Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot 19 is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg. It is bounded on the east by a cross street, on the west by Lot 18, on the north by Duke of Gloucester Street and on the south by Francis Street.

HISTORY: (In Summary)

The earliest known owner of the lot was Thomas Ravenscroft who conveyed the property in 1723 to Cole Digges for a consideration of two hundred pounds current money. There were buildings on the lot at the time. Dudley Digges became the owner and was followed by William Withers, who in 1760 conveyed a small strip to William Holt and the remaining part to William Carter, physician. In 1764 Dr. Carter rented Hugh Walker, merchant, one half of the large cellar under the brick house and several other rooms. A map was included with the lease. The other half of the large cellar under the brick house with several other rooms was leased by Carter to Robert Anderson, surgeon. In 1766 William Cosby and F. Moore had a riding chair shop "back of Dr. William Carter's brick building." It looks as though Cosby remained at this stand until May, 1768. A deed of trust was given by Dr. Carter in 1767 - on this property along with all his other property in Williamsburg and elsewhere - to his brothers, John and James Carter. In October J. Eilbeck, merchant, was "at the large brick house nearly opposite to the Post Office." In the spring of 1768 James Patterson, watch repairer, announced that he was located at "the brick house opposite Mr. Baker's store." By March, 1770, Mary Davis was established at "Dr. Carter's large brick house" where she took roomers. She also advertised at this time that she had "rented Dr. Carter's large brick house, on the main street in Williamsburg." In her advertisement Mary Davis gives a good picture of the size of the brick house — twelve to fourteen rooms and notes that a partition of brick divides the house into two parts. She also states that another house on the lot was large enough for a family. In June, 1770, Carter entered into an agreement with Thomas Walne and Richard Davis to lease "his part of the large Brick House and Lot whereon they now live and all other Houses thereto belonging." Repairs to the place were mentioned as already made — which repairs were the financial obligation of Walne and Davis, and any repair work to be done in the future. The same month Walker leased "his half of the large cellar under the brickhouse called Doctor William Carter's" to William Acrill. In 1771 and 1772 "the brick house" was given as a location for Richard Davis, Mary Davis and Margaret Hunter. By January,1773, Richard Davis had rented "BRICK HOUSE TAVERN" to Richard Hunt Singleton who used it as a tavern until his death in April, 1774. At this period, Mrs. Singleton remained thereon. In 1774 Patrick Beech, jeweller, was "At the BRICK SHOP opposite Mr. TURNER'S Store"; and in October, 1775 James Nichols, perukemaker, "opened shop in the corner room of the brick house, where Mrs. Singleton lives." By June, 1776 Nichols had moved out and Adam Ekart, merchant, was using it as a store. In March, 1777, Milon and Horance, merchants, were occupying "the Brick House next Door above Mr. Purdie's Printing Office" where they sold general merchandise and wines. In July, 1771, Monsieur de Glovey was staying "at doctor William Carter's brick house" awaiting orders to draw "plans of cities, counties and gentlemens seats." In 1778 Dr. Carter began to advertise his "houses and lot". He continued to advertise his property at different times but it was not sold until ca. 1799. During this period the Williamsburg property was occupied by Thomas Brend, bookbinder, who was "at the shop in the corner of Carter's Brick house" in 1780; Low & Anderson, merchants, perhaps, occupied a part of the house from 1785-1787. Repairs were made to Carter's property in 1780 amounting to £120. In 1796 Carter insured his property in Williamsburg thus: "The Brick buildings...occupied by Jackson Saunders...valued at $1100." By 1800 Leroy Anderson was the owner. He had a store and was Postmaster. In 1807 Simon Block, merchant, gained possession of 1/2 of the house. Both Block and Anderson insured their part of the property in 1811. Block's half of the house was on the east, and Anderson's half was west. About 1817 Thomas Sands, carpenter, became the owner of both sections of the house. He, Sands, occupied one half of the building and his son, Thomas Sands, Jr., lived in the other half. There were a number of insurance policies covering the property up to 1842 when a disastrous fire totally destroyed the buildings on the lot. Sand's estate held the property until ca. 1854. Robert Anderson was the next owner. He held it until his death in 1871. In 1881 James A. Cabell became the owner. A new house had been built (perhaps by Anderson) and was occupied by John E. Speed. Cabell conveyed to James L. Slater in 1895. In 1929 Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin became owner via Salter's heirs…In 1938 the property was conveyed to Colonial Williamsburg.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a long house flush to the Duke of Gloucester or Main street with a small dependency toward the south. The Bucktrout-Lively Map (1867) from the Bucktrout Map (1807) indicates "Byrd" and "19" at this lot.

Further details of the history of the lot with buildings can be found in the house history to follow.

	Thos Ravenscroft
1723	- Cole Digges	2 lots "17 & 18" [18 & 19] £200
1744	- Dudley Digges
17--	- Wm Withers
1760	- Wm Holt	[5 1/2 feet of lot 19 & all of lot 18] £350
1761	- Wm Carter	[all of lot 19 except 5 ½ ft. owned by Holt] £375
1764	- Hugh Walker	[1/2 cellar under brickhouse (#3)]
		2 rooms of #1
		2 rooms above (#6 second floor)
	- Robt Anderson	[½ cellar (#4)]
		2 rooms (#6 east end)
		wooden shop south of large brick house
1767	- John & James Carter	(mortgage) [lot 19 except Holt part]

	RENTERS
1766 Mch.	- Wm Cosby & F. Moore "shop back of brickhouse riding chair business"
1766 Dec.	- Wm Cosby
1767 Oct.	- J. Eilbeck, mercht.
1768	- Jas. Patterson
1769	- Freer Armiston, chandler & Soap Boilder "between brick house & Mrs. Rathells"
1770 Mch.	- Mary Davis rented brick house for lodgers. 12 or 14 rooms; 2 parts to house divided lengthwise by brick partition; another house on lot separate from first, suitable for a family.
1770 June	- W m. Acrill via Hugh Walker
1770	- Richard Davis & Thos. Walne, renters,
1771 May	- Richard Davis, the brick house, stable & pastures &c.
1771 June	- Margaret Hunter, milliner, "corner store in Dr. Carter's Brick House"
1772 Oct.	- Richard Davis, lodgings,
1772 Dec.	- brick house for rent by Davis, also wooden store
1773 Jan.	- Rich. Hunt Singleton "at Brick House Tavern lately oc. by Rich. Davis." stabblage &c.
1774 Oct.	- Patrick Beech
1775 Oct.	- James Nichols, perukemaker, "shop in corner room of brick house where Mrs. Singleton lives."
1776 June	- Adam Ekart, merchant "corner store of Carter's brick house"
1777 Mch.	- Milon & Horance, merchants "Brick House next Door above Purdie Printing Office."

		1777 July	- Glovay "at brick House."
1779	- repairs by Carter	1780 Aug.	- Thomas Brend, bookbinder, "shop at the corner of Carter's Brickhouse." shop in rear used for riding chair establishment.
1780	- repairs £120

1770	- Hugh Walker to Wm Acrill £200	½ cellar 3 & 2 rooms #4
1770	- Wm. Holt to James Anderson	2 rooms #6
1778	- Wm. Carter adv. "houses. . . where I now live for sale."
1783	- Robt Anderson to Dr. Wm Carter £160	1/2 cellar #4 [formerly Walker's]
		2 rooms #6 [east end]
1796	- Wm Carter brickhouse 80x34	oc. by Jackson Saunders	adj. Jas. Anderson & Mrs. Powell
	shop 20x16
1806	- Leroy Anderson brickhouse 40x34

	smith shop
	20x20
1811	- Leroy Anderson	Dw. 40x34 A(West)	oc. Wm Vass	adj. Simon Block
	Simon Block	Dw. 40x34 (East)	oc. by Block	1. brick house
1813	- R.E. Griffith		oc. by John Anderson
1815	- Robt. E. Griffith	Dw. 40x40	oc. John Anderson	adj. Simon Block
	Simon Block	Dw. 40x34	unoccupied	½ brick house east
1823	- Thos. Sands	Dw. A	oc. by Thos. Sands Thos. Sands. Sr. east Jr.
	Thos. Sands Sr.	Dw.	oc. by self
1830	- Thos. Sands	Dw. A 40x34 (east)	oc. self
		Dw. B 40x34 (west)	oc. by John E. Speed
		Kitchen
1839	- Thos. Sands	half dw. (East) A	oc. Thos. Sands
		half Dw. (West) B	oc. Thos. Sands
		Kitchen
		shop
		stable

1841	- Sheldon & Maupin (deed of trust from Sands)
1842	- Fire at Sands. [Sands went to Yates' lot to live March, 1842]
1842	- Sands property sold: "2 lots $1900"
	Robert Anderson [probably the buyer]
1846	- Robt. Anderson owner to 1881.
1881	- J.A. Cabell
1884	- Wm. Hillman (88 ft. main street & 152 ft. back)
1895	- James L. Slater
1899	- Ida Canaday
1913	- E. M. Canaday
1924	- Moseley
1925	- Robinette R. Slater
1927	- W.A.R. Goodwin via Slater
1929	- Williamsburg Holding Corporation via Goodwin
1938	- Williamsburg Restoration Inc.
1938	- Colonial Williamsburg Inc.

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

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot #19 is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, with Botetourt Street as an eastern boundary and Francis Street as a southern boundary. On late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century maps of the city it is numbered "19" with "Byrd" as name of owner. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map on opposite page. The Bucktrout Map of Williamsburg (1807) revised by Lively (1867) shows "Leroy Anderson" on the lot but has no numbering. See: Bucktrout-Lively Map, copy, in Research Department.

HISTORY:

A thorough search into the court records of York County has not revealed the name or names of the earliest owner of this lot. From the evidence of a later deed, it is apparent that Cole Digges came into the property via Thomas Ravenscroft in 1723. Just how long Ravenscroft had been the owner is not known. At the time of Ravenscroft's conveyance to Digges, there was a building thereon. The deed of conveyance follows:

[November 16, 1723]

[Thomas Ravenscroft¹ of James City County
Elizabeth, his wife,
to
Cole Digges²
Consideration: 200 pounds current money of Virginia]

"… All them their two lots or two half Acres of Land in the City of W^msburgh scituate lying & being in or upon the South Side of Duke of Gloster Street in the said City designed in the Plot or draught thereof by y^e Numbers or figures 17 & 18 together with all 2 houses [and] outhouses Edifices gardens orchards Woods wells waters & water courses and all other improvements advantages privileges and appurtenences thereunto belonging… TO HAVE AND TO HOLD… forever… IN WITNESS…
Tho^s Ravenscroft (Seal)
Eliz^a Ravenscroft (Seal)"³

[Recorded York County Court Dec. 16, 1723]

The lot numbers, 17 & 18, probably is an error of the county clerk in copying. At this date, Lots 16 & 17 were owned by John James Flournoy, watchmaker.⁴ A deed of 1761 indicates that Lots 18 & 19 (not described by numbers but by boundaries) had once been owned by Dudley Digges [son of Cole Digges].⁵

It is not known at what date William Withers⁶ became owner of Lots 18 & 19. Withers was living in Williamsburg in 1754 as secretary to Governor Dinwiddie. As Dinwiddie came into office in 1751, it is possible that Withers became Dinwiddie's secretary then. At any rate, in 1760, Withers conveyed a small strip of the western part of Lot 19 to William Holt, merchant:

[November 18, 1760]

[William Withers, merchant of Williamsburg,
to
William Holt, merchant of Williamsburg
Consideration: 350 pounds current money of Virginia]

"…that Lot of half acre of Land situate lying and being on the main Street in the said City on the South Side thereof now in the Tenure and occupation of Christianna Campbell denoted in the Plan of 3 the city by the figures 18 and also part of the Lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit: five and a half feet in Breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining Lott on the said Street and from the street a Strait Line to be run through the said Lott to the End thereof on the back Street Parallel to the East Side of the said Lott first above mentioned. And all Buildings gardens Ways…forever…
William Withers (L.S.)"¹

[Recorded York County Court January 18, 1761]

In March, 1761, Withers conveyed the remaining part of Lot 19 to Dr. William Carter:²

[March 16, 1761]

[William Withers, merchant, Williamsburg,
to
William Carter, apothecary, Williamsburg,
Consideration: 375 pounds current money of Virginia]

"…All that piece or parcel of Ground Situate lying and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City and bounded as followeth on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by a cross Street running from Duke of Gloucester Street to Francis Street on the South by Francis Street and on the West by the ground sold by the said William Withers to William Holt Merchant, and is the remaining part of those two Lotts or half acres of Ground purchased by the said William Withers of Dudley Digges of the Town of York Gent...And all houses outhouses…forever…IN WITNESS…
William Withers (L.S.)"³

[Recorded York County Records March 16, 1761]

Withers may have operated a store at the location as he is designated in the deed as "merchant." In 1768 he was one of the plaintiffs in a chancery suit against Dr. Peter Hay's estate for debts. Most of the plaintiff were Williamsburg merchants and craftsmen.⁴ However, we have found nothing further concerning Withers' store in the city except this item. The estate of Joshua West, Williamsburg, owed Withers £18.17.2.⁵

4

Just what use Dr. Carter put the property to is not known. At this date (1761), he owned the lots on the Palace Street and was occupying them as a residence.¹

In February, 1764, Dr. Carter conveyed to Hugh Walker,² merchant, Williamsburg, the use of certain rooms under the brick house:

[February 16, 1764]

[William Carter-surgeon, Williamsburg,
Rebecca, his wife,
to
Hugh Walker, merchant, Williamsburg,
Consideration: 300 pounds current money]

"...HAVE Granted, Bargained, Sold... One half the large Cellar under the Brick house of the said William situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City denoted in the plan of the said House hereto annexed by N^o. 3. the two rooms on the lower Floor of the said House N^o. 4. and the two Rooms on the second Floor above N^o. 6. being over the two Rooms below N^o. 6. as denoted in the said Plan and all the Estate Right Title and Interest of them the said William and Rebecca his Wife of in and to the same with the use and Privilege of all ways, steps, and stairs leading to and from the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and singular the premises with the Appurtenances unto the said Hugh Walker his Heirs and Assigns to the only use and behoof of him the said Hugh Walker his Heirs & Assigns forever. And the said William Carter for himself & his Heirs doth covenant and Grant to and with the said Hugh Walker his Heirs and Assigns by these Presents that he the said William Carter and his Heirs all and singular, the Premises with the Appurtenances hereby Bargained & Sold, unto the said Hugh Walker his Heirs and Assigns Against the lawful Claim and Demand of all and every Persons whatsoever shall and will Warrant and for ever defend, and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Hugh Walker his Heirs and Assigns to inclose and continue inclosed as long as he and they shall think proper the Ground behind his back Room below N.A. as near the line markt out with dots in the said plan as may be and that the passage to the back Yard and the back Yard (except the said inclusure) and the eight feet wide passage across the said Williams' Lot as denoted in the said Plan shall remain and be in common for the use of the said Hugh Walker, his Heirs and Assigns and the said William Carter and his Heirs and Assigns to pass and repass as they shall have occasion provided always that the Said William and his Heirs and Assigns may, at any time have the liberty Above: Plan of W.C. Brick House & Wooden House with 2 passages to the Back Yard. The Back Yard to be common to all purchasers & present owners.
Below: Cellars & ground back for use of the Owners. 5 to inclose a small piece of Ground adjoining his or their back Door, or Doors below without prejudicing the owner of the next Room to him, in the same manner as is herein before allowed the said Hugh. AND the said Hugh Walker for himself, and his Heirs doth hereby covenant and grant to and with the said William Carter his Heirs and Assigns that he the said Hugh Walker, and his Heirs shall and will within a Year from the date of these presents at his or their own expence put and build a Cellar Cap to the East end of the said William's Cellar N^o. 6. and a Cellar Cap in Front of the said Hugh's Cellar N^o. 3. and stop up the present Cellar Cap to the said Cellars, and also erect a Brick partition dividing his Cellar N^o. 3. from the Cellar N^o 4 IN WITNESS whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto inter-changeably set their hands and affixed their Seals the day and Year above written

SEALED and delivered
in presence of
John Prentis W^m Holt by Mrs
Carter

N.B. The Brick Partition dividing H. Walker's Cellar N^o 3. from Bob Anderson's Cellar N^o 4. is to be erected at their own Expence as p^r their Agreement with W^m Carter.
William Carter (L.S.)
Rebecca Carter (L.S.)

James Geddy
Daniel Hoye
Janathan Eyre

[a full page map plan is inserted here]

RECEIVED February the 16^th 1764 of the within named Hugh Walker £300 Current Money the consideration within mentioned to be by him paid to me.
William Carter (L.S.)
Rebecca Carter (L.S.)"

¹ [Recorded York County Court Feb. 20, 1764]

From the "N.B." near the end of the deed above, we see that Bob (Robert) Anderson² was already using Cellar #4. In August, 1764, Carter granted the use of Cellar #4 and other rooms above to Anderson:

[August 8, 1764]

[William Carter-surgeon, Williamsburg,
Rebecca, his wife,
to
Robert Anderson-surgeon, Williamsburg
Consideration: 225 pounds current money]

"…Have Granted…One half the large Cellar under the Brick House of the said William Carter situate on the South Side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City denoted in the Plan of the 6 said House annexed to a Deed from the said William and Rebecca to Hugh Walker… No. 4. the two Rooms in the lower floor of the said House No. 6. being at the East end thereof…with the use and privilege of all Ways, Steps, and Stairs, leading to and from the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD...unto the said Robert Anderson his Heirs & Assigns to the only Use and behoof of him…his Heirs and Assigns forever. And the said William Carter for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant and Grant to and with the said Robert Anderson his heirs and Assigns…That he the said William Carter and his Heirs all and singular the Premises with the Appurtenances hereby granted bargained and Sold unto the said Robert Anderson his Heirs and Assigns against the Lawful Claim and Demand of all and every other person, and Persons whatsoever shall and will Warrant and for ever Defend. And that the Passage Across to the Back Yard and the eight feet wide Passage across the said William's Lot as denoted in the said Plan shall remain and be in common for the rest of the Robert Anderson and William Carter their Heirs and Assigns to pass and repass as they shall have occasion reserving always the liberty of inclosing a small peice of Ground adjoining their back Doors so as not to prejudice the Owner or Owners of the next room to them. IN WITNESS whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeably set their Hands and affixed their Seals the Day & Year first above Written.
William Carter (L.S.)
Rebecca Carter (L.S.)

SIGNED, Sealed, and Delivered
In presence of
G. Davenport
W^m Holt
G. Pitt

RECEIVED the Eight Day of August One thousand seven hundred and sixty four of the above said Robert Anderson the above Sum of Two Hundred and twenty five pounds current Money being the consideration Money above mentioned.
William Carter"¹

WITNESS
G. Davenport

[Recorded York County Court September 17, 1764]

In 1766 William Cosby and F. Moore had a riding chair shop "back of Dr. William Carter's brick building":

[March 21, 1766]

"WE the subscribers, in Williamsburg, have opened shop at the back of Doctor William Carter's brick building, and purpose carrying on the RIDING-CHAIR-MAKERS business, in all its branches; and likewise make carts, and all kind of wheels. Gentlemen who 7 shall please to favour us with their custom may depend on having their work done in the best manner, and newest fashion, by
Their humble servants,
WILLIAM COSBY. Fil^mer M^oore."¹

In December Cosby and Moore dissolved partnership. Cosby remained in business, it is assumed, at the old stand:

WILLIAMSBURG, December 18, 1766.

THE parnership [sic] of Cosby and Moore being to dissolve the 1st day of January next, this is to inform the publick that the business will be carried on in the usual manner by the subscriber, who hopes for encouragement, as he is determined to work on very reasonable terms, and, he hopes, to the satisfaction of those who may please to employ him.
WILLIAM COSBY.²

By May, 1768, Cosby had removed to another location.³

On June 27, 1767 William Carter gave a deed of trust to secure debts owed by him. His brothers, James and John Carter, were the grantees and bondsmen:

[June 27, 1767]

[William Carter, surgeon, Williamsburg,
to
James Carter, surgeon, Williamsburg,
John Carter, merchant, Williamsburg,
Consideration: £130 due to Thomas Moore-grantees are bondsmen]

"…WHEREAS the said William Carter is indebted to the said John Carter in the Sum of forty Pounds by Account to Thomas Moore of the County of King William Gent in the sum of One hundred and thirty Pounds by Bond with the said John his Security to the Estate of Captain John Tucker deceased in the Sum of One hundred and sixty four Pounds with interest on Bond with the said James and John his Securities to Benjamin Waller in the Sum of One hundred Pounds with Interest on Bond with the said James his Security to the fund for the relief of poor Clergymen's Widows in the Sum of Eighty Pounds with Interest on Bond with the said John his Security to Thomas Hornsby in their Sum of thirty seven Pounds two Shillings with Interest on Bond and to Thomas Wellings and John Jacob of London by Bond in the Sum of five hundred and seventy one Pounds five Shillings and six Pence Sterling with Interest upon four hundred and fifty three Pounds Sterling part thereof from the thirty first day of December last past NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that for indemnifying the said James and John from their Securitships aforesaid for 8 securing the payment of the said several sums of Money and for and in Consideration of the Sum of five shillings by the said James and John to the said William in hand paid...He the said William Carter hath Granted Bargained Sold...unto the said James Carter and John Carter ALL those four Lotts of Ground in Palace Street in the said City whereon the said William now lives and also all that piece or parcel of Ground situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City Bounded on the North by the last mentioned Street on the East by a cross Street running from the said Street to Francis Street on the South by the Ground Sold by the said William to James Anderson Blacksmith and on the West by the Ground Sold by William Withers to William Holt Merchant and is part of the two Lotts Purchased by the said Withers of Dudley Digges Gent and Sold by the said Withers to the said William Carter…and all Houses Buildings…whatsoever… and the Reversion and Reversions…TO HAVE AND TO HOLD…forever [until above named sums are paid off] And in case of default or nonperformance…it shall and may be Lawful to and for the said James Carter and John Carter to enter upon and possess themselves of the Premisses or any part thereof…and to Sell the same… to satisfy and pay the above mentioned Sums…as they shall think fit…
William Carter (L.S.)

IN WITNESS...
SEALED and Delivered
in Presence of
John Tazewell
Fred Bryan
Tho^s Everard

A Schedule of Goods &^c now in Possession of Doctor William Carter Vi^zt
1 large Mahogany square Table
1 Round d^o Tea Table and Tea Board
1 Mahogany Desk and Book Case and 1 D^o Spice Box and Drawers
1 Mahogany Candle, & Wash Bason Stands
1 Great Arm Chair
1 Easy Chair and Pan
1 ½ doz Chairs
1 Black Walnut Desk and Book Case
2 large Looking Glasses & 1 Small d^o
1 Round & 1 square Black Walnut Table
1 cloaths Press, & Dressing Table & Glass
4 Beds Bedsteads and Furniture
1 large and two small Pine Tables
1 Silver Soup and six Table Spoons
11 Silver Tea Spoons and Tongs
1 Silver Punch Ladle
3 China Bowls
1 Doz : Knives & d^o Forks & 1 Doz : Stone Plates
½ doz : China Tea Cups & saucers
9 3 pair shovels & Tongs
1 Bowl Rack and 2 large Chests
5 Iron Pots Racks and Pot Hooks &
1 pair shovels and Tongs and Poker
1 Doz : hard Mettal Plates & 4 Dishes & other Kitchen Furniture
4 Cows & 1 Calf and 1 Sorrel Horse.
And everything else on the Lots of the said William Carter.
WILLIAM CARTER (L.S.)"¹

York County the 27^th June 1767 WITNESS

[Recorded York County Court July 20, 1767]

At the time of this deed of trust, Dr. William Carter was living on the Palace Street lots. The furniture and &c. listed below the deed of trust was, of course, in his dwelling on Palace Street and not at the Market Square property. We include the list in the report as it indicates the type of furnishings used by Carter.

In October, 1767, J. Eilbeck, merchant, advertised that he had set up his store "at the large brick house nearly opposite to the Post Office":²

Lately IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the subscriber in WILLIAMSBURG, at the large brick house nearly opposite to the Post Office, IRISH linen, white and brown sheeting, diaper table cloths, printed cottons, womens bonnets and cloaks, handkerchiefs, check linen, striped holland, osnabrugs, men and womens shoes, Negro cottons, kerseys, and plains, and a very good assortment of coarse hats, &c. J. EILBECK.

N.B. The above articles may be had at the lowest prices, for ready money.³

In the spring of 1768 James Patterson, watch repairer, announced in the Virginia Gazette that he had removed "to the brick house opposite Mr. Baker's⁴10 store":

WILLIAMSBURG, April 27, 1768.

THE subscriber has removed to the brick house opposite Mr. Baker's store, where he continues to repair horizontal, plain, and repeating watches and clocks, and will keep watches in repair by the year at a very reasonable rate.
JAMES PATTERSON.¹

It is assumed that Patterson used a part of the brick house as a shop. In 1769 Patterson repaired a watch for William Cabell. The charge was fifteen shillings.² In October, 1770, Patterson advertised in the newspaper that "he is removed to the back Street, behind the RALEIGH TAVERN…"³

Whether Eilback continued to rent the "large brick house" as a store from October, 1767, (noted in advertisement above) until early in 1770 is not known. By March, 1770, Mary Davis was established at "Dr. Carter's large brick house" where she had opened a lodging house:

THE subscriber begs leave to inform the publick in general, and her friends in particular, that she has removed from Lester's ferry, and rented Dr. Carter's large brick house, on the main street in Williamsburg, where she proposes to accommodate Ladies and Gentlemen with private lodgings. She has 12 or 14 very good lodging rooms, with fireplaces to most of them, which will hold two or three beds each. She is willing to rent out some of them yearly, to such as may incline to find their own beds and furniture. The rooms above are convenient for Gentlemen, those below for Ladies; the house consisting of two parts, and divided lengthwise by a brick partition. She has also another house on the lot, separate from the first, with two rooms and fireplaces below, very suitable for a family. Her terms will be entirely regulated by her friends. She is now tolerably prepared for the reception of lodgers and horses, but hopes to be more completely so by the ensuing April court.
MARY DAVIS.

N.B. Any Ladies that may choose to spend a few weeks in private times, whether for pleasure or education, may do it here both reasonably and with convenience.⁴

Mary Davis gives a good picture of the size of the brick house — 12 to 14 rooms for lodgings, and notes that a partition of brick divides the house into 11 two parts. She, also, states that there was another house on the property which was large enough to rent to a family.On May 8, 1770, Mrs. Davis ran another notice in the Virginia Gazette relating to her business:

WILLIAMSBURG, May 8, 1770.

I INTEND keeping a table for 10 or 12 Burgesses, during the session of Assembly. My terms are a pistole a week (except court times) for breakfast, dinner, and lodging. I have a very good pasture of 15 acres, very securely railed in, and well watered.
MARY DAVIES.¹

A little over a month later, William Carter entered into an agreement with Thomas Walne and Richard Davis to lease "his part of the large Brick House and Lot whereon they now live and all other Houses thereto belonging…":

[June 14, 1770]

[Agreement between William Carter
and
Thomas Walne and Richard Davis]

MEMORANDUM of an Agreement made this fourteenth Day of June 1770 between William Carter of the one part and Thomas Walne and Richard Davis of the other part First the said William Carter doth agree to lett to the said Walne and Davis or Assigns all his part of the large Brick House and Lot whereon they now live and all other Houses thereto belonging for an Year to Commence from the first Day of January last past in Consideration of the Rent of £60 to be by them paid in or before the first Day of January next and that he the said William Carter will pay and Discharge Humphrey Harwoods Account of £24: 1: 1 ¾ Thomas Hornsby's of £7:9:11 1/2 M^r Prentis's of £1:18:6 John Carter's of 5/3^d and James Andersons of £2:10:11 1/2 amounting in the whole to £36:5: 9 3/4 for Work done and Articles furnished in repairing the said Houses- And the said William Carter doth agree and oblige himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators if the rent be punctually paid at the time before limitted for payment thereof to Lease the Houses and premisses aforesaid from Year to Year for six Years from the first Day of January next the Rent for each Year being as before punctually paid and that in Case of Failure the said Carter may enter into possession AND they the said Walne and Davis do agree to pay the Rents aforesaid at the Time the same shall become due and that they will pay for all Buildings Alterations and Repairs already done or hereafter to be made except as aforesaid which Building Alterations and Repairs they may make in such Manner as they shall think proper hereafter.

William Carter (L.S.)
Thomas Walne (L.S.)
Rich^d Davis (L.S.)² 12 Witness
John Tazewell
William Byrd Davis
William Davis

[Recorded York County Court January 21, 1771]

The above "Agreement" is vague in some respects. Carter agrees "to lett to the said Walne and Davis or Assigns all his part of the large Brick House and Lot whereon they now live and all other Houses thereto belonging..." The "Agreement", also, explains that repairs of some consequence had been made to the buildings, and that Walne and Davis had agreed to pay for all "Building Alterations and Repairs already done or hereafter to be made except as aforesaid …"

On June 28th, Hugh Walker who held certain rights (as noted above in the report) to a part of the property conveyed to William Acrill of Charles City county:

[June 28, 1770]

[Hugh Walker of Williamsburg
Catherine, his wife,
to
William Acrill of Charles City County, Gentleman,
Consideration: £ 200]

"…one Half of the large Cellar under the brickhouse called Doctor William Carter's situate on the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg denoted in the Plan of the said house duly recorded in the County Court of York by N^o 3 the two Rooms on the Lower floor of the said house N^o 4 and the two Rooms on the second floor above N^o 6 being over the two Rooms below N^o 6 as denoted in the said Plan being the rooms conveyed-the said Hugh Walker by the said William Carter by Deed duly recorded in the said County Court of York and all the Estate right title Interest Claim and demand…TO HAVE AND TO HOLD… forever…
…
Hugh Walker (L.S.)
Catherine Walker (L.S.)"¹

[Recorded York County Court August 20, 1770]

During 1771 and 1772 "the brick house" was given as a location for Richard Davis, Mary Davis and Margaret Hunter:

13

WILLIAMSBURG, the Brick House,
April 15, 1771

"THE public is informed that our stables are new done up and properly divided, with great additions, that a very large pasture, remarkable for good grass and water, adjoining the town, and intirely new fenced in this spring, is engaged for Gentlemens horses.
RICHARD DAVIS."¹

[June 20, 1771]

MARGARET HUNTER, MILLINER, Williamsburg.
"Hereby informs her Friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House, where she carries on the Millinery Business in all its Branches; also makes Ladies Hats, Bonnets, Cloaks, and Cardinals, and Mounts Fans in the neatest Manner.----She has for Sale a great Variety of MILLINERY, TOYS, Strasburg, Rappee, Weston's and Scotch SNUFF &^c &^c &c. Orders from the Country will be faithfully and punctually executed, on the most reasonable Terms."²

January 23, 1772.

"A DRAB coloured GREAT COAT, almost new,with a Velvet Cape, was taken out of Mrs. Davis's, in Williamsburg, on Saturday the 30th of October last, and wore, it is imagined by some Gentlemen, to his Lodgings (the Night being rainy) where he left it. It will be taken kind of any Person who has got it to send it to Mrs. Davis, or to the Post Office."³

BRICK HOUSE, WILLIAMSBURG, October 20, 1772.

"FOR FEAR IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTED, from some late Transactions here, that this House was broke up, I put an Advertisement in Mr. Rind's Gazette, to inform all my former Customers that they might depend upon being accommodated with their Lodgings and Entertainment as usual, and begged a Continuance of their Favours; but by receiving Letters since from some of the Gentlemen, inquiring whether the House will be continued, induced me to believe that my Notice was not generally, observed, and therefore insert this to assure them all that they may depend upon Lodgings, &c. as usual.
RICHARD DAVIS."⁴

Business must not have been so good or Davis' finances became involved. Though he had stated in October, 1772, that he positively was not closing up his establishment, in December, 1772, he advertised that the place was now for rent: 14

[December 17, 1772]

"To be RENTED, and entered on immediately, for the Remainder of my Term, being four Years from the first of January next, THE large BRICK HOUSE on the main Street, in Williamsburg, together with the WOODEN STORE and other Improvements thereunto belonging. The whole Rent I am under Obligation to pay to Doctor Carter is sixty Pounds a Year, and the above mentioned Store rents for fifteen Pounds.
RICHARD DAVIS."¹

From this notice, we can see that Davis had rented the brick house from Dr. Carter for a period of four years (January, 1769 January, 1773) Davis was living on this property when he and Carter and Walne made the "Agreement" copied previously in the report. It is well to note, that the "Building Alterations and Repairs" referred to in the "Agreement" may have been, in part, for erecting or repairing the "WOODEN STORE".

Within a month the brick house was rented to Richard Hunt Singleton:²

[January 14, 1773]

"RICHARD HUNT SINGLETON, having taken the BRICK HOUSE TAVERN on the Main Street, Williamsburg, lately occupied by Mr. Richard Davis, returns thanks to all his old customers, and begs a continuance of their favours, as also of those Gentlemen who frequented the above Tavern, &c. as he is determined to keep the best of Liquors and endeavour, in every respect, to give satisfaction.
*** Good STABLAGE and PASTURAGE for horses, &c."³

Singleton lived until April, 1774. An inventory and appraisement of his estate was returned to York County court on April 7th.⁴ The inventory lists 21 beds, 14 pr. blankets, 20 pillow cases, 14 table cloths, 39 walnut chairs, 2 backgammon tables, many tables, china, glassware & sufficient to furnish a large tavern. There is listed "1 Hogshead Strong Beer, 4 1/2 dozen Bottles Claret and 21 Bottles Madeira Wine."

14a

On June 30, this notice appeared in the Virginia Gazette setting the time at which Singleton's personal property would be sold and conditions of credit:

[June 30, 1774]

"To be SOLD, on Thursday the 7th of July, at the house wherein Mrs. Mary Singleton lives, in Williamsburg,
The HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE of the late Mr. Richard Hunt Singleton. Credit will be allowed till November next for all sums above TWENTY SHILLINGS, the purchaser giving bond and approved security."¹

Mrs. Mary Singleton was administratrix of Singleton's estate. Because there were three suits against the estate, it was not finally settled until 1779. In the "D^r" side of the settlement there is an item: "To William Carter for House rent---£70." In the "C^r" part of the settlement there is an item: "By Board William Carter and Family."² This is interesting in that it shows that following Dr. Carter's sale of his Palace Street property, his removal to Gloucester county and then his return to Williamsburg-, he came to Singleton's with his family and boarded there. As Carter was owner of the brick house he, very probably, lived there, also.

Mrs. Singleton, evidently, continued to dwell at the brick house. In October, 1775, James Nichols, peruke-maker and hair-dresser, had a "shop in the corner room of the brick house where Mrs. Singleton lives":

[October 27, 1775]

"JAMES NICHOLS, peruke-maker and hair-dresser, begs leave to inform the publick, that he had opened shop in the corner room of the brick house, where Mrs. Singleton lives, and intends carrying on his business in all its branches. Those who favour him with their custom may depend on being faithfully served, and duly attended, by their humble servant,
JAMES NICHOLS."³

The brick shop (once occupied by Patterson, the watch repairer, in 1767), evidently was used in October, 1774, by Patrick Beech, jeweller: 15

"PATRICK BEECH,
At the BRICK SHOP opposite Mr. TURNER'S¹ Store,
WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS Leave to inform the Publick, that he makes and sells all Sorts of Gold, Silver, and Jeweller's Work, after the newest Fashions, and at the lowest Prices, for ready Money only. Those who are pleased to favour him with their Commands, may depend upon having their Work done in the neatest Manner, on the shortest Notice, and a grateful Acknowledgment.---Commissions, from the Country will be carefully observed, and punctually answered. *** He gives the highest Prices for OLD GOLD, SILVER, or LACE, either in cash, or Exchange."

²

By June, 1776, James Nichols had moved out of the corner shop in the brick house and Adam Ekart, merchant, was using it as a store:

"Now selling by the subscriber in WILLIAMSBURG, for ready money, at the corner store of doctor WILLIAM CARTER'S brick house, the following articles, viz.
RUM, geneva, cordials of different sorts, Philadelphia steel, sole leather, calf skins, fine and coarse hats, fine and coarse linens, brown do. coarse woollen cloths, and coffee.
ADAM EKART."³

We know nothing further concerning Ekart in Williamsburg. Nichols upon his removal to another location, seems to have gone into partnership with [Edward] Charlton.⁴

Another merchant had taken over the brick house by March, 1777:

"WILLIAMSBURG, March 28, 1777.

THE following Articles of Merchandise are for Sale at the Brick House next Door above Mr. Purdie's Printing Office, Wholesale or Retail, viz. PAPER, HATS, SHOES, LINEN, ready made SHIRTS, DRUGS and MEDICINES, best Bourdeaux WINE, and a great Variety of other Things, by
MILON & HORANCE."⁵

There was nothing further to be found about these merchants.

In July, 1777, Monsieur de Glovay was staying "at Doctor William Carter's 16 brick house in Williamsburg". He solicited orders for drawing plans of cities, counties and country places:

[July 13, 1777]

"The sieur de Glovay begs leave to inform the publick, that he draws accurate plans of cities, counties, and gentlemens seats. All those who please to favour him with their custom may depend on being served in the best manner, and on having their plans executed agreeable to their desire. He may be spoke with at doctor William Carter's brick house in Williamsburg."¹

In 1778 Dr. Carter seems to have been having financial difficulties, partly because the time had arrived when the partnership between him and his brother, James, was expiring.² Both Dr. William Carter and his brother-in separate notices to the newspaper- advertised their property for sale:

[May 15, 1778]

"To be sold for ready money, or on credit, or exchange for land and Negroes, my houses and lot on the main street in the city of Williamsburg, where I now live. As the partnership between my brother and myself expires the last day of next month, it will be taken kind if those who are indebted to the company, will settle their accounts by that day. Also those who are indebted to the subscriber while living in Gloucester county, with whom Edmund Randolph Esq., is empowered to settle.
WILLIAM CARTER."³

Carter's "houses and lot on the main street...where I now live" is interpreted to mean the brick house, subject of this report and the only property owned by Carter in the city at this date.

Carter's house was not sold, however. He continued to advertise that he wished to sell out his shop in Williamsburg "as the practice of physick and surgery is altogether disagreeable to me on account of my deafness." He would like to join with someone in Richmond and would be willing to give up 17 one half of the profits from the shop [in Williamsburg] to someone who may be willing to practice physick and surgery there.¹

In February, 1780, Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, charged Dr. William Carter "To Sundary Work Done to Amount of ---£120."² Though Carter had acquired the Unicorn's Horn via Dr. James Carter in July, 1779 it seems reasonable to assume that the repair work done by Harwood was upon his brick house, subject to this report, which he owned in fee simple.³ The items, unfortunately, are not itemized.

Thomas Brend, bookbinder, was located in August, 1780, at the shop in "the corner of Carter's Brick house."

"THOMAS BREND
BOOKBINDER and STATIONER,
HAS for SALE, at his shop at the corner of Dr. Carter's large brick house, Testaments Spelling Books, Primers, Riddman's Blank Books, Quills Sealing-Wax, Pocket-Books, and many other articles in the Stationery way. Old books rebound; and any Gentlemen who have paper by them and want it made into Account Books, may have it done on the shortest notice."⁴

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a large house flush to the street facing north with two smaller dependencies to the south of it. See: Architectural drawing from the Frenchman's Map, Illustration #1.

Williamsburg Land Tax records-which begin in 1782-indicate that Dr. William 18 Carter was owner of 1 lot valued for tax purposes at £7.10.¹ Dr. Carter's personal property is listed as 7 slaves, 1 horse and 3 cattle.²

Dr. Carter certified in 1791 that "I served from July 1, 1776 to July 31^st 1781 as a surgeon in the Continental Army."³

On June 12, 1783, Robert Anderson conveyed to Dr. William Carter his half of the large cellar under the brick house and other rooms above. Anderson had leased it since 1764-(refer to page 5, of this report):

[June 12, 1783]

[Robert Anderson of Williamsburg,
Anne, his wife,
to
William Carter, surgeon, Williamsburg,
Consideration: £160 current money of Virginia]

"…One Half of the Large Cellar under the Brick House of the said William situate on the South Side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City denoted in the Plan of said House annexed to a deed from the said William to Hugh Walker recorded in York County Court by No. 4, the two Rooms on the lower Floor of the said House N^o 6, being at the East End thereof & all the Estate right Title & Interest of them the said Robert Anderson and Anne his Wife of in and to the same with the Use & Privilege of all Ways steps and Stairs leading to and from the same. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD…forever… And that the Passage to the back Yard and the back Yard & the 8 Feet Passage across the said William's Lot as denoted in the said Plan shall remain & be in common for the Use of the said William Carter his Heirs and Assigns to pass and repass as they shall have occasion reserving always the Liberty to enclose a small Piece of Ground adjoining their back Door so as not to prejudice the Owner or Owners of the next Room to them. IN WITNESS…
Ro: Anderson (L.S.)
Anne Anderson (L.S.)"⁴

[Recorded York County Court June 16, 1783]

19

It is possible that David Low and Mathew Anderson, merchants, rented the brick house or a part of it from William Carter at one interval in their partnership. Though reference-which will be quoted in detail below- do not tie them down specifically to this location-, it seems reasonable. In 1784 John Carter who owned half of the brick store building (John Carter's Store), advertised in 1784 a long list of books &c at his "Store in Williamsburg."¹ So, he was operating his store at this date. Dr. William Carter owned the other half (Unicorn's Horn) and was operating his apothecary shop there and a shop in Richmond, also. As Low and Anderson sold general merchandise-, it seems reasonable to think that they rented a part of the brick house known and referred to as "Dr. Carter's Brick House." Harwood's accounts against Dr. William Carter running through 1785-1786 indicate that Carter had made changes or repairs for "Low's Store": "1785 January 12: to cuting out door through the wall & working in Door frame 15/ (for Low's Store)---£-.15.-".² On the "Cr" side of the ledger dated March 15, 1786, "By An order on M^r David Low Accepted for ---- £6.10.6".³ Low & Anderson's account with Harwood for March, 1786 show this item: "To an Order on you from Doct^r William Carter Accepted for---£6.10.6".⁴

In December, 1785, David Low announced in the newspaper that the partnership with Anderson will soon be dissolved:

[December 3, 1785]

"THE Copartnership of LOW & ANDERSON, will be dissolved the last of this month; they therefore request the favour of all those indebted to said Partnership, to settle their accounts as soon as possible; for which will be received in payment for such balances as may appear due, specie or tabacco at the market price. 20 … The STORE will be continued as usual by the subscriber, who proposes to sell at a low advance for ready money or tabacco. And as the goods were purchased in Europe by an experienced Merchant, on the best terms, there is no doubt of their giving general satisfaction,
DAVID LOW."¹

From 1784-1787 at least twenty suits were in the courts by Low and Anderson vs various parties for debts. In August, 1787, Low and Anderson won a suit vs Dr. William Carter amounting to £11.² In 1788 there was a sale of Low & Anderson's stock as Low had died. James Anderson bought quite a number of yards of goods and floor covering at the sale: carpet cloth such as buff, black and greed hair shagg-long pile, and corderoy, velvets and shalloon.³

Carter had moved to Richmond by 1791⁴ but kept his property in Williamsburg. In 1793 he advertised in the Virginia Gazette and General Advertiser, that (published in Richmond) his property in Williamsburg was for sale:

[July 10, 1793]

[Advertisement of William Carter, Senior, Richmond of Drugs and Medicines for sale at his shop in the city. At the end is this]
"N.B. My BRICK STORE and DWELLING-HOUSES in the city of Williamsburg, are for sale. For terms, apply to Mr. Robert Saunders, attorney at law, in said city, who is authorised to dispose of the same.
W.C. sen."⁵

We believe references by Carter in the above notice are to buildings entirely on Lot 19 (subject to this report). The Williamsburg Land Tax records never list Dr. Carter as owner of but 1 lot from 1782 to 1800 when the property was 21 sold by his estate.¹ Carter had still a moiety in the brick property (John Carter Store & Unicorn's Horn). It may have been listed for tax purposes in John Carter's name.In 1795 Dr. Carter's property in Williamsburg still had not been sold. He advertised again in the Virginia Gazette and General Advertiser his desire to sell:

[October 28, 1795]

"Will be Sold, Before the Raleigh Tavern, in Williamsburg, to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 10th of November next, on six months credit for the other half of the purchase money, all my property in the said City, viz:-
The large two story BRICK house adjoining Mr. James Anderson's, and on the corner of the main and cross streets, about two hundred yards from the Raleigh Tavern—and one moiety of the large Brick two story HOUSE adjoining the above-mentioned Tavern, with flush and dry cellars under both, and background, &c. belonging thereto: Bonds with approved security will be required, to carry interest from date, if not punctually paid in the City of Richmond.
WILLIAM CARTER, Senior.

October 12, 1795.

N.B. The proprietor has subscribed for the Insurance of both Buildings.
W.C. Sen."²

Dr. William Carter who was living in Richmond, insured his Williamsburg property in 1796 with the Mutual Assurance Society thus:

No. 149: "My Brick Buildings on the main street at Williamsburg now occupied by Jackson Saunders situated between the House of James Anderson and that of M^rs Powell in the county of James City…

The House marked A at	$1000
The ditto do B at	100
	$11003

[May 26, 1796]

The house, "A", is pictured on the policy as 80' by 34' two story high of brick, and within 120 feet of a blacksmith shop, "B", built of wood 20' by 16'.

22

Carter died in Richmond in June 1799. We do not know if he had sold the Williamsburg property prior to his death or whether it was sold immediately following his death. At any rate, in 1800 the Williamsburg Land tax records indicate that Leroy Anderson was the owner of 1 lot valued for tax purposes at $50.¹

Leroy Anderson was the son of James Anderson, blacksmith and public armorer, whose property adjoined Carter's on the west. He had a general store in the city in 1796-1798. It is probable that Anderson's store was in Dr. Carter's Brick House. Items sold to St. George Tucker by Anderson, are given in Illustration #6.

In 1806 Leroy Anderson insured his property with the Mutual Assurance Society. The policy, #619, was a revaluation of #149 of Carter's:

No. 619: "My two Buildings the Main street on the south side thereof now occupied by myself situated between cross street called [Botetourt] and the Lott belonging to Estate of James Anderson in the county of York...

The Dwelling House marked A at	$4000
The Smiths Shop B at	100
	$41002

[May 3, 1806]

The house "A" is described as of brick 40' x 34' distance 12 feet from "B" which was formerly a smith shop but now a kitchen- 20' x 20'.

Personal Property Tax List for Williamsburg indicate that Leroy Anderson took out a shop licence from 1797 through 1803.³ In 1808-1809 Leroy Anderson was Postmaster of Williamsburg. It was, usually, the custom for a merchant to have the postoffice in his store.

In 1807 Simon Block, merchant, gained possession of "¼ lot valued at $160 23 via Anderson."¹ Anderson was owner of "¼ lot valued at $60" at this date "½ lot via James Anderson."² The tax records are confusing at times. Later in the report, we shall see that Anderson was owner of ½ of the brick house and Block was owner of the other half. Just what ½ lot Anderson gained from James Anderson has not been discovered by the writer. In 1807 Block purchased "6 glass doors, 85 lights, 60 feet scantling and 30 feet of plank" from Robert Anderson.³

An account of merchandise bought from Simon Block from 1808 through 1810 is found in the Blow Ms Papers at William and Mary College.⁴ Such items as hats, ribbon, crape, Virginia cloth, thread and buttons were bought by Robert Waller's estate.

Leroy Anderson and Simon Block each insured his part of the brick house in 1811.

No. 1094 Revaluation of Policy #649
"Leroy Anderson...my building on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by William Vass situated between Nancy Camps. Simon Blocks and Anna Byrds lots in the County of York... The Dwelling marked A at $3250⁵ [September 21, 1811]

No. 1095 Revaluation of Policy #649
"Simon Block...my buildings on the main and a cross street now occupied by myself and situated between the lots of Leroy Anderson and Anna Byrd in the County of York…

The Dwelling & Store marked A at	$3750
The Kitchen do B at	100
	$3850

[September 21, 1811]⁶

24

The description of Anderson's policy indicates "A" as "a brick dwelling two stories high, 40' x 34'… The building A which is one half of a large brick house, adjoins and is contiguous to the other half and it is contiguous within thirty feet of four wooden buildings." It states that Simon Block's property adjoins.

The description of Block's policy indicates "A" as "Brick dwelling and store, two stories high, 40' x 34' occupied and owned by Simon Block. The building A which is one half of a large brick building adjoins and is contiguous to the other half and is also within thirty feet of the kitchen which is entirely of wood. A kitchen, "B", is 18' x 20' with shed 10' x 20'." Leroy Anderson's property adjoins.

From these last two insurance policies, we can see that Block's half of the brick house was to the east, and Anderson's half to the west.

Vass did not rent Anderson's shop long. In 1813, John Anderson paid $24 for "Brickhouse" and $25 for shop.¹ In 1812 John Anderson had paid $60 rent for the "Brickhouse."

It is possible that Captain Otey's troop (ordered to Williamsburg for winter quarters) had barracks at the brick house, subject of this report. Barracks were established "in an old brick building situate on the south side of the main street":

"Sunday Decr. 25 [1814] being Christmas the world Resounded with the noise of guns. we made Several Eggnogs in our barracks and Drank much Liquor... in the evening our Mess held a Superb Supper at Mr. Thomas [sic] where our Rations are cooked...
Sunday January 1, 1815---11 O'clock A.M. I am now in a back Room in our Barracks which is an old brick building situate on the south side of the main street of the City of Williamsburg...²

25

Monday January 2, 1815--… At night we Borrowed a fiddle and had a dance in Our Barracks..."
[Captain Otey's company left Williamsburg early in January for Hampton.]

Personal Property Tax for 1815 list Simon Block with "1 chest of drawers, 1 sideboard, 2 mirrors of 2 & under 3 ft, 4 Tables, 2 Bedsteads, 1 Mahog Chair, Pictures, Piano forte, 2 Venetian blinds under $54 & Calico curtains under $30, 1 Looking Glass of 2 under 2 ft glt frame, 4 Plated Candlesticks, 2 But glass decanters."¹

Block's store was on the same lot with the dwelling. St. George Tucker ran accounts at Block's general store from October, 1808 to May, 1815. Items bought from Block were the same type of items sold by Leroy Anderson.²

In June, 1815, Block insured his half of the brick house again.

No. 1513 Revaluation of Policy #1095
"Simon Block…my building on the main Street now unoccupied by any person situated between Ann Byrds lot on the South & Rob^t E. Griffiths lot on the West in the County of York… The Dwelling House marked A at $2500… [June 15, 1815] ³

There was a kitchen on the lot-so designated but was not insured; brick dwelling 40' x 34' as before insured.

Anderson, evidently, had made some sort of deal for his half of the brick house with Robert E. Griffith. Griffith insured the property in 1815 stating that he owned the property. However, the Williamsburg Land Tax records do not list Griffith as owning any property in the city, and when the property was conveyed to Sands in 1817-, it states that it was the half part of Leroy Anderson's house.⁴ Griffith's policy follows: 26

No. 1522 Revaluation of Policy #1094.
"Robert E. Griffith… That the said Building is at present owned by Robert E. Griffith of Pennsylvania residing at Philadelphia That it is occupied by John Anderson and is situated on the main street in Williamsburg between Nancy Camps and Simon Blocks lots in the County of York…"
[June 15, 1815] ¹

The brick dwelling is 40' x 34' as formerly, with a smoke house on the lot but not insured. There is a partition in the dwelling which may account for the store.

In August, 1815 Block offers his store goods at reduced prices to make room for new assortment to come in soon.

[August 7, 1815]

"SIMON BLOCK
of Williamsburg,
Offers for sale, his Goods on hand, at very reduced prices, to make room for a new assortment.-- All persons indebted to him, by bond or open account, are earnestly requested to make immediate payment, as no longer indulgence can be given. He will either sell or rent his Brick House on Main Street, on moderate terms."²

The same month, Robert Anderson wrote from Williamsburg to Robert E. Griffith, Philadelphia, regarding disposition of Griffith's house in Williamsburg:

[August 4, 1815]

"… I avail myself of the opportunity which the return of Mr. Andrews to the north presents, to reply to your communication of the 20th Oct. last by the gentleman; and to inform you of the disposition which I have made of your house and lot in this place. The tenant of the past, has taken for the present year, a portion of the house at forty dollars. I have, however, according with my engagements to him, had some repairs put on the lot which amounted to $46.37… Some other repairs are now necessary… I have not been able to rent out the balance of the house--its confined yard (there being no outlet except through the dwelling) being a great inconvenience… The house is ensured in the Mutual Assurance Society of Va. (I believe for $800), and that Society has claims for annual quotas of $48/100 each for 1813, 14, & 15…"³

27

From this letter, one would judge that Griffith had been the owner of the entire house from 1813-1815. An undated letter from Robert Anderson to John B. Clopton, principal assessor of the Mutual Insurance Society, District 17, requests "that one house and lot belonging to Robert E. Griffith (of Philadelphia) valued at $1600 $400 $1.08, I wish changed from my name to the name of the proper owner".¹ (Anderson is termed "Special Agent" in Griffith's policy #1522).

By 1817 Thomas Sands² had become the owner of one half of building: "½ lot via Simon Block of the lots of land in said city which he purchased of Leroy Anderson with one half of the brick house thereon bounded by Ann Byrd lot on Francis Street & the Main Street."³ Leroy Anderson is charged with "¼ lot valued at $100."⁴

In 1820 Williamsburg Land Tax records list lots a different way from 1782 through 1819. We find Thomas Sands listed as owner of "1 lot & building $1050; $100 sum added for buildings; 1 lot & buildings $75, --- buildings; William Coleman's estate 1 lot & buildings $600; $500 Formerly charged to Leroy Anderson."⁵ We interpret Sands above taxes as the brick house broken up into different tax accounts. These tax accounts are the same for 1828.

In 1823 Sands insured his property - which now included the entire house:

No. 5033 Revaluation of Policy #1513
"Thomas Sands... my building on the main street in Williamsburg 28 in the county of York now occupied by myself situated between the lots of Richard Coke Jr south-Thomas Sands Jun^r west and streets otherwise… The Dwellinghouse marked A at $1500…"
[April 5, 1823] ¹

The building "A" is contiguous to two brick buildings covered with wood and to eight wooden buildings.

No. 5034 Revaluation of Policy #1522.
"Thomas Sands... my building on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by my son Thomas Sands Jun^r situated between the lots of Richard Coke Jun^r on the South and Nancy Camp west and Thomas Sands east in the county of York... The Dwellinghouse marked A at $1000" [April 9, 1823] ²

In 1830 Sands tax accounts show: "1 lot & buildings $1050; $1000 buildings and 1 lot & buildings $975; $800 buildings. Reassessed. new building estimated at $700."³

Insurance policy of Sands for 1830 follows:

No. 7597 Revaluation of Policy #5033 & 5034.
"Thomas Sands… my buildings on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself and John E. Speed situated between the lot of Richard Coke Gent on the South, Nancy Camp on the west and streets otherwise in the county of York…

The Dwelling marked A at	$2500
The Dwelling marked B at	2000
	$4500"

Both "A" and "B" are 40' x 34' are contiguous to each other and to one brick building and to three other buildings of wood entire. "A" is occupied by Sands and "B" is occupied by Speed. A wood kitchen, not insured, it back of "A".⁴

[May 26, 1830]

Sands continued to own the entire brick house. In 1839 he insured the property:

No. 11,012 Revaluation of Policy #7597:
"Thomas Sands... my buildings on my own land in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Richard Coke Jun^r on the south, Nancy Camp on the west, the main street on the north & a cross street on the East in the county 29 of York...

The Dwelling marked A at	$1700
The Dwelling marked B at	1300
	$3000"

[May 25, 1839]

"A" and "B" are 40' x 34' as policy above. Sands occupied "A" and Speed occupied "B" — both contiguous to each other and to one brick building covered with wood and to three other buildings of wood entire. Wood kitchen behind "A". A wood kitchen, wood shop and wood stable are behind "A" and seem to be attached.¹

In 1842 a big fire occurred which consumed Sands' entire buildings:

"1842 April 4, A Great Fire occured at 2 oclock last night it orriginated in Mr. T. Sands burnt M^r Robert Andersons hous M^r G Southall office Nelly Bollins beverly Rowzies on [sic] M^r R Andersons large Store on the opposite side of the Street, Sally Jeffersons house on the Back Street the old Coffeehouse occupied by M^r Hurt and [illegible] tennaments."²

Williamsburg Land Tax Records for 1842 mention the fire at Sands thus: "1 lot and building $400; $300 buildings. Main buildings totally destroyed by fire in April 1842." and "1 lot $100; ---buildings destroyed by fire in April 1842."³

In August, 1842, the Mutual Assurance Society settled with Johnson Sands, administrator of Thomas Sands, deceased, for the fire of April, 1842: "Richmond 1842 18^th Received from Johnson Sands Esq^r Adm^r of Thomas Sands deceased Ninety three dollars and thirty nine cents being payment in full of the within Account …"⁴

30

Corporation Tax against Sands' estate for 1842 and a list of personal property owed by Sands to a Mrs. Carter appears in Illustration #3. There was reference to a public sale of Sands' property but the writer has not been able to locate it in any records.

Sands' Estate held the property until somewhere circa 1854 according to the Land Tax records. The two lots (all the brick house) are listed for tax purposes as "400 for lot and buildings; $300 buildings" and "lot $100;--- buildings."¹

An entry in the Day Book (1845-1850) of Robert Anderson, dated December 1846 is headed:

"Bills Responsible dr To Bills Accountable My sealed promisory note with George W. Southall and his security, dated 14 Dec. 1846 & payable in one year to Robert Mc Candlish as Commissioner to sell Tho^s Sand's lands &c under decree of Sup. C^o. of J. City-Piggott vs. Sands being for purchase of old Brick House lot in W^msburg, Main street.......$410" ²

This is interpreted to mean that Piggott and Sands Estate had a suit regarding Piggott's purchase of the "old Brick House Lot" owned by Sands. Evidently, the suit was lost by Piggott and the Sands estate continued to own the property.

An Insurance policy of Robert Anderson (#14375 revaluation of Policy #10997 of Richard Coke, dated October 3, 1846), mentions the lot of Thomas Sands on the north.³ Policy #17651 of Helen M. Southall, dated November 29, 1853 mention the lots of Robert Anderson on the north and west. This means that Anderson was owner of Sands' lot in 1853. Policy #21344 of Helen M. Southall, dated December 31, 1860, mentions Robert Anderson's estate lot on the west. The Coke and Southall lots noted in the above cited policies are the lot now known as 31 the Barraud House and the lot to the west of it on Francis Street.

Anderson continued to own the property until his death in 1859. His will dated February 22, 1857 with four codicils was recorded at the Circuit Court for James City County and the City of Williamsburg October 12, 1871, was proved by oaths of R. A. Bright and William S. Peachy. The part of the will which applied to his Williamsburg lots is given below:

"… The estate which I have already given to my wife — some 14 or 15000 dollars — I consider as an ample dowery in my property, but I now bequeath to her one thousand dollars a year as long as she lives to be paid to her out of the income and profits of my estate. And as long as she resides where she now does I wish her to use all my adjoining lots on the South side of Main Street in Williamsburg except the House and lot on the South West corner that I bought of Hansfords …. None of my Houses and lots on the South side of Main Street in Williamsburg none of my Houses and lots in York Town, and none of my lands in York County below Williamsburg are to be sold on any terms; but they are to be leased out for terms of not more than three or four years at a time until 1875 at which time they are to be taken and divided equally between the said four now minor children [emancipated negro children 7/8th white] when also my other unsold real Estate is to be divided in the same manner any other of the Estate which I have given to the said four minors may be sold by the said guardians for Cash...
Ro. Anderson /s/" [Recorded October 12, 1871 James City and the City of Williamsburg] ¹

In June, 1880 a decree was entered directing sale of all his property; and on July 8, 1881 a sale was held. James A. Cabell bought the property.²

On July 28, 1884 William Old, special Commissioner conveyed to James A Cabell³.

"… A certain lot of land lying on the south side of Main street in the said city of Williamsburg, designated as lot #4 commencing at the termination of lot #3 on Main street and running eighty-eight (88) feet, more or less, and running back one hundred and fifty-two (152) feet, The said lot being the eastern portion of the lot lying on the south side of Main Street belonging to the estate of Robert 32 Anderson, deceased, which was sold in parcels". ¹

In 1913, Slater's will bequeathed all his property to his wife, Robinette Slater.²

In 1927 Mrs. Slater conveyed to W. A. R. Goodwin.³

On June 14, 1929 Dr. Goodwin conveyed to Williamsburg Holding Corporation.⁴

On October 26, 1938 Williamsburg Holding Corporation conveyed the property to John D. Rockefeller, Jr, who conveyed to Colonial Williamsburg in November, 1938.⁵

Mrs. Victoria M. Lee, an old citizen of Williamsburg, in 1933 wrote her re-collections of Williamsburg during the Civil War period. She had this description of the property:

"The block in which Hitchen's store now stands was completely occupied by three long, frame, story and a half houses. These were all close the [sic] the street, with one front entrance to each. One was on the corner, on the site of the former Slater store and house; one in the center of the block; one on the site of the present Braithwaite house". ⁶

Further details of the title to the Duke of Gloucester street frontage and to the Francis street frontage can be found in the Accounting Department files Colonial Williamsburg Incorporated.

Mr. John S. Charles, another old citizen of Williamsburg, gave his impressions in 1933 of the city as he remembered it during the Civil War period:

"At the southeast corner [of the square bounded by Duke of Gloucester, Francis, Colonial and Botetourt streets] there stands today, 33 looking just as it did many, many years ago, the conventional one and a half story dwelling with its dormer windows. This house used to be called the Anderson's house. There was no outbuildings on this lot except a kitchen on the Botetourt street side".¹

Illustration "1

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?

Illustration #2

Williamsburg Land Tax Records:
Virginia State Archives
Microfilm, Research Department

1782	Dr William Carter	1 lot	£ 7.10
1783	Dr William Carter	1 lot	5.--
1785	Dr William Carter	1 lot	5.--
1786	Dr. William Carter	1 lot	54.--
1786	Dr. William Carter	1 lot	54.--
1789	Dr William Carter	1 lot	16.--
1790	Dr W Carter	1 lot	8.--
1791	Dr Wm Carter	1 lot	11.--
1792	Dr Wm Carter	1 lot	8.--
1796	Dr Wm Carter	1 lot	8.--
1797	Dr. Wm Carter	1 lot	$ 26.67
1799	Dr Wm Carter	1 lot	$ 26.67
1800	Leroy Anderson	1 lot	50.--
1806	Leroy Anderson	1/2 lot via James Anderson
		[tax transfers]
1807	Leroy Anderson	1/4 lot	$ 60
	Simon Block via Anderson	1/4 lot	$ 60
1811	Leroy Anderson	1/4 lot	$ 60
	Simon Block	1/4 lot	$100
1817	Thomas Sands	½ lot via Simon Block of the lots of land in said city which he purchased of Leroy Anderson with one half of the brick house thereon bounded by Ann Byrd lot on Francis Street & the Main street.
	Leroy Anderson	¼ lot	$100
1820	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $1050; $1000 sum added on account of buildings
	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $75;
	Wm. Coleman's Est	1 lot & bldgs $600; $550 Formerly charged to Leroy Anderson
1824	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $1050; $1000 buildings
	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $175; $100 new improved and reassessed.
1828	Thomas Sands	1 lot $1050; $1000
		1 lot $175; $100
		1 lot $600; $50 via Wm Coleman and devisees
1830	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $1050; $1000 buildings
		1 lot & bldgs $975; $800 buildings. Reassessed. new building estimated at $700.
1840	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $1200; $1100
	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $700; $600
1842	Thomas Sands	1 lot & bldgs $400; $300 buildings. Main buildings totally destroyed by fire in April 1842.
		1 lot $100;	Buildings destroyed by fire in April 1842.
1848	Thomas Sands Estate	1 lot & B. $400; $300
	Thomas Sands	1 lot & B $100; ....
1850	Thomas Sands Est	1 lot & B $400; $300
		1 lot & B $100; ....
1851	[no Thomas Sands Estate listed]
1854	Robert Anderson	1 lot & buildings $700; $200 bldgs known as Sands
1857	Robert Anderson	1 lot & buildings $750; $200
1861	Robert Anderson	1 lot & buildings $750; $200

Illustration #3

Southall Papers
William and Mary College
Legal Papers & Estates James City County
Folder 177

Thomas Sands Estate
To the Mut. Ass: Society.

1842 Aug: 18th	To Amount due for Judgment on forthcoming Bond in Suit on his insured buildings	$ 76.91
	Interest on do from 30th Novr last to 25 July	3.00
	Costs on motion on forthcoming Bond	4.72
	pr Statement of Col. McCandlish	84.63
	Insta of 1842 not included in the Judgment	8.76
		$ 93.39

[Endorsed on back]

Richmond 18^th August 1842 Received from Johnson Sands Esq^r Adm^r of Thomas Sands deceased Ninety three dollars and thirty nine cents being payment in full of the within Account.
J. Rutherfoord
P. Agt. M. A. Socy.

Ibid.

Thomas Sands to the Collector of W^msburg

1842
Revenue tax on 4 Slaves a 40c 4 horses a 9c	$ 2:10
1 Metallic Clock 3/ 1 Piano value $50:$1	1:50
5 town levies a $1 (Revenue tax on 2 lots 5:75	11.75
Corpr tax on 2 lots Value $1900: a 6/15 of 1 per Cent.	7:60
	$22.95

Nov 2. 1842 Re^c payment of J Sands the ...[illegible]
J. H. Barlow A. S. for J Coke

Southall Ms Papers
William and Mary College
Legal Cases and Estates--James City County,
Folder 177

Thomas Sands Estate [1842]

	$ C [ents]
Bedstead	3.00
China	4.00
Spunes [sic]	.50
Table	1.50
Desk	3.00
bason and pitcher	0.75
Quart Can	0.12 ½
4 Chears	1.00
Carpet	2.50
Cups and Saucers	0.75
2 tumbler glasses	0.12 ½
	$ 17.25
Credit	2.83
Balance due	$ 14.42

[Endorsement on back]

April 8^th 1842.

Due Mrs Carter $14.42 cts provided she does not take her things back.
T. Sands. [T. Sands, jr]

[No date--after April, 1842]
after the fire.

Madam
When I bought those things of you I told you I had no money and did not know when I should get any--Your answer was "Never mind you can pay me when you get it. You now require me to tell you when I can pay you I have no certainty of getting any money until I get the insurance for my house which I cannot receive under three months. I have dunned people until I am sick and tired of it. And if you do not choose to wait until I can get the money to pay you you may have your furniture back again and I will pay you hire for the time I have had it. You have had 1 1/2 loads of wood and Lucy two days which come to $1.83cts. I also sent you $1 cash by my boy which I see no credit for. I am
Y^rs respectfully
T. Sands.

[Addressed by writer of letter
"Mrs Carter Present"]

Mutual Assurance Society
Policy #149
May 26, 1796

I the underwritten William Carter residing at Richmond in the county of Henrico do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings...

My Brick Buildings on the main street at Williamsburg now occupied by Jackson Saunders situated at Williamsburg between the House of James Anderson and that of M^rs Powell in the county of James City...

The House marked A at	$1000
The ditto do. B at	100
	$1100

Mutual Assurance Society
Policy # 649
May 1806

I the underwritten Leroy Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county Mutual York do hereby declare for Assurance against Fire...

My Buildings on the Main Street on the south side thereof now occupied by myself situated between cross street called [Botetourt] and the Lott of the Estate of James Anderson in the county of York...

The Dwelling House marked A at	$4000
The Smiths Shop marked B at	100
	$4100

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #1095 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Leroy Anderson as per declaration #649

I the underwritten Simon Block residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance ... against fire...

my buildings on the main and a cross street now occupied by myself and situated between the lots of Leroy Anderson and Anna Byrd in the County of York...

The Dwelling & store marked A at	$3750
The Kitchen marked B at	100
	$3850

September 21, 1811

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #1094 Revaluation of building formerly declared for assurance by Leroy Anderson per declaration #649

I the underwritten Leroy Anderson residing at Richmond in the county of Henrico do hereby declare for assurance... against fire ...

my building on the main street in Williamsburg situated between Nancy Camps, Simon Blocks and Anna Byrds lots in the County of York...

The Dwelling marked A at	$3250
	$3250

September 26, 1811

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #1522 revaluation of building declared for Assurance by Leroy Anderson & now owned by Robert E. Griffith as per Declaration #1094

We the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and Richard Garrett and Thomas Sands Appraisers, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the building heretofore declared for Assurance, in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire... by Leroy Anderson as per his Declaration for Assurance, Numbered one thousand and ninety four That the said Building is at present owned by Robert E. Griffith State of Pennsylvania and is occupied by John Anderson That it is situated on the Main street in Williamsburg between Nancy Camps and Simon Blocks lots... in the County of York...

The Dwelling house marked A at	$2500
	$2500

June 15, 1815

Mutual Assurance Society Policy # 1513 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Simon Block per declaration #1095

I the underwritten Simon Block residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire...

my building on the main Street not occupied by any person situated between Ann Byrds lot on the South & Rob^t E. Griffiths lot on the West in the County of York...

The Dwelling Houses marked A at	$2500
	$2500

June 15, 1815

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #5033 revaluation of building formerly declared for assurance by Simon Block per declaration #1513

I the underwritten Thomas Sands residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby decare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire... my building on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lots of Richard Coke Jr south-Thomas Sands Jun^r west and streets otherwise in the county of York...

The Dwellinghouse marked A at	$1500
	$1500

April 5, 1823

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #5034 revaluation of building formerly declared for assurance by William Coleman per declaration # 1532 and Robert E. Griffith

I the underwritten Thomas Sands residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare the Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire... my building on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by my son Thomas Sands jun^r situated between the lots of Richard Coke Jun^r on the South and Nancy Camp west and Thomas Sands east in the county of York...

The Dwelling house marked A at	$1000
	$1000

April 9, 1823

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #7597 revaluation of building formerly declared for assurance by Thomas Sands per declaration #s 5033 & 5034

I the underwritten Thomas Sands residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire... my building on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself and John E. Speed situated between the lot of Richard Coke Jun^r on the South, Nancy Camp on the west and streets otherwise in the county of York...

The Dwelling marked A at	$2500
The Dwelling marked B at	2000
	$4500

May 26, 1830

Mutual Assurance Society Policy $11,012 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Thomas Sands per Declaration #7597

I the underwritten Thomas Sands residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire... my buildings on my own land now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Richard Coke Jr on the south, Nancy Camp on the west, the main street on the north & a cross street on the East in the county of York...

The Half Dwelling, East marked A at	$1700
The Half Dwelling, West marked B at	$1300
	$3000

May 25, 1839

Illustration #4

Ms Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, B,
Colonial Williamsburg Archives
p. 30

DR WILLIAM CARTER

1779	th		DR
June	28	To 1 bushel of lime pr Nat (Septr 11th) to 4 bushs of lime pr Tom	£ 2. 0. -
1780
Feby	28	To Sunday Work Done to Amount of	120. 0. -
1785	st		[Dr]
January	12	To 2 bushels of lime 2/	£ -. 2. -
		To cutting a window & putting in door frame 15/	.15.--
		To 1 days labour 2/6	2. 6
	14	To 4 bushels of lime 4/ & 1 days labr 2/6	6. 6
		To cuting out door through the wall & working in Door frame 15/ (for Low's Store)	.15.--
	nd
May	2	To 128 bricks 3/9 & cuting down Jambs in shop & plastering at 12/6	.16. 3
		To cuting a floor & working in Frame & working up old door & plastering them 15/6 & 3 days labr a 2/	1. 1. 6
	th
May	30	To 36 bushels of lime at 1/ & 340 bricks a 3/ & 7 days labr a 2/6	3. 3. 9
		To cuting out 2 doors, & working them up, & stoping up 1 door & Repairing plastering a 8/	2. 8.--
		(Carried to Credit side) (70)
			£ 9.10. 6

		Per Contra	CR
1780	th
March	25	By Oyster Shells	£ 2. 0.--
		By Cash to Ballance	120. 0. 0
			£ 122. 0.--
1785	st		[Cr]
June	1	By an Order on Hubard Watkins for 6/8	-. 6. 8
July	20	By Cash 56/ by Jallap 6/8 & Ipecacuna 5/	3. 7. 8
August	3	By ditto 48/ in part	2. 8.--
			6.12. 4

1785	th	Brought over DR	9. 10. 6
May	30	To cuting out Window, & working frame 7/6	£ 7. 6
		To rubing 56 Returns. & do arch, & seting them 13/6	13. 6
		To working up a Jamb, & cuting a hole in partition 4/6	4. 6
		To setting up a Grate 8/ & to 2 bushels of lime 2/ & plasterg window 3/6	10. 6
			£ 11. 6. 6

Ms Ledger Humphrey Harwood, B,
Colonial Williamsburg Archives
p. 70

		DOCTR WILLIAM CARTER	DR
1785	st
August	1	Dr Brought from Folio 30	£ 11. 6. 6
		To 12 bushels of lime 12/ & 668 bricks a 3/-	1.12.--
		To 3 Day's labour a 2/6	7. 6
		To building a sand Heat, & Still & turning 2 arches 8/	.18.--
			£ 14. 4.--

		DOCTR WILLIAM CARTER	DR
1786	th
Septemr	26	To 6 Bushels of lime 6/	£ -. 6.--
		To setting up a Grate 7/6 & laying an Harth 2/6	10.--
		To mending plastering & do 2 Grates 3/6	3. 6
		To Bricks & lime 2/3 & setting up a Grate for Mr Hallam 5/	7. 3
1788
February	16	To Mortar and puting in Cellar window frame 3/	.3.--
May	26	To White washing the sides of the Great Room 4/6	4. 6
			£ 1.14. 3

E. E. by W. H. Exor^s

		PER CONTRA	CR
1786	th
Jany	10	By Cr Brought from Folo (30)	6. 2. 4
March	15	By your Account to this day	1.11. 9
		By An order on Mr David Low Accepted for	6.10. 6
			£ 14. 4. 2

		PER CONTRA	CR
1786	th
Novr	20	By 1 lb of Salt Petre 2/6
1788
Novr	8	By 1/2 lb of do 1/3	£ -. 3. 9

Ledger of Humphrey Harwood, B, p. 89
Photostat copy, Research Department

		Messrs David Low & Anderson	Dr
1785	th
Augt	16	To Cash paid in part of your account	10. -. -
Sept	1	To do do	10. -. -
Novr	22	To cutting down the Jambs of the Chimney & plasterg	3 . 9
1786
Feby	20	To 1012 lb Oats in Straw a 7/6 pr Cont:	3.15. -
March	15	To an Order on you from Doctr Wm Carter Accepted for	6.10. 6
May	2	To Cash paid M. A.	4.15. 9
June	9	To Cash paid to Matthew Anderson	4.15. 7
1787	20	To ditto pd David Low & Anderson	19. 5. 4
Sept	15	To Cash £ 7.0.0	. 7. -
May	23	To 1 1/2 Barrel of Corn a 18/	1. 7. 0
1788		To Cash 8/	8. -
June	14	To an Order on Charles Hunt accepted on per Receipt for £ 22.12.10 1/2	22.12.10 1/2
Octr		To an Order on Docto Wm Pasteur accepted	30. -. -
		To an account of sundries	8. 5. 3
1789
May	25	To cash to balance in full to this day as per rect	1.12. 4
			£ 130.11. 4 ½

Illustration #5

Illustration #6

Ms Account Book of James Anderson
Virginia Historical Society, p. 1

INVOICE OF GOODS PURCHASED AT THE SALE OF LOW & ANDERSON
Sept^r 12, 1788

To 4	yds hair Shag	a 4/4	£ 2. 2.-
9	yds Carpitting	a 4/	1.16.-
19	1/2 yds Buff Shagg long pile	a 4/	2. 2.-
17	yds green ditto	a 4/6	3.16.6
6	yds Black hair Shagg	a 4/	1. 4.-
9	yds Buff ditto do	a 3/6	1.11.6
6	3/4 yds Corderoy	a 3/	1. 0.3
13	yds Red Stript Velvett	a 4/	2.12.-
14	½ yds Spotted Velvett	a 4/9	3. 8.10 ½
16	½ yds Black Shalloon	a
23	1/4 yds Brown do	a
8	¾ yds ¾ Carpitting	a 2/7	1. 2.-

Tucker-Coleman Collection
Accounts, Bills &c. St. George Tucker
Colonial Williamsburg Archives

STORE ACCOUNTS:

St. George Tucker Esqr Bought of Leroy Anderson
1796
August 18	2 pair Boys stockings 4/6	£-.9.-
Novbr 7	3 ½ yds cloth 12/6	2.3.9
	4 ½ yards oznaburgs 1/3	-.5.7 1/2
	Silk twist & thread	-.2.3
16	1 yard lace	-.2.3
		£3.2.10 ½

Rec^d the Above in full
Henry Anderson for
Leroy Anderson

Jan^y 27^th 1796/97.

Ibid

	The Honble St Geo Tucker Esq Williamsburg vizt [sic] Bot from Leroy Anderson.
1797
Decr 9	1 piece Blue cloth 33 ½ yds 4/	£6.14.-
	1 piece Best drab 14 ½ 7/6	5. 8.9
	1 piece Common do 28 ½ 4/	5.14.-
	18 pair Yarn Hose 2/3	2. 0.6
	1 Coloured thread 7/6	7.6
10	4 ½ yds drab cloth 7/6	1.13.6
14	½ lb fig Blue 5/	3.6
	3 ¼ yds flannel 4/6
	4 pocket handkerchiefs 2/6	10.-
	2 ¾ yards Durants 2/6	6.10
	1 hank Silk 6/	.6
	3 doz Buttons 9d	2.3
	½ doz Blue flowerd plates 5/6	2.9
	1 ½ yard Turkey Stripe 10/	15.-
18	5 yds striped cloth 12/	3.--.-
	4 Yards linen 2/6	10.-
21	16 yards Blue plain 4/	3. 4.-
	3 OZ thread 1/6	1.6
26	1 fine hat and Band	1. 5.6
		£32.14.--

E E 1 January 1798.
February 15, 1798 Received payment in full for
Leroy Anderson
Robert Anderson

Ibid [St. George Tucker's accounts with Leroy Anderson July 17-Dec.

17, 1798]
1798	To 1 pair kid Shoes 13/6 2 pr Moro do 21/	£ 1.14.6
July 17	To 1 lock 2/ Sept 25 2 kegs paint 48/	2.10.0
Dec 17	To 1 paper ink 1/ decem 8 Bobbin 9/	1.9
	To 4 Yds green Coating 5/6	1. 2.-
		£5. 8.3

Williamsburg 12 Mar 99
Rec^d payment in full
Leroy Anderson.

Tucker-Coleman Collection
Accounts, Bills &c. of St. George Tucker
Colonial Williamsburg Archives

STORE ACCOUNTS:

Judge Tucker To S Block Dr
1812
Feby 4	3 yds Ribbon 1 ½	£ -. 3.1 ½
15	10 Holland 3/	1.10.0
	10 Home Spun 3/	1.10.-
	½ yds Linnen 2/3	1.1 ½
24	1 ½ yds Jean 4/6	6.9
	2 7/8 yds Cloth 42/	8. 2.9
	Tape	1.9
	5 ½ yds L. Cambric 16/6	4. 6.7 ½
Mar 18	2 spades 7/6	15.
		£16.17.4 ½

$56.23
Rec^d April 23^d 1812 the above in full
S Block p^r
B Siexas

Ibid

	Judge Tucker To S Block Dr
1812
May 28th	14 yds Linnen 2/6	£ 1.15.-
	4 ½ Drilling 3/6	15.9
	7 ½ doz Buttons	3.9
29	3 ¼ yds Velveteen 7/5	1. 4.4 ½
	Silk Twist	1. ½
June 7	5 yds Russia Drill 3/6	17.6
	4 ¾ Chintz 4/6	1. 1.4 ½
	Ferret	0.9
27	5 yds Gingham 5/	1. 5.-
		£ 7. 4.7 ½
	Cr by Cash	2. 2.0
	Recd Aug. 24th 1812 the above in full	£ 5. 2.7 ½

S Block
B Seixas

Ibid

Judge Tucker To S Block Dr
1812
Novr 7th	9 yds R. Sheeting 4/6	£ 2.0.0
12	1 Blanket	.10.0
Decr 7	2 Do 13/6	1. 7.0
	Tape	5.6
9	1 Blanket	13.6
		£ 4.16.6
30th	1 Blanket	13.6
	Do	14.3
		£ 6. 4.3

Rec^d Dec 31^st 1812 the above in full
p^r S Block
B Seixas

[There are accounts due Simon Block for goods purchased by St. George Tucker

November 2, 1813	blankets	£2.18.6;
November 10, 1813	bobbins	£0.18.4 ½
December 29, 1813 nutmegs, calico, dimity, swansdown, &c	£40.9.3
March 24, 1814	cashmere shawl	£ 0.14.0
June 3, 1814	cravetts &c	£ 0.13.6
June 17, 1814	sundries	£ 6.12.10 ½
Jany 7, 1815	sundries	£22.6.3
May 18, 1815	rum, ribbon	£36.7.3 ½]

[There are accounts of Tucker's d^r to Block running from October 1808 to Dec. 1809. Block may have been operating at this stand following Leroy Anderson's exit. Type of goods similar to those listed above: (Tucker-Coleman Col. Accts & Bills)]

[In the Jurgesen Collection, William and Mary College (Papers of George Blow) are accounts of Blow d^r to Simon Block, Williamsburg. These accounts run from December 1808 to 1810.]

Illustration #7

York County Records
Wills and Inventories #22, pp. 221-224

[Personal Estate]

[April 7, 1774]

"An Inventory and Appraisment of Richard Hunt Singleton deceased Estate"

1 Bed Boulster and Bedstead	3.10. 0
1 Bed Boulster and Bedstead	3.--.--
1 Bed Boulster 2 pillows and Bedstead	3.10. 0
1 small Bed and Boulster	1.15. 0
1 Bed Boulster and Pillow	2.10.--
1 Bed and Boulster	3. -. -
3 Crocus shaw Beds	-. 7. 6
1 Bed Boulster and Pillow	5. -. -
1 Bed Boulster & 2 Pillows	5. -. -
1 Bed Boulster & 2 Pillows	5. -. -
1 Bed Boulster 2 Pillows and Curtains	6. -. -
1 Bed Boulster Pillow and Bedstead	3. -. -
1 Bed Boulster Pillow and Bedstead	3.10. 0
2 Beds 2 Boulsters and Bedstead	5.10. 0
2 Beds 2 Boulsters and 4 Pillows	6.10. -
2 Beds 2 Boulsters and 4 Pillows and 2 Bedsteads	9. -. -
11 Bedsteads	1.17. 6
5 new Counterpanes	5. -. -
3 old Counterpanes	1.10. 0
3 Long Table Cloths	1.10. -
6 Diaper Table Cloths	2. -. -
5 Linen Table Cloths	1. 5. 0
5 Cotton sheets	1.15. 0
6 pr Linnen sheets	2.10. 0
4 pr Old ditto ditto	1. 0. 0
2 pr Coarse sheets	-.10. -
5 Huckaback Towels	-. 7. 6
6 Oznaling Towells	-. 1. 6
1 pr small sheets	-.10. -
20 Pillow Cases	-.12. 6
7 Blue and Green spoted Rugs	6. -. -
10 Bed quilts	6. 6. -
14 pr Blankets	8. -. -
1 old Billiard Cloth	-.12. 6
3 silver punch Ladles	2. 5. -
4 silver Table spoons	2. -. -
4 pr Brass Candlesticks & 1 plate ditto	1. 5. -
12 Green Handle Knives and forks	1. -. -
11 Knives and Forks	.12. -
1 Gin Case and Bottles	.12. 6
16 Green China Dishes	1.10. -
28 ditto Plates	.10. -
2
2 pudding potts & 2 scalop shells	-. 3. 9
4 Milk Pans 2/ 15 Stone Potts 25/	1. 7. -
1 Parcel Tin Ware	.17. 6
18 Groce Corks	1. -. -
4 sack Baggs	. 6. -
1 Black Walnut Desk	2.10. -
1 Close Stool Chair	1. 5. -
4 - 4 foot square Tables	8. -. -
1 Card Table	1.10. -
1 Round Table	1. -. -
1 Oval Table	1.10. -
1 Round Table	.15. -
1 side board Table	.15. -
1 Mahogany Tea Board	. 5. -
26 Walnut chairs	8.10. -
2 backgammon tables	1. 0. -
1 Smoaking Walnut Chair	1. -. -
12 Walnut Chairs Blue Bottoms	3.12. 0
1 small Walnut Chair	5. -
6 small pine Tables	1.10. 0
2 looking Glasses	5. -. -
1 Fender 1 pr Dogs Tongs and Shovel	1.10. 0
2 Fire Blowers	.15. -
1 spice Mortar and Pestle	. 5. -
1 large Copper Tea Kettle	1.10. 0
1 small Tea Kettle	. 7. 6
1 large Tea Kettle	. 6. 0
1 Bell Metal skillet	.10. -
6 Iron Potts and 4 hooks	2.15. -
3 spitts and 1 frying Pan	.10. -
2 pot Racks 10/ 3 old Basketts 2/6	-.12. 6
3 old Axes and 3 Hoes	.13. 6
5 Rush bottom Chairs	. 6. 3
2 small Kitchen Tables	. 3. 9
1 oil Jun 2 Jugs and a pot	-.12. 6
1 spinning wheel 5/ a parcel old Casks 7/6	.12. 6
Old Iron	. 7. 6
2 1/2 Groce Empty Bottles	3.15. 0
1 Hogshead Strong Beer	6. -. -
4 1/2 doz. Bottles Claret	4.10. -
21 Bottles Madeira Wine	2.12. 6
2 pr Flatt Irons 10/ 2 pr Tongs 5/	.15. -
1/2 doz Rush Bottom Chairs up Stairs	.10. -
1 glass Lanthern	-. 6. 3
1 Warming Pan	.10. -
1 Plate Basket 2/6 3 Clothes Brushes 7/6	.10. -
16 Pewter Dishes 50/ 2 doz Plates 30/	4. -. -
Old Pewter Plates and Dishes	. 5. -
1 Pewter Callon Pot 1 pint ditto	.10. -
1 pr large Kitchen Dogs	1. -. -
3 pr small Ditto	.15. -
2 dripping pans & 2 Flesh Forks	. 5. -
3 Grid Irons 7/6 Iron screws 2/6	.10. 0
6 pr snuffers 2/ 3 Waiters 5/	. 7. -
3
1 coal Shuttle 3/9 3 Trays 2/	. 5. 9
3 Tubs 7 Piggons & 1 Half Bushel	.15. 0
1 Trivet & 1 Bread Toaster	. 3. 9
1 Water Jugg 3/9 14 Chamber Potts 14/	.17. 9
1 sealskin Trunk	. 5. -
1 Cask Butter	.18. 9
2 Wooden Morters and 1 Tray	. 2. -
1 pr Scales and Weights	. 5. -
1 Brass Cocke 1 Taper Bitt	. 2. 6
43 Wine Glasses 2 quart 1 pint & 1 half pint Decanters	1.10. -
14 Syllabub and 21 Jelly Glasses	1. 6. -
11 small Tumbler Classes	. 4. -
6 sweet Meat Glasses 7/6 20 Common Ditto 6/6	.14. -
4 drinking Glasses 5/ 5 Bottle slides 5/	.10. 0
2 small China pudding dishes	. 6. -
1 Queens Chesia Coffee pot 2/6 2 Cruet Stands 8/	.10. 6
13 Coffee Cups 3/ 5 large Tea Cups and Saucers 10/	.13. -
6 Teacups and 3 Saucers	-. 7. 6
14 Tea Cups and 3 Saucers	. 5. -
2 Milk Pots 1 Teapot 1 pr Salts	. 5. -
Grindstone	. 2. 6
1 Canoe	2. -. -
	£229.17. 6 "

[Returned to York County Court
April 7, 1774 by appraisers,
Rob^t Nicolson
Rob^t Anderson
William Goodson
and recorded
May 16, 1774]

4

York County Records
Wills and Inventories, #22, pp. 429-430

[March 13, 1779]

"D^r the Estate of Richard Hunt Singleton dec^d in Acc^t with Mary

Singleton Admix
To Funeral expences & Crying Goods	10.10. 9
To John Mallory's Judgment & Costs	44.12. 9
To Mann Page Esqr Do	45.18. 7
To John Prentis & Co Do	42.10. -
To William Carter for House rent	70. -. -
To James and William Carters Account	3. 3. 4
To Gideon Ratcliffe for Goods purchased at Sale, Insolvent	6.17. -
To Elkanah Deane Do Do	3. -. 5
To Ballce due the Estate	14.18. 2 ½
	£ 241.11. 2 ½
Cr
By the Amount of Sales	£ 194. -. 6 ½
By Board William Carter and Family	25.18. 9
By Cash recd for James Johnson's Acct	13. 9. -
By James Carter Littlepage	4.12.10
By Patrick Galt	1. 2.10
By Edmund Randolph	2. 7. 3
	£ 241.11. 2 ½
By Ballance due the Estate	14.12. 4 ½

…

[Rec.
April 19, 1779]

Illustration #8

William and Mary Quarterly, series 2, pp 231-238 Vol. 3
Pleasants Murphy's Journal and Day Book (1814 Sept.-April, 1815)
(Original owned by Mrs. P. M. Cody, Bristol, Tenn.)

[Captain Otey's troop was ordered to take up winter quarters at Williamsburg. They arrived on December 19th, 1814 in Williamsburg.

"Monday [Decr 19^th1814]... We arrived at old Wmsburg a little before night. We got houses for to Lodge in and Tied our horses in a Lot... 4 or 5 of us went to the Eagle Tavern and got supper...

"Tuesday [Decr. 20, 1814] ... we all Remained at our barracks. Most of us hired Stables To put our horses in...

"Sunday Decr. 25- being Christmas the world Resounded with the noise of guns. we made Several Egg nogs in our barracks and Drank much Liquor... in the evening our Mess held a Superb Supper at Mr. Thomas where our Rations are cooked...

"SundayJanuary 1, 1815--11 O'clock A. M. I am now in the back Room in our Barracks which is an old brick building situate on the south side of the main street of the City of Williamsburg which is an old town of no considerable Size

"Monday January 2, 1815--....At Night we Borrowed a fiddle and had a dance in Our Barracks...."