

Mutual Assurance Policy #5043 revaluation of building declared by Samuel Tyler as per declaration #1527
1823, March 28th

That the said building is at present owned by the heirs of said Samuel Tyler residing at Williamsburg & elsewhere and is occupied by Elizabeth Tyler that it is situated on the Court house square north and streets to otherwise…
The Dwelling…marked A at $2800

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #7608 revaluation of building formerly declared by Samuel Tyler per declaration #5043
1830, May 21st.

Charles S. Wingfield residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare my buildings on the Court House square in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the Court Lands—square on the north and streets in every other direction in the county of James City…
The Dwelling……marked A at $2600

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #10998 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Charles S. Wingfield per declaration #7608
1839, May 3,

I the underwritten John Coke residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for Assurance…my building on my own land now occupied by myself situated between streets on the East, West, North and South in the City of Williamsburg in the county of James City…
The Dwelling……marked A at $4000

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #14402 revaluation of buildings declared for assurance by John Coke and Christopher J D Pryor as per declaration #10998
1846, October 3,

We, the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and John M. Maupin and Goodrich Durfey Appraisers, do hereby certify that we have viewed and revalued the building heretofore declared for Assurance…by John Coke and Christopher J. D. Pryor as per Declaration for Assurance #10998 That the said Building is at present owned by Christopher J. D. Pryor residing at Alabama and is occupied by Turner Christian That it is situated on a square of lots, fronting on Court House Square, and streets otherwise in the County of James City…
The Dwelling……marked A at $3000

A Study of titles or ownership of the Allen-Byrd House
Block 3 Francis Street

In Summary:

As the General Court Records relating to James City County as well as James City County Court Records were burned in the 1860s, we have had to concentrate our intensive research into family papers and records of those owners of the property known as "Allen-Byrd House." Such data has been from secondary sources, largely, and often scant in content. We have done genealogical research not only on the owners of the property but on the families into which they married.

We have not been able to establish by way of deeds of conveyance any fee simple titles to the property in the 18th century. A gap remains. See our findings below:

• I.William Byrd III bought a house from Col. William Allen after March, 1770 and prior to July, 1774 when he made his will noting that he owed Allen £1000 to be applied to pay for "my house in town" and "the overplus to the payment of my Debts" following his death. Byrd died January 1, 1777.
• II.In July, 1778 Mrs. Mary Byrd, widow of William Byrd III and his executrix, "paid William Allen for House & Lott in Williamsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson ------- £ 1152.15.7." And, the same month "paid Thomas M. Randolph due on House above mentioned ------- £ 629. 18.9."
• III.In June, 1778 Mrs. Byrd had credited the estate "By a House & Lott in Wmsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson & Co. ------- £ 1420.0.0." If this credit applies to the amounts paid above, there is a difference of £ 362.14.2.
• IV.

  In December, 1778 Samuel Griffin and Elizabeth Braxton entered into a marriage agreement at which Griffin assigned "all those lots of land, and the houses and other improvements lying and being in the city of Williamsburg in th state of Virginia which the sail Samuel Griffin purchased of Mary Byrd widow and executrix of the late Honorable William Byrd, esquire…" Griffin does not state how long he had held the property bought from Byrd's widow.

  Mrs. Byrd could have sold Griffin the house (now known as the "Griffin House" on or prior to June 10, 1778. In her estate accounts for this date, she credits the estate with £ 1420.0.0 "By a House and Lott in Williamsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson & Co."

• V.If we accept dated as put down by Mrs. Byrd in her executrix account a situation arises such as this:

  May 6, 1784 "By Cash of Mr Bracken for rents------- £ 46.16.0" (In May, 1777 Mrs. Byrd advertised a brick house in Williamsburg for sale stating that it was "now inhabited by the reverend mr. Bracken")

  October, 1786	"To paid John Dixon for advertising a house in Williamsburg-------£ 29.5.0"
  March, 1787	"To paid Matthew Moody the tax of a Tenement for the year 1784-------£ --.8.6"
  April, 1787	"To paid Robert Hyland for crying a House in Wmsburg-------£ 5.0.0"

To quote from Byrd's will of July 6, 1774 again:

"My will is also that my house in town be sold & a thousand pounds of the money be applied to pay Mr. William Allen for it, and the overplus of the payment of my Debts…
I give to my dearest and best of wives for her life, besides the deed she already has, the plantations of Westover and Buckland…"

Further details of this confusing situation as to titles follows:

• Deeds & Wills Brunswick County, Caroline County and Pittsylvania County searched in the period 1760-1839. (microfilms from Virginia State Library).
• York County Records.
• All available petitions and records for James City County.
• Richmond newspapers for period 1778-1800.
• Southall Papers (W&MC) Legal Cases & Estates, James City County, folders 115-188.
• Southall Papers, Legal Cases & Estates, Charles City County, folders 76-78.
• Surry County Records, Deeds, Wills #10 (1754-1768).
• Surry County Records, Deeds, Wills #10 (1768-1779).
• Surry County Records, Deeds, Wills #11 (1778-1783).
• Surry County Records, Will Book #12 (1783-1792).
• Surry County Records, Will Book #1 (1792-1804).
• Surry County Records, Will Book #2 (1804-1815).
• Surry County Records, Will Book #3 (1815-1821).

KEY TO SOURCES:

• Will of PHILIP LIGHTFOOT of Yorktown July 31, 1747; recorded June 20, 1748. (York County Records, Wills & Inventories Book 20, pp. 104-119; John Grymes, Thos. Lee, Wm. Nelson, Anty. Walke and William Lightfoot, exors.)
• Will of MARY LIGHTFOOT of Yorktown August 21, 1775. (York County Records, Wills & Inventories Book 23, pp. 299-303; William Allen, William Hewitt and Robert Burwell, exors.)
• Will of JOHN LIGHTFOOT of York County, Williamsburg and Brunswick County, April, 1751. (Brunswick County Records, Will Book III, pp. 42-45; Wm. & Thos. Nelson, Lewis Burwell and Wm. Lightfoot, exors. by will. Robt. Ruffin appointed Dec. 31, 1751 after others renounced.)
• Will of WILLIAM HOWELL LIGHTFOOT, Charles City County; recorded Aug. 16, 1810. (Charles City County Records, Will Book 2, p. 104. William Allen and James Stewart, exors.)
• Will of WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT of "Tedington," Charles City County; April 27, 1809; rec. Aug. 17, 1809. (Will Book 2, pp. 56-58; William Allen, Gov. Tyler and George Blakey, admrs.)
• Will of PHILIP JOHN LIGHTFOOT, Charles City County. June 16, 1819; rec. same day. (Charles City County Records, Will Book 2, pp. 444-445.)
• Will of JOHN ALLEN of Surry County, March 5, 1741; rec. April 21, 1742. (Surry County Records, Will Book 3 (1738-1754) pp. 405-407; James Baker sole executor by will.)
• Will of WILLIAM ALLEN of Surry County, Sept. 4, 1789; rec. Sept. 24, 1793. (Surry County Records, Will Book I, pp. 49-53; John and Wm. Allen, sons, executors from will. John dead. William qualified.)
• Will of JOHN MINGE, Charles City County, 1826; rec. 1827. (Charles City County Records, Will Book #3, pp. 225-226.)
• JOHN NICHOLAS, guardian of the children of Francis Lightfoot in 1824. (Charles City County Records, Will Book #3, p. 27.)
• Charles City County Will Book (1789-1808) pp. 13-14, 43-46. "The Est. of William Byrd, decd with Mary Byrd the executrix, 1791."
• Charles City County Land Tax Lists
• Charles City County Deed Book 7 (1824-1839).
• Charles City County Deed Book 8 (1832-1838)
• Charles City County Deed Book 9 (1838-1846).
• U. S. Circuit Court, Va., Dist. Ended Cases, Virginia State Library, photostat CWI: "Murdock & Co. vs. Wm. Byrd's Extx, 1797 - Acct Estate of Colo Wm. Byrd with Mary Byrd Executrix Made Sept. 29th, 1790."
• Munford's Reports of Cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of Appeals in Virginia, Vol. V, pp. 41-42: "Lightfoot's Executors and Others vs. Colgin and Wife." Public Records Office T/79/86; SR: 2840-2846, pp. 69-76 (M-537): "…The Estate of the Hon. William Byrd, decd In account with Mary Byrd [sic], the Executrix…" 1786.
• Charles City County Minute Book (1823-1829) pp. 23, 129, 325.
• Charles City County Minute Book #2 (1830-1839) p. 338, 1837 Robt. B. Bolling, administrator of Sarah S. Minge, deceased; p. 338 (1837) Bolling adm. de bonis non of Wm. Lightfoot the younger granted.
• Will of William Byrd III (1777), Virginia Magazine of History, Vol. 38, p. 60.
• Will of Mary Willing Byrd (Dismal Swamp Papers; M-36-3) 1814.

BYRD — GRIFFIN
transactions

[do not know if this is to Griffin]	1778 (June)	Mrs. Byrd, executrix Wm. Byrd, credits est
		"By a House & Lott in Wmsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson & Co-------£1420.0.0"
	1778 (Dec.)	Samuel Griffin marriage agreement with Elizabeth Braxton "all those lots of land, and the houses and other improvements lying and being in the city of Williamsburg…which the said Samuel Griffin purchased of Mary Byrd widow and executrix of the late honorable William Byrd esquire…"
		Griffin does not state how many lots acquired via Mrs. Byrd nor their location. Nor does he state when he bought the lots.
	1782	Samuel Griffin, owner of block of 8 lots (Lots 64-71, Block 5)

From 1782 to 1855 Griffin or his family connections was owner.

Notes from the executrix account of Mrs. Mary Byrd in settling estate of William Byrd III.

	Dr
	April 24th	To paid John Pride for crying the estate of Colo Byrd	£ 9: 0: 0
1777	November 6th	To ditto ditto ditto for ditto	20: 0: 0
	December 1st	To ditto ditto ditto for ditto	7:10: 0
	July 30th	To cash paid John Gregory for taxes in Charles City	25:14: 3
1778	July 10th	To paid William Allen for a house in Williamsburg sold to pay a mortgage to Thompson	1152:15: 7
1779	July 5	To paid Thomas Mann Randolph balance due on house above mentioned	629:18: 9
1786	October 30.	To paid Mr. John Dixon for printing two hundred and fifty copies of a catalogue of Books &c
		paid ditto ditto for printing Hand bills
		paid ditto ditto for advertising a house in Williamsburg	29: 5: 0
[1787]
1777	Feb	To paid the tax of three lots in Richmond No 510-
		620 & 617 for the year 1782 to Thomas Willson	0:13: 1
[1787]
1777	March 17	To paid Philip Southall1 Mar: 1, 1782 for sundry lots in Richmond	0:19: 6
		To paid Mathew Moody the tax of Tenement for the year 1784	0: 8: 6
	April 14	To paid Robert Hyland for crying a house in Williamsburg	5: 0: 0
	Cr
1777	April	By amount of slaves &c sold at this time	£ 7790.10. 0
		By ditto of Cattle	765.19. 3½
	November	By ditto of Slaves &c. sold at this time	9741.11. 3
	December	By amount of Cattle at Bucklands	520. 0. 0
1778	January 8
	March	By amount of Library sold Isaac Lane	2000. 0. 0
	June 10	By a house and lot in Williamsburg sold to pay a mortgage to Thompson & Co	1420. 0. 0
1784	May 6	By cash received for Hay in Williamsburg	16. 3. 6
		By cash of Mr Bracken for rents	46.16. 0

ALLEN — BYRD — BRACKEN — LIGHTFOOT
transactions

1774		Will of William Byrd III refers to "my house in town" which he bought from William Allen.
	1770 (March)	Allen adv. a square of 8 lots, Wmsburg., new brick house 4 rooms below and 3 above,…lots inclosed, near the College…
1777	(Jany)	Mrs. Byrd executrix of Byrd, adv. sale of brick house in Wmsbg — 4 rooms on each floor, lately occupied by Byrd and at present by Bracken — lots adjoining and valuable library of the said deceased of 4000 volumes.
	(May)	Mrs. Byrd adv. again same house now inhabited by Bracken.
1778	(May)	Mrs Byrd adv. house in Wmsburg with lots adj. for sale (No mention of a renter.)
	(March)	Mrs. Byrd "paid Matthew Moody the tax of a Tenement for year 1784------- £ --. 8. 6
	(July)	Mrs. Byrd in accts "Dr To Cash pd Wm Allen for House & Lott in Wmsbg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson-------£1152.15. 7"
	(July)	"Dr To Cash pd Thos. M. Randolph balance due on House above mentioned-------- £ 629.18. 9"
1779		Dr. Camm's library at "House of John Bracken."
1784		Mrs. Byrd credits the estate "By Cash of Mr Bracken for rents----£ 46.16. 0"
1786		Mrs. Byrd "paid John Dixon for advertising a house in Williamsburg--£ 29. 5. 0"
1787		John Bracken via William Lightfoot-------6 lots------£ 16.16.-- Mr. Bracken has only 6 lots but has been charged with Eight. H. Harwood."

1796	John Bracken insured his buildings occupied by myself bounded by & situated between Francis Street, England and Ireland Streets in James City County—brick dwelling 44' by 35'.
1782	Lightfoot's Estate---6 lots---------------£ 10.--.--
1783	Philip Lightfoot adv. for sale "…eight lots of land in the City of Williamsburg, whereon stands a large two story brick dwelling house, with four rooms on a floor; its situation is esteemed one of the most pleasant in the City, lying on the back street near to the market,…"
1785	Philip Lightfoot---6 lots---------------£ 10.--.-
1786	William Lightfoot to John Bracken---------8 lots--------£ 18.--.--
1787	John Bracken------------6 lots----------£ 16.16.-- Mr. Bracken has only 6 lots but has been charged with Eight. H. Harwood."

In 1769 an ACT OF ASSEMBLY defining the boundary between York and James City counties described the line as it runs through Williamsburg thus:

…Be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That from and after passing this act the said line shall be established and continued from the mail road, by the north end of the college, as it now runs down the middle of the main street to the eastern end of the market place, thence into the lane which divides the store-house of James Anderson, merchant, from the lots of the orphan of William Lightfoot, esq. deceased, as far as the middle of the paling of the said lots, thence through the middle of those lots, and all the other lots on the north side of Francis street, till it passes through the middle of the lots of the honourable William and Thomas Nelson; thence across the Capitol square, in a straight line, through the middle of the lots of John Prentis, gentleman, and Catherine Davenport till it falls into the street leading to the main York road.(Hening's Statutes, Vol. VIII, pp. 405-406)

It is obvious from the above description of the line that "the lots of the orphan of William Lightfoot" were the lots designated 13 and 14 on Tyler's Map. (See: Lightfoot House History.) The line could not possibly have gone through the lots now known as the Allen-Byrd House.

On March 26, 1770 William Allen advertised his property for sale in Williamsburg:

"To be SOLD at seven years credit, or longer if required, A Square of 8 lots in the city of Williamsburg, with the following improvements, a new brick dwelling-house, with four rooms below and three above, a good kitchen, grainery, and stables, with every other house necessary for a family, also a well of good water. The lots are all inclosed, and the garden well paled in; the situation is near the College, and very pleasant. The premises may be seen by applying to Dr. James Carter, and may be entered upon the 1st of May next. The price will be made known by
WILLIAM ALLEN"(Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., March 29, 1770.)

William Allen was a nephew of John Allen, Clerk of Surry County for many years, and a wealthy landowner in several counties in Virginia. John Allen married Elizabeth Bassett, daughter of William Bassett who held lots in Williamsburg in 1717. The John Allens had no children. She died in 1738. 2 He died in 1742 leaving a will by which his entire estate — lacking a few minor bequests — went to his nephew, William Allen. William Allen married (1) Clara Walker who died shortly; and (2) Mary Lightfoot, daughter of William Lightfoot of Yorktown and Sandy Point, Charles City County. Both the wills of John Allen and his nephew, William Allen, are on file in Surry County.

In the 1780s William Allen (then a Colonel) owned 906 acres in New Kent County; 1571 acres in Surry County; 7269 acres in Sussex County; 800 acres in James City County; 4000 acres in Brunswick and 3800 acres in Greenville. He had 241 slaves in Sussex County but only 11 slaves, 4 horses and 18 cattle in James City County.

(William & Mary Quarterly, series 3, Vol. II, p. 355: The One Hundred.)

Some time between March 1770 (when William Allen advertised his property in Williamsburg for sale) and July, 1774, William Byrd III had acquired Allen's property though we learn later that he had not paid for it entirely prior to his death in 1777. Allen had advertised in March, 1770 that he was willing to give "seven years credit, or longer if required."

In 1774 William Byrd III by his will dated July 6th, stated that certain provision should be made as to his "house in town":

…My will is also that my house in town be sold & a thousand pounds of the money be applied to pay Mr. William Allen for it, and the overplus to the payment of my Debts.

I give to my dearest and best of wives for her life, besides the deed she already has, the plantation of Westover and Buckland and…"

(Virginia Magazine of History, Vol. 38, pp. 60- )

Let us note from the will other property given by decd to his wife.

Byrd having died in January, 1777, Mrs. Mary Byrd, his widow and executrix, advertised some of his property for sale:

[March 14, 1777]

"To be SOLD, agreeable to the last will and testament of the Hon. William Byrd, esq; deceased, on Thursday the 24th of April, 3 at Westover, in Charles City county, about 25 miles below Richmond town, ONE hundred Virginia born SLAVES…
THE EXECUTRIX

N.B. The executrix also has for sale a good brick house, situated in the city of Williamsburg with four rooms on each floor, lately occupied by the said William Byrd, esq; and at present by the reverend mr. Bracken. The dwelling-house has all convenient out houses, and several enclosed lots adjoining. Also the very valuable library of the said deceased, consisting of near 4000 volumes. The house and library will be disposed of either by private or publick sale, as may be most agreeable to the purchasers.

"

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., March 14, 1777.)

On May 16, 1777 the executrix advertised Williamsburg property for sale — this time at auction:

"To be SOLD by auction, before the Raleigh door in Williamsburg, agreeable to the last will and testament of the late Hon. William Byrd, esq; on the 20th instant, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
A BRICK house in the said city with four rooms on each floor, now inhabited by the reverend mr. Bracken, together with all convenient outhouses, and six lots¹ adjoining enclosed. The premises are in good tenantable repair, and will be shewn to such a persons as incline to become purchasers, any day till the sale. The terms of the sale are for ready money, but those who have demands against the estate, by bill of exchange protested, or judgment, will have the same allowed by
THE EXECUTRIX"(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., May 16, 1777.)

On May 15, 1778 Byrd's property in Williamsburg was again advertised for sale before the Raleigh "for ready money":

"To be sold on Thursday the 29th instant (May) at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, before the Raleigh door in Williamsburg. Agreeable to the last will and testament of the Hon. William Byrd, Esq; for ready money, the dwellinghouse of the decedent, in Williamsburg, together with the lots adjoining. The premises are so well known, and have been already advertised particularly, that a further description is unnecessary.
THE EXECUTRIX"

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., May 15, 1778.)

In the executrix account of the estate of William Byrd filed 1790 by Mrs. Byrd these items appear: 4

"Cr	June 10, 1778	By a House & Lott in Wmsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson & Co.	£1420. 0. 0
"Dr	July 10, 1778	To Cash pd Wm Allen for a House & Lott in Williamsburg sold to pay a Mortgage to Thompson	£1152.15. 7
	July 15, 1778	To Cash pd Thos M. Randolph balance due on House above mentioned	£ 629.18. 9"

From the same account Mrs. Byrd shows that in 1777 (April, November and December) she paid John Pride "for crying the estate of Col: Byrd."

From the same accounts on March 17th, 1778 she "paid Matthew Moody the tax of a Tenement for the year 1784---------£ --. 8. 6." And, also, in 1784 she credits the estate "By Cash of Mr Bracken for rents--------£ 46.16. 0."
(U.S. Circuit Court, Virginia District, Ended Cases, req. 13729 Murdock & Co. vs. Wm Byrd's Extx, 1797 Acct Estate of Colo Byrd with Mary Byrd executrix made Sept. 29th 1790; and PRO/T 79/86 Survey Report 2846, pp. 71-72.)

The above account of Mary Byrd's appears in Charles City County Records, Will Book (1789-1808), pp. 13-14; 43-46. This account was dated "1786."

We know by Mrs. Byrd's statements in the Virginia Gazette (March 1777) that Mr. John Bracken was renting from the estate. We know from her executrix accounts of date 1784 that Mr. Bracken was paying rents to her.

In 1785 Williamsburg Land Tax Records indicate:

"William Lightfoot to John Bracken-------8 lots-----£18."

In 1787 Mr. Bracken is charged with "6 lots-------£16.10.--. Mr. Bracken has only six lots But has been charged with Eight."

Just which William Lightfoot is selling the 8 lots to Bracken is not known; nor do we know whether he was owner or a trustee. The burning of the James City and Charles City County Records and General Court Records leaves a gap as yet not filled in this title.

We shall, with the scant records extant, trace the property of the Lightfoot family in Williamsburg: 5

• I.PHILIP LIGHTFOOT of Yorktown (1680-1748) married Mrs. Mary Armistead Burwell, widow of James Burwell (d. 1718). Philip left a will bequeathing "unto my Son John and his heirs forever all my Lots and Houses in the City of Williamsburg and Lots at Blandford…also [gives him] two thousand pounds Sterling one third part of my Plate after his Mothers decease the furniture in the House at Williamsburg…" (York County Records, Wills & Inventories #20, pp. 104-106.)
• II.

  JOHN LIGHTFOOT (died 1751) married Mary Clack. No heirs. He leaves a will bequeathing "unto my beloved Wife my Lotts in the City of Williamsburg Whereon Doctor Hay now lives with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging to her and her heirs forever…" (Brunswick County Records, Will Book III, pp. 42-45.)

  An account book of William Lightfoot, merchant, notes that Dr. Peter Hay paid rent to the Lightfoot estate from 1753-1763; rent averaging £15 pr. anno; and John Lightfoot's widow collected 1/3 and William Lightfoot, brother, collected 2/3 of the rent. (MS Account Book, CWI)
  (See: Lightfoot House History, Research Dept.)

• III. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT, brother of John, died 1767 Charles City County. His will recorded in the General Court whose records are not extant. He may have inherited the Williamsburg property. No records have been found to prove this as yet.
• IV. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT of "Tedington," Charles City County, died 1809 leaving a will: "To Philip John, son, all my houses & lots in the city of Wmsburg." (Charles City County Will Book #2 (1808-1824) pp. 56-58)
• V. WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT, son of John Lightfoot of Charles City County, died 1808. (He seems to be another branch.)
• VI. PHILIP JOHN LIGHTFOOT, son of William (d. 1809), died leaving a will devising property to nieces and nephews. [not described]
• VII. WILLIAM A. LIGHTFOOT of Buckingham County, in 1839 gave deed to a lot in Williamsburg "the property formerly of William Lightfoot, of Charles City, as one of the devisees of Philip John said William's son. (William and Mary Quarterly, series 1, Vol. III, p. 109; "Lewis &c vs, Blakey &c in Superior Court of Law and Chancery for Henrico 1835")

The following appears in Williamsburg Land Tax Records:

1782	Lightfoot's Estate	6 lots	£10.--.--
1783	Wm. Lightfoot's Estate	6 lots	10.--.--
1784	Lightfoot's Estate	6 lots	10.--.--
1785	Wm. Lewis bought of Philip Lightfoot	1 lot	3.--.--
6
1785	Philip Lightfoot	6 lots	10.--.--
1786	William Lightfoot to John Bracken	8 lots	18.--.--
1787	John Bracken	6 lots	16.16.--

Mr. Bracken has only 6 lots but has been charged with Eight. H. Harwood."(Williamsburg Land Tax Records, originals at Virginia State Archives, Richmond; microfilm, CWI.)

The following appears in The Virginia Gazette, or The American Advertiser:

[August 16, 1783]

"FOR SALE,
The following Tracts or Parcels of Land. NINE hundred acres of exceeding good tobacco land, in Brunswick County, lying on one branch of Meherring river, well watered and timbered; it will be shewn by the overseer residing thereon. Also eight lots of land in the City of Williamsburg, whereon stands a large two story brick dwelling house, with four rooms on a floor; its situation s esteemed as one of the most pleasant in the City, lying on the back street near to the market, and will be shewn by Captain Reid of the said City. Also one lot of land in the Town of York, on which are two store-houses, one of brick, the other of wood; it is situated on the main-street, and about the center of the Town. The terms will be made known by the subscriber, living in Caroline County, about five miles from Bowling Green.
PHILIP LIGHTFOOT."

(The Virginia Gazette, or The American Advertiser, August 16, 1783, Vol. I., Numb. 87, page 3, column 2.)

Philip Lightfoot was the son of William Lightfoot (died 1809 above) and a brother of William Lightfoot of "Tedington" (died 1809). He removed to Caroline County. (No will has been located of his or his wife's.)