Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION

Lot #20 is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street at the juncture with Botetourt Street. (See: copy of the College Map [1791?], Illustration #1, Appendix.)

HISTORY

From available sources it does not seem possible to find the first lot owner or owners of lot #20. The first record as to ownership of the lot is dated August 23, 1759 when Henry Wetherburn),¹ tavern-keeper, conveyed to James Tarpley. ² This deed will be given chronologically in the report.

James Tarpley was living in Williamsburg before 1753 and operating as a merchant. ³ Raleigh Colston, a young lad from Northumberland County, Virginia, was placed by one of his guardians, Major Traverse Tarpley, as apprentice to Tarpley's brother, James Tarpley, "who was a member of an extensive mercantile house in Williamsburg, known as the house of Tarpley, Thompson & Co., the principal parties of which resided in Bristol Engd. Here I [Colston] remained between 3 & 4 yrs…The concern of Tarpley Thompson & Co. being dissolved by the death of Tarpley I now returned to my guardian [Charles Beale] residing in Richmd Co…" (Family notes: "Recollections by Raleigh Colston," bound between Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, London: William Collins, 1853, in Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg, Virginia.)

We see that Tarpley was a member of a merchant firm known as "Tarpley, Thompson & Co." ¹ Tarpley operated under the firm of "Tate and Tarpley," "John Thompson & Co.," and "James Tarpley & Thomas Knox, Merchants and Partners" at different times.

Evidently, the firm of "Tate and Tarpley" was Tarpley's earliest business connection in Williamsburg, as this firm was operating on a large scale in 1755:

Just Imported, and to be Sold, by wholesale very cheap for ready Money, by the Subscribers, at their Store in Williamsburg;
A Choice Assortment of European Goods; also a very good Assortment of Linens, to be sold by Wholesale, at a low Advance, for ready Money, consisting of Oznabrigs, 7-8 Garlix, brown Hollands, long Lawns, clear and flower'd ditto, white Oznabrigs, Princes Linens, 7-8 and Yard-wide Irish Linen of all Prices, Linen and Cotton Checks, strip't Ginghams, check'd Handkerchiefs, Bed Bunts, printed Linens, brown Roles, &c.&c.

Those Persons who have been indebted to the Subscribers, longer than the usual Time of credit, will certainly be sued if they do not immediately discharge their Accounts. We likewise sell choice Rum, Sugar and Molasses.
TATE AND TARPLEY²

(Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed., Oct. 10, 1755.)

From this advertisement Tarpley and Tate had a store and sold a variety of goods. In the December 19, 1755 issue of the Virginia Gazette, James Tarpley is referred to as "merchant in Williamsburg."

Apparently the next business alliance to which Tarpley associated himself was known as "James Tarpley and Thomas Knox, Merchants and Partners." This firm bought or leased lots #163, #164 and #169 on Palace Green on April 13, 1759, and were at that date already "in the tenure and occupation of those lots, except so much of the lots as the court house was built upon." -3- (York County Records, Deeds VI, pp. 184-185.) Since Tarpley, on December 20, 1760, sold his right in these lots to his old partner, Thomas Knox, it seems that his partner on lot #20 must have been John Thompson.

As before stated, on August 23, 1759, Henry 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 Williamsburgh Tavern Keeper and Anne his wife
to
Tarpley, James, Merchant of the City
Consideration: 120 pounds Current Money of Virginia

A certain Part of peice of a Lott 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 56 feet by a Line Parallel 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…

(York County Records, Deeds, VI, p. 212.)

Failure to make any mention of a storehouse on the lot leads one to believe that Tarpley soon erected a storehouse thereon sometime between 1759 and 1763 when a "new storehouse" is noted on the lot. (Information to follow later in the report.)

James Tarpley's will dated the twenty-ninth of November 1763, was proved and recorded in James City County ¹ According to his will, "his whole estate real and personal should be disposed [of] by his said executors as soon after his decease as it could be conveniently done and the whole converted into money as in the said is more fully contained and soon afterwards [Tarpley] -4- died seised of the said piece of ground and of a new store house erected thereon…" (York County Records, Deeds VII, pp. 284-285.)

In December 1766, John Thompson, partner to Tarpley, advertised in the Virginia Gazette thus:

As I intend to leave this Colony in a short time ,
I must desire all those indebted to the partnership of TARPLEY, THOMPSON, and CO, who can possibly do so, to pay off their accounts … or their accounts will be put into the hands of an attorney.
JOHN THOMPSON. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., Dec. 11, 1766.)

On the same day (December 11, 1766) Rind advertised:

To be SOLD by Auction on FRIDAY the 12th Day of December Inst. before Mr. Trebells Door .
A VERY Handsome and Convenient STORE-HOUSE, on the Main Street in WILLIAMSBURG, with every advantage from its situation either for a merchant or a tradesman, and in exceeding good repair, having been built but a short time. The credit will, be agreed on at the day of sale, the purchaser giving bond and security to
JOHN THOMPSON, & CO.¹ (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., Dec. 4, 1766) same in Purdie & Dixon.

The storehouse was not sold at the public auction on December 12th. In February 1767, a similar notice signed by Thompson & Company appeared in both Rind, and Purdie and Dixon. The only difference in the content of these notices was that the storehouse would be sold by "private sale" and not by auction. (Purdie & Dixon, 12 February 1767; Rind, 19 Feb. 1767.)

From the above information, it seems that Thompson, Tarpley's partner, continued to run the store until Tarpley's executors could settle the estate. A reference to Mr Thompson's store sustains this statement:

[May 16, 1766]

JONATHAN PROSSER, TAILOR, from LONDON,
HUMBLY begs leave to inform Gentlemen, and others, that he has -5- lately opened shop near Mr. Thompson's store in Williamsburg … (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

Tarpley's estate had not been settled by May 1767. However, lot #20 was conveyed by his executors on May 18th:

[May 18, 1767]

Everard, Thomas
Jameson, David, Executors of the last Will and Testament of James Tarpley late of the city of Williamsburg Merchant decd
Consideration: 450 pounds
to
Pride, Halcot of the county of Dinwiddie
Pride, John of the county of Amelia the younger
Pride, James of the town and county of York Esquire

Whereas the said James Tarpley was seised in fee simple of and in part or peice of a lot of ground lying on the south side of the main or duke of Gloucester street in the city of Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 20 beginning at the northwest corner of the said lott and thence to run eastwardly and along the line of the said lott on the said main street 40 feet for front thence southerly into the said lott 56 feet by a line parallel 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 lott to the beginning which was sold and conveyed to him by Henry Wetherburn and Ann his wife by deed of August 23, 1759 and being so seised by the last will and testament in writing dated the twenty ninth day of November 1763 proved and recorded in James City county court he did direct and appoint that his whole estate real and personal should be sold and disposed by his said executors as soon after his decease as it could be conveniently done and the whole converted into money as in the said will is more fully contained and soon afterwards died seised of the said piece of ground and of a new store house erected thereon And whereas the said James Pride hath become the purchaser thereof the sum of four hundred and fifty pounds current money NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings by the said Halcot Pride and John Pride to the said executors in hand paid and of the said further sum of four hundred and fifty pounds to them also in hand paid by the said James Pride the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge They the said Thomas Everard and David Jameson Have granted bargained sold...and by these presents do grant ... unto the said Halcott Pride and John Pride their heirs and assigns All that the said part or piece of a lott of ground in the said city herein before above particularly mentioned bounded and described together with the store houses thereon and all yards gardens ways easements...

Recorded May 18, 1767.

(York County Records, Deeds VII, pp. 284-1186.)

The importance of this deed proves beyond doubt that Tarpley acquired the lot via the Wetherburns in August 1759, that he held it at the time of his death in 1763, and that according to his will, his executors were to sell the property on which was a "new store house erected thereon." This could be interpreted to mean that Tarpley finding no building on the lot, immediately built "a new store." Since Tarpley had died it was necessary for all three parties: Tarpley's executors, (the first party); Halcot and John Pride (the second parties); and James Pride (the third party) - to figure in the deed of May 18, 1767 (above quoted).

A month previous to the consummation of the deed to the property, James Pride had advertised in the Virginia Gazette on April 2, that "ALL persons who have any connexion with me are hereby to take notice that they are to be brought to an immediate conclusion, as I am resolved to leave the colony with the utmost expedition." (Purdie and Dixon, eds.) It is not known whether James Pride left the colony or not.

Perhaps Pride carried out his plan to leave the colony. If so, his storehouse recently acquired, in all probability, was rented. Richard Brown who was a merchant of Yorktown, may have leased Pride's property in Williamsburg, or had some legal direction to rent it to James Hubard. ¹ At any rate, Brown advertised this property for sale in 1773:

[October 14, 1773]

For SALE,
THE commodious and well situated HOUSE and STORE on the main Street in Williamsburg , formerly the Property of -7- Mess. Tarpley and Thompson , and at present occupied by Mr. James Hubard. For Terms inquire of the Printer,, or of the Subscriber, in Yorktown .
RICHARD BROWN. (Virginia Gazette Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

Nothing further is known as to Hubard's movements in Williamsburg, except that he was appointed one of the twenty-eight gentlemen who served as a Committee of Trade with power to discipline the local merchants. (Ibid, Rind, ed., Nov. 26, 1772.)

Whether Brown found a purchaser in 1773 cannot be established by the records. However it does appear that the next business to be conducted on the property was that of the jewelry and clock making of Robert Bruce who inserted his announcements in the Virginia Gazette thus:

[June 2, 1774]

ROBERT BRUCE, WATCH and CLOCK Maker, is removed from Mr. Craig's, at the Golden Ball, to the opposite Side of Street, the House above Mr. Robert Anderson's, where he intends carrying on his Business, and will be much obliged to those who may please to employ him. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon)

[July 21, 1774]

ROBERT BRUCE,
WATCHMAKER,
At the House above Mr. ANDERSON'S Tavern, MAKES and REPAIRS all Sorts of WATCHES and CLOCKS, and will be much obliged to those who please to employ him. He returns his most grateful Thanks to his former Customers, and begs a Continuance of their Favours. WATCHES sent from the COUNTRY shall be done with Expedition, and returned with Care.

There is no reason to doubt that Alexander Purdie, after dissolution of his partnership with John Dixon was established at the "House formerly occupied by Messrs. Tarply, Thompson, & Co. on the main Street, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern":

[December 1, 1774]

WILLIAMSBURG,
Immediately after Christmas, I shall begin doing Business for myself, and intend to print a GAZETTE, as -8- soon as I am furnished with a moderate Number of Customers; for which Purpose I have sent Subscription Papers into all publick Places of the Country, and hope to have them soon returned, that I may be enabled to go to Work and serve the Publick in my Profession. Such as live convenient will please to favour me with their Commands by Letter, and those in the City who incline becoming Subscribers will be kind enough to leave their Names at my Office, which is the House formerly occupied by Mess. Tarpley , Thompson , & Co, on the main Street, end adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern.
…

Meanwhile, I have opened a large and valuable Collection of BOOKS, amongst them a great variety for the Use of Schools; which, together with a well chosen Parcel of MUSICK, for the Harpsichord, Violin, &c. and a Number of STATIONARY ARTICLES, will be disposed of on the easiest and very best Terms …
ALEXANDER PURDIE.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon.)

Purdie evidently continued at this stand until his death in 1779. In January 1775 (a month after the above notice) Purdie advertised that he "was busily employed in fixing up my PRINTING OFFICE":

[January 14, 1775]

As I am now busily employed in fixing up my PRINTING OFFICE, the Materials for which I have just received from Philadelphia, the Publick may depend upon being furnished, in the first Week in February, with the VIRGINIA GAZETTE printed by Alexander Purdie.
Their obedient humble Servant
ALEXANDER PURDIE. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, eds.)

June 1775 found Purdie appointed Postmaster of Williamsburg and Public Printer. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., June 9, 1775.)

By October 1775 Purdie announced to the public that:

The CONSTITUTIONAL POST being now established, all letters for the Northward, or that are to be forwarded to the different parts of this colony, North or South Carolina, Georgia, &c. must be sent to my office, the Hon. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, esq; having been pleased to appoint me postmaster in Williamsburg, tinder the authority of the GENERAL CONGRESS.
ALEXANDER PURDIE. (Virginia Gazette, Oct. 13, 1775 supplement.)

In August 1777 Purdie gave notice in his paper that he expected "a new complete printing apparatus, he hopes soon as it arrives to have it -9- in his power to oblige all his kind customers, and the publick at large." (August 22, 1777, Purdie, ed.)

From two deeds of 1782 we know that Alexander Purdie had made a payment for lot #20 to James Pride but through some fault the deed had never been recorded. (See: report to follow chronologically.)

Purdie's will probated in York County, April 12, 1779, devised his estate to be sold by his executors; Robert Anderson and John Minson Galt, after certain bequests:

[abstract]

After giving several slaves to his wife Peachy, wills all the rest of his estate to his executors to sell, and one fourth part of the money to be given to his wife, and all the rest to his sons, James, Hugh and Alexander. Wife and children to remain in dwelling house for six months after his decease, at the expense of his estate. (York County Records, Wills, Inventories XXI, 419.)

The executors in compliance with the terms of the will offered Purdie's estate for sale:

May 8, 1779

To be SOLD to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Tuesday this instant (May) at the late dwelling-house of Mr. Alexander Purdie deceased,
ALL his personal estate, consisting of a Great variety of exceeding good household and kitchen furniture, 130 ounces of plate, two horses and saddles, a neat Italian riding chair and harness, and nine slaves, amongst them a carpenter, gardener, and cook. Also his printing materials and a few books. Likewise his dwelling-house and lot and printing office, together with the unexpired lease of the adjoining house, used as a composing and press room. Possession of the dwelling house will be given the first of October, and the office immediately.
…
RO. ANDERSON )
J. M. GALT )
Executors. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, May 8, 1779.)

The purchaser was Samuel Beall,¹ merchant, who "in the month of June, -10- 1779" paid the executors £3000 of the inflated paper currency of Virginia. There was a previous transaction which has not been located in the court records. Indications are (from a deed of September 30, 1782) that Purdie had made payment (but not in full) for the property to James Pride. A copy of the deeds in this transaction follows:

September 17, 1782.

Pride, James of James City County
to
Galt, John Minson
Anderson, Robert
Executors of the Last Will and Testament of Alexander Purdie.
Consideration: 600 Pounds current Money of Virginia
…
All that peice or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the County of York and on the Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg, bounded as followeth On the North by the said Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by the Lott of Henry Nicholson, on the south by the said Nicholson's Lott and on the West by the Pump Street being part of that Lott or parcel of land denoted in the plan of the said city by the figure 20, which said Peice or Parcel of Land was Sold to Henry Weatherburn formerly of the City of Williamsburg to Messieurs Tarpley & Thompson Merchants of said City and by the said Tarpley and Thompson sold to James Pride.
And all houses …

Recorded 21 October 1782

(York County Records, Deeds, VI, pp. 139-140.)

The first part of this deed states that "Alexander, Purdie in his lifetime to the said James Pride doth hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and discharge … paid or caused to be paid the Receipt whereof the said James Pride doth hereby acknowledge the sum of six hundred pounds current money of Virginia."

On September 30, 1782, the executors of Purdie conveyed by deed lot #20 to Samuel Beall, merchant:

September 30, 1782

Galt, John Minson
Anderson, Robert
Executors of Alexander Purdie's Last Will and Testament
to
Beall, Samuel, Merchant Williamsburg
Consideration: 3000 Pounds paper Currency of Virginia

-11- All that peice or parcel of Land, situate, lying and being in the County of York and said City of Williamsburg being part of that Lott or half acre of Land denoted in the plan thereof by the figure or Number 20, and bounded on the North by the Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by the Lott of Henry Nicholson, on the South by the said Nicholsons Lott and on the West by Pump Street being the peice or Parcel of Land now in the Tenure and Possession of the said Samuel Beall and which was sold and conveyed by Messieurs Tarpley and Thompson Merchants to James Pride of the County of James City and by the said Pride by Deed bearing date the seventeenth day of September One Thousand seven hundred and eighty two…
[conveyed to executors of Purdie]
And all Houses…

Recorded October 21, 1782.

(York County Records, Deeds VI, pp. 140-141.)

The same day the above was recorded, the following indenture between the executors of Purdie of the one part, and Samuel Beall of the other part was recorded:

[abstract]

For £3000 paper Currency of Virginia by the said Samuel Beall to the said Executors was paid in the Month of June, 1779 in hand paid whereof the said John Minson Galt and Robert Anderson do hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and discharge the said Samuel Beall his Executors and Administrators They the said Galt and Anderson have granted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed … that part of Lot #20 [boundaries same as in the deed of September 17, 1782] now in the Tenure and Possession of the said Samuel Beall. (York County Records, VI, Deeds, p. 143.)

From the above indenture, one sees that Beale in June 1779 paid £3000 paper currency of Virginia to Purdie's executors, thereby giving him right and title to the property. Apparently, Beale moved from his stand across the street to his new lot - with storehouse thereon - (lot #20) soon afterwards:

[October 30, 1779.]

Captain Delaporte, acquaints the publick, that he has opened a store, on his own account, in the house lately occupied by Mr Beall … [variety of goods for sale] (Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis)

In 1779 and 1780 the Virginia Gazette carried notices by Beall notifying the public that he carried a varied line of merchandise:

[November 20, 1779]

Just imported from Holland and the West Indies and will be sold by the package or piece, a large assortment of Irish linens, sheeting, coarse linen, cambrick, lawn, gauze, chintz, callico, variety of silk and linen handkerchiefs, window glass 8 by 10, knives and forks, penknives, needles, mens shoes and saddles, China tea cups and saucers, ivory and horn combs, nails, buckskin gloves, mens hats, corded dimity, silk stockings, ladies superfine cotton stockings, table cloths, cotton counterpanes, supermaceti candles, brown sugar, and bar iron.
SAMUEL BEALL (Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis, eds.)

WILLIAMSBURG, December 9, 1779.

TO be sold by the Package or piece, West India rum, brown and loaf sugar, hyson and bohea tea, Irish and course linen, cotton and silk handkerchiefs, chintz do, calico, chintz, coarse cloths, lawn, muslin, cambrick, ribands, silks for winter gowns, mens and womens shoes, knives and forks, penknives, china cups and saucers. ---I continue to buy bills of exchange on England France, Holland , or the West Indies .

N.B. I want to charter two prime sailing vessels for the West Indies .
SAMUEL BEALL.

(Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, eds. Dec. 18, 1779)

[October 21, 1780]

To be Sold, WHOLESALE or RETAIL,
FINE Lisbon wine by the pipe, hogshead, or quarter cask, lump sugar, coarse cloths, shalloon and trimmings, flannels, green and blue hair shag-Irish poplin, linen do., sheeting, osnabrugs, a large assortment of cottons and printed linens, silk India gauze, and lawn handkerchiefs, plain and flowered gauze and lawn, kenting, corded dimity, table cloths, napkining, men and women's shoes, coarse hats, metal buttons, … pins, shoe buckles, ivory and horn combs, ----specticles, cutteaus, 6d. 8d. 10d. and 20d nails, alum, salt, bohea tea, jesuits bark, &c. &c.
SAMUEL BEALL.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 16, 1780. (Virginia Gazette, Clarkson & Davis)

Beall's store was still operating in 1783 as a merchant advertised in December 30, 1783 that he had "Just imported in the ship Endymion, From France, an assortment of WET and DRY GOODS, and now selling at the lowest rate, in the store opposite Mr. Beall's in Williamsburg…" (Virginia Gazette -13- or the American Advertiser, Hayes, ed.)

Another basis for knowing that Beall's store was operating at lot #20 in 1783 is indicated in a deed from Henry Nicholson and wife to James Davis, tailor, for property [lot #21] "adjoining to the store of Samuel Beall, Esq. on the West, and to another tenement belonging to the said Henry Nicolson on the East." (York County Records, Deeds, VI, p. 173.) From this deed we know that there were three buildings on lots #20 and #21 (divided as it was, into three lots, namely: the storehouse (western part of lot #20); a tenement on the east of the storehouse; and another tenement on the east (lot #21).

Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, had accounts with Samuel Beall. Those accounts for work done on Beall's "store" are cited below:

1780		Dr
May 4	To Sundary Work Done at the Store to Amount …	£26.11.9
August 4	To 2 bus lime 1/6 & Repairing Store Steps 6/ & labours work 2/	. 9.6
1785
July 6	By 6 Bushs limes take from store 6/ … Cr	. 6.

(Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, Research Department, pp. 22, 71t Ledger B.)

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows buildings upon the lot. (See: Appendix, copy from Frenchman's Map, drawn by J. M. Knight, Architectural Department.)

The College Map (1782) shows "Rowsay" on lots #20 and #21. (See: Illustration #1.)

We know (from records to follow chronologically in this report) that Samuel Beall conveyed lot #20 to William Rowsay probably about 1785 and that Rowsay was the owner at the time of his death. Rowsay's will, proved in the court of Hustings, Williamsburg, February 5, 1787, confirms the above statement.

The will of William Rowsay throws some light on what happened to lot #20 following -14- Beall's ownership:

… I give and bequeath to my Executors herein after named … all my estate both real and personal to be sold either at public or private sale in their best judgement for the purpose of paying my Debts, except the Lott and Houses which I purchased of Samuel Beall adjoining store whereon I now live which I give and bequeath unto my affectionate wife Frances Rowsay for and during 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 Lot 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 … (Tucker-Coleman Mss., Research Department.)

In Rowsay's will, we see that he had purchased a lot with houses and later thereon from Samuel Beall "adjoining store whereon I now live," and later in the will, Rowsay states that "my Lotts and Houses whereon I now dwell which I purchased of Henry Nicholson ¹ … " This is interpreted to mean that there was a store on lot #21 (the present Bland-Wetherburn lot), that Rowsay was living at this location when his will was made, and that the lot west, #20, was owned by Beall formerly who had conveyed same to Rowsay.

Williamsburg Land Tax Records indicate that previous to 1785, Rowsay held three lots in the city ² , and that in 1785 he acquired two lots from Henry Nicholson, making a total of five lots then owned by Rowsay or his -15- estate from 1785 to 1819. (See: Illustration #2 for detailed accounts, copy from Virginia State Archives.)

In Harwood's Ledger B there are accounts with William Rowsay or his estate indicating repairs to his property. We cannot say that the building and repair work was upon the store and other houses on lot #20. However, under "Mr Rowsay's Estate, by Ben Powell Dr" under the date of February 16, 1788, there are these items:

"For Mrs Rowsay -

To 9 Bushels of lime a 1/ & 10 hair ¼ & layg dary floor & plaster 10	£1.O.
To Seting up 2 Grates 3/7 & 22 days labour a 2/6	10.-
To taking Down a Grate & Seting it up again 5/ & 4 bushs lime 4/	9.-
To 250 Brick a 3/ & layg Smoak House floor & plastering do 10	17.6
(page 58)

Also, under "Mr Benjamin Powell Dr" under date August 12, 1788:

to 12 bushels of lime 12/ & 500 bricks 15/	1.7.
To laboureres Work 4/ & building up Steps 10/) --- for Rowsay's House	.14.
To building up Steps to Cellar 6/	6
(page 127)

There is every indication that Frances Rowsay, widow of William Rowsay, married Benjamin Powell. ¹ Rowsay's estate was held together until 1819. In 1820 Frances Powell appears in the Land Tax Records for the first time thus: "Frances Powell…1 lot … $675; sum added for buildings $600 Formerly chargd to William Rowsey's Est" (Illustration #3).

On the College Map (1791?) the lot is numbered #20, William Russell's insurance policy for 1806 (#618, Mutual Assurance Policy) locates his dwelling on the main street with Mrs. Lively and William Rowsay as his western boundary.

Frances Powell or her estate held the property according to the land tax records until 1826 when Edward Walker is charged with "1 lot -- $600; lot and buildings $675 Via Martha McGill who heired from Frances Powell decd." Walker conveyed in 1828 to Moses Sweeney at the same valuations "Via Edward Walker"; and Sweeney conveyed the same lot with same valuations in 1831 to Roscow Cole "Via Moses Sweeney and Eliza his wife." (Illustration #2)

Cole seems to have held the property until ca. 1851 according to the land tax records. The title could not be traced from about 1851 to 1874, probably because the court records were destroyed by fire during the Civil War. No other sources available have cleared up this gap in the title at this period. However, from 1874 to 1928 (when the property was conveyed to Dr. Goodwin representing Williamsburg Restoration) the title and property owners are complete. (See: Illustration #2 for property owners from 1874 to 1928.

Archaeological Report of Lot #20:

According to an archaeological report prepared in 1935 by George Campbell, "excavation work at this site disclosed that the foundation for this building paralleled Duke of Gloucester Street, being five feet south of the street line. Its west wall also ran parallel to Botetourt Street and was two feet three inches east of the street line… East of the main foundation a paved area of tiles of two sizes and fragmentary brick was disclosed …. South of the foundation about twenty-four feet and practically on a line with the east wall, a well was uncovered which had been used until recent years …. The building was found to be 40'1", facing the Duke of Gloucester Street, and its shorter [sic] face which was 54' ¾" facing Botetourt Street. The walls were found to average 1' 5 ¼" in thickness, including a partition wall which ran east and west approximately through -17- the center of the building, thus dividing the basement into two halves, … The south half of the foundation disclosed a triangular shaped chimney…" (See: copy of report, Architectural Department.)

Mr. John S. Charles in 1931 recalled Williamsburg of the Civil War period. He described the house standing on the Tarpley Store site as:

…a story-and-a-half wooden structure of moderate size, and built on a brick foundation about four feet high, with dormer windows. The end toward the Duke of Gloucester Street was used as a store, and the balance as a residence. It was destroyed by fire, and at that time the upstairs was reached by steps on the eastern outside of the house. The site of this old house is now occupied by one of Pender's Stores. ("Recollections of John S. Charles…" p. 53, copy in Research Department.)

IN SUMMARY

Lot #20 on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street at the juncture with Botetourt Street appears to have been the location of a store from about 1759 until the present time, with few exceptions. Henry Wetherburn seems to have been the earliest known owner. In 1759 lot #20 was conveyed by Wetherburn to James Tarpley, merchant, who had operated other stores in Williamsburg previous to this agreement. At this date the lot was 40 feet in width and 56 feet deep. No mention was made to a storehouse on the lot. Tarpley's will in 1763 mentions "a new store house erected thereon," and Tarpley's partner, John Thompson, in 1766 advertised "a VERY handsome and convenient STORE-HOUSE, on the Main Street…" for sale. Similar notices in the Virginia Gazette for 1767 mention the storehouse. Tarpley's executors in May 1767 conveyed lot #20 then 40 feet by 56 feet to James Pride stating that the lot contained a "new store house erected thereon." Whether "new store house" would infer that there were two store houses: an old and a new; or whether "a new store house" would be the house erected by Tarpley ca. 1759 -, is not known. From later records, one is inclined to think there were two store houses on the lot. Only excavations will decide this point. -18- Pride may have rented the property. It was offered for sale in 1773 and was described as "THE commodious and well situated HOUSE and STORE on the main Street in Williamsburg , formerly the Property of Mess. Tarpley and Thompson." In 1774 Robert Bruce, watch and clock maker, occupied the property. In December 1774 Alexander Purdie had moved his newspaper office to the "House formerly occupied by Mess. Tarpley, Thompson & Co . on the main Street, and adjoining Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern." Purdie sold books, music for violin and harpsichord, stationery &c. in addition to getting out his Virginia Gazette on the lot. The Constitutional Post Office was kept at Purdie's office. After Purdie's death his property along with printing equipment was advertised for sale, and Samuel Beall was the purchaser of the lot. The clear deed to the property came in 1782, Beall paying £3000 paper currency of Virginia to Purdie's executors. Beale carried a varied line of merchandise at the store. The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows buildings on the lot, and the College Map (1791?) indicates "Rowsay" on lots #20 and #21. William Rowsay or his estate was the owner from ca. 1785 to 1819 when his wife who had married a Powell came into the property. Following the death of Frances Powell the lot was conveyed to Edward Walker "Via Martha McGill who heired from Frances Powell decd." In 1828 Moses Sweeney was the owner who was followed by Roscow Cole in 1831, who was the owner until 1851. Records are not complete from 1851 to 1874. From 1874 to 1928 the chain to title is complete. Such property owners can be found in the Chain to title in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, or a copy of same can be found in Illustration #2, Appendix. According to an archaeological report of 1935 by George Campbell, the foundation for a building paralleled Duke of Gloucester Street five feet south of the street line with its west wall parallel to Botetourt Street. The building was found -19- to be 40' 1" and its "shorter" [sic] face was 54 ¾", walls 1' 5 ¼" in thickness. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg during the Civil War period" mentions an old house then standing on this lot which was used as a store on the north part and as a residence on the south part. It was destroyed by fire. At that time an outside staircase led to the rooms above on the eastern outside of the house.

Illustration #1

Tyler Map

Frenchman's Map

Illustration #2

Illustration #3
Biographical notes on the Tarpley family

The Tarpley family of which James Tarpley of Williamsburg was a descendant, came from Richmond County, Virginia. In the Will Book (VI P. 338), the will of John Tarpley gives the name of his wife, Ann, and grandsons, James Tarpley, Travers Tarpley, Quintus Tarpley, and John Tarpley: executors were Travers Tarpley and John Tarpley, grandsons. Date of probate November 23, 1738.

In October 1745 a meeting was called at Williamsburg for the purpose of distributing the slaves of the late John Tarpley of the aforesaid County, decd. The widow's name is not given in this account but is mentioned, also the names of the sons, Edward Ripping Tarpley, Tertius Quintus Tarpley, Travers Tarpley and John Tarpley. This account was recorded in Richmond County, Account Book I, p. 227, on March 3, 1745.

Previous to these legal records, in York County Wills, Inventories, Book 19, pp. 333-334, dated August 23, 1744, Mary Ripping of Williamsburg, by will, bequeathed to her grandson, Edward Ripping Tarpley, a plantation in New Kent County, cattle and some household furniture; to grandson James Tarpley two slaves; to her daughter, Elizabeth Tarpley a slave and "All the residue of my estate I desire may be appraised & remain in the possession of my said Daughter and after payment of my Debts the overplus to be equally divided between my Daughter and her three Sons James Quintus & John as they attain the age of Twenty one Years - and if either of them die before they come to the age of Twenty one Years his or their Share or Shares to be equally divided among the Survivors -… I appoint my Said Daughter Elizabeth Tarpley and my Grandson Edward Tarpley Executrix & Executor of this my Last Will and Testament…" Recorded December 17, 1744. An Inventory and appraisement of Mary Ripping's estate was recorded on February 18, 1744, Deeds, VI, pp. 352-354, York County. The total inventory amounted to £407.8.6. Rooms mentioned in the inventory were: chamber in the front house, hall, above stairs over the chamber, porch chamber, other rooms, cellar, back house below, middle room, little room, above stairs, outhouses, and the Quarter.

The will of Edward Ripping of Williamsburg was recorded August 19, 1734, York County, Wills, Inventories, Book 18, p. 141, in which he names "his loving wife" and bequeaths her "all my lotts and houses in Williamsburgh, during her natural life, and after her decease to my daughter, Elizabeth, the wife of John Tarpley and her heirs forever. [Also] I give unto my three grandsons, Edward James and Quinby [sic] Tarpley land in county of Spottsylvania." His wife was appointed executrix. Ripping's inventory is recorded in Wills, Inventories, Book 18, p. 169, York County. Rooms mentioned are: over the Hall, over Closet, Mrs. Ripping's Closet, over Mrs. Ripping's Room, Next Room upstairs, Cellar, Kitchen, Milk House, and Meat House.

From the above records, we know that James Tarpley's mother was Elizabeth Ripping, daughter of Edward and Mary Ripping of Williamsburg, that his grandparents were well-off and had a large house in the city at the time of their deaths, that such estate was bequeathed to their daughter, Elizabeth Tarpley, wife of John Tarpley, and to their grandsons, James, Qunitus, and Edward Ripping Tarpley.

Edward Ripping Tarpley, brother of James, died in 1763. His will was recorded June 20, 1763 in York County. He devised "unto my brother James Tarpley all the residue of my estate both real and personal to him and his heirs forever subject to the payment of one hundred pounds yearly unto my Mother during her natural life. And lastly I do appoint my brother James Tarpley to be my executor."

James Tarpley's will "was dated November 29, 1763, proved and recorded in James City county court. Will ordered that his whole estate - real and personal - be sold and be distributed to heirs by his executors. Unfortunately, the records of James City County were burned so there is no entire copy of James Tarpley's will as yet discovered.

In 1772 the Virginia Gazette of August 13th (Purdie & Dixon, eds.) advertised the dwelling house and lots in Williamsburg, pursuant to the last will and testament of Mrs. Elizabeth Tarpley, deceased, be sold. Signed by executors, John Blair and James Cocke.

Travers Tarpley, brother of James, settled in Richmond County. He died before 1773, according to Virginia Gazette notice of January 28th.

James Tarpley, merchant of Williamsburg, in 1761 donated the historic bell to Bruton church. It is now in use.