Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Lot 159, on which the present Travis House is located, was the property of John Greenhow¹ and of his son, Robert Greenhow, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Lot 159 lies on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street. It is bounded on the west by a cross street and on the south by Francis Street.

PROBLEM:

To trace the title to any lot located in the James City County part of Williamsburg is very difficult. Loss of the county court records during the Civil War has brought about this situation. However, tax accounts, material found in insurance policies, and manuscripts have thrown some light on the titles of the lots in James City County. The first indisputable proof that there were houses on lot 159 comes with the Frenchman's Map (c. 1782) on which houses appear on what seems to be lot 159.

HISTORY:

On the Frenchman's Map a large house is shown near the center of the lot, and two small almost square buildings stand to the west of this house. Both small houses may have faced on the cross street. Two other small buildings are pictured on the lot to the center and to the left rear. (See Illustration #2 of the Appendix.)

It is known from the writings of George Fisher² (commencing with a voyage from London, May, 1750, for Yorktown in Virginia and ending in 2 August, 1755, on his return from Philadelphia to Williamsburg) that John Greenhow as living in Williamsburg at the time as a merchant. Fisher does not state where Greenhow's store was located but a notice in the Gazette, September 19, 1766, places Greenhow's store "near the Church in Williamsburg…" Again, Keith and Hatch, tailors, in an advertisement in the Gazette, March 2, 1767, declared that they carried on "their business in all its branches, in the shop opposite to Mr. John Greenhow's store, on the main street in Williamsburg…"¹ Another notice in the Gazette, November 14, 1777, by Anne Neill, indicates that her store was "opposite to Mr. John Greenhow's near the Market Square."²

None of the advertisements, as given in the Gazette, locate Greenhow's dwelling and store more definitely than the descriptions noted above. Tax records for Williamsburg indicate that John Greenhow paid tax on 4 lots from 1782-1786. (See Illustration #3 for tax records.) John Greenhow died in 1787. It appears that Robert Greenhow, his son, was the sole executor of the will of his father, and apparently his sole heir to the property:

WILLIAMSBURG, September 24, 1787
Agreeable to the last will and testament of Mr. JOHN GREENHOW, late of this city, will be sold at public sale, on Thursday the 18 of October. THE store and four lots, beautifully situated on Shockoe Hill in Richmond, and on the Monday following, will be sold, all the real and personal estate of the deceased, (except the store Goods) in and about the city of Williamsburg, consisting of a large and commodious Dwelling House on the main street, 6 or 8 Houses 3 And Lots on the back street, about 300 acres of Land adjoining the Town, and lying on each side of the road to the College Landing, and about 100 acres of well timbered Land 3 miles from Town, a number of valuable slaves, 12 or 14 milch cows, 2 old cart Horses, and a parcel of elegant household furniture, among which is a beautiful keyed chamber Organ and a Spinnet - three months credit will be allowed the purchaser for all sums above £10, on giving bond with approved security…
ROBERT GREENHOW, sole executor. (Virginia Gazette and Independent Chronicle, John Dixon, ed., October 6, 1787.)

From this notice about John Greenhow's property, it is evident that Greenhow was a man of wealth. During his life in Williamsburg he had either built or acquired "a large and commodious Dwelling House on the main street, [and] 6 or 8 Houses and Lots on the back street…" This fact adds strength to the opinion that John Greenhow was living on lot 159 at the time of his death in 1787, because the house (according to the Frenchman's Map) was a large house . Tax transfers for 1788 show Robert Greenhow in possession of "4 lots via John Greenhow." (Tax Transfers, Land Tax, Department of Research.) In 1789, Robert Greenhow paid Humphrey Harwood for mending a wall. In 1791, Greenhow paid Harwood for 8856 bricks. (See Illustration #4 for accounts for ledge of Humphrey Harwood.) One cannot be certain on which house the bricks were used. It is significant as Robert Greenhow had recently come into possession of his father's property.

MAPS:

The College Map (1791) sometimes designated "The Unknown Draftman's Map" does not give a lot number on the above mentioned lot, but the map does show the name of "Greenhow" on the lot. The Bucktrout Map of 1803 also has the name "Greenhow" on what would be lot 159.

In 1791, Robert Greenhow's name appears on the tax records for Williamsburg as owner of 4 lots (see Illustration #3). Greenhow's name 4 (that is, Robert Greenhow) had not appeared before this date.¹ In 1800 he was still taxed for 4 lots. Greenhow insured his property with the Mutual Assurance Society in July, 1801. On July 27, 1801, Greenhow, in writing to W. Ast of the Mutual, not only drew a plan of his property on lots 159 and 160 in Williamsburg, but wrote in detail about the valuations, etc. (For Photostat copy of drawn plan see Illustration #5A of the Appendix.) A part of his letter to Ast follows:

…after critically viewing the property (a plan of which on a scale of forty feet to the Inch, accurately drawn is annexed) "have declared that it would cost in Cash 9200 Dollars in ready money to build the same; and is now, (after the deductions of 2200 Dollars for Decay or bad repair) actually worth 7000 Dollars in ready money" …The situation of my buildings are such as to place them in little or no Danger of fire from my neighbours; the main street is nearly 100 feet wide; to the west, 70 or 80 feet separates me from the next building; to the East I am perfectly 12 or 1500 feet intervening of vacant ground. To the south no buildings exist.

Greenhow estimated the value of his buildings as follows:

Dwelling house	A $5000	Actually	now worth	4000 Dolls
Brick Kitchen-	B 1000		Do	900
Lumber House	C--- 400		Do	300
Stable	D--- 200	New	Do	200
Brick Dairy	G 100		Do	100
Do Storehouse	E 1000		Do	9402
Dwelling house	F 1500		Do	560
	$9200			$7000

From the drawing made by Robert Greenhow in July 1801 (referred to above), 5 the dwelling house in his "Explanation" is marked "AQ my Dwelling house, the part Q for Domestic purposes about 30 feet square; back porch 8 ½ by 30 feet that part of it 4 Stories high including Cellar & Garret Rooms - the Part A & Shed S, 45 feet in front by 30 feet the part A, 5 stories high, 2 of which are of brick - 3 Chimnies-…" (See Illustration #5A.) Other dependencies were noted by Greenhow on his lots: smoke house, necessary house, corn-house, kitchen, and dairy.

The Mutual Assurance Society insured Greenhow's property in policy No. 493 on July 27, 1801. Seven buildings were insured. Greenhow's dwelling and his other property were then occupied by himself and Rodwell Delk,¹ and were described as on the Main Street at Williamsburg situated between the House of Beverley Dixon decd² and the Market Square in the county of James City. (See Illustration #5B for Photostat copy of insurance policy.) The dwelling house was marked "A" and so described: "A wooden dwelling & store house 75 feet long by 30 feet wide 2 Stories front of the street & five Stories on the Back.- on the Back the underpinning is 11 feet above the surface of the Ground------." The drawing shows inside chimneys, a shed to the left, and distances from other buildings on the lot.

On May 12, 1806, Greenhow again insured his property located on lot 159 in Williamsburg. Under policy No. 644, Greenhow's house was described as "A Dwelling House 2 stories wooden wall covered with wood 60 x 32 with wood ends 9 x 32 B Kitchen wooden covered with wood 1 story 32 x 19 Stable marked D entirely wooden 1 story 24 x 20 E Lumber House 1 story brick walls covered with wood 27 x 19." The valuations were as follows:

"Dwelling House	A	$5000
Kitchen	B	900
The Stable	D	160
The Lumber House	E	1000
		$7060"

(See Illustration #5C for copy of policy No. 644.)

During this period a social item is of interest concerning the Greenhow's: "We had a tearing Ball at Mr Greenhow's about a fortnight or three weeks ago-which no doubt you have heard of-I saw your amiable Sister Eliza there-it is the only time since my return to Williamsburg…. Mr. Southall calls Mr. Greenhow's Ball a 'six hundred squeeze; a la mode de Richmond.'" (Letters of Julia F. Pagaud to Joseph Prentis, Suffolk, March 21, 1808, Williamsburg. Copy in Department of Research.)

By 1811, Robert Greenhow had sold or leased his lot (no. 159) on which he had lived to John Page Shields.¹ The insurance policy #1082 dated August 20, 1811, describes the house marked "A" as "a dwelling of 7 Wood 2 stories high 62 x 32 occupied by John P. Shields Shed wing to the east of the house 9 x 32." Repiton's property is noted as toward the east and a store marked "D" is 36 feet distant towards the west from the dwelling house which faces upon the Main Street. Numerous outhouses stand to the rear of the dwelling at a distance of 40 and 50 feet and more. (See Illustration 5D for play of buildings insured in policy No. 1082. The appraisers state in the policy that "the said buildings are at present owned by John Page Shields residing in Williamsburg in the County of James City and are occupied by himself and Edward Cheminant. That they are situated on the main and two other streets between the lot of Deneufville on the West and Repiton¹ on the east in the County of James City." The buildings are valued as follows:

"The Kitchen	B	at	$333.1/3
Stable	C		225.
The Store House	D		1080.
The Granary &c	E	at	141.2/3
The Dwelling	A	at	2666.2/3
			$4445.2/3

(See Illustration 5E)

A letter of unknown origin to Samuel Greenhow written the same year as the above policy (1811), shows also that the house in Williamsburg, formerly Robert Greenhow's, was then under the ownership of John P. Shields. It also shows that the house had a garret:

August 7, 1811

On Sunday evening last our city was alarmed by a fire which took place in the dwelling house of Mr. John P. Shields (late Mr. R. Greenhow's) which 8 upon inspection appeared to be communicated to the building by some designing person probably with a view to plunder. In the absence of the proprietor and his family, a straw bed was taken from one of the lower rooms of the house, and placed in the garret with a chunk of firewood under it, which soon communicated its head, and filled the room with flame. The garret being floored, and otherwise close, the fire did not readily extend itself, and being early in the evening, a discovery was made in time to preserve a total loss of the house and perhaps many of the neighboring buildings…"

Sometime before 1815, Simon Block had come into possession of lot 159. An insurance policy with the Mutual Assurance Society describes the property as "A - Dwelling of wood covered with wood. Two stories high 62 x 32 B - Kitchen Brick covered with wood 16 x 32 C - Stable of wood & covered with wood 24 x 20." Other buildings are cited to the west. (See insurance policy #1512 on page 9 of Insurance book, Department of Research. For plat of buildings insured in policy #1512 see Illustration 5F.)

At this point it may be well to give in summary the situation of "lot-transfers" from 1782-1816. A study of the insurance policies indicates that as early as 1801 Robert Greenhow owned two dwelling houses (each with dependencies) on the main street. The larger dwelling house on the western part of lot 159 was occupied by Greenhow himself; the smaller one to the east on lot 160 was in the occupation of a tenant. In 1806, Greenhow still occupied the house on the west, and Louis H. Girardin, his son-in-law, occupied the smaller dwelling on lot 160. (See Policies #103, #644, and #664.) In 1811, John Page Shields owned and occupied the large dwelling house while Edward Cheminant occupied the store house (see policy #1082). Joseph Repiton was owner and occupant of the smaller dwelling house in 1811. This smaller house was on lot 160. (See policy #1512 and #1524.)

Tax records for 1813 list Simon Block as owner of "3 lots via Saunders & Greenhow." In 1815 and 1816 Block is listed as owner of "3 ¼ lots [valued at] $300." (See Illustration #3.)

In a policy issued by the Mutual Assurance Society to Simon Block, in June 1815, the property is described as situated on the Main Street now occupied by himself (Block) "between Joseph Repiton's lot on the east and streets otherwise in James City County." The valuation was as follows:

"The Dwelling House	A	at	$4,500
The Kitchen	B	at	700
The Stable	C	at	150
The Storehouse	D	at	1,000
The Granary	E	at	100
			$6,450

(Policy #1512, Revaluation of John P. Shields' Declaration #1082.)

In 1817, Peter Devergers is taxed for holding 3 lots in Williamsburg valued at $210, "2 via Simon Block, Dwelling house and lot containing one acre more or less, bounded on the north by the main street: also the lot and store house 40 feet in front leased from the corporation." (see Illustration #3.) Devergers held the property during 1818 and 1819 at the same valuation as in 1817. In 1820, Devergers is charged with 1 lot valued at $2600. In 1821 it is obvious that this was the same lot Devergers acquired in 1817 via Block. (See Southall Papers 1837 - copy in Illustration #3 to confirm this statement.) The tax transfers for 1823 show that Peter Drouch (Drouet?) had come into 1 lot valued at $2600 "via Peter Desvergers."¹ How Peter Drouch (Drouett?) disposed of his property, acquired via Peter Desvergers, is not known. However, there is record of a lease given by the feoffees and trustees of Williamsburg for this property and the lot adjoining: 10

That certain lot, piece, or parcel of Land, with the appurtenances & improvements thereon, leased or granted to Robert Greenhow, by the Common Hall of the City, on the 18th day of October 1805, & which is now held & enclosed by him the said Wm Edloe, containing -acre & is bounded on the east by the Lot of the sd Wm Edloe, purchased at a public sale made by Wm Browne Trustee for Peter Drouet, & on the West by the Cross Street which divides this Lot & the Lot of John A. Deneufville.

(Robert Saunders &c feoffees & trustees of City of Wmsburg to Wm Edloe¹ - Lease dated 28th July 1830 for 21 years from the first day of April 1830 - Southall Papers, Folder 177, College of William and Mary - See Illustration #6A.)

The street or a piece of ground between the Lot & Store House leased by the said Wm Edloe of the aforesd feoffees & Trustees & the House & lot of John Augustine Deneufville, as far back as the lots run to have &c from the 3d day of April 1830, for & during the term of 21 years. (Ibid.)

A copy of a deed, dated May 31, 1834, from William Edloe and wife to John Mann, indicates that the property conveyed was the same lot, subject of this report:

The dwelling House and Lot of Land annexed thereto, together with all the other houses and improvements on the said Lot of Land the said Lot, dwelling house &c being the same which Wm Edloe bought of Wm Browne, Trustee &c together with an unexpired Lease of a lot of land annexed thereto , which said leased premises is the same land on which the building formerly occupied is the same land on which the building formerly occupied as a store house stands, & adjoining the lot on which the aforesaid dwelling house stands, & is bounded on the west side by a leased lot of ground on which the said William Edloe's stables &c now stands - all of which property lies in 11 The city of Wmsburg & was by deed bearing dated the 9th April 1830, conveyed by Wm Browne as trustee to the sd Wm Edloe. (Southall papers, Folder 177, College of William and Mary. The deed is under the caption of Saunders (Robert) vs A.G. Southall 1830-1844. See Illustration #6A.)

In 1835 John Mann seems to have acquired the lot "via William Edloe who purchased it of Drouet's trustees." (See Illustration #3.) The Southall Papers - Legal Cases and Estates James City County for 1837 - indicate that John Mann gave a trust deed to George W. Southall, trustee for W.W. Vest & Co., on November 27, 1837, on a house and lot known as "the City Hotel…The sd lot, dwelling House &c being the same which Wm Edloe bought of Wm Browne, Trustee for Peter Drouet & James his wife (?) & Peter Desvergers together with an unexpired lease of a lot of land annexed thereto, which said leased premises is the same Land on which the house formerly (or previously) occupied as a store house stands, and adjoining the Lot on which the afore sd dwelling house stands & is bounded on the west, by a leased Lot of ground on which the sd Wm Edloes stable, &c stands - all of which property lies in the city of Wmsburg--& was conveyed by deed on 9th April 1830 by Wm Browne Trustee as afore sd to sd Wm Edloe. John Mann ^[1] to G.W.S.Trustee for W E Deed 2 June 1834 to secure $1500 by bond bearing even date." (Southall Papers, Folder 163 - copy in Illustration #3 together with the tax records.)

Mann gave a trust deed on personal property to secure loss or loan of $500. The papers were dated June 25, 1835. The following property is listed: "a Household & Kitchin furniture, consisting in part of 13 feather beds-bedsteads & furniture, 1 sett of dining Tables, 2 card Tables, 1 Centre 12 Table-1 Sofa, 1 Bureau with a mirror, 1 Side board-1 doz. Cane bottom chairs, 2 dos. Window (?) Windsor (?) chairs-5 Cane Bottom Rocking chairs-1 Hair bottom Rocking chair, with spring seat. 3 carpets-1 stairs Carpet, with rods (?) sides (?) Table & Tea China-½ doz. Silver Table Spoons-1 dozen silver Teaspoons-1 mantle glass-1 toilet (?) glass-six Looking glasses & (?) hangings-6 Wash stands-andirons-shovels & tongs-1 Brass fender-Knives and forks-1 large United States map..& all the rest of his household & kitchen furniture." (Southall Papers, Folder 163, Legal Cases and Estates, James City County, College of William and Mary.)

During Mann's ownership certain repairs or changes were made to the property. In 1838 (February 2nd through August 17th), an account with John E. Pierce shows that Mann had repairs made such as hanging doors, putting on locks, laying floor in "Sellar passage," cutting door "fraim," etc. (See Illustration #6B from Southall Papers, Folder 163.)

From the Southall Papers it appears that the property was purchased for A.G. Southall through G.W. Southall, trustee, to secure payment of certain debts owned by Mann. A.G. Southall in turn made a deed of trust on the property conveying it to Thomas Cogbill on January 18, 1839, to secure payments due Wm. Edloe and G.W. Southall. The property conveyed is described as follows: "…a certain piece, parcel, or lot of land and buildings thereon, usually called and Known as the 'City Hotel' with the appurtenances, lying in the sd City of Wmsburg…" (See Southall Papers, Folder 125, incorporated with tax records in Illustration #3; also, Southall Papers, Folder 125, quoted in Illustration #6C.)

In 1840, however, Albert G. Southall is still shown in the tax records for Williamsburg as holding "1 lot…$3500 (via G.W. Southall, trustee of Jno Mann: City Hotel)." The same lot with identical valuation is 13 given for A.G. Southall in 1843. Also, George W. Southall is listed as owner of 1 lot valued at $3500 in 1843. As George W. Southall was trustee for Mann, it sees logical to state that this was the identical lot listed by Albert G. Southall. (See Illustration #3.)

In the meantime judgments and other deeds of trust were necessary to secure certain debts of A.G. Southall. On July 12, 1841, A.G. Southall gave a trust deed on the property to M. Bowers, trustee for James A. Semple, to indemnify the latter as surety to W.W. Vest & Co. on a bond. The property conveyed is described as "All that lot and tenement in the City of Wmsburg on the south side of the main street, formerly owned by William Edloe & purchased by him of John Mann…and purchased by said Southall, at a sale made by Mann's trustees publickly…" (Southall Papers, Folder 177 - see Illustration #6D.)

Just a few days later, July 24, 1841, another trust deed was given on the property by Southall to Bowers to satisfy the claim of Robert Saunders. The owner conveyed "That lot and tenement in the City of Wmsburg on the south side of the main street, formerly owned by Wm Edloe, & by him sold to John Mann… & now in possession & in residence of the sd Southall, and used by him as a Hotel…" (Ibid.)

On January 9, 1843, the "City Hotel" was sold by Moreau Bowers, Trustee, at public sale, under two deeds of trust: one for the benefit of James A. Semple; and the other for the benefit of Robert Saunders. Leonard Henley and John A. Henley became the purchasers of "the said Houses & lots at the price of $4402.00 or thereabouts and are now in the possession thereof (and so have been since the said Sale)."> Due to a misunderstanding and dissatisfaction in regard to the sale, the sheriff declared the sale null and void. (See Illustration #3 for details of the suit and deeds of trust as copied from the Southall Papers. A note by the orator says that the sale 14 Should not have been made, since a judgement had been rendered for beers and Poindexter against A.G. Southall. Also see Southall Papers, Folder 177, memo. Made by George W. Southall, February 3, 1843,¹ in Illustration #6E.)

An insurance policy issued to Benjamin E. Bucktrout on October 26th, 1846, by the Mutual Assurance Society, gives as a western boundary "Leonard Henley's lot and tavern." (See policy #14379, copy in Repiton House History.) From this, we know that Henley was considered the owner of the property in 1846.

The next tax record concerning this lot appears in 1847. William S. Peachy is charged with "1 lot valued at $3500-from Geo.W. Southall in 1846." (See Illustration #3.)

In 1849, Benjamin Hansford, hotelkeeper, made an agreement with Leonard Henley (apparently the real owner though the tax records and the Southall Papers do no record this fact until 1854) to rent the City Hotel on the following terms:

Beginning 1 Jany 1849-Ending 31 Dec 1853
Benj. Hansford)
Leod Henley) agreement

An agreement between B. Hansford & L. Henley on Hansford part he agrees to pay Henley $350 for the rent of his house called the City Hotel for 5 years & the use of the furniture; on Henleys part he agrees to allow Hansford the privledge to put on $75 of the rent for 1849 and in addition to pay the Carpenter bill for repairing back porches & store [or stove] & lower room and some other work in the back yard…" (Southall Papers, College of William and Mary.)

The lot continued in the name of Peachy until 1854, at which time it was listed with a value of $4000. (See tax records, department of Research.)

An announcement appeared May 11, 1854, in the Williamsburg paper:

CITY HOTEL
THE subscriber thankful for past favors, takes pleasure in informing the traveling public, that his house has been newly painted and fitted up in other respects, and that he is prepared to accommodate those who may give him a call, in the most comfortable manner. His BAR is always furnished with the BEST OF LIQUORS, and his table supplied with all the delicacies of the season.
BENJ. Hansford.¹ (Virginia Gazette, Thomas Martin, ed.)

Another notice, dated December 21, 1859, in The Weekly Gazette and Eastern Virginia Advertiser gives the location of the "City Hotel" in relation to the adjoining lot: "Building lot and house for sale. Adjoining City Hotel, formerly the residence of Mrs. F.D. Mason."

There is a gap in the records from 1854 to 1866. A chancery suit, instituted in May 1894, stated that "On the 27th day of March, 1866, Leonard Henley, Sr., sued out of the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Williamsburg and County of James City, Virginia, an attachment again John H. Hope a non resident and caused the same to be levied on a house and lot of land situate in the City of Williamsburg on the south side of main street, bounded on the East by the lot recently purchased and occupied by G.W. Rose, dec'd, on the south by the back street called 'Francis,' on the west by the ravine lot now belonging to Dr. Leonard Henley and lately the cite of the 'City Hotel,' being the house and lot of land that was owned and occupied by Elizabeth D. Mason, dec'd, in her life time…." (See chain of title to Block 13, No. 19, Accounting Department.)

Mr. Charles, a citizen of Williamsburg for many years, has given his impression of the city about the period of the Civil War in which he includes a description of the "City Hotel":

…
The City Hotel, the only hostelry in operation when the War began, was a big wooden structure which stood on the lots immediately west of the Hall Bros. Drug store. It was a two-and-one half story house with spacious basement. The first floor, which contained the office, dining room, etc., was only one step up from the street. There was a long front porch, with railing around it. At the uptown end of this porch was the "Ladies' Entrance," with a partition between it and the general entrance, and along this porch could be seen, in good weather, a string of the "High rolloes" of the city, feeling flush and fine, discussing the vintage of the last invoice of champagne, and other important problems of the day.

The basement was reached by steps on the outside at the downtown end of the hotel. This basement was an attractive part of this well-known and well-patronized hostelry, not only because the bar room was down there, but also because it constituted a fine sun parlor, as the rear or the southern exposure was all glassed in so that in bad weather the "Forum" on the porch could be transferred to the sun parlor. There was an extensive yard in the rear of this City Hotel, and out in this yard there was an immense elm tree, five feet in diameter, which was a few years ago injured by the wind, and afterwards removed. Under the tree in the good old times, long tables were arranged on every "big day." On them a big dinner was spread, and a big crowd gathered, and had a big time. This fine old house was pulled down by the Yanks in the War.

(John S. Charles, "Recollections of Williamsburg," pp.30-31.)

From the Civil War period to the present time, the title is traced by M.I. Armistead, attorney (see Block 13, No. 19, Accounting Department); and by Ashton Dovell, attorney (see Block 13, No. 21, Accounting Department). The chain of title is long and involved by suits, injunctions, etc.

WILLIAMSBURG LAND TAX RECORDS

SOUTHALL PAPERS

Legal Cases & Estates James City County

1837 "John Mann - To G.W. Southall - trustee for W.W. Vest & Co. Deed dated 27 Nov. 1837. Conveying

• 1.House & lot. City Hotel.
• 2.Negro Woman Judy - 33 years of age & her children Patsey - about 10 years-Sarah, 8 & Wester 6 with increase

W. Edloe & wife Eliza L - to john Mann -Deed-of Bar: & sale - for $1500. Dated 31, May, 1834

The dwelling House & lot of land annexed thereto together with all the other houses & improvements on the sd Lot of Land. The sd Lot, dwelling House &c being the same which Wm. Edloe bought of Wm Browne, Trustee for Peter Drouet & James [?] his wife & Peter Desvergers together with an unexpired lease of a lot of land annexed thereto, which said leased premises is the same Land on which the house formerly (or previously) occupied as a store house stands, and adjoining the Lot on which the afore sd dwelling house stands & is bounded on the west, by a leased Lot of ground on which the sd Wm Edloes stable, &c stands-all of which property lies in the city of Wmsburg--& was conveyed by deed on 9th April 1830 by Wm Brown Trustee as afore sd to sd Wm Edloe. John Mann to G.W.S. Trustee for W.E. Deed 2 June 1834 to Secure $1500. by bond bearing Even date.

(Southall Papers, Folder 163, College of William and Mary.)

[Williamsburg Tax Records - cont.]

		No. Lots	Value
1838	Mann John	1 lot	$2600
1839	A.G. Southall	1 lot		Gave deed of trust to Thos. O. Cogbill et al on "land and buildings thereon, usually called & known as the 'City Hotel'… in the City of Wmsburg, and were accurately described in the said deed, in Trust to secure to one William Edloe, the payment of $1590, and me, George W. Southall, the payment of $2522.50… residue of the purchase money remaining due & in arrear from the sd AGS… purchased by the sd A G S at a certain public sale thereof…under certain deeds of trust executed by John Mann, to secure the payment of certain debts to various creditors of the said John Mann…" (Information from Southall Papers, Folder 125.)
1840	Southall Albert G.	1 lot	$3500	(via G. W. Southall, trustee of Jno Mann: City Hotel)
1843	Southall A.G.	1 lot	$3500
1843	Southall George W.	1 lot	$3500
1847	Peachy William S	1 lot	$3500	from Geo. W. Southall in 1846 (Tax transfers)

Again, the lot appears in a suit in which judgments were taken. On May 23, 1842, two deeds of trust were admitted to record in the Clerk's office of the Hustings Court in Williamsburg; said deeds purporting to have been made by the said A.G. Southall conveying to Moreau Bowers, trustee, "…certain house & lots lying in the city of Wmsburg (being the same piece or parcel of Land hereinbefore mentioned as conveyed by the said first mentioned deed of trust to the sd Thomas O. Cogbill) in trust, the one to indemnify a certain James A. Semple, against a security ship for the said A G S and the other to secure certain debts to a certain Ro: Saunders and also to indemnify the said Saunders against certain security ships for the said A.G.S…. on the 9th day of January 1843 since the issuing of the said eligit Moreau Bowers, trustee made a public sale of the property conveyed to him under the said two deeds of trust…at which sale a certain Leonard Henley and John A. Henley became the purchasers of the said Houses & lots at the price of $4402.00 or thereabouts and are now in possession thereof (and soo have been since the said Sale)." A note by the orator says that the sale should not have been made, since a judgment had been rendered for Beers and Poindexter against A.G. Southall. (Southall Papers, Legal Cases and Estates, Folder 125.)

Illustration #6A
Lot 159

Saunders (Robert) vs. A.G. Southall. 1830-1844. 16 pieces.

Edloe & wife. To. John-Mann. Decd B. & S. 31 May 1834.
Conveys - "The dwelling House and Lot of Land annexed thereto, together with all the other houses and improvements on the said Lot of Land the said Lot, dwelling house &c being the same which Wm Edloe bought of Wm Browne, Trustee &c together with an unexpired lease of a lot of land annexed thereto , which said leased premises is the same land on which the house formerly occupied as a store house stands, & adjoining the lot on which the aforesaid dwelling house stands, & is bounded on the west side by a leased lot of ground on which the said William Edloe's stables &c now stands-all of which property lies in the city of Wmsburg & was by deed bearing dated [sic] the 9th April 1830,- conveyed by Wm Browne as trustee to the sd Wm Edloe."

Robert Saunders &c feoffees & trustees of the city of Wmsburg- to Wm Edloe.

Lease dated 28th July 1830. for 21 years from the first day of April 1830.

"That certain lot, piece, or parcel of Land, with the appurtenances & improvements thereon, leased or granted to Robert Greenhow, by the Common Hall of the City, on the 18th day of October 1805, & which is now held & enclosed by him, the said Wm Edloe, containing-acre & is bounded on the East by the Lot of the sd Wm Edloe, purchased at a public sale made by Wm Browne Trustee for Peter Drouet, & on the West by the Cross Street which divides this Lot & the Lot of John A. Deneufville.

Same to Same. Lease of same date. [Robert Saunders to Wm Edloe, July 26, 1830]
Leases. "The street or piece of ground between the Lot & Store House leased by the said Wm Edloe of the aforesd feoffees & Trustees & the House & Lot of John Augustine Deneufville, as far back as the lots run. To Have &c from the 3d day of April 1830, for & during the term of 21 years &c."

Illustration #6B

Mann (John) vs. John E. Pierce. 1839. 4 pieces

[Mann, John 1838]

Illustration #6C
Lot 159

Beers & Poindexter. Suits against various persons for debt 1841-1843. 9 pieces.
Albert G. Southall
to
Thomas O. Cogbill et al.

Jan. 18.1839
[and other dates]

[Wm Beers & James H. Poindexter formed a merchant-tailors firm in Richmond. Suit against Albert G. Southall in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of the County of James City and City of Williamsburg, the merchant firm received a judgment It therefore claimed a moiety of Southall's goods and chattels. Among Southall's assets was

…

"a certain deed of trust made by the said AGS & Virginia F. T. his wife, bearing date the 24th day of Dec 1838. and admitted to record in the Clerks office of the Hus. Court of Williamsburg, on the 18th day of Jany 1839 conveying to Thomas O. Cogbill a certain piece, parcel or lot of land and buildings thereon, usually called & known as the 'City Hotel' with the appurtenances, lying in the sd City of Wmsburg, and were accurately described in the said deed, in Trust to secure to one William Edloe, the payment of $1590, and to me George W Southall, the payment of $2522.50 according to the term and stipulations of the said deed, which said sums of $1590, and $2522.50 were the residue of the purchase money remaining due & in arear from the sd AGS at the date of sd deed of trust for the purchase of the property conveyed by the sd deed purchased by the sd A G S at a public sale thereof made by the sd G.W. Southall, as trustee, under certain deeds of trust executed by John Mann, to secure the payment of certain debts to (various Creditors of the said John Mann)

…Since the rendition of their (Beers & Poindexter's) said judgment, to wit, on the 23d day of May 1842, there were admitted to record, in the Clerk's office of the said hustings Court, two other deeds of trust, purporting to have been made by the sd A G Southall, conveying to Moreau Bowers, trustee, besides certain personal property mentioned certain house & lots lying in the sd City of Wmsburg. (being the same piece or parcel of Land hereinbefore mentioned as conveyed by the said first mentioned deed of trust to the sd Thomas O. Cogbill) in trust, the one to indemnify a certain James A. Semple, against a security ship for the said AGS. And the other to secure certain debts to a certain Ro: Saunders and also to indemnify the said Saunders against certain security ships for the sd AGS…. On the 9th day of January 1843 [since the issuing of the said elegit] Moreau Bowers, trustee made a public sale of the property conveyed to him under the said two deeds of trust at which sale a certain Leonard Henley and John A. Henley became the purchasers of the said houses & lots at the price of $4402.00 or thereabouts and are now in the possession thereof (and so have been since the said sale,) although, so far as your orators are informed & believe, no conveyance thereof to them has been admitted to record.-That the said houses & lots, as your orator are informed & believe were sold by the said trustees, on a credit, of one or two years…

[The orator says that the sale should not have been made, since a judgment had been rendered for Beers and Poindexter against A G Southall, and] … In Tender Consideration whereof &c &c your orator pray that the sd Albert G. Southall, Thomas O. Cogbill, William Edloe, George W Southall, Moreau Bowers, James A Semple, Robert Saunders, Leonard Henley and John A Henley all resident in the City of Wmsburg, except James A Semple who resides in the County of New Kent, may be made defendant to this bill of complaint…"

Illustration #6D
Lot 159

Saunders (Robert) vs. A.G. Southall. 1830-1844. 16 pieces.

• 1.

  A.G. Southall - To - M. Bowers - Trustee - for James A. Semple, Trust deed dated 12 July 1841, to indemnify James A Semple. As surety to W. W. Vest & Co on bond for $2786.42, dated 16 June 1841.

  Conveys , "All that lot and tenement in the City of Wmsburg on the South side of the main street, formerly owned by William Edloe & purchased by him of John Mann, a reference to the deed from Edloe to Mann is referred to for a more particular description and purchased by said Southall, at a sale made by Mann's trustee publickly- Also the following slaves & other personal property, to wit, Hannah, Elvy, Dick & Sam- sam my household and kitchen furniture. To have and to hold the aforesd house & lot, together with all and singular the advantages and appurtenances, thereto belonging, or in any way wise pertaining" &c

• 2.

  Same. To. Same. For RO: Saunders [Southal to Bowers for Saunders] Trust deed dated 24 July 1841. to indemnify Saunders, as security, on bond to Ro: M.C. Exr of Mr. Wade $1187.50, 1 Jany 1839- & $500 on bond to Wm Durfey day of - 1839 - & to secure to him $200 note 16 March 1839- Robert Saunders as Gdm of JS. Travis $1200 - by 2 notes, one for $450. 28 Jany 1839. & $750. 1 Jany 1839

  Conveys "That lot and tenement in the City of Wmsburg on the south side of the main street, formerly owned be Wm Edloe & sold by him to John Mann, as appears by deed dated, the day of ________ & of record in the office &c to which deed reference is here made for a particular description of the premises, and purchased by the said Southall, at a sale Mann's trustee publickly. & now in possession & the residence of the sd Southall, and used by him as a Hotel-also the following slaves & other personal property viz. Hannah, Elvy, Dick & Sam and all the household and kitchen furniture of him the sd Southall - To have and to Hold the aforesd lot & tenement with all & singular the appurtenances thereto in any wise belonging &c

• 3.Same. Southall to Bowers. To. Same. For Creditors. S & M. J Cole. J A Mackinder & Ro: Saunders . [S & M ? Sheldon & Maupin ? MEM.] Trust deed dated 23d May 1842. To secure. Sheldon & Maupin $598. by note dated 10 March 1842. & $190.97 open a/c. 23d May 1842. Jesse Cole $313.39. J.A. MacKinder $203.89 and to demnify Ro: Saunders, as security, to W. Wootten - $550. Conveys "All that house & lot now used as a tavern & in the occupancy of the said Southall, together with all the household and kitchen furniture belonging to the said Southall - also the following slaves, viz, Hannah, Elvy, Same & Dick - also a Carriage, a double gigg, single gigg, with their harness & four horses - all the interest of the said A G S. in whatever manner obtained, in the Estate of the late Frances Cheminant. To Have & to hold the said land, furniture &c with all and Singular the advantages & wise appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any/pertaining
• 4.

  Same. To. Same. [Southall to Bowers] Trustee. For Ro: Saunders & Jas A Semple. Trust deed dated 22d July 1842. reciting that sundry judgments had been obtained against A.G. Southall, at the then last Sup Court of Jas City on which Ex ons had been issued & been levied on some of said A.G. Southall's property, that Saunders had obtained an Injon & given bond, on which James A Semple had agreed top be jointly responsible, & the said sd Injon will be chiefly beneficial to said Southall. Wherefore he is willing to secure & indemnify said Saunders & Semple against all loss &c by reason of sd Injon - and sd Saunders & Semple are securities for sd A.G.S. to B. E. Bucktrout in the sum of $365.70 to July 1842. Ro: Saunders security to R M C as Exor of Mr. Wade in $1187.50. W Wooten $500- Wm Durfey $500 & Jas A Semple Secy [?security to?] Vest & Co $2786.42. To secure to Saunders the sum of $200. & $40.

  Conveys. "All the right & interest of them, the sd AGS. In a tract of land in Chas City Co lying near the land of Jas H Christian…

Saunders (Robert) vs. A.G. Southall 1830-1844. 16 pieces.

To John Coke, Sergeant of Williamsburg

"Sir:
You are hereby notified & required under the writs of Elegit in your hands, in our favour respectively, against the lands & tenements, goods & chattels of Albert G. Southall, sued out of the Clerk's office of the Circuit Superior Court of law & Chancery of the County of James City & City of Wmsburg, to extend the tenement lying in said City, lately occupied by the said Southall, call the "City Hotel ," and such other estate real, personal, or mixed, as may be lawfully be taken, or Extended, under the said writs of Elegit. And for your failure herein, we

Illustration #6E
Lot 159

Saunders (Robert) vs. A.G. Southall. 1830-1844. 16 pieces.

(To John Coke, Sergeant of Williamsburg - continued)

Shall hold you responsible for all loss or damage resulting therefrom.

(copy)
Yours,
Beers & Poindexter &
Huston & Smith
by their Counsel."

"Memo made this 3d Feby 1843.

"On the 9th day of January 1843, the 'City Hotel' was sold by Moreau Bowers, Trustee, under two deeds of trust, one for the benefit of James A. Semple, the other of Robert Saunders. I attended the sale, with the intention when the property should be put up, of making known my lien, by previous trust deed of record. After I arrived there, having occasion to go into the backyard of the Lot, before I returned to the street, where the crows was assembled, awaiting the sale, the property was put up and when I returned I found it then being cried. On my return, I was met by Leonard Henley, (accompanied by John Coke, Esq.) who (LH) wished to know whether if he & his brother John should purchase the house as they wished to do, I would require the payment of the debt due to me, & secured on the house, immediately, as the purchaser was required by the term of sale, to pay that debt & the expenses of sale in Cash, saying at the same time, that they could not pay my debt immediately, but could soon do so, that Leonard Henley was daily expecting from his Uncle Richard Coke Jr. as exor of Leond Henley decd; and he (L.H.) further desired to know whether I would not charge the debt, and take it on him & his brother, & give them the required indulgence. I refused to charge the debt, stating at the same time that I had not demanded payment of it, nor had I directed any sale of the house, that I had nothing to do with the sale and as I did not then want the money due me on the house, I preferred to let it stand secured as it was: but, that altho' I had no intention then of insisting on payment of the debt due me, I was unwilling either to change the character of the debt, or promise or either to chan bind myself, in any manner, to postpone its payment for a day, leaving myself free to require payment & a sale for that purpose, whenever I might choose to do so. We then proceeded to the front of the house, where it was then being sold- Not having myself heard the terms of sale, being absent as before stated, I approached Mr. Saunders and enquired of him whether I had not better make known my lien on the property to which he replied that it was unnecessary, as it had been already made in proclaiming the terms of sale, by which the purchaser was required to pay that debt in Cash . The sale proceeded & John and Leonard became the purchasers. An Counsel for Beers & Poindexter, Huston & Smith & Wm Edloe, I had caused four writs of Elegit to be issued against the Land of Albert G. Southall and to be delivered to the Sergt of Wmsburg on the 7th of Jany 1843, & had desired him, to make this fact known on the day of sale when the property should be put up.

[abstract, the sergeant refused to extend [seize for debt] the property. Robert Saunders on Feb. 2, 1843. paid to Geo. W. Southall the $417.41 due him by check on the Farmers Bank of Virginia, and Southall delivered up the original trust deed with the assurance that he and the trustee were ready at any moment to release the property therefrom. Southall said Leonard Henley had received a check from Richard Coker, Jr.- in fact Southall thought he was really paid by the Henleys. On Feb. 3, 1843, Robert Saunders came and asked to have the benefit of the trust deed made to secure the payment of my debt, Southall refused. Saunders being dissatisfied, Southall returned the check, and matters stood as before.]

A.G. Southall. To - T.O. Cogbill- Trustee. Conveys "City Hotel" to secure
To William Edloe - $1500 - payable 31 May 1839 - ) Ro:Saunders
To G W Southall Trustee $2522.50 payable 1 July 1839 )security on these
)bonds.

Same. To. M. Bowers - Trustee - dated 23 May 1842 - To indemnify
R Saunders for following debts-
To Willie Wooten Bond $500

Same to Same - Trustee to indemnify R.S. as say for bonds
To R. McC Exor of Ths Wade - 1187:50 & (a) ) Deed dated
To Wm Durfey ----- (c) 500.00 24 July 1841

Recd 23d May 1842
(a)Bonds dated 1st Jany 1839
(b) -day of __ 1839
and to secure to R.S. Gdn of J.T. Bond $750.00) 1 Jany 1839
450.00)28 " "