Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1133
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
This house which is located on colonial lot #27 on the early town plan, was built in 1734, by Alexander Kerr, a goldsmith and jeweler of Williamsburg. He set up a brick kiln on the place which proved so obnoxious to the Burgesses at the Capitol that the following item appeared in the Journal of the House of Burgesses on September 21, 1736:
The house was informed, That Mr. Alexander Ker has several encroachments upon the Capitol Square, particularly in setting a Brick-Kiln upon the Capitol Bounds.
Kerr also built a shop on this property (which probably faced east toward the Capitol Square) for the accommodation of his goldsmith and jeweler's shop. Here he raffled off such articles as mother of pearl snuff-boxes, chased plates, and gold toothpick cases. Kerr died in 1738 and from that year until 1749 there remains a gap in the chain of title. John Palmer, an attorney, owned the property in 1749, and during his occupancy the shop used by Kerr for his jeweler's shop burned. Palmer lived in the house until his death in the year 1760. After his death, the property was leased by his executors to several tenants who used it for various purposes. Benjamin Bucktrout, a cabinet maker and upholsterer and James Galt, a clockmaker, occupied the house during this time.?
Elizabeth Page,the daughter of John Palmerand William Page, husband, evidently lived in the house,
according to accounts found in the Humphrey Harwood LedgerElizabeth Page was not Palmer's daughter. Elizabeth Palmer married Richard Booker. Lee house history (1948). The other heirs
to the property deeded their interest to William Page in 1780 and he sold it to Jean Lewis Rey
2
and Peter de in Croix, merchants, in 1782. It was later sold to John Druidz.
Charles Hunt who owned the house until 1810 conducted snuff manufactory there for many years. He sold to John H. Smith in 1810, and Carter Burwell was the owner from 1817 to 1836, when it was sold to Mildred Watson.
William Vest, a merchant, bought the property just prior to the Wars Between the States and made extensive changes and additions to the property.
During the War Between the States the house served as military headquarters, first for Johnston and then for McClellan. While Colonel Campbell was acting as provost marshal in Williamsburg for the Union Army, he occupied this house. On September 9, 1862, General Henry Wise lead an attack on Williamsburg, at which time he had an encounter with Colonel Campbell. The following story of the encounter was related by David Cronin, another provost marshal of the Union Army:
Leading the extreme advance in the charge, was an instructed Officer with a few men, who halted at the Vest Mansion. The Colonel, asleep in the bedroom in the rear of his office was not awakened by the distant firing and was first aroused by the presence of a Confederate officer who in imperative tones, with pointed revolver, ordered him to surrender and get up and dress. Taken at such disadvantage, he of course, complied, but leisurely and without remark, after the silent manner of the Scotch, in embarrassing situations. Just as he reached the front door with his captors, the General himself arrived and ordered him back for an interview which was brief, and held with the General in the usual official chair at the table, the prisoner sitting in the chair opposite to which he had been invited by one of the guards, or by the General, for "there was much confusion." The General's first question was singular but explainable when it is remembered that Wise had near relatives in Philadelphia and the social 3 consequence of the prisoner might be considered in the importance of his capture. "To what family of the Campbell's in Philadelphia, do you belong?" he asked. "To no family on the face of the earth, just now," was the Colonel's bitter response. Similar queries relating to the personal equation of the captive were repeated and remained unanswered but no questions bearing upon the military situation, were asked. The interview was interrupted by the arrival of welcoming townspeople and the Colonel was suavely committed to the custody of his guards and taken away. For a few weeks he was confined in Libby Prison and then exchanged. He resigned from the service Oct. 16th.
The house that stands today doubtless includes the small, old portion that was Kerr's dwelling, but around that nucleus so many repairs, additions and changes have been made that the house is really late Republican in character and is decidedly the house erected by the prosperous merchant, Vest.
Helen Bullock, Archivist
A house, probably wooden, was erected on this site sometime between 1707 and 1718 according to the York Records. Lots 26 and 27 were first deeded to William Robertson by the trustees of the City in 1707 and he in turn sold a house and part of a lot to Dr. John Brown and retained a dwelling house (present "Galt House") for himself which he had erected between 1707 and 1709.
After Dr. Brown's death his widow married Henry Willis, who in 1732 sold the "dwelling house with the garden or piece of ground there unto belonging," to a noted jeweler and goldsmith, Alexander Kerr.
It was probably Kerr who built the first brick house on the site, as two years later the following item appeared in the Journal of the House of Burgesses:
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1736.
The House was informed, That Mr. Alexander Ker has made several encroachments upon the Capitol Square, particularly in setting a Brick-Kiln upon the Capitol Bounds. (Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1727-1740. Page 312. - Capitol Book - page 175)
Kerr also built a store on the lot, perhaps facing east to-ward the Capitol Square. In 1737 he advertised a display of jewelry and plate intended for lottery prizes, at his house and shop. Due to its desirable location near the Capitol various sales were conducted at this house and shop.
In October 1738 the Virginia Gazette carried the following notice of Kerr's death: 2
October 20, 1738.
On Sunday last died in this City, Mr. Alexander Kerr, Jeweller and Silversmith … He was a good Proficient in his Business, and well respected… (Virginia Gazette - William Parks, Ed.)
His estate was advertised for sale on November 17, 1738:
November 17, 1738.
On Monday the 28th of November, and the following Days, will be exposed to Sale, to the best Bidder, on 12 Months Credit, or 5 per Cent. Discount for prompt Payment, the Estate of Mr. Alexander Kerr, deceas'd, late Jeweller in Williams-burg; consisting of a large Parcel of very salable Store-Goods, Diamond and other Rings, Gold, Silver and other Silver work; together with the Furniture of his House. There is to be likewise sold, …, a Plantation, close by Williamsburg, containing about 100 Acres of Land, … There is also to be sold, in the same Manner, a well finished Brick House, in good Repair, together with a convenient Store, Coach-House, Stables, and other Office-Houses, and a large Garden, fronting the Main Street, next the Capitol. (Virginia Gazette - William Parks, Ed.)
There is a gap in the chain of title between 1738 and 1749. In 1749, the property was owned by the attorney, John Palmer. During his tenure the shop (or as it was called "store house") burned on April 24, 1754, burning down Walthoe's house on the west and damaging the English Coffee House on lot #26.
Palmer lived in the house until his death in 1760. After his death his executors leased the property for the benefit of his heirs to several tenants who used it for various kinds of business as the location of the building near the Capitol gave it a decided commercial advantage. Advertisements of the property during this period follow:
Feb. 9, 1769.
To be RENTED, and may be entered on the 15th of May next, The lease of a large and commodious BRICK HOUSE, opposite to the Coffee-House and nigh 3 the Capitol. It has every necessary convenience, and is very fit for a tavern, or taking in private lodgers; and has been long used by many Gentlemen, in assembly and court times. There are 4 years of the lease unexpired about the last of April next. I would also sell the furniture as it stands, at a fair appraisement.
Benjamin Bucktrout. (Virginia Gazette - William Rind, Ed.)
September 21, 1769.
Just IMPORTED in the Experiment, Capt. Hamlyn, a fresh and complete Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES, chymical and Galenical, which will be SOLD at a very low advance for ready money, and are as Follows:
…
The subscriber intends opening shop at the brick house opposite the coffee house, as soon as he gets his utinsils fixed, which will be in a fortnight at farthest; and this being the first importation, everything may be depended upon as entirely fresh, and bought of one of the best hands in London. Those who will please to favour him with their orders may depend on having them immediately executed, and every thing put up in the best manner, by Their most obedient humble servant,
JOHN MINSON GALT, (Virginia Gazette - Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
4February 7, 1771.
I intend to leave this place by the first of April next, and settle in Williamsburg; where I shall open a shop in the Main Street near the Capitol, to clean and repair CLOCKS and WATCHES, and to make and sell all Sorts of GOLD and SILVER WORK, at the most reasonable Rates. Those who please to employ me may depend on their work being done well, and expeditiously.
Richmond, February 6, 1771.
JAMES GALT. (Virginia Gazette - Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
November 11, 1773.
For SALE, THE LOTS near the Capitol in Williamsburg held in Coparcenary by the Orphans of the late John Palmer, whereon is an Exceeding good Brick House two Stories high, also a small wooden One, very convenient for a Gentleman's Study, with two Rooms. All other necessary Outhouses, and a Garden. The Payments shall be made easy to the Purchaser, and a good Title when Possession is given, which will be on the 1st of January.
LEWIS TYLER. (Virginia Gazette - Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
Thursday, April 20, 1775.
FOR SALE,
INDIAN FIELDS, April 11, 1775.
THE BRICKHOUSE, and its APPURTENANCES, near the Capitol, in Williamsburg, belonging to the daughters of the late John Palmer, For terms apply to me, in Charles City,
JOHN TYLER. (Virginia Gazette - John Pinkney, Ed.)
John Palmer's daughter Elizabeth, married William Page a merchant, and evidently lived in the brick house according to accounts in the ledger of Humphrey Harwood. In 1780 the other heirs deeded their interest in the property to Page who sold it to Jean Lewis Rey and Peter de la Croix, merchants, in 1782, who in turn sold it to John Druidz.
Humphrey Harwood, the mason and builder did extensive building and repairing on this property for its various owners. There are two long accounts for work done for William Page, four accounts for Peter de la Croix, four 5 accounts for John Druidtz, eight accounts for Charles Hunt, and one account for Hunt & Adams. These accounts are on file in the research department, they indicate the number and character of outbuildings and certain features of the main dwelling house. On this property Hunt & Adams also conducted a snuff manufactory for many years.
Hunt owned the lot until 1810 when it was purchased by John H. Smith from his estate. Carter Burwell next owned the property from 1817 until 1836 when Mildred Watson purchased it. Sometime about 1850 the well known merchant, W. W. Vest, purchased the property and made extensive changes and additions to it. He doubled the length of the house by adding to the eastern end and increased its height from a probable two stories to three stories. He also extended his garden and wall into the public street at Capitol Square.
During the War Between the States this house served as military headquarters, first for Johnston and then for McClellan. The latter describes his quarters in Williamsburg:
Williamsburg
"This is a beautiful town; several very old houses, pretty gardens. I have taken possession of a very fine old house which Joe Johnston occupied as head-quarters. It has a lovely flower garden, and conservatory." (Letter of Gen. McClellan, 1862. William and Mary Quart. Vol. 27, page 65)
Mr. Charles also described the brick house before the War:
"These houses were there when the Union hosts marched east the bands playing 6 'Yankee Doodle' and 'On to Richmond', and when General McClellan made his headquarters in the Vest house, which presented then the same appearance on the exterior as it does today. On this Vest lot there were in 1861 no other buildings except a kitchen, anda stable and a barn in the rear part of the lot". ("Recollections of Williamsburg", By Mr. Charles).
On file in this office is a large manuscript "The Vest Mansion" by David Cronin, a federal Provost Marshal, describing the period of Union occupancy.
The house that stands today doubtless includes the small, old portion that was Kerr's dwelling, but around that nucleus so many repairs, additions and changes have been made that the house is really late Republican in character and is decidedly the house erected by the prosperous merchant, Vest.
Helen Bullock
HB/vbl
CC: A.A.S.
P., S & H., Boston & WmsburgThis lot on the southeastern corner of Duke of Gloucester street has been a favored lot in the history of Williamsburg, owing its colonial importance to its nearness to the Capitol and the importance of the York road and Capitol landing road.
The first written record of this lot, colonial lot #27 in the old Platt of the city was found in the York County Deed Book #III (p.267):
William Robertson
All that parcel of ground being in Williamsburg (being part of said Robertson's lot whereon he now lives) Beginning at the corner of Lot 27 which joins on Duke of Gloucester Street and the Capitol Square and running thence S. ¼ degrees E. 12 P.; thence W. ¼ 2 P. 6 lks. to a stake standing about 4 feet from the corner of said Robertson's Milk House; thence N.12 degrees 05' W. 8 P. to the third post of the Garden Pales a little above the upper corner of the Barber Shop; thence W. ¼ S. 3 P. 22 lks; thence N. ¼ degree W. along Sullivant's Pales to his corner post on the Main street, 4 P., and thence along the street to the place where it began.
November 10, 1718
to
John Brown
Consideration: £ 50(Note: P is probably an abbreviation for Poles, or 16 ½ feet. Lks for Links or 6.6 feet.)
The next recorded deed which the staff has found is for the year 1750 at which time the property is conveyed by Lewis Burwell to Nathaniel Walthoe. In March, 1759 Walthoe conveys lot #27 (colonial platt number) to John Palmer, describing it as a parcel containing 3968 feet. During Palmer's residence in the rouse a fire occurred which was described in the following manner by George Fisher who came to live in Williamsburg in 1750, and rented the English Coffee House in that same block. The following excerpt is from the Journal of George Fisher (W&M Quarterly, XVIII:134):
"One day a fire occurred in the house of Mr Palmer, only Mr Walthoe's house was between the Coffee House and Mr Palmer's….Between the east end of the house of Mr Walthoe and the house on fire was a void space of 30 feet and the wind directly at the west, a strong gale, there was no beat danger, but some gunpowder stored in the house of Mr Palmer caught fire, and Walthoe's house caught too. The Capitol, distant 200 feet was in great danger, too. Between the west end of Mr Walthoe's and the Coffee House was a space four feet wide….the fire was finally put out without further damage. "
Mr Palmer died in 177-, and his executor, Lewis Tyler, in the interest of his heirs advertised the house for sale in the Virginia Gazette of November 18, 1773:
"For sale, the lots near the Capitol in Williamsburg held by the heirs of the late John Palmer, whereon is an excellent good brick house, two stories high, also a stall wooden one, very commodious for a gentleman's study, with two rooms, necessary outbuildings.- Lewis Tyler."
In the Virginia Gazette of April 28, 1775 is the following:
"For sale, the brick house near the Capitol, and its appurtenances, belonging to the late John Palmer" -John Tyler, Executor.
The house was sold in March 13, 1784, according to the Deed recorded in Yorktown by John Palmer (deceased) through his children Elizabeth, Catherine and teary to William Page. William Page in the same year conveyed the property to Jean Louis Hey and Peter Dele Croix There is a deed recorded by Jean Louis Rey, merchant to James Galt in August 1782, and in the next month of the same year Peter Dle Croix conveyed his title in the [deleted] property to John Drewidg, in which deed the property was described as being bounded on the south by the lot of Thomas Nelson, on the east by Capitol Square, on the west by William Goodson, and on the north by Duke of Gloucester Street.
This authenticates a tradition that Dr James Galt lived in this house during the Revolution, at which time he directed the war hospitals in and near Williamsburg, in addition to acting as director to the Lunatic Hospital.
During the Civil war the house again figured as an important center of activity when McClellan maintained headquarters in it. A t this time it was known as the Vest house, and is described by Mr Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" (P.55):
"These houses were there when the Union hosts marched east the bands playing 'Yankee Doodle' and 'On to Richmond', and when General McClellan made his headquarters in the Vest house, which presented then the same appearance on the exterior as it does today. On this Vest lot there were in 1861 no other buildings except a kitchen, and a stable and a barn in the rear part of the lot".
According to well-authenticated local tradition, the brick house was extensively altered inside and out during Vest's ownership of the property. Further evidence of this is found in the following:
John A. Henley, Mayor
June 19, 1882.
Per City of Williamsburg to William W Vest.
Consideration$ 150.
$150.00In accordance with an order of the Common Council of the City of Williamsburg made and entered as of record May 15, 1882.
All that lot or parcel of land within the enclosure of the premises of the party of the second part and bounded as follows: North by Duke of Gloucester Street, on South by lot owned by the Corporation, on the West by the party of the second part and on the east by a cross street.
This title granted to Vest the public land on which he encroached when he enclosed his remodeled building, and enlarges the site on the eastern end.