Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

NOTE:

After excavations are made on this site, Mr. Knight's sketch of foundations unearthed and the corresponding portion of the Frenchman's Map should be added to this report.

We have requested these sketches from Mr. Knight when possible.

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

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot 23 lies on the corner of Waller Street and York Road. (See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) plat - opposite page.)

THE HOUSE:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates a partitioned house flush to the street near the southwest corner of the lot with a small house near the northern boundary, and a smaller dependency directly east of the last named. A larger house flush to York Street stands on the lot also.

When Benjamin Waller conveyed the lot in 1777 to David Morton, tailor, the consideration named, £400 current money of Virginia, would indicate that Waller had built on the property previously. (Waller had acquired the lot along with a large tract from the estate of Mann Page by Act of Assembly of 1749.)

In 1778 Morton sold off a part of the lot towards the north to Isham Goddin, for £200 current money of Virginia. The portion conveyed was 35 ½ feet (west and east boundaries) by 119 ½ feet (south and north boundaries).

From 1782-1791 Morton had Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and builder, to make repairs to the houses on the lot such as whitewashing, plastering, lathing, rebuilding chimney, digging and building cellar wall, laying hearth in house and kitchen &c.

Morton or his estate held the property until 1828 when it was conveyed to Richard Coke Jr., who, in 1829 conveyed to Elizabeth Coke, the property owner until 1850. Alexander Powell was the owner until 1851 when he conveyed to Julia Taylor. The property at this time was valued at $1100 for lot and buildings. Following the death of Julia Taylor it appears that Emma Pendleton, a daughter, lived on the property. Mrs. Pendleton died in 1874. From 1874 to 1939 there were several owners. See: Chain to title to follow with index. Mr. Charles, writing in 1928 of Williamsburg during the Civil War period observed that the Taylor or Pendleton house was "The first house on this street, and located at the north-east corner of York and Waller Streets, was a two story frame house, with vine-clad porch, facing on Waller Street, with basement or cellar with steps down to it from York Street. This house was known as the 'Taylor' or 'Pendleton' house and was burned sometime after the War."

The northern part of the lot which Morton conveyed to Goddin in 1778 changed hands many times in the years. Goddin sold in 1783 to George Jackson. In 1785 William Rowsay had become owner and he, in turn, conveyed to James Innes. Evidently Innes never owned the lot in fee simple as Rowsay or his estate continued to hold the property, it seems, until 1812. During some of this time Rowsay's nephew, John Houston, a jeweller and watchmaker, occupied the property. Following Rowsay it appears that Benjamin Waller (who already was the owner of Lot 22) held this lot via Rowsay until 1865. From several other owners it came into the hands and possession of Colonial Williamsburg in 1939. See: chain to title to follow with index.

Summary - 2

OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS:

BENJAMIN WALLER before 1749.
See: report, page 1
DAVID MORTON 1777-1828
See: page 2 and page 11	[north portion of lot]
RICHARD COKE JR., 1828-1829	ISHAM GODDIN (via Morton) 1778-1783
See: page 11 page 4
ELIZABETH COKE. 1829-1850	GEORGE JACKSON 1783-
See: page 11 page 6
ALEXANDER POWELL 1850-1851	WILLIAM ROWSAY 1785-
See: page 11 pages 6-7
JULIA TAYLOR 1852-1874	JAMES INNIS 1785-
See: pages 11-12	page 7
T. B. MAHONE 1888-1916	WILLIAM ROWSAY 1786-1812
See: page 12 and Chain to title	pages 7-12
Accounting Dept., C.W.I.
H. S. WILSON 1916-	BENJAMIN WALLER 1812(?)-1865
See: chain to title, Accounting Dept.	See: chain to title, Accounting Dept.
R. P. ANDERSON Jr., 1916-1919	AUGUSTUS CASSIDY, ca. 1879-1896
Ibid.	(This involves Lots 21 & 22 also)
	See: Chain to title, Accounting Dept.
R. L. PILKINGTON 1919-1920	L. W. LANE SR., 1896-1921
Ibid	Ibid.
BENJAMIN R. ROBINS 1920-1921	LUCY LAMB KELLY 1921-1939
Ibid.	Ibid.
LUCY LAMB KELLY 1921-1939	COLONIAL WILLIMSBURG 1939
Ibid. This involved part of lot to
east held by Robert Green.
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG 1939-

LOCATION:

Lot 23 is located on the corner of Waller Street and York Road. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) page opposite summary of report.

HISTORY:

By Act of Assembly of Virginia in 1744 Mann Page was given the right to sell and dispose of certain entailed lands in order to settle his father's estate. Among the property listed was "seven hundred acres of land or thereabouts, adjoining the city of Williamsburg, in the county of York."¹

In April, 1749, a survey of the York Road and Capitol Landing sections of these lands was made by William Waller. By this date Benjamin Waller was the owner by way of Mann Page. A plat of the lots is drawn in the court records of York County. ²

In 1756 by an Act of Assembly these lots of Waller were added to the city of Williamsburg:

I. WHEREAS it hath been represented to this General Assembly, That Benjamin Waller, gentleman, hath laid out a certain parcel of his lands, in the counties of York and James-City, contiguous to the city of Williamsburg, at the east end thereof, into lots, and the purchasers of the said lots have petitioned that they may be taken into the limits of the said city, and enjoy all the privileges of the freeholders and inhabitants thereof: Be it enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council, and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and it is hereby enacted, by the authority of the same, That the lands laid out, as aforesaid by the said Benjamin Waller, into lots adjoining the said city, so soon as the same shall be built upon and saved according to the condition of the deeds of conveyance, shall be added to, and 2. made part of the said city of Williamsburg; and the freeholders and inhabitants thereof shall then be entitled thereto, and have, and enjoy all the rights, privileges, and immunities granted to, or enjoyed by, the freeholders and inhabitants of the said city; and shall be subject to the same jurisdiction, rules, and government with the other inhabitants of the said city. ¹

From references in the above quoted Act, we see that Waller had sold off some of the lots prior to 1756. However, Lot 23 was not among those sold off by Waller.

Waller held Lot 23 until 1777 when it was conveyed to David Morton, tailor:

November 10, 1777.

Waller, Benjamin of the County of Brunswick, Gent.
Martha, his wife
to
Morton, David of the City of Williamsburg, Taylor ²

Consideration: 400 Pounds Current Money of Virginia

… All that lot of ground situate lying and being in the city of Williamsburgh Parish Bruton County of York and bounded on the South by the Main Road leading to York Town on the west by the Street leading to the Capitol Landing on the North by the lots of Christiana Campbell and on the East by the Lot of George Jackson and all Houses… forever…
Ben: Waller
Martha Waller

Witnessed by
Archd Diddep
James Slate

Recorded in York County Court on December 15, 1777. ³

3. This deed appears to be a fee simple with no condition subsequent. No stipulations are in the deed as to how far the buildings must be set from the street as in the deed to Lot 24. Nor were there any stipulations as in the deeds to Lots 21, 22 and 24 wherein Waller would take back the property within three years if houses were not built thereon by that time.¹ This would seem to mean that Waller had already built upon the property (Lot 23). The consideration of 400 Pounds would indicate this also.

On November 17, 1777 David Morton gave mortgage to Robert Nicolson, merchant:

November 17, 1777.

Morton, David of the City of Williamsburg,
Taylor, Williamsburg,
to
Nicolson, Robert of the said City, Merchant,
Consideration: 5 shillings

…one piece parcel or Lot of Ground Situate in the said City lying and being in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York bounded as followeth towit: On the South by the main Road leading to York Town on the West by the Street leading to the Capitol Landing on the North by the Lots of Christiana Campbell and on the East by the Lot of George Jackson, which said piece or lot of Ground was Sold to the said David Morton by Benjamin Waller of the County of Brunswick and Martha his Wife by Deed bearing date the tenth day of November instant and all Houses Palings Yards Gardens…belonging to the same…and all Estate Rights and property claims…²

Recorded in York County Court Records on December 15, 1777.

In 1778 Morton sold off a portion of the property to Isham Goddin: ³ 4.

July 16, 1778.

Morton, David of the City of Williamsburgh and
County of York and Mary, his wife,
to
Goddin, Isham of the aforesaid City and County
Consideration: 200 Pounds lawful Money of Virginia

… All that Lot dividend or parcel of Land situate lying and being in the City and County aforesaid containing by estimation one half acre Lots more or less bounded as follows Beginning on Christiana Campbells line running South 35 ½ feet from thence East 119 ½ feet to the line of George Jackson and from thence to the line of Christiana Campbell 35 ½ feet and from thence along said Campbells line 119 ½ feet to the place first begun at… All houses buildings palings… in fee simple… forever… David Morton Mary Morton¹

Recorded in York County Records July 20, 1778.

The part conveyed to Goddin was to the north - about one third of the lot.

5.

The Frenchman's map (1782) of Williamsburg shows a house (partitioned) flush to street near the southwest corner of the lot, with a small house near the northern boundary (near Campbell's) with a smaller dependency towards the east. A larger house flush to York Street stands on the lot also. See: Illustration #1 for drawing from this map. For our convenience we have drawn these houses into the sketch above.

In 1782 Morton paid Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and builder for certain changes and repairs to the property he owned in the city. Such items as lime, repairs to plaster, burning, bricks, mending kitchen back, whitewashing 3 rooms and a passage were noted. The account was paid in full in June, 1783.¹ In October, 1783 Morton had Harwood rebuild steps, repair cellar cap and plaster. In 1784 work was done such as whitewashing 1 room, closet and passage, and whitewashing 2 rooms. Such account was settled in November, 1784.² In 1785 and 1786 Harwood continued to make repairs and changes for Morton. Dormer windows were lathed and plastered, 3 rooms and a passage were whitewashed, a top to a chimney was rebuilt, digging and building cellar wall, bricks, plastering, laying hearth in house and kitchen &c. Smaller accounts came in 1787-1791.³

The Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts which begin in 1782 indicate that David Morton held 1 lot valued at £3. In 1791 Morton's lot was valued at £20.⁴

6.

We shall return now to the history of the north portion of Lot 23 which Morton sold to Goddin in July, 1778.

Goddin by 1783 had moved to New Kent County. He conveys the northern part of Lot 23 on September 8, 1783 to George Jackson:

September 8, 1783.

Goddin, Isham of New Kent County
to
Jackson George of the City of Williamsburg
Consideration: 90 Pounds lawful Money of Virginia

… All that Lot dividend or parcel of Land situate lying and being in the city of Williamsburg and county of York containing by estimation ½ acre be the same more or less, bounded as follows Beginning on Christiana Campbells line running South 35 ½ ft. from thence East 119 ½ To the line of the said George Jackson from thence to the line of Christiana Campbell 35 1/2 feet thence along the said Campbells line 119 ½ feet to the place first begun at and all houses, buildings, etc… in fee Simple…
Isham Godden

Sealed & Delivered in presence of
Will Russell
Joseph Prentis
James Innes
Samuel Abel

¹Recorded in York County Court Records on September 15, 1783.

Why the consideration on this portion of Lot 23 changed from £200 in 1778 to £90 in 1783 is not known. It may have been due to the difference in values following the Revolutionary War.

There seems to be a gap in the chain to title until 1785. Obviously, William Rowsay had become owner from the deed below, however the land tax records, deeds and other sources have failed to show when Jackson conveyed to Rowsay: 7.

April 18, 1785.

Rowsay, William
Frances, his wife of the City of Williamsburg
to
Innes, James of the same place.
Consideration: 90 Pounds Current Money of Virginia

… All that lot dividend or parcel of land situate lying and being in the city of Williamsburg, County of York containing by estimation ½ acre more or less, bounded as follows Beginning on Christiana Campbells line running South 35 ½ ft. from thence East 119 ½ ft. to the line of George Jackson from thence to the line of Christiana Campbell 35 ½ ft. thence along said Christiana Campbells line 119 ½ ft. to the place of beginning… Together with all houses buildings etc… forever…
Will: Rowsay Sl [No witnesses]

Recorded York County April 18, 1785.

Research has failed to clear up the situation following Rowsay's transfer of the lot to James Innes, and how Rowsay came to recover the property from Innes. We do know — from existing records to follow — that Rowsay or his estate held the property until ca. 1812.

Rowsay held property in the city prior to 1783 when he was conveyed the north part of Morton's lot. The Williamsburg Land Tax records give Rowsay as holding 3 lots valued at £4.10 in 1782.² He acquired 2 lots from Henry Nicolson in 1784, making a total of 5 lots held by Rowsay until 1806 when he gained "1 lot via Houston."³

Rowsay's will was written on July 7, 1786 and recorded in the Hustings Court of Williamsburg on February 5, 1787.⁴ He mentions his sister, Houston, 8. and his nephew, John Houston in the will:

[July 7, 1786]

… It is my will and desire that whatever balance may be found due to me from my sister Houston and my Nephew John Houston they may not be called on for until the death of my said sister or until my executors may consider them as worth five hundred pounds.
…

Undoubtedly, John Houston, nephew of William Rowsay, was living on the northern part of Lot 23 from around 1783 to 1809 (possibly 1812).¹ Sources are listed below:

1783	April 8th Mr William Rowsay	Dr
	…
	To Repairing Larthing & plastering in Shop 20/	£1.-.-
	To laying a Hearth in Shop 3/ & 3 days labour a 3/	-.12.-
	To Repairing Plastering in Mr Houstons House 3/	-.3.-
	…
	May 8th
	To ¾ bushl of Lime a 2/ & whitewashg 2 Rooms a 4/6---& an Entry & Closet a 2/6 & 1 Room (in Shop) 4/6	1.-.-2
1786	July 7
	Will of William Rowsay mentions his nephew, John Houston. (Above quoted)
1801	July 22
	Mutual Assurance Society — policy #485 of Thomas Sands — mentions Houston: "My Two buildings facing the Main Street back of the old Capitol at Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the Lot of Thomas Dawson and that of John Houston in the county of York…"3
1806	Williamsburg Land Tax Records:
	William Rowsay Est. 1 lot via Houston	$20.4
9.
1809	Mutual Assurance Society — policy #988 of Thomas Sands — mentions Houston: "… The said building is now owned by Thomas Sands and is now occupied by Henry Gibbs That it is situated on Gallows Street immediately east of the Capitol and has on the South Houstons and Jacksons lots — East Wallers lots and North the lot of John Pearman…"1

William Rowsay was a jeweller. In 1774 Rowsay in partnership with his brother, John, had a shop "next door below Anderson's Tavern."² They also entered into the selling of merchandise in 1778-1779.³ As jewellers, they advertised making and selling "all Kinds of JEWELLERY, GOLD and SILVER WORK, MOURNING RINGS, &c." As merchants they gave notice that an assortment of imported goods were for sale such as "cutlery, pinchbeck shoe and stock buckles, plated do. watch chains seals and keys, paper snuff-boxes, playing cards, pins and needles, ivory combs, linen, muffins, cap lace, corded dimity, ginghams, calicoes, silk and thread stockings, bohea tea, &c. Also a few hogsheads of good RUM,…"

Whether Rowsay and brother sold these items at the shop "next door below Anderson's Tavern" in 1778-1779 or whether he had a shop at another location in the city, is not known. The important thing seems to be that Rowsay was a jeweller and merchant, that he maintained a shop in the city and that a nephew, John Houston, also a jeweller, operated in Williamsburg and between 1783 and 1809 occupied his uncle's property behind the Capitol.

In 1795-1796 John Houston rendered accounts and received payment of St. George Tucker for making and mending various jewellery and watches.⁴ Could Houston have learned the jewellery and watch-repairing trade from his uncles, William and John Rowsay?

10.

It is natural to think that he did just that, and that following the death of William Rowsay, he took over his shop. Until excavations on the lot have been completed, it will be impossible to know how many colonial houses were on the lot, what the sizes were and locations. "Mr Houstons House" which Rowsay paid Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and builder, to repair and plaster may have been on the same lot with the "shop" which was also whitewashed the following month.¹ In December, 1784, Rowsay was appointed Notary Public in the place of James Innes who had resigned. Rowsay advertised in a newspaper that he would occupy "the same office formerly occupied by colonel Innes, on the main street, nearly opposite the Raleigh tavern."² It is possible that he turned over his jewellery shop at this time to his nephew, John Houston.

The College Map (1791?) indicates "Rowsay" on Lot 22. We have found from the Land Tax Records that Christiana Campbell kept the two lots [21 & 22] until her death in 1792 and her estate carried them until 1798. Hence, Rowsay must have been on the northern part of Lot 23 and the map-maker became confused and put "Rowsay" on the wrong lot.³

The Williamsburg Land Tax records never show John Houston as owner of a lot; yet in 1806 William Rowsay's Estate is recorded as gaining "1 lot via Houston--$20." Houston may have been paying on this property prior to Rowsay's death (as Rowsay's will would infer) but the property remained legally as Rowsay's. The records are so unsatisfactory and vague that we can make no 11. definite statement other than this assumption. However, Houston's name disappears from the Personal Property Lists in 1812 which would suggest that he no longer was a resident of Williamsburg. Rowsay's estate continued to own the property until 1811. The tax transfer has not been found but Benjamin Waller gained 1 lot valued at $20 in 1812 and William Rowsay's Estate lost 1 lot valued at $20 — which evidence seems pretty conclusive in view of the fact that Waller was owner of the property until his death in 1865.¹

Let us now return to the David Morton portion of Lot 23. Morton held the lot until 1828 when his estate sold to Richard Coke Jr. --- "l lot---$500 buildings & lot; $450 buildings Heretofore taxed to the Estate of David Morton." In 1829 Elizabeth Coke became the owner "Via Richard Coke Jr. to Wm M. Moody Trustee for Elizabeth Coke." Elizabeth Coke held the property until 1850 when Alexander Powell acquired the lot. The tax records note it as "Formerly chgd to Elizabeth Coke." In 1852 Julia Taylor is charged with "1 lot---$900 buildings; $1100 lot and buildings formerly chgd to Alexr Powell." ²

The cash accounts of George W. Southall, Williamsburg lawyer, show that in January, 1851 Julia C. Taylor arranged with Southall for purchase of a house and lot formerly the property of Alexander Powell. The amount named was $1060.³

Williamsburg Land Tax Records for 1852 indicate that Julia Taylor held "1 lot valued at $1100 for lot and buildings; and buildings valued at $900. Formerly chargd to Alexr Powell."⁴ In 1853 the amounts were raised to $1500 and $1000 respectively.

12.

In 1869 Julia Taylor's estate bounded on the west a lot of Alexander Powell.¹

In 1888 Julia Taylor's estate gave a quitclaim deed to the lot thus: (Mrs. Orne was the grand-daughter of Julia Taylor, deceased) T. B. Mahone became the owner.

A certain lot of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, on the corner of York and Waller Streets, running from said corner on York Street 130 feet to the lot known as the Cole lot; thence north 84 feet to the Cassidy lot; thence west 130 feet to Waller Street; thence south on Waller Street to the point of beginning 84 feet and bounded as follows: on the south by York Street, on the east by the Cole lot, north by the Cassidy lot and west by Waller Street.²

Following the death of Julia Taylor, it appears that Mrs. Emma Pendleton, a daughter and one of the Taylor heirs, lived on the property. Mrs. Pendleton died in 1874.³

The property still was called the "Pendleton lot" and given as boundary lines until 1921 when Lucy Lamb Kelly and Robert Green had come into the lot — then divided.⁴

Mr. John S. Charles, an old Williamsburg citizen, writing in 1928 his "Recollections of Williamsburg" during the Civil War period, described the Taylor or Pendleton house thus:

The first house on this street, and located at the north east corner of York and Waller Streets, was a two story frame house, with vine-clad porch, facing on Waller Street, with basement or cellar with steps down 13. to it from York Street.

This house was known as the "Taylor" or "Pendleton" house and was burned sometime after the War.¹

Further chain to title to the southern part of Lot 23 can be seen in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg. This property became the property of Colonial Williamsburg in 1939.

The north portion of the lot was also conveyed to Colonial Williamsburg in 1939.

Until excavations (which are now in progress at the site) are completed,, we cannot know the extent of buildings on the lot or the locations and uses put to the buildings.

Illustration #6 contains certain material which may relate to Lot 23. The evidence, though thin, seems worth filing in the hope that at some future day new sources may appear to clear up the history of the lot further.

Illustration #1

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

Illustration #2

Folo 3		Mr David Morton (Taylor)
1776	th
October	30	To 1 bushel of Mortar 9d. Altering Grate 2/. & labours Work 6d	£-.3.3
1777
January	26	To Seting up a Grate 7/6. 150 bricks 4/12. 3 bushs of lime at 9d	-.13.10-½
		To 1 days labour 2/. (March 26th) to 500 bricks 13/9. 8 bushs of lime 6/.	1.1.9
		To underpining Dary 7/6. & mending Steps 2/6. & 2 days labour 4/.	-.14.-
			£2.12.10-½

		Per Contra	Cr
1777	th
June	9	By Cash Received in full	£2.12.10-½
			£2.12.10-½

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 3)

1782	th	David Morton Continued
Septr	27	To 3 bushels of lime a 1/6	£ -.4.6
		To repairing Plastering & Turning Arch 9/	-.9.-
		To labours work 2/. & hair 4d	-.2.4
		To 50 bricks 2/9 & mending Kitching back 5/. & 1 days labour 4/	-.11.9
Octor	3d	To whitewashing 3 Rooms & a passage a 7/6	1.10.0
	12	To 1840 bundles of Fodther a 3/. pr C	2.15.3
		To Cash paid £12.0.0 3 Barrells of Corn 45/. & A Quarter of Veal 6/	14.11.-
1783
June	7	To Cash to Ballance	13.11.4-½
			£33.15.2-½
		(Carried to Folio 4)

1783	th	Per Contra	Cr
June	7	By Your Account to this Day to Amount of	£33.15.2-½
			£33.15..2-½

(Harwood Ledger, B. p. 3)

		Mr David Morton	Dr
1783	th
Octor	18	To 13 bushs of lime a 1/.	£-.13.-
		To 300 bricks at 3/. & 4-½ Days labour a 3/.	1.2.6
		To Rebuilding Steps & Repairing Cellar Cap 22/6	1.2.6
Novemr	29	To 2 bushs of mortar 2/. & repairing plastering 2/6	-.4.6
1784
March	22	To Cash to Ball. (as per Acct Setled)	-.12.4
			£3.14.10

		Per Contra	Cr
1784
March	22d	By your Account to this Day to Amount of	£3.14.10
			£3.14.10

(Harwood Ledger, B, p.4)

		Mr David Morton	Dr
1784	th
May	19	To ½ bushs Whitewash 1/. & whitewashing 1 Room Closset & passage 9/	£0.10.-
June	7	To whitewashing 2 Rooms 9/	-.9.-
July	4	To a fore Quarter of Veal 5/	-.5.-
Septr	10	To Sundarys from Day book to Amount of 34/	1.14.-
Novemr	21	To Cash to Ball.	3.7.1-½
			£6.5.1-½
		Carried to folio 80)

			[Per Contra]
1784	th
Novemr	24	By His Account to this day	£6.5.1-½

(Harwood Ledger, B. p. 4)

[80]		Mr David Morton	Dr
1785	th
July	16	To 6 bushels of lime 6/. & hair 1/	£ -.7.-
		To labours work 2/. & repairing larthing & plastering to the dormant windows 10/	-.12.-
	28	To 3/4 bushel of White-wash 1/6	-.1.6
		To whitewashing 3 Rooms & a passage a 4/6	-.18.-
Novemr	14	To 6 bushels of lime 6/. & 250 bricks a 3/. & 2 days lar a 2/6	-.18.6
1786		To rebuilding Top to Chimney 18/	-.18.-
June	10	To 40 bushels of lime a 1/. & 6334 Bricks a 30/ per th	11.10.-
		To 7 days labour a 2/6	-.17.6
		(carried forward)

		(Brought Forward)
[1786]
[June]	12	To 25 bushels of lime a 1/. & 334 bricks 10/	£1.15.-
		To building Cellar Wall & digging do 100/	5.-.-
July	26	To 26 bushels of lime a 1/. & 6-½ days labr a 2/6	2.12.3
August	18	To 3264 bricks a 30/. pr Mo & 60 bus lime a 1/. & 4 days lar 10/	6.17.-
	22	To 866 Do 26/. 60 bus lime 60/: & do hair a 2/.	4.18.-
		To building Chimney 70/. turning trimer & laying harth 5/.	3.15.-
		To 2100 larthe 31/6. Larthing & plastering 137 yds. a 6-½d	5.4.8
Novemr	9	To 8 bushels of lime 8/. & 140 bricks 4/3	-.12.3
		To laying harth in House 8/6. to Do Kitchen. & Back 6/	-.8.6
1787
May	29	To Cash to Ballance 45/8	2.5.8
			£46.7.3
		(Carried to Folio 116)

		Per Contra	Cr
1785
Novemr	14	By 150 Bricks left 1/6. Since he is Made use of them	£ -.1.6
1786
June	15	By 28 bushels of lime a 1/. takes away (Augt 12th) by Cash 60/:	4.5.-
August	21	By Cash 60/ (22d) by 7 bushels of Mortar 7/ Novr 18th 82[?] buss	4.7.6
Decr	23	By do 60/.	3.0.0
1787
January	18	By Sundaryes to this Day to amount	34.13.3
			£46.7.3

(Harwood Ledger, B, p.80)

		Mr David Morton	Dr
1787	th
August	5	To a quarter of Veal 5/	£ -.5.-
Octor	24	To 4 bushels of lime 4/. & 100 Bricks 3/	-.7.-
		To Setting up a grate with rul'd Bricks 15/	-.15.-
		To mending Kitchen Chimney 2/6 & 1-½ days labr 3/.	-.5.6
1788 th
March	20	To 50 lbs. of Beef a 5d pr lb.	1.0.10
April	8	To a Civil list Warrant paid John Bryan for your Taxes 44/9 at 20 pr ct Discount	1.15.11
July	31	To an order accepted by you on acct of James Honey's Est.	4.12.10
		To 93-½ gallons of rum a ¾	15.10.10
		To a Credit in Mr Morton's acct not charge on this	-.5.-
			£24.17.11
		To ballance pd. Mr Morton as per acct & receipt	1.1.4
			£25.19.3
		See Folio 16. Ledg. C.-

		Per Contra	Cr
1787	th
Decemr	8	By Cash received borrowed to go to Richmond	£ 2.8.-
1788
Novr	10	By Cash borrowed 12/8	-.12.8
1789
July	9	By his acct delievered in	22.18.7
			£25.19.3

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 116)

16		Mr David Morton	Dr
1789	th
July	28	To Certificates pd John Brean your Tax	£ 2.8.4
		(1 To a barrel of corn lent - 12/	-.12.-
Septr	22	To 2 bushels of lime 1/6 taking in yr Back & mendg plaisterg 1/.	-.2.6
Novr	24	To cash in pt of acct 30/	1.10.-
1791
Jan.	1	To my promissory note given for	£ 2.3.4-½
			£ 6.16.2-½

		Per Contra	Cr
1789
Octor	13	By 2 days work of James a 1/3	£0.2.6
1790
Jan.	1	By ballance on acct agst me	6.13.8-½
			£6.16.2-½

(Harwood Ledger, C, p. 16)

		Mr David Morton	Dr.
1790
Jan:	16	To 24 - bushels of Corn a 2/	£2.9.-
		To Cash pd to balance	-.15.7-½
			£3.4.7-½

		Per Contra	Cr
1790
Novr	19	By his Acct & my note	£3.4.7-½
			£3.4.7-½

(Harwood Ledger, C, p. 16)

1780		Mr William Rowsay	Dr
April	22nd	To 3 bushs of lime 2/3 hair 6d & larthing & plastering up a door 6/. & labours work 2/6	£-.10.9
May	29	To 3 bushs of lime 2/3 & 40 bricks 1/3 & 1 Days labour 2/	-.5.9
		To Repairing A pair of Steps 6/. & Do plasterg 2/.	-.8.-
1782
May	16	To 10 bushs of lime a 1/6. & Repairg Well 24/. & 2 days labour 8/	2.07.-
June	11	To 4 Do of do 6/. & hair 9d & 1 Days labour a 4/	-.10.9
		To Repairing Plastering in Dary 12/ 4.12.6	-.12.-
			£4.14.3
		(Carried to folio 50)

1782		Per Contra	Cr
August	26th	By His Account	£ 2.14.3
		By Cash to Ballance	2.0.-
			£4.14.3

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 37)

50		Mr William Rowsay	Dr
1783		To Half a Barrel of Corn Lent. Decemr 18th. 1782
Januy	8th	To 1 bushl of Lime 1/6 (at the Shop)	£-.1.6
		To Repairing Chimney 5/.	-.5.-
March	18	To 12 bushels of lime a 1/6 & 1 Days labour 3/6	1.1.6
	29	To 18 bushels of Lime a 1/6	1.7.-
		To 760 Bricks a 4/3 & 5-½ Days labour a 3/.	2.8.9
		To building forge Chimney & layg harth 40/.	2.0.0
April	8th	To 12 bushs of Lime a 1/3	-.15.-
		To Repairing Larthing & plastering in Shop 20/.	1.-.-
		To laying a Harth in Shop 3/. & 3 days labour a 3/.	-.12.-
		To Repairing Plastering in Mr Houstons House 3/.	-.3.-
		To laying a Harth 4/6 & mending Chimy Back 2/6	-.7.-
		To Hair 1/6	-.1.6
May	8th	To ¾ bushl of Lime a 2/. & whitewashg 2 Rooms a 4/6 & an Eatery & Closset a 2/6 & 1 Room (in Shop) 4/6	1.-.-
			£10.19.3
		(carried to folio 58.)

		Per Contra	Cr
1784	nd
March	22	By My Taxes on publick Acct & the Country Leavy and parish Do & Mr Goodson's Estate also John Brown Clark of General Court Tickit for beef. Harwood, vs Lord Dunmore In Chansery 15/	9.11.6
		By Cash to Ballance	1.7.9
			£10.19.3

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 50)

		Mr William Rowsay	Dr
1784
June	5th	To 2-½ Bushels of Lime a 1/. & repairing Larthing & plastering 3/6	£-.6.0
	8	To 1 Bushell of lime 1/. & repairing plastering in Closset 2/	-.3.-
		To whitewashing a Room 4/6	-.4.6
Novr	12	To 4 bushs of lime (pr Casas)	-.4.-
	16	To 2 do 2].	-.2.-
1785
April	19	To an Order from James Hughs Accepted for	10.0.-
Septr	10	To a Virble Order on you fromm Henry Nicholson for Accepted	10.-.-
1786
May	1	To My Note for Ballance 31/5-¼ & pd Augut 20th to G. Maupin	1.11.5-¼
			£22.10.11-¼

		Per Contra	Cr
1786
May	1	By His Account to this day	£22.10.11-¼
			£22.10.11-¼

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 58)

		Mr William Rowsay's Estate by Ben Powell	Dr
1788	th
Februy	16	To 17 bushels of lime a 1/. & 1-½ lb hair a 2/. & 2-½ days labr a 9/6	1.6.3
		To Repairing plastering & Chimney 15/.	-.15.-
	28	To Whitewashing 2 Rooms a 4/6. & Wash 1/3 for Tenement Hallam	-.10.3
		For Mrs Rowsay
		To 9 Bushels of lime a 1/. & [?] hair 1/ & layg dary floor & plasterg 10/	1.0.-
		To Seting up a Grate 3/9. & 2-½ days labour a 2/6	-.10.0
		To takeing Down a Grate & Seting it up again 5/. & 4 bus lime 4/	-.9.-
		To 257 Bricks a 3/. & layg Smoak House floor. & plastering do 10/.	-.17.6
			5.8.-
		vid. 127 - further Charges	3.12.6
			£9.0.6
		To cash overpd for goods at 1/. Sale	2.3.11
			£11.4.5

		Per Contra	Cr
1788	st	on Acct of Wm Rowsays Estate
April	21	By An Order accepted on Starkey Robinson junr for	2.14.-
1789
Sepr	1	By cash settled in Benj. Powell's acct	8.10.5
			£11.4.5

(Harwood Ledger, B, p. 58)

Illustration #3

Williamsburg Land Tax Records

1782	David Morton	1 lot		£3
1783
1784	David Morton	½		2
1786	David Morton	1		13.10
1789	David Morton	1		10
1790
1791	David Morton	1		20
1796	David Morton	1		20
1798	David Morton	1		$66.67
1800
1801	David Morton's Est	1		66.67
1807	David Morton's Est	1		50.
1818	Same
1820	David Morton's Est	1	$450 bldgs	$500 lot & bldgs
1828	Richard Coke Jr	1	$450 bldgs	$500 lot & bldgs Heretofore taxed to the Estate of David Morton
1829	Elizabeth Coke for Life	1	$450 bldgs	$500 Via Richard Coke Jr. to W. M. Moody Trustee for Elizabeth Coke
1840	Elizabeth Coke		$500	$600
1850	Alexander Powell	1	$500 bldgs	$600 Formerly chgd to Eliz. Coke
1852	Julia Taylor	1	$900	$1100 formerly chgd to Alexr Powell
1853	Julia C. Taylor	1	$1000	$1500
1861	Julia C. Taylor	1	$1000	$1500

Williamsburg Land Tax Records

1782	Wm. Rowsay	3		£4.10
1783	" "	3		4.10
1784	" "	3	(bot of Henry Nicolson 2)	5.15
1785	" "	5		22.10
1786	" "Est	5		45
1788	" "Est	5		45
1789	" "Est	5		40
1790	" "Est	5		25
1797	" "Est	5		£97
1798	" "Est	5		$83.54
1801	" "Est	5		83.54
1803	" "Est	5		83.54
1806	Wm. Rowsay Est.	5		83.54
	" "	1	via Houston	20
1807	" "Est	6		$140
1810	" "Est	6		100
1812	" "Est	5		100

[From here on the writer could not straighten out the title from the Land Tax Records for this lot. It appears that Benjamin Waller became the owner and was the owner in 1865 (time of his death).

Illustration #4

July 7, 1786

IN THE NAME OF GOD AM. I William Rowsay of York County being sick and weak but of sound mind and Memory Do make and Ordain this as and for my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. IMPRIMIS. I recommend my Soul to Almighty God who gave it trusting thro the merits of a merciful Redeemer for a Joyful resurrection and as to my Worldly Estate I Give & bequeath it in manner and form following Viz. I give and bequeath to my Executors herein after named or the survivors of them all my estate both real and personal to be sold either at public or private Sale in their best judgement for the purpose of paying my Debts, except the Lott and Houses which I purchased of Samuel Beall adjoining Store whereon I now live which I give and bequeath unto my affectionate Wife Frances Rowsay for and during the term of her natural life as the said Lott stands now inclosed, to wit, running a due South course from the East end of the Store house on the said Lott to the Back Street including all the improvements thereon which said Lott and Houses I desire may at the expence of estate be repaired and rendered comfortable for my Family. After the death of my said Wife I give and bequeath the said Houses & Lott purchased as aforesaid of Samuel Beall to my Son John in Fee Simple, but if in the opinion of my executors the payment of my Debts should not require the Sale of my Land in York County which I purchased of Thomas Baker and his Wife then I give the said Land to my Son John to him and to his Heirs forever. And if the payment of my Debts in the opinion of my Executors should not require the Sale of my Lotts and Houses whereon I now dwell which I purchased of Henry Nicholson then I give and bequeath the said Houses and Lotts to my Son John in Fee Simple he paying to each of my Daughters one third part of what my executors may judge the said Tenement to be worth. I give and bequeath to my affectionate Wife, during her natural life the following Negroes. Sarah, Charles, Lucy, Charlotte, Philip, Peter and Hurcules. All 2 the rest and residue of my estate of what nature or kind soever I give and bequeath to be equally divided between my three Children, John, Mary Moore, and Martha Heath, and in case of the death of either of my Children under Age, unmarried and without issue, then the Survivor or Survivors to have the share of the Child or Children so dying, and in case of the death of all my said Children under age unmarried and without issue, then I give all the residue of my Estate after paying my Debts thus one Moiety thereof to my affectionate Wife Frances in Fee Simple and one-fourth part thereof to my executors herein after named and the remaining fourth part thereof to the Children of my friend Mr James Craig and to such charitable purposes as my executors may think proper in equal proportions- It is my Will and desire that whatever balance may be found due to me from my sister Houston and my Nephew John Houston they may not be called on for until the death of my said Sister or until my executors may consider them as worth five hundred pounds. I desire that my executors may not be called upon to give Security for the execution of the trust hereby reposed in them. My Will and desire is that all my Estate except what may be taken for the payment of Debts as aforementioned may be kept as far as possible together and the produce of it employed towards the support of my affectionate Wife and my Children until the death or marriage of my Wife, or the marriage or arrival at Age of any one of my Children. But such division not even then to take place on the happening of any of the above contingencies unless my executors shall think it most for the benefit of my Children and their estates - It is also my Will & desire that my executors may Sell and dispose of any part of the Estate hereby before devised to my Children, for the purposes of their education if it should be necessary for it is my wish that they should have an useful education without an estate, rather than an estate without an useful education. Lastly I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Joseph Prentis and Henry Tazewell esquires executors to this my last Will and Testament 3 and in case of their death or being prevented from acting I beg my friends Doctor Philip Barraud, Benjamin Powell, and Adam Craig esqrs to undertake that trust. In Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal this seventh day of July in the year One thousand seven hundred and eighty six.
WILL ROWSAY LS

Signed Sealed published & declared as & for the last Will of the Testator in the presence of-

B: Holmes	John Bryan
Gab. Maupin, jnr.	P. S. Randolph
	John Smithe

A Codicil made this Seventh day of July in the year One Thousand seven hundred and eighty six- I give and bequeath to my said executors the sum of Fifty pounds Sterling each, to be laid out by them in the purchase of a Library for each of their eldest Sons Littleton Tazewell and Joseph Prentis, and in case of the death of my said executors Henry Tazewell and Joseph Prentis, or their declining to act, I give and bequeath to such other of my executors each herein named as may execute this trust, the sum of Forty pounds each Current Money. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this seventh day of July in the Year above mentioned.
WILL: ROWSAY

Signed Sealed & published by the
Testator as and for a Codicil to his
last Will in our presence.
B. Holmes
Gabriel Maupin junr
John Smith
P. S. Randolph
John Bryan

At a Court of Hustings for the City of Williamsburg held the fifth day of February 1787-This Will and the Codicil thereto annexed were proved according to Law by the oaths of Gabriel 4 Maupin, junr. John Smith and John Bryan Witnesses thereto and Ordered to be Recorded. And the executors in the said Will named having refused to take upon themselves the burthen of the execution thereof and Frances Rowsay the Widow of the deceased having relinquished her Right of Administering on the said estate. On the Motion of Samuel Beall Benjamin Powell and James Southall who made Oath thereto and together with Joseph Prentis and Samuel Griffin their Securities entered into and acknowledged Bond in the penalty of Five thousand pounds conditioned as the Law directs-- Certificate was granted them for obtaining Letters of administration on the said estate with the said Will annexed in due form.

Teste
Will Russell C. H. C.

A Copy
Teste
Will Russell C. H. C.

Illustration #5

1796	St Geo. Tucker Esqr	Dr
	To Mendg Tea Pot 1/3 Umbrella 4/	£0.5.3
	To 1 Gold Buckle for Miss Currie	0.12.0
	To Mendg Tea Pot 1/5 Mendg Ring 1/	0.2.6
	Mendg Cruet top 2/6 1 Do 1/6	0.4.0
	Pendant Bow 2/6 Mendg Buckle 1/6	0.4.0
	Do Watch Case 2/ Mendg Buckle 1/6	0.3.6
	Do 1/6 1 Watch Pendant 4/6	0.6.0
	Repg Locket 2/6 Basket of Eggs 1/3	0.3.9
		£2.1.-
1796
Decr 3rd	Recd payment in full for the above to this day
	J Houston
[on back]
	Amount of the within Acct	£2.1.0
	Deduct, a Gold Bucket for Miss Currie, of which I have no knowledge or recollection at present	.12.0
		Due £1.9.0
	Houstons Acct	£1.9.0
	$4.86

(Tucker-Coleman Uncatalogued Mss, folder 104-A)

1795	St Geo Tucker Esqr	Dr
	To Mendg Watch 5/ Mendg [illegible] in two places 4/	£0.9.0
	To 1 hair Slide 6/ Mendg Candlestick Socket 1.3	0.7.3
	To Mendg Ladle 2/ handle to Stand 2/6	0.4.6
	Recd payment
	J. Houston
	6th April 1795.

(Tucker-Coleman Collection, Uncatalogued Ms., CWI Archives)

Illustration #6

[Lewis' store possibly on Lot 23]

January 15, 1767.

A TENEMENT between Mr. Lewis's store and Mrs. Vobe's and another between Mrs. Vobe's and Mr. Benj. Powell's may be rented…
BENJAMIN WALLER

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon)

May 21, 1767.

To be SOLD at publick auction, on Friday the 5th day of JUNE next, for ready money, by virtue of a power of attorney from Mr. Lewis Hansford, at present in LONDON, and by his particular desire,
ONE LOT OF LAND, with the appurtenances, whereon Mrs. Steel lately lived, situated on the main street, below the Capitol, in the city of Williamsburg, the sale to be on the premises…
ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS.
JAMES HOLT.

May 19, 1767.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon)

WILLIAMSBURG, 13th Dec. 1768.

To be SOLD at public auction, before Mr. Hay's door, on Wednesday the 21st instant, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,
THE DWELLING-HOUSE and LOT where Mrs. Steel formerly lived, very near to Mr. Waller's. Credit will be allowed until the 25th of next April bond and approved security being given.

To be sold likewise, two TRACTS OF LAND, in the county of Albemarle, … containing 400 acres each, the property of Mr. Lewis Hansford of Norfolk …
RO: C. NICHOLAS.

(Virginia Gazette Rind, ed.)

NOVEMBER 1, 1770.

To be SOLD before Mr. Hay's door to the highest bidder on Wednesday the 17th instant,
THE HOUSE and LOT where Mrs. Steel formerly lived just below Mr. Lewis's store. Credit will be given till the 25th of April next.

(Virginia Gazette Rind, ed.)

Mrs. Mary Steel's will was recorded July 20, 1767 in which she names Lewis Hansford, her son, bequeathing Hansford all her personal property and negroes which were appraised at £357.17.6. No lot mentioned in the will. (York County Records, Wills & Inventories, Book 21, p. 352; p. 355.)

Lewis Hansford had acquired Lot 24 from Benjamin Waller in 1757 under a proviso that should Hansford or his heirs not build within three years one house thereon — the property would return to Waller. (York County Records, Deeds 6, pp. 88-89.)

Hansford held the property until 1767 when he advertised it for sale. (See: Virginia Gazette notice quoted above.) Hansford lived in Norfolk and evidently, allowed his mother, Mrs. Steel, to occupy the property until her death. (Her will made in 1765 — recorded in 1767.)

Accounts in the Mss. Ledger of Humphrey Harwood may relate to Lewis' occupation of a store on Lot 23:

Ledger B, p. 3

1776	Mr John Lewis (by Mrs Hallam)	Dr
Novmr 11	[repairs to chimneys, kitchen chimney,
1777	harths, kitchen floor, well, bricks,
Octr 9	lime, building chimney to store,
1780	repairing store room &c]
March 29
April 7
May 4
June 2
June 7
1780	Per Contra	Cr
July 11	By an order on David Morton for £1892.0.0
	& Recd in part	£729.4.-

The above Paid off at 50 prices for One

Ledger B, p. 58

	Mr William Rowsay's Estate. by Ben Powell	Dr
1788	…
Februy 16th
28	To Whitewashing 2 Rooms a 4/6 & wash 1/3 for Musvers Hallams Tenement	£ -.15.-