Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The lot on which the shop was located lies on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street. It is designated on old maps as lot #50. (See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, Illustration #1, Appendix)

The first owner of the lot was Henry Gill. On May 3, 1707, for 30 shillings, the trustees of Williamsburg granted Gill two lots, #49 and #50, with the usual proviso that he should build within two years. (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, Book II, p. 315) The fact that in February 1708 Gill applied for "a license to keep an ordinary at his dwelling house in Williamsburg" would indicate that Gill had built on the lots within the six month's period. (York County Records, Deeds, Orders, Wills, Book 13, p. 207) Gill continued to get licenses for an ordinary in 1711, 1713, 1714. (Ibid, p. 271; Orders, Wills, Book 14, p. 89, 162, and 349) It is evident that Gill used his dwelling house for an ordinary. What use the other lot was putt to is not known. Gill's inventory of personal property indicates that he had been a tavern-keeper, but no evidence is given as to other buildings on the property. (York County Records, Orders, Wills, September 18, 1721, Book 16) However, Henry Gill's will recorded June 19, 1721 bequeathes unto his "Son John Gill, and the heirs of his body...Two lotts whereon I now dwell with all edificies, buildings, etc to be kept in good repair untill he comes to the age of 21 years, and if my Son die without issue, then I Give and bequeath the Two lotts aforesaid with all Improvements aforesd to my daughter Elizabeth Gill...if my daughter Elizabeth Should happen to die without issue, then I Give the Two Lotts with the 2 housing aforesaid to my loving wife, Margaret Gill, her heirs and assigns forever..." (York County Records, Orders, Wills, Book 16, p. 53) A John Gill died in 1725 according to the records of Bruton Parish Church. (The Record of Bruton Parish Church, p. 166) Nothing further could be found about the Gill family.

It is not known which one of Gill's heirs owned or lived in the house on these lots, but it seems that the estate had not been settled in 1729. In a deed, the owner of lot #47 designated its eastern boundary as "the house of Henry Gill." This statement would seem to indicate that there was no dwelling on lot #48 at this date; and Gill's house could be regarded as a boundary. (York County Records, Deeds IV, p. 8)

The history of the lots until the acquisition by Dr. Robert Davidson, apothecary, is uncertain. From a deed of March 18, 1744 (four years after Davidson's death), it is evident that the transfer of lots #49 and #50 from John Gladish to Robert Davidson was recorded in the General Court records in a chancery suit, thus: "...Whereas the said Robert Davidson died siez'd of two Messuages and Lotts of hand in the city of Williamsburgh and in the county of York aforesaid purchased of John Gladish and Elizabeth his wife (Dec. 10, 1737) and recorded in the General Court of this Colony... All those two messuages, houses ...on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street denoted in the plan of the city by the figures 49 and 50 whereon the said Robert lately dwelt."¹ (York Co. Records, Deeds V, 123)

As early as May 20, 1737 Robert Davidson was advertising medicines in Williamsburg:

May 20, 1737.

"All Sorts of Chemical and Galenical Medicines, faithfully Prepared and Sold by Robert Davidson and Thomas Goodwin,¹ Chymists, at Williamsburg." (Virginia Gazette, May 20, 1737, Parks, ed.)

From the above notice and the one to follow, one would think that Davidson and Goodwin went into partnership:

June 10, 1737.

"All Sorts of Balsams, Decoctions, Electuaries, Elixirs, Emplaisters, Extracts, Infusions, Liquors, Magisteries, Oils, Ointments, Pills, Powders, Salts, Spirits, Syrups, Tinctures, Troches, Waters, with all other Chimical and Galenical Medicines now in Use, faithfully Prepared and Sold Robert Davidson, and Thomas Goodwin, Chymist, at Williamsburg.
N.B. At the same Prices as Sold in England." (Virginia Gazette, June 10, 1737, Parks, ed.)

As Goodwin seems to have owned no property in Williamsburg and as Davidson had lived on lots #49 and #50-, it seems more than probable that the two men set up an apothecary shop on Davidson's property. They may have kept shop in the dwelling house of Davidson's, or in the corner property on lot #50 east. There seems to be no way of knowing the location of the shop at this period, but the fact that Davidson's medicines and medical supplies are offered for sale after his death in 1738, and also his dwelling-house, and the fact that a subsequent deed (1744) mentions his "two messuages" -, indicates that the shop was probably a separate building.

Robert Davidson, apothecary and mayor of Williamsburg, died in 1738/39:

" February 2, 1738

On Wednesday Morning last, dyed Mr. Robert Davidson, Practioner in Physick, and Mayor of this City, after a few 4 Days Sickness: He was a kind, good-natur'd Man, always ready to give his Advice and Assistance to the Poor, and was endow'd with many other good Qualities, which obtain'd him the Love and Esteem of his Acquaintance, who generally lament his Death."

Davidson's inventory dated March 17, 1739 lists certain articles used in an apothecary shop: "1 still with stand and worm tub, 2 retorts, 3 receivers & iron, kettles, medicines old but vendable, more medicines not vendable..." (York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book 18, p. 357)

The following month John Blair advertised the property of Davidson for sale:

" A Considerable Parcel of Medicines, of the late Doctor Davidson's, with a Still, and some Mortars, &c. and his Books, to be sold in the Time of the General Court, either in Wholesale or in Parcels, at reasonable Rates. Also, at his late Dwelling-House, will be sold, by way of Out-Cry, all Sorts of Household Goods, Negroes, Horses, Cart, and Harness, &c. at Twelve Months Credit, the Buyer giving Security as usual...and any Person desiring to buy the House and Lots of the said Doctor Davidson's, may treat with the Subscriber in Williamsburg.
John Blair." (Virginia Gazette, April 6, 1739, Parks, ed.)

Davidson's property had not been sold by March 1744. A deed by Samuel Reade, high sheriff of York County, and John Blair, administrator of Robert Davidson, conveyed to John Holt, Merchant, "All those two Messuages, Houses and Lotts of Land lying in the City of Wmsburgh on the North side of Duke of Gloucester Street denoted in the plan of the City by the figures 49 and 50 whereon the said Robert [Davidson] lately dwelt. All houses, Buildings and Gardens...and all the Estate...of him the said Robert Davidson." (York County Records, Deeds V, p. 123) The above clause was taken from the deed denoting that a suit in chancery had been filed by William Prentis, Alexander Spalding, John Lidderdale and Sarah Packe vs. 5 John Blair and heirs at law of Robert Davidson. Such suit declared that Robert Davidson had died intestate.

In 1746 - two years after John Holt came into possession of the lots, evidence shows that he had built a store in Williamsburg. The two notices which appear in the Virginia Gazette within a week of each other seem to indicate that Holt's store was built on his lots (49 or 50):

September 18, 1746

"Just Imported in the Ship Rebecca and Mary, Capt. Wilkie, A Cargo of goods from London, consisting of a Variety of Linens, India Goods, Woolens. Mercury, Haberdashery, Cutlery, Hats, Hose, Gloves, Grocery, Iron, Brass, Earthen, Glass, and China Wares, Etc. To be Sold, Wholesale or Retail, by the Subscriber in Williamsburg.
John Holt." (Virginia Gazette, Sept. 11-18, 1746, Parks, ed.)

September 25, 1746.

" JAMES CRAIG, Jeweller, from LONDON, Makes all sorts of Jeweller's Work, in the Best Manner, at his Shop in Francis Street, (facing the Main Street) opposite to Mr. Holt's new Store." (Virginia Gazette, September 25, 1746, Parks, ed.)

As John Holt was the only person by that name in Williamsburg at this period, and as the other property of Holt's - four lots on Nicholson Street - was leased from William Nelson,¹ it appears that the "new store" was located on lot #49.² Later information on this property seems to bear out this assumption.

In the Jerdone Ledger 1750-52 Manuscript Account Book of Francis Jerdone of Yorktown appears an account of June 24th 1751 of "Mr John Holt in Wmsburgh Dr." Such items as shoes for men and women, china, snuff, cambrick, India chintz and Irish Holland were sent to Holt by Jerdone. (William and Mary College Archives)

In May 1752 John Holt advertised in the Virginia Gazette that in the future he would not purchase mixed hogsheads of stemmed and leaf tobacco as such sorts are unsalable in England. (Gazette May 22, 1752 dated "Williamsburg, May 21, 1752") In August Holt announced that he intended to sail for England in about a month and requested payments of accounts. (Ibid., August 24, 1751)

In 1753 Holt mortgaged the two lots to Peyton Randolph as security for 800 pounds owed John Hunter:

December 31, 1753

"Holt, John - City of Williamsburgh - Merchant
to
Randolph, Peyton of the said City Esqr.
Consideration: 800 Pounds Current Money Penalty Sixteen hundred Pounds secured to John Hunter of Hampton Mercht by John Holt.
All those two lots of land and all houses and appurtenances thereunto belonging lying and being on the Northside of the Main Street in the City of Williamsburgh now in the Possession and occupation of John Holt.
Also two lots of land and all houses being in the town of Newcastle, in the county of Hanover, also the remainder of the Term of a Lease from the Honble William Nelson Esq. for 4 Lotts of Land¹ and the Houses and Appurtenances thereunto belonging where the said John Holt now lives in the City of Williamsburg...9 slaves..." (York County Records, Deeds V, p. 617)

Evidently Holt was unable to lift the mortgage. On December 13, 1754 the lots were conveyed to William Waters. (York County Records, Deeds VI, p. 260 - July 19, 1760. See information to follow in this report.)

Waters continued to own the lot until his death. In his will recorded in York County on June 15, 1767 the houses and lots were devised 7 to his wife, Sarah Waters: ¹

"…
Item. I give, devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah Waters the house and lotts where I now live during her life, anti after her death to my daughter Sarah Waters and to her heirs forever…" (York County Records, Wills, Inventories XXI, p. 350)

Waters was a wealthy man. An inventory of his personal property valued it at £810:16:8. (Ibid, Wills, Inventories, XXI, p. 363-366) The lots and houses thereon of the late William Waters "on the Main street, and opposite Dr. Carter's large brick house" were advertised for sale at publick auction on October 13, 1768. In the notice John Tazewell, executor, said that "Mrs. Waters is entitled to dower in the above." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.) The property evidently was sold on November 4th 1768. On November 21st 1768 the estate of Waters in account with administrators paid out the following items [taken from long list]:

"Nov. 9, 1768	--Pd Robert Hyland for crying lot etc …	[£] 1/0/0
Nov. 5, 1768	--From Jerman Baker 2 for Store rent …	72/10/7 ½
April 19, 1769	To pd Robert Hyland for Selling Slaves and Personal Estate in Williamsburg …	1/10/0 "

(York County Records, Wills, Inventories XXI, p. 473, 474)

Obviously, Sarah Waters claimed her right of dower in the lots and they were not sold along with other lots. On May 8, 1771 Mrs. Waters sold at public auction the lots to William Prentis for a consideration of 500 Pounds current money: 8

"Waters, Sarah ) Executrix May 8, 1771.
Bowdoin, John ) Executors
Tazewell, John )
William Waters
to
Prentis, William ¹ Merchant
Consideration: 500 Pounds Current Money ...in fee simple

All those two Lots or part of two lots lying and being in the city of Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 49 and 50, lying on the Duke of Gloucester Street, of which William Waters died seized and possessed..." (York County Records, Deeds 8, p. 165-166)

In about six weeks (June 25, 1771), Prentis conveyed the same property acquired on May 8th to "Sarah Waters - widow Wm. Waters":

"Prentis, William-Merchant June 25, 1771.
to
Waters, Sarah--widow Wm. Waters
Consideration: 500 Pounds Current Money

…
All those two Lots or part of two Lots of Land lying and being in the said City of Williamsburg on the Duke of Gloucester Street and denoted in the plan of the said city by the numbers 49 and 50, being the Land conveyed the said William Prentis by Sarah Waters, John Bowdoin and John Tazewell . ..."

(Ibid, p. 143)

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a square building on lot #50. (Illustration #1 for copy of this section)

The Williamsburg Land Tax Records from 1782-1801 show that Sarah Waters held 2 lots in the city. The valuation ranged from £10 in 1782 to £40 in 1797, and $133.34 in 1800. (Illustration #2 for complete land tax records of this lot beginning in 1782.)

In 1784 Mrs. Sarah Waters paid Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, for work done on her property: such as lime and setting up a grate, repairing well &c. One cannot state on which piece of property these repairs were made.

The College Map (1791?), a plat map of the city, and the Bucktrout Map (1803) show the name, "Waters" on lot #50.

By 1803 according to the land tax records, the property had come into possession of William Cowan: "1803 - William Cowan [via] Waters....... ¼ lot ....$20" This is interpreted to be the corner part of lot #50 on which a shop stood.

Several insurance policies of the Mutual Assurance Society shed light on lot #50. The first policy of Sarah Waters #117 dated April 19, 1796, describes the property thus: "My Buildings on the main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by Desverger¹ situated between the Lott of Matt Anderson and that of the Said Matt Anderson in the county of York ... The Corner Store marked a at $500." The drawing of the store gives the dimensions as 32 feet by 32. (Illustration #3 for copy)

Another policy of property formerly held by Sarah Waters and now owned by William Cowan, dated November 16, 1809, describes the house as "now occupied by Edward Turner and that they are situated north of the main street in Williamsburg east of William Coleman lot South of William Colemans lot and west of Rachel Andersons lot ...The Store house marked A at $1500." "A" is further described in the drawing thus: "A. a storehouse of one story in height of wood and covered with wood 32 by 32 owned by William Cowan and occupied by Edward Turner...nine feet from W. Colemans Dwelling-house of wood ...distant 13 feet from Kitchen" (Ibid)

The Land Tax Records for Williamsburg indicate that Cowan held the property (¼ of a lot) until 1814 when "Edward Turner via Cowen... ¼ 10 lot valued at $100" came into possession. (Illustration #2) Edward Turner, the new owner, insured the property on May 31, 1815 thus: "No 1531 revaluation of #990 declared by William Cowan ...my buildings on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between Coleman's lot and a cross street in the County of York ...The Dwelling house & store marked A at $1200 the Kitchen marked B at $100...A-Dwelling House and Store of Wood one storys high and covered with wood 32 x 32 feet ... Kitchen of wood & covered with wood - of one story high 12 x 16 ..." (Illustration #3 for copy)

In this policy we see that Turner used the building 32 x 32 for a dwelling and also a store.

In 1823 Turner's estate insures the property under #5042 a revaluation of #1531 "A storehouse of wood entire ...valued at $700 with kitchen B of wood entire valued at $75" ... both contiguous to three wooden buildings." (Illustration #3, copy)

In 1830 Turner's heirs continued to insure the property under new policy #7604 revaluation of #5042...situated.."between Thomas Colemans lot on the west and North, and streets on the South and East ...A Dwelling and store of wood entire, two stories 32 x 32 ..." (Illustration #3, copy)

In 1839 Turner's heirs again insured the property under new policy #11,020 revaluation of #7604...situated on the main street in Williamsburg South - cross street East, Nicolson Street north and the lot of Thomas Colemans heirs west and north ...Dwelling and Store marked A at $750... of wood 32 by 32 (Illustration #3, copy)

According to the Land Records for Williamsburg., Robert Anderson had come into the property in 1843: "Robert Anderson-- 1 lot --- 11 valued at $700 for lot and buildings; $650 for buildings via Isabella Turner and others. Heretofore charged to the estate of Edward Turner" (Illustration #2, copy)

An item in the Day Book of Robert Anderson 1845-1850, No. 16, p. 12 (Virginia Historical Society files) indicates that George P. Dougherty was debtor To Rents of Real Estate of Anderson:

"3-George P. Dougherty dr To Rents of Real Estate January 1846 rent of two lower west rooms of Corner store house from 1 Dec. 1845 to 31 Dec. 1846 at $40 pr year pr his written agreement of 1 Dec. 1845......... $43.33 1/3 " (Copy, Research Department)

Another insurance policy dated October 3, 1846 notes that the property was occupied by "G. P. Doughtrey" [sic] and owned by Robert Anderson - valuation of dwelling and store marked at $1100. (Illustration #3 copy)

The property was in the possession of Robert Anderson in 1850. The Land Tax Records list it thus: "1850 -- Robert Anderson -1 lot--$700 for lot & buildings; buildings $650 via Isabella Turner & others." (Illustration #2 copy)

According to Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg, who described Williamsburg during the Civil War period-, all of the houses on the block were burned in 1850^{1842 See Williamsburg City Land Tax}. The big fire was known for years later as the "Harris fire." Mr. Charles describes the house located on the southeast corner of the Duke of Gloucester and Botetourt Streets in this way:

" there were the towering brick gables of a big building with two sets of semicircular stone steps. Those walls are distinctly remembered by the writer. They were pulled down about 1870 and a big frame house was erected on the site." ("Recollections of Williamsburg..." by John S. Charles, p. 45)

In an archaeological survey made upon the lot in 1933 a colonial foundation was discovered on the eastern part of the lot. Only two walls (the north and the west) were intact. It was assumed that the other foundations were destroyed to make room for the foundations of a more modern house recently razed. To the rear of the first foundations which, if square were about 34 by 32, there was discovered a wing to the north. The brick used in the wing appeared to be of a later 12 period from the main house foundations. As the Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a square building approximately 34 by 32, it is believed that the building had been built prior to 1782. The foundations were built in English bond with an oyster shell mortar. There was a basement floor but the level could not be determined. (See: report of H. R. Shurtleff to H. S. Ragland - "Foundations of Waters-Coleman House - Waters-Cowan House, etc., Colonial Lot #50..with drawing, August 9, 1933)

IN SUMMARY:

The first owner of the lot was Henry Gill who on May 3, 1707 was granted two lots, #49 and #50 by the trustees of Williamsburg. Gill evidently built on the lots according to the usual proviso that the owner should build within two years. Gill kept an ordinary at his dwelling house applying for renewal of his license in 1708-1714. In 1729 Gill's house is used as a boundary for lot #47 - which fact indicated that no house had been built on lot #48 at that date. In a Chancery Suit of 1744 taken from the General Court Records it is learned that Robert Davidson had acquired lots #49 and #50 via John Gladish though the date of Davidson's possession of the property is not given. Davidson was an apothecary. It is believed that he lived in the house later known as the Water-Coleman House on the western part of Lot #50 and had his shop on the eastern part of lot #50, though absolute proof of this statement is not available as so many of the court records were burned or lost. John Holt was the next owner coming into the lots in 1744. Holt held the property until 1754 when William Waters became the owner of both lot #49 and #50. In 1771 Sarah Waters, widow of William Waters, sold the two lots to William Prentis, and within one month 13 rebought the property. By 1803 William Cowan came into possession of a part of the lot: "William Cowan [via] Waters ... ¼ lot ....$20". This is interpreted to be the corner part of lot #50 on which a shop stood. Several insurance policies of the nineteenth century note that there was a corner store 32 by 32 owned by Sarah Waters, and then by William Cowan. The Land tax records confirm the sale to Cowan of the ¼ lot. Edward Turner or his heirs as owners from 1814-1843, insured the property. A dwelling and a store is noted on each policy. Robert Anderson held the corner store house from 1843-1850. In that year, according to Mr. John S. Charles's account a fire (known as the "Harris Fire") consumed the entire block. Charles describes the house located on the northwest corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and Botetourt Streets in this way:

" there were the towering brick gables of a big building with two sets of semicircular stone steps. Those walls are distinctly remembered by the writer. They were pulled down about 1870 and a big frame house was erected on the site."

Illustration #1

Tyler Map

Illustration #2
Davidson Shop

Williamsburg Land Tax Records

(The lots are not divided until ca 1800. Records give chain to title for 2 lots, #49 and #50 presumably)

Illustration #3
Davidson Shop

1796, April 19th.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #117 declared for assurance by Sarah Waters residing at Williamsburg in the county of York..." My Buildings on the main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by Desverger situated between the Lott of Matt Anderson and that of the Said Matt Anderson in the county of York... The Corner Store marked A at $500..."

Insurance plat

1809, November 16th
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #990 revaluation of buildings declared for assurance by Sarah Waters per declaration No 117 and policy No 117... said buildings are now occupied by Edward Turner and are now owned by Edward Cowan and that they are situated north of the main street in Williamsburg east of William Colemans lot South of William Colemans lot and west of Rachel Andersons lot...
The Store house marked A at $1500

Insurance Plat

1815, May 31st.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #l531 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by William Cowan per declaration No 990 "... Edward Turner residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society... my buildings on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between Colemans lot and a cross street in the County of York...
The Dwelling house & Store.....marked A at $1200"

Insurance Plat

1823, April 7th.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #5042 Revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Edward Turner as per Declaration No. 1531 "... That the said buildings are at present owned by the widow and orphans of the said Edward Turner residing at Williamsburg and are occupied by Nicholas Ennis That they are situated on the main street in Williamsburg...

Insurance Plat

1830, May 30th.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #7604 Revaluation of Building declared for Assurance by Edward Turner as per Declaration No. 5042 "...That the said building is at present owned by the heirs of the said Edward Turner and are occupied by the widow and children That they are situated on the main street in Williamsburg, between Thomas Colemans lot on the west and north and streets on the South and East in the county of York...
The Dwelling and store.....marked A at $500

Insurance plat

1839, April 24th.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #11,020 Revaluation of Building declared for Assurance by Edward Turners heirs as per Declaration No. 7604 "...That the said building is at present owned by Edward Turners heirs and is occupied by Mrs Turner & Richardson Hubbard that it is situated on the main street in Williamsburg [s]outh, a cross Street East, Nicolson street north and the lot of Thomas Colemans heirs west and north in the County of York...
The Dwelling and Store......... marked A at $750 "

Insurance Plat

1846, October 3rd.
Mutual Assurance Society Policy #14,376 Revaluation of Building formerly declared for Assurance by Robert Anderson per Declaration No. 11237
"...my Building on my own land now occupied by G. P. Doughtrey situated between William Coleman or Thomas Coleman's estate lot on the West and North and streets otherwise in Williamsburg in the county of York...
The Dwelling and store.......marked A at $1100

Insurance Plat