Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary of Ownership	iii
Tyler's Map of Williamsburg	Frontispiece
Location	1
History	1-63
Illustration #1
Archaeologists Drawing	64
Illustration #2
Williamsburg Land Tax Records	65
Williamsburg Personal Property Tax Records	68
Illustration #3
Excerpts from Humphrey Harwood Ledger	69
Illustration #4
Biographical Sketches of: Robert Anderson	72
Richard Bland	74
Nathaniel Harrison	76
Edward Nicholson	77
Henry W. Nicholson	78
Benjamin Powell	82
Mrs. Frances Tabb Rowsay Powell	85
James Barrett Southall	88
Illustration #5
Excerpts from: Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover 1709-1712	89
Another Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover 1739-1741	97
George Washington Colonial Traveller and Diaries of George Washington	100
Prentis Papers	102
Benjamin Weldon Account Book	104
Accounts of John and William Rowsay	107
Virginia Gazette Day Book	109
Illustration #6
Henry Wetherburn's Will	111
Inventory and appraisment of Estate of Henry Wetherburn	113
An Allotment and Assignment of Dower (Henry Wetherburn's estate)	119
Inventory and appraisment of Estate of Henry Wetherburn	120
An Account of Debts paid for the Estate of Henry Wetherburn	122
Miscellaneous accounts of Henry Wetherburn's Executors	124
An Account of the Money received for Debts due Henry Wetherburn's Estate	126
An Account of the Sale of the Personal Estate of Henry Wetherburn	128
Directions to Executors to lay off 1/3 part of Land and Slaves according to Will of Henry Wetherburn	129
Excerpt from Guardian Accounts of the Estate of Henry Armistead	130
Excerpt from Galt Ms. Medical Account Book	131
Will of William Rowsay	132

ii

MR. WETHERBURN'S TAVERN
Block 9, Colonial Lots 20 & 21^*

Date	Owned By	Occupied By	Profession
Before 1716	Richard Bland	Richard Bland	Merchant, Burgess
1716 to 1727	Nathaniel Harrison	Nathaniel Harrison	Public Servant (Receiver-General)
1728 to 1738	Benjamin Harrison
1738	Henry Wetherburn	Henry Wetherburn	Tavern keeper
	[1742/1745/6 at Raleigh Tavern.]
1745/46	Henry Wetherburn	Henry Wetherburn	Tavern keeper
1752	Henry Wetherburn	John Doncastle	Tavern keeper
1755	Henry Wetherburn	John Doncastle	Tavern keeper
1756	Henry Wetherburn	Henry Wetherburn	Tavern keeper
1760/1	Wetherburn heirs	Mrs. Wetherburn	Boarding house
1765	Wetherburn heirs	Mrs. Wetherburn
1767	Wetherburn heirs	James Southall (possibly by 1763)	Tavern keeper
1771	Wetherburn heirs	Robert Anderson	Tavern keeper
1779	Wetherburn heirs (Nicholsons)	Ambrose Davenport	Tavern keeper
1780	Henry Nicholson	?
1783	Henry Nicholson	Mrs. Ann Craig	Public house
1784	William Rowsay		Jeweler, store
1786	Rowsay heirs
1796	Mrs. Benjamin Powell (Formerly Mrs. Rowsay)
1824	Mrs. Martha McGill
1835 to 1841	Mrs. McGill		Roomers & boarders
1841	Richard Randolph
1841	Richard Randolph
1843	Johnson B. Carter
1848	William Carter
1852	John H. Barlow	1860's Rev. Young	School (female) Boarding house
		1886-1889 W. H. E. Morecock	Home
1889	R. H. Jackson
1892	R. H. Jackson
1918	Mrs. Virginia Bruce Haughwout	Mrs. Haughwout	Home & shop
1964	Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.

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

LOCATION:

The property known as the "Bland-Wetherburn House" is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg. The lots are numbered on late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century maps of the city. Lots 20 & 21 have "Rowsay" thereon. See: Tyler's map on opposite page.

HISTORY:

The earliest record which defines this property appears in 1716 when Richard Bland¹ conveyed the lots to Nathaniel Harrison.² (Deed to follow in the report.)

Bland was living in Williamsburg prior to 1709. On February 28th William Byrd of Westover came to Williamsburg about sunset and went straight to Mr. Bland's, then 2 to visit the President and then "went to lie at Mr. Bland's."¹ Bland was a member of the House of Burgesses representing Charles City County in December, 1700; August 1701; and May and June 1702. In 1706 he represented Prince George County in this assembly at the April session. In 1708 Bland was clerk of Prince George County. In 1710 he was a vestryman of Bruton Parish. In 1716 he was a member of the Board of Visitors of William and Mary College.

During the period 1709-1712 Mr. Bland is mentioned many times in Byrd's Diary. Bland lived at Jordan's Point, Charles City County. He seems to have made many trips back and forth from Jordan's Point to Williamsburg. On practically every trip Bland would stop at Westover to consult with Byrd on business. On the other hand, when Byrd would go to Williamsburg as a member of the Council, he went first to Mr. Bland's "for breakfast," "to eat some custard," "to dine," "drank tea," &c. Throughout this period there are references to 3 Bland attending to business (shipping, selling goods &c.) for Byrd in Williamsburg. There are two references to Mr. Bland's store there: "July 5, 1710-...when we came to Mr. Bland's he told us my chest of linen sent to his store had been plundered before it came to him..." and "April 6, 1711-[Westover] About 11 o'clock came Mr. Bland just from Colonel Randolph's...He told me the things got well to Williamsburg for his store..." On April 5, 1710, Byrd writing from "Westover," noted: "I had abundance of discourse with Mr. Bland concerning our store at Williamsburg."

Research has not disclosed any evidence as to the location of the "store," nor any further details as to the kind of business which Bland managed for Byrd other than the references in the Diary.¹ It is possible that the store could have been located on Lots 53 & 54 conveyed to Bland in 1708 by the trustees of the city.²

The writer does not think that Richard Bland's property in the city was used as a tavern. Careful 4 reading of Byrd's Diary would seem to indicate that Bland's home was frequented by prominent Councillors, Burgesses, and ladies closely associated with Bland or his wife, socially.

Not knowing when Bland sold Lots 53 & 54, we cannot state that Byrd's visits to Bland were made at the house now known as the Bland-Wetherburn House. Until further research brings forth new evidence, we shall have to leave his residence prior to ca. 1716 unknown. He could have lived at Lots 53 & 54, or at Lots 20 & 21 during this period.

It is possible that Richard Bland, the Revolutionary statesman and son of Richard Bland of Jordan's Point, was born in the Bland-Wetherburn House. Tyler states that Bland was born in Williamsburg on May 6, 1710.¹ The badly torn birth records of Bruton Parish register the birth of a child to Eliz^a Bland² in February, 1714—indicating that the Blands were members of Bruton Parish at that time also.

5

In 1716 Richard Bland conveyed to Nathaniel Harrison property designated as Lots 20 & 21 "on which he lately lived":

[May 23, 1716]

[Richard Bland of Prince George County
to
Colonel Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County
Consideration: £100 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made this 23rd day of May...1716 between Rich^d Bland of Prince George County of the one part & y^e Honble Coll. Nathl. Harrison of Surry County of the other part Witnesseth that the s^d Rich^d Bland for and in consideration of y^e rents & covenants hereafter named...hath demised granted lett leased &...by these presents...the Two Lotts or half Acres of Land,...in y^e City of W^msburgh on which he [Bland] lately lived upon the south Side of Duke of Gloucester Street designed in y^e Plott or draught of y^e s^d City by y^e Numbers or Figures (20 & 21) together with all houses...gardens...To have and to Hold y^e s^d Two Lotts...& appurtenances unto y^e s^d Nath^l Harrison his heirs & Assigns for Ever...
Rich^d Bland (Seal)

Signed, Sealed & Delivered in presence of
M Ingles
Benj Weldon
ffran Tyler
Tho: Mitchell
James Shield
Jn^o Blair
Joseph Davenport

At a Court for York County 18^th June 1716 This Deed of Release of Two Lotts or half Acres of Land in W^msburgh from Rich^d Bland Gentt to 6 Nath^l Harrison Esq^r was proved in Court by y^e Oaths of Tho Mitchell ffrancis Tyler & Jn^o Blair Three of y^e Witnesses thereto & admitted to Record. Phi: Lightfooot Cl Cur¹

Nathaniel Harrison of "Wakefield," Surry County, had served as naval officer for the upper district of James river and as agent for the prize office in England prior to his accepting the position of naval officer and receiver of Virginia duties under Governor Spotswood. In January, 1713/14 Harrison by Spotswood's appointment became a councillor. The appointment was confirmed in England in 1715. He became receiver general of Virginia and deputy in Virginia for the auditor and receiver general of all the colonies. He was a regular attendant at sessions of the council until his death in 1727.²

Burgesses and other public officers needed homes in Williamsburg when they attended sessions of the Assembly or Council. It seems reasonable to suppose that Harrison's purpose in buying Bland's home was to provide a comfortable 7 home for his family and as a place to entertain his political and social friends while he was in the city.

At the time of his death sometime between December 15, 1726 (the date of the will) and February 21-28, 1727 (the date of its probation), Harrison owned lots in Williamsburg:

[Will of Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County]

…
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.
…
Nathaniel Harrison¹

Records indicate that Benjamin Harrison² held the property until 1738 when it was conveyed to Henry Wetherburn, tavern keeper, of Williamsburg. (Deed to follow in the report.) A careful reading into York County Records has disclosed nothing as to Harrison's use of the property. However, there appears an unaccountable discrepancy in the numbers given for the two lots. When 8 Bland conveyed to Nathaniel Harrison in 1716 the two lots were designated as 20 & 21. When Benjamin Harrison conveyed to Wetherburn in 1738, the two lots were noted as 21 & 22:

[January 15, 1738]

[Benjamin Harrison of Surry County, Gent.,
to
Henry Wetherburn of Williamsburg
Consideration: £150 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the 15^th Day of Janry 1738...BETWEEN Benjamin Harrison of Surry County Cent...and Henry Weatherburn of the City... WITNESSETH That the said Benj: Harrison for and in Consideration of one Hundred and Fifty pounds Current Money to him in hand paid by the said Henry Weatherburn before the Sealing and Delivery hereof the Receipt whereof he doth acknowledge himself to be fully satisfied and paid therewith and thereof doth acquit exonerate and discharge the said Henry Weatherburn his heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns by these presents hath granted bargained sold demised and to farm let to the said Henry Weatherburn all those two Lotts or half Acres of Ground situate lying and being in the said City of W^msburg on the South Side of Duke of Gloucester Street designed in the plott or Draught of the said City by the Figures or Numbers 21 & 22 ^{22 & 21} (In which said two Lots or half Acres the said Benj^a Harrison was Seized in Fee by virtue of a Devise made by the Honble Nathaniel Harrison the Father dec^d to the said Benj^a [Harrison] his Son) together with all Houses Orchards Gardens and all other Improvements...thereunto belonging to the said Henry Weatherburn TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said two Lotts or half Acres of Ground and premisses ...forever in as full and ample Manner to all Intents and purposes as the said Benj^a Harrison or his Heirs might or could enjoy the same And the said Benj^a Harrison...doth further covenant 9 promise and agree to and with the said Henry Weatherburn...that the Said lotts or half Acres...are free and clear of and from all former and other Gifts, Grants, Sales, Titles, Extents, Dowers, Troubles and Incumbrances...
Benjamin Harrison (Seal) ¹ ... [Recorded York County Court January 15, 1738]

Research has failed to discover what use Benjamin Harrison had made of the property.

Henry Wetherburn first appeared in Williamsburg c. 1731. In August, 1731, he was granted an ordinary license in the city.² Wetherburn had married Mary Bowcock, widow of Henry Bowcock, tavern keeper, between July, 1730, and June, 1731.³ Following his marriage, he and his wife were executors of Bowcock's estate.⁴

In 1736 Wetherburn's tavern was well known. William Randolph considered "Henry Wetherburn's biggest Bowl of Arrack Punch" a sufficient payment for 200 acres 10 of Goochland County land which he deeded to Peter Jefferson.¹ Research has not established on what location Wetherburn was operating at this date. It is possible that he could have operated on Lot 53 which was owned by his wife, Mary Bowcock, at the time of his marriage to her (1730/31).² Or, it is possible that he could have begun operating his tavern on Lots 20 & 21 immediately upon his purchase of it in 1738. By 1742 we know that Wetherburn was keeping a tavern at Lot 54 (Raleigh Tavern). A deed from John Blair to John Dixon, David Meade, Patrick Barclay, Alexander McKenzie and James Murray—merchants, states that "the messuage tenement and Lot of ground lying and being on the North side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of W^msburgh [was] now in the possession of Henry Wetherburn, Ordinary Keeper."³ In 1742 Wetherburn bought 11 Lot 57 but he did not live thereon but leased it.¹

It has not been established by research the exact date at which Wetherburn left the Raleigh Tavern to set up tavern keeping on Lots 20 & 21. However, the Virginia Gazette around this period enlightens us as to his location in 1745/46:

[January 23, 1746]

THE dwelling house, Out Houses, Store Houses, &c. in the main Street opposite to Mr. Wetherburn's in Williamsburg, (the most convenient Spot in this City for Trade, and a well accustomed Store,) now the property of the Subscribers, will be exposed to publick Sale, to the highest Bidder, at the said House, on Tuesday, the 4th of March next...
Harmer & King. ²

Harmer & King were occupants of Lot 52 which is opposite to Lots 20 & 21, Wetherburn's lots.³ (Consult map, frontispage of report.)

Prior to this last quoted notice, the Virginia Gazette advertised "A VERY genteel Chariot, little the worse for Wear, is to be Sold, on the 30th Instant, at 12 the House of Mr. Henry Wetherburn, in Williamsburg, where it may be seen...There is also a new Set of Harness for Four Horses, to be Sold, with or without the Chariot."¹ Also, in 1746 the slaves of Theophilus Pugh were advertised to be sold "at the House of Mr. Henry Wetherburn in Williamsburg."² In February 1746 Mr. Wetherburn owed the estate of William Keith £8 for 8000 bundles of fodder supplied him.³ Mr. Wetherburn also supplied the wine at Keith's funeral.

On July 1, 1751, Mrs. Wetherburn died, and on July 11, 1751, Wetherburn married Mrs. Anne Marot Ingles Shields, widow of James Shields.⁴ By his second marriage he associated himself with tavern keeping again. (The second wife was the daughter of John Marot, tavern keeper of Williamsburg; and her husband, Shields, also a tavern keeper, operated on Marot's former site until his death 13 in 1750/51. See: House History of "Marot's or The English Coffee House," Research Department.)

Items in the Virginia Gazette for 1751 indicate that Wetherburn upon his marriage to Mrs. Shields, took over the executorship and sale of the Shields property.¹ In the Virginia Gazette Day Book (1751-1752), items against Wetherburn appear as "To printing advert^s for Shield's Estate" and "To advertising Shield's Tavern."²

In November, 1751 Governor Dinwiddie was entertained by the Mayor and Aldermen of Williamsburg at a dinner "at Wetherburn's": John Blair was among those present. He made these notes in his Diary about the entertainment:

[November 21, 1751]

21. Mr. Commiss^y, Col. Ludwell and myself went out to meet the Governor, and with Col. Fairfax, Mr. Nelson and the secretary (who came up with him from York) attended him to his house. At the entrance of the town he was complimented by the Mayor and aldermen, who (w^th the gentⁿ) were got 14 together to welcome him, and invited him and the council to a dinner they had prepared at Wetherburn's, where we all dined...¹

Early in 1752 charges were listed in the Virginia Gazette Day Book against Wetherburn for printing tickets, cards and advertising a ball:

Williamsburg March 6, 1752.

Henry Wetherburn D^r To Printing
For an advertisement for his Ball 5/9
100 Tickets and Cards 13/0——£-.18.9²

The formal notice appeared in the newspaper on March 5th:

For the LADIES and GENTLEMEN, There will be a BALL, AT Henry Wetherburn's, on Tuesday Evening next, the 10th Instant, and on every Tuesday during the Sitting of the General Assembly.
TICKETS Half a Pistole.³

In May, 1752 the Ohio Company met at Wetherburn's:

By the Committee of the Ohio Company THE several Members of the said Company, in Virginia and Maryland, are desired to meet at 15 Mr. Wetherburn's, in the City of Williamsburg, on Thursday the 7th Day of May next.
George Mason,
James Scott,
John Mercer.

April 7, 1752.

¹

On April 24, 1752 "A Meeting of the CAPE Company is desired at Mr. Wetherburn's on Tuesday Evening next, at Five o'Clock."² In October, 1752 "A General Meeting of the CAPE Company is appointed to be at Mr. Wetherburn's, in Williamsburg, on Tuesday the 24th Instant, at 5 o'Clock in the Afternoon."³ (Tyler says that this "company of merchants met twice a year for the regulation of exchanges and other matters of commercial importance.")

On November 3, 1752 John Doncastle advertised his ordinary at King William Courthouse for rent as he had "taken the House of Mr. Wetherburn, in Williamsburg, to enter the first of March next":

To be Rented, and entered on the first of MARCHnext, THE Ordinary, at King-William Court-House, where the Subscriber now lives,...to be sold on the Premisses...; and as the Subscriber has taken the House 16 of Mr. Wetherburn, in Williamsburg, to enter the first of March next, all Gentlemen, &c. that please to favour him with their Custom, may depend on the best Accommodations, from
Their very humble Servant,
John Doncastle. ¹

On August 15th, 1755 Doncastle gave notice that he wished to rent the house in which he then lived:

NOTICE is hereby given, That the House I now live in is to be Rented, and may be Entered on before next October Court; all the Household Furniture and Liquor to be sold. Credit will be given until the 25th Day of April next, or longer if required.
John Doncastle. ²

Doncastle, evidently, was still keeping tavern at Wetherburn's in 1755, as John Armistead advertised that at December, 1755 Court his slaves would be sold "before Mr. Doncastle's Door, in Williamsburg."³

In 1754 and 1755 Doncastle bought large quantities of mutton, pork, and beef from William Lightfoot of Tedington, James City County. In May, 1755 he bought 633 17 pounds of beef from Lightfoot. (See: Ms Account Book of William Lightfoot, p. 83, Research Department.)

If Doncastle operated his tavern on the site of Wetherburn's tavern (Lots 20 and 21)—which he seems to have done according to the items noted above—from March 1753 until December 1755 (or later); then, we do not know where Wetherburn lived during this period. Wetherburn and wife owned the eastern part of Lot 56 and Lot 57.¹

In 1755 Daniel Fisher, a tea, coffee and wine merchant who came to Virginia from London and settled in Williamsburg where he opened tavern at the English Coffee House for a short period, praised Wetherburn's tavern-keeping. (Reading over Fisher's Journal, one can see that he had no cause for personal kindly feeling towards Wetherburn—, yet, he was not unmindful of the elegance and appointments of Wetherburn's tavern:

...[referring to the ordinary at "Leids Town" on the Rappahannock] as elegant an appearance 18 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.

Fisher's Journal is printed in Some Prominent Virginia Families by Louise Pecquet du Bellet (4 vols., Lynchburg, J. Bell Co., n.d.) vol. II, pp. 751-811.

A careful study of York County records (Judgments & Orders 1752-1754) indicates that Wetherburn was plaintiff in a number of suits in which he was trying to recover debts owed him. In practically every instance Wetherburn won his suit. The amounts ranged from around £8 to £51.¹

By June, 1756, Wetherburn was back at tavern-keeping. Archibald Cary petitioned the Governor that "a writ of certiorari for removing into General Court action in Hustings of assault & battery of Henry Wetherburn, Williamsburg ordinary keeper, who also directed attorney general to offer to grand jury at next general court a 19 bill of indictment." (Photostat, Research Department; original New York City Library.)

By April, 1757, Wetherburn was operating a tavern. Three advertisements in the Virginia Gazette would lead to this conclusion:

April 22, 1757.

THE Gentlemen appointed by the Common Hall of the City of
Williamsburg, will meet on Tuesday next at the House of Mr. Henry Wetherburn, at Six o'Clock in the Evening, in order to agree with a Carpenter for building a Market-House in the said City.¹

[April 22, 1757.]

To be SOLD at public Auction, before Mr. Wetherburn's Door, on
Tuesday the 26^thInstant, AN House and Lott, in the City of Williamsburg, very well situated, wherein Mr. Green, Merchant now lives, late belonging to Mrs. Pack; with a Kitchen, Dairy, Outhouses, and Garden...
George Pitt. ²

[September 2, 1757]

To be SOLD by the Subscriber, opposite to Mr. Henry Wetherburn's in Williamsburg, ALLEN'S Cordial for the FLUX, at One Pistole a Bottle;...
Richard Coulthard. ³

20

Another reason to believe that Wetherburn was operating his tavern in 1757 and 1758 is that William Lightfoot, of "Teddington," charged Wetherburn in 1757 (May and June) with 43 pounds of mutton, 1 side mutton and 1 side of beef. In 1758 he is charged with 244 pounds of beef.¹

On August 23, 1759, Wetherburn conveyed a part of Lot 20 to James Tarpley, merchant, the consideration named being £120 current money of Virginia:

[August 23, 1759]

[Henry Wetherburn of the City of Williamsburg, Tavern Keeper, and Anne his wife
to
James Tarpley, merchant of the city
Consideration: 120 Pounds current money of Virginia]

...DO Grant Bargain and Sell Alien and Confirm unto the said James Tarpley his Heirs and Assigns forever a certain Part or Peice 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 Williamsburgh denoted in the Plan of the City by the Figures 20, to begin at the Northwest Corner of the said Lot and thence to Run Eastwardly and along the line of the said Lot on the said main Street Forty feet for Front thence Southerly into the said Lot Fifty Six Feet by a Line Paralel to the Street marked in 21 the Plan of the said City by the letter L Thence Westerly Forty feet a Paralel Line to the first Course and thence Northwardly along the west Side of the said Lot to the Begining. And all Buildings...

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said part or peice of a Lot of Ground with the Premisses unto the said James Tarpley his Heirs and Assigns...forever...IN WITNESS whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto inter-changeable Set their hands and Affixed their Seals the day and Year first above Written.
...
Henry Wetherburn (LS)
Ann Wetherburn (LS)¹

[Recorded York County Court September 17, 1759]

Henry Wetherburn died between July 15, 1760 and December 15, 1760. Unfortunately, the will is mutilated in spots but enough is legible to know what disposition he wished for his property. Several items from the will follow:

...ITEM I [torn] wife Anne Wet [torn] [tenem]ents an[d] [torn] also give her my Negro Girl named Clarissa forever and after my Just Debts Funeral Charges and the Expences Attending the Ad^mon of my Estate are paid I give her one moiety or half part of my whole Personal Estate forever ITEM I give to Harry Armistead who now lives with me my Negro Boy named Dick and my Silver watch to him and his Heirs forever and I Order and direct my Executors hereafter named to Lay out and expend the Sum of one hundred pounds current money 22 in the Schooling and Education of the said Harry Armistead...ITEM I Order and Direct that my Plate and whole Personal Estate be Sold by my Executors for the best price they can get for the same. ITEM. I Give and Devise to my Nephew Edward Nicholson the Reversion [of my] Lands Tenements and Slaves given to my wife for her Life and all other [torn] Estate real or Personal of what Nature or kind soever in the whole wo[torn] to him and his Heirs forever LASTLY I constitute and Appoint my Frie[n]ds M^r William Prentis and M^r Benjamin Waller Executors of this my Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Wills by me made...IN WITNESS whereof I have here-unto [set] my hand and Affixed my Seal this thirteenth day of November in [torn] of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and [torn]
Henry Wetherburn (L.S.) ¹ [Recorded December 15, 1760 York County Court]

The day the will was recorded another legal paper was recorded:

On the Motion of Anne Wetherburn Widow and Relict of Henry Wetherburn dec^d and with the Consent of Edward Nicholson It is Ordered that Rob^t Carter Nicholas George Wythe William Hunter James Tarpley and Thomas Everard or any three or more of them lay off and assign unto the said Anne One third part of the Lands and Slaves of the said Henry Wetherburn according to the direction of his Will.²

23

On December 19, 1760, an inventory and appraisement of the estate of Wetherburn in York County was made.¹ This inventory of the personal estate is a long one and confirms Fisher's description as to fine furnishings. There were pier glasses, brass candlesticks, sconces, fine china and silver, mahogany furniture, prints, excellent liquors &c. By listing the furnishing in each room, the size of the tavern is realized: "The Bull Head, The Middle, The Chamber, Room over the Bull Head, Porch Chamber,—over middle room, Great [Room], Mr. Page's, Wheat, End, The Sh[ed]." There was a kitchen and a stable on the property.

At the March 16, 1761, Court for York County, the committee appointed on December 15, 1760, to assign unto Wetherburn's widow her third part of the lands and slaves—, made this report to the court:

An Allotment and Assignment of Dower in the Land and Slaves of Henry Wetherburn dec^d unto his Widow was returned to wit In Obedience to the Order of the Court of York County We the Subscribers have Allotted and Assigned unto Anne Wetherburn Widow of 24 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 Also nine Slaves named Caesar, Sarah and her Child Tom, Jack, Sarah and her child Rachel Sylvia Phillis and Judy and as for her one third part of the Land and Slaves of her said late Husband Given under our Hands this 25^th day of January 1761 G. Wythe, Ro. C. Nicholas, W^m Hunter, Tho^s Everard. Whereupon It is Considered by the Court that the Attachment and Assignment aforesaid be Established and Confirmed.¹

Mrs. Wetherburn's dower right—one third—was established and she was owner of Lots 20 & 21 during her lifetime and the reversion, according to the will, would descend to Edward Nicholson, Wetherburn's nephew. As Wetherburn had conveyed the western part of Lot 20 to James Tarpley in 1759, the two lots allotted to Mrs. Wetherburn must have been Lot 21 and the eastern part of Lot 20. Martin may have occupied this lot.

At the March 16, 1761 Court an inventory and appraisement of Wetherburn's personal property in James City County was recorded.²

25

In November, 1763 Wetherburn's executors in their report to the Court showed that Wetherburn's estate in entirety amounted to £2084.7.3½.¹ After subtracting Wetherburn's debts, £972.14.4¼, there remained £1111.12.11. Mrs. Wetherburn (after charges against her) received £101.-.1½.² And, in 1767, a final payment was made to her of £65.7.4½.³ This adds up to: Mrs. Wetherburn's total assets from her husband's estate was £166 plus. See: Illustration #6, Appendix, for complete records.

Edward Nicholson, nephew and devisee of Henry Wetherburn, died shortly after Wetherburn. In September, 1762, Benjamin Weldon and Fleming Bates, executors of Edward Nicholson, dec^d, were plaintiffs against James Shields, deft. for debt.⁴ In 1763 Edward Nicholson's estate received £524.6- from Wetherburn's estate and in January, 1764 the estate received a final payment of 26 £42.10.5½ making a total paid to Nicholson of £769.6.5½.¹

Fleming Bates, one of Nicholson's executors, seems to have faded out of the picture leaving Benjamin Weldon to act for some years as executor. Henry Nicholson, the minor son of Edward Nicholson, needed a guardian, also. In 1765 Weldon advertised in the Virginia Gazette urging those who owed the Nicholson estate to pay up.² In 1765 Weldon paid Alexander Purdie, printer, for "1 Dilworth's Spelling Book for H. Nicholson."³

It looks as though Mrs. Wetherburn remained on the site most probably until her death.⁴ She was far from affluent as many debts had shrunk her assets. Henry Armistead from Gloucester was a boarding student in Williamsburg. From 1760-1765 Armistead boarded with 27 Mrs. Wetherburn.¹ In 1764 Mrs. Wetherburn paid the Virginia Gazette for a Lewis's Catechism and a copy of Robinson Crusoe for Henry Armistead.² And, in July, 1765 Mrs. Wetherburn paid for 1 Clark's Justice, 1 Nepos and 3 quires paper and ink powder.³ By the latter part of 1765 Armistead was a boarding student at William and Mary College.

Prior to December, 1760 James Martin, Barber and perukemaker, was living in Williamsburg and was a tenant of Henry Wetherburn. He was a witness to Wetherburn's will.⁴ Martin continued at this location after Wetherburn's death as Wetherburn's will so allowed "excepting the Tenement in Possession of James Martin."⁵ In 1765 Robert W. Carter recorded in his Diary: "Martin 28 Lodging Breakfast & Dressing my Hair—£1.2.9."¹ In 1761 and 1762 Washington used Martin as a barber: "April, 1761 Barbers at Williamsburg—Martin—£2.6.-"; "April 1762 Barber—Martin—£-.15.6" and "Nov^r 21 Martin—£1.5.-."² In October, 1765 Martin advertised in the Virginia Gazette: "Lodings &c."³ Martin died in July, 1766.⁴

Prior to June, 1767 James Southall, tavern-keeper, was operating at Wetherburn's site. A notice by William Biers locates Southall's:

[June 11, 1767]

JUST IMPORTED,
In the Rachel & Mary, Capt. Anderson, and to be SOLD, on very reasonable terms, at the subscriber's shop, opposite Mr. SOUTHALL'S, DRUGS AND MEDICINES...
WILLIAM BIERS. ⁵

29

A study of colonial lot 53 indicates that Biers was located thereon at this time. Lot 53 is opposite to lots 20 and 21. See: House History, and map opposite front page of the report.

In August, 1766 Southall advertised:

WANTED,
A YOUNG MAN qualified to act as Bar-Keeper, that can write a tolerable Hand, and understands something of Accounts. Such a one will meet with good Encouragement by applying to
JAMES SOUTHALL. ¹

Southall was operating a tavern in the city as early as November, 1763.² As research has not established Southall's location prior to 1767, it is possible that he was operating at the Wetherburn site from around 1763. In May, June, and July, 1763 Alexander Craig had accounts against Southall:

To a Lost part of the pasture gate	£-.2.1
To Carting claret from York	-.4.-
To Carting 2 bls. pork	-.1.63

30

Jefferson writing from Shadwell on January 20, 1763 to his friend, John Page, at Williamsburg, asked several questions as to the goings-on in the city:

...How have you done since I saw you? How did Nancy look at you when you danced with her at Southal's?¹

If Southall was operating the tavern on Lot 21 in 1763, he had the pleasure of entertaining Washington "at Southall's" on January 19, 1764.²

Whether Mrs. Wetherburn kept on living in the house until her death as she had a right to do, is not known. A few scattered items in the court records from 1766-1769 indicate that she was alive and was entering suits for debts in York County records.³ There is no record of her after August, 1769.

In 1769 Washington "dined at the Attorney's and went to Southall's in the Evening in drawing Colo. Moore's Lottery."⁴

31

An interesting account showing the rates for breakfast, dinner and drinks at Southall's tavern in 1768 is given below:

1768	The Estate of Samuel Middleton Decd
May 2	To Today 1/3 Dinr & Club 4/	£ -.5.3
3	To Julip 7½ Punch 1/6 Club do 21½	1.4.3
	To dinr & Club 4/3 Cash lent 20/	1.4.3
4	To Julip 4/10½ Punch 1/6 Dinr & Club 4/6	-.7.10½
5	To Breakfast 1/3 Julip 7½	1.10½
		£ 2.3.6 1

Another account showing Southall's prices for dinner, club, supper, wine, bumbo, ball tickets etc. appeared in the Webb-Prentis Papers: Henry Morse dr to James Southall 1770 April 19th to January 1, 1771.²

The account of John Page, junior, with James Southall is given below:

1764	Mr John Page Junr to James Southall	Dr
	...Octr 10 to Club at Billds Novr 8th Do 1/3
1766
	July 29 To Club at Billds 1/6...
	[Octr] 29...Club at Billiards 3/1½ 30th Do 3/1½
	Novr 2 Do 2/6 Do 3/6½...
	...[Novr] 24th Club at Billds 3/1...
32
1768...	October 28 To 2 Ball Ticketts 20/. Novr 3 Club at Billiards 2/6...
1770	April 21st To Club at Billds 5/. 25th do 2/. 26th Do 1/
1771	March 3 To Din. 6/. 11th Do 4/. Club at Billds 3/... [Mar.] 13. To Club at Billds 4/. Din 7/6...

¹

Benjamin Weldon who had acted as executor of Edward Nicholson and guardian of his son, Henry, continued to manage the estate. Weldon continued in this capacity for some time to come. According to his accounts, he rented out different parts of property which we interpret as Nicholson property in Williamsburg.

rent paid to Weldon by James Southall 1771 Feb 13/4 Mos. @ £50 pr Ann	£7.5.10
5 mos. & 22 days @ £85	41.5.9
rent paid to Weldon by Wm Godfrey 1770 (Jan)—1771 (Aug)	£19.1. -
rent paid to Weldon by Arch: Diddip 1770 Novr 14 To rent of a Shop due in 1771	£15.-. -
rent paid to Weldon by Dr James Carter 1772-1773 Rent	£30
=====rent paid to Weldon by William Inge 1770 Sept 20th	£12
To rent of a shop due 1771
rent paid to Weldon by Robt Anderson 1771-1774 (Aug) Rent	£59
To Do of the house in Wmsburg £59 (1774) 1776 Rent of Tavern	£59
rent paid to Weldon by Alexr Purdie rent	£11.8.-
33
rent paid to Weldon by James Taylor 10 mos rent 1773	£-.1.8.1

The writer has endeavored to locate the above renters of the Nicholson lots.²

From the scant evidence (see Illustration #5), as interpreted by the writer, it appears that Diddip, Inge, Dr. Carter and James Taylor could have rented a shop located on Lots 20 and 21 at the dates given in Weldon's accounts cited above. Purdie, definitely, rented a part of the lot.

On February 28, 1771 Robert Anderson advertised in the Virginia Gazette that he was taking over the tavern at Southall's:

WILLIAMSBURG, February 28, 1771

THE SUBSCRIBER HAS TAKEN THE HOUSE LATELY occupied by Mr. Southall, where he hopes to be prepared, by the ensueing General Court, 34 for the Accommodation of Gentlemen. He returns Thanks to those Gentlemen who have formerly frequented his House, and hopes to merit a Continuance of their Custom.
ROBERT ANDERSON.

N.B. A single Man, well recommended, who understands the Business of a Bar, will have Employment by applying to me.¹

In August, 1771 Anderson paid Benjamin Weldon who was managing the Nicholson estate "1/2 Years rent—£59." He paid the same twice each year from 1771 through 1776. (In February 1776 Weldon put down Anderson's account thus: "Rent the Tavern—-£59" and "Aug^t 3, D^o—-£59.")²

Two accounts with Anderson's tavern 1771 and 1772 give prices he charged for dinner, bumbo, supper, port and "Day Victual."³

During 1771 Washington dined or supped at Anderson's tavern three times:

1771,	May 6th Monday. Williamsburg. Supped at Anderson's.
35
May 7th	Spent the evening at Anderson's
Nov. 3.	Dined at Anderson's.1

In 1772 Washington was at Anderson's twice:

1772, Mar. 24th ca.	Spent the evening at Anderson's.
Nov. 18th	Spent the evening at Anderson's.2

In 1773 Washington was at Anderson's:

Nov. 23rd.	Spent the evening at Anderson's.
Nov. 30th	Spent the evening at Anderson's.3

In 1774 Washington was at Anderson's four times:

1774, June 6th	Supped at Anderson's.
June 13th	Spent the evening at Anderson's.
June 14th	Spent the evening at Anderson's.
June 16th	Spent the evening at Anderson's.4

Robert W. Carter supped at Anderson's on November 9, 1774, and prior to that, on June 9th 1774.⁵

36

Nicholas Cresswell noted in his Journal 1774-1777 that he came to Williamsburg in April, and "Lodged at Anderson's Tavern."¹ In May, 1777 Ebenezer Hazard was in Virginia, came to Williamsburg and "Lodged at Anderson's. A good house." [May 31, 1777.]²

Anderson's Tavern continued in operation until 1779. Through advertisements of Anderson and of others seeking to find strays or lost articles, or the attempts of new enterprises to locate themselves with reference to a well-known concern, it is possible to establish Anderson as still a tavern keeper. In 1771 Margaret Hunter, milliner, moved from the northern side of Duke of Gloucester Street to a stand "next door to Robert Anderson's tavern."³ In 1773, a piece of land in York County was advertised to be sold "before Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern in Williamsburg."⁴ In 1774 Anderson advertised for "A PERSON who 37 understands the Business of a DRAWER."¹ Three craftsmen in 1774 notified the public of the proximity of their businesses to Anderson's tavern: John and William Rowsay opened their jewelry shop "next Door below Mr. Anderson's Tavern";² Robert Bruce, clockmaker, moved from the Golden Ball to the house "above Mr. Robert Anderson's";³ and James Slate, tailor, was "the second Door below Mr. Anderson's Tavern."⁴ In December, 1774 Alexander Purdie gave notice that he was withdrawing from the Virginia Gazette (of Purdie & Dixon) and would set up a Virginia Gazette of his own editorship in "the House formerly occupied by Messrs. Tarpley & Thompson & Co. on the main Street, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern."⁵

When the American Revolution came on Anderson received appointment as a Captain of a company of militia. 38 It looks as though the tavern was operated during the Revolution. In March, 1776 Anderson advertised for a good hostler: "WANTED IMMEDIATELY, A GOOD HOSTLER. Such a one coming well recommended, for diligence and sobriety, will have good wages."¹ Advertisements for lost and strays in November and December, 1776 refer to "Captain Robert Anderson's tavern."²

In May, 1779 the real and personal property of Alexander Purdie, deceased, were advertised for sale. Along with his printing office (located on Lot 20) was an "unexpired lease of the adjoining house, used as a composing and press room."³

Anderson's tavern was popular in 1779 with a prominent local citizen:

1779 Colo Thos Jones	Dr
June 11th To Ro: Anderson
17 Dinners &c.a at 10 ds Recd the above	£51
Ro: Anderson.4

39

In September, 1779 Ambrose Davenport gave notice that he had taken over Anderson's tavern in Williamsburg:

WILLIAMSBURG, September 25, 1779.

THE subscriber begs leave to inform the publick 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 endeavors to give satisfaction.
AMBROSE DAVENPORT.¹

Davenport was operating on the property in 1780. An announcement by Margaret Hunter who was located at this date on Lot 53 opposite to Lots 20 and 21, stated that her store and millinery shop was "opposite Mr. Ambrose Davenport's tavern."²

However, by August, 1780 Davenport had decided to sell his household furniture and equipment such as billiard table, balls, tables, etc., and horses and two riding chairs:

[August 7, 1780]

To be SOLD to the highest bidder, for ready money, at the subscriber's house in this city, on Monday, the 21^st of August, SOME household and kitchen furniture, consisting 40 of a number of good beds, bedsteads, sheets, counterpanes, chairs, tables, looking-glasses, &^c. a billiard table and balls. Also three horses and two riding chairs. Likewise a likely young negro fellow, about 20 years of age, and a neat tenement in the lower end of the town, leading to York.
AMBROSE DAVENPORT.

WILLIAMSBURG, July 27, 1780

¹

From the listings of Davenport above it is clear that he was maintaining a tavern which required "a number of good beds, bedsteads, sheets, counterpanes, ...a billiard table and balls..." The removal of the Capital to Richmond in the spring of 1780 may have been the cause of Davenport's decision to sell out. Such removal of the Capital took away, naturally, the income of tavern keepers in Williamsburg at Public Times and throughout the whole year.

While the three tavern keepers Southall, Anderson and Davenport were operating the tavern on Lot 21, the property was owned and held by Wetherburn's heirs, the Nicholsons (Edward, Henry and Henry W. Nicholson).²

41

The Nicholsons were still owners in 1782. In a deed for Tarpley's store and lot to Samuel Beale, the eastern and southern boundaries of the store were noted as "the Henry Nicholson lot."¹

Further evidence is found in a bill of repairs charged by Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and builder, against Henry Nicholson in 1783. These repairs were, apparently, made on the same house that Wetherburn lived in formerly since two of the rooms bearing the names of "Bull Head" and "a large room" were listed in Wetherburn's inventory:

1783 Novr 11	Henry Nicolson, and Mrs Ann Craig	Dr
	...
	To whitewashing 3 rooms a 4/16 & a large Room 10/	1.8.6
	...
	To laying a harth in Bull head 2/6 & a tag down Grate	-.5.12

We interpret "Mrs. Craig" as being Mrs. Thomas Craig who before her marriage was Ann Pasteur, sister of Dr. William Pasteur.³

42

In 1783 Alexander Macaulay records a visit to Williamsburg. A Mrs. Craig who ran a public house is described thus:

… Miss Molly followed us to the Door, and told us Mrs. Craig was the only Lady in Town who kept a publick House; I thank'd her for her information, & to reward her shall direct my Brother Peter to give her a call the first time he comes to Williamsburg. Perhaps he may be of some service to her. We drove to Mrs Craigs, whose appearance prepossessed us in her favour as much as Mrs Campbells had against her; We met here with Col. Monroe, one of the Honorable Council, who appear'd to be a modest, well-behav'd Man, But Rather young for a Councellor; The good Land-lady was extremely kind, gave us a good Dinner, was at pains to send all over the Town untill she procured some Oysters for Bettsey, entertained us with a degree of good nature which is peculair to Fat people; you probably know her, she is exactly shap'd like a Rum Hdd; she play'd a good knife & forke, & had no Objection to a glass of genuine Port, which I assure you did not come amiss to some of the rest of the Company. At four o'clock we bid adieu to our Landlady, after assuring her that should we come to Williamsburg again, we would most certainly have the pleasure of waiting on her. We arrived at this place [Yorktown] with daylight...¹

A letter written by Mrs. Ann Craig to Thomas Jefferson of date March 20, 1809 identifies Mrs. Craig as "formerly of Williamsburg" but now of Richmond. She states to Jefferson that she was the sister of Dr. Pasteur 43 and reminds Jefferson that when he was a law student in Williamsburg that he "did the honor to lodge in my house":

[Richmond March 20, 1809]

[Ann Craig to Thomas Jefferson]

Dear Sir
You will be surpris'd, I doubt not, on receiving a Letter from a very old acquaintance, Ann Craig, formerly of Williamsburg, who takes the liberty of addressing you. When you studied law in Williamsburg, you did me the honor to lodge in my house: I was then in easy Circumstances, but the fire in Richmond, the death of my Brother Doctor Pasture, and other misfortunes, this is far from being the case now; insomuch that I have been for several years, and now am, under the necessity of depending upon my relations for support But from the death of several of my nearest relations, and others of them being in debt, so it is, that so little is rais'd for my support, that the Lady with whom I am plac'd (M^rs Markham near Manchester) is but indifferently paid for my Board. Being thus, Dear Sir, very old infirm, and dependent, I avail myself of the privilege these give the unfortunate, to request the favor of a small annual contribution for the support of a needy relation, being Cousin german to your Father. my greatest wish is to be enabled by my Friends to return to my native place Williamsburg, and there to end my days.

The above statement, Dear Sir, is but too true; but should you have any doubts on the subject, or wish for further information, I beg leave to refer you to my Friend M^r Edm'd Randolph, or D^r Turpin: and should you think proper to grant me any assistance, I shall ever retain a most grateful sense of the obligation. I am
Dear Sir with the greatest
respect and consideration
your most obl hbl Ser
Ann Craig¹

44

To revert to Harwood's account made out in November, 1783 to "Henry Nicolson, and Mrs. Ann Craig," the fact that the account was made jointly would lead us to think that this property was owned by Henry Nicholson and leased by Mrs. Craig as a tavern. In 1785 Bazil Holmes paid the account "for M^rs Craig."¹

While Mrs. Craig was at the Nicholson property certain repairs were made as referred to above: lathing, plastering, laying hearth, mending chimney etc. Rooms mentioned were: "3 Rooms," "large Room," "Back Room," "Bull head," "5 Rooms and 2 passages up Stairs," entries, closets etc.²

Williamsburg Land Tax Records for 1782 list Henry Nicholson as owner of "3 lots with tax value of £15."³ In 1784 William Rowsay held "2 lots via Henry Nicholson."⁴ In 1785 Rowsay's 2 lots appeared in the 45 Tax Records as valued at £5.15.- "b^t of Henry Nicholson."¹

As Nicholson owned 3 lots in the city from 1782 to 1785, it is difficult to know when repairs and refinishing were made on each lot. Harwood's accounts—detailed as they are—give no clear-cut solution. These accounts beginning in 1780 are given in detail in Illustration #3. All items with the exception of the account with Henry Nicholson and Mrs. Ann Craig (referred to above) could be for any of the three lots.

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) indicates a large building flush to the street on what appears to be Lot 21 with four outbuildings to the south. On what appears to be Lot 20 there is a good-sized building with three out-buildings to the south.²

In 1783 Henry Nicholson and wife, Sarah, conveyed a part of what appears to be Lot 20 east to 46 James Davis,¹ tailor:

[September 5, 1783]

[Henry Nicholson and Sarah, his wife,
to
James Davis, tailor,
Consideration: £90]

THIS INDENTURE made the fifth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and eighty three BETWEEN Henry Nicolson of Williamsburg in the State of Virginia, Planter, and Sarah his Wife, of the one part and James Davis of the same place Taylor, of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the sum of Ninety Pounds to the said Henry Nicolson in hand at or before the sealing and Delivery of these presents by the said James Davis well and truly paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. They the said Henry Nicolson and Sarah his Wife have, and each of them hath, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released and confirmed, and by these presents do, and each of them doth, grant, bargain...and confirm, unto the said James Davis his Heirs and assigns: all that Messuage or Tenement now in the Possession of the said James Davis, situate, standing and being in the City of Williamsburg aforesaid, adjoining to the Store of Samuel Beall² esquire on the West, and to another Tenement belonging 47 the said Henry Nicolson on the east Together with all and singular the ways, passages, Waters, Water Courses, Lights, Easements, Profits, Priviledges, Advantages and Appurtenances, whatsoever, to the said premises belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the estate, Right, Title, Interest, property Claim and Demand, whatsoever, of them the said Henry Nicolson and Sarah his Wife, or either of them of in or to the same. To have and to hold the said Messuage or Tenement...unto the said James Davis his Heirs and assigns...for ever...IN WITNESS whereof the said parties to the presents have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year above Written.
Henry Nicholson (LS)
Sarah Nicholson (LS)

Signed sealed and
Delivered in presence of
David Miller
William Rowsay
Samuel Crawley

Received the day and year within written of the within named James Davis, Ninety Pounds in full for the Consideration within mentioned
Witness
Henry Nicolson. ¹

From this conveyance we note that Davis was already living on the premises when this was signed. Though it reads like a deed, it must have been a lease as Nicholson was owner when he conveyed all of his property to Rowsay. (To follow chronologically in the report.)

48

In June, 1785 Davis advertised for "two JOURNEYMEN TAILORS" and notified customers that he had on hand also "a general Assortment of Superfine and Second CLOTHS, and other MERCHANDISE":

[June 4, 1785]

The Subscriber Begs leave to inform the Public in General, and his customers in particular, that he had just received from LONDON, by the VIRGINIA HERO

A general Assortment of Superfine and Second CLOTHS, and other MERCHANDISE, Which he will sell reasonably for Cash or Tobacco: They consist of the following articles, viz. SUPERFINE blue, brown, light, drab, skyblue, Boutilles, and white Broadcloth, Second ditto, Superfine white and buff Cashmeres, Nankeens, Silks and Twists of all sorts, White, and brown Buckrams, Superfine blue, white, and buff Shaloons, A large assortment of the most elegant and fashionable Buttons, Cambricks, white persians, White and brown thread Stockings, Silk ditto, Coarse and fine Irish Linens, Muslin, Demity, Light and ground Handerchiefs, Copperplate ditto, Jeans and Fustians, Printed Linens, Chintzes and Calicoes, 5 quarter Balloon Chintz.

He proposes carrying on his Business as usual; and will give good encouragement to two JOURNEYMEN TAILORS, who understand their business. Gentlemen who purchases a plain suit of clothes out of his shop, may have them made for Four Dollars, and may rely on having their work done in the neatest manner, and as expeditiously as possible. LADIES RIDING HABITS made in the newest Taste.
JAMES DAVIS.¹

49

By 1785 William Rowsay had purchased two lots from Henry Nicholson.¹ We interpret the two lots as Lot 21 and that part of Lot 20 on which James Davis was located.² Rowsay had bought the eastern part of Lot 20 from Samuel Beall.³ (See: Will of Rowsay to follow.)

William Rowsay was appointed by the Governor as Notary Public for the District of Williamsburg and York in the place of James Innes:

[December 18, 1784]

His Excellency the Governor, in Council, having pleased to appoint me Notary Public, for the District of Williamsburg and York, in the place of James Innes, Esquire, who hath resigned; I therefore give this public notice, that I am ready to execute the 50 several duties of the said office; and that the business will be conducted, at the office formerly occupied by colonel Innes, on the main street, nearly opposite the Raleigh tavern.
WILLIAM ROWSAY.¹

Location (lot) of James Innes when acting as Notary Public has not been ascertained. It is possible that he had an office at Lot 21. On April 18, 1785, Innes bought the lot on the corner of Waller and York streets adjoining Christiana Campbell's property from William Rowsay and Frances, his wife.²

On May 10, 1786 Rowsay advertised in the newspaper that he was planning to leave the state. All accounts owing him had been turned over to Hunt & Adams, Williamsburg merchants. His house and lots on Palace Street were for sale and also his house on main street.³

On May 31, 1786 Rowsay offered through the columns of the Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser 51 "the house in which he now resides":

May 31, 1786

The precarious state of the Subscriber's health has determined him to leave the state, and being largely indebted to Messrs. HUNT & ADAMS, and they pressing for payment, has compelled him however disagreeable, to deliver up and assign his store accounts over to them, with full power to sue and recover the same, in like manner that he himself lawfully could do...

...
The subscribers Houses and Lots on Palace-street, with the Lands and Negroes in York-County, advertised sometime past, are yet for sale. He would also willingly 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.
WILLIAM ROWSAY.¹

From Rowsay's description of his dwelling, there can be no doubt but that it was located on Lot 21 and formerly Southall's or Anderson's tavern.

Rowsay's will—written on July 7, 1786 and recorded February 5, 1787—made disposition of his property thus: 52

[July 7, 1786]

[Will of William Rowsay]

...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 Beall¹ 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...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 all the residue of my Estate after paying my Debts thus one Moiety thereof to my affectionate Wife Frances in Fee Simple 53 and one-fourth part thereof to the Children of my friend M^r James Craig and to such charitable purposes as my executors may think proper in equal proportions...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...¹

In the above quoted will Rowsay made it clear that he owned a lot on which a store was located and an entire lot (the western part had been purchased from Samuel Beall c. 1785, and the eastern part went with his purchase from Nicholson in 1785). He stated that the property purchased of Beall begins at the east end of the storehouse thereon and running back to Francis Street—such property was devised to his wife. He stated that "the Lotts and Houses whereon I now dwell which I purchased of Henry Nicholson" would belong to his son, John, if the estate should be able to pay out all indebtedness. In case of death or marriage of his wife, the property kept in tact could be divided.

54

On March 8, 1787—just a month following his death-Rowsay's store goods were advertised for sale.¹

According to Williamsburg Land Tax accounts Rowsay's estate of 5 lots were valued for tax purposes at £45.-.-.²

William Harwood's accounts for repairs to the property of Rowsay's estate indicate that he made repairs to Mrs. Rowsay's house (as directed in the will); and to other property owned by Rowsay's estate:

Mr William Rowsay's Estate. by Ben Powell Dr

1788
Februy ...
	28 For Mrs. Rowsay
	To 9 Bushels of lime a 1/ & 10 hair ¼ & layg dary floor & plasterg 10	£1. 0.-
	To Seting up 2 Grates 3/9 & 2½ days labour a 2/6	10.0
	To taking Down a Grate & Seting it up again 5/ & 4 bushs lime 4/	9.0
	To 250 Bricks a 3/ & layg Smoak House floor & plastering do 10	17.63
55
Mr Benjamin Powell
	Dr brought from Folio 174 Ledger A	£139. 1. 3
1788 th	To 12 bushels of lime 12/ & ) 500 bricks 15/ )	for Rowsay's House 1. 7.-
August 12	To labourers Work 4/ & building up Steps 10/ )	14.-
	To building up Steps to Cellar 6/	6.
	To repairing Well at plantation 7/6	7. 6
Novr 13	To 200 bricks 6/ 8 bushels of lime 5/ & labr 2/6	13. 6
	To underpining necessary 4/6	4. 6
	E. Excr for	£ 142.13. 9
	W.H. Exor
	The above work amounting to	3.12. 6
	should have been charged to Wm Rowsay decd	£139. 1. 3
1789 Septr 1	To yr assumpsit for Rowsay's Est.	11.19. 5
		£151. 0. 8
1790 Jan. 29	To cash pd you by an order on Jos. Prentes Esqr in full of all demands	£ 22. 4.11
		£173. 5. 71

Rowsay's estate, evidently, paid all debts. The estate remained in tact (5 lots) until early in the nineteenth century.²

Benjamin Powell was named to act as one of Rowsay's executors in case the first named could not act. 56 Apparently, he did settle Rowsay's estate, judging from the Harwood accounts cited above.

William Rowsay married Frances Tabb in 1779. She married a Mr. Powell (probably Benjamin Powell) sometime prior to 1790.¹

Mrs. Powell was noted at the site [Lot 21] in 1796. An insurance policy covering the Brick House Tavern (Lot 19) described it as "a brick building on the Main street at Williamsburg now occupied by Jackson Saunders situated between the House of James Anderson and that of Mrs. Powell in the county of James City..."²

In 1806 Anna Byrd's property was described by the insurance policy thus: "...my two buildings on the north side of Francis Street in town of Williamsburg now occupied by myself and situated between the Lott of James Anderson west and that of Frances Powell East in the county of James City..."³

57

Personal Property Tax Records for Williamsburg give Frances Powell as owner of slaves from 1796 to 1821.¹

Williamsburg Land Tax Records show Frances Powell first noted in 1803 when she held 2 lots valued for tax purposes at $40. Mrs. Powell or her estate held 1 lot (Lot 21 ?) until 1841.²

In 1823 Leonard Henley's policy, #5029, indicated that he was situated between "the lot of William McCandlish on the East, Frances Powell's lot on the West, and streets otherwise..."³

Mrs. Powell died on October 8, 1824 at the age of seventy. John McGill her grandson, settled a medical account with Dr. John M. Galt which ran in her name to October, 1824;⁴ and The Richmond Enquirer of October 14th 58 1824 carried notice of her death.¹ The will of Mrs. Powell has not been located though John D. McGill "by will of his Grandmother, Frances Powell" assigned slaves to Cole & Sheldon, merchants.²

Mrs. Martha McGill, daughter of Mrs. Powell by her first husband, William Rowsay, was the heir to her property. Mrs. McGill gave a deed of trust on April 24, 1837 to the house and lot for debts owed Sheldon & Maupin, and William W. Vest by her son:

[April 24, 1837]

...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...³

In the period 1835-1838 Mrs. McGill seems to have taken in a few roomers and boarders. Bills from her 59 to B. Hansford, J. Cockell and F. Morrison so indicate:

Mr B. Hansford To M. McGill	Dr
To board of your Daughter for 8½ a $12	$ 7.02
Contra by Cash $40.00 Ditto 10.00 Beef 4.50	54.50
	$47.50

¹

Dr	Martha McGill In Account with G. W. Southall	Cr
1838 Oct 8	To Cash paid John D. McGill for you	$30.00
Dec 22	Cash recd of J. Cockell for rent of large room	20.00
Dec 22	10 pCt Coms for renting out room & Collecting rent	2.00

²

Geo: F.	Morrison To Mrs. Martha H. McGill	Dr
1835 Jan 15	To Quarters Rent at $60	$15.00

³

At this period Morrison was a hatter. The writer could find nothing about Cockell or Hansford. Williamsburg Land Tax Records show that for 1841 Richard Randolph had come into possession of the property "via Martha H. McGill heretofore to the Estate of Francis [sic] Powell."⁴

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Randolph held the property two years. In 1843 Johnson B. Carter was the owner. The property carried the same valuations as when Mrs. Powell was the owner.¹

By 1848 Johnson B. Carter had transferred the property to William Carter of Richmond. It was noted as "Formerly to Johnson B. Carter."² William S. Peachy in his account Book (1837-51) in Research Library records:

1846 July 27 JOHNSTON B. CARTER	Dr
To 5 pr ct commr on $1734 amount of sale of House & Lot conveyed to me as Trustee	$ 86.20
To deed to Wm Carter purchaser	5.—
To amount paid on bond, bal of sale	1632.80
	$1724.00

1846 July 27	Cr
By amount of sale of House & Lot	$1724.

In 1852 John H. Barlow was the owner: "1 lot & bldg $2000; bldg $1800." An insurance policy of Leonard Henley Estate (1853) places J. H. Barlow on the west.³ Barlow was owner in 1861. This is the last year of the 61 Williamsburg Land Tax records extant. Barlow's estate was the owner in 1871.¹

Mr. John S. Charles, an old Williamsburg citizen, writing in 1933 of Williamsburg as he recalled it c. 1861, describes the property thus:

The house next west [east?] was known as the Young house, as Rev. Mr. Young was pastor of the Baptist Church and lived there, his wife conducting a female school in this house when the War began. Just after the War some army officers were quartered there.

The next house was known as the Henley house, which along with the Young house has changed but little in appearance since 1861.²

Mrs. Victoria Lee gave her remembrance of the property thus:

Next to the Servient House was the Richard Bland, which has remained unchanged. A family of Young's occupied this house; my family and I boarded with them when we first came to Williamsburg as refugees.³

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In 1889 in a suit which started in 1871, the 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 valued at $1500 in the 1870's.¹

In 1895 Jackson gave a mortgage for $1200 to Charles J. Krag of property described as "known as and being the 'Carter House' and bounded as follows: on the north by Duke of Gloucester Street; on the East by the lot of R. B. Servant; on the south by Francis Street and on the west by the lots of said Jackson and R. M. Harrell. And being the premises sold and conveyed by B. D. Peachy, Commissioner to the said Robert H. Jackson by deed dated 63February 29, 1892 and recorded in Deed Book #2, page 426 records of James City County State of Virginia..."¹

In 1918 Mrs. Virginia Bruce Haughwout had become owner.² She held the property until her death in 1956. It was owned by her heirs until 1964 when acquired by Colonial Williamsburg. Further details of ownership can be found in the Accounting Department of Colonial Williamsburg.

NOTE: The writer has not found any insurance policies covering this property.

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?

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Illustration #2

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Illustration #4

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Illustration #6