John Carter's Store Historical Report, Block 17 Building 7A Lot 53Originally entitled: "John Carter's Store & The Unicorn's Horn Block 17 - Colonial Lot 53 - East"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1355
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
JOHN CARTER'S STORE & "THE UNICORN'S HORN"
Block 17 Colonial lot 53 - east
JOHN CARTER'S STORE & "THE UNICORN'S HORN"
Block 17 - Colonial lot 53 - east
LOCATION:
Erected in 1765 on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street, on the eastern portion of lot 53, between the "James Craig House" (lot 53-west) and the Raleigh Tavern (lot 54). Destroyed by fire in December, 1859.
OWNERS:
Built jointly by Dr. James Carter (surgeon and apothecary) and John Carter (merchant).
Carters:
Eastern half: Occupied by John Carter's store ca. 1765-1793.
Western half: Occupied by Dr. James Carter's shop (the "Unicorn's Horn") from ca. 1765-1779, and by Dr. William Carter's shop, ca. 1779-1799.
Davis:
James Davis (tailor) occupied eastern half as a store by 1796, and entire building as dwelling-house and store 1801-1830.
William Davis of Norfolk owned it briefly after James Davis' death - 1830-1835.
Cole & Vest:
Cole & Vest, merchants, owned and occupied the building as a store 1835-1850.
William W. Vest owned the building from 1851 until it burned in 1859, when it was occupied by firm of Vest and Hansford.
DESCRIPTION:
Double building of brick with brick partition wall, two stories high, covered with wood. Dimensions approx. 40 feet by 38 feet. (Vary slightly in insurance policies). Eastern portion of building divided into store and counting room below stairs, and four rooms above. (See adv. March 29, 1783.) Stone steps in front. (See Charles, Recollections ... 1862.)
Outbuildings:
Brick Kitchen, 1 story covered with wood. 24 feet by 14 feet (dimensions vary in policies.) Distant from house 45 feet.
Wood stable, 1 story, 36 feet by 16 feet. Distant 200' from kitchen.
Smoke House, Coal House and Coach House mentioned in advertisements of John Carter, 1777, 1783. Not on policies.
Still House, mentioned in deed of 1767 from James Carter to John Carter.
Lumber Houses mentioned in policies after 1846.
EXCAVATIONS:
In 1931 the site was partially excavated, and portions of old foundations were uncovered measuring 41'3" by 38'1". (See Archaeological drawing on "Block 17 - Foundations of Craig Shop and Carter Shop - 1931" and archaeological report dated January 5, 1931.
HISTORY:
In 1708 the Trustees of the City of Williamsburg deeded lots 53 and 54 to Richard Bland, of Prince George County, for thirty shillings. Evidently lot 53 reverted to the trustees; for on January 30, 1723/4 they sold the lot to John Holloway of York County, for fifteen shillings, with the usual stipulation that "one or more good dwelling houses with brick chimney" be erected on it within the space of twenty-four months. [York County Records, Deeds & Bonds, III, 128, 418.] A house had been erected by May, 1724, when John Holloway conveyed the lot, with all houses, to Henry Bowcock, for 70 Pounds current money of Virginia. [Ibid., 421.]
There is a gap in the records concerning this property. On June 20, 1764, James Carter 1 surgeon and apothecary, purchased the lot and buildings from Edward and Henrica Booker. The deed of purchase has not been found 2, but the date is mentioned in a subsequent deed. [Ibid., Deeds, VII, 163.]
By deeds dated August 30, 1765 and June 24, 1766, James Carter sold the western portion of lot 53, with a building which was already occupied by Craig, to James Craig, jeweller, for 430 Pounds current money of Virginia. [Ibid., Deeds, VII, 167, 183. See report on the James Craig House for history of western portion of lot 53.]
By August 15, 1765, when Dr. James Carter, and Hester his wife, deeded a portion of the lot to his brother, John Carter,3 merchant, the two brothers had erected a large brick building on the eastern portion of the lot. The deed was recorded as follows: 3
August 15, 1765
Carter, James-Surgeon of the City of Williamsburg
Hester, his Wife
to
Carter, John - his Brother of said City, MerchantConsideration: 95 Pounds Current Money of Virginia
---
One full fourth part of a certain Lot or half acre of Ground situate lying and being on the North side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City and in the Parish of Bruton, County of York denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures 53, which said Lot the said James Carter purchased of Edward Booker and Henrica, his wife, June 20, 1764 recorded in the General Court of this Colony. Which fourth part of the said Lot ... Is to begin and about against the middle Brick Wall partition of a certain large Brick House lately erected and Built thereon jointly by the said James and John Carter and is now in their Pos session and to extend thence Eastwardly along the said Duke of Gloucester or Main Street 20 feet 7 inches and an half which is the exact Breadth of the fourth part of the said Lot or half acre, thence Northwardly by a line Parralel to the Western line of the said Lot to Nicholson Street; thence Westwardly 20 feet 7 ½ inches being, equal and parralel to the first and front line and from thence by a line through the said Lot and Parralel also to the Western Line to the Beginning. And all houses......That the said James Carter and his Heirs shall and will at all times hereafter leave open Clear and free from all obstructions a certain way or passage of the breadth of five feet from the Eastern line of the said John Carter's Ground hereby conveyed to the Corner line of the Raleigh Tavern and so to extend and continue the same breadth between the said John Carter's line and the line of the Lot whereon the Raleigh Tavern stands - now belonging to William Trebell to the said Nicholson Street and that it shall not be Lawful for the said James Carter or his Heirs ... at any time hereafter to shut up inclose or otherwise obstruct the said Passage ....Received this 15th Day of August 1765 of the within named John Carter the sum of ninety-five Pounds ... /S/ James Carter
[Deed ordered to be recorded 21 October 1765. York County Records, Deeds, VII, 163, 165.]
In 1767, James Carter sold John Carter an additional portion of the lot:
March 12, 1767
Carter, James, Surgeon
4
to
Carter, John - his brother, merchant
Consideration: 50 Pounds Current Money of Virginia...
[Ibid., 310, Recorded July 20, 1767.]
One part of a certain Lot or half acre of ground situate lying and being on the North side of Duke of Gloucester Street ... denoted in the Plan of the said city by the figures 53, which Lot the said James Carter purchased of Edward Booker and Henrica, his Wife . . .June 20, 1764 ... and to begin at the end of the Still House adjoining the ground Purchased of the said James Carter by the said John Carter, by Deed August 15, 1765 ... thence Northerly 149 feet 8 inches along the said John Carter's Line to Nicolson's Street thence Westwardly 20 feet 7 ½ inches along the said Street to the Lot of James Craig purchased of the said James Carter party to these Presents, thence Southerly along the line of the said James Craig 149 feet 8 inches and from thence Easterly 20 feet 7 ½ inches to the Beginning. And all houses ...
John Carter kept a store in the eastern half of the brick building, adjoining the Raleigh Tavern, probably from the date of its erection (1765) until the time of his death (1793). James Carter's apothecary shop occupied the western half of the building from ca. 1765 until 1779, at which time he sold his share of the apothecary shop to Dr. William Carter 1, another brother, who continued the shop until the time of his death in 1799.
To avoid confusion in the period of the Carters' ownership, the two portions of the building will be treated separately. After 1801, by which time both portions were in the possession of James Davis, the building will be handled as a unit:
JOHN CARTER'S STORE - EASTERN HALF OF BUILDING:
John Carter had been a merchant in Williamsburg for some years prior to the erection of the brick building on lot 53. In 1755 he gave notice that he intended "for Great-Britain soon," and urged all persons indebted to him to settle their accounts. [Virginia Gazette, October 10, 1755.] In 1760, and until about 1772, he lived on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street, 5 opposite the Raleigh, where he also may have kept his store,1 before moving his store to the brick building adjoining the Raleigh ca. 1765.
The following advertisement from the Virginia Gazette shows the variety of items offered for sale in Carter's store:
Imported in the last ships, and to be sold at JOHN CARTER'S store in Williamsburg, the following GOODS, viz.
BROADCLOTHS, sagathies, duroys, silk and worsted breeches pieces, mens, womens, and childrens silk, cotton, thread, and worsted stockings, book muslins, cambricks, long lawn, India and corded dimity, brown, whited brown, and ounce threads, floss cotton thread, satin and calimanco shoes, shoe soles, hair lining for clothes, Lilly's grammars, psalm books, Glass's cookery, testaments, spelling books, psalters, primers, and a variety of other books for children, writing paper, wafers, wax, ink powder, pens, pounce, and sand boxes; a variety of tin ware, viz. Swans, hens, chickens and eggs, melons, fish, hedge- hogs, steeples, moon and stars, sunflowers, sugar boxes, lanthorns, nutmeg graters, pepper boxes, coffee pots, cans, saucepans, cheese-cake pans, &c. also sundry West India goods, which will be sold for ready money only, viz. Rum, molasses, brown sugar, double and single refined sugar, citron, coffee, renish wine, castle soap, best wine vinegar, &c. N.B. All persons whose accounts have been standing 12 months are desired immediately to discharge them, to prevent trouble. JOHN CARTER. [Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, June 25, 1767.]
Subsequent advertisements for John Carter's merchandise included, besides a wide range of fabrics, many other articles - among them: table cloths and towelling, china toy tea ware, large and small fiddles, bonnets and hats, passage lanthorns, marble washballs, French olives, capers, spices, glassware, 6 Queen's china, paint colors, painted paper for houses, imported garden seeds, locks and hinges, and brass door knockers, marble inkstands, dolls, artificial fruit (such as apples, pears, nectarines, lemons, "whole and cut into quarters"), and books. 1
In 1769, John Carter went again to England - doubtless to renew his stock. [Ibid., February 23, 1769.] Writing to John Norton, a London merchant, on January 10, 1771, Dr. James Carter thanked him for "the favours shown my Brothr while in England." [Mason, John Norton & Sons, P. 151.]
In April, 1770, the Virginia Gazette described a robbery in Williamsburg. William Rind's Gazette for Thursday, April 5, 1770, noted briefly:
On Monday night the store of Mr. John Carter was broke open, and robbed of sundries to the amount of about twenty pounds.
Purdie and Dixon's Gazette used the incident to promote a scheme in which that paper was interested:
On Monday night Mr. John Carter's store, in the most publick part of the main street of this city, was broke open and robbed of sundry goods; and some time before Mr. Joseph Scrivener's store, likewise on the main street, was robbed of a considerable sum of money, by the thieves entering at his cellar window and getting up through a trap door. We hear likewise of several smokehouses having been stripped of their useful contents, by under- mining, &c. So many robberies, one might imagine, would put our rulers in mind to fall upon some scheme to prevent them; and we humbly conceive that a set of watch- men, under proper regulations, would answer that desirable end, who might likewise be of infinite service in the case of fire. Many of the inhabitants, we are well assured, are ready and-willing to contribute largely to the support of such an useful institution, whenever it is adopted, which cannot be too soon. [Ibid., Purdie & Dixon, April 5, 1770.]7
In 1777, John Carter gave notice that he wanted to rent his store next to the Raleigh, at which time he was apparently living in the building:
TO BE RENTED, and may be entered on in a few weeks ,
THE brick building next -the Raleigh with four very neat rooms and closets, a good kitchen, smoke-house, coal house, &c., a garden, and a very large stable with a granary in it, also a cow house. For terms apply to John Carter who now lives there. It is desired that all those who are indebted to the subscriber will immediately give bond and security, otherwise their accounts will be given to an attorney, without farther notice.
JOHN CARTER. [Ibid., Purdie, November 21, 1777.]
It is to be doubted that he rented his store at this time, nor is it clear why he wanted to do so. Prior to August, 1778, Carter purchased the house which Robert Carter Nicholas built about 1770 on the site of the old James City County Courthouse. On August 21, 1778, he offered this house for sale, as Well as his store adjoining the Raleigh:
For SALE, THE lot and houses, in this city, where Robert C. Nicholas , Esq; lately lived. ...I also will sell the brick storehouse adjoining the Raleigh tavern, which is the best spot in this city for trade.
. . .JOHN CARTER. [Ibid., Purdie, August 21, 1778.]
He does not seem to have rented or sold either his store or the Robert Carter Nicholas property.1 In 1782 he was still advertising goods for sale at his "store near the Raleigh." [Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, January 5, 1782.] In 1783, he again attempted to sell both properties:
FOR SALE, FOR SPECIE OR TOBACCO,
THAT well known tenement which was formerly occupied by Robert Carter Nicholas, Esq; ... Also my brick house adjoining the Raleigh tavern, with a store and counting room below, and four rooms above, a kitchen, smoak house, stable and coach house, &c. JOHN CARTER [Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, March 29, 1783.]
In 1784 John Carter advertised for sale a long list of books, and stationery, at his "Store in Williamsburg." [Ibid., February 28, 1784.] In 1792, not long before his death, he again tried to sell, at public sale, the house and store, as well as his furniture: 8
TO BE SOLD
On Tuesday the 8th of May next, The Houses and Lots whereon the subscriber now lives payable the first of November ... on giving Bond and approved security ...
ALL my Furniture, viz. ... If any person wishes to treat with the subscriber for the houses and lots before the day of sale, they shall have a great bargain, or for any of the furniture, which are mostly made of mahogany. I would wish to sell a bargain, in my brick store house, &c. which is very convenient for a family, adjoining the Rawleigh tavern in Williams- burg. JOHN CARTER. [Ibid., February 24, 1792.]
John Carter died sometime before August, 1793; for on August 12, 1793 Philip Moody, sergeant of Williamsburg, noted that "pursuant to the within Decree I have Sold the Houses & Lotts ... next to the Magazine late in the occupation of the Said John Carter decd to Wilson M. Cary for the Sum of £330."[Ms. Execution Book of Philip Moody, p. 121. Archives CWI]
No mention was made of Carter's store in this Execution Book, and we have found no record of its sale. However, by 1796 John Carter's eastern half of the building was in the possession of James Davis, tailor, who insured it with the Mutual Assurance Society (Policy #118). The policy noted that Dr. William Carter adjoined Davis's store to the west. (A history of the western portion of the building follows immediately.)
"THE UNICORN'S HORN"
DR. JAMES CARTER'S APOTHECARY SHOP - Western half of building.
Dr. James Carter advertised drugs for sale in Williamsburg as early as 1751, and in 1752 his shop, "The Unicorn's Horn," was located "next door to the Printing-Office."1 [Virginia Gazette, Hunter, April 10 and October 6, 1752. 9 Also Ibid., May 2, 1755.]
James Carter probably moved to the new brick building soon after its erection in 1765. He carried the name of his shop to the new location, for in the first Gazette advertisement for his drugs and medicines to appear after 1765, he located his "shop at the Unicorn's Horn, near the Raleigh," rather than "next door to the Printing-Office":
JUST IMPORTED,
In the Sally, Captain Gordon, and to be sold reasonably by the subscriber at his shop at the Unicorn's Horn, near the Raleigh Tavern, in Williamsburg,
A large Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES, viz. Bark, camphor, flies, ipecacaunha, rhubarb, sarsaparella, &c. Also sallad oil, capers, olives, saltpetre, white and brown sugar candy, barley sugar, carraway comfits.. prunes, cloves, cinnamon, mace, nutmegs, pepper, sago, Spanish licorice, bird-lime, lancets, gold and silver leaf, Dutch metal, Ladies sticking plaister, Greenhow's tincture for the teeth, tooth brushes, grots, oilcloth, Anderson's and Lockyer's pill, Squire's grand elixir, Bateman's drops, Stoughton's bitters, British oil, Mrs. Rednap's red fit drops, Freeman's and Godfrey's cordials, Daffy's and Bostock's purging elixirs, Dr. Hill's tincture of valerian, do. pectoral balsam of honey, do. elixir bardana, do. essence of water dock, Ward's white drops, do. red pills, do. essence for the headache, prepared by the same hands in his lifetime, eau de luce, tincture of golden rod for the stone and gravel, Fraunces's female strengthening elixir, Doctor James's fever powder, aether, oil of turpentine, brimstone, tow, alum, syringes, breast pipes, nipple glasses, wafer paper, rotten stone, clyster pipes, &c.
JAMES CARTER. [Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, June 18., 1767.]
In subsequent advertisements for medicines and drugs, the name of the shop is not mentioned - the list of drugs, medicines, spices, paint colors, &c. usually appearing over the subscriber's name.1
10By September, 1774, Dr. James Carter had taken his brother Dr. William Carter, into partnership. A long list of imported drugs and Medicines appeared over both of their names on September 1st. [Ibid., September 1, 1774.] In 1778, Dr. James Carter planned to retire from the apothecary business; for his brother William advertised as follows on May 15th:
To be sold for ready money, or on credit ... my houses and lot on the main street in the city of Williamsburg where I now live.1 As the partnership between my brother and myself expires the last day of next month, it will be taken kind if those who are indebted to the company, will settle their accounts by that day ...[Ibid., Dixon & Hunter, May 15, 1778.]
WILLIAM CARTER.
The partnership was not dissolved until the summer of 1779, when William Carter again announced it, and James Carter sold his portion of the Brick house to his brother:
HAVING this day dissolved the partnership, and purchased my brother's half of the shop, drugs, medicines &c. it is earnestly requested of those who are in debt to the company, as well as to myself, to settle their accounts immediately. I have to dispose of several nests of drawers, boxes, bottles, syrup and ointment pots, all neatly painted and lettered, and all other utensils, sufficient to fit up a compleat druggist's or apothecary's shop, either for the town or country; also most kinds of surgeon's instruments, together with the following druggs, medicines, &c. viz. Antimony, balsam capivi, bark ipecacuanha,... [list follows] ... chalk stones; bolus tiles, plaster knives, spatulas and ounce measures, &c. &c. &c. All kinds of medicines and prescriptions truly and faithfully prepared with care and expedition under my own inspec- tion. Have no objection to an agreeable, partner who will diligently attend to the practice of physick and surgery. W. CARTER.[Ibid., Dixon and Nicolson, eds., June 12, 1779.] 11
July 19, 1779
Carter, Dr. James
All that moiety of the brick House which belonged to the said James Carter situate, lying and being on the North side of the Duke of Gloucester Street as also all that Lot of Ground whereon it stands which said lot of land is bounded on the East by the Lott of John Carter, Merchant., on the West by the Lott of James Craig and on the South by the said Duke of Gloucester Street being the moiety of the Lott and house where the said William Carter now keeps his Shop. And all pailings, yards ... [York County Records, Deeds, VI., p. 47.]
to
Carter, Dr. William
Consideration: 1,000 Pounds current Money of Virginia
In 1780, Dr. William Carter's advertisement described his business, again offering the equipment from James Carter's part of the shop for sale, and stating that he would like to join with someone in setting up an apothecary shop in Richmond:
For sale at my shop on as reasonable terms as the times will admit of , ... [List of drugs follows] ...
All kinds of medicines and prescriptions truly and faith- fully prepared with care and expedition under my own eye. Fees for visits and medicines, in the practical way, &c. at my old prices, as before the war, either in cash, or country produce at the same rates. -- Have still to dispose of, furniture of every kind sufficient for a shop in town or country; or, would rather join and fix up a complete apothecary and druggist shop in the town of Richmond , with any Gentleman who inclines to practice physick and surgery at that place. WILLIAM CARTER.
As the practice of physick and surgery is altogether disagreeable to me on account of my deafness, I would willingly give up one half of the profits from the shop (which are considerable) to any able and diligent Gentleman that may be willing to practice physick and surgery in Williamsburg. W. C. [Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Nicolson, September 20, 1780.]
Between the date of the advertisement above quoted, and 1786, William Carter had opened an apothecary shop in Richmond, opposite to the Eagle Tavern.[Wyndham Blanton, Medicine in Virginia in the 18th Century, p. 323.] He also continued to operate his shop in Williamsburg - possibly through an assistant. In 1787 he offered his drugs, medicines, and shop utensils in the City of 12 Richmond for sale. (Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, February 8, 1787.]
In 1789 he was still operating both shops:
DRUGS & MEDICINES of the best quality for sale, on moderate terms, for CASH only, at my Shops in Richmond and Williamsburg. [Virginia Independent Chronicle, April 15, 1789.]
In 1796, when James Davis, who had moved into John Carter's portion of the brick building, insured his half of the building (Mutual Assurance Policy #118), Dr. William Carter still owned the western half. Dr. Carter probably moved to Richmond when he opened his shop there, for he had been living there for some years at the time of his death:
[Deaths]
...on Wednesday evening last, Dr. WILLIAM CARTER, sen. formerly of Williamsburg, but for many years an inhabitant of this city. [The Virginia Gazette, & General Advertiser, Richmond: Friday, June 14, 1799.]
As was the case with regard to the eastern part of the building after John Carter's death we have found no record of sale to James Davis. However, by 1801, James Davis had come into possession of both the eastern and western portions of the building. [See Mutual Assurance Society policies 118 and 487, pp. viii, ix.]
JAMES DAVIS'S STORE AND DWELLING-HOUSE
By 1796, James Davis,1 merchant and tailor, occupied the eastern part of the brick building on lot 53. In that year he insured his "Brick Store," giving the Raleigh Tavern as his eastern boundary and Dr. William Carter to his west. [Mutual Assurance Society policy #118, p. viii.] In 1801, and probably very shortly after Dr. William Carter's death in 1799, Davis also had come into possession of the western portion of the building - insuring it as his "brick 13 Dwelg house" in policy No. 487.1 Davis occupied this property (probably the eastern part of the building as a store and the western part as his dwelling house) until his death in 1830, insuring it at intervals.2 In 1823 the firm of Cole and Webb shared the building with Davis, who may have used it only as a dwelling by that time, leasing the store to that firm. [See Mutual Policy No. 5022, April 8, 1823, p. xiii.]
The only advertisement of a James Davis, tailor, which we have found in the Virginia Gazette is dated April 8, 1775, when "JAMES DAVIS, TAILOR, York Town," gave notice to his customers that he had "Just opened Shop nearly Opposite the Swan Tavern." (Purdie & Dixon, April 8, 1775.] If this was the same James Davis, he had moved to Williamsburg by 1783, and was occupying a house on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street. [York County Records, Deeds, VI, 173.] In 1786, James Davis purchased the lot and house (lot 24) now known as the "Alexander Purdie House." He still owned this property in 1796, when he insured it with the Mutual Assurance Society (Policy #119), at which time Cyrus Griffin occupied it. The Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser carried an advertisement for James Davis in 1785, before he moved into the Carters' brick building; but as his business was probably much the same in 1796, it is quoted here:
The Subscriber Begs leave to inform the Public in General and his customers in particular, that he has just received from LONDON, by the VIRGINIA HERO,
A general Assortment of Superfine and Second CLOTHS, and other MERCHANDISE, Which he will sell reasonably for Cash or Tobacco: They consist of the following articles, viz.SUPERFINE blue, brown, light, drab, skyblue, Boutilles, and white Broadcloth, Second ditto, Superfine white and buff Cashmeres, Nankeens, Silks and Twists of all sorts, White, 14 and brown Buckrams, Superfine blue, white, and buff Shalloons, A large assortment of the most elegant and fashionable Buttons, Cambricks, white persians, White and brown thread Stockings, Silk ditto, Coarse and fine Irish Linens, Muslin, Demity, Light and ground Handkerchiefs, Copperplate ditto, jeans and Fustians, Printed Linens, Chintzes and Calicoes, 5 quarter Balloon Chintz.
He proposes carrying on his Business as usual; and will give good encouragement to two JOURNEYMEN TAILORS, who understand their business. Gentlemen who purchase a plain suit of clothes out of his shop, may have them made for Four Dollars, and may rely on having their work done in the neatest manner, and as expeditiously as possible. LADIES RIDING HABITS made in the newest Taste.
[Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser, June 4, 1785.]
JAMES DAVIS.
In 1787, Davis advertised for sale his house and lot on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street (lot 24), and added:
I HAVE A FEW BROADCLOTHS, AND OTHER DRY GOODS, Which I will sell cheap for CASH or TOBACCO. J. D. [Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser, February 22, 1785.]
His Mutual Assurance Society policies describe the property on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street - the brick store and dwelling-house, as follows:
No. 118: "My Brick Store Building on the main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the Rawleigh Tavern and ... Doctr William Carter ... The Brick Store marked A. at [$]600.
The Kitchen ... B at 100. The Stable ...C at 100."
A - Brick Store two Story 38 feet by 20 feet.
B - Brick Kitchen one story 24 by l4 feet.
C - Wood Stable 36 feet by 16 feet. [April 19, 1796]No. 487: "My own buildings on the Main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the House of Coleman [sic] and that of my own insured per Policy No 318."
The Dwelling-house marked A at [$]1,000.
A - a brick Dwelg house 20 feet by 38 feet Two Stories high covered with wood. [western half of house]
[eastern half] "This half is already insured per Policy No three hundred & Eighteen." [118?] July 22, 1801.]No. 647: "My three Buildings on the North side of the Main Street now occupied by myself situated between the Raleigh Tavern (Philip Moody) and the Lott of James Craig decd."
The Dwelling House A at [$] 6,600.
The Kitchen B at 400
The Stable C at 300
A - Dwelling House 2 stories high brick walls covered with wood 40 by 28 feet [Dis. 45 feet]
15 B - Kitchen 1 story high brick walls covered with wood 24 by 18 [Dis. 200 feet]
C - Stable 1 story high wooden walls covered with wood 36 by 20 feet. [May 14, 1806]No. 1158: "My three buildings on the main and back streets of Williamsburg now occupied by myself and situated between the Raleigh Tavern on the East and Millers lot on the West the main street on the South and Nicolson street on the North"
The Dwelling & Store A at [$] 6,600
The Kitchen B at 400
The Stable C at 300
A. Brick Dwelling and Store covered with wood two stories high 40 feet by 36. Occupied by James Davis.
B. Brick Kitchen covered with wood one story high 24 by l4.
C. Stable of wood covered with wood one story high 34 by 16. Smoke House [opposite to kitchen] [Jan. 29, 1813]No. 2664: "My buildings on my own lands ... now occupied by myself situated between William McCandlish's lot on the East and Millers lot on the west - the main street South, and a street N."
The Dwelling A at [$] 6,000
The Kitchen B at 500
The Stable C at 200
A - Dwelling Brick covered with wood - Two stories high. 50 x 36.
B - Kitchen - Brick covered with wood one story high.
C - Stable wood covered with wood one story high. [April 2. 1819]No. 5022: "My buildings on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself & Cole and Webb situated between the William McCandlish's lot on the East - Ann Millers lot West, and streets otherwise."
The Dwelling & Store A at [$] 3750
The Kitchen B at 125
The Stable C 134
A - Dwelling and Store of Brick, covered with wood.
B - Kitchen of brick covered with wood
C - Stable of wood entire. [April 8, 1823]No. 7585: "...the said buildings are at present owned by the distributees of the said James Davis and of whom Edmund W. Rootes is executor and is occupied by a servant only at this time. That they are situated on the main street in Williamsburg, between the Raleigh Tavern on the East and Millers lot on the West, and streets on the North and South.
The Dwelling and Store A at $4125
The Kitchen B at 150
The Stable C at 200
A. Dwelling & Store of Brick covered with wood two stories 38 by 44.
B. Kitchen of Brick covered with wood 20 by 14.
C. Stable of Wood entire 36 by 16. (May 20, 1830]
James Davis died sometime between 1829, when he was listed as a property owner In the land tax records, and May, 1830. (See policy No. 7585, p. xiv.] In the Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1830, James Davis's estate was charged 16 with one lot - the lot and buildings valued at $2100. This property was transferred to William Davis of Norfolk in 1831, "via Edmund W. Roots executor of James Davis decd." William Davis continued to hold the property until 1835, in which year it was transferred to the firm of Cole and Vest "via William Davis and Wife." [See Williamsburg Land Tax Records, microfilm, Research Dept.]
STORE OF COLE AND VEST1 - & WILLIAM W. VEST
The firm of Cole and Vest was charged with the property from 1835 through 1850, although Jesse Cole died in 1845. His son, Robert F. Cole inherited his father's property, and evidently continued the firm for a time. In 1851 the store was transferred to William W. Vest's ownership. [Williamsburg Land Tax Records, microfilm.]
Vest owned the building until it was destroyed by fire in 1859 - at which time it was occupied by the firm of Vest and Hansford.
The three insurance policies on the building follow. Jesse Cole and Wm. W. Vest insured it in 1838. [See policy No. 10,733, P. xv.] William W. Vest insured it in 1846 and again in 1853. [Policies No. 14,407 and 17,653, pp. xvi. vii.] The building formerly described as a brick kitchen was described as a brick storehouse in these policies, and lumber houses appeared on the western side of the lot:
No. 10,733: "Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by James Davis ...
17
WE the underwritten JESSE COLE & WM. W. VEST residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the countys of JAMES CITY & YORK do hereby declare for Assurance OUR buildings on OUR OWN LAND now occupied by OURSELVES AS A STORE &c. situated between JESSE COLES LAND ON THE EAST, MILLERS LOT WEST.. AND STREETS NORTH AND SOUTH ...
The Store Marked A at $5,500
The Store house B at 600
The Lumber house C at 700
A - Store - Brick covered with wood two stories high 42. by 40 feet.
B - Store house Brick covered with wood one story 20 by 14
C - Lumber house, wood entire 36 by 16 [Three other outbuildings not insured.] Jan. 5, 1838.No. 14,407: "I...WILLIAM W. VEST ... do hereby declare for Assurance... MY Buildings on MY OWN LAND IN WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF situated between the RALEIGH TAVERN OF JESSE COLE'S ESTATE ON THE EAST, GEORGE W. SOUTHALL'S LOT ON THE WEST, AND STREETS OTHERWISE."
The Store ........Marked A at $4000
The Store House .... B 400
The Lumber House C 400
A - Store - Brick Covered with wood two stories
B - Store house - Brick Covered with wood
C - Lumber House all wood. [Another lumber house not insured.] October 3, 1846.No. 17,653 I...WILLIAM W. VEST do hereby declare for Assurance... MY Buildings on THE MAIN-STREET now occupied by MYSELF situated between the LOTS OF PARKES SLATER ON THE EAST AND WILLIAM H. LEE ON THE WEST."
The Store A at $4000
The Store House B 200
The Lumber House C 250
A - Store of Brick, covered with [wood] two stories
B - Store House of Brick covered with wood
C - Lumber House of wood. [Behind which stands "Smoke H. wood" and another "Wood Lumber house." Not insured.] October 4, 1853.
On December 11, 1859, a fire destroyed both the Raleigh Tavern and the brick store of William W. Vest, then occupied by the firm of Vest & Hansford:
THE OLD RALEIGH TAVERN AND THE STORE OF MESSRS. VEST & HANSFORD BURNED TO ASHES 11th INST.
Between the hours of one and two o'clock, on the morning of the 11th inst., the citizens of Williamsburg were aroused from their beds by the alarm of fire, which was found to be consuming the Old Raleigh Tavern, the venerable fabric which has so often echoed the eloquence of some of Virginia's most gifted sons; ... The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary, but the truth as yet is unknown. ...
Messrs. Vest & Hansford, were insured to the full amount, store house included, therefore their loss will be also comparatively small. [Weekly Gazette and Eastern Virginia Advertiser Williamsburg: E. H. Lively, ed., December l4, 1859.]
On January 28, 1860, Samuel S. Griffin wrote his son James L. C. Griffin concerning the fire:
Williamsburg, Va., Jan. 28, 1860 ...I suppose you are aware that the Raleigh tavern & Vest's store have been burnt to the ground. It is generally believed that Blassingham, who owned the Raleigh, secretly applied an incendiary's torch to the Building to get the Insurance, which was too high for its actual value. Vest., being insured, will in fact gain by the transaction. He 18 has since purchased the site of the Raleigh, & it is said intends to erect a very large store. He is now one of our Nabobs... [William & Mary College Papers, Uncataloged Mss.]
Griffin's statement as to Vest's plans was verified in the Local newspaper:
Improvement. W. W. Vest, Esq. is now erecting on the old Raleigh Tavern lot, a new brick edifice, which he designs for his future store-house. The plan of this building we are told is admirable, and will do credit to that portion of the city. S. T. Bowman, bricklayer, and Benjamin Marnix, carpenter, are the contractors. [Weekly Gazette & Eastern Virginia Advertiser, Williamsburg, May 2,1860.]
A late resident of Williamsburg, describing Williamsburg ca. 1861, recalled what he could remember of the site of the brick store as follows:
The next house east [James Craig House] was an old story-and-a-half frame building with dormer windows and shed attached to the rear. Up to a few years ago a brick wall was hard against the eastern side of the house. This wall was the western end of a big brick building with stone steps in front. This was then the leading mercantile establishment in the city, and was on the lot next to the "Raleigh Tavern" and separated from it only by a four foot alley.
The present store house known as the "Land and Christian Store" stands on part of the site of the old "Raleigh Tavern."
...Both Vest's store and the "Raleigh Tavern" were destroyed by fire on the same night in 1859... [John S. Charles, Recollections of Williamsburg ... as it Appeared at the Beginning of the Civil War, p. 46.]
Report prepared by:
Mary Goodwin
November, 1950
Footnotes
Purdie & Dixon, eds.: June 25, 1767; February 25, 1768; Rind, ed.: March 3, 1768, November 29, 1770; Purdie & Dixon: October 29, 1772, December 31, 1772, January 7, 1773, November 11, 1773, December 16, 1773, September 29, 1774, October 13, 1774; Pinkney, ed.: February 2, 1775, April 6, 1775; Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser January 5, 1782, February 28, 1784.
Appendix i
DR. JAMES CARTER
James Carter was a son of John Carter, keeper of the Public Gaol1 (ca. 1731-d.1741). His mother, Thomasine Carter died in 1743, leaving her property to her "four dear sons, James Carter, John Carter, Thomas Carter, and William Carter." (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, XIX, p. 229 probated September 19, 1743.) One brother, John, was a merchant in Williamsburg. Both James and William were surgeons and apothecaries.
James Carter advertised drugs and medicines for sale in 1751; and in 1752 his shop, "the Unicorn's Horn," was "next door to the Printing-Office." He was doubtless also practicing medicine at that time. His friend and fellow surgeon, Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, included the following item in his will, written and probated in 1755, in which Carter was named as an executor:
"My good friend Doctor James Carter having behaved in a very kind manner to me in my sickness, I give and desire he will accept of my skeleton and injected child as an acknowledgment of the esteem and regard I have for him." (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book XX, 353.)
In 1764, James Carter purchased lot 53, and built - jointly with his brother, John Carter, merchant - a brick-building on the eastern portion of the lot, adjoining the Raleigh Tavern. John Carter's store occupied the eastern part of this building from its erection, ca. 1765, until ca. 1793. Dr. James Carter's shop occupied the western portion from ca. 1765 until 1779 - when he sold his-business to his brother, Dr. William Carter, who had gone into partnership with him ca. 1774. In 1767, James Carter's shop, "the Unicorn's Horn," was described as being near the Raleigh Tavern rather than near the Printing Office. (See attached report on Carter's shop.)
In the William and Mary College archives there are accounts between the College and Doctors James and William Carter, 1766-1768, for visits paid and medicines given to college students and Indian boys at the Brafferton. The Faculty Minutes for March 10, 1768, concerning a smallpox epidemic in Williamsburg, include the following entry:
"Resol. that the Sum of £50 be also allow'd Doctr Jas Carter for his Care and attendance on those infected with the said Disorder at the College." (William & Mary Quarterly.. 1st Series, Vol. V, 15.)
In 1769, both James and John Carter were appointed on a committee to direct the building of the new Courthouse for Williamsburg and James City County on the Market Square. (Virginia Gazette, Rind, March 23, 1769.)
James Carter's wife, Hester, was mentioned in various deeds to his Williamsburg properties from 1759 for a number of years. She died in 1791 in Richmond:
Deaths. "At Richmond, Virginia, after several years lingering illness, Mrs. HESTER CARTER, spouse of Dr. JAMES CARTER, of Williamsburg." (Maryland Gazette, September 2, 1791.)
Dr. James Carter was associated with several properties in Williamsburg besides his apothecary shop. He owned, and probably occupied, the house on Nicholson Street (262), now known as the "Tayloe House," from 1752, until 1759, when James and Hester Carter sold it to John Tayloe. (See report on "Tayloe House," Block 28, lots 262, 231.) At some time before 1763, he occupied but did not own the house known as the "Archibald Blair House" on Nicholson Street. In 1769 he purchased the houses and the square bounded by Boundary, Scotland, Henry Streets, and a lane running to the Palace property. He sold this property to William Holt in 1781.
A James Carter was associated with the house now known as the "Brush-Everard House" from 1788 until 1819 - the property being listed in the Williamsburg land tax records as charged to "James Carter's Est." from 1798 on. (See report on Brush-Everard House, Block 29.) A statement in the Tucker Papers proves that the house belonged to Dr. James Carter - although he died before 1798. In describing the "St. George Tucker House" for tax purposes on April 1, 1815, the northern boundary was noted as follows:
" . . . the Lot formerly belonging to Dr. James Carter, & now in the Occupation of Mrs Margaret Page on the North . . ."
A search of Richmond newspapers would doubtless produce the exact date of Dr. Carter's death. Dr. James Carter's name appeared in the Williamsburg Personal Property Tax List in 1783 as owning six slaves, three horses, seven cattle, and four wheels. In 1795, James Carter's estate was charged with 3 slaves. This was probably Dr. James Carter, as it ties in with a reference in the manuscript daybook of Doctors Galt and Barraud, in which "Doctr James Carter's Est." is mentioned on November 6, 1794. (Ms. Owned by Mrs. Kirby, on deposit with Colonial Williamsburg.) William A. Crozier, in his Abstract of Williamsburg Wills (1906, p. 15) lists the will of a James Carter "City of Williamsburg. 28 Feb. 1794. Wife Sarah; dau. Elizabeth now an infant . . ."
Colonial Williamsburg owns a manuscript Account Book, for the years 1752-1773, which was apparently the property of Dr. James Carter. Although it is unsigned, it duplicates invoices which John Norton and Sons, London merchants, sent Dr. James Carter in exact detail.
Appendix ii
JOHN CARTER
John Carter, merchant of Williamsburg, was the son of John Carter, keeper of the Public Gaol (ca. 1731-1740) and Thomasine Carter (d.1743.). His brothers, Dr. James Carter and Dr. William Carter, were prominent in Williamsburg.
John Carter was in business in Williamsburg prior to 1755, when he gave notice that he was going to Great Britain, requesting those indebted to him,to pay their bills promptly. (Virginia Gazette, October 10, 1755.)
In 1760, and possibly earlier, he was living on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street, opposite the Raleigh, in the house now known as the "King's Arms Tavern." He also may have had his store on this property. He occupied the house until about 1772 when Mrs. Jane Vobe advertised that she was opening a tavern at the Sign of the King's Arms, "being the House lately occupied by Mr. John Carter." (Ibid., February 6, 1772. See report on "King's Arms Tavern," Block 9, lot 23.)
As may be seen in the attached report on lot 53, in 1765 James and John Carter built jointly a double brick house on the eastern part of the lot. They doubtless moved into it shortly after its completion: John's store occupying the eastern portion of the building, and James's apothecary shop the western part. From 1767, and for as long as the Gazettes were published in Williamsburg, frequent advertisements appeared for the wide range of merchandize offered for sale in John Carter's Store. (See attached report.) In 1769 and 1770 he again gave notice that he was going to England - doubtless to renew his stock; and in January, 1771, Dr. James Carter wrote John Norton, merchant in London, thanking him for "the favours shown my Brothr while in England." (Mason, John Norton & Sons, p. 151.) In 1769, James and John Carter were appointed, with several others, to direct the building of the new courthouse for Williamsburg and James City County. In 1773, the Common Council of the City of Williamsburg elected John Carter chamberlain "in the room of John Prentis."
John Carter purchased the house which Robert Carter Nicholas built (about 1770) on the site of the James City County Courthouse, sometime prior to August, 1778. In 1777 he offered his brick store adjoining the Raleigh Tavern for rent; and in August 1778 he offered both the store and the lot and houses "where Robert C. Nicholas, Esq; lately lived" for sale. He did not sell either of them at that time, and offered them again in 1783. He continued to advertise goods for sale at his store in Williamsburg. However, he must have been in need of money, because in 1792 he offered the Robert Carter Nicholas property, where he was living, his furniture "mostly made of mahogany," and the brick store adjoining the Raleigh for sale. (Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, February 24, 1792.) John Carter died sometime before August, 1793, for on August 12th of that year Philip Moody, sergeant of Williamsburg, noted in his execution book that he had sold the "Houses & Lotts ... next to the Magazine late in the, occupation of the Said John Carter deed to Wilson M. Cary for the Sum of £330." (Ms. Execution Book of Philip Moody, p. 121. Research Department.)
In the Record of Bruton Parish Church, the following children of a John Carter 1 were baptized:
1741 John [son of] John and Mary Carter . . . (p. 146.)
1743 Elizabeth [daughter of] John and Mary Carter. (p. 146.)
1750 Thomas, [son of] John and Jane Carter, late Jane Mitchell (p.149)
1760 James, [son of] John Carter (p. 149.)
1763 Ann, [daughter of] John and Jane Carter (p. 151)
1764 Elizabeth, [daughter of] John and Jane Carter (p.151)
1765 Cary Mitchell, John and Jane Carter (p. 151.)
1781 Fanny, John and Anne Carter (p. 153)
It is probable that those born between the years 1750 and 1766 were the children of John Carter, merchant, as it has been stated that John Carter, son of John Carter, keeper of the Public Gaol, married Jane Mitchell of Hampton, daughter of Thomas Mitchell, collector of customs for the port at Hampton in 1779. (See Name Data card - note from Lyon G. Tyler re Carters.)
Appendix iii
DR. WILLIAM CARTER
William Carter, son of John Carter (keeper of the Public Gaol in Williamsburg ca. 1731-1740), was a surgeon and apothecary in Williamsburg for many years - as was his brother, Dr. James Carter. Another brother, John Carter, was a merchant there.
William Carter and his wife, Rebecca, had several children who were baptized at Bruton Parish Church: James, baptized in 1763; William, in 1765; James, in 1766 (the first James must have died in infancy); and Jane How, in 1768. (See Goodwin, Record of Bruton Parish Church, pp. 151, 152.)
In 1759, Dr. William Carter purchased from John Robinson the four lots and the houses on Palace Street now known as the "Elkanah Deane" property. (See report on "Elkanah Deane House," Block 30.) In 1761 he had a dispute with his neighbor, the Hon. Robert Carter, over the boundary line between the two properties, which was settled by a written agreement between the two gentlemen. In 1767 a fire broke out in Dr. William Carter's stable, burning up some of his horses. It was noted in the Virginia Gazette that "in attempting to save his horses, [he] ran a great risk of his life." (July 30, 1767.) In 1767 he mortgaged the Palace Street property to his brothers James and John; and in 1768 he advertised the dwelling house for sale, stating that it was "inferior to no situation in this city, for pleasantness and conveniency." (Ibid., Rind, December 15, 1768.) There are accounts extant in the William and Mary Archives between Doctors William and James Carter and the College, for visits and medicines to college and Indian students, between the years 1766 and 1768.
Dr. William Carter moved to Gloucester in 1771, publishing the following notice in the Gazette:
"The Subscriber gives this publick Notice, that he is now settled at the Plantation which belonged to the late Mrs. Batop, and where the late Doctor Alexander Dalgleish boarded, with an Intent to practise PHYSICK and SURGERY ... WILLIAM CARTER. He is inclined either to sell, or rent by the Year, his Dwelling-house and Lots in Palace Street ..." (Ibid., Purdie & Dixon, August 29, 1771.)
By September, 1774, he had returned to Williamsburg and had joined his brother, Dr. James Carter, in his apothecary shop in the western half of the brick building adjoining the Raleigh, (lot 53). At that time advertisements for drugs and medicines appeared over both of their names. In 1778 he gave notice that the "partnership between my brother and myself" was about to expire (Ibid., Dixon & Hunter, May 15, 1778); and in 1779, he purchased his brother's half of the shop, equipment, and business for £1000. (Ibid., June 12, 1779, York Co. Records, Deeds VI, 47.)
He sold his Palace Street property to Elkanah Deane in 1772. After returning to Williamsburg from Gloucester he may have lived in a portion of the large brick house on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street (lot 19) which he had purchased in 1761 from William Withers. He had subdivided this property., and rented it to various tenants. (See report on "Brick House Tavern," Block 10.) Carter was connected with the Continental Hospital during the Revolution, and advertised for "a Surgeon's Mate to attend the hospital" in 1776. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie, August 2, 1776.)
After buying out Dr. James Carter's share in the apothecary shop, William Carter advertised the extra equipment for sale, and stated that he would like to join with someone in opening an apothecary shop in Richmond. He added that the practice of "physick and Surgery" was "altogether disagreeable" to him on account of his deafness; and that he would willingly give up one half of the profits of his business, which were considerable, to "any able and diligent Gentleman" who would take over the practice in Williamsburg. (Ibid., Dixon & Nicolson, September 20, 1780.)
Sometime between the date of the above advertisement and 1786 William Carter had opened shop in Richmond, opposite the Eagle Tavern. (Blanton, Medicine in Virginia in the 18th century, p. 323.) Advertisements appeared for his shops in Williamsburg and Richmond; and as he seems to have moved to Richmond some years before his death, he probably turned his Williamsburg business over to some "able and diligent Gentleman." He still owned the Williamsburg shop in 1796, when James Davis, who insured the store in the eastern half of the building, noted that "Doctr William Carter" adjoined him to the west. (Mutual Assurance Society policy, #118.)
He died in Richmond in 1799, age sixty-seven, and was buried in St. John's Churchyard, where his tombstone may be seen.
[Death] ". . . on Wednesday evening last, Dr. WILLIAM CARTER, sen. Formerly of Williamsburg, but for many years an inhabitant of this city." (Virginia Gazette & General Advertiser, Richmond: Friday, June 14, 1799.)
He married three times - his wife "Rebecca" being mentioned in various deeds in the York County Records, and in the baptism records of his children at Bruton Parish Church. The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg: Dixon & Hunter) announced on December 2, 1775:
"MARRIED: Dr. WILLIAM CARTER, to Miss MOLLY WRAY, of this city."
According to Dr. Blanton (Medicine in Virginia in the 18th Century, p. 323) he married a third time Charlotte, the daughter of Dr. William Foushee.
Appendix iv
JAMES DAVIS
As there were several men of this name in York County or Williamsburg,1 it is impossible to be sure of the identity of the James Davis who owned the brick building which James and John Carter erected to the west of the Raleigh.
He may have been the son or brother of John Davis of Yorktown, tailor, whose will, dated 1772, was proved in York County Court in 1783 - a James Davis qualifying at that time as administrator. (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, XXII, p. 7.) In 1775, a James Davis, advertised as a tailor in Yorktown - and by 1783, a James Davis, tailor, was living in Williamsburg:
"JAMES DAVIS
TAILOR, York Town,
HEREBY returns his most grateful Acknowledgments to all those who have, hitherto been his Customers, and takes this, Opportunity to inform them, as well as the Public in general, that he has just opened Shop nearly opposite the Swan Tavern; where, by close Application to his Business, he flatters himself he will meet with a Continuance of the Favours of his Friends, and merit general Encouragement.*** LADIES RIDING HABITS made in the newest Fashion." (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, April 1775.)
On September 5, 1783, Henry Nicolson of Williamsburg conveyed "All that messuage or tenement now in the possession of the said James Davis ... adjoining to the store of Samuel Beall, Esquire on the West" to James Davis "Taylor," for 90 Pounds. (York County Records, Deeds VI, 173.) In 1785, James Davis advertised for sale a long list of "Superfine and Second CLOTHS just received from LONDON.." adding:
"...He proposes carrying on his Business as usual- and will give good encouragement to two JOURNEYMEN TAILORS, who understand their business. Gentlemen who purchases a plain suit of clothes out of his shop, may have them made for Four Dollars, and may rely on having their-work done in the neatest manner, and as expeditiously as possible. LADIES RIDING HABITS made in the newest Taste. JAMES DAVIS." (Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser, June 4, 1785.)
In 1786 James Davis purchased for 400 Pounds the house on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street now known as the "Alexander Purdie House." (See report on Purdie House, Block 9, lot 24.) In 1787 and 1789 he offered the house for sale, his advertisements indicating that he was then occupying the property. In 1787, he also advertised his yard goods for sale:
"I HAVE A FEW BROADCLOTHS, AND OTHER DRY GOODS, Which I will sell cheap for CASH or TOBACCO. J.D." (Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser, February 22, 1787)
By 1796, James Davis's store occupied the eastern part of the brick building adjoining the Raleigh, where John Carter's store had been kept. At that time Dr. William Carter still owned the western portion of the building. (See Mutual Assurance Policy No. 118 - April, 1796.)
Davis still owned the house on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street (lot 24), in 1796, when it was occupied by Cyrus Griffin (see Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 119). Between 1796 and 1809 this property passed to John Coke.
By 1801, Davis owned the entire brick building on lot 53 - occupying the eastern half as a store and the western half as a dwelling-house. He continued on this property until his death, insuring it in 1796, 1801, 1806, 1813, 1819, and 1823. In the latter, year the building was occupied by himself, and the firm of "Cole & Webb" - who probably leased the store. He died ca. 1830, for in May of that year the brick building was owned and insured by "the distributees of . . . James Davis . . . of whom Edmund W. Rootes is executor, and is occupied by a servant only at this time." (See Policy No. 7585) The property was transferred to William Davis of Norfolk "via Edmund W. Roots executor of James Davis Decd" in 1831.
In the Tucker manuscripts on deposit with Colonial Williamsburg, there is a bill from James Davis to St. George Tucker, covering the period from January 1, 1793 - June 7, 1794, for cloth, buckram, coat buttons, thread, to "cash paid Mr. Moir for repairing clothes," etc. - the account totalling £26.2.1. (Uncataloged mss. Folder 23.)
Appendix v
JESSE COLE
Jesse Cole was in Williamsburg in 1783, when he was taxed in the personal property tax records for one horse. In 1786, he and Charles Taliaferro were taxed together for 10 slaves, 3 cattle, and 4 horses - indicating some kind of partnership between them. Charles Taliaferro had been a coach- maker in Williamsburg since ca. 1768, and owned the house on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street (lot 352) now known as the "Taliaferro-Cole House." Jesse Cole had some connection with the coachmaking business also, as he advertised for sale in 1789 a post chariot, harness, phaeton, and several single chairs, as well as a boat, ferry boats, and some land. (Virginia Independent Chronicle, August 19, 1789.)
In 1804, Jesse Cole came into possession of Taliaferro's dwelling- house and shop (see report on "Taliaferro-Cole House," Block 13, lot 352.), which he owned and occupied until his death in 1845, leaving it to his son, Robert F. Cole. Jesse Cole was a prosperous merchant and left his son a good estate. Jesse Cole was postmaster of Williamsburg ca. 1827-8. He had a retail merchant's license from 1816 through 1834, after which date he went into partnership with William W. Vest - apparently under the firm name of William W. Vest & Co. (See Personal Property Tax Lists for Williamsburg. Microfilm.)
Ownership of the brick store building adjoining the Raleigh Tavern was transferred to Cole and Vest in 1835, and they continued to be charged with this property (although Jesse Cole had died in 1845), until 1851, when it was transferred to Vest's Name alone. (See Williamsburg Land Tax Records. Microfilm.) According to a clause in Jesse Cole's will, written in 1844, Vest was indebted to him to the extent of $30,000. He wished this bond to be continued if his son and heir, Robert F. Cole, and Vest continued the business in partnership. (See will of Jesse Cole, Cole Papers, William & Mary College Archives.) Apparently the partnership was not continued after 1851, when ownership of the store building was transferred to Vest, if indeed it lasted that long. In 1846 the store building was insured by William W. Vest, who stated that he owned the land and buildings "in fee simple." (See Mutual Assurance Society policy No. 14,407.)
WILLIAM W. VEST
William W. Vest's name first appeared in the Williamsburg personal property tax list in 1828 - at which time he owned no property. By 1832 he had taken out a retail merchant's license, and in 1834 he owned four slaves. By 1837 he owned six slaves and one horse. (See Williamsburg Personal Property Tax Records. Microfilm.)
As is noted above, he went into partnership with Jesse Cole about 1835, at which time the ownership of the brick store adjoining the Raleigh Tavern (lot 53) was transferred to them. It continued to be charged to Cole and Vest until 1851, when it was transferred to William W. Vest. (See Williamsburg Land Tax Records. Microfilm.) However, Jesse Cole died in 1845, and his son, Robert F. Cole inherited his father's estate. The partnership may have continued as Cole and Vest until 1851, when Vest was charged with the property. However, when Vest insured the building in 1846, he stated that he owned it in "fee simple." (See Mutual Assurance Society policy No. 14,407.)
Vest was a very prosperous merchant. He was a vestryman at Bruton Parish Church prior to 1853. When his store adjoining th Raleigh burned, at the same time that the tavern was destroyed by fire, (December 11, 1859), it was said that Vest, being well insured, gained by the fire. He was described at that time by a Williamsburg resident as being "now one of our Nabobs." (Letter of Samuel S. Griffin to his son, January 28, 1860. Griffin Papers, William & Mary College Archives.) He purchased the site of the Raleigh, and erected a large store on that lot ca. 1860.
Vest lived in the brick house near the Capitol which is now known as the "Kerr House." He insured this dwelling-house in 1834; and in 1858 he considerably enlarged the house. During the Civil War the house was used at one time by the Confederates, and at another time as headquarters for the Federal provost marshal - at which time it was known as the "Vest Mansion." Vest owned the property until his death, leaving it to his daughter, Willie W. Vest.
In describing Williamsburg as she remembered it, an elderly Virginian quoted a friend as saying that when she "went back to Williamsburg to visit . . . Mr. Robert Cole owned one-half of the town and Mr. Vest the other." (Mrs. Vandergrift's recollections, p. 14. Ms., Research Department.)
William W. Vest died in 1893.
[Appendix vi]
Tyler Map
Appendix vii
From Frenchman's Map 1782?
Appendix viii
NO. 118
Form of the Declarations for Assurance.
I the underwritten James Davis residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings in the State of Virginia . . .
My BRICK STORE Building on THE MAIN STREET at WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF situated between THE RAWLEIGH TAVERN and . . . DOCTr WILLIAM CARTER
| The BRICK STORE | Marked A. at | 600 Dollars . . . |
| The KITCHEN | do B. at | 100 do. |
| The STABLE | do. C. at | 100 do. |
| 800 |
say EIGHT HUNDRED Dollars in all.
I do hereby declare and affirm that the above mentioned property is not, nor shall be insured elsewhere, without giving notice thereof . . .
Witness my hand and seal at WILLIAMSBURG the 19th day of APRIL 1796.
JAMES DAVIS [Seal]
WE the underwritten . . . declare and affirm that we have examined the above mentioned Property of JAMES DAVIS and that we are of opinion that it would cost in cash SIXTEEN HUNDRED Dollars to build the same, and is now worth EIGHT HUNDRED Dollars in ready money, and will command the same as above specified to the best our knowledge and belief.
JAMES RATCLIFFE
WM. PIGGOT Residing in WMSBURG.
Wm. Bryan
CITY OF WMSBURG - Sc.
Ro. Greenhow Aldm.
Appendix ix
NO. 487
DECLARATION FOR ASSURANCE.
I the underwritten JAMES DAVIS residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county
of YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society...
My OWN building on THE MAIN STREET AT WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF
situated between the HOUSE OF COLEMAN and that of MY OWN INSURED PER POLICY No 318. in the county of YORK ...
The DWELLING HOUSE marked A at 1,000 Dollars ...
say ONE THOUSAND Dollars in all.
I do hereby declare and affirm that I hold the above mentioned buildings
with the land on which they stand, in fee-simple, and that they are not, nor
shall be insured elsewhere, without giving notice thereof...
Witness my hand and seal at WILLIAMSBURG this TWENTY-SECOND day of JULY 180l..
JAMES DAVIS (Seal]
...
WE the underwritten, being each of us house-owners, declare and affirm that we have examined the above mentioned property of MR. JAMES DAVIS and that we are of opinion that it would cost in cash FIFTEEN HUNDRED Dollars to build the same, and is now (after the deduction of FIVE HUNDRED Dollars for Decay
or bad repair) actually worth ONE THOUSAND Dollars in ready money...
Leroy Anderson Residing in WILLIAMSBURG.
Geo. Lang
Appendix x
No. 647
REVALUATION OF THE BUILDINGS INSURED PER DECLARATION No. 118 & 487 AS PER ENDORSEMENTS...
I the underwritten JAMES DAVIS residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire MYSELF situated between THE RALEIGH TAVERN (PHILIP MOODY) and THE LOTT of JAMES CRAIG DECD. In the county of YORK ...
| The DWELLING HOUSES | marked A at [dollars] | 6600... |
| The KITCHEN | B at | 400... |
| The STABLE | C at | 300... |
Say SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED Dolls. in all.
I do hereby declare, and affirm, that I hold the abovementioned Buildings
with the land on which they stand in fee-simple, and that they are not, nor shall be insured elsewhere,... Witness, my hand and seal at Wmsburg this
FOURTEENTH day of MAY- 1806.
JAMES DAVIS (Seal]
Insurance plat
Appendix x
NO. 1158
(Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for assurance )
(by JAMES DAVIS - - - per declaration No. 647 )
I the underwritten JAMES DAVIS residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for assurance with the Mutual Assurance Society against fire
... MY THREE buildings on THE MAIN AND BACK STREETS OF WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF AND situated between THE RALEIGH TAVERN ON THE EAST AND MILLERS LOT ON THE WEST THE MAIN STREET ON THE SOUTH AND NICOLSON STREET ON THE NORTH.
| The DWELLING & STORE | marked A at | 6,600 Dollars . .. |
| The KITCHEN | B at | 400 |
| The STABLE | C at | 300 |
Say SEVEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS in all.
I do hereby certify, and affirm, that I hold the above mentioned buildings with the land on which they stand in FEE SIMPLE and that they are not, nor shall be insured elsewhere... Witness my hand and seal this 29th day of January 1813.
JAMES DAVIS [Seal]
Appendix xii
NO. 2664
REVALUATION OF THE BUILDINGS FORMERLY INSURED PER DECLARATION No. 1158 IN THE NAME OF JAMES DAVIS. NO. 2664.
I the underwritten JAMES DAVIS - residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings of the State of Virginia, MY buildings on MY OWN LANDS IN WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF situated between WILLIAM McCANDLISH'S LOT ON THE EAST AND MILLERS LOT ON THE WEST- THE MAIN STREET SOUTH, AND A STREET N. in the County of YORK...
| The Dwelling | marked A at | 6,000 ... |
| The Kitchen | - B at | 500 ... |
| The Stable | - C at | 200 ... |
Say SIX THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dollars in all.
I do hereby declare and affirm that I hold the above mentioned buildings with the land on which THEY stand IN FEE SIMPLE - and that THEY ARE not, nor shall be insured elsewhere ... Witness MY hand and seal this SECOND day of APRIL, 1819.
/s/ JAMES DAVIS [Seal]
WE, the underwritten, being each of us freeholders, declare and affirm, that we have examined the above-mentioned buildings of JAMES DAVIS and we are of opinion that THEY would cost in cash EIGHT THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED dollars to build the same . .. /s/ Will McCandlish Thomas Sands
Appendix xiii
NO. 5022
No. 5022 REVALUATION OF BUILDINGS FORMERLY DECLARED FOR ASSURANCE BY JAMES DAVIS PER DECLARATION No. 2664.
I the underwritten JAMES DAVIS residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire . . . MY buildings on THE MAIN STREET IN WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF & COLE AND WEBB - situated between the WILLIAM McCANDLISH'S LOT ON THE EAST - ANN MILLERS LOT WEST, AND STREETS OTHERWISE.
| The DWELLING & STORE | Marked A at | 3750 Dollars . . . |
| The KITCHEN | - B - | 125 - |
| The STABLE | - C - | 134 - . . . |
Say FOUR THOUSAND AND NINE DOLLARS-
I Do hereby declare and affirm, that I hold the above mentioned buildings with the land on which THEY stand in FEE SIMPLE and that THEY ARE not, nor shall be insured elsewhere. . . Witness, MY hand and seal this 8th day of APRIL 1823.
/s/ JAMES DAVIS [Seal]
. . .
WE, the underwritten . . . declare and affirm that we have examined the above-mentioned buildings of JAMES DAVIS and we are of opinion that THEY would cost in cash FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars to build the same, and that now, (after the deduction of ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE dollars for decay or bad repair) THEY ARE actually worth FOUR THOUSAND AND NINE dollars in ready money. . . /s/ Thomas Sands Richd. Garret
Appendix xiv
No. 7585
NO. 7585 ) REVALUATION OF BUILDINGS DECLARED FOR ASSURANCE BY JAMES DAVIS as per Declaration No. 5022.
WE, the underwritten ROBERT ANDERSON Special agent, and THOMAS SANDS AND WILLIAM M. MOODY Appraisers, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the Buildings heretofore declared for Assurance, in the MUT=UAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY against Fire on Buildings. . . by JAMES DAVIS as per HIS Declaration for Assurance Numbered 5022. That the said Buildings ARE at present owned by DISTRIBUTEES OF THE JAMES DAVIS, AND WHOM EDMUND W. ROOTES IS EXECUTOR, residing at RICHMOND and is occupied by A SERVANT ONLY AT THIS TIME. That THEY ARE SITUATED ON THE MAIN STREET IN WILLIAMSBURG, BETWEEN THE RALEIGH TAVERN ON THE EAST AND MILLERS LOT ON THE WEST, AND STREETS NORTH AND SOUTH in the county of YORK. . . .
| The DWELLING AND STORE | Marked A at | $4125 . .. |
| The KITHCEN | - B at | 150 . . . |
| The STABLE | - C at | 200 . . . |
Say FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE Dollars in all.
Witness our hands, this 20 day of MAY one thousand eight hundred and THIRTY
/s/ Ro: Anderson Thomas Sands Wm M: Moody
We, the underwritten, being each of us freeholders, declare and affirm, that we have examined the above mentioned Buildings of THE DISTRIBUTEES OF JAMES DAVIS DECEASED and we are of opinion that THEY would cost in cash FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED dollars to build the same, and that no, (after the deduction of ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS) THEY ARE actually worth FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE dollars in ready money . . .
/s/ Thomas Sands Wm M: Moody
Appendix xv
NO. 10733
NO. 10,733 ) REVALUATION OF BUILDINGS FORMERLY DECLARED FOR ASSURANCE
) BY JAMES DAVIS per Declaration No. 7585.
WE the underwritten JESSE COLE & WM. W. VEST residing at WILLIAMSBURG IN in the countys of JAMES CITY & YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY against Fire . . . OUR buildings on OUR OWN LAND now occupied by OURSELVES AS A STORE &C situated between JESSE COLES LAND ON THE EAST, MILLERS LOT WEST, AND STREETS NORTH AND SOUTH, in the county of YORK & CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG. . .
| The STORE | Marked A at | $ 5,500 . . . |
| The STORE HOUSE | - B At | 600 . . . |
| The LUMBER HOUSE | - C at | 700 |
Say SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS IN ALL.
WE do hereby declare and affirm, that WE hold the above mentioned buildings with the land on which THEY stand in FEE SIMPLE and that THEY ARE not, nor shall be insured elsewhere . . . Witness OUR hands and seals this 5 day of JANUARY 1838
/s/ JESSE COLE [seal]
W.W. Vest [seal]
We, the underwritten, being each of us freeholders, declare and affirm, that we have examined the above mentioned building of JESSE COLE & WM. W. VEST and we are of opinion that THEY would cost in cash SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars to build the same, and that now (after the deduction of SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars) THEY ARE actually worth SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED dollars in ready money . . . /s/ Thomas Sands Albert G. Southall.
Appendix xvi
NO. 14,407
14,407 ) REVALUATION OF BUILDINGS FORMERLY DECLARED FOR ASSURANCE
) BY JESSE COLE AND WILLIAM W. VEST per Declaration No. 10733.
I the underwritten WILLIAM W. VEST residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY against Fire . . . MY buildings on MY OWN LAND IN WILLIAMSBURG now occupied by MYSELF situated between THE RALEIGH TAVERN OF JESSE COLES ESTATE ON THE EAST, GEORGE W. SOUTHHALL'S LOT ON THE WEST, AND STREETS OTHERWISE, in the county of YORK . . .
| The STORE | Marked A at | $4000 . . . |
| The STORE HOUSE | B at | 400 . . . |
| The LUMBER HOUSE | - C at | 400 . . . |
Say FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS IN ALL.
I do hereby declare and affirm, that I hold the above mentioned Buildings with the land on which they stand in FEE SIMPLE and that THEY ARE not, nor shall be insured elsewhere . . . Witness MY hand and seal this 3rd day of OCTOBER 1846.
/s/ W.W. VEST [seal]
We, the underwritten, being each of us freeholders, declare and affirm, that we have examined the above-mentioned Buildings of WILLIAM W. VEST and we are of opinion that having regard to THEIR local situation, state of repair, and the present cost of building, THEY ARE now actually worth FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED dollars in ready money . . .
/s/ G. Durfey Jno M. Maupin.
Appendix xvii
NO. 17,653
NO. 17653 ) REVALUATION OF BUILDINGS FORMERLY DECLARED FOR ASSURANCE
) BY WILLIAM W. VEST per Declaration No. 14407.
I the underwritten WILLIAM W. VEST residing at WILLIAMSBURG in the county of YORK do hereby declare for Assurance in the MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY against Fire . . . MY Buildings on THE MAIN STREET now occupied by H. LEE ON THE WEST in the county of YORK . . .
| The STORE | Marked A at | $4000 |
| The STORE HOUSE | B at | 200 . . . |
| The LUMBER HOUSE | C at | 250 . . . |
Say FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY [dollars]
I do hereby declare and affirm that I hold the above mentioned Buildings with the land on which THEY stand in FEE SIMPLE and that THEY ARE not, nor shall be insured elsewhere . . . Witness MY hand and seal this 4th day of OCTOBER 1853
/s/ WILLIAM W. VEST [seal]
. . .
We, the underwritten, being each of us freeholders, declare and affirm, that we have examined the above-mentioned Buildings of WILLIAM W. VEST and we are of opinion that having regard to THEIR local situation, stats of repair, and the present cost of building, THEY ARE now actually worth FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars in ready money . . .
/s/ Wm S. Peach Jno. A. Deneufville
To: The Hostess Training Office
From: Mary Goodwin
Re: Dr. James and John Carter
We have your request for information on John and James Carter.
James and John Carter were sons of John Carter, keeper of the Public Gaol in Williamsburg from ca. 1731 until his death in 1741. Their mother, Thomasine Carter, who died in 1743, mentioned her "four dear sons, James Carter, John Carter, Thomas Carter, and William Carter" in her will. James and William became doctors and apothecaries in Williamsburg, and John became a prosperous merchant. We do not know what happened to Thomas.
Dr. James Carter advertised drugs for sale in 1751; and in 1752 his shop was described as "the Unicorn's Horn," next door "to the Printing-Office." In 1764, Dr. James Carter purchased the eastern portion of colonial lot #53, adjoining the Raleigh Tavern. He and his brother John built jointly a brick building on the lot, into which they moved their respective businesses. Dr. James Carter's apothecary shop occupied the western portion of the building from ca. 1765 until 1779 - when he sold his business and his portion of the building to his brother Dr. William Carter, who had gone into partnership with him ca. 1774. Dr. James Carter and his brother William attended students at the College of William and Mary; and in 1768, after a smallpox epidemic in Williamsburg, the faculty voted that "the Sum of £50 be also allw'd Doctr Jas Carter for his care and attendance on those infected with the said Disorder at the College." Dr. James Carter and his wife Hester owned the present "Tayloe House" on Nicholson Street from 1752 until 1759, when they sold it to John Taylor. For a time thereafter he occupied, but did not won, the present "Arrchibald Blair House" on Nicholson Street. In 1769 he purchased a house and the square bounded by Boundary, Scotland, Henry Streets, and lane running to the Palace property. He sold this property to William Holt in 1781. He apparently owned the "Brush-Everard House" from ca. 1788 until his death ca. 1794; and the property remained in possession of his "estate" until 1820.
John Carter was in business prior to 1755, when he advertised that he was going to Great Britain, urging those indebted to him to pay their bills promptly. He made several business trips to England - in 1771 Dr. James Carter wrote John Norton of London thanking him for "the favours shown my Brother while in England." John Carter occupied the site of the present "King's Arms" tavern from 2 1760 (and possibly earlier) until shortly before Jane Vobe opened her tavern there. Mrs. Vobe's first advertisement (February 6, 1772) for her "tavern at the Sign of the King's Arms" noted that it was "the House lately occupied by Mr. John Carter." We assume that he first occupied it as both dwelling house and shop; but he moved his store to the brick house which he and his brother built next to Raleigh ca. 1765. He continued to own his eastern half of the brick building until his death in 1793, although he probably stopped store keeping prior to that date, as he advertised it for rent or sale on several occasions. He sold a variety of imported items, including fabrics of all kinds, shoes, stockings, books, stationary supplies, tinware ("Swans, hens, chickens and eggs, melons, fish, hedge-hogs, steeples, moon and stars, sunflowers, sugar boxes, lanthorns, nutmeg graters, pepper boxes, coffee pots, cans, saucepans, cheese-cake pans &c.") He also sold table cloths, towelling, toy tea sets, "large and small fiddles," Queen's china, bonnetts and hats, and "sundry West India goods" (Such as rum, molasses, sugar, coffee, spices), paint colors, "painted paper for houses," locks and hinges, brass door knockers, etc.
Ca. 1778, John Carter purchased the house built by Robert Carter Nicholas on the site of the first James City County Courthouse in Williamsburg (the site now occupied by the present city and county courthouse). He occupied this property for a number of years, offering it for sale shortly before his death, together with his furniture, "mostly made of mahogany." It was not sold until after his death in 1793.
The brick building west of the Raleigh, built in 1765 by Dr. James Carter and John Carter, was described and sketched in more than the usual detail when it was insured by the Mutual Assurance Society in 1796 and in 1801.
M.G.
MG:BB
[hand-written notes included with report]
Carter's Store - Lot 53
Chiswell House
Aug. 15, 1765
- Deed Jas. Carter & Wife to John Carter
"...of a certain large Birch House
lately erected to Built thereon jointly by the said James and John Carter...that...James CArter and his Heirs shall and will at all times hereafter leave open Clear and Free from all obstruction a certain way or passage of [the] breadth of five feet from..."
Mar. 12, 1767 - "Carter, James, Surgeon to Carter, John - his brother - merchant... and to begin at the end of the Skill House adjoining the ground Purchased of the said James CArter by the said John CArter by Deed Aug. 15, 1765...
Nov. 21, 1777 - "To Be Rented...the brick building next the Raleigh with four very neat rooms and closets, a good kitchen, smoke house, coal house , &c., a garden, and a very large stable with a granary in it, also a cow house ..." (John Carter)
Mar. 29, 1783 - Va. Gazette & Weekly Advertiser "...Also my brick house adjoining the Raleigh Tavern, with a store and counting room below , and four rooms above, a kitchen, [smoak] house, stable and coachhouse, &c. JOHN CARTER"
late 1850's - John S. Charles "...up to a few years ago a brick wall was [illegible] against the eastern side of this house [Craigs] This wall was the western end of a big brick building with stone steps in front ... and separated from it [Raleigh Tavern] only by a four foot ally ."