Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

South side of Francis Street near the Eastern State Hospital.

OWNERS:

APPENDIX

LOCATION:

The house now known as the "Griffin House" is situated on the southern side of Francis Street in Williamsburg near the College of William and Mary. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) opposite page. The eight lots are marked "Griffin" and numbered "64-71."

HISTORY:

A building interpreted to be the dwelling now known as the "Griffin House" appears on the Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782).¹ It is a large rectangular building facing upon Francis Street with two smaller houses on the lot towards the east and two towards the west. See: Architect's drawing from the Frenchman's Map, Illustration #1, Appendix.

Though there is no definite proof as to ownership prior to Samuel Griffin² (1782), it seems reasonable to believe that William Byrd III owned the property before Griffin.³ From a marriage agreement executed on December 10, 1778 between SAMUEL GRIFFIN and ELIZABETH BRAXTON, daughter of Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, it is seen that Griffin assigned "all those lots of land, and the houses and other improvements [illegible] lying and being in the city of Williamsburg in the state of Virginia which the said Samuel Griffin purchased of Mary Byrd widow and executrix of the late Honorable William Byrd, esquire" as his part of the agreement prior to

the marriage to be consummated in a few days, John Tayloe Corbin was party of the third part-holding the above assignment along with the dower of two thousand five hundred pounds current money of Virginia paid by Carter Braxton, father of the bride,¹ (Corbin's legal duties ceased upon consummation of the marriage.)

Pennsylvania Evening Post of January 1, 1779 under the caption, "Williamsburg Dec. 11th [1778]" announced the marriage of Samuel Griffin to Betsey Braxton, daughter of Carter Braxton.²

William Byrd III was the son of Colonel William Byrd II of "Westover." He was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1753-1754; and member of the Council 1755-1777. He served in the Cherokee Expedition and with great distinction in the French and Indian Wars 1757-1762. From 1761-1769 he rented the Custis property in Williamsburg known as the "Six Chimney Lot," from Washington. In 1771 he bought the property in the city now known as the "Allen-Byrd House."³

It may be that Byrd bought Lots 64-71 (Griffin) after May, 1769 (when he gave up renting the Custis property) as he needed a place in town to live when the Council was in session. If so, he may have lived at Lots 64.-71 until May, 1771 when he purchased the larger brick house farther up the street now called, "Allen-Byrd House."⁴

At his death in January, 1777 William Byrd III left a will made in 1774.¹ Though he mentioned his "house in town"² no mention was made to any other property in Williamsburg, However, there was another house of his in the city for in the settlement of his estate by his widow there is this item: "1778 June 10 Amount of Credits By a House & Lott in Wmsburg sold to pay a mortgage to Thompson & Co----------£1420.0.0"³ (For further details, see: Illustration #4).

Because the Court records for the James City part of Williamsburg were destroyed during the Civil War, it is almost impossible to find owners of lots in that area unless it comes to light in source material. Research has not located any such data which would indicate how William Byrd came into the property nor how long he was the owner.

Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1782 list Samuel Griffin as owner of 118 lots---£10."⁴ (From 1782 to 1810 Griffin owned this property. Details to follow chronologically in the report.) He owned personal property here from 1784 to 1805.

During the period of the greatest repair work on the Griffin property Samuel Griffin was living in Williamsburg. He had been wounded at Harlem in 1776. Soon after he was appointed on the Virginia Board of War which office he held from 1779-1781. In February, 1789 he resigned as Sheriff of James City county to take his seat in Congress as representative of the district

in which Williamsburg lay. He served in Congress until March, 1795.¹

In 1784 Samuel Griffin had extensive repair work done on his houses by Humphrey Harwood,, local carpenter and brick mason. There were many items such as repairing plaster in nursery, lathing and plastering in kitchen, mending stove, mending kitchen chimney and oven, repairing front steps and back, lathing and plastering necessary, repairing chimney to house, whitewashing nursery, kitchen and shed room. In 1785 there was some minor work done. In 1786 such work as underpining porch, granary, repairs to window frames, underpining smoke house, whitewashing passage, lathing and plastering porch and putting in four window frames, building cellar cap, whitewashing rooms and passage, kitchen and back room, putting in grate, laying hearth in parlor and in study, underpining stable, whitewashing end room &c, In 1788 further plastering, repairs to hearths in house and kitchen, laying kitchen floor and plastering in house and laundry.²

In April, 1796 Griffin insured his property with the Mutual Assurance Society: "..My Brick Buildings on France Street at Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the College Land and Henry Street in the county of James City ...The Brick House...$1500; The Laundry ...$300; The Kitchen...$250 and The Stable $300. Brick Dwelling 53' by 34'; wood laundry 32' by 20'; wood kitchen 23' by 16' and wood stable 38' by 22'.³

In November, 1796 Claypoole's Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia newspaper, carried a notice headed "Williamsburg" of the marriage of "Miss Griffin

Bowen's Centennial of Inauguration of Washington (1932)

Figure 2

SAMUEL GRIFFIN
Artist, Gilbert Stuart. Owned by Dr. Ferdinand
Campbell Stewart, Grandson, Philadelphia, Pa.

Figure 3

Samuel Griffin
Artist, Gilbert Stuart. Owned by
Dr. Ferdinand Campbell Stewart, Grandson
Philadelpha, Pa.

Figure 4

Cyrus Griffin
President of the Old Congress in 1789
From miniature by Lawrence Sully painted in 1799
and owned by Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

only daughter of Samuel Griffin, of Williamsburg.," to Samuel Gatlief, of Philadelphia.¹ Elizabeth Griffin was the only child of Samuel Griffin and Betsey Corbin Braxton.²

A letter written from Williamsburg by the brother of Samuel Griffin, Judge Cyrus Griffin,³ gives information relating, apparently, to the property of Samuel Griffin:

"Wmsburg, October 7th 1806

To: [unknown]

Dear Sir

Having expected my Brother Samuel for some months past, I did not give myself the pleasure of writing to you before, as intended.

If you will be so good to give to me an answer with respect to the following particulars I shall take it an obligation

1. whether by agreement with Colonel Samuel, you were to leave this Tenement in as good condition as it was at any time during your occupancy, making the common allowance for natural decay?

2. what Rent were you to pay, and what deductions for Repairs?

3. at what period does your agreement cease?

4. what movies did yourself, or Mr. Harris [?] on your part, pay to me for Colonel Samuel, and the dates? I came to this place sane days after seeing you upon the Road, as soon however as I could conveniently;, and I found 8 panes of Glass entirely out of the windows, & nearly double the number so broken that they must be replaced with new panes before the winter shall set 3n; most of the Fire places in very bad situation, plaistering falling down &c, all the Locks belonging to the House, except two, entirely useless, from defects, or loss of Keys: the out houses much in want of repair; particularly the stables, the lining of which the Racks and manger almost destroyed, that Mr Bowdoin was astonished, having repaired them, as he says, very perfectly: the Lots also much damaged, many of the planks entirely gone--and the wood cut down & plat[sic] to a most shameful degree.

I have done nothing as to Repairs as yet, but what was

Century Magazine (1899) V. 35, p. 697 painted by G. Stuart

Figure 5

GILBERT STUARTIS PORTRAIT OF MRS. SAMUEL GATLIFF

(Elisabeth Corbin Griffin.)

Figure 6

GILBERT STUART'S PORTRAITS OF WOMEN.

absolutely necessary, wishing my Brother to see the Tenement and determine for himself as to those matters.

Have been, and still am much indisposed since my removal to this House; I fear the situation is not a healthy one, when compared to the Center of the Town.

With my best respects to your amiable Lady, and hoping for a speedy answer, I am dear sir very respectfully

Your obedient
Cyrus Griffen.¹

From the above letter we can see the condition of the Griffin house at this date, Some renter had been using it and removed, Cyrus Griffin seemed vague as to the amount the renter had paid to him for his brother and the business agreements relating to the occupancy. We interpret Cyrus Griffin's reference to his "removal to this House" as some other house in Williamsburg.²

By 1808 Samuel Griffin and his daughter, Mrs. Samuel Gatlief, widow, and her young daughters were occupants of the house.³ Medical Account Books of Dr. John M. Galt, Williamsburg, carried accounts under "Col. Griffin" in 1808 (July-October) for visits to Mrs. Gatlief, Elizabeth Gatlief and Susan Gatlief.⁴ In August, 1809 (February-June) visits to Mrs. Gatlief were noted.⁵

On September 5, 1809 an insurance policy, #971 revaluation of #177 to Samuel Griffin indicates that the property eras owned by Samuel Griffin" and that it "was occupied by Elizabeth Gatlief," from the plat made by the insurance company the brick house 34′ by 58′; kitchen 24′ by 16′; laundry 32′ by 20′; stable 38′ by 22′; outhouse, necessary and two small out houses 8′ and 15′ were noted.¹

A letter of Robert Anderson, agent for Mutual Assurance Society in Williamsburg, dated September 20, 1809, stated that "Samuel Griffin resides in New York State."²

Samuel Griffin died in November, 1810. Death reported in the Virginia Patriot (Richmond) of date December 4, 1810.³

Williamsburg Personal Property Taxes for 1810 list Elizabeth Gatlief with 6 slaves and 1 horse. Williamsburg Land Tax lists for 1811 give Samuel Griffin [est.] as owner of 8 lots with tax valuation as $100.⁴

Mrs. Gatlief continued to live in Williamsburg with the children. She, evidently, had boarders as many of the citizens did. Letters from S[usan] B[owden], Williamsburg'. to Robert Wash, St. Louis, on March 8, 1811 and May 11, 1812, not only give information as to the Gatlief-Griffin house but provide a human interest note:

[March 8, 1811]

... Mr. Campbell boards at Mrs Gatlief's, he is a charming young Man in all eyes, except Miss Brownes-she will not smile on him Mrs GIs elegant conversation, will no doubt sooth his woes and who

knows but in process of time, he may follow the example his Brother took ...¹

[May 11, 1812]

... There are a few of the Girls still single... if you had any idea of persuading our fascinating neighbor, Gatlieff, to accompany you to St. Louis, I can only tell you, that three weeks since, Mr F Campbell (whom you left here) made her his Wife, in all due form &c & have kept the young folks [illegible] & sipping Tea ever since...²

"Mr, Campbell" who married the widow Gatlief$ was Ferdinand Stuart Campbell, a professor of mathematics at William and Mary College from 1811 to 1833.³ He was ten years younger than the widow.

Personal Property Taxes for 1813 give Ferdinand S; Campbell with "5 blacks, 1 horse, 2 cattle, 1 wheel and 1 carriage."⁴ Galt Account Books carry his bills for medical services to wife, Elizabeth and children.⁵

An amusing account of the wedding of Major Thomas Griffin's daughter to William Waller of Williamsburg on February 23, 1815 in Yorktown at which Miss Elizabeth Gatlief, then only eighteen years old, was taken down in a gig by the Reverend John Bracken, minister of Bruton Parish Church, who was 'tin his Cups," is worthy of inclusion in this report.⁶

By July, 1815 Ferdinand S. Campbell was owner of the former Samuel Griffin house. Mr. Campbell insured the property in the Mutual Assurance Society thus:

I the underwritten Ferdinand S. Campbell residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for assurance... my buildings on street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between Streets on every side... Brick Dwelling 58' by 34'; kitchen 24' by 16'; laundry 32t by 201 and stable 38' by 22' ...¹

Ferdinand Stuart Campbell and his wife, the former Mrs. Gatlief, with her children and theirs continued to live at the same location for some years.

In November, 1822 Anna Louisa Campbell, daughter of Ferdinand S, and Elizabeth G. Campbell, died 'in the beginning of the tenth year of her age." Just three weeks before, Susan Gatlief, daughter of Mrs, Campbell and Samuel Gatlief, deceased, died.²

In 1823 Campbell insured the property again--#5013 revaluation of #1515. He declared that the buildings were "on my wifes land now occupied by myself and situated between the streets of the city of Williamsburg on east, west, north and south in the county of James City" ... Brick dwelling, kitchen, laundry and stable are shown in plat but no dimensions given as heretofore in policies. In valuations there is a marked difference from 1815 when dwelling was valued at $4000. In 1823 dwelling at $1875; laundry $334; kitchen $267 and stable $150.³

In 1819 Williamsburg Land Tax lists Samuel Griffints estate with 8 lots at $1300 tax valuation.⁴

In 1820 a different way of filing the land tax came into effect. This year the property is in the name of "Ferdinand S. Campbell-----1 lot-----$2000;

$1700 added on acct of buildings Formerly charged to Saml Griffin Est"¹ (These valuations remained the same through 1839).

Campbell continued to teach mathematics at the College.. In 1830 he insured the property again: #7600 revaluation of #5013. He declared "my buildings on streets in the city of Williamsburg E. W, N. and South, now occupied by myself situated between the Lunatic Hospital East, and Adams lot south in the county of James City ..."² Buildings listed as: brick dwelling, kitchen, laundry and stable (no dimensions given). Valuations rose from 1823: dwelling $2100; laundry $300; kitchen $150 and stable $150.

In 1834 description for property nearby mentions the Campbell property thus:

Sept 23rd 1834

[Deed of trust Richard T. Booker to Coke's trustee]

... Also a lot or lots of Ground on the South side of the main street near the College gate, and opposite the lot owned by professor Campbell. in right of his wife Mrs. Gatliffe, being the lot or lots purchased from Ro: McC- [trustee]...³

In 1839 Campbell's property was insured again: #11,015 revaluation of #7600. This time he gave his name as Ferdinand S. C. Stewart,⁴ that he is now residing at Philadelphia and the buildings are now occupied by "Ferdinand S. C. Stewart Junr." Brick dwelling one and a half stories 59' by 34'; office; laundry 16' by 24'; kitchen 36' by 20' and smoke house. Dwelling valued

at $3000; laundry $350 and kitchen at $350.¹

From 1840 to 1855 the Land Tax lists give Ferdinand S, Campbell Phila with 1 lot in Williamsburg---$2400; added for buildings $2000.²

Ferdinand Campbell Stewart, Jr.³ did not long occupy the house in Williamsburg of his parents. In 1845 he was living in New York City. In July, 1845 he wrote to George Southall, lawyer, regarding the property:

New York July 2, 1845
640 Broadway.

My dear Sir,

I address you the following letter for the purpose of asking your professional attention to some business matters for me.

Prior to my departure from Williamsburg in the year 1840, I sold to Dr. Peachy a tract of land on the College-landing road immediately in the rear of "Saunders lots.." and at the back of my Mothers dwelling house. This land had been ceded to me by my Mother, as a consideration for certain sums of money which I had expended on account of her property in Williamsburg, arrears of Insurance, Taxes, Repairs, &c., but owing to the unfortunate condition of my Father,⁴ no perfect title could be made to me-Under these circumstances then, I was of course unable to give an exceptionable title myself- but the party purchasing from me, was satisfied, provided that I would give security This I did, and the circumstances of the sale were stated in the deeds, now held by Mr William Peachy, but which I am informed have never been recorded, The price agreed upon for the land was $1,000, with interest from the first of January, 1841, Dr. Peachy gave me his bond to this effect, which I still hold, with Judge Tucker., as his Security; it is dated on the sixth day of August 1840 and the principle with interest, is made payable on the 1st of January 1844. The failure of Doctor Peachy, has prevented the

fulfillment of the contract on his part, up to the present time, and I now understand that a difficulty is raised on the ground of Title, which is thought to be sufficient to annull the contract altogether. Under these circumstances then I apply to you for advice and assistance as to the best course to pursue--whether to sue the security to the bond, or to endeavour to compromise the matter. Nothing had occured since the execution of the papers, that was not known to all parties at the time that they were executed,... unless indeed it be the death of my halfsister Miss Gatlief, which would rather be a circumstance in their favor, as she might have been a party interested in opposing a title from me.

Thus then I have endeavoured to state to you, as briefly as possible, the circumstances attending this transaction, and I wish you to form your opinion, and act for me in such a manner as you may judge to be most conducive to my interests.

I should mention that I am willing, in case you should judge a compromise adviseable, to accede to terms, which I have already proposed, via; to consent to the contract being anulled, on the condition of the payment of full interest, and the restoration of all papers. that have passed on either side...¹

We quote this letter in its entirety because it locates the Griffin property with such phrases as "at the back of my Mothers dwelling house," money used for taxes, insurance &c", "repairs," "unfortunate condition of my Father-[lunatic], no perfect title" and "my half-sister Miss Gatlief [her right to claims]."

Mr. Campbell Stewart, Jr. wrote again from New York, on April 8, 1846 in which he discusses the proposition regarding sale to Peachy:

...I am informed however that the value of the land has been materially diminished by its having been much cut up and injured in getting at the clay to make bricks ...authorize you to show this letter to Mr Peachy, and propose to him as my final offer at compromise; the payment within thirty-days, of Five hundred dollars ($500) clear of all charges, including the amount of your bill for attending to this matter for me ...²

In June, 1846 Mr. Campbell Stewart, Jr. wrote that he has received $475...wants the other $25 ....

...I was most certainly aware that the land had been used as a brick yard when I was in Virginia, but I was not aware to what extent it had been since cut up and injured, until very recently...

[He will rent the land to Mr. Lee that Southall had just got disencumbered for cultivation (the privilege of making bricks will have be be a special contract) and the rent to be paid beforehand ....]

My Mother sailed for France on the 24th inst. to join my Brother who is still in Paris...¹

This land, of course, was to the rear of the Griffin dwelling.

In 1846 the house was rented to William H. Yerby: Insurance Policy #14,405 revaluation of #11,015 describes the buildings as "at present owned by the said Ferdinand S. C. Stewart and wife residing at Philadelphia ...² Brick dwelling, wood office, kitchen, laundry and smoke house (no dimensions noted). Valuations: dwelling $2500; laundry $300 and kitchen $300. Property occupied by William H. Yerby.³

We see from footnote #3 that Yerby was living in Williamsburg in 1843 and that he had college students boarding with him. As Yerby never owned a lot in Williamsburg prior to 1854,⁴ it is possible that he continued to rent from the Ferdinand S. C. Stewart estate.

However, in 1853 William M. Pettit insured his house and other buildings in the Mutual Assurance Society. The policy #17,645 stated that it was a revaluation of policy #14,405 formerly declared by Ferdinand S. C. Stewart; that the building was between four streets in the county of James City county--

brick dwelling 1 1/2 stories high, kitchen, laundry and wood stable & carriage house--valuation $3600. Pettit lived in Williamsburg from 1853-1855 taking college students as boarders. He owned and paid personal property tax but no land tax. During 1853-1856 this property was still in the name of Mr. Campbell-Stewart which seems to indicate that Campbell-Stewart held a mortgage on the property but Pettit had it insured.¹

Ferdinand Stuart-Campbell Stewart [Sr] died July 26, 1854 near Philadelphia:

Died, on the 26th day of July, 1854, at Frankford, near Philadelphia, having attained the age of 65, FERDINAND STEWART CAMPBELL STEWART, late of Williamsburg, Va.; and of Ascog House, Scotland.²

Mrs. Campbell-Stewart died on December 13, 1853 at Philadelphia:

Died, at Philadelphia, December 13, in the 74th year of her age, ELIZABETH CORBIN, wife of FERDINAND STEWART CAMPBELL STEWART, late of Williamsburg, Va. and of Ascog House, Scotland.

This estimable lady and exemplary mother, was the grand-daughter of CARTER BRAXTON, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and only child of the late Col. SAMUEL GRIFFIN, of the Revolutionary Army...³

Through 1855 the property was carried in the Williamsburg Land Tax records as belonging to "Ferdinand S. Campbell; tax valuation of the lot & buildings given at $2400.⁴

In 1856 Misses G. V. and S. T. Galt were owners of 1 lot with buildings valued at $3000.⁵ Though there are no tax transfers, from subsequent records to follow in the report, we know that this property owned by the Misses Galt

was none other than the Campbell House on Francis Street (now called the "Griffin. House").

Miss Gabriella V. Galt and her sister, Miss Sallie M. Galt, held the property in joint ownership until ca. 1859. In 1860 the property was designated in the name of Miss Gabriella V. Galt---$3500 lot & buildings; $2700 buildigns.¹ At this period Miss Galt held 3 slaves, 2 horses and 3 cattle.²

Miss Galt continued ownership until 1874 (to follow later in the report). During the period, perhaps 1870's, she conducted a school in the house for boys and girls up to fifteen years old.

Mrs. Annie Stubbs Boswell,, who lives in Williamsburg now, remembers Miss "Gibbie" in this way: "She was a very charming and arresting figure. She was quite small in stature, She always appeared in a black dress shorter than the styles, with cloth shoes known as 'ladies gaiters,' white hose, long lace wits, a reticule hanging from waist to match dress and a little round bonnet with ribbons tied under her chin. Though she was delicate in stature, she had a will of her own and managed her school with an iron hand."³

When the Misses Galt bought the property, they took college students to board. In November, 1856 Sallie M. Galt wrote to Alexander Galt: " ...Gibbie has four young men boarding with her..."⁴

In 1860 Miss Gibbie insured the property with the Mutual Assurance

Society, policy #21,331 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by William M. Pettit per declaration #17,645. She declared it to be in the county of James City, in Williamsburg, non the South side of a Street in Williamsburg now occupied by Myself situated between Cross Streets on the East and West in the said City of Williamsburg... brick dwelling 1 1/2 stories high, kitchen and laundry; ---$3100."¹

Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg during the Civil Warn stated that Miss Gibbie Galt owned the house between Henry, Francis, Boundary and Ireland Streets:

...The old Galt mansion now called the Marshall house, had attached to it all the rest of the land in this entire square. On this site and immediately east of the residence were several wooden buildings used as servants' quarters, kitchen, etc., and just a short distance from the Galt house stood a small single story frame house fronting on Francis street and just a few feet from it. This house was used as a lodging house for students, and was sold about 1890, and removed to a lot on the Jamestown road near the College.²

Mrs. Victoria M. Lee of Williamsburg recalls the house thus:

A large brick story and a half house stood to the east of the Brooks house-now called Marshall Lodge-then the home of Miss Gibbie Galt, of local renown, who kept a lodging house there. The appearance of this house has changed very little.³

Eliza Baker, negro of Williamsburg, a former slave of W. W. Vest, was interviewed as to her recollections of Miss Gibbie:

Miss Gibbie Galt's house was where Miss Marshall stayed. She ate it up in store bills. Mr. Vest got it in store bills and he sold it to Dr. Wise. Dr. Wise sold it to Miss Marshall.⁴

The Civil War made paupers of some people in Williamsburg and reduced nay to want for some years to follow. Miss Gibbie did not escape the

Figure 7

NIVISON PRINT #4559 Photo Lab (CWI)

MARSHALL HOUSE 34/35

tragedy of war. As bankruptcy in 1872.¹

By 1874 the court ordered sale of the property. W. W. Vest² became the purchaser at the price of $1225.

In 1883 Vest conveyed to G. Teiser the above property price named was $1500.³ In 1889 Teiser gave deed of trust to Henry Morris for property known as "Galt House,"⁴ In 1891 Henry Morris, trustee for Teiser, conveyed the property to David Litchenstein.⁵ In 1891, a few days later, Lichtenstein and wife conveyed to Maria D. Wise.⁶ In 1895 Richard A., Henry A., and Virginia P. Wise, being sole heirs of Maria D. Wise, conveyed unto Marie Marshall the following property thus described:

...All that certain lot of land situate in the City of Williamsburg, state of Virginia, known as the "Galt House," and lot, and bounded as follows: North by Francis Street, 290 feet; east by Henry Street, 396 feet; south by a back street, 296 feet; and west by the property of Archer Brooks, deceased, 396 feet.⁷

Miss Marshall died in September, 1922. Her only heirs, Martha M. Wysong and Louise M. Pollock, conveyed to the Marshall Foundation, Inc. on December 11, 1923.⁸

In 1928 the Marshall Foundation, Inc. conveyed to W. A. R. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration. This was later transferred to Colonial Williamsburg Incorporated. For further details, consult the Chain to Title, Accounting Department.

WILLIAM BYRD III

Colonel William Byrd III, son of William Byrd II and Maria Taylor Byrd, was born on September 6, 1728 at "Westover," Charles City county, Virginia. He married (1) Elizabeth Hill Carter of "Shirley" on April 14, 1748. She died on July 25, 1760 leaving five children: William, John Carter, Thomas Taylor, Elizabeth and Francis Otway.

Byrd was married the second time in January, 1761, to Mary Willing, daughter of Charles Willing of Philadelphia. Children by this marriage were: Maria Horsemanden who married John Page of "Pagebrook," Anne Willing, Charles Willing, Evelyn Taylor who married Benjamin Harrison of "Brandon," Abby who married Judge William Nelson, Dorothy, Jane who married Carter H. Harrsion, Richard Willing and William. Mrs. Byrd died at "Westover" on March 30, 187..

It is thought that Col. Byrd was educated at William and Mary College and at one of the universities of England. He was a burgess 1753-1754. He was a member of the Council from 1755..1777. In 1755 he made an expedition to the Cherokees, was in the French and Indian War 1757-1762 with the rank of Colonel of the 2nd Virginia Regiment which he maintained, largely, from his personal funds. He was active in the turf and gaming.

Colonel Byrd is thought to have built "Belvidere" in Richmond after his marriage to Elizabeth Hill Carter. "Westover," then, was the property of his mother for her lifetime. His mother died in 1771. He then came into full possession of "Westover" and moved there soon afterwards. By 1776 "Belvidere" had been sold.

Colonel Byrd rented a house in Williamsburg from George Washington from ca. 1761-1769. He had bought the house now known as the "Allen-Byrd House" by 1771. (For further details of Byrd's Williamsburg property, consult the house history which is the body of this report.)

Colonel Byrd died on January 1, 1777. His wife, Mary Willing Byrd died in 1814. Both left wills, A copy of Byrd's will can be found in Virginia Magazine History, Vol, 38, p. 60, (A copy of Mrs. Byrd's will can be found in Dismal Swamp Papers, M-36-3, Research Department.)

[Sources]

Tyler's Virginia Biography, Vol. I, p. 161.
Virginia Historical Portraiture.
Dismal Swamp Papers, M-36-3, CWI.
Virginia Gazette.
Virginia Historical Magazine. Vols. 36, 37, 39 & 63.
Bassett's The Writings of Colonel Byrd [II], (New York, 1901), appendix B., pp. 448-449.
Ledger A of George Washington, Lib. Congress, M-89-2, CWI.

FERDINAND STUART CAMPBELL

The Reverend Archibald Campbell from Scotland, emigrated to Virginia and settled ca. 1730 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His second wife was a sister of the Reverend William Stuart of King George County. By this marriage were three sons; Archibald, Alexander and John. Archibald left two sons: Frederick who inherited an entailed estate in Scotland and died in Europe; and Ferdinand. Parson Campbell was an uncle of Thomas Campbell, the poet of the Stuart and Argyle families in England, and Scotland.

Ferdinand Stuart Campbell was born in 1789 and died at Frankford near Philadelphia on August 26, 1854. He was professor at William and Mary College from 1811-1833. In April, 1812 he married the widow of Samuel Gatlief, She was the daughter of Samuel Griffin of Williamsburg.

Mr. Campbell continued to live in Williamsburg until ca. 1837 when he and his wife removed to Philadelphia and prior to that, to Ascog House, Scotland where he went hoping to come into the entailed property via the Stuarts, However, he never succeeded.

He, through his wife, owned the house now known as the "Griffin House" on Francis Street in Williamsburg until their deaths.

Mrs. Campbell died in Philadelphia on December 13, 1854 in the 74th year of her age according to the Virginia Gazette notice: "This estimable lady and exemplary mother, was the Grand-daughter of CARTER BRAXTON, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and only child of the late Col. SAMUEL GRIFFIN, of the Revolutionary Army."

Mr. & Mrs. Stuart had two sons and a daughter; one son, Ferdinand Stuart Campbell, was living in New York in 1845. Samuel Campbell lived abroad. Louise, the daughter, died in 1822 in Williamsburg. Her half sister, Miss Susan Gatlief., died the same year according to the Richmond Enquirer, November 12, 1822.

In his latter years, Ferdinand Stuart Campbell, the professor, was insane.

Sources used in compiling this data:

Richmond Enquirer, November 12, 1822 (copy in W&M College Archives)
Virginia Gazette, Dec. 13, 1854; Aug. 3, 1854; Jan. 5, 1854
Meade's Old Churches and Families of Virginia, Vol. 2, pp. 160-161
Williamsburg Land Tax Lists; microfilm CWI; or it: Va, State Lib.
Williamsburg Personal Property Lists, microfilm CWI; prig: Va. State Lib.
William and Mary Quarterly, series 1, Vol. 7, pp. 60-61
Misc Ms, CWI: Letter of S. Bowden to Robert Wash, May 11, 1812
American Library Association Index, p. 564., Gilbert Stuart portrait of Mrs. Elizabeth Corbin Griffin Gatlief noted in Century Magazine Vol. 35, p. 697

MISS "GIBBIE GALT"

(Gabriella Virginia. Galt)

Miss Gabriella Virginia Galt, known to her kin and friends as "Miss Gibbie," was the daughter of William T. Galt, keeper of the Lunatic Hospital from 1800 to 1826, time of his death. His son, William T. Galt, Jr. ("Dickie") served as keeper from 1826 to his death in 1854. Both William T. Sr. and William T. Jr. lived in a cottage house on the grounds of the Hospital. (This house was moved in front of Bruton Parish Church in 1929 and in 1955 it was removed to Tyler Street, William T. Galt Sr, was Mayor of Williamsburg at the time that Layfayette visited there in 1824.

Miss Gibbie Galt was born in 1816 and died in Williamsburg in 1891. She had a sister, Sallie T. Galt who it is believed died in 1859; and a brother, William Jr., who committed suicide on the hospital grounds in 1854 by slashing his neck with a pen knife.

In 156 Miss Gibbie and her sister, Sallie T., owned property on Francis Street now known as the "Griffin House." The buildings were valued for tax purposes at $3000. The sisters owned the property jointly until 1859 when Miss Gibbie was sole owner. In 1856 she was taking college students as boarders and roomers.

Sometime during her occupation of the property (probably in the 18701s and 18801s) Miss Gibbie had a private school. She took children up to ca fourteen years old.

Because of the Civil War, largely, Miss Gibbie's financial status became worse and worse until in 1872 she was forced to apply for bankruptcy,^* In 1874 her property was sold at public sale. W. W. Vest, prosperous merchant, purchased at this sale for $1225. Just where Miss Gibbie lived from 1874 until 1880 is not known. In 1880 her cousin, Miss Sallie M. Galt, in her will bequeathed Miss Gibbie a room with furnishings in her house (the old Galt house on Francis Street near the Capitol) for life. Miss Gibbie may have been living with Miss Sallie from 1874.

Miss Gibbie died in 1891 and was interred in the family plot at Bruton Parish Church.

Many stories have come down about her school, the little peculiarities of her character and the unusual way in which she dressed. These stories have been included in the pages to follow.

Sources used in compiling this sketch:

The Galt Family by Howard Spilman Galt (1938), p. 110
The History of the Founding of the Eastern State Hospital by Granville L. Jones (1954), pp. 647-648.
Williamsburg Scrap Book, 1st edition (1932), pp. 72-78

Galt Papers: CWI-Letter G. V. Galt to S. M. Galt, Dec. 25, 1854
Letter S. M. Galt to Alexr Galt, Nov. 27, 1856
Suit: Vest & Hansford vs G. V. Galt, Nov, 26, 1866
Bankruptcy Petition G. V. Galt, April 23, 1872; 1874

William & Mary Quarterly, series 2, Vol. 5, pp. 116, 118
Williamsburg Land Tax records, Mi-CWI; orig: Va. State Library
Williamsburg Personal Property records, Ibid
Charles' "Recollections of Williamsburg 1861-65"; typescript CWI, p. 15
Lee's "Williamsburg 1860-1861," p. 66; typescript CWI
Eliza Baker's "Memoirs," typescript CWI

MEMORIES OF WILLIAMSBURG AND STORIES OF MY FATHER

Robert S. Bright
Richmond, 1941 (Garrett & Massie, Inc.)
pp. 6-7

After becoming a "big boy," I went to the famous "Mattey School" at the head of Palace Green, built and endowed by an old English Lady who lived in London about 1706, There my teachers were Mr. Cary Armistead and Mr. Sidney Smith, men of the highest character and culture. Oh: the memory of those days! In marble season I would meet Heningham Harrison about my age and one of my best friends, at the corner of Bruton Parish Church, He was one of the sons of Colonel and Mrs. Randolph Harrison., who lived in the Wythe House on the green about a square above the church. He would be taking his cousin, Miss Gibby Gault's breakfast to her, which Mrs, Harrison sent her religiously every morning. As soon as we met, "Pons," as we called him, would set "Cousin Gibby's" tray on the green and we would play marbles until the bell rang, summoning me to school and "Poss" would resume his march with the breakfast. That breakfast must have been as cold some mornings as Cousin Toms but Miss Gibby was too sweet a lady to drench "Poss" in coffee. I can hear "Poss" now excusing his lateness to Mr. Armistead because of "Cousin Gibby's" breakfast.

Figure 18

CYRUS GRIFFIN

Cyrus Griffin was the son of Leroy Griffin and Mary Ann Bertrand of Richmond County. He was born on July 16, 1748 and died on December 14, 1810 at Yorktown.

Griffin studied law at Edinburgh University and the Middle Temple.

While in Scotland, in 1770, Griffin married Christina Stuart, daughter of John Stuart, sixth Earl of Traquair. He brought her to Virginia soon after the marriage. She was always known as "Lady Christina," She died in Williamsburg in 1807 and was interred in Bruton Parish Churchyard.

From May, 1777 to May, 1778 he represented Lancaster County in the Virginia legislature. In May, 1778 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. In 1780 he was appointed judge of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture. This office he held until 1787 when it was abolished. He was again elected to the Continental Congress and served as its president from January 22, 1788 until its dissolution. He was its last president. While in Philadelphia and in New York Judge Griffin and Christina (Lady Griffin) attended assembly balls and entertained at weekly dinner parties for twenty or more guests. Washington appointed Griffin federal judge for the District of Virginia. During his tenure in this office he helped preside over two of the most famous cases in the legal history of that period: the trial of James T. Callender for libel and that of Aaron. Burr for treason.

Children of Judge Griffin and Lady Christina were: Louisa who married Hugh Mercer of Fredericksburg on January 30, 1799 in Williamsburg. (General Hugh Mercer was her son); Mary who married her cousin, Thomas Griffin of Yorktown; Cyrus died ca. 1787; Samuel Stuart who married Sally Lewis of Gloucester County (He lived in Williamsburg on Nicholson Street for some years) and John who became a judge of Indiana Superior Court.

Judge Griffin and his wife lived in Williamsburg from ca. 1794-1799? on Duke of Gloucester Street (Lot 24, belonging to James Davis). He was living on some lot in Williamsburg in 1806-1807. (Location unknown)

Cyrus Griffin left a will, filed in York County. It was written in 1808 in his own handwriting. Total sales- of his personal property in Yorktown were $867.10 1/3.

There is a portrait of Cyrus Griffin done from a miniature by Lawrence Sully. It was painted in 1799. It is now owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The Miniature, 2 1/2 by 2, is signed by Sully in 1799. It was presented to the Society by Mrs. John Leyburn (Louisa Stewart Mercer), a granddaughter, on May 9, 1887.

Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Cyrus Griffin in 1792 is 17' by 14'. Owner was Thomas B. Clarke, New York City., in 1934-loaned to Pennsylvania Historical Society.

There is no known portrait or miniature of Lady Christina Griffin.

Sources used in compiling this sketch:

Virginia Magazine History, Vol. V, pp. 387-388, 432; Vol. XXL, p. 196; Vol, IV, P. 449; Vol. XX, p. 291; Vol. XXX, p. 248
Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol, IV, p. 352, 396, 449s 504, 537, 586, Ibid., Vol., V, p. 80
Richmond Enquirer, December 18, 1810. (Obit. Griffin)
Argus, December 25, 1810; Ibid., Dec. 28, 1810 (Obit. Griffin)
Virginia Historical Portraiture (1928) p. 258 (Cyrus Griffin)
A. L. A. Portrait Index
Bowen's Centennial Washington's Inauguration (1892), p. 156
The Record of Bruton Parish Church, p. 1
York County Records, Wills & Inventories #23, p. 810; Ibid., pp. 814-816
Griswold's The Republican Court or American Society in the Days of Washington (New York, 1854) pp. 82, 90, 96, 164, 166
Dictionary of American Biography, Vol. VII, pp. 618-619

COLONEL SAMUEL GRIFFIN

Samuel Griffin was the son of Leroy Griffin of Richmond County, Virginia, and Mary Ann Bertrand, daughter of the Rev. John Bertrand and Mary Ball of Lancaster County. He was born in 1746; married in 1778 to Betty Braxton., daughter of Carter Braxton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. His brother was Cyrus Griffin, member of the Continental Congress, Judge of the Circuit Court of Appeals of Virginia and Judge of the United States District Court from 1789 to his death in 1810.

Samuel Griffin and Cyrus were educated at Oxford University. Samuel Griffin returned to Virginia ca 1772. In January and February, 1773 he was sueing in York County for small debts owed him. In 1775 he was aide to Gen. Lee: In 1776, he served as Adjutant-General. He was wounded at Harlem Heights on October 12, 1776.

In 1779 Griffin was elected Mayor of Williamsburg.

He was a member of the first Congress March 4, 1789.

Griffin owned property, it is said, adjoining "Rippon Hall," York County plantation owned by his brother, Corbin Griffin. Around 1778 he was- owner of the property in Williamsburg on Francis Street now known as the "Griffin House,"

Elizabeth Corbin Griffin, only child of Samuel and Betty Braxton Griffin, married (1) Samuel Gatlief of Philadelphia in 1796. He died in 1806 in Philadelphia. She married (2) Ferdinand Stuart Campbell, professor at William and Mary College 1811-1833. Children by first marriage were: four daughtersElizabeth, Susan, ----, ----, Children by second marriage were: Ferdinand Campbell, Samuel and Louisa,

Samuel Griffin died in November, 1810. Virginia Patriot, Richmond newspaper, reported his death in the December 4th issue,

A portrait of Samuel Griffin done by Gilbert Stuart., was owned by Dr. Ferdinand Campbell Stewart, grandson, of Philadelphia, in 1892. Dr. Stewart had, also, a miniature of his grandfather. Dr. Stewart was residing in Pisa, Italy around 1892. He left the portrait at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia for safekeeping.

Sources used in compiling this data:

William & Mary Quarterly, series 1, Vol. 7, pp. 60-61
Provisional List of Students at William & Mary
Meade's Old Churches and Families, Vol. II, pp. 160-161, fn.
Biography of the American Congress (1950 U.S. Pr. Office)
Pennsylvania Evening Post, Jan. 1, 1779
Claypoole's Daily Advertiser (Phila) Nov. 25, 1796
Virginia Gazette, Aug. 3, 1854; Ibid, Jan. 5, 1854 (at W&M College)
Virginia Gazette, Dec. 4, 1779
Virginia Gazette Index
York County records: Journals & Orders #3, pp. 216, 486, 503 (suits)
Corbin Papers, CWI: marriage agreement, Dec. 10, 1778
New York Historical Society Collections, Vol, I, Lee Papers (1754-1776) pp. 188, 343; Vol. II, p. 210
Bowen's The Centenial of Washington's Inauguration (1892) pp. 111, 468 (Portraits)

WILLIAM W. VEST

Vest's name appears in the Williamsburg Personal Property Lists in 1828. At this time he owned no property. In 1832 he took out a merchant's retail license. In 1834 he owned four slaves. In 1835 Vest was in partnership with Jesse Cole at the brick store adjoining the Raleigh Tavern. This property was owned jointly until 1851 when Vest was charged with the property.

Vest became a most prosperous merchant from this time until his death in 1893. Besides the store property he owned and lived at the house on Lot 27 next to the Capitol now known as the "Palmer House." He bought up much property after the Civil War.

He was a vestryman at Bruton Parish Church prior to 1853.

Following the fire in 1859 which destroyed his store adjoining the Raleigh Tavern-burned also, at this time- Vest being well insured, gained by the fire. He was described by Samuel S. Griffin, Williamsburg citizen in January, 1860, as "now one of our nabobs." He purchased the site of the Raleigh Tavern and erected a large store on that lot ca. 1860.

In describing Williamsburg as she recalled it, an elderly lady, Mrs. Vandergrift, said: "Mr. Robert Cole owned one-half of the town and Mr. Vest the other."

Mr. Vest married a Miss Eliza Waller, relative of the Wallers who lived at the Waller House on Francis street near the Capitol. They had a son who graduated from William and Mary College and University of Virginia; and a daughter.

During the siege of Williamsburg during the Civil War, Mr. Vest refugeed to Richmond, it is said, He did not return until after the War.

Sources used in compiling this biographical sketch:

"Recollections of Williamsburg" by John S. Charles, typescript, CWI
"Interview with Mrs. Vandergrift..." typescript, CWI
Letter of Samuel S. Griffin to his son, January, 1860; card Research Dept.
Williamsburg Personal Property Tax Lists; Va, State Archives; microfilm, CWI
Williamsburg Land Tax Lists; Ibid.
Palmer House History, Research Department
John Carter's Store, House History, Research Department.

A WILLIAMSBURG SCRAPBOOK, Compiled by Williamsburg Garden Club
(Richmond, Va., 1932), pp. 70-76.

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

GALT PAPERS C.W.I (Restricted)

Will of Sally Maria Galt
Aug. 29, 1880

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 29

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 30

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 31

Figure 32

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 33

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 34

GALT PAPERS CWI (Restricted)

Figure 35

GALT PAPERS CWI (Restricted)

[Letter G. V. Galt to Sally M. Galt]

Figure 36

Figure 37

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 38

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 39

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 40

SOUTHALL PAPERS

William & Mary College
Folder 290
Legal Cases & Estates
Two or More Counties

Figure 41