Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The house known as the "James Anderson House" is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg about midway between the Capitol and the College of William and Mary.

HISTORY IN SUMMARY:

The first known data as to the ownership of Lot 18 is recorded in 1723 when Thomas Ravenscroft and Elizabeth, his wife, of James City County conveyed Lots 17 and 18 to Cole Digges. Evidently, Dudley Digges, a son, inherited the property and conveyed same to William Withers sometime after 1755 and prior to November, 1760. In 1760 Withers conveyed to William Holt, merchant, who held the property until 1770 when he conveyed to James Anderson, armourer. During the period it appears that Catherine Rathell, milliner, may have had a shop on this lot at the same time that Freer Armston, chandler, conducted a business on another part of the lot. Anderson mortgaged to Holt but soon became full owner. It is now known when Anderson moved into the property. ^not? He seems to have rented to William Drinkard for a tavern. Mrs. Christiana Campbell apparently was on Lot 18 as a tavern keeper from 1760-1769(?). Anderson had several blacksmith forges on the property. Humphrey Harwood either built or repaired these several times for Anderson. Anderson was living thereon as a blacksmith from 1776-1780 and as Public Armourer for Virginia. He removed to Richmond when the Capital was moved there but returned to Williamsburg in 1782. He lived at his property until 1798 when his death occurred. Land Tax accounts from 1782 to 1806 indicate that Anderson or his estate was owner of three lots in Williamsburg. In 1809 the same source shows that Robert Anderson, son of James Anderson, had come into legal possession of the three lots "via J. Anderson Est." There is proof that Anderson and his sister, Nancy Camp, widow of George Camp, held something like a joint ownership of the property. In 1820 the Williamsburg Land Tax accounts charge "Camp, Mary [sic] (Richmond)" with one lot held by "life estate." The buildings were valued at $1300 and lot and buildings at $1400. 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 as owner until 1842 when all buildings were destroyed by fire. The lot continued in the name of Anderson until 1861 which was the last available date of Land Tax accounts until after the Civil War. Insurance records of the Mutual Assurance Society 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. There were three other policies for this property: 1823, 1830 and 1839. Robert Anderson's will filed in 1871 indicated that he was owner of the property. In 1880 George W. Potts had bought the property at the Anderson sale. In 1884 Potts conveyed to James L. Slater. In 1888 Slater deeded to R. A. Wise, trustee, for the Burke heirs. In 1903 the Burke family conveyed to Margarethe Larson. In 1909 Larson gave deed to C. H. Lee. In 1915 Orpha J. Lee, widow, conveyed to A. W. Hitchens. In 1932 Hitchens conveyed the property to Williamsburg Holding Corporations. Further details of ownership can be seen in the body of the report or in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated.

MAPS OF WILLIAMSBURG:

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 smaller houses contiguous.

The College Map (1791?) shows "Anderson" on Lot 18 and "Byrd" on Lot 19.

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.

Tyler's Map, an adaptation of the College Map, has the same identification as the Bucktrout Map.

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

LOCATION:

The house known as the "James Anderson House" is located on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street about midway from the College of William and Mary to the Capitol. On some Williamsburg maps the lot is designated "18" and is marked "Anderson." See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map on opposite page.

HISTORY:

The first definite information as to the ownership of Lot 18 is noted in 1723 when Thomas Ravenscroft¹ conveyed two lots to Cole Digges.²

[November 16, 1723]

[Thomas Ravenscroft, James City County,
Elizabeth, his wife,
to
Cole Digges, York County,
Consideration: 200 pounds Current Money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Sixteenth day of November in the tenth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George...Anno Dom: One thousand Seven hundred & twenty three BETWEEN Thomas Ravenscroft of the County of James City Gent & Elizabeth his Wife of the one part and Cole Diggs of the County of York Esq^r of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Thomas Ravenscroft & Elizabeth his Wife for and in Consideration of y^e sum of Two hundred pounds Current money of Virginia to them in hand paid by the said Cole Diggs at and before the Ensealing and delivery of these presents...HAVE given granted bargained Sold aliened enfeoffed released & Confirmed...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 2 Duke of Gloster Street in the said City designed in y^e Plot or draught thereof by y^e Numbers or figures 17 & 18 together with all the houses outhouses Edifices gardens orchards Woods wells waters & water Courses and all other improvements advantages privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging...TO HAVE & TO HOLD...forever...IN WITNESS whereof they the said Thomas Ravenscroft and Elizabeth his Wife have hereunto set their hands & Seals the day & year above written
Tho^s Ravenscroft (Seal)
Eliz^a Ravenscroft (Seal)

…
At a Court held for York County Dec^r 16^th 1723 Thomas Ravenscroft & Elizabeth his Wife in open Court presented & acknowledged this their deed of Release of lands lying in W^msburgh in this County to Cole Diggs Esq^r... Test. Phi Lightfoot Cl Cur¹

The lot numbers "17 & 18" in the above deed, probably were an error of the county clerk in copying. At this date, Lots 16 & 17 were owned by John James Flournoy, a watchmaker.² A later deed (1761) indicates that Lots 18 & 19 (not described by numbers but by boundaries), had once been owned by Dudley Digges.³

Just how long Ravenscroft had been the owner, is not known from the records. However, there was a house or houses thereon of some consequence. By comparison the house on lot 47 was valued at £115 (in 1728/29); the Robertson house & lots 26 & 27 were valued at £200; and the Brush house was valued at £80 in 1727.

Little is known as to what use Cole Digges put his purchase. As he was a member of the Council from 1719-1744, it is probable that he resided in Williamsburg a part of each year. In August, 1739 in the Virginia Gazette under the caption, "Williamsburg," it was reported: "Yesterday Major 3Benjamin Harrison son of the Honourable Nathaniel Harrison Esq;...was married to Miss Susanna Digges, Daughter of the Honourable Cole Digges, Esq; one of his Majesty's Council of this Colony..."¹

It appears from a later deed that Cole Digges, apparently, conveyed the lots to his son, Dudley Digges, and in 1755 Digges gave lease to part of the lot on which a shop stood to James Currie,² Barber and Perukemaker:

[July 21, 1755]

[Dudley Digges of Yorktown
to
James Currie, Williamsburg, barber and perukemaker,
Consideration: £2.12.- with 5 shillings to confirm the lease]

...WHEREAS the said Dudley Digges did license and Permit one Doct^r Kenneth M^cKenzie dec^d to set a Tenement or Shop on his Lotts in the City of Williamsburgh with liberty to remove the same at any time which Shop the said James Currie hath purchased AND WHEREAS the s^d Dudley Digges and James Currie have come to the following Agreement that...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 and his Assigns for the term of fourteen Years at the Annual Rent of Two Pounds twelve Shillings [with the privilege of renewal for fourteen years at the expiration of the first lease] He the said Dudley Digges Hath Demised Granted and Letten...unto the said James Currie All the Ground whereon the said Shop now stands together with ten feet more extending back into the said Lotts the whole length of the said Shop Scituate lying & being on the South side the Main Street [blot] at Williamsburgh To have and to hold [blot]...[for fourteen years with privilege of renewing for fourteen years] IN WITNESS whereof the said Dudley Digges and James Currie have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year first above written.
Dudley Digges Jun^r (L.S.)
Ja^s Currie (L.S.)³ [Recorded York County Court
July 21, 1755]

Although no lot number is given in the above lease, it may refer to a portion of Lot 18 as archaeological information (report of August, 1939) indicates that a shop, apparently, was located on the eastern part of Lot 18.

After 1755 and prior to November, 1760 William Withers,¹ secretary to Governor Dinwiddie, had acquired Lots 18 and 19 via Dudley Digges. Basis for this statement is found in a deed from Withers to William Holt; and a deed from Withers to William Carter:

[November 18, 1760]

[William Withers, merchant,
to
William Holt, merchant,
Consideration: 350 Pounds Current Money of Virginia]

…Lot or 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 Campbell² denoted in the Plan of the city by the Figures [sic] 18 and also part of the Lott next adjoining the East Side thereof to wit 5 feet and an half 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 Paralel to the East Side of the said Lott first above mentioned And all Buildings Gardens Ways…
William Withers (L.S.)³

[Recorded York County Court, January 19, 1761]

[March 16, 1761]

[William Withers, Merchant, Williamsburg,
to
William Carter, apothecary, Williamsburg,
Consideration: 375£ Current Money]

…All that Peice or parcel of Ground Situate lying and being on the South Side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City and 5 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…
W^m Withers (L.S.)¹

[Recorded York County Court, March 16, 1761]

Mrs. Campbell, noted in the 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 later.² During the period of her occupancy of Lot 18 George Washington dined with her frequently on his visits to the city. A few instances are listed below:

There is a notice in the Virginia Gazette of April 27, 1769 to 6 indicate that Catherine Rathell,¹ milliner, possibly had a shop on this lot at the same time that Freer Armston,² a chandler or soap boiler, conducted a business on another section of the lot. Armston's advertisement follows:

April 27, 1769

FREER ARMSTON, 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 house³ 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. halfpeny small quantities…⁴

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

In October, 1770 William Holt conveyed the property to James Anderson,⁵ a blacksmith: 7

[October 20, 1770]

[William Holt of Williamsburg
Mary, his wife,
to
James Anderson, Williamsburg
Consideration: 600 pounds Current Money of Virginia]

…HATH granted…All that lot of 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 [sic] 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 strait Line to be run thro the said Lott to the End thereof on the back Street parrallel to the East side of the said Lot first above mentioned…And all buildings…
William Holt (L.S.)
Mary Holt (L.S.)

…
RECEIVED this twentieth day of October 1770. of the within Named James Anderson the sum of Six hundred pounds Current Money being the Consideration within Mentioned to be received by me--
W^m Holt.¹

Witness
Matth^w Anderson
Ellyson Armistead
Thomas Pate

[Recorded June 17, 1771, York County Court.]

In the foregoing conveyance one sees that the consideration for the property has increased from 350 pounds when Holt bought the property to 600 pounds when he sold it. In the ten years that Holt held the property the value advanced nearly one hundred per cent. Also, in the above deed the lot is designated as "18, on the south side of the Main street." And, a narrow strip of land 5½ feet was cut from Lot 19 and included in the conveyance. See: drawing below:

On the twenty second of October, 1770 Anderson and Hannah, his wife, gave a mortgage upon the property acquired via Holt on October 20th:

[October 22, 1770]

[James Anderson of Williamsburg
Hannah, his wife,
to
William Holt of the same city
Consideration: 600 pounds current money of Virginia]

[Anderson conveyed the same ground as conveyed in deed of October 20, 1770, from Holt to him being lot 18 and] also part of the lot next adjoining the East side thereof to wit: five feet and a half in breadth extending eastwardly into the said adjoining lot to the end thereof on the back street parallel to the East side of the said lot first above mentioned...to be held on condition that James Anderson, his heirs or Executors shall pay unto William Holt the full sum of six hundred pounds on or before IN SIX EQUAL PAYMENTS OF the fifteenth day of May 1772 and one hundred pounds annually for five succeeding years making the last payment to be on the fifteenth day of May 1777...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 peice or part of a Lott...to hold and enjoy as his own and proper Estate and it is agreed between the parties that untill Default be made in payment of the said Money it shall be Lawfull for the said James Anderson to remain in the quiet possession of the said premises and to take the Rents and profits thereof to himself for his own use...¹ [Recorded June 17, 1771, York County Court]

Anderson, evidently, rented the property to William Drinkard for a tavern:

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,² by the ensuing April Court. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accomodation.³

It is not known exactly when Anderson moved into his property on 9 Lot 18. In 1767 Anderson purchased the southern part of Lot 19, site of the present Barraud House. In 1776 he was appointed Public Armourer for Virginia.¹ Prior to this time, he was plying the trade of a blacksmith and acting as armourer in Williamsburg.² Anderson maintained shops and forges at his Williamsburg property.³ Archaeological research has established forges on Lot 18 along the western boundary toward the south. Whether he had other forges and shops in Williamsburg when he was Public Armourer or whether the southern part of Lot 18 and a part of Lot 19 were sufficient for the shops, we do not know. In December, 1777 the Governor and Council agreed to allow James Anderson, blacksmith, thirty two pounds per month for nine hands, and twenty shillings per day, Sundays excluded, for himself; and ninety pounds per year for his shop and tools for six months to commence from September 21st, last. He was to be allowed rations for himself and workmen, a load of wood a week. He accepted these terms.⁴ (See: Illustration #4, appendix, for Anderson's life as a Public Armourer taken from the Public Store Records, Williamsburg.)

On March 20, 1776 "Articles of agreement between James Anderson, blacksmith, and the Committee on behalf of the public were signed..."¹ Such contract indicated that Anderson would act as public armourer for the Commonwealth. He held this office until his resignation in July, 1782.² In July, 1776 "[Warrant] to James Anderson for £142.16.0 for a quarter's wages of himself, workmen, and use of shop, per agreement."³

Another warrant was ordered on October 3, 1776: "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."⁴

In January, 1777 it was "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."⁵

In 1778 and 1779 Humphrey Harwood, local brick mason and builder, made certain repairs for James Anderson: 11

Anderson continued to operate the blacksmith shop and the armourer's shop for the Commonwealth until the Capital was moved to Richmond in 1780. At that time, he moved to Richmond and operated these shops there until his resignation in July, 1782. He came back to Williamsburg and from that time until his death in 1798 he seems to have carried on a typical blacksmith shop in which he mended grates, shovels, locks, cart wheels, hames, singletrees; made keys, hinges, gridirons, hoes, bolts, staples for window shutters and springs for chariots and other conveyances.²

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (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 smaller houses contiguous.³

The map known as the "College Map" (1791?) shows "Anderson" on
12 Lot 18 and "Byrd" on Lot 19. (This map if of late eighteenth century date must have had data added later, for Anna Byrd could not have been on Lot 19 in the eighteenth century as she acquired the property in 1801 from Dr. Barraud.)¹

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 (continued):

In 1777 a letter from Governor Patrick Henry to Richard Henry Lee gives definite information concerning James Anderson and his work as Public Armourer 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 via 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 wages he pays.²

From this letter we know definitely that Anderson had two forges, six sets of tools, eight vices, and five apprentices. Anderson was allowed goods, shoes, hose, shirts &c for clothing the apprentices and workers under 13 him at the Public Armoury.¹ He was allowed the cost of beds at the Armoury used by prisoners put to work there; and baize from which aprons could be made for the negroes hired at the Armoury.²

Further indications that Anderson's blacksmith shop was located at his property is noted in an account of Humphrey Harwood, local brick mason and builder:

In 1777 Anderson had two forges; in 1779 he had three forges.

In April, 1779 Anderson advertised in the local newspaper his need of a good blacksmith and nailer, and also six negroes to work in his shops:

Williamsburg, April 16, 1779.

I WILL give extraordinary wages to a good BLACKSMITH and NAILER, that is capable of acting as foreman in my shops.---I am in want of six likely young NEGRO FELLOWS for six months, for which I will give 100£. each.¹

In June, 1779 Anderson advertised again:

Williamsburg, June 15, 1779.

I WILL give great wages for GUN STOCKERS, and BLACKSMITHS, that are good work men.
JAMES ANDERSON.²

Williamsburg Land Tax Records which began in 1782 list "[James An]derson" as owner of three lots with tax valuation of £7.³

From 1783 to 1791 Anderson had Harwood make changes in repairs and alterations to his property:

[p. 5]

In 1786 the land tax valuation increased from £7 (1782) to £22.10.²

A notice advertising the sale of the brick house adjoining James Anderson's appeared in 1795 in the local newspaper:

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…³

In 1796 an insurance policy issued by the Mutual Assurance Society to Philip Barraud on a dwelling house on Francis Street gave the boundaries as "situated between the Cross Street and that of James Anderson, in the county of James City..."⁴ (This was the Barraud House on the south side of Francis Street.) Another policy was issued to 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 M^rs Powell in the county of James City..."⁵

James Anderson died in September, 1798. He did not leave a will. Evidence found in Letter Book #1 of Robert Anderson, his son, indicates that James Anderson owned homes in both Richmond (where he had lived as Public Armourer from 1780-1782) and in Williamsburg: 17

In this cause 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…¹

The inventory and appraisement of the estate of James Anderson was made on October 25, 1803 with account of sales made on November 1, 1803. The total appraisal was set at $860.90. The inventory included personal property and items pertaining to the trade of a blacksmith: bellows, wire, sledge hammers, old iron, iron wheels, jack, cart wheel boxes, large scale beam and weights.²

Sometime after the death of James Anderson (1798) his dwelling house and lot in which all his children had an equity, were acquired by Nancy Camp,³ his daughter. Date of sale of dwelling and lot to Nancy Camp seems to be September, 1806. A memorandum in an Account Book of Robert Anderson, his son, will confirm this statement:

WILLIAMSBURG DECEMBER 1807
...
29
...Memo. The above named property [1 house and lot in Richmond and 2 vacant lots in Williamsburg] belonged to the estate of my father James Anderson and descended to seven of his children who survived him to wit--William, John Tyler, Leroy, Nancy, James, Henry and myself...a friendly suit was brought in the Richmond Chancery district Court for a division of the whole estate under a decree of which the two vacant lots in the city of Williamsburg were sold by J. Henderson, W. Tazewell, and Ro: H. Warburton the 20^th of Sept. last. on 12 mo^s credit...⁴

WILLIAMSBURG DECEMBER 1807
...
29
...Nancy Camp dr To James Anderson's est for 29/35^th of the houses and lot occupied by her which in the whole on a credit of 12 mo^s was sold by the commissioners on 29^th Septm. last for $1000, and purchased by her the other 6/35^th are retained for S. & W. Anderson, infant children of William Anderson dec^d [$] 828.57 James Andersons est dr To Nancy Camp for 23/35^th of the above houses and lot which she is to account to Leroy Anderson Nancy Tyler Anderson Henry Anderson & herseof for to wit to

to Leroy Anderson 6/35th	$171.42.90 [sic]
to Nancy Tyler Anderson 5/35th	142.85.70 [sic]
to Henry Anderson 6/35th	171.42.80
to herself 6/35th	171.42.80	657.14.20

The remaining 6/35^th of 29/35^th she will owe me for $171.42.80.¹

Nancy Camp may have been occupying the James Anderson house and premises by 1805:

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...²

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…³

In June, 1806 Nancy Camp had some repair work done at Williamsburg:

In September, 1806 Nancy Camp was charged with plank and nails:

WILLIAMSBURG Sept^r 1806
...
6 Nancy Camp D^r for plank and Nails 11 June [$] 6.70¹

January 7, 1807 found Anderson writing to Prentis thus:

I go this evening to keep Geo. Pates birthday in dancing at the old Mary Camp & c^o...²

December 7, 1807 Anderson wrote to Prentis again:

I received your welcome letter while laying on Camps Carpet before the fire toasting the contents of an ague°³

In October, 1808 Nancy Camp was charged by Anderson with 162½ bushels of coal $40.22.⁴

By 1810 Nancy Camp was living in Richmond. An insurance policy declared that she resided in Richmond but was insuring her buildings in Williamsburg "...now unoccupied situated between the lot of Mary Stith on the West and of Leroy Anderson on the east...Dwelling house 44 by 20 feet two stories high-wing to the dwelling 20 by 30 feet..."⁵

The Camp property began to be designated by Anderson in his account books as "Camp's White House" or "White House of Nancy Camp's." Anderson undertook to keep the property, apparently, for his sister as there are numerous charges against her for repairs made: 20

Prior to January, 1813 the Nancy Camp House had been rented to W. T. Galt:

WILLIAMSBURG January 1813

…
White House rec^d of W T Galt for part of rent [$]100. -

²

On July 3, 1813 Galt paid balance of rent, $50, to Anderson.³

Throughout 1815-1819 Anderson continued to enter items against Nancy Camp for minor repairs on her Williamsburg property: 21

In 1820 Williamsburg Land Tax records give: Mary Camp (Richmond) 1 lot, life value of buildings $1300; lot and buildings $1400 (formerly charged to, and in part held by Robert Anderson).²

In 1823 Nancy Camp moved to Norfolk. She insured her property in Williamsburg again: "…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' lot East and Stiths lot west…"³

During 1829-1832 Anderson charged Mrs. Camp's house with minor repairs:

Mrs. Camp insured her property in 1830 thus: she stated that she was the owner and Robert Anderson was the occupant. The dwelling was valued at $1800 and the kitchen at $160.²

In 1839 Mrs. Camp insured the property again: Robert Anderson was the occupant. The dwelling and wing were valued at $3000 and the kitchen at $250.³

In 1840 Williamsburg Land Tax Records indicate that Robert Anderson was owner of "1 lot valued with buildings at $1400 via Nancy Camp."⁴ When Nancy Camp sold the Williamsburg property to her brother, Robert, she retained a life right. An insurance policy of Robert Anderson's, April 14, 1840, on this property states that "Nancy Camp holds the life estate…that the property was occupied by Anderson and it was situated between Thomas Sands on the east and Beverly Rowsay and others on the west, main street on the north and Francis street on the south…"⁵

In 1842 a native of Williamsburg wrote in her Diary that a big fire had occurred on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street burning down the house which Robert Anderson owned or occupied then: 24

1842
April 4, A Great Fire occured at 2 oclock last night it originated in M^r T Sands burnt M^r Robert Andersons house Mr. G. Southalls office Nelly Bollin's beverly Rowzies on the other Miss R Mr Andersons large Store on the opposite side of the Street, Sally Jeffersons house on the Back Street the old Coffee house occupied by M^r Hurt and anoth tenement.¹

Another account of the fire follows:

Sumterville, Alabama
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 interests that it contained. We wait with feelings of anxious suspense to hear 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…²

In 1843 Williamsburg Land Tax Records note that two buildings (on separate lots) belonging to Robert Anderson had been totally destroyed by fire. Such lots were valued at $300. Apparently, Anderson was owner of the lots until 1861 which is the last date of the records available.³

A statement of Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" 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 25 water that afforded the small boys rare sport--boating in the summer and skating in the winter…¹

At Anderson's death in 1859, his will indicated that he still was owner of the property, subject of this report. Just what disposition was made of the lot is not known--except we know that, apparently a house had been erected on the lot following the fire. However, in June, 1880 from a deed of date, July 28, 1884, we learn that George W. Potts had become the owner at the sale of Robert Anderson's property by the commissioners so directed.²

In 1883 Potts conveyed the property to James Edloe--the lot fronting 60 feet on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street running back between parallel lines 152 feet.³ In May, 1884 Edloe and Potts by deed conveyed to James L. Slater.⁴

In 1888 James L. Slater and Robinette, R., his wife, gave deed to R. A. Wise, Trustee, "in trust nevertheless that the said party of the second part will permit Maria C. Burke, the wife of M. F. Burke, to hold and occupy and enjoy the said property and the rents…thereof for and during her natural life, and after her death, that the same shall be occupied and enjoyed by the children or survivors of them of the said Maria C. Burke to them and her heirs forever."⁵

In 1903 M. F. Burke, Trustee for Maria C. Burke, Walter H. Burke 26 and Ava, his wife; W. H. Burke and Margaret, his wife, and Maria J. Burke conveyed with general warranty to Margarethe Larson, the property described as "on Duke of Gloucester Street 150 by 60 feet."¹ Several liens and deeds of trust follow until 1909 Margarethe Larson, widow, gave deed to secure payment of $1200 to C. H. Lee.² In 1915 a sale was made to comply with the terms of the deed of trust of 1909. Orpha J. Lee, widow, for $1000 conveyed with general warranty to A. W. Hitchens the property mentioned above.³

In 1932 A. W. Hitchens and Mamie, his wife, conveyed the property described in deeds above, to Williamsburg Holding Corporation. The grantors reserved the use and possession of the said property to and until January 10, 1934, free from rent.⁴

Further details of ownership can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated.

Illustration #1

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?

Illustration #2

[Anderson owned either 4 ¾ or 5 lots. The 3 lots via J. Anderson are listed among them, but I am unable to figure out which they are. M.A.S.]

[Note: Because of the number of lots owned in Williamsburg by Robert Anderson it is impossible to figure out from the tax records which lot corresponds to the lot, subject of this study. Obviously, he was the owner in 1859 when he died. M.A.S.]

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

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…

1840 April 14th Mutual Assurance Society Policy #11,111 revaluation of buildings formerly declared for assurance by Nancy Camp per declaration #7578

"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 #5