Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The house known as "The Nancy Camp House" is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street. On early Williamsburg maps this lot is No. 18 and is marked "Anderson." (Copy of maps in Department of Research. For Tyler's adaptation, see Illustration #1.)

HISTORY:

The first definite information as to the ownership of lot 18 is noted in 1723 when Thomas Ravencroft conveyed two lots to Cole Digges:

November 16, 1723.

Ravencroft, Thomas¹--Gent
Elizabeth, his wife--Jas City
to
Digges, Cole
Consideration: 200 Pounds. [Release]

All these their two lots or two half Acres of Land in the City of Wmsburgh, scituate lying and being in or upon the South Side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City designed in the Plot or Draught thereof by ye Numbers or figures 17 & 18 together with all houses outhouses Edifices gardens orchards Woods wells waters & water-courses and all other improvements advantages privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging...(York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, p. 413.)

The deed of lease was given on November 15, l723. (Ibid, p. 395.)

It appears from a later deed, apparently to this property, that Cole Digges conveyed the lots to his son, Dudley Digges.² (See deed: Dudley 2 Digges to James Currie, July 4, 1755 - York County Records, Deeds, VI, p. 26.) In 1755, James Currie leased a shop on a portion of a lot which Digges had rented to Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, with the privilege of holding it for fourteen years:

Whereas the said Digges did license and permit one Dr. Kenneth McKenzie dec'd, to set a tenement or shop on his lots in the city of Williamsburg with liberty to remove the same at any time, which shop the said James Currie hath purchased.

Whereas the said Dudley Digges and James Currie have come to the following agreement that he the said Dudley Digges will grant a lease of the ground whereon the said shop stands with an addition of ten feet more for the whole length thereof for the conveniency of building a shed to hold to the said James Currie or assigns for 14 years.

(York County Records, Deeds, VI, p. 26.)

After 1755 and before November 1760, William Withers,¹ secretary to Governor Dinwiddie, had acquired lots 18 and 19 from Dudley Digges. Basis for this statement is found in a deed from William Withers to William Holt and a deed from William Withers to William Carter. Both deeds are quoted below:

November 18, 1760

Withers, William-Merchant
to
Holt, William-Merchant
Consideration: 350 Pounds

Lot or half acre of Land situate, lying and being on the main street in the said city on the South Side 3 thereof now in the Tenure and occupation of Christiana Campbell denoted in the Plan of the city by the figures 18 and also part of the lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit: 5½ feet in breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining Lot 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...

(York County Records, Deeds, VI)

March 16, 1761

Withers, William--Merchant
Williamsburg
to
Carter, William--Apothecary
Consideration: 375 Pounds

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 Lots or half acres of Ground purchased by the said William Withers of Dudley Digges of the Town of York, gent.
And all houses...

(York County Records, Deeds, VI, P. 333)

Mrs. Christianna Campbell (noted in above deed of November 1760) kept a tavern in Williamsburg for many years. Apparently Mrs. Campbell did not own property in the city until ca. 1771, or more probably 1774. (See Virginia Gazette advertisements and York County Deeds.¹) During the period of her occupancy of lot 18, George Washington dined with her frequently on his visits to the city. A few of the many instances are listed below:

[1762] "November 29, Monday. Williamsburg.
Tavern Expens. Williamsburg Mrs. Campbell£8.17.6
Clubs elsewhere 16/3. - Ledger A, op. cit."(Fitzpatrick, George Washington Colonial Traveller, 161.)

[1763] "November 3, Thursday. Williamsburg.
...account with Mrs. Campbell£4.4.0."(Ibid., 172-73.)

[1767] "April [11] Saturday. Williamsburg.
By Mrs. Campbells Acct.£12.5.0. -- Ledger A."(Ibid., 200.)

[1767] "November 6, Friday. Williamsburg.
By Mrs. Campbells Acct. for my Board & ca.£3.10.0.-
Ledger A, op. cit."(Ibid., 203.)

[l768] "November 5, Saturday. Williamsburg.
Dined at Mrs. Campbell's, where I had spent all my Evenings since I came to Town. - Diary."(Ibid., 227.)

[l769] May 4, Thursday. Williamsburg.
Dined with the Speaker and spent the Evening (that is suppd) at Mrs. Campbell's. - Diary."(Ibid., 238.)

Several other entries for May 1769 note that Washington stayed at Mrs. Campbell's.(Ibid., 241, 254, 255, 256.)

[1770] "May 22, Tuesday. Williamsburg.
Reached Williamsburg to Breakfast and dined at the Club at Mrs. Camb[el]l; and supped at the Raleigh. - Diary."(Ibid., 262-62.)

[1770] "June 9, Saturday. Williamsburg and New Kent.
Had a cold Cut at Mrs. Campbell's and went up to Eltham in the afternoon. - Diary."(Ibid., 263.)

It is not known just when Mrs. Campbell moved from the property on lot 18 to a "COFFEE-HOUSE in the Main Street, next the Capitol, where Mrs. Campbell lives." (According to the Virginia Gazette of May 16, 1771, from foregoing quotation, Mrs. Campbell was then next to the Capitol.)¹

There is a notice in the Virginia Gazette of April 27, 1769, to show that Catherine Rathell, milliner, possible had a shop on this lot at the same time that Freer Armston, a chandler, conducted a business on another section of the lot. Armston's advertisement follows: 5

April 27, 1769

FREER ARMSTON,¹ Chandler and Soap Boiler, in Norfolk, For the better convenience of supplying the town of Williamsburg, has opened a shop between Mr. Carter's great brick house² and Mrs. Rathell's, where may be had TALLOW CANDLES as good as any on the continent; the present price by the box 11d. paying freight from Norfolk, Best HARD SOAP at 6d. by the box, or 7d. halfpenny small quantities... (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

If Mrs. Rathell was in the larger house, previously used by Christianna Campbell, then Armston was located in a small shop between Carter's brick house and Mrs. Rathell.

The next year, William Holt conveyed the property to James Anderson.³

The lot was designated as #18 on the south side of the Main Street. The consideration named is unusually large in comparison with other lots in the city:

[October 20, 1770]

Holt, William of the City of Williamsburg
Mary, his wife
to
Anderson, James of the same
Consideration. 600 pounds.

... All that lot or half acre of ground situate lying and being on the Main street in the said City on the South side thereof now in the Occupation of the said William Holt denoted in the plan of the City by the Figures 18 and also part of the Lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit Five Foot and an half in Breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining Lott on the said Street and from the Street a straight Line to be run thro the said Lott to the End thereof on the back Street parallel to the East side of the said Lot first above mentioned...
And all buildings..."

[Recorded June 17, 1771]

(York County Records, Deeds VIII, pp. 120-122.)

Two days later James Anderson and wife gave a mortgage upon the same property to William Holt:

[October 20, 1770]

Anderson, James and Hannah, his wife of Williamsburg
to
Holt, William
Consideration: 600 pounds current money of Virginia

THIS INDENTURE made the twenty second Day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Seventy BETWEEN James Anderson of the City of Williamsburgh and Hannah his Wife of the one part and William Holt of the same place of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the sum of Six hundred pounds Current Money by the said William to the said James in hand paid at or before the sealing and Delivery of these presents... He the said James Anderson and Hannah his Wife HAVE Granted Bargained... unto the said William Holt all that Lott or half acre of Ground situate lying and being on the main Street in the City of Williamsburg on the south side thereof which he bought of the said William Holt and denoted in the plan Town by the figures 18 and also part of the Lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit Five foot and an half in Breadth extending eastwardly into the said adjoining Lott to the End thereof on the back street parallel to the East side of the said Lott first above mentioned... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD... for ever PROVIDED always and these presents are upon this Condition that if the said James Anderson his Heirs... do and shall well and truly pay or Cause to be paid unto the said William Holt his Executors... the full and Just sum of Six hundred pounds Current Money in six Equal payments to wit one hundred pounds on or before the Fifteenth day of May in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy two and one hundred pounds on the same Day annually for five succeeding Years making the last payment to be on the Fifteenth Day of May in the Year one thousand seven hundred and Seventy Seven without Fraud or further Delay then these presents and every thing therein Contained shall Cease determine and become Void... and that in Default of such payments it shall and may be Lawfull for the said William Holt his Heirs and Assigns to enter upon the said Lott and piece or part of a Lott with the Appurtanances...(York County Records, Deeds VIII, pp. 124-126.)

In 1771 William Drinkard opened a tavern in the house lately occupied by William Holt:

Williamsburg, February 26, 1771.

WILLIAM R. DRINKARD begs Leave to inform the Publick that he intends to open TAVERN in the House lately occupied by Mr. William Holt; nearly opposite the Post Office,¹ by the ensuing April Court. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accomodation.(Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

There are numerous items in the Calendar of Virginia State Papers and in Journals of the Council of Virginia, I and II, to indicate that James Anderson,² blacksmith, had a private trade and that his forges and shops were in the city of Williamsburg. Later, as public armorer, he removed to Richmond, when the capital was moved there. From the items listed below, such evidence is noted. Also, recent archaeological surveys made by Colonial Williamsburg have proved that there were forges and small houses (shops?) located on the James Anderson part of lot 19 and an the western part of lot 18. (See: Gunsmith report, Department of Research and Archaeological report, 1939, Department of Architecture.)

Instances of Anderson's accounts in Williamsburg during 1773, 1774, and 1776 are given below:

"Work Done for The Jail by James Anderson
May 1773 to October 1773 £6.19.10½
1774 May through October £36.14.5"(Prison Accounts, photostats in Dept. of Research)

1776, March 20: "Articles of agreement between James Anderson, blacksmith, and the Committee of Safety were signed."(Calendar of Virginia State Papers, VIII, p. 130)

Note: Such contract indicated that Anderson would act as public armorer for the Commonwealth. Anderson held 9 this office until his resignation in July 1782.(Ibid., III, p. 222)

1776, July 2: "Warrant to James Anderson for £142.16.0 for a quarter's wages of himself, workmen, and use of shop, per agreement."¹(Ibid., VIII, p. 233)

1776, October 3: "Ordered That a Warrant issue to Mr. James Anderson for One hundred & forty six pounds five shillings for the hire of his Shop & Hands &c a Quarter of a year to the 20 Ult., Also the farther Sum of twenty two pounds two shillings & six pence, for Balance of his Account of work &c. previous to the Commencement of his Contract with the Committee of Safety."(Journal of the Council of the State of Virginia, I, p. 184)

1777, January 24: "Ordered that James Anderson the public Armourer be directed immediately to inspect the Arms brought from the Head of Elk, and to clean and repair the same, and that he afterwards proceed with out delay to clean and repair all the other arms in the magazine." (Official Letters, Governors of Virginia, Vol. I, Letters of Patrick Henry, p. 94.)

In 1777, a letter from Governor Patrick Henry to Richard Henry Lee gives pertinent information concerning James Anderson and his work as blacksmith for the Commonwealth of Virginia:

Saturday the 21st of March 1777

Mr. James Anderson this day agreed to do Blacksmith's work for the Commonwealth of Virginia at his shop in Williamsburg on the following terms for six months, and for a longer time unless he shall give the Board one month's notice of his intention to decline the Business, or they shall give him the same notice of their intention to discontinue him viz Mr. Anderson is to be allowed fifteen shillings per day for his own wages including Sundays, for the rent of his shop, six setts of Tools and eight Vices for the Gunsmiths Business at the rate of ninety pounds per annum, he is to be allowed 6 per day for boarding each work man, for his two forges and five apprentices three pounds per month each, and if he is deprived of either of them by any accident he is to supply their place with another Hand as good; He is to employ such other workmen as the public Business requires on the best terms he can, and charge the country with whatever 10 wages he pays.(Official Letters, Governors of Virginia, Vol. I, Letters of Patrick Henry, p. 127)

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates several houses on what appears to be lot 18. A long house faces on Main Street. To the rear are two rectangular houses on the western part of the lot, with three small houses contiguous. (See drawing in Illustration #1.)

Other maps of Williamsburg, said to be of 1780 and 1791, but obviously of later date, show "Anderson" on lot 18 and "Byrd" on lot 19. These maps cannot be eighteenth century maps. They are early nineteenth century in all probability. One proof as to their nineteenth century date is that Anna Byrd could not have been on lot 19 in the eighteenth century, as she acquired the property in 1801 from Dr. Philip Barraud. Barraud letters; Tucker-Colemn Collection letters; insurance policy #108, Philip Barraud, 1796; and case of Anne Byrd vs. Mutual Assurance Society bear out evidence that the Byrds gained possession of the southern end of lot 19 from Philip Barraud in 1801. (Evidence in Barraud house history, Department of Research.)

The Bucktrout Map (1803), added to by Lively (1867), indicates "Sands" on what would be lot 18 if numbered, and "Leroy Anderson" to the east on lot 19, if numbered.

HISTORY (Cont.):

The earliest available land tax accounts for Williamsburg (recorded in 1782) indicate that "__derson" held three lots valued at 7 pounds. It is highly probable that these three lots were owned by James Anderson. Subsequent tax records follow:

1786 James Anderson 3 lots £22.10.0
1791 _____ Anderson 3 lots £15.0.0
1797 James Anderson 3 lots £15.0.0(Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts, photostats in Department of Research)

Other source material relating to James Anderson is given below. Such evidence indicates that Anderson returned to Williamsburg from Richmond after his retirement from the public service in 1782:

1782, July 17: "The loss of Mr. Anderson is seriously felt, in as much as he will not undertake the 'public business' without proper guarantees having lost all confidence in 'the public faith.'"(Calendar of Virginia State Papers III, 222)

1783: James Anderson, proprietor of lot in Williamsburg.(William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, XI, pp. 114-15)

1795, Oct. 28: "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...will be sold on Nov. 10th...."(Virginia Gazette & General Advertiser)

1796, Apr. 18: Insurance policy #108 of Philip Barraud¹ on a dwelling house "on Francis Street...situated between the Cross Street and that of James Anderson, in the county of James City..."(Photostats, Department of Research)

1796, May 26: Insurance policy #149 of William Carter on "Brick Buildings on the main street at Williamsburg now occupied by Jackson Saunders situated between the House of James Anderson and that of Mrs Powell in the county of James city..." (Ibid.)

1796, July 26: Account of Doctor Philip Barraud with James Anderson
"To a pr Cart wheels hoop'd near the spokes pr agreement£3.0.0"(James Anderson Account Book 1788-1799, copy in Dept. of Research)

1798, Apr. 17: Account of Doctor Philip Barraud with James Anderson-
"To Repairing a Jack£0.1.6
To putting key to a lock .2.6
To Mending a bridle bit 2 checks 0.4.6(Ibid.)

To summarize the above noted items of Anderson source material: (1) James Anderson, blacksmith and gunsmith, was the owner of a house and lot in Williamsburg from 1770 to 1798, the time of his death; (2) the Anderson property 12 adjoined Carter's brick house on the west, with Barrand's lots on the southeast; (3) Anderson had forges and blacksmith shops which were his private trade; (4) as armorer for the Commonwealth during the early part of the Revolutionary War, Anderson used the shops, etc., for the public work. Recent evidence has been discovered through archaeological investigation indicating that a forge and other shops were located on lot 18 in the colonial period. (Archaeological report, 1939, Architectural Department, Colonial Williamsburg.) It seems reasonable to suppose that Anderson lived in the dwelling house on lot 18 and plied his trade in the shops to the rear of his house.

The accounts of Humphrey Harwood, carpenter and brick mason of Williamsburg, against "James Anderson (Black Smith)," run from December 1778 to December 1791. (See copy in detail in Illustration #2.) There are items such as "lathing and plaster^g Room to Shop," "building 2 forges," and carpentry and repair work on various rooms, porches and outhouses. "Finishing" or "building a forge" is noted five times.

Anderson removed to Richmond in 1779 when the capital was moved there. In July 1782, Anderson resigned as public armorer and returned to Williamsburg. Evidence found in Letter Book #1 of Robert Anderson, his son, indicates that James Anderson owned homes in both cities at the time of his death in September 1798. This fact is noted in the case of Anderson vs. Anderson in 1798:

In this case which abates by the death of the defendant James Anderson...the court on consideration thereof doth adjudge and decree that the Commissioners herein after named do divide the real estate of James Anderson deceased consisting of one house and lot in the city of Richmond, one house and lot, and two vacant half acre lots in the city of Williamsburg, and of several hundred acres of land in the state of Kentucky... (Letter Book #1 of Robert Anderson - copy in Dept. of Research - original in Virginia Historical Society)

The Inventory and appraisement of the estate of James Anderson was made on October 25, 1803, with account of sales made November 1, 1803. 13 Items listed are those pertaining to the trade of a blacksmith: bellows, wire, sledge hammers, old iron, iron wheels, jack, cart wheel boxes, large scale beam and weights, etc. The inventory also included personal property ouch as tables, chairs, beds, etc. (See Illustration #2 for copy.) The total appraisal was set at $860.90.

At the death of James Anderson that property which obviously was lot 19 (north) and lot 18 was inherited by his children, Nancy Camp,¹ Robert Anderson, and Leroy Anderson.² The history of lot 19 (north) is so closely routed and connected with lot 18 during the Anderson ownerships that it seems fitting to include some of the chain of title to lot 19 here. Below are listed source materials which indicate that Nancy Camp and Robert Anderson held legal claim to lot 18 and that Leroy Anderson was owner of the north part of lot 19:

1805, Dec. 12 - Letter of Robert Anderson to Joseph Prentis, Williamsburg: "Aunts, and Camp, together with several of your female friends direct me to present you the old accustomed offering--their love and with this conclusion of Love I will bid you adieu..."(Copy in Dept. of Research)

1806, Aug. 12 - Letter of Robert Anderson, Williamsburg, to Joseph Prentis, Jr., Suffolk: "...I found Camp's house almost deserted and Swepson too among the deserters."(Copy in Dept. of Research)

1807, Jan. 7 - Anderson to Prentis: "I go this evening to keep Geo. Pates birthday in dancing at the old Mary Camp & c^o..."

1807, Dec. 7 - Anderson to Prentis: "I received your very welcome letter while laying on Camps Carpet before the 14 fire toasting the contents of an ague then within my frame."

1809, Williamsburg Land Tax Transfers: "Robert Anderson via J. Anderson Est...3 lots"(Copy in Dept. of Research)

[lot 18]
1810, Nov. 16 - Insurance policy #231: "...Nancy Camp residing at Richmond...declare for assurance...my buildings on Duke of Gloucester Street in the city of Williamsburg...now unoccupied situated between the lot of Mary Stith on the West and of Leroy Anderson on the east...Dwelling House [marked A]...44 by 20 feet two Stories high...Wing to the dwelling house...20 by 30 feet...one Story..." (See Illustration #3 for drawing of lot, etc.)

[lot 19]
1811, Sept. - Insurance policy #1094, revaluation of #649: "Leroy Anderson residing at Richmond...declare for assurance...building on the main street in Williamsburg...situated between Nancy Camps. Simon Blocks and Anna Byrds lots..."(Photostat copy in Dept. of Research)

1811, Aug. - Robert Anderson Account Books, 1808-1812, #4, p. 63: "Debtor to Richard Garrett Sundries white House of N. Camp for his acc for shingles &c $52.46"(Anderson Account Books in Va. Hist. Society)

[lot 18]
1812, May 1 - Robert Anderson Account Books, 1812-1816, Day Book #5, p. 6: "Nancy Camps White House To the Mutual Ass. Society for the amount of quota for the year 1812 on #231 $12.98

1813, Jan. - Robert Anderson Account Books, 1812-1816, Day Book #5, p. 21: "White House rec^d of W. T. Galt for part of rent $100"

1813, Jan. 28 - Robert Anderson Account Books, 1812-1816, Day Book #5, p. 24: "Camps White House dr To Merchandise hinges and braids from Williams & Co $1.46"

1815, Robert Anderson Account Books, 1812-1816, p. 55: "Camps White House for sundry Brick Work $11.67
Camps White House whitewashing paid T. Sands $70"

1816, Robert Anderson Account Books, 1812-1816, p. 74: "Nancy Camps White House for repairs &c to Kitchen and Smoke house $76.10"

1820, Robert Anderson Account Books, 1819-1822, Day Book #8, p. 14: "Camps White House for 12 pannels planking between Mr^s Byrds¹ lot $36"

1820, Land Tax Accounts for Williamsburg: "Camp, Mary (Richmond)....1 lot, life
[value of] buildings $1300 [value of] lot and buildings $1400 (Formerly charged to, and in part held by Robert Anderson)"

[lot 18]
1823, April 7 - Insurance policy #5012, revaluation of #231: "...buildings...owned... by Nancy Camp residing at Norfolk...occupied by Robert Anderson...are situated on the main Street in Williamsburg north, a back street south - Sands'² lot East and Stiths lot west..."

(See Illustration #3 for details.)

[lot 18]
1830, May 20 - Insurance policy #7578, revaluation of #5012: " ....Buildings...at present owned by Nancy Camp residing at Norfolk and are occupied by Robert Anderson...situated on the main street in Williamsburg, between the lots of Thomas Sands and Richard Coke Jun^r on the East and the lots formerly Mary Stiths on the West, and streets otherwise..."

(See Illustration #3 for details.)

[lot 18]
1839, April 24 - Insurance policy #10995, revaluation of #7578: "...Buildings...at present owned by Nancy Camp residing at Norfolk and are occupied by Robert Anderson ... situated on the main street in Williamsburg on the north, Francis street on the South, Richard Coke, Jun^r and Thomas Sands' lot on the East, and the late Mary Stiths lot on the West..."

(See Illustration #3 for details.)

From the above noted source materials, it is apparent that Nancy Camp was the owner of lot 18, though, obviously she was not living on her property from 1810 to 1839. Also, tax accounts for Williamsburg indicate that Nancy Camp and her brother, Robert Anderson, held the property jointly, perhaps, 16 for some years: the lot is listed in Robert Anderson's name before 1820 when it appears in the name of Mary (Nancy) Camp. (See Illustration #4 for tax accounts in detail.) From the foregoing noted sources it is evident that Nancy Camp paid the insurance premiums on the Williamsburg property.

From 1825 to 1840 "Nancy Camp, Norfolk" is listed as owner of one lot in Williamsburg, value of buildings being $1300, and value of lot including buildings being $1400. In 1840 Robert Anderson had come into possession of the property. He is listed as owner of one lot, with buildings evaluated at $1400, and lot including buildings appraised at $1500, "via Nancy Camp." (See Illustration #4.)

In 1830, Nancy Camp insured her property in the city stating that she was the owner and Robert Anderson was the occupant. The dwelling was valued at $1800 and the kitchen at $160. (See Illustration #3.)

In 1839 Nancy Camp again insured her property in Williamsburg stating that Robert Anderson was the occupant. The dwelling and wing were valued at $3000 and the kitchen at $250. (See Illustration #3 for copy of policy.)

When Nancy Camp sold the property to Robert Anderson she retained a life right. (See insurance policy #11,111, dated April 14, 1840, in Illustration #3 for details.)

According to Hustings Court records of Williamsburg of date, February 27, 1840, "...the Court being satisfied thereof, directs it to be entered of record that James Anderson (the grandfather of Wm. Tyler Anderson), late of the city of Williamsburgh, died intestate in the said city, in the month of September, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and that he left at his death, seven children, who were his heirs, to-wit: William; John T.; Leroy; Nancy; James; Henry and Robert, of whom the said William, John T., and Leroy and James are dead, and the said Nancy (widow of George Camp), Henry and 17 Robert are living, the said Robert residing in Williamsburgh, and occupying the family residence of said James Anderson, his father."(William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, XII, p. 204.)

It appears that the buildings on lot 18 were destroyed by fire which swept this section of Duke of Gloucester Street in 1842. A letter quoted below from Mrs. Hannah Wright Anderson, widow of Leroy Anderson, of Sumterville, Alabama, to Capt. Robert Anderson, Williamsburg, April 28, 1842, refers to this fire:

My dear brother
I was much shocked and concerned, to learn by an article in the Phenix that your dwelling house and store had been burned down, together with some other houses. I picture to myself the anxiety and perplexity of yourself, sister Helen, and indeed the whole family, in endeavouring to save the many articles of value and interest that it contained. We wait with feelings of anxious suspense to bear the particulars of the Accident, and as none can describe them more minutely than yourself a circumstantial account from your pen, would be received with thankfulness by us all. I hope, indeed I feel pretty certain, that the house and property were insured..."(Letter, Department of Research)

In 1843, the Land Tax Accounts note that two buildings (an separate lots) belonging to Robert Anderson bad been totally destroyed by fire. Such lots are valued at $300. Apparently Anderson held the lots until 1861 which is the last date of the records available. (See Illustration #4 for copy of tax accounts.)

A statement of Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" (copy in Dept. of Research) during the Civil War period indicates that a fire ^had swept over this area:

There were, when the War began, no more houses on this square fronting on Duke of Gloucester street; but instead there were immense brick gable ends of houses that had long since been destroyed by fire. These foundations were often filled with water that afforded the small boys rare sport-boating in the summer and skating in the winter...

The destruction of court records in the Civil War period has made a complete chain of title to the property impossible. However, further legal record of this property can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

IN SUMMARY:

The first definite information as to the ownership of lot 18 is recorded in 1723 when Thomas Ravencroft, Gentlaman, and Elizabeth, his wife, of James City County conveyed lot 18 and lot 17 to Cole Digges. Evidently Digges' son, Dudley, inherited the property and conveyed same to William Withers. Several leases had been made before that time - one to Dr. Kenneth McKenzie for a shop and one to James Currie. When William Holt came into possession the deed stated that Christianna Campbell was occupying lot 18. Holt gained lot 18 and also 5½ feet extending eastwardly into the adjoining lot from Dudley Digges. There is evidence which seems to point to the belief that Mrs. Catherine Rathell milliner, had a shop on the lot at the same time that Freer Armston, chandler, was in business on another section. In October 1770, William Holt conveyed lot 18 and also part of the adjoining lot, to the extent of 2½ feet east, to James Anderson. Anderson was a blacksmith in Williamsburg. Two days later Anderson mortgaged to Holt. The mortgage was lifted, undoubtedly making Anderson fee simple owner. His service as public armourer during the Revolutionary War both in Williamsburg and Richmond (when the capital was moved there) was outstanding. The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates several houses on what appears to be lot 18 with smaller buildings on the west side of the lot to the rear. These buildings are thought to be Anderson's shops. Land tax accounts from 1782 to 1806 indicate that Anderson was owner of three lots in Williamsburg. In 1809, the same source shows that Robert Anderson, son of James Anderson, had come into possession of three lots "via 19 J. Anderson, Est." There is proof that Robert Anderson and his sister, Nancy Camp, the wife of George Camp, held something like a joint ownership of the property. In 1820, the Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts charge "Camp, Mary (Richmond)" with one lot held by "life estate." The buildings are valued at $1300 and lot and buildings at $1400. There is a notation that the property was "Formerly charged to, and in part held by Robert Anderson." From 1820 to 1840, Nancy Camp held the property with valuations practically the same as in 1820. In 1840, Robert Anderson was charged with one lot, on which the buildings were appraised at $1400, lot and buildings at $1500, "via Nancy Camp." Anderson continued to hold the property until 1842 when apparently all buildings were destroyed by fire. The lots were in Anderson's name in 1861 which is the last available date of land tax accounts until after the Civil War. Insurance records of the Mutual Assurance Society made out to Nancy Camp in 1810 note her dwelling to be 44 by 20 feet, "now unoccupied situated between the lot of Mary Stith on the West and of Leroy Anderson on the east..." The dwelling with outbuildings were valued at $2500. Another policy of Nancy Camp's in 1823 valued her property at $2060. In 1830, the property noted as occupied by Robert Anderson was insured for Nancy Camp in the amount of $1960. A fourth policy, in 1839, valued the property at $3250. Recent title to the property can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

Illustration #1
Nancy Camp House
Block #1

Photostat Copy of the Williamsburg Plat in "Williamsburg the Old Colonial Capitol" by Lyon G. Tyler

From Frenchman's Map 1782?

Illustration 2-A

Illustration 2-B

Illustration #3
Nancy Camp House

1810 November 16th Mutual Assurance Policy #231

"Nancy Camp residing at Richmond in the county of Henrico do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia my buildings on Duke of Glouster Street in the city of Williamsburg and county of York which are now unoccupied situated between the lot of Mary Stith on the West and of Leroy Anderson on the east in the county of York...

1823 April 7th. Mutual Assurance Policy #5012 Revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Nancy Camp as per Declaration: #231
"...That the said buildings are at present owned by the said Nancy Camp residing at Norfolk and are occupied by Robert Anderson That they are situated on the main street in Williamsburg north a back street south- Sand's lot East and Stiths lot west in the county of York & James City...

1830 May 20th. Mutual Assurance Policy #7578 Revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Nancy Camp as per Declaration #5012...
"That the said buildings are at present owned by Nancy Camp residing at Norfolk and are occupied by Robert Anderson That they are situated on the main street in Williamsburg, between the lots of Thomas Sands and Richard Coke Jun^r on the East, and the lots formerly Mary Stiths on the West, and streets otherwise in the county of York...

1839 April 24th.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #10995 Revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Nancy Camp as per Declaration #7578
"...That the said Buildings are at present owned by Nancy Camp and are occupied by Robert Anderson That they are situated on the Main Street in Williamsburg on the North, Francis Street on the South, Richard Coke Jun^r and Thomas Sands' lot on the East, and the late Mary Stiths lot on the West...Nancy Camp now residing at Norfolk...

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #11,111 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Nancy Camp per declaration #7578
1840, April 14
Robert Anderson the underwritten reversioner for myself and for Nancy Camp who holds the life estate residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance...the buildings on south side of main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Thomas Sands on the east and Beverly Rowsay and others on the west, main street on the north and Francis street on the south in the county of York...

Illustration #4

Illustration #5
Nancy Camp House
Block 10

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

[Picture of Mrs. Campbell]

"...[in Williamsburg] By this time we found ourselves at M^rs Campbells, we alighted & walked in; the House had a cold, poverty struck appearance; a large cold room on the left hand, no white Person yet appeared; several negroes; "Pray does not M^rs Campbell live here!" "Yes" "Will you be so good as inform her We shall be happy to see her;" presently she came in. But as I did not approve of waiting for her in the passage, I had by this time led Bettsey into the cold parlour. Our Ladyladys looks were not more inviting than her House. Figure to yourself a little old Woman, about four feet high; & equally thick, a little turn up Pug nose, a mouth screw'd up to one side; in short, nothing in any part of her appearance in the least inviting; I wish'd we were out of the House, fairly out of the house; But we were in for it, and I was obliged to accost her, "A-Hem, Madam! Hem-Madam! I ought to make an apology for this liberty, being on way throw Williamsburg, Madam, & knowing you formerly kept a very genteel House, We could not resist the inclination we had to call and take a Family Dinner with you, Madam; We hope we will be no inconvenience. We are not nice, Madam; anything you have provided for yourself, Madam, will do; a few Oysters will not be amiss; my Wife here she stands, is fond of Oysters Cook'd any way; & in the meantime, Madam, will you be so good as order one of your Aides to make a little fire in this room;" By this time we had all the negro's in the House, about a dozen, around us. I thought, I had made a Capital Speechification, & stopt to draw my breath & give her time to answer; with a very ill mannered tone, she replied, " I dont keep a house of entertainment, nor have not for some years;" Bettsey & I gap'd at one another; at last I recovered Spirits enough to say, "We have been misinform'd, Madam, I Beg pardon for this intrusion, impute it to ignorance only; But as we are fairly landed here" (for By this time Solomon had taken out his Horses) "suppose for this one time you relent, Madam; it will be charity Madam, and charity covers a multitude of Sins, Madam; Angels sometime travell in disguise to mark the Deeds of Mortals;" she look'd up at me with the same amiable simplicity, as much as to say, your face is not smooth enough, even for an angel in disguise; and again answered, " I have no entertainment." She was now joined By her elder Daughter Molly, a Maiden Lady of about 45. You know old Andrew Greenhow of your County; I thought it had been him in petticoats; it was indeed high time to take some measures for a retreat from these amiable personages; I therefor immediately directed Solomon to put his Horses to the Carriage, in an audible voice, as we had come to a Damn'd bad Shop. I handed Bettsey into the Carriage, and could scarce help blessing them for a couple of Hell Cats; Miss Molly followed us to the Door, and told us M^rs Craig was the only Lady in town who kept a publick House; I thank'd her for her information, & to reward her shall direct my Brother Peter to give her a call the first time he comes to Williamsburg. Perhaps he may be of some service to her..."

Anderson Family

Fanny Anderson, born in Norfolk Borough, August 1, 1791, and died in Williamsburg where she was buried in the south-east corner of James Anderson's garden.