Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Research Report Series - 1267
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
The report on this house seems correct according to the checkings. The advertisement of John Didip, "Taylor," reads: "Makes all sorts of Mens wearing Apparel, after the best and newest Fashions. (Virginia Gazette, William Hunter, March 5, 1752)
Additional facts about the people connected with the house and lot:
John Custis was born in Hungars Parish, Northampton County in 1678 and died in 1749. He was buried at Arlington. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), p. 258)
In 1717, he disapproved of the cutting of trees by Governor Spotswood as the following letter shows:
Williamsburg Apll. 18, 1717.
Hond Sir
Yours I recd concerning my forbidding the Governor to cutt my Wood and if you please to give me leave, shall faithfully tell you the whole matter. I happened to be at the Governors, and he was pleased to ask my consent, to cut down some trees that grew on My Land to make an opening, I think he called it a vista and told me would cut nothing but what was only fitt for the fire, and for that he would pay me as much as any one gave for firewood, to please his honour, I told him he might if he pleased cutt such Trees down…As to the Clearing his vista he cut down all before him such a wideness as he thought fitt. amongst which there was two very good oak Timber Trees, that my Tenant had reserved to cover my Tenement…
(Ludwell Papers, Vol. II quoted in Governor's Palace, p. 80)
Honble Sir
Yr most Obedt Servant
Jno. Custis
If the "Tenement" refers to lot 355, then Custis was contemplating a building there as early as 1717. Custis's lease to John Wheatley in 1746, describes the lot on which the tenement stood as "the Corner lot facing the Governor's House". (Mss. document, owned by Mrs. Hunter Debutts)
2In 1718,Custis was elected by the faculty of the College of William and Mary as its representative in the House of Burgesses. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (2), p. 128) He figured somewhat prominently in that body. On April 23, 1718, he was one of twelve men appointed to tell the governor that the House of Burgesses had chosen a speaker. (Journal of the House of Burgesses, 1712-14, 1715, 1718, 1720-22, 1723-26, p. 173) On May 15, he was one of twelve chosen to take a message to the governor. (Ibid. p. 195) He was one of the four men to whom, on May 19 a bill for regulating the ferry over the "River Chichahominy" was submitted for amendment. (Ibid., p. 198) On May 22, he headed the committee of five men who were to decide whether the £1000 appropriated for the College should be used for the education of the poor or for scholarships. (Ibid., p. 203) The committee brought in a bill which provided that the money was to be used for scholarships. (Ibid., p. 206) Custis was appointed one of the twelve to take the bill to the Council. (Ibid., p. 210) He was also appointed one of five to "wait on the Governor and desire his Honr to issue a new Writt for electing a Burgess…for the County of York in the room of James Burwell Gent deceas'd." (Ibid., p. 221) The reason for his failure to be re-elected is not known (to the writer.)
When Williamsburg was incorporated in 1722, he became one of the first aldermen. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. XVI (1), p. 16)
He was a member of the Governor's Council from 1727 (Executive Journal of the Council, Vol. IV, p. 147) until his death.
Peter Collinson, in a letter to John Bartram on February 17, 1737 concerning the impending visit of Bartram to Virginia named Colonel Custis and Colonel Byrd as "curious men" — that is, interested in natural phenomena. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. VI (2), p. 304)
3He was a brother-in-law of William Byrd. The former married Frances Parke, the latter Lucy Parke. In this way, Custis came into possession of the large Parke estate in Virginia. (Virginia Magazine, Vol. 32, p. 23)
He was responsible for the placing of a tablet to the memory of his wife's grandfather, Daniel Parke, on the north wall of Bruton Parish Church. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), p. 176) He was church warden of that church in 1744. (Ibid., Vol. IV (1), p. 9)
He gave a communion service to the lower church of Hungar's Parish (in 1741?). This service is now used in Christ Church, Eastville, in Northampton County. (Virginia Magazine, Vol. XIII, p. 317)
Whether the rift that grew up between him and his wife was due entirely to his eccentricities is not clear. Letters of Wm. Byrd to Custis, seem to point to the necessity of having business matters clearly understood in order to get along peaceably with him. (Ibid., Vol. XXXV, pp. 377-382, 389)
An agreement drawn up between him and his wife was an attempt to straighten out marital difficulties that seemed to arise chiefly out of independence of spirit on the part of both and the question of the property rights of each. (Ibid., Vol. IV, pp. 64-66) As a final proof of his unhappy marriage he ordered as part of the inscription on his tomb:
Aged 71 years and yet lived but seven years
Which was the space of time he kept
A Bachelor's House at Arlington.(William & Mary Quarterly, Vol. III (1), p. 258)
The only information about John Wheatley found was that a John Whatley was a witness for two marriages in Norfolk County in 1762-63. (Lower Norfolk County Antiquary, Vol. IV, pp. 17-18)
The terms on which John Custis leased his tenement to John Wheatley, 4 business unknown, but possibly keeping a lodging house, in May 1746, contains some interesting clauses:
When the above three years are expired, the said John Wheatly doth oblige himself, his heirs, Executors, Administrators, to leave all the houses, floors, walls, windows and all other appurtenances whatever belonging or anyways appertaining to the said Tenement, as hole and in good repair as the…[an omission leaves an incomplete sentence.]
…the said Wheatly doth oblige himself his heirs, Executors, Administrators faithfully…and continually to keep the Chimneys clean swept for fear of fire;…
John Wheatly doth firmly oblige himself, his heirs, executors, administrators, not to lease or let the said lot of ground, or any of the houses or any part of them on any pretense whatever to any person or persons whatever without the leave, approbation or consent of the said Custis first had and obtaind;
…and if it shall to happen that the yearly rent, or any part thereof shall bee behind hand and unpaid upon any of the times of payment [quarterly], then it shall and may bee lawfull for the said John Custis his heirs &c. to distrain and carry away, so much of the goods and chattles of the said John Wheatly as shall pay and satisfy the above rent, and the said John Custis may return on the above premises as if this lease had never been made.
(Original Manuscript lent by Mrs. Hunter Debutts. Copy in Department of Research and Record)
Few facts could be found about Peter Scott, a cabinet-maker who occupied the Custis tenement for about twenty-three years (?). (Virginia Magazine, Alexander Purdie, January 26, 1776). Susan Collett in her will of January 20, 1752, wanted "Peter Scott if in this city to make my coffen". (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book XX, p. 257) For forty years he was "a common councilman" of the city. (Virginia Gazette, Supplement, Purdie, December 1, 1775) He was the plaintiff in a suit against William Parks' estate and won£105.13s in judgment and costs. (William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. II (2), p. 205) In a suit of trespass against John Harmer and others, he won "£9.9.4½ together with his costs". (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, p. 223, date about 1743)
5He also brought suit against Joanna, widow of Kenneth McKenzie, for rights in lot 22. (Land Causes, June 20, 1757, p. 96)
H.D.F.
WEM
Summer, 1940
In our files there are records of references
to Custis property in at lease two different places in Williamsburg—one on the Duke of Gloucester street across from the church and one on Francis Street near the Asylum. Because John Custis and his son, Daniel Parke Custis, were both known as Colonel Custis, it is sometimes difficult to decide which property is being discussed when "Col. Custis's" property is mentioned. However, the deed of 1714 which gives John Custis possession of lots 353, 354, and 355 is definite proof that he owned the land on which the house referred to as the "Custis tenement" (Colonial Lot #355) stood. The property on Francis Street referred to as the "Custis kitchen" may have belonged to his son, Daniel Parke Custis (or to his grandson, John Parke Custis) instead of to John Custis; but it is evident that it was
Custis property. The references to Custis property may be grouped as follows;
(May 24, 1746)
(Excerpt): "Know all men by these Presents that I John Custis of the City of Williamsburg do lease let and to farm let, unto John Wheatly of the same Citty for the full term of three years, fully to bee compleated and entred. from the date of these Presents, one lot of grounds, on the Duke of Gloucester Street, and all the houses and appurtenances on the said lot of grounds, it being the Corner lot facing the Governor's House…"
"Wmsburg, Jany. 26, 1766
"…About 5 Days since, Mr.Custis"s Tenement, where Scot lived, opposite to the Church, was burnt to the ground, by the Negligence of some of the Soldiers, who had been quartered there. The Wind, being due South, the out-House escaped the Flames; the Difficulty of saving the Church became thereby very great. The Country are surely answerable for this Damage, as it accrued in their Service."
Sept. 12, 1755
"To be SOLD
"BEFORE Mr. Finnie's Door, on the 23d Day of October next, Two Lots of Ground, situate on the Back Street, near Col. Custis's in Williamsburg;…"
"Thursday, April 29, 1773
"PETER HARDY,
"Begs leave to inform the public that he has opened shop in the BRICK HOUSE commonly called CUSTIS'S, near the HOSPITAL, WILLIAMSBURG,…"
August 19, 1773
"PETER HARDY, Coach and Chair Maker Begs Leave to inform the B Publick he has opened Shop at the Brick House belonging to Colonel Custis's Estate, near the Mad House, where he intends to carry on his Business…"
"November 27, 1778("This of course definitely settles the fact that it was John Parke Custis who owned the "back street" property in 1778, but does not determine whether he had bought it or inherited it from his father,
"To be SOLD for ready money, by public auction, on the premises on Monday the 14th of December,
"My HOUSE and LOTS situated on the back street and one of the most retired and agreeable situations in Williamsburg, the house is in tolerable good repair, having two good rooms and a passage on the lower floor. The offices are a kitchen and a large stable, with a meathouse &c. there are about four acres enclosed in one lot, and will be sold with the house.
JOHN PARKE CUSTIS."
Virginia Gazette
William Parks, Ed."October 24, 1745
"Any Person, having good Grass Mutton or Beef to dispose of, or, any that they have a mind to stall may meet with a very good Market for the same, by applying, in Time, to Benjamin Hanson, butcher and Grazier, living next door to Col. Custis's, in Williamsburg."
Virginia Gazette
William Rind, editor"Thursday, October 4, 1770
"WILLIAMSBURG, October 4, 1770"AT the house generally Known by the name of CUSTIS'S, Gentlemen may be accommodated, With very good LODGING, &c. upon reasonable terms. There is a very elegant parlour, intended to be appropriated to the use of lodgers. Those whose business will permit them to Keep regular hours will be most agreeable.
JOSEPH KIDD.?Good pasturage adjoining the house, well fenced."
Virginia Gazette
Purdie & Dixon, Editors"June 20, 1771
"To be SOLD on the 8th of July, by J. KIDD, Upholsterer, Appraiser, and Auctioneer, at his House known by the Name of Custis's in Williamsburg,"SUNDRY HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, the Property of a Gentleman C who has left off Housekeeping. Credit will be allowed until December for all Sums above twenty Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security-
?At the same place Gentlemen may be accommodated with good Lodgings, exactly suitable to those who make Choice of Retirement after the Fatigues of Business. I have an excellent CLOVER PASTURE adjoining my House, well secured. Gentlemen may depend on being charged at the most reasonable Rates."
Tyler, Samuel Est 17-180
Via Wilson M. Cary, house and lot known by the name of Custices or the six chimneys, & lately conveyed to the heirs of the said Samuel Tyler decd.
Re-establishing the old street line of King street is the first step in tracing the history of buildings on the Maupin house site. This can be done from the Frenchman's Map, with the result that one of the buildings in that block appears to be east of the Maupin house and in a line with King street, and another smaller building lies under the eastern portion of the house.
King street was 99 feet wide, beginning at a point 32 feet east of the eastern wall of the present Maupin house, (this street area is now occupied by the Saunders house). According to the Frenchman, the building on the corner of King street, and lined with the street on its east, was 40 x 27 feet, and was adjacent to a smaller building on the west 20 x 18. The smaller building foundations run under the Maupin foundation.
An insurance policy (#585) issued to John Crump and Easter Whitefield in February 1802, values a dwelling house in this area at $1,000., describing it as a one story wood dwelling covered with wood 40 x 27 feet (the same dimensions as the Frenchman's map). It was also described as being situated between the lots of John Greenhow and J.W. Dixon. Greenhow owned a large store opposite the Neall house in the last quarter of the eighteenth century which was in business during the first part of the nineteenth, and ultimately became part of the City Hotel.
John Crump and Easter Whitefield, according to a revaluation policy, still owned this building in 1815. At this date the record of the site ends, as the lot is in James City County and no pre-Civil War of Civil War records are in existence. It is significant, however, that there is a Maupin burial ground at the back of the lot, but no one of the several tombstones is dated earlier than 1857.
Mr Charles, in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" comments on the present house:
"The Maupin house, next on this block has changed but little in its exterior appearance since the writer first saw it. This lot had, up to a few years ago, a neat picket fence enclosing an attractive flower garden. King street was, as now, the eastern boundary of this big lot which extended back to Francis street. In the back yard were two frame one-and-one-half story buildings facing to the north. The one near King street was used as a servants' quarters and the other as a dormitory for students. There was also on the lot, as there was on nearly every other lot in the city, a smoke house, which served as a place for the storing of heavy groceries, as well as for the smoking of meat, which in those days was done by nearly every housekeeper."
Conclusion: The Maupin house was built after 1815 but before 1850. Foundations uncovered within 6 feet of the sidewalk line, and on the corner or under the present house are of earlier buildings. The foundations in the yard are probably contemporaneous outbuildings of the Maupin house, as described by Mr Charles.
Harold R. Shurtleff, Director,
Department of Research & Records.
Report by:
Helen Bullock.
| 1746, May | Lease to John Wheatley from John Custis for 3 years. 16£ annum. "… one lot on the Duke of Gloucester street and all the houses and appurtenances…it being the corner lot facing the Governor"s House…" (Mss. document, privately owned.) |
| 1752, Mar. 5 | Advt. of John Didip, tailor, living at "Mr. Wheatley's opposite to the Church…"(Va. Gazette.) |
| 1776, Jan. 26 | "Mr. Peter Scott's old house in this City, which he had rented and lived in for 43 years, was burnt down last Sunday Night by accident."(Va. Gazette.) |
| c-1800 | On all town maps lot is marked Dixon. In 1782, John Dixon, (probably the printer John Dixon, not the Rev. John Dixon) was living in Williamsburg according to the census of that year. John Dixon owned no property in York County, except the lot 47 which he held for a year or so as trustee of William Hunter, jr. His name appears on no other map or record, except as owner of a shop in the Market Square which he soon sold. The supposition is that it was John Dixon who owned this lot marked Dixon, as he is the only person of that name in the census of 1782 (the date of several maps). He was printer of the Virginia Gazette, and postmaster. The post office was not necessarily kept at his house. |
| 1806 | After John Dixon died in Richmond in 1797 the property passed to other owners. The first of whom there is definite record is Peter Robert Deneufville. (Tax books and James City County insurance policies). He is also listed as R. Peter Deneufville. |
| 1812 | R. Peter Deneufville's estate. (Williamsburg tax list). |
| 1815 | Augustine Deneufville. (Williamsburg tax list). |
| 1828 | John Augustine Deneufville. (Williamsburg tax lists.) |
| 1835 | Robert J. Deneufville, 1 lot via John A. Deneufville. (Williamsburg tax lists.) |
| 1838 | Wade Mountforth — 1 lot via Robert J. Deneufville |
| 1837 | Wade Mountforth to John M. Maupin. Deed. (Mss. owned by Mss. Comm. of Restoration.) |
| 1846 | Agreement between John M. Maupin and David Cowles to erect two story wing to his house, and other changes and additions. (Ibid.) |