Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

SUMMARY

^{[special supplemental research for Wetherburn's Tavern by Ray Townsend July 1966]}

Information concerning the Raleigh Tavern, lot 54, is submitted to show that, although conclusive evidence is lacking, it is very doubtful that a tavern was located on lot 53, and also to show the close connection between Thomas Jones, Henry Bowcock and Henry Wetherburn. Henry Wetherburn operated an ordinary for Jones and it appears possible that Henry Bowcock did also.

Henry Bowcock operated an ordinary in Williamsburg as early as 1717, one year after Jones acquired lot 54. Bowcock did not purchase lot 53 until 1724, seven years later. Evidence found in the Jones Family Papers with reference to Bowcock indicates a close relationship between the two men. He may have been operating a tavern for Jones on lot 54 from 1717 to 1730. He annually renewed his ordinary license until he died. His last license was dated August 18, 1729, and his widow was granted a license one year later, July 20, 1730. Henry Wetherburn married the widow of Henry Bowcock in 1731 and on August 16, 1731, was granted his first ordinary license. There is an unbroken line of annual licenses from 1717 to 1731 issued to Henry Bowcock, Mary Bowcock and Henry Wetherburn. 2 The latter continued to renew his license after 1731.

There is no doubt that Wetherburn operated an ordinary for Thomas Jones. James Wray's account from 1733 through 1735 charged work performed for Henry Wetherburn to Jones. Wetherburn purchased lots 20 and 21 in 1739, but still operated an ordinary on lot 54 in 1742-43. Since he was issued only one license each year, it seems unlikely that he operated an ordinary on lot 53, or on lots 20 and 21.

If Henry Bowcock had operated an ordinary on lot 53, Wetherburn, upon marrying the widow, would have continued to operate on that lot rather than to have worked for Thomas Jones.

Upon eviction from the Raleigh in 1743, Wetherburn moved across the street to lot 21 and continued to operate an ordinary there. This is proved by the advertisement of Harmer and King in 1747. It is very doubtful that after eviction the five new owners of the Raleigh would have retained Wetherburn as their ordinary keeper. The eviction suit clearly indicates that the owners wished to remove him from the premises.

When Henry Bowcock died in 1731, he left a son who was not yet 18 years of age. It may have been that upon becoming of age the son care into possession of lot 53 and held it until he died in 1742. Apparently the son left a daughter who was 3 not yet of age and at his death the property may have reverted back to Henry Wetherburn in trust until the daughter became of age or married.

In 1749, Alexander Finnie purchased the Raleigh Tavern from the five merchants. It is not known who ran the Raleigh Tavern until Finnie purchased it. His last advertisement of his craft as a wigmaker was in September 1745. Finnie sold the Raleigh in 1752 but remained as the Tavern Keeper until July 1756.

John Doncastle was operating an ordinary at least by March 1753 and probably left sometime in 1758. However, in 1756, Finnie, Wetherburn and Doncastle are all operating ordinaries in Williamsburg, and Daniel Fisher is still in Williamsburg as his second lease to Marot's Tavern did not expire until late 1757.

The only place Wetherburn could have been was on lot 21. It hardly appears likely that from 1743 to 1760 he would have periodically moved back and forth across the street.

When Doncastle advertised the house "he now lives in" to be rented, he also advertised all his household furniture for sale. The furnishings, therefore, belonged to Doncastle and not Wetherburn. The inventory of Wetherburn's in 1760 clearly indicates a well furnished house.

It is quite apparent that Henry Wetherburn operated an ordinary on lot 21 from 1743 until his death in 1760.

MAROT'S TAVERN OR ENGLISH COFFEE HOUSE
OCCUPANT 1751-1760

MAROT'S TAVERN OR ENGLISH COFFEE HOUSE
OCCUPANT 1751-1760

The will of James Shields, recorded December 17, 1750, bequeathed both his real and personal estate to his wife Anne "for her free use and occupation during her Natural Life or Widow-hood." "And when my said Wife shall die or marry then I give and divine my Plantation on Mills Swamp and also all my Houses and Lands in the City of Williamsburg to my son James ...."¹ His son James was born in 1739² and at the time of his father's death would have been 11 or 12 years of age.

Wetherburn at the time of Shield's death was in all probability living on lot 53, which he had acquired in 1731 through his marriage to Mary, the widow of Henry Bowcock, and operating an ordinary on lot 21.

Wetherburn's wife (Mary Bowcock) died July 1, 1751 and ten days later, July 11, he married James Shield's widow, Anne.³ According to the terms of James Shields' will his property reverted to his son James, a minor. Henry 2 Wetherburn by his marriage to the widow became trustee for the son.

One month after Wetherburn's marriage to Anne Shields, August 8, 1751, he advertised the tavern "lately kept by Mr. James Shields, to be let."⁴ This indicates that Wetherburn had no thought of entering upon the premises and operating the tavern himself.

Daniel Fisher leased the tavern from Wetherburn and, according to his journal, entered the premises on September 29, 1751. His first lease was for a period of three years at the annual rent of 40 pounds; and, as he stated, he had the "liberty (upon the same terms) of taking further Lease either of Three, Six or Seven years more, just at my option."⁵

Fisher's first lease of three years would have expired in September 1754. There is no doubt, since Fisher was the occupant of the property in 1755, that another lease was granted. If this second lease was for three years, the minimum, it would have expired September 1757; and one for six years in September 1760.

The property east of the English Coffee House was sold March 1, 1759, and is the deed it is noted that it was bounded by the land of "James Shields, dec'd."⁶ (Note that it states "dec'd" and does not mention the occupant). A suit in Chancery Court reveals that Dr. Kenneth McKenzie purchased lot 24, west of the English Coffee Mouse, ca November 20, 1753.⁷ Dr. McKenzie died and left his property to his widow Joanna McKenzie. In June 1760, Joanna McKenzie mortgaged the lot to James Carter. In the mortgage it is described as bounded ". . .on the East by a Lott of Mr. James Shields. . . ."⁸ This would indicate that the lot was now in the possession of the son, who was probably 21 by this time, and not in the possession, of either Fisher or Wetherburn.

Soon after occupying the English Coffee House, Fisher stated, "Being soon tired of this Public Business…quite it, and stuck to my dealing in Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, [etc.]. . . proposing too as my house was large and in front particularly, to divide and let it next into several Tenements." According to entries in his Journal Fisher did let out part of the house 4 to the amount of "Forty-Six pounds a year ...." "... and I made this alteration about the Christmas following; viz. Four months after."⁹ [i.e. December 1751].

This indicates that from this time until Fisher vacated the property, assuming it was in September 1757, the tenement was rented out and no longer used as a Coffee House. The later history of Marot's tavern indicates that the house was still being rented out to various persons.

According to fisher's narrative, he left Williamsburg on Monday, May 12, 1755 for Philadelphia and left Philadelphia, Sunday, August 10, 1755, to return to Williamsburg.

Although his Journal ends on the way back to Williamsburg he did return. On April 20, 1756, Benjamin Waller placed before the House of Burgesses a letter written by Daniel Fisher "of the City of Williamsburg," containing "very opprobrious Reflections on this House, and a most scandalous and defamatory Libel against himself ...." Fisher was declared guilty of a "Breach of the privileges of this House," and it was ordered that he be taken into custody by the Sergeant at Arms, and brought to the "Bar of this House, 5 to answer for his said Offence."¹⁰ Unfortunately, there is no record of the outcome.

LOCATIONS OF HENRY BOWCOCK AND HENRY WETHERBURN
1717-1760

On August 3, 1708, the trustees of the city of Williamsburg sold lots 53 and 54 to Richard Bland of Prince George County.¹ Bland did not build on lot 53 according to the act directing the building of the Capitol and City of Williamsburg because the lot reverted to the trustees and was later conveyed by them on January 31, 1723/24 to John Holloway.² No record has been found whether Bland built on lot 54, but references in deeds to lot 55 indicate that the lot by which it was bounded on the west, lot 34, had not remained in Bland' s possession. The first extant deed to lot 54 is dated November 12, 1742.

Prior to 1742 a deed of sale of lot 55, east of the Raleigh Tavern lot, dated January 31, 1712/13, mentions that it is bounded on the west [i.e. lot 54] by John Serjanton.³ In July 1713, John Serjanton was granted a certificate by the York county court to leave the country.⁴ Prior to this on May 27, John Guy Roy, by power of attorney from John Serjanton, acknowledged Serjanton's deed "for his lott of Land & house lying in Williamsburg" to Daniel Blewit, wigmaker, for the consideration 2 of £25. Recorded with the deed was a "Memorandum." of "full & peaceable Livery & Seisin" delivered by John Serjanton to Daniel Blewit; witnessed and proved by the oaths of Richard Bland and John Mort.⁵ Lot 54 was in the possession of Daniel Blewit via John Serjanton.

In a deed of trust for lot 55, dated February 17, 1715/16, the lot is mentioned as bounded "on ye West by ye Lot or Land of Mr. Tho: Jones . . ."⁶ Lot 54 is now in the possession of Jones. No record has been found as to how Jones gained possession.

Henry Bowcock appears first March 18, 1716/17, when he is granted a license to operate an ordinary in Williamsburg with Thomas Jones as his only security.⁷ Bowcock at this time did not own lot 53; he did not acquire it until 1724. Bowcock was again granted a license the following year, March 18, 1717/18, with Thomas Jones and Benjamine Weldon as his securities.⁸ This is the last time that Jones appears as a security although Bowcock renewed his license each year until he died.

Henry Bowcock appears frequently in the Jones Family Papers. A note dated December 18, 1727, addressed to Colonel 3 Thomas Jones from his nephew William Harding Jones requests his uncle to pay "Mr. Bowcock" £15.18.6. Another account, first dated September 25, 1722, and appears to continue through 1725, was presented by Henry Bowcock against Richard King. This included such items as club, wine, beer, etc. A statement included in the account dated December 29, 1729 and written by Bowcock, indicated a balance of £2.17.7-½ remained due.⁹ Thomas Jones was the executor of Richard King and it appears this account was charged against King's estate for Thomas Jones.

It is clear that Bland did not keep lot 54. He was in Williamsburg as early as 1709. William Byrd in his diary mentions eating and staying with him at various times from 1709 through 1712.¹⁰ Bland acquired lots 20 and 21 prior to 1716, at which time he sold these lots to Colonel Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County. This deed clearly states "the two Lotts or half Acres of Land . . . in ye City of Wmsburgh on which he [Bland) lately lived . . . . "¹¹

January 21, 1723/24, the trustees of the city of Williamsburg conveyed lot 53 to John Holloway; the deed contained 4 the usual building clause.¹² On May 16, 1724, Holloway sold the lot to Henry Bowcock with all, houses.¹³ Evidently Holloway had built the required size residence in three months. This is the only record found of any property owned in Williamsburg by Bowcock. Bowcock was granted a license to operate an ordinary in Williamsburg and continued to obtain a yearly license until his death. Bowcock had been operating an ordinary seven years prior to acquiring this property. He died sometime between December 29, 1729 and February 16, 1729/30. His will bequeathed his entire estate to his wife Mary and appointed her executor. A son Henry is mentioned who is not yet of the age of 18.¹⁴ Mary Bowcock, his widow, continued to operate an ordinary in Williamsburg as she was granted a license on July 20, 1730.¹⁵

On May 17, 1731, "Mary Moody, widow, plt," sued "Mary Bowcock, Extrix, &c of Henry Bowcock dead loft" in an "action of Trespass upon the case."¹⁶ On June 21, "Henry Weatherburn & Mary his wife Extrix of Henry Bowcock" sued "Mary Moody, widow 5 deft" in an "action of Debt."¹⁷ This is the first mention of Henry Wetherburn in the York county records. He therefore married the widow of Henry Bowcock between May 17 and June 31, 1731.

Henry Wetherburn took over the ordinary from his wife. On August 16, 1731, he was granted a license for an ordinary in Williamsburg.¹⁸ No mention was made of anyone being his security.

There is an account in the Jones Family Papers from Gabriel Maupin for work done "at Mr. Wetherburns", from March 18, 1732/33 through October 1733. This included such items as mending chimneys, labor, 10 bushels of lime, plastering, laying 4 hearths. This account was marked paid November 8, 1734, evidently by Thomas Jones.¹⁹ Another account for carpenter work from 1733 through 1735 from James Wray, Williamsburg carpenter is definitely charged to Thomas Jones and the work performed for Henry Wetherburn. It reads, "Col. Thomas Jones (in account with James Pray)." "To the Account of Work Done at Mr. Wetherbourn." The work amounted to £47.1.3 and was paid by Thomas Jones. There were charges for 4500 shingles, 30 square of shingling, 60 foot of plank, painting the whole front 6 of the houses 780 yards of painting done inside of the house; putting in 71 Diamond panes of glass, etc. It was evidently work for a rather large building and could have been the Raleigh Tavern. Along with this account was one also from Way to Thomas Jones for work performed on his own house.²⁰

On January 15, 1738/39, Henry Wetherburn purchased lots 10 and 11 from Benjamin Harrison with all houses.²¹ It is certain that he continued as the ordinary keeper of the Raleigh Tavern.

On November 12, 1742, John Blair sold the Raleigh Tavern to John Dixon, David Meade, Patrick Barclay, Alexander McKenzie, and James Murray, merchants. The deed states that Blair had title to the property through inheritance.²² It is assumed that this inheritance was through his father Archibald Blair, who died, in the spring of 1736.²³ It is known that Thomas Jones was heavily in debt and it may be that Jones mortgaged the lot to Blair to pay these debts and failed to pay off the mortgage, or, he may have sold the lot to Blair, The deed also states that the lot is " . . . now in the possession of Henry Wetherburn - ordinary Keeper . . ."

It was necessary for the new owners to evict Wetherburn from the premises. On December 1742 a suit of eviction was started in the York county court against Wetherburn, and on January 13, 1742/43 the suit was declared in favor of the five plaintiffs.²⁴

Sometime prior to June 2, 1742, Henry Bowcock, evidently the son of Henry Bowcock, senior, died without making a will.²⁵ His inventory was recorded July 1, 1743, and was valued at £243.18.11.²⁶ He evidently had a daughter Henrica, as will be shown later.

January 23, 1746/47, Harmer and King, merchants, advertised their property for sale, lot 52, as opposite to Mr. Wetherburn's.²⁷ This places Wetherburn on the south side of the Duke of Gloucester or lot 21.

June 15, 1749, Alexander Finnie purchased the Raleigh Tavern from Alexander McKenzie, John Dixon, Patrick Barclay, David Mead and James Murray.²⁸ It is not known who operated the Raleigh Tavern until Finnie purchased it. Finnie's last advertisement of his craft as a wigmaker was in September 1746.²⁹

John Blair noted in his diary on July 1, 1751, that Henry Wetherburn's wife (Mary Bowcock) died and added a note, "He has found her hoard they say." Ten days later, July 11, Wetherburn married Mrs. Anne Marot Ingles Shields, widow of James Shields.³⁰ On August 8, Wetherburn advertised the tavern lately kept by James Shields for rent³¹ and on September 29, Daniel Fisher entered the property. ³²

John Blair's diary reveals that both Finnie and Wetherburn were operating ordinaries in 1751. On April 23, he recorded that there had been a general meeting of the Caps Company at "Wetherbns"; November 11, that Governor Dinwiddie was entertained by the Mayor and Aldermen of Williamsburg at a dinner prepared at Wetherburn's; and on July 27, that the President desired to have the indians accommodated at the Apollo and he had discussed this with Finnie.³³ On October 29, a stray or stolen horse was advertised to be brought to "Mr. Alexander Finnie's in Williamsburg", and on August 29, subscriptions for building a theatre were advertised to be sent "to Mr. Finnie, at the Raleigh . . ."³⁴

In 1752, January 30, Alexander Ross advertised he 9 would be "at the House of Mr. Wetherburn, in Williamsburg .. "³⁵ On March 5, a ball was advertised to be held "At Henry Wetherburn's . . ."³⁶ On March 25, Wetherburn submitted a petition to the house of Burgesses for entertaining some Nottoway Indians and for the use of a room which he had been deprived of since the fire at the Capitol. On the 31st, he was allotted £4.9.10-½ for entertaining the Indians and 20/ for the use of the room.³⁷ On April 10 an announcement in the Virginia Gazette states that the Committee of the Ohio company was to meet at "Mr. Wetherburns's . . ." on May 7. On April 18 a public sale was advertised to take place "at Mr. Henry Wetherburn's door in Williamsburg."³⁹ Alexander Finnie advertised on February 27 that he proposed a ball at the Apollo in Williamsburg.⁴⁰ On July 10, Simon Fraser advertised his proposal to teach Military Discipline and could be found at Mr. Finnies, in Williamsburg.⁴¹ On July 24, Finnie advertised his intentions to sell the Raleigh 10 Tavern and could be entered into in December next.⁴² On August 17, Finnie sold the Raleigh to John Chiswell and George Gilmer.⁴³ On October 27, Samuel Rockwell advertised two clocks for sale at Mr. Finnie's in Williamsburg.⁴⁴ On November 17 and December 1, Finnie advertised that he had "quitted the Raleigh Tavern" and intended to leave the Colony,⁴⁵ but he did not do so, as will be seen.

On November 3, [1752] John Doncastle advertised he was taking the house of Mr. Wetherburn, in Williamsburg, and was to enter the first of March next⁴⁶ [1753].

On August 17, John Palmer was appointed by the York county court guardian to Henrica Bowcock, orphan of Henry Bowcock deceased.⁴⁷

In 1753, November 28, John Doncastle was brought before the Rouse of Burgesses for treating a member with abusive language and threatening to deny him any entertainment if he ever came to his house. On December 31, the petition of Doncastle's asking pardon for his offence was accepted.⁴⁸

In 1754, Finnie still occupied the Raleigh. On October 23, Washington recorded in his ledger "by Dinner and Club at Finnies . . .5/3"; and on the 25th, "By Mr. Finnies Ordinary 11 Acct . . . 5/9 . "⁴⁹

In 1755, Finnie still occupied the Raleigh as he advertised on April 25, his intentions to depart for Ohio and added: "My House will be kept in my Absence, as usual by my Wife."⁵⁰ On June 13, a stray horse was advertised to be brought to "Mr. Finnie's in Williamsburg."⁵¹ On December 26, the Raleigh Tavern was advertised for rent by George Gilmer; and Finnie advertised his intention of leaving the Raleigh Tavern "about 25 July next" ⁵² [1756] .

John Doncastle advertised on August 15, the house "he now lives in" to be rented; to be entered on October court. All his household furniture and liquors were to be sold.⁵³ He was still there on December 5, as there was advertised a sale "before Mr. Doncastle's Door, in Williamsburg."⁵⁴

On June 20, James Cater advertised medicines to be sold "at the Unicorn's Horn, near the Raleigh Tavern, in Williamsburg. . ." prior to this on May 2, he had advertised at the " Unicorn Horn, near the Printing office."⁵⁵

In 1756, January 2 and 6, Gilmer again advertised the Raleigh to be let and on January 2, 6, and 16, Finnie again advertised his intentions to leave the Raleigh Tavern about the 25 July next.⁵⁶

In 1796, Washington was in Williamsburg, where he reported to Dinwiddie on March 30 and left Williamsburg for Winchester April 1 or 2. On June 4, he was in Winchester on his way to Williamsburg, and returned to Winchester from Williamsburg on June 25.⁵⁷ He recorded in his ledger under March 28, "By Hostler at Doncastles 1/10-1/2." On the 30th, "exps at Doncastles 3/6"; and "Exps at Wetherburns 2/6 . . ." On April 1, he recorded, ". . . Exps at Weatherbns 25/10 . . . "; and on June 6, "[cash] At Doncastles 3/9"; and under "Sundry Expences paid by bishop, since April last," "Exps at Weathns 29/4. . ."⁵⁸

On April 20, Daniel Fisher "of the City of Williamsburg" was brought before the house of Burgesses for libel.⁵⁹

The above clearly indicates that Finnie, Doncastle and Wetherburn were operating at the same time. Finnie had 13 until July 25 to vacate the Raleigh and Doncastle was still in Williamsburg. Fisher was still in Marot's Tavern as his second lease did not expire until September 1757.

In 1757, April 22, a meeting and public auction was advertised "at the House of Mr. Henry Wetherburn", and "before Mr. Wetherburn's Door . . . "⁶⁰ On September 2, Richard Coulthard advertised medicines to be sold opposite to Mr. Henry Wetherburn."⁶¹ Coulthard was still in Williamsburg in 1762 And was no doubt on the north side of the Duke of Gloucester as both lots 20 and 21 were occupied.

Washington entered on May 3, 1757, "By Tickets for the Assembly 40/." On May 12, "By Expences at Mrs. Vobes 13/9 . . ." On May 12, "By Supper and Club at Southalls . . . 2/6 . . . "⁶³ It may be that Southall was now in the Raleigh.

In 1759, April 18, Washington recorded, "By the Ferrymen at Claibornes . . . 1/7-½", and "By Exps at Doncastles 4/ . . ." By April 24, Washington was in Williamsburg as he recorded expenses to Anthony Hay.⁶⁴ Doncastle was now in New Kent. Claiborne's ferry was in King William County across the river from New Kent county where Doncastle was known to have been in 1767. On August 23, 1759, Wetherburn sold a portion 14 of lot 20 to James Tarpley, in the deed he is called "Tavern Keeper. "⁶⁶

In 1760, Washington recorded in his ledger under November 3, ". . . Weatherbornes acct 16/9-½"⁶⁷

Wetherburn died sometime between July 15 and December 15, 1760.⁶⁸

In 1764, June 20, James Carter purchased lot 53 from Edward Booker and Erica his wife. On August 15, 1765, Carter sold a portion of the lot to his brother John. The deed mentions that they had lately erected a large brick house.⁷⁰ Although there is no evidence it may be that Henrica Booker was the daughter of Henry Bowcock, Junior. The fact that Carter built a new house on the lot appears to indicate that the one standing was undesirable.

The Virginia Gazette for April 10, 1752 carried the announcement of a meeting of the Ohio Company which was to take place on the May 7 following at Wetherburn's Tavern. We have no record of any other connection between the Tavern and the Ohio Company.

Existing records do not indicate when or where the discussions leading to the formation of the Ohio Company took place. It seems to be probable that the organization of the Company had taken shape by the fall of 1747, for Thomas Lee and others presented a petition for a large grant of land on October 20, 1747. The Company was certainly in existence by October 20, 1748, when it drew up a set of resolutions dated at Mount Vernon; and the tone of the resolutions suggests that other meetings of the Company had taken place before that date.

YORK COUNTY RECORDS, WILLS & INVENTORIES, # 21

p. 303 At a court held for York county the 16th day of Feb 1767 This will was proved according to law by the oaths of Thomas Chisman and Matthew Jones witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded And on the motion of John Sheilds Harwood Jones and Henry Chisman the executors therein named who made oath thereto and together with Henry Howard Joseph Mountfort and Thomas Chisman their securities entered into an acknowledged bond as the law directs certificate was granted them for obtaining a probat thereof in due form.

Exam^d
Teste Tho^s Everard C1 Cur

Martins Will

In the name of God amen I James Martin of the city of Williamsburg barber and peruke Will maker being sick and weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and memory for which

I return thanks to Almighty God and knowing the uncertainty of death and the certainty of the time to come do this twenty first day of December in the year of our Lord Christ one thousand seven hundred and sixty six make and ordain this writing my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say First I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of God who gave it me and my body to the earth from whence it came to be decently interred at the discretion of my executrix herein after named And as touching
[Note: below this point exact lines followed to show hole in page]
my worldly estate which t[he fath]er of all mercies hath been
pleased to bestow upon [me] [] and inconsiderable few
words will dis[p]ose [of] it [] [gi ]ve and bequeath whatsoever
I stall die possessed)[]personal after the pay-
ments of my[]my loving wife
Mary Martin[]executr]ix of this my
last will and t[estament][]former and other
wills by me[][w]itness whereof
herein[][pla]ced my seal the day
[p. 4] and year above written,
Signed Sealed & Delivered. James Martin (LS)
in the presence of
Alex^r Craig
Richard Charlton
William Rose

At a court held for York county the 16th day of February 1767. This will was proved according to law by the oaths of Alex Craig and Richard Charlton witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded And on the motion of Mary Martin the executrix therein named who made oath thereto and together with the said Alexander Craig and Richard Charlton her securities entered into and acknowledged bond as the law directs certificate was granted her for obtaining a probat thereof in due form

Exam^d
Teste Tho^s Everard Ct Cur

October 16, 1967

Architects Color Choice Underlined