Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

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

See Mrs. Dillons letter of 1/13/57 and our reply 1/28/57
M.S.

LOCATION:

The site now known as "Tarpley's Store" lies on the western part of colonial lot 20 on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg.

IN SUMMARY:

Lot 20 is noted by number in a deed of conveyance of 1716 between Richard Bland of Prince George County, Virginia, to Colonel Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County. Records seems to point to Bland as owner from ca. 1709. In 1759 James Tarpley, merchant, was conveyed a part of Lot 20 by Henry Wetherburn. Sometime between 1759 and 1763 Tarpley must have erected a "new storehouse" on the property. Prior to Tarpley's death in June, 1764 he had several partners at this site. In May, 1767 Tarpley's storehouse was sold by his executors to James Pride, merchant. At Pride's death in 1773, his executor advertised it for sale with the note that James Hubard had been occupying it. Following Hubard's death it was rented to Robert Bruce, watch and clock maker. Early in 1775 Alexander Purdie, printer, had acquired the property, moving into the shop following his dissolution of business with John Dixon, printer. From January, 1775 to his death in April, 1779 Purdie conducted his Virginia Gazette printing office upon this site. In 1777 and 1778 he had repairs and &c made to the premises. Following Purdie's death, John Clarkson and Augustine Davis, continued the business until December, 1780 when Davis moved to Richmond and Clarkson seems to have disappeared. Samuel Beall, merchant, must have operated a store on a part of the lot from 1779 - 1786 ca. when William Rowsay, owner of the lot towards the east seems to be the owner via Beall. Beall's estate seems to have held title to the lot until 1802 when Rowsay attained full title. From 1820 to 1826 Mrs. Frances Powell held the property. She was succeeded by Edward Walker who conveyed to Moses Sweeney in 1828. In 1831 Roscow Cole was the owner. Cole, in all probability, rented the property to tenants. He held to 1851. From 1851 to 1874, the title could not be traced - probably due to the burning of James City court records in the Civil War period. From 1874 to 1928 when the property was bought by Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin representing the Williamsburg Restoration, the title is complete.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a building on the corner of the lot with smaller buildings to the south and east. The College Map (1791?) and the Bucktrout Map (1807) indicate "Rowsay" and Lot "20" on the lot.

For further details, consult the report to follow.

LOCATION:

The site now known as "Tarpley's Store" was located on the western part of colonial lot 20 on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg. See: Tyler's adaptation of late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century plats of the city, opposite page.

HISTORY:

The first date in the colonial records at which Lot 20 is mentioned by number in a deed of conveyance, was 1716 when Richard Bland of Prince George County, Virginia, gave deed to Colonel Nathaniel Harrison of Surry County. Prior to that date, records seem to point to Richard Bland as owner of the property from about 1709. For full account of Bland's ownership and the conveyance to Harrison, see: House History of the Bland-Wetherburn House (1955). Research Department.

In 1759 James Tarpley,¹ merchant, was conveyed a part of Lot 20 to the west by Henry Wetherburn. (Deed to follow, chronologically in the report).

Tarpley was the son of Captain John Tarpley of Richmond County who died in 1739, and Elizabeth Ripping Tarpley, daughter of Edward Ripping, ordinary keeper of Williamsburg, and his wife, Mary Ripping. Ripping was an ordinary keeper from 1713 to his death in 1734.² At the death of Captain Tarpley in 1739, his wife qualified as administrator and guardian of the estate.³ The Court order names the four children of Mrs. Tarpley as Edward Ripping Tarpley, James Tarpley, Tertius Quintus Tarpley and John Tarpley - all under age and in need of a guardian. 2 From subsequent records to follow, it seems conclusive evidence that Mrs. Tarpley removed to Williamsburg after her husband's and parent's death, and lived at her parent's dwelling in Williamsburg.¹

The next time the name of James Tarpley is found in the source records, appears in the Thomas Jones Papers in 1747-1749.² Jones paid Armistead Burwell, merchant, for shoes, snuff, hose, cups and saucers &c. The account when paid was signed thus: "1749 Apl 3d Recd the above, for Armistd Burwell by James Tarpley." At this date, Tarpley was about twenty one years of age. He could have been apprenticed to Burwell to learn the mercantile business.

In 1752 James Tarpley was in Williamsburg. He was paid £75 of tobacco for 3 days attendance as a witness in the suit between Richard Coventon, dancing master, and Robert Lyon, wigmaker.³

Tarpley may have begun his mercantile business at Yorktown. In 1753 he sold a lot in that town numbered 53 to David Jameson, merchant.⁴ It does not seem unreasonable to suppose that Tarpley transferred his business from Yorktown to Williamsburg. At any rate, he bought a small piece of land in January, 1755, from his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Tarpley, widow. This conveyance was recorded in the General Court records - which were later burned - but such information was noted in a deed from Tarpley's estate in 1764 when the strip of lot 30' by 30' was sold back to Mrs. Tarpley.⁵ The location of this strip is not known. We only know that he had bought a small piece of land from his mother in Williamsburg, that he was operating 3 a store and that he had partners. As far as we know, he was not at Wetherburn's lot, lot 20 west, until August, 1759. Tarpley's store operations are given in full details in Illustration #4. Until August, 1759 these accounts do not apply directly to the history of Lot 20 but are indicative of Tarpley's importance as a merchant in Williamsburg from 1752.

As before stated, on August 23, 1759 Henry Wetherburn conveyed a part of lot 20 to James Tarpley, merchant:

[August 23, 1759]

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

...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 said City by the Figures 20, to begin at the North west Corner of the said Lot and thence to Run Eastwardley 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 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...
Henry Wetherburn.¹

[Recorded York County]

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

Prior to Tarpley's acquisition of a part of Lot 20, he was operating as a merchant with a Mr. Tate² (first name uncertain); and with Thomas Knox.³ 4 It looks as though Tarpley operated with Knox on Lots 163, 164 and 169 Palace Street until December, 1760 when he sold his interest to Knox.¹ As he had bought the part of Lot 20 in 1759, he must have built a storehouse thereon and continued his mercantile business at this location until his death in 1764.

After dissolution of the Knox and Tarpley partnership, Tarpley took on another partner, William Hunter, the printer. In Hunter's will (1761) he left his son, William "all my stock in Partnership with James Tarpley, together with all the Profits arising therefrom."² In 1768 in the settlement of Hunter's Estate we learn that "John Thompson [was credited] by his Bond for the Interest of his Debt for W Hunters part of the Store ---£130.5.0." Also, in same source it states that Hunter owned half of the store.³ In 1762 Washington paid Tarpley £19.13.0 on account.⁴

Beginning in December, 1761 and continuing into December, 1762 we find that Tarpley paid Alexander Craig, Williamsburg sadler, for "carting from Ferry," "To Carting to Burwell's Ferry," "To Carting to the Landing," "To Carting from Ferry" etc. Then, in December, 1762 the firm of "Tarpley & Thompson" paid Craig for saddle, cloth and bag.⁵ These items seem to indicate the active business and the need for carting of goods. It indicated, also, that soon after the dissolution of the partnership with Hunter, Tarpley took John Thompson as his partner.⁶ This partnership continued until Tarpley's death in June, 1764.⁷

5

Tarpley's will, written November 29, 1763, was proved [June 20] 1764 in James City County Court.¹ No will has been found, only references to it in a subsequent deed reveals the fact that Tarpley desired his executors to sell the lot and buildings as soon as expedient "and being so seised by his last will and testament in writing dated the twenty ninth day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty three 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..."² [The lot with building stood on the 40 by 56 feet purchased of Wetherburn, and is so stated in the deed to follow in the report.]

Thomas Everard and David Jameson were executors of Tarpley's estate. From court records of York County, these executors had not completed settlement of Tarpley's estate by June, 1772.

From records to be cited, it looks as though John Thompson remained in business at Lot 20 until he could sell out to his advantage, and, until Tarpley's executors could sell the lot with storehouse. After August, 1764 we find a firm of "John Thompson and Company" dealing with the Virginia Gazette office or filing suits in court.³

In March, 1765 "John Thompson & Co" advertised in the Virginia Gazette: "Debts and Storehouse for sale."⁴

6

In December, 1766 John Thompson advertised twice in the Virginia Gazette thus:

To be SOLD by auction, on FRIDAY the 12th of December next, before Mr. Trebell's door,
A VERY Handsome and Convenient STOREHOUSE, on the main street in Williamsburg; with every advantage from its situation either for a merchant or tradesman, and is 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

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.²

Prior to the December, 1766 notices by Thompson for sale of the property, there appeared an advertisement by Jonathan Prosser, tailor, which refers to Thompson's store:

[May 16, 1766]

JONATHAN PROSSER, TAILOR, from LONDON, HUMBLY begs leave to inform Gentlemen, and others, that he has lately opened shop near Mr. Thompson's store in Williamsburg...³

The storehouse and lot were not sold at public auction on December 12th. In February, 1767 similar notices signed by "John Thompson & Co" appeared in Purdie and Dixon's and in Rind's Virginia Gazettes. The only difference in the content of these notices, was that the storehouse would be sold by "private sale":

[February 12, 1767]

To be SOLD, by private sale,
A VERY HANDSOME AND CONVENIENT STOREHOUSE on the main street in Williamsburg, with every advantage from its situation either for a merchant or tradesman, and is 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.⁴

7 It was not until May, 1767 that Tarpley's storehouse and lot was sold:

[May 18, 1767, Consideration: 450 pounds current money of Virginia]

...Thomas Everard and David Jameson gent executors of the last Will and testament of James Tarpley late of the city of Williamsburg merchant deced of the first part Halcot Pride of the county of Dinwiddie and John Pride of the county of Amelia the younger of the second part and James Pride of the town and county of York Esquire of the third part Whereas the said James Tarpley was in his life time seised in fee simple of and in part or piece 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 north west corner of the said lott and thence to run eastwardly and along the line of the said lott on the said main street forty feet for front thence southerly into the said lott fifty six feet by a line parallel to the street marked in the plan of the said city by the letter L thence westerly forty 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 bearing date the twenty third day of August one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine and being so seised by his last will and testament in writing dated the twenty ninth day of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty three 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 for the sum of four hundred and fifty pounds current money NOW THIS INDENTURE WITINESSETH 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 lot 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...¹ [Recorded May 18, 1767]

The importance of the above quoted deed proves that Tarpley acquired the lot via the Wetherburns in August, 1759, that he held it at the time of his death in 1764 and that according to his will his executors were to sell the property on 8 which there was "a new store house erected thereon" at their earliest convenience.

Pride was a merchant in Yorktown. He owned and lived upon a lot there next to David Jameson in 1770. From 1767 to ca. 1772 he owned several different tracts in James City county near the Custis property, Doncastle's Ordinary and William Holt's plantation.¹

In 1773 Richard Brown, merchant, who later became Pride's executor, advertised Tarpley's and Thompson's store for sale in Williamsburg — then occupied by James Hubard:²

[October 14, 1773]

For SALE,
THE commodious and well situated HOUSE and STORE on the main Street in Williamsburg, formerly the Property of Mess. Tarpley and Thompson, and at present occupied by Mr. James Hubard. For Terms inquire of the Printer, or of the Subscriber in York Town.
RICHARD BROWN.³

Hubard, evidently, continued to operate the store at this location until his death in 1774. Accounts of Henry Morce (1770-1772)⁴ and Carter Burwell (1774)⁵ indicate that Hubard had a general mercantile business.⁶ Hubard 9 was prominent in the city. He served as secretary of the Board of Trade of Merchants, and practiced law in the Admiralty Court.

Whether Brown found a purchaser in 1773 has not been established by the records. However, it does appear that the next business to be conducted on the property was that of a jewelry and clock making concern of Robert Bruce:

[June 2, 1774]

ROBERT BRUCE, WATCH and CLOCK Maker, is removed from Mr. Craig's, at the Golden Ball, to the opposite Side of the Street, the House above Mr. Robert Anderson's;¹ where he intends carrying on his Business, and will be much obliged to those who may please to employ him.²

The same month Bruce advertised his business thus:

[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.³

These were the only notices of Bruce in the newspaper. We do not know where he went after his removal from this site.

There is no reason to doubt that Alexander Purdie,⁴ printer, after dissolution of his partnership with John Dixon,⁵ was established at the "House formerly occupied by Mess. Tarpley, Thompson, & Co. on the main Street, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern": 10

WILLIAMSBURG, [December 1, 1774]

…
Immediately after Christmas, I shall begin doing Business for myself, and intend to print a GAZETTE, as 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 this 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, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern.

…
Meanwhile, I have opened a large and valuable Collection of NEW 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 [sic] ARTICLES. will be disposed of on the easiest and very best Terms…
ALEXANDER PURDIE.¹

A notice by Purdie in January, 1775, states that he was still in the process of "fixing up" his printing office with materials from Philadelphia:

[Williamsburg, 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
Their Obedient humble Servant,
ALEXANDER PURDIE.²

The books which Purdie reported in the December 1, 1774 notice, were doubtless, offered for sale in February, 1775:

[February 10, 1775]

Just come to hand, and sold by Alexander Purdie at his Printing Office,
The American edition of CAPTAIN COOK'S VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, published by Dr. Hawkesworth, in two volumes, 8vo; the price of the bound copies 12s. 6d. those in marbled paper 10s. The English edition of the book, in three volumes 4 to, costs four guineas… Also a number of POLITICAL PAMPHLETS, on the present state of American affairs. —Likewise for Sale, the COURT KALENDAR, and LADIES MEMORANDUM BOOK, for this present year.³

11

The first issue of Purdie's new Virginia Gazette, with motto: "Always for Liberty and the Publick Good," appeared on February 3, 1775.

By June, 1775 Purdie had been appointed Postmaster of Williamsburg, and Public Printer of the Colony.¹

The same date Purdie advertised that he wanted a journeyman compositor immediately.² By August, 1775 Purdie was giving notice in his newspaper that he would "buy large and strong GOOSE QUILLS brought to my office, and 2d halfpenny a pound for clean LINEN RAGS."³

In October, 1775 Purdie announced that the Constitutional Post had been established and that all letters to the northward or other parts of the country, must be sent to his office to be forwarded:

[October 13, 1775]

? 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, under the authority of the GENERAL CONGRESS.
ALEXANDER PURDIE.⁴

After being appointed public printer, Purdie published the following notice:

To the PUBLICK,
BY whose favour my earliest labours for subsistence were seconded and advanced, and whom I have already assured of my fixed purpose of serving, I must now again address myself, to confirm my former professions. My disposition to show how far I stand indebted to them... hath been hitherto circumscribed within narrow bounds. A slender stock to enter into business upon, a scarcity of necessary implements and materials, which, if to be purchased at all, were 12 unattainable in America, but at the highest prices, threw difficulties into my way... However, the never to be forgotten distinction which I have so lately received from the Honourable the House of Burgesses, in their condescension to appoint me their printer, has enabled me to extend my business upon a larger plan, and to furnish my office with those conveniences that will assist my intentions to give satisfaction upon all occasions.¹

In July, 1776 Purdie was ordered as public printer to make 100 copies of the Declaration of Independence.

In August, 1776 Purdie was selling "The Continental and Provincial ARTICLES of WAR" at his printing office.²

November, 1776 finds Purdie advertising stationery &c at his office for sale:

[November 22, 1776]

?Exceeding good WRITING PAPER, BLACK LEAD PENCILS, BLANK BOOKS, RED WAFERS, &c. &c. to be sold at this office.³

Purdie, evidently, had incurred debts in setting up his printing establishment and buying his dwelling house.⁴ Items titled "Claims of British Merchants for the Recovery of American Debts" indicates that Purdie owed in 1776 £537.9.— personally, and the firm of Purdie and Dixon owed £1589.9.9.⁵

In May, 1777 Purdie had repairs made to the printing office by Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason: 13

1777	May 14
	To 45 bricks 1/3, ½ bushel Whitewash 9d. & Setting up office Grates 15/ -----	£ -.17.-
	To Mending plasterg 3/9 & Whitewashing 2 Rooms in office 8/ -------	-.11.91

Purdie was appointed "printer to this Commonwealth" at the June 24, 1777 session of the General Assembly.²

On July 18, 1777 Purdie after stating that the Postmaster General having directed him to discontinue the post rider between Urbanna and Hobb's Hole, and to establish one from Fredericksburg to Hobb's Hole, made these remarks about the price of paper and the change in subscription price of his Virginia Gazette:

[July 18, 1777]

…
The extravagant price of paper, and of every other material for the printing business, has at last obliged me to raise the price of the Gazette to 15s per annum, from this date, to new subscribers, and at the end of this year that sum will be demanded from every person, except such as have paid for a whole year, who will be served till that expires.
ALEX: PURDIE.

? The TEST ACT and CERTIFICATES, ordered to be printed... are sent out to the several counties where post riders are established. Such as are not convenient to them will be served by every opportunity that offers.³

In August, 1777 Purdie gave notice in his newspaper that he expected "a complete new printing apparatus, [and] he hopes, as soon as it arrives, to have it in his power to oblige all his kind customers, and the publick at large."⁴ From two letters regarding a printing press sent by Franklin to Virginia at Governor Henry's order, it is possible that this was the press expected by Purdie as public printer. (Just quoted above).⁵

14

Purdie employed Joseph Davenport, printer; John Clarkson, his nephew, printer; and Samuel Major.. printer. Davenport and Clarkson lived with Purdie in 1777.¹

December, 1777 finds Purdie still in difficulty about paper used in publishing the Gazette:

[December 12, 1777]

I am sorry to inform my kind customers, that, for want of PAPER, I shall be obliged to stop the publication of the Gazette after the 19th instant, unless I get a speedy supply, which I look for daily both from France and the Southward --- I request the favour of all persons indebted to me to make speedy payment, that I may have it in my power to purchase materials for my business, which are now extravagantly dear, and difficult to be met with.
ALEX: PURDIE.²

In March, 1778 Purdie had minor repairs made to the printing office:

1778 March 20th
To Mending office Steps, & Chimney back 7/6 & labrs work 2/ --- £ .9.6

³

On October 10, 1778 Purdie wrote George Webb, treasurer of the Commonwealth, his financial difficulties in regard to printing and getting out the Virginia Gazettes and to printing for the state as Public Printer. Cost of paper, difficulty in securing paper, difficulties in hiring efficient pressmen and compositors &c, were discussed in detail. This was followed by entreaty to assist him.⁴

15

On October 20, 1778 the House of Delegates passed the petition of Alexander Purdie, public printer, "[that he] be allowed the sum of fifteen hundred pounds per annum for his services as public printer. That the treasurer be directed to purchase any quantity of paper not exceeding 250 reams, to be delivered to Mr. Purdie for the use of the public. That the treasurer be directed to advance to Mr. Purdie the sum of twelve hundred pounds, to be deducted out of his salary."¹

A few days later Purdie petitioned again thus:

[October 24, 1778]

A petition of Alexander Purdie, the public printer, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that in the course of the last twelve months, he incurred a debt in the public store for paper, which was chiefly expended in the business of the country; that his presses are frequently out of order, and praying a remission of the said debt; and that the public blacksmith may be directed to make the necessary repairs to his said presses as occasion may require.²

No sources have come to light indicating that the "public blacksmith," James Anderson, was called in to repair Purdie's presses.

On May 8, 1779 it was recorded in the Journal of the House of Delegates that "by the death of Alexander Purdie, the office of public printer is vacant."³

Purdie's last will and testament, recorded in York County of April 12, 1779, follows:

[April 12, 1779]

[Will of Alexander Purdie, printer,
Williamsburg]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Alexander Purdie do make and Ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following, to wit,

I Give and devise to my Nephew John Clarkson one Mourning Ring of the value of fifteen pounds sterling- 16 I give and bequeath to my Wife Peachy the following Negro Slaves to her and her Heirs, to wit, Jack Booker, Betty, Alice and her Child, Billy

I give and devise to my Executors herein after named all the rest and residue of my Estate both real & personal to be sold by them or the Survivor of them for the purposes herein after mentioned either for ready Money or on Credit as they shall think fit and do hereby authorise my said Executors or the Survivor of them to convey the same to the Purchasers thereof and their Heirs-

I give and bequeath to my said Wife Peachey and to her Heirs one fourth part of all the Money which may arise from the Sales of my Estate aforesaid except that part of the same which shall arise from the Sales of the Slaves-

I do hereby appoint my Friends John Minson Galt and Robert Anderson Executors of this my Will and also Guardians to my Children, James, Hugh and Alexander and to each of my said Executors I give and bequeath one Mourning Ring of the value of fifteen Pounds Sterling each-

I give and bequeath to my said Sons, James, Hugh and Alexander all the rest and Residue of the Money arising by the Sales of my Estate to be equally divided between them and their respective Parts to be paid them when they shall arrive at the Age of twenty one Years And in Case any of them shall die before they Arrive at that Age then his or their Part to go to the Survivor or the Survivors jointly-

It is my desire that my Wife and Children remain in my dwelling House during the Term of six Months at the expense of my Estate and that the Servants or a sufficient number of them be kept there during that Term to attend my said Children But in case my said Executors shall think proper to dispose of my said Children otherwise during that Term they are to have power to do And in that case they may proceed to the Sale of the Slaves as is before directed, but my said Wife shall have the use of the dwelling, outhouses and Lotts during the said Term clear of any Rent-

I direct that all my sons be bound out to Trades at the Discretion of their said Guardians, the said James immediately and the others whenever they shall be of proper Age and duly qualified; and in the mean time I direct that they shall be educated and maintained at the expence of my Estate and also that my said Executors give with every of them whatever Apprentice Fee they shall think proper.

Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Thomas Nicolson, ed., Richmond, Va.

I further direct that after discharging my Debts and the Legacies to my said Wife, Nephew and Executors all the rest of the Money arising by the Sales of my said Estate be put to Interest for the use of my said Sons to be paid them in Manner before mentioned-

It is my Will that the Legacies and Devises to my said Wife herein before mentioned shall go in Lieu of her Dower-

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal this twelfth Day of April One thousand, seven hundred and seventy nine.

A. Purdie. (L.S.)
Signed, Sealed published and
Declared by the Testator as and for
his last Will and Testament
In Presence of us...
Thomas Russell
Joseph Hay
John May

[The will had one codicil:]

17

April the twelfth 1779 It is my further Will and desire that all my ready Money and outstanding Debts be divided in the same Manner and the rest of my personal Estate that is to say one fourth Part thereof to be allotted to my said Wife and one fourth Part to my said Children under the same Limitations as before is Mentioned…¹

In the will, there is no mention of Purdie's printing-office or business. However, in the appraisement there are items listed which must have been equipment of the printing-office. At least some of the items were there, such as: 22 sheets parchment, 10 years Gazettes, a pair scales and weights, ink stands and sand box, 40 lbs. lamp black, 2 press stones, 4 stools, 2 presses complete £150, 500 £ types, 6 cases, 4 frames, 4 composing sticks, bellows, shears, gallies, imposing stone and frame, 1 screw press complete, 2 casks with linseed oil, etc.²

John Clarkson, a nephew of Purdie's, had been working as printer with his uncle. On May 8, 1779 Clarkson with Augustine Davis, petitioned the House to be elected public printers to succeed the late Purdie.³ They stated that "they have for some time past conducted the business of the late Mr. Purdie's printing office, and praying that they may be elected to the vacancy occasioned by his death ..." They were appointed shortly afterwards.⁴

The July 3, 1779 Issue of the Virginia Gazette, was the first issue [now extant] which carried the colophon: "Printed by JOHN CLARKSON & AUGUSTINE DAVIS, Printers to the Commonwealth." This continued on each issue until May, 1780 when it was left off.

In November, 1779 Clarkson and Davis outlined their difficulties in 18 business thus:

THE great increase of all the necessaries of life, and the very extravagant prices which we are obliged to give for paper and every other article used in the printing business, compels us to raise the price of our Gazette to Fifty Dollars per annum; one half the money to be paid down at the time of subscribing, and the other at the expiration of the year.--- We shall continue the papers at the old price to the present customers until their subscription is out, at which time they will be discontinued unless orders are given to the contrary --All persons who are in arrears to us for our Gazettes, &c. are desired to discharge the same immediately, that we may be enabled to lay in a stock of printing paper. CLARKSON and DAVIS.¹

The December 22, 1779 session of the House of Delegates passed the following resolution relating to Purdie's estate:

…
Your committee find, that the sum of twelve hundred pounds was advanced, to be deducted out of his annual salary of fifteen hundred pounds.. which was to become due on the first day of October last past; that exclusive of the twelve hundred pounds, one hundred reams of paper was purchased at the price of one thousand pounds, and delivered to him for the public use; that eighteen hundred copies of the acts of October session, 1778, are charged to the public, but no satisfactory account of more than two-thirds of that number having been delivered; that two hundred and fifty copies of the Journals of the same session are charged, which Journals have not yet been printed.

Resolved... That the accounts of the said Alexander Purdie, deceased, late public printer, ought to be settled by a court of law and that the Attorney General be directed to prosecute the same on behalf the Commonwealth ....²

The Constitutional Post Office continued at the location, formerly Purdie's. There is a reference to the post office being at "Mr. Clarkson's" in February, 1780.³

When the Capital of Virginia was moved from Williamsburg to Richmond in 1779, Clarkson and Davis were expected to move also. A petition by them to the General Assembly of May 12, 1780 stated that:

… Messrs. Clarkson & Davis, the public printers, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that 19 notwithstanding their utmost endeavors, they have not been able to procure a house in the town of Richmond, proper for the exercise of the public printing business under their direction; that the salary heretofore allowed them by the General Assembly, is become very inadequate to the purposes for which it was intended; and praying that farther time may be allowed them to procure a proper printing house in Richmond, that they may be continued public printers, and their salary increased.¹

Clarkson and Davis, evidently, continued to use Purdie's printing presses and equipment. They could have bought them from the estate but no source has been found to bear out this statement. However, a reference to "the printing press at Williamsburg" raises the question as to whether it was Purdie's or the property of the State:

[December 14, 1780]

Resolved, That inquiry ought to be made whether the printing press at Williamsburg is public property: and if so, that the Governor direct the removal of it to the town of Richmond, that Messrs. Dunlap and Hayes may be availed of its use, until they can more effectually furnish themselves with the means of prosecuting their printing business.²

Issue of December 9, 1780 is the last extant issue of Clarkson and Davis' Virginia Gazette, published in Williamsburg. Clarkson seems to have disappeared from the Virginia scene; Davis moved to Richmond working his printing craftsmanship there.³

A thorough search into available source materials has produced nothing further as to the settlement of Purdie's estate in account with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) indicates several buildings 20 on what appears to be Lot 20: one flush to the street facing north, and several smaller buildings to the rear.¹

Settlement of Purdie's estate in Williamsburg seems involved. There was a transaction in June, 1779 in which Samuel Beall,² merchant, paid Purdie's executors £3000 of the inflated currency of Virginia at which time Beall was granted that part of Lot 20 formerly Tarpley's.³ It was not entirely the property of Beall until September, 1782, (to follow in the report).

On September 17, 1782 a deed from "James Pride of the County of James City... [to] John Minson Galt and Robert Anderson executors of the last Will and Testament of Alexander Purdie..." for a consideration of 600 pounds current money of Virginia conveyed:

...all that piece or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of York and on Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg and 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 Nicholsons Lott and on the West by [the] Pump Street being part of that Lott or parcel of Land denoted in the plan of the City of Williamsburg by the Figure or Number 20 and which said Piece or Parcel of land was Sold... by Henry Weatherbourn formerly of the City of Williamsburg to Messieurs Tarpley & Thompson of the said City Merchants and by the said Tarpley & Thompson sold to the said James Pride and all Houses ....

⁴

The first part of the 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 ...."

Within a few days following the above transaction, Purdie's executors 21 conveyed to Samuel Beall:

[Consideration: 3000 Pounds paper Currency of Virginia, September 30, 1782]

…Between John Minson Galt and Robert Anderson Executors of the last will and Testament of Alexander Purdie... and Samuel Beall, [Williamsburg] Merchant... 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 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 [James] Pride... by Deed bearing date the seventeenth day of September one Thousand seven hundred and eighty two and all Houses ....¹

[Recorded October 21, 1782]

The same day the above was recorded, the following indenture between the executors of Purdie and Samuel Beall was copied into court files:

[abstract]

For £3OOO 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....²

²

Apparently, Beall moved from his stand across the street to his new lot with storehouse thereon soon afterwards the September deed:

[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....³

If Beall did move into the storehouse on lot 20 in the latter part of 1779, Clarkson and Davis, the printers who succeeded Purdie, must have operated the printing office in the small building east (Lot 21). This building was mentioned 22 in an advertisement by Purdie's executors, May 8, 1779 as "the unexpired lease of the adjoining house, used as a composing and press room."¹

If Beall moved into the storehouse on Lot 20 in 1779, he carried the following items for sale there:

[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, calico, variety of silk and linen handkerchiefs, window glass 8 by 10, knives and forks, pen-knives, needles, mens shoes and saddles, China tea cups and saucers, ivory and horn combs, 6d 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.²

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 linens, 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.³

[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, flannel, 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, knapkining, men and womens shoes, coarse hats, metal buttons, [illeg.] pins, shoe buckles, ivory and horn combs, temple 23 spectacles, cutteaus, 6d. 8d. 10d. and 20d. nails, alum, salt, bohea tea, jesuits bark, &c. &c.
SAMUEL BEALL.

Williamsburg, October 16, 1780.

¹

In 1782 Williamsburg land Tax records indicate that Beall was owner of 3 lots valued for tax purposes at £3. There are no personal property taxes for Beall in the city but he is taxed with personal property in York county from 1782-1789.²

Beall was still operating the store in 1783 for a merchant advertised in December 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..."³

Another source for knowing that Beall's store was operating on 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 esquire on the West,…"⁴

On December 2, 1783 John Page wrote to Governor Harrison regarding permission for Samuel Beall to import engineering instruments for making the boundary of Pennsylvania, rather than buy them in Philadelphia.⁵

Robert Wormeley Carter refers to "Mr Beall Merchant in Williamsburgh" 24 in his Diary dated July 14, 1785.¹

From 1780-1785 Beall had certain repairs done at the store:

1780		Dr
May 4	To Sundary Work Done at The Store to amount-	£ 26.11.7
August 14	To 2 bus lime 1/6 & Repairing Store Steps	Cr
	6 & labours work 2/- ------------------	- . 9.6
1784	…	Dr
1785	…
		Cr
July 5	…& Build[ing] pr Steps to Store 15/------	1.15.-
July 6	By 6 Bushls lime take from Store 6/------	-. 6.-
Septemr 21	By 235 brick from Store -----------------	0. 6.-2

Beall had died sometime in 1793. His house and plantation in or near Williamsburg was offered for sale:

[October 30, 1793]

Samuel Beale's (dec'd) House and Plantation situate in Williamsburg to be sold — outhouse, garden &c. Apply to Benjamin Waller.³

A more detailed description followed in December, 1793:

[December 6, 1793]

To be Sold,
Situate in Williamsburg The House and Plantation late the property of Mr. Samuel Beall, decd. The Land contains about 400 acres, part meadow, the remainder fit for the culture of tobacco, corn or any kind of grain.

The House is very commodious, replete with out Houses for servants and all convenient and useful offices, near it are springs producing excellent water in great abundance. The garden is large, abounding with fruit and vegetables. Situate in an excellent neighborhood, this estate comprises a profitable and delightful residence for a genteel family.

For particulars apply to Benjamin Waller, Esq; in Williamsburg.⁴

As the storehouse in the city owned by Beall was not mentioned in the 25 notices quoted on the preceding page, it is assumed that it had been sold at this time.

Williamsburg land Tax records - which begin in 1782 - list Samuel Beall as owner of "3 lots with tax valuation £3."¹ In 1786 Beall is listed as owner of only two lots. As William Rowsay who owned Lot 21 to the east, died in 1787 and stated in his will that he had purchased a lot from Beall [no date given], it looks as conclusive evidence that Beall sold lot 20 to Rowsay ca. 1785.²

Rowsay's will, proved in the Hustings Court of Williamsburg on February 5, 1787 gives details of Beall's ownership:

[February 5, 1787]

…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 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...³

For further details of Rowsay, see house history of Lot 21, and Silversmith's Reports Research Department.

The College Map (1791?) numbers the Lot "20" and "Rowsay" also.⁴

Beall's estate seems to have kept the property until ca. 1802 according 26 to the Land Tax records.¹ It looks as though Rowsay bought from Beall's estate as Rowsay is charged in 1803 with 3 lots.²

There is every indication that Frances Rowsay, widow of William Rowsay, married Benjamin Powell.³ Rowsay's estate was held together until 1819. In 1820 Frances Powell was charged with "1 lot valued for tax purposes at $675; sum added for buildings $600 Formerly chargd to William Rowsay's Est."⁴

In 1806 an insurance policy (No. 618) to William Russell, locates his dwelling on the main street with Mrs. Lively and William Rowsay as his western boundary.⁵

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 hired from Frances Powell decd."⁶ Walker conveyed in 1828 to Moses Sweeney at the same valuation "Via Edward Walker"; and Sweeney conveyed the same lot with same valuations in 1831 to Roscow Cole⁷ "Via Moses Sweeney and Eliza his wife."⁸

Cole's store was on Lot 162 (now known as "Norton-Cole House") from 1811 to ca. 1854. From 1820 to ca. 1838 he was owner of the property now known as "James City Court House Site" where he maintained his dwelling house.⁹ As 27 far as research could find, Cole never operated his store at lot 20. He in all probability, rented it.

Cole seems to have held the property until ca. 1851.

The title could not be traced from about 1851 to 1874. Probably this was due to the burning of records during the Civil War. No other sources available have cleared up this gap in the title at this period.

From 1874 to 1928 when the property was bought by Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin representing the Williamsburg Restoration, the title and property owners are complete.¹

In 1928 Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg, described the houses he remembered in Williamsburg during the Civil War period. He recalled the house then standing on the Tarpley Store site thus:

…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.²

Illustration #1

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

Illustration #2

Williamsburg Land Tax Records:

1782--	Samuel Beall -------	3 lots ----------	£3
1784--	Samuel Beall -------	3 lots ----------	£3
1786--	Samuel Beall -------	2 lots ---------	£3
1789--	Samuel Beall -------	2 lots -----------	$83.34
1798--	William Rowsay Est ---	5 lots---------	$83.34
1806--	William Rowsay Est ----	5 lots---------	$100
1820--	Frances Powell---------	1 lot -----------	$675 lot & bldgs; buildings $600
1826--	Edward Walker ---------	1 lot-----------	$675 lot & bldgs; buildings $600
1828--	Moses Sweeney ---------	1 lot----------	$675 lot & bldgs; buildings $600 Via Edward Walker
1831—	Roscow Cole ------------	1 lot-----------	$675 lot & bldgs; buildings $600 Via Moses Sweeney and Eliza his wife
1851--	Roscow Cole -----------	1 lot--------	$900 lot & bldgs; buildings $700

[Chain to title as copied from files in Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, prepared by Vernon Geddy]

1874--	Madora F. Yerby via Henry Peters
1878--	William H. E. Morecock Via Madora F. Yerby and William H. Yerby
1882--	Jacob Hecht Via Wm. H. E. Morecock and wife, property known as the storehouse lot of Wm. H. E. Morecock
1887--	Angelica Cary Bacon, wife of John Richard Bacon Via Hecht
1889--	L. Tyler Davis Via Angelica Cary Bacon and J. R. Bacon
1891--	L. B. Mahone via Thomas B. Mahone
1910--	Sarah E. Mahone via Thomas B. Mahone
1916--	R. W. Mahone via Sarah E. Mahone and Thomas B. Mahone
1929--	W. A. R. Goodwin via R. W. Mahone and wife

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

Illustration #5
LIST OF PURDIE'S FRINTINGS:

Swem: A Bibliography of Virginia, part III, pp. 68-71 (Richmond: 1919)
part II, p. 1063 (Richmond: 1917)
Appendix I:
Documents Relating to Alexander Purdie
Public Printer
To George Webb, treasurer, from A. Purdie,
July 4, 1777.Ibid.,
part II, Appendix I, p. 1064
October 10, 1778
[letter from A. Purdie to George Webb, treasurer]

Sir,
I had determined to wait upon you, but being now laid up with a bad leg, I hope it will apologise for that necessary Duty. What I wanted to communicate to you, and which I beg you will this Day mention to the House in my Behalf, is as follows: Notwithstanding my most assiduous Endeavours to procure printing Ink, and a good Journeyman (both of which I am entirely at a loss for) I have been unfortunately disappointed. Mr. Hazard & Col. Finnie exerted themselves, while in Philadelphia, to procure them for me. — Paper is now risen to an enormous Height. That which before I could have purchased for ten Shillings a Ream is now charged at £8 the Ream, and Gazette Paper £9 pr. Ream. This you may be satisfied of by Col. Braxton's letter to me. Journeymen's Wages are now more than doubled, and they expect an Augmentation, Board being so high. Every Article in Life is at an enormous Price, of which every Gentleman may be easily acquainted with. When I had the publick Business conferred on me, a Cargo of Books, to the Amount of £853 Sterlg., arrived from London, which I have sold, at least, for between £3 and £4000 Currency, which is all expended in my business, without remitting one Farthing for them. And I am now indebted to the publick Store upwards of £500, for Paper chiefly expended in the publick Service, and not any Part of my Salary due to me, being constrained to take it up quarterly, to answer the Calls of my Business and House-keeping. The former Pay of a Printer was £450 £475 pr Ann. and for half binding the laws and Journals he had £150 more. I leave every Gentleman to judge how superior that Salary was to the Salaries that have been paid for these three years past. It has been often mentioned, that a State Gazette is wanted, which would give all the News, and be entirely at the publick Service. This I am convinced is highly necessary; but as Matters stand, when the Paper sent to each Customer, before printed, costs the Printer more than the whole Year's Subscription, Advertisements must be taken in, to keep him from being entirely ruined. Paper, &c being found to the Printer by the Country, as well for this Purpose as for Laws & Journals, would be the only Method to support a good Press, paying the Printer and his Men for their labour. Notwithstanding Paper and other Materials, for the Revisal of the laws, have been repeatedly wrote for, not an Article has arrived. Upon the whole, Sir, I beg you will acquaint the House with what I have related to you, being consistent with perfect Truth, that they may take the same into Consideration, and give me such assistance as they may think proper. The Treasurer would be the proper Person to purchase Paper, &c. as the Printer would be more likely to succeed in his Applications with one Man than a Number, who may not all be acquainted with his Busines, or perhaps of contrary Sentiments. I beg you will excuse this Freedom from, Sir,
Your Obt. & obliged Hum. Servt.
A. PURDIE.

Octr. 10th 1778.

A state of Expenses which will attend the printing of the Journal of the House of Delegates, and the Acts of Assembly, supposing two sessions in a year.

For Paper for the above Purposes, 200 Reams, at £8 pr. Ream	£l6OO
Two Compositors, at £20O pr. Ann. each	400
One half of a good white Pressman's Wages	100
Two Negroes, at £50 each, for Pressmen	100
Bookbinding Expenses	100
Printers Ink, Parchment, &c., &c	100
Paper for the different Inspections, for Tobacco Notes, Paper, &c 50 Reams, at £8 pr. Ream	400
	£2800

The above is the present Price of Paper, but if the Assembly direct it to be imported, with a few other Articles, they may be had immensely cheaper. For instance, 250 Reams of Paper might be got for £500 and that would allow full 300 pr. ct. upon first cost. Ink, Parchment, &c. would be merely trifling.
A. PURDIE.

Ibid., Appendix M, pp. 1069-1070.
Petition of Clarkson & Davis, (1780)Ibid., Appendix T, p. 1073.
Purchase of Printing Materials from B. Franklin during the War
re: Purdie