Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

BLAND-WETHERBURN HOUSE ^{1943-44 - 1st Copy}
Block 9, Lots #20 and #21
[21 and 22?]

The lots on which stood a house used for over one-half of the eighteenth century as a tavern belonged before 1716 to Richard Bland who had been burgess of Charles City County from 1700 to 1705. Bland was living in Williamsburg as early as 1709, for on February 28^th of that year, William Byrd, II spent the night at Bland's house in the capital. Byrd frequently dined or visited at this house¹ during the years 1709-12. (The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-12, ed. by Louis Wright and Marion Tinling, Pages 9, 23, 26, 94, 230-1, 271, 337, 479 etc.) Byrd was in partnership with Bland in a mercantile business in Williamsburg, for on a visit of Bland to Westover, Byrd's home in 1710, Byrd recorded in his diary: "I had abundance of discourse with Mr. Bland concerning our store at Williamsburg." (Ibid., Page 161.)

There is other evidence to show that Bland lived in Williamsburg in the first two decades of the eighteenth century. In 1710, he was a vestryman of Bruton Parish. (W. A. R. Goodwin, Bruton Parish, Historical Notes, Page 119.) It is quite possible that his son Richard Bland of Revolutionary fame was born in 1710 in the house on lots #20 and #21. The badly torn birth records of Bruton Parish register the birth of a child to Eliz^a Bland in February, 1714 indicating that the Blands were members of Bruton Parish at that time.

In 1716, Bland deeded lots #20 and #21 to Nathaniel Harrison. The deed is certain proof that the Richard Bland home was located on the 2 south side of Duke of Gloucester, at least just prior to 1716:

Richard Bland of Prince George County May 12, 1716.
to
Colonel Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County.
Consideration: 100 Pounds

[Richard Bland] "do rent, lett, lease & to farm lett .... two lots or half acres of land on which the said Bland did lately live in the city of Williamsburg on the southern side of the Duke of Gloucester Street — lots numbered 20 and 21 .." Book III, Deeds & Bonds, York County Records, Page 119

Nathaniel Harrison was a member of the Virginia Council and present at the meeting of that body as early as November, 1714. (Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia I, 573.) Although members of the Council frequently owned houses and lots in Williamsburg, often-times for their occupation when in the capital, the lack of records for the lots under discussion does not justify any theory as to the use made by Harrison of the Bland lots and houses.

Harrison died at some time between December 15, 1726 the date of his will and February 21-8, 1727, the date of its probation in Surry County court. One of the clauses of the will refers to Harrison's lots in Williamsburg:

Item: I devise unto my son Benjamin the two lots or one acre of land which I have lying and being in the City of Williamsburg with all houses & edifices thereon to him & his heirs forever. Virginia Magazine, Vol. 31, Pages 278-81

There is no record during the eleven years of Benjamin Harrison's ownership, of the use he made of the houses and lots. In fact, there appears an unaccountable discrepancy in the numbers of the two lots 3 deeded in 1716 and those numbers used in the deed of 1738.

On January 15, 1738, Benjamin Harrison deeded to Henry Wetherburn

All those two lots or half acres of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street, designed in the plan of the said city by the figures 21 and 22. These lots the said Benjamin Harrison received in fee by virtue of a devise made by the Hon^ble Nathaniel Harrison the father dec^d to the said Benj ^A his son together with all Houses Orchards Gardens and all other Improvements. Abstract, York County Records Book 4, Deeds, Page 450

The known facts about Henry Wetherburn's activities show that it is impossible to locate his tavern for about eleven years after 1731, the first year his name appears in the records. At some time between July, 1730 and June, 1731, Wetherburn married Mary Bowcock, widow who had continued her first husband's tavern-keeping after his death. (York County Records, Book 17, Orders, Wills, Pages 77, 184, 191.)

Bowcock had left his wife in control of his estate which included lot #53 and the houses on it. (See report on the Golden Ball.) In 1731, 32 and 33, Wetherburn got licenses to keep an ordinary at his house. (Ibid. Book 18, Wills, Inventories, Pages 29, 64.) The writer has not yet been able to verify the statements that Wetherburn acquired the Raleigh Tavern from Archibald Blair and managed it from 1734 to 1749. (Footnote 29, Virginia Magazine, Vol. 29, Page 162; Tyler's Quarterly, IV, Page 30.) That Wetherburn was in Williamsburg in 1734 is apparent from a notice appearing in the Maryland Gazette. (William Parks, July 12-19, 1734.) In 1738, Wetherburn advertised for the return of a snuff-box marked "HB. 1734" [Henry Bowcock?] to him at Williamsburg. (Virginia Gazette, William Parks, Sept. 8.) Apparently Wetherburn's location was well-known since he did not find it necessary to mention 4 where he could be found. Wetherburn's ordinary license for 1739¹ definitely names his house in Williamsburg as his location. (York County Records, Book 18, Wills, Inventories, Page 589.) Although he purchased lot #57 in 1742, a lessee occupied the houses on that lot. (Ibid., Book V, Deeds, Page 39; Book 19, Wills, Inventories, Page 234.)

In spite of the fact that Wetherburn owned lots on the south side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in 1742, he appeared to be keeping tavern at lot #54, the Raleigh Tavern. (It must be noted, however, that the word "possession", not "occupation", is used in the deed below.) Such has long been the interpretation of the following deed from John Blair to a group of merchants:

[Blair deeds]... All that Messuage Tenement and Lot of ground lying & being on the North side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of W^msburgh... now in the possession of Henry Wetherburne - Ordinary Keeper, with all houses Outhouses Buildings Gardens Orchards ..... to the said .. Lot ... belonging .. the said John Blair .. at the time of Ensealing and delivery of these presents is and stands Seized of .... York County Records, Book 5 Deeds, Pages 29-31

The basis for locating Wetherburn on lots #21 and #22 in 1745/6is an announcement of Harmer's & King's, owners of lot #52. (See Samuel Cobbs House History.) Lot #52 is shown on the Unknown Draftsman's Map of a later date as directly opposite lots #21 and 22. This firm of merchants advertised on January 23, 1745/6:

The Dwelling House, Out Houses, Store Houses, &^c. in the main Street opposite to Mr. Wetherburn's in Williamsburg .... now the Property of the Subscribers .... Virginia Gazette, William Parks

The records indicate that both of Wetherburn's wives had had a background of tavern keeping. On July 1, 1751, Mrs. Wetherburn (Mary 5 Bowcock?) died and in about ten days, Wetherburn married Anne Marot Inglis Shields whose father and whose second husband had been innkeepers. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol 7 (1) 151; Tyler's Quarterly, IV. Page 30.)

In 1751, Wetherburn's Tavern was the scene of a dinner given by the mayor, aldermen and other gentlemen to Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie on his arrival in Williamsburg on November 21. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. 8 (1), Page 15.) During the spring session of the General Assembly in 1752, Wetherburn announced that he would hold balls at his tavern every Tuesday evening for ladies and gentlemen. (Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, March 5.)¹

For £120 current money of Virginia, Wetherburn sold a part of lot #20 to James Tarpley, merchant, on Aug. 23, 1759:

A certain part or piece of a lot of ground belonging to the said Henry Wetherburn, situate, lying and being on the South side of the Main or Duke of Gloucester Street in the said city of Williamsburg, denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 20, to begin at the North-west corner of the said lot on the said main street forty feet for front, thence southerly into the said lot 56 feet by a line parellel to the street marked in the Plan of the said city by the letter L thence westerly 40 feet a parallel line to the first course and thence northwardly along the west side of the said lot to the beginning. And all buildings. Book 6, Deeds, Page 212 York County Records

The subsequent history of this lot on which Tarpley built a store throws some light on the houses and lots under discussion. (See report on Tarpley's Store.)

The records show that Wetherburn continued to keep a tavern 6 through the year 1757¹. (Virginia Gazette, William Parks, Apr. 3, 1746; William Hunter, April 18, 1757; March 20, 27; April 10, 24; Oct. 20; Dec. 8, 1752; April 22, Sept. 2, 1757.)

Henry Wetherburn died between July 15, 1760 and Dec. 15, 1760, the date of the probation of his will. (The will was made "November 13, 17..") Wetherburn made his nephew, Edward Nicholson and his heirs, the final inheritors of his estate, real and personal. He gave his wife a dower right in his land, tenements and slaves, with the proviso that these properties at her death should go to Nicholson and his heirs. (York County Records, Book 6, Deeds, Pages 251-2; Vol. 21, Wills and Inventories, Page 23; Vol. 3, Judgment and Orders, 1759-63, Page 191.)

An order of the York County Court for the setting aside of one-third of Wetherburn's real estate for his widow, Anne, resulted in the following report of the committee selected for that purpose:

We the Subscribers have Allotted and Assigned unto Anne Wetherburne Widow of Henry Wetherburn dec^d the Dwelling House Outhouses and two Lotts of Land N^o 21 & 22 in the City of Williamsburgh excepting the Tenement in Possession of James Martin Barber. Vol. 3, Judgment and Orders York County Records 1759-63, Page 216

Wetherburn's provisions for the disposal of his personal estate are conflicting. In one clause, he gave his wife one-half of it. In another, he directed that his executors sell his plate and his entire personal estate. Finally, he gave to Edward Nicholson the reversion of his whole personal estate. If this estate was offered publicly for sale, the extant files of the Virginia Gazette which are far from 7 complete for the years 1760-66, do not contain it.

Testimony to the elegance of Wetherburn's tavern is found in the opinion of one of his leaseholders, Daniel Fisher, who had no cause for personal kindly feeling. In praising the appointments of the best ordinary at "Leids Town" on the Rappahannock, c. 1755, Fisher declared the house and furniture had

as elegant an appearance, as any I have seen in the country, Mr. Finnays or Wetherbernes in Williamsburg not excepted. The chairs, Tables, &c. of the Room I was conducted into, was all of Mahogany, and so stuft with fine large glaized Copper Plate Prints: That I almost fancied myself in Jeffriess' or some other elegant Print Shop. Vol. 17(1) Page 170 William and Mary Quarterly

The inventory of Wetherburn's personal estate is a long one, and confirms Fisher's implication that it was furnished with mahogany, prints, etc. The list of Wetherburn's effects shows that he possessed pier glasses, brass candlesticks, sconces, enameled china and silver. By listing the furnishings in each room, the appraisers show that the tavern was a large one, and one-and-one half or two stories high. The designated rooms were

The Bull Head	[no beds]
The Middle	[no beds]
The Chamber
Room over the Bull Head
Porch Chamber
—— over middle room
Great	[no beds]
Mr. Page's
Wheat
End
The Sh [ed?]

The Bull Head, Middle room and Great Room contained no beds and were obviously used for some other purpose than bedrooms. Several articles in the Great Room suggest its possible use as a dining room.

The inventory shows that in addition to the dwelling house, 8 there were a stable and a kitchen on the lot or lots. (York County Records, Vol. 21, Wills Inventories, Pages 36-43.)

The inventory is as follows:

Book 21 - Wills, Inventories

[Wetherburn, Henry - Tavern Keeper Williamsburg, Va.]

[December 19, 1760.]

The Inventory and Appraisment of the Estate of Henry Wetherburn in York County.

In the Bull Hhead Room	[no / use..]
1 doz. mahogany chairs,	£9/ 0/0
1 mahogany tea table	0/15/0
1 round do.	1/ 6/0
1 walnut oval table	1/ 6/0
1 larger do.	2/ 0/0
1 desk and book case with glass door	4/ 0/0
1 eight day clock	8/ 0/0
1 pier glass	5/ 0/0
1 chimney do.	4/ 0/0
1 pr. dogs and bellows	0/15/0
8 prints	0/16/0
1 pr. pistols	1/ 6/0
In the middle room
1 doz. walnut chairs	9/ 0/0
1 old card table	0/10/0
2 large square tab[les]
1 large black wal[nut—]	4/ 0/0
1 pier glass	1/ 6/0
1 chimney [torn]	3/ 0/0
8 large prints	0/ 8/0
1 [torn]
2 European [torn]	0/ 6/0
1 pr. dogs and [torn]	0/ 7/6
In the chamber
1 bed and bolster, bedstead, cord, hide, 2 blankets, counterpin	4/ 0/0
1 do. bolster, blankets, hide, cord, bedstead, quilt	3/15/0
6 leather bottom chairs	2/ 2/0
1 pr. dogs	0/ 5/0
1 pier glass	2/10/0
1 desk and book case	1/10/0
1 old press	0/10/0
1 pr. backgammon tables	0/12/6
9
Bedstead and cord	0/ 8/0
3 leather chairs	0/ 9/0
1 pr. dogs	0/ 2/6
In the room over the Bull head
1 bed, bedstead, cord, hide, bolster, pillow, 1 blanket	2/10/0
1 bed, bolster, pillow, blanket, bedstead and cord	3/ 0/0
1 easy chair	1/10/0
1 [close] stool chair and pan	0/10/0
3 old leather chairs	0/ 6/0
1 pr. dogs	0/ 2/6
Porch chamber.
1 bed, bedstead, rug, blanket, pillow and cord	3/10/0
2 chairs	0/ 5/0
9 chamber pots	0/10/0
Over middle room.
1 bed, bedstead, bolster, pillow, counterpin, 2 blankets, hide, cord	5/10/0
1 bed, bedstead, counterpin, bolster, pillow, 2 blankets hyde and cord	5/10/0
1 bed, bedsteadblankets, curtains, cord, hide[torn]——quilt	8/ 0/0
4 chairs, 1 oval table	0/10/0
1 dressing glass	1/16/0
1 fire shovel	0/ 2/0
Great Room
1 large mahog[torn]——	4/10/0
6 small [torn]——	9/ 0/0
1 wal[torn]——	2/10/0
2 [torn]——	2/ 5/0
1 [torn]——	8/ 8/0
[torn]— mahogany chairs	6/ 0/0
1 screen	5/ 0/0
1 guilt sconce glass	8/ 0/0
1 large do.	7/10/0
1 large chimney do.	10/ 0/0
10 —aps	1/ 0/0
14 small prints	3/ 0/0
1 pr. dogs	1/ 0/0
12 brass candlesticks	1/16/0
2 iron do. 2 pr. snuffers	0/ 3/0
—nd Snuffer Stand	0/ 3/0
1 tea kettle, 2 coffee pots, 1 chocolate do.	1/15/0
1 carpet	2/ 0/0
10
Mr. Pages Room.
1 bed, bedstead, blanket, bolster, quilt, hide, pillow	[torn] 7/6
1 bed, bedstead, quilt, cord, 1 blanket, bolster, hyde, pillow	5/15/0
1 bed, bolster, curtains, pillow, bedstead, cord, hyde	7/ 0/0
1 dressing glass, and table	1/15/0
3 chairs,	0/12/0
[1 pr. dogs] illegible	0/ 5/0
Wheat[torn]eat room.
1 bed, bedstead, bolster, pillow, 2 blankets, cord, & counterpin	4/10/0
1 bed, bedstead, [torn]—— & 2 blankets, counterpin	5/10/0
[torn]——bolster, pillow
3 chairs, 1 table	0/17/0
End Room.
1 bed, bedstead, bol[ster],	4/10/0
1 bed, bedstead [torn]——Quilt	3/10/0
3 chairs ——	0/12/6
The Sh[torn]——
1 bed, bedst[ead] [torn]——	6/ 0/0
1 bed [torn]——
3 chairs
1 tab[le] [torn]——
1 glass	0/ 5/0
1 bed and bolster	1/16/0
1 bed, bolster, pillow counterpin, 2 blankets, curtains, & sacking bedstead	7/10/0
4 chairs, 1 table	1/ 5/0
1 shovel and tongs	0/ 5/0
Glass Ware
8 wine decanters	1/0/0
19 syllabub glasses	0/12/0
62 Gelly do	1/10/0
AEK 14 sweetmeat glasses and pans	0/17/6
21 wine and cyder do.	0/12/6
9 glass salvers	3/ 0/0
1 glass bowl and ladle	1/ 0/0
AEK 2 candle glasses	0/15/0
5 blue and white china bowls	1/15/0
2 red and white do.	0/15/0
2 Japan mugs	0/ 7/6
11
1 Set white flowered China
1 tea pot and stand, 1 slop bason, 1 set white flowered china, Sugar dish, tea cannister, 7 cups, 8 saucers, Spoon and tong stands, 6 coffee pots and 1 plate	1/ 6/0
6 enameled cups and saucers 1 cup and 4 saucers do.	0/15/0
5 red and white cups and 4 saucers	0/ 5/0
12 custard cups	0/ 6/0
A parcel of odd china	0/17/0
10 white stone patty pans and [torn]——tart pans	0/ 5/0
A parcel of stone ware 2 T[torn]—— & a Possett can	0/ 3/9
3 small, 10 large Wh[torn]—— —op shells	1/ 6/0
9 square blue [torn]——	0/ 9/0
15 round [torn]——	1/ 0/0
8 red [torn]——	0/12/0
4 [torn]——	1/ 5/0
[torn]——	0/ 2/0
[torn]——	0/12/6
[torn]——	1/15/0
In the Yard and Stable.
17 [S]heep	£5..19..0
4 Cows	11..0..0
1 gray mare	5..0..0
1 black horse	1..10..0
1 sorrel do	1..10..0
1 gray do	4..0..0
1 bay do	1..0..0
2 Chair do	20..0..0
1 Chair & Harness	10..0..0
1 pr Wheels	2..10..0
1 Waggon and Harness	10..0..0
Linen.
15[pr.] sheets at 22/	16/10/0
2 pr. old do.	1/10/0
6 pr. fine do.	9/ 0/0
2 [?] napkins a 2/6	3/ 7/6
17 towels 8/6, 19 pillow cases 31/	1/19/6
3 large damask table cloths	5/ 5/0
2 small do.	2/10/0
2 large old do.	1/ 0/0
2 do. 30/, 1 do. 15/, 4 do. 32/	3/17/0
1 new do.	1/10/0
1 old do.	0/ 8/0
2 —— and 1 damask do.	0/10/0
Silver.
1 tea kettle 13oz d. n. 3/ 4 oz. -a7/6	49/ 0/7½
1 tea pot 25 10 -a8/	10/ 4/0
1 milk pot 11 19 a 7/6	4/ 9/7½
12
1 tea pot 16 5 a 8/	6/10/0
1 coffee pot 32 a 8/	12/16/0
2 salvers, 2 stands [torn]— 39 5 a 6/8	13/ 1/8
4 salts 8 10 a 7/6	3/ 3/9
4 candlesticks 30 a 6/8	6/16/8 13/0/0
1 quart can 10 a 6/8	11/12/0 6/16/8
1 quart t[torn]——	11/ 2/80
1 pottle [torn]—— a 8/	12/12/4 11/2/8
1 do. [torn] a 6/8	6/16/8 12/14/4
1 quart [torn]——	—— 6/16/8
1 silver [torn]——	11/3
1 do ——	8/4
16 table 1 so[op]	6/9
11 desert do. spoons 12 8 a 7/6	4/13/0
19 tea spoons & sugar tongs 7 10 a 7/	2/12/6
1 butter boat 10 3 a 7/	3/11/6
1 pepper box and punch strainer 5 a 6/	1/10/0
2 punch ladles	1/15/0
1 saucepan 20 4	7/ 7/0
10 silver hand knives and 11 forks with a case	1/14/0
1 silver hilted sword	1/ 6/0
In the kitchen.
11 black handle knives, 12 forks with case	1/10/0
23 buck knives and 20 forks, 1 carving knife and fork	1/ 6/0
1 set castors	0/12/6
1 set do.	0/ 4/0
24 tin patty pans	0/ 2/6
2 cheese toasters, 1 knife basket, 1 funnel, 2 tobacco sieves	0/ 5/0
1 pr. stilyards	0/12/6
1 pr. brass scales and weights	0/ 5/0
2 pr. money scales	0/10/0
1 marble mortar	1/ 0/0
1 bell mettle skillet	41/ 0/0
3 stew pans	1/ 2/6
1 round dripping pan	0/18/0
1 square do.	1/ 6/0
1 iron do.	0/ 5/0
2 frying pans	-/ 7/6
2 grid irons	0/ 8/0
1 large stew pan	0/15/0
1 large Dutch oven	5/ 0/0
1 fish kettle	3/10/0
1 copper boiler	2/10/0
1 small do.	0/18/0
1 copper saucepan and [torn]——	1/ 0/0
1 large copper tea kettle	2/ 0/0
1 flesh fork, skimmer [torn]——	0/ 3/0
2 iron potts and [torn]——	0/17/6
6 spitts	1/10/0
1 chafing ——	0/ 2/6
13
1 large [torn]——	6/ 0/0
69 [torn]——	3/ 9/0
6 [torn]——	0/18/0
107 [torn]—— pewter dishes, 2 basons and 30 dishes	5/ 7/0
7 earthern milk pans	0/ 2/6
1 spit jack and chains	3/10/0
1 spit rack and dog	1/ 0/0
4 pot racks	1/ 8/0
1 shovel and [torn]——	0/ 6/0
1 small copper kettle	1/ 0/0
1 chopping knive cleaver and 8 scures	0/ 6/4
1 bell	0/ 5/0
1 cloaths horse	0/10/0
32 candle moulds and frames	2/ 5/0
2 soap jars	0/12/0
3 spinning wheels	1/ 3/0
1 a[?] hoe	0/4/6
A parcel of old copper	0/ 7/6
1 warming pan, lanthorn and meat hooks	0/16/0
3 tubs, 3 pails	0/12/6
2 kitchen tables	0/ 5/0
Liquor.
4 Gallons Arrack	4/ 0/0
17 Doz oz 4 Bottles of Beer a 9/ Doz.	7/16/0
18 Bottles Port	2/ 5/0
Part of Pipe Madeira Wine	20/ 0/0
1 [torn] Claret	4/10/0
[torn] Doz. and 4 Bottled Do a 2/ Bottle	17/ 4/0
9 Doz and 10 Porter a ¾ Doz.	1/12/9
3 Doz and 8 Beer a 6/. Doz	1/ 2/0
43½ Gallon[s] Rum a 4/6	9/15/9
3 Gallons Cordial	1/10/0
At Mill Swamp
27 Head Cattle 9 [torn]- -	37/ 0/0
2 Old Chaise 1 tab [torn]	0/10/0
1 Old Copper [torn]	1/ 0/0
7 Milk Pan - -	0/ 5/0
9 Hoes 2 ——	1/ 1/0
1 Sowel Sprre;——	1/10/0
1 Black [torn]——	1/10/0
2 [torn]——	1/ 0/0
1 Fodder [torn]——	[?] /10/0
6000 Bun[torn]——	[?]..0/0
49 Barrells	[?] ../12/0
Negroes
Caesar	70/0/0
Belinda	40/0/0
Billy	35/0/0
14
Gabriel	25/ 0/0
Sarah	45/ 0/0
Sylvia	50/ 0/0
Sarah	40/ 0/0
Rachael	25/ 0/0
Tom	20/ 0/0
Phillis	8/ 0/0
Judy Clarissa's Child	7/0/0
Clarissa £45 given by Will	5/0/0
Cash in the House	£410..0..0
	91..17..6
	(Pages 36-43)

March 16, 1761

It is not clear until 1767 what use was made of Wetherburn's dwelling house after his death. There are no further references to an "Anne Wetherburn" in the available records. Edward Nicholson, nephew of Wetherburn, was living in January, 1761. (York County Records, Book 6, Deeds, Page 326.) An Edward Nicholson, son of Hannah Nicholson of Newcastle, England, apparently died in Virginia C. 1763. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. 14, series one, Page 263.) A deed of 1782 shows that Henry Nicholson was in possession of Wetherburn's lots, #20, #21, and #22, (or parts of those lots¹ at that date). (York County Records, Book 6, Deeds, 1777-91, Page 139.)

An advertisement which appeared in the Virginia Gazette in 1786 shows that Southall, then Robert Anderson kept the "well frequented tavern" under discussion. It is impossible to know when Southall took over the "Wetherburn" tavern.

James Southall kept a tavern while Wetherburn was alive. Washington patronized Southall's in May, 1757. (Fitzpatrick George Washington, Colonial Traveller, Page 109.)

In 1766, Southall advertised for a barkeeper:

WANTED,
A YOUNG MAN qualified to act as Bar-keeper, that can write a tolerable Hand, and understands something of Accounts .. Virginia Gazette, W^m. Rind, Sept 5.

In 1767, William Biers located at lot #53 (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Oct. 27, 1768; Ibid. Oct. 24, Nov. 21, 1771) advertised goods at his shop opposite Southall's. (Ibid., June 11, 1767.) As noted before this is the first definite proof that Southall was already located at Wetherburn's.

Southall's tavern never assumed the importance in the pages of the Virginia Gazette that Wetherburn's had. In fact, in 1771, Southall transferred his tavern-keeping to the Raleigh. (York County Records, Book VIII, Deeds, Page 222.) On March 7th of that year, he notified the public that he had "lately entered into the Raleigh Tavern" and was ready to receive its customers and the "Gentlemen who lodged there in publick Times".¹ (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon.)

Southall's successor at Wetherburn's location was Robert Anderson who had formerly kept a tavern near the College. (Ibid. Nov. 2, 1769.) Anderson's announcement of his new location appeared in the Virginia Gazette on March 7, 1771.

The Subscriber has taken the House lately occupied by Mr. Southall, where he hopes to be prepared, by the ensuing General Court, for the Accommodating of Gentlemen. He returns Thanks to those Gentlemen who have formerly frequented his House, and hopes to merit a Continuance of their Custom.
N.B. A single Man, well recommended, who understands the Business of a Bar, will have Employment by applying to me. (E^ds., Purdie & Dixon)

Washington frequently stopped at Anderson's during the years before he became commander of the Revolutionary army. Washington diaries and ledgers show the following dates:

1771	May 6	Supped at Anderson's	P. 292
	May 7	spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 292
	Nov. 3	Dined at Anderson's	P. 303
1772	c.Mar. 24	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 310
	Nov. 18	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 325
1773	Nov. 23	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 346
	Nov. 30	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 347
1774	June 6	Supped at Anderson's	P. 356
	June 13	Spent the Evening at Anderson's	P. 357
	June 14	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 357
	June 16	Spent the evening at Anderson's	P. 357

Fitzpatrick George Washington, Colonial Traveller

Through advertisements of Anderson, and of others seeking to find strays or lost articles, and the attempts of new enterprises to locate themselves with reference to a well-known concern, it is possible to establish Anderson as a tavern-keeper year after year until 1776. A month before Margaret Hunter moved her millinery shop to the northern side of Duke of Gloucester Street, she advertised her business as next door to Robert Anderson's tavern. (Virginia 17 Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, May 2, June 20, 1771.) In 1773, a tract of York County land was advertised to be sold "before Mr. Robert Anderson'^sTavern in Williams^burg" (Ibid., April 15, 1773 ). In 1774, Anderson advertised for "A PERSON who understands the Business of a DRAWER" (Ibid. Jan. 20 ). In that year, three craftsmen informed the public of the proximity of their businesses to Anderson's tavern. John and William Rowsay in April opened their jewelry shop "next Door below Mr. Anderson's Tavern" (Ibid. Apr. 28, 1774 ). Robert Bruce, clockmaker moved from the Golden Ball to the house "above Mr. Robert Anderson's" (Ibid., June 2, 1774 ). James Slate, tailor from London opened shop "the second Door below Mr. Anderson's Tavern". (Ibid. July 21, 1774 .)

In 1776, Anderson advertised for a good hostler who would come with recommendations for diligence and sobriety (Virginia Gazette, Alexander Purdie, March 8): It is quite possible that Anderson found his military responsibilities as captain in the Virginia forces too heavy to continue close supervision of the tavern (Executive Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia, I, Page 157). Advertisements for losts and strays begin to refer to Captain Robert Anderson's tavern (Virginia Gazette, Alex. Purdie, Dec. 22, 1775; Jan. 5, Nov. 8, Dec. 20 & 27, 1776).

On September 22, 1779, Ambrose Davenport¹ inserted a notice in the local papers saying that he had taken over Anderson's tavern:

The subscriber begs leave to inform the public in general, and his friends in particular, that he has opened TAVERN in the house formerly occupied by Captain Robert Anderson. Gentlemen who favour him with their custom, may depend on his utmost endeavours to give satisfaction. Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, Sept. 25, 1779

Davenport is established at "Wetherburn's" a year later by 18 an announcement made by Margaret Hunter who was located at lot #53 (York County Records, Book 8, Deeds, Page 461). She advertised her store and millinery shop as opposite Ambrose Davenport's tavern in February, 1780 (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, February 5). The Unknown Draftsman's Map shows lot #53 on the opposite side of Gloucester from lots #20, #21, and #22.

Apparently Davenport kept his tavern only a year. There can be no doubt that the removal of the capital to Richmond in the spring of 1780 was a blow to many tavern-keepers as it took away their chief source of revenue — the presence of those whom the official, legal, or social aspects of "Public Times" had drawn to Williamsburg. Whatever may be the immediate cause of Davenport's advertisement of his furniture and equipment, the announcement given below points to the end of his tavern-keeping:

To be SOLD to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the subscriber's house in this city, on Monday the21st of August,
SOME household and kitchen furniture, consisting of a number of good beds, bedsteads, sheets, counterpanes, chairs, tables, looking glasses, &^c. a billiard table and balls. Also three horses and two reding chairs. Likewise a likely young negro fellow, about twenty years of age, and a neat tenement in the lower end of town, leading to York. Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, Aug. 9, 1780

There is evidence that Wetherburn's designated heirs, the Nicholsons, had retained the former's property, and that Southall, Anderson, Davenport and, perhaps others, were renters or leaseholders. For instance, a deed of "Tarpley's Store" and lot to Samuel Beale, in 1782, mentions the eastern and southern boundaries of the store on lot #20 as the Henry Nicholson lot. (York County Records, Book 6, Deeds, Page 140.) Further evidence is found in a bill of repairs charged by the carpenter, Humphrey Harwood, against Henry Nicholson in 1783. These 19 repairs were apparently made on the same house that Wetherburn lived in since one of the rooms bore the name of "Bull Head" and a "large room" is referred to in Wetherburn's inventory:

B-41. Henry Nicolson, and Mrs Ann Craig 1783	Dr
Novemr 11/To 18 bushels of lime a 1/ & hair 1/6 & 5 Days labour a 3/	£ 1 14 6
To repairing larthing & plastering 30/ & to 40 larths c/ [?]	1 10 7½
24 To 4 bushels of whitewash a 2/ & whitg. 1 passage 4/6 & 2 entries 4/6	. 17 —
To whitewashing 3 rooms a 4/16 & large Room 10/1	1 8 6
To 4 bush of lime a 1/. & Repairing plastering in back room 2/6	6.6
To laying a harth 2/6 & mending a Chimney 2/6 (do) [that is, in back room]	5. —
To laying a harth in Bull head 2/6 & tagg down Grate up Staires & Plast Chimy 2/6	5. —
To whitewashing back room & closet 7/6	7 6
To whitewashing 5 Rooms and 2 passages up Stairs a 4/6	1 11 6
	£ 8 1.12

Two other accounts with Nicholson are found on that page and one on Ledger C Page 4. It cannot be said that these accounts were concerned with the Bland-Wetherburn House. Nor is there any explanation of the joint bill to Nicholson and Mrs. Craig. (Could Mrs. Ann Craig be the Ann Wetherburn of 1760?)

In 1783 when Henry Nicholson rented the tenement next to the Tarpley Store lot (then in the possession of Samuel Beall) he indicated that James Davis, "Taylor" was already in possession of the tenement. His deed, in abstract reads as follows:

Sept. 5, 1783.

Nicholson, Henry, Planter, Williamsburg
Sarah, his wife
to
James Davis, Taylor
Same Place
Consideration: 90 Pounds.

All that messuage or tenement now in the possession of the 20 said James Davis, situate standing and being in the city of Williamsburg, aforesaid, on the south side of Duke of Gloucester, adjoining to the store of Samuel Beall, Esq., on the West, and to another tenement belonging to the said Nicolson on the East. Book IV - Deeds York County Records Page 173

This evidence of two tenements in the possession of Nicholson is a further proof that the Wetherburn property had passed to Wetherburn's heirs. In the allotment to Anne Wetherburn in 1761, two tenements had been referred to. These were to revert at her death to Edward Nicholson and his heirs.

William Rowsay was the owner and occupier in 1787 of the Nicholson property, and possibly as early as 1785, for in the last-named year, he purchased two lots from Henry Nicholson (Williamsburg Land Tax Transfers. Original in Virginia State Library.) On May 31, 1786 Rowsay offered through the columns of the Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser (James Hayes) to sell the house.

"he now resides in, which was formerly a well frequented tavern, being the house on the Main Street, nearly opposite the Rawleigh, occupied by Mr. Southall, and afterwards by Mr. Anderson. The houses and out-houses are now in good repair, and the lot under an excellent plank enclosure".

The necessity to assure the public that the house "was now in good repair" suggests that over a period of years its upkeep had been neglected. If this house was the one occupied by the tailor James Davis (and until archaeological research reveals a house between the store and what is considered the Bland-Wetherburn on the Frenchman's Map, this interpretation must necessarily be made) the use to which it was being put in the 1780's indicates a decided retrogression in its importance in the civic life of the town.

In his will made at some time before 1787, Rowsay left two tenements to his family. The typed document shows a strange confusion 21 in its wording which might be cleared up if the copy could be compared with the original. One of his houses Rowsay gave to his wife Frances; the second he gave, conditionally, to his son, John. The pertinent clauses in the will are as follows:

"...... the Lott and House 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 stand now inclosed, to wit, running a due South course from the East end of the Storehouse 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 .... 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 .... (Proved in a court of Hustings for the City of Williamsburg, February 5, 1787. Tucker-Coleman Papers. Department of Research and Record, Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.)

The reference to an enclosure around the first tenement makes it appear that Rowsay referred to the "well-frequented Tavern", which he had advertised in 1786. The lot and house he bought from Henry Nicholson probably were the jewelry store he and John Rowsay occupied in 1774 and described as "next Door below Mr. Anderson's tavern". Continuity of occupation is implied in three announcements in 1779 of goods at Rowsay's store. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, Feb. 26, Oct. 16, Nov. 6.) In 1784, William Rowsay was made notary public in the place of James Innes and announced that "the business will be conducted, at the office formerly occupied by Colonel Innes, on the main street, nearly opposite the Raleigh Tavern". (Virginia Gazette, or the American Advertiser, James Hayes, Dec. 18.) It seems 22 logical to suggest that Rowsay probably carried on the duties of the office in his store. On March 8, 1787, after the death of Rowsay, his administrators advertised a public sale to be held at his store-house of £1000 worth of dry goods, his household and kitchen furniture, and his plantation equipment. (Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser, Thomas Nicolson.)

The Frenchman's Map of c. 1781 shows four houses in what are believed to be colonial lots #20, #21 and #22. It is thought that the four houses, starting from west and going east, are Tarpley's Store, the Bland-Wetherburn house, the tenement perhaps a store next, and then Charlton's. The houses and outhouses are shown on the Map: These houses are not drawn to scale See Frenchman's map for out houses.

On the Unknown Draftsman's Map, date late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, the lots in the above order are numbered #20, #21, #22. This ownership of lots is confirmed by an insurance policy of William Russell's property in 1806. He locates his dwelling on the main street with the lots of William Rowsay as his western boundary (Photostat copy of insurance policy No. 618 with the Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia Page 46. See drawing in Architectural Report on Charlton's House).

From 1785 through 1819, William Rowsay then William Rowsay's estate, was taxed for 5 lots. In 1819, Frances Powell was taxed for two lots¹. 23 In the more complete record of 1820, Frances Powell's two lots are described as follows: the first, with a house or houses on it valued at $600, house and lot at $675 had been "Formerly charged to Wm. Rowsey's Est." There is no information about the former owner of Frances Powell's other lot, but the lot had standing on it a house or houses valued at $1100, houses and lot $1200. From 1825 through 1840 Frances Powell's estate continued to be taxed for one lot and houses — value $1200.

On April 24, 1837 Martha McGill¹ daughter of Frances Powell (Deed of trust of slaves from John D. McGill to Cole & Sheldon. Jan. 1, 1829 in Southall Papers, College of William & Mary, Folder 132) gave a deed to the lot and dwelling house under discussion to her son, John D. McGill's trustee, George Southall, for debts to the Williamsburg merchants, Sheldon & Maupin, and William W. Vest. This deed describes Martha McGill's property as:

"All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land and Dwelling House thereon, situate, lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, and now held and owned by the said Martha, and bounded as follows, to wit: on the North by the main Street, or Duke of Gloucester Street; south by the back street, or Francis Street; East by the Lot of Leonard Henley dec^d - and West by the Lot of Roscow Cole, now occupied by John A. Mackinder together with all and singular the buildings, etc." (Folder 200, Southall Papers, College of William & Mary)

In 1843, this property came into the possession of Johnson B. Carter. The Williamsburg Tax records for the years 1843 and 1847 show that Carter had a lot valued at $1200, the house of which was valued 24 at $1100. In the latter year, Johnson Carter was in the U. S. Navy. The Tax Transfers (Virginia Archives - State Library) show that William Carter had come into possession of a lot in 1848. This lot Johnson B. Carter had transferred to him. The Tax Records show that in 1850 William Carter of Richmond had a lot the value of which with the buildings amount to $1200.00.^x In brief, these facts are:

In 1849, William Carter, physician of Richmond wrote George W. Southall requesting the latter to dispose of his "property situated on Main St. and next the residence of Mrs. Henley. Within a few years the interior of the house has undergone a complete repair - and from the size, situation and No. of rooms would be well adapted for a boarding house.....A part of the house is at present in the occupancy of Mr. Sidney Smith who rents it by the month _____" (W. Carter to Southall, Aug. 13, 1849 in Southall Papers, Folder 62 in College of William and Mary) .

In a later letter of date, Aug. 22, 1849, Carter wrote that he gave $1724 for the house. He continued "The property is worth more. J. B. Carter paid $1500 for it if I mistake not, and I loned him $1200 to have it repaired, inciedenout [inside and out?] of this my mother expended some 3 or 4 hundred on it. Mr. Bassett and Davy Coles did the work.... Mrs. Byrd paid my mother $160 per annum...The house is will suited to the purpose of a school, having a number of rooms and one very 25 large one which could be enlarged if necessary by the removal of the partition. Mr. Smith rents the rooms by the month and would have to vacate them if necessary" (Southall Papers, Folder 62) .

The ownership of this property from 1849 to 1871 is not clear from the available records, but it is quite possible that it came into the possession of John H. Barlow in the 1850's. His name appears on the tax records as early as 1842. His tax record is as follows:

The Williamsburg Land Transfers for the year 1858 have the following notes concerning the property of John H. Barlow: residence and storehouse; McGil's Estate; 1 transferred from J. Sands, $150 less for division of lot transfer to Jacob Sheldon. A list of John Barlow's properties in the 1870's^* shows that he had 3 lots: a house and lot on the northern side of Main Street. This he valued at $2000. This was his residence and store which was sold as a result of a Court decree in March, 1871 to Galba Vaiden (Chancery Suits, Box 13 Williamsburg 26 and James City Co. Court. See also Recollection of Mr. Charles and Mrs. Lee, pp. 46 and 75). His two other pieces of property were the Carter house on the south side of Main Street value $1500 and a vacant lot known as the Coleman lot, valued at $400. (Box 13 as above-a list of real estate belonging to John H. Barlow.) By comparing this list of property with that Barlow owned in 1858, it will be seen that there is some justification for suggesting that John Barlow came into possession of the "Bland-Wetherburn" house, i.e. the McGill estate, in the 1850's.

At the time of the Civil War this house was occupied by a Mr. Young, pastor of the Baptist Church. His wife conducted a "female school", according to the reminiscences of Mr. John S. Charles. Mrs. Victoria Lee boarded with the Youngs during the Civil War when she came to Williamsburg as a refugee. Both Mr. Charles and Mrs. Lee thought the house changed but little, if any, in its appearance since the 60's. (Recollections of Williamsburg written c. 1930. Typed Mss. Research Dept.)

In 1889 in a suit which started in 1871, as a result of a Court decree this property of Barlow's was advertised for sale as "all that valuable lot of land, with the building thereon, situated in the City of Williamsburg Known as the Carter lot bounded as follows; on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by the lot of Wm. H. E. Morecock being the lot upon which William H. E. Morecock now resides. This lot is well located and highly improved". The purchaser was R. H. Jackson who paid $790 for the lot and buildings thereon. The property had been valued at $1500 in the 1870's (Ibid.).

Summarizing the known facts about the dwelling house on lots #20 and #21: By 1716, the dwelling house of Richard Bland stood on those 27 lots. Then the property passed to the Harrisons. Archaeological and architectural findings may show that a very early eighteenth century house forms a part of the present "Bland-Wetherburn" house. From the Harrisons, lot #21 and lot #22 passed to Wetherburn with houses on the lots. In 1745/6, Wetherburn was keeping a tavern on this property. From then on, except for the period c. 1761-67, when there is no record of the use made of the house, until 1779, the house here was used as a tavern by renters, although legal title appears to have remained in the hands of Wetherburn's heirs, the Nicholsons until the 1780's. By 1786, the former "well-frequented tavern" had come into the possession of William Rowsay, a merchant. The Powells and the Carters owned it before it came into possession of John H. Barlow. It appears that Martha McGill's right to the property came from her father, Frances Powell. In other words, the McGill estate was actually the Powell estate. The house that stands on these lots in the 1940's has changed,at least in its external appearance, but little since the 1860's.