Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

The storehouse known as the "Archibald Blair Storehouse" is located on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street on Colonial Lot 46. On Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) it is marked "46" and the name, "Prentis." See: map on opposite page.

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows an L-shaped building on Lot 46 towards the southern side. Two smaller outbuildings appear to the north.

The College Map (1791?) and the Bucktrout Map (1803) show Lot 46 in the possession of "Prentis."

THE HOUSE & LOT (in summary):

In 1700 Dr. Archibald Blair of Williamsburg received Lot 46 from the trustees of the city. Apparently, Dr. Blair failed to comply with the Act of 1699 which required that a house be built on the lot within twenty-four months. The lot reverted to the city and was granted in 1715 to William Timson. Timson must have built on the lot. In 1717 he conveyed to James Shield, tailor. By 1718 Archibald Blair's "storehouse" was located on this property. Dr. Blair had operated a store in Williamsburg as early as 1704. Its location is unknown at this writing. Dr. Blair seems to have operated at this site until his death in 1735^*1733. In this period there are numerous references to the "storehouse of Archibald Blair" or the "store of Archibald Blair." Following Blair's death his son, John Blair, with Wilson Cary and William Prentis, formed a partnership for the purpose of operating a mercantile business, which was in existence for a number of years. In 1743 "William Prentis & Company" (the firm name) was granted a strip "adjoining to the East Side of their Store Lott being Part of the Lane & marked in the Plan of the said City A.A." The strip leased for fifty years beginning February, 1738, was 4' in width by 36' in length. It seems significant that the length granted was identical in measurement with the length of the brick storehouse. It is not known when the brick storehouse was erected. Excavations in 1946/7 discovered foundations of a building 30' by 32' to the west of the present brick storehouse, with steps to the south and evidence of steps to the east adjacent to the brick building, about 5'-3". It is possible that this was the building erected by Timson ca. 1715. If so, the brick building could have been erected by the firm of Prentis & Company. Further excavations may determine the date of both the newly found foundations and the present brick storehouse.

2

The firm operated by Blair, Cary and Prentis continued until 1779/80. During that time, it went under the name of "John Prentis & Company," until ca. 1775, when it became "Robert Prentis & Company." The business was on a large scale. Goods sold were often imported and covered general mercantile selections. Robert Prentis seems to have been the owner of the lot with storehouse in 1786. He had moved to Trinidad. Correspondence with his brother, Joseph, and his nephew, William, seems to indicate that the store buildings were rented out. In 1809 the storehouse and lot were conveyed to "Robert H. Warburton … via Prentis." Warburton or his heirs owned the property during the early part of the 19th century. He sold to William H. Lee in 1818. Lee sold the western part to Sheldon & Maupin, merchants, in 1838; and the eastern part to Millington & Griffin, merchants, in 1841. Around 1850 Edward Camm came into the eastern part using the brick store as a drug store for a while and then building a store towards the west for another drug store. Ca. 1865 there were three buildings on the lot: a tailor's shop on western side, a drug store in center and the brick store, according to Mr. Charles's "Recollections of Williamsburg" during the Civil War period.

Further details of title to the lot can be seen in the history of the lot to follow.

LOCATION:

The lot on which the "storehouse" of Dr. Archibald Blair was built is situated on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street. It is numbered "46 Prentis" on Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?).

HISTORY:

Lot 46 is among the earliest lots to be released by the Trustees of Williamsburg to a private party. Its history begins in 1700.

The first owner of Lot 46 was Dr. Archibald Blair,¹ who received the lot from the Trustees on November 18, 1700:

[November 18, 1700]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Archibald Blair of James City County
Consideration: 15 shillings]

This Indenture made y^e Eighteenth Day of November in the twelfth Year of y^e Reigne of our Sovereign Lord William the third by the Grace of God of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &c. and in the Year of our Lord 1700 Between y^e ffeoffees or Trustees for y^e Land Appropriated for y^e Erecting & Building the City of Williamsburgh of the one Part & Archibald Blaire of y^e County of James City of the Other Part Wittnesseth that Whereas the Said Archibald Blaire by one lease to him made by y^e Said ffeoffees or 2a Trustees bearing Date the Day before the Date of these presents is in Actuall & Peaceable Possession of the premisses here in after granted to y^e intent that by Virtue of the Said lease… The Said ffeoffees or Trustees for Divers good Causes and conciderations them thereunto Moving but more Especially for and in concideration of fifteen Shillings of good and Lawfull Money to them in hand paid att and before the Ensealing and Delivery… have granted bargained Sold remised released & Confirmed… unto the Said Archibald Blaire one Lott of ground in y^e Said City of Williamsburgh Designed by these figures = 46 = bounded as followeth Viz^t- Lying upon the North Side of Duke of Gloster Street begining upon that Street and Runing along that Street E ¼ N 5 poles to — Lane thence along that Lane N ¼ W 16 poles to Nicholson Street thence along that Street W ¼ S 5 poles thence S ¼ E 16 poles to the place begun att; with all Woods thereon growing or being… To have & to hold… for ever under the limitacons & Reservacons & Condicons hereafter Mencon^d… that is to Say that if the Said Archibald Blaire his heirs or assignes Shall not in the Space of twenty four Months next Ensuing the Date hereof begin to build and ffinish upon the Said granted premisses one good Dwelling house containing twenty foot in Width & thirty foot in length of Such pitch & to be placed in Such Manor as by one Act of Assembly made at James City y^e 27^th of Aprill 1699 Intituled an Act Directing the building the City of Williamsburgh… Then it shall & may be lawfull to & for y^e s^d ffeoffees or Trustees & their Successors… to Enter & y^e Same have again…
Phillip Ludwell Jun^r his (Seal)
B Harrison Jun^r his (Seal)¹

[Recorded York County Court November 24, 1702]

This was the usual size lot sold by the Trustees for settling Williamsburg.

From sources below, we know that Dr. Blair sold drugs at his store somewhere in Williamsburg and that he operated a general merchandise store in the city during the period 1704-1714: 3

1704, Feby 24,

… If you please to Cover Your letter to Mr. Charles Chiswell, at Ye Secretary's Office, or Walter Cromley, at Dr. Blair's store, in Williamsburg, it will come safe to me.¹

1709, Feb. 6:

The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover 1709-1712, fn. p. 1, (edited by Louis B. Wright and Marion Tinling, Richmond, 1941)² [states that Daniel Wilkinson, then serving Byrd, was later a storekeeper for Dr. Blair.]

1709, Aug. 22:

… Daniel went away this morning to Williamsburg to keep Dr. Blair's store and I gave him a letter of recommendation…³

1710, Feb. 8:

… Dr. Blair came… to buy some of the medicine…⁴

1711, Nov. 15:

The Claim of M^r Archibald Blair for goods furnished by the Governors order for the Battery on Point Comfort⁵ [was presented].

1714, June 21:

On the petition of Archibald Blair agt. Selathiell Quinny… Judgmt. is granted the petr. for the Sum & Costs, an attacmt. being returned Executed on a horse of the sd. Quinny's… it is ordered that [the appointed appraisers] meet some time before the next Court at the sd. Blair's store and appraise the sd. horse — deliver him to the petr. and make report thereof to the next Court.⁶

"Dr. Blair's store" could not have been located on Lot 46 between 1704 and 1714. Such a statement is made in view of what follows — 4 that the lot had reverted to the Trustees prior to 1715 and that no buildings were erected thereon at this date.

Dr. Blair had failed to comply with the Act of Assembly of 1699 which required that the owner should build within twenty-four months a dwelling house or other buildings of suitable size on the lot. The title lapsed sometime ca. 1702.

In 1715 the City was holding the lot. On March 16th of that year, the Trustees granted it to William Timson:

[March 17, 1715]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
William Timson
Consideration: 15 shillings]

… do grant three certain Lotts of Ground in y^e s^d City of W^msburgh designed in y^e Platt of y^e s^d City by these figures (323, 46 & 47) … That if y^e s^d W^m Timson his heirs or Assignes shall not within y^e Space of Twenty four Months next Ensueing y^e date of these Presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of y^e s^d granted premisses One good dwelling house or houses of Such dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by one Act of Assembly made at y^e Capitol y^e Twenty Third day of October 1705… Then it shall & may be lawfull To & for y^e s^d ffeoffees or Trustees & their Successors… to Enter & y^e Same have again…
John Clayton (Seal)
Will Robertson (Seal)

March 19^th 1715 Rec^d of W^m Timson forty five shillings being y^e consideration within mentioned.¹

[Lease deed given March 16, 1715
Release deed recorded March 17, 1715]

Obviously, there were no houses standing on the lot [46] in 1715 when Timson received it from the Trustees.

5

In 1717 William Timson seems to have been granted (in fee simple) Lots 46, 47 and 323:

[May 31, 1717]

[William Timson of the County of York, Gent.
to
James Shield of Williamsburg, Tailor
Consideration: 300 pounds for lots & county land]

THIS INDENTURE made y^e first day of June in y^e Third Year of y^e reign of y^e Sovereign Lord George… One thousand Seven hundred & Seventeen BETWEEN W^m Timson of y^e County of York Gentt of y^e one part & James Shield of y^e City of W^msburgh Taylor of y^e other part WITTNESSETH that Whereas y^e s^d James Shield by One Lease to him made by y^e s^d W^m Timson bearing date y^e day before these Presents is in Actual & peaceable possession of y^e Premisses after menconed to y^e intent that by Virtue of y^e s^d Lease & of y^e Statute for transferring Use into Possession y^e s^d James Shield may be y^e better Enabled to Accept the Conveyance or Release of y^e Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever The said W^m Timson for divers good causes & Considerations him thereunto moving but more Especially for & in consideration of y^e Sum of Three hundred pounds lawfull Money of England to him y^e s^d W^m Timson by y^e s^d James Shield in hand paid at or before y^e Ensealing & delivering of these Presents… hath granted, bargained Sold, Aliened Revised, Released & Confirmed… unto y^e s^d James Shield his heirs & Assigns for Ever All these Three Lotts of Ground in y^e City of W^msburgh designed in y^e Platt of y^e s^d City by these figures (46:47:323) which Three Lotts were granted unto y^e s^d W^m Timson by y^e feoffees or Trustees of y^e s^d City by Deeds of Lease & Release… Recorded in y^e Court of y^e County of York to gether with all & Singular y^e houses thereon & all manner of profits, Advantages & Appurtenances to y^e s^d Three Lotts belonging… Also one certain Tract or parcel of Land lying & being in y^e S^d County of York containing Two hundred Acres more or less, being a Tract purchased by y^e S^d deceast Sam^l Timson father to y^e s^d W^m Timson from y^e also deceast Sam^l Weldon of James City County… by Deed bearing date y^e nineteen day of April One Thousand Six hundred & Eighty Years & Transmitted by y^e last Will of y^e s^d deceast Sam^l Timson to y^e s^d W^m Timson & Sam^l & Mary Timson his Children Equally…
W^m Timson (Seal)¹

[Recorded York County Court July 15, 1717]

6

Samuel Timson had conveyed the 200 acres on November 20, 1716, to William Timson. The consideration named was 110 pounds.¹ This would leave 190 pounds² which would be the consideration or value of Lots 46, 47 and 323. Lot 47, evidently, was allowed to revert to the Trustees, as they granted it to Samuel Hyde in September, 1717, at 15 shillings.³ Lot 323 was conveyed in 1744 by Matthew Sheilds to William Pegram, stating that such lot was purchased by Sheilds, from William Timson, father of Matthew. The consideration named in 1744 was 60 pounds.⁴ By these values, it would seem that Lot 46 held the greatest valuation and that the 190 pounds would cover Lot 46 largely. This adds up to this: William Timson, who gained possession of Lot 46 in 1715, must have erected buildings thereon.

In view of these items of conveyance and valuation, it seems probable that the excavations uncovered in 1946-47 in the archaeological survey (west of the present brick store) are foundations of a house erected between 1715 and 1717 by William Timson.

The excavations uncovered were 30' (approximately) by 32' wide, with brick basement intact. Steps to east of foundations had been closed up at some time and steps put on the south side of building. At the east — back of house — was a vaulted section which may have been a wine cellar. This building was 5' 3" from the brick storehouse 7 now standing towards the east.¹ In the House History (1946), Illustration #5, there is a statement that "According to Mr. Singleton P. Moorehead, architect of Colonial Williamsburg, archaeological excavations on lot #46 have indicated that the building once situated west of the Blair Apothecary Shop was of an earlier date than the Apothecary Shop. In the process of excavation, steps were found between the Ludwell-Paradise House and the Apothecary Shop. Such steps were within a few inches of the western wall of the brick apothecary shop and would indicate an earlier building."²

By 1718⁹ Archibald Blair's "storehouse" was located on Lot 46. The exact date when James Shield disposed of this property is not known, but certain court records and references in letters covering the period seem to indicate that Dr. Blair repurchased or leased the property in 1718, and was operating there until 1735¹⁷³³:

[Letter of Governor Spotswood]

June 24th, 1718.

To the Board of Trade:
…
… £4,000 of the publick money was Ordered to be put into the hands of Mr. Arch'd Blair, under pretence of intrusting him to put it out at Interest for 4 p C't p Annum… This Gent, now a Member of the House of Burgesses, is brother to Mr. Com'ry Blair, one of the Council, and they are in Partnership with Colo. Ludwell³ and are concerned in one of the most considerable Trading Stores in this Country…⁴

8

"The Estate of Edward Dyer dec^d D^r Anno 1719
…
To p^d Doct^r Blair's Store—————[£] 7.10.-"¹

[Deed to Lot 47: Samuel Hyde to Joseph Freeman, March 9, 1718/19] The lot is described as 47 and "adjoining on y^e Great Street between the Storehouse of M^r Archibald Blair and the house of Henry Gill…"²

[Mortgage to Lot 47: Freeman to Thomas Jones, June 15, 1718/19] "… lot 47 & adjoining on the Great Street between the Storehouse now in the Tenure of Archibald Blair Gen^t & the house now in the Tenure of Henry Gill Shoemaker & all houses…"

³

In February, 1721, Lot 47 — Freeman to Jones (deed) — is described thus:

… by the Figure (47) and adjoyning on y^e Great Street between y^e Store house now in y^e Tenure of Archibald Blair Gent^t and y^e house now in y^e Tenure of Michel Archer and all house…⁴

In June, 1721, Dr. Blair's store is mentioned in the court records relative to a robbery:

[June 19, 1721]

John Hope committed to the Goal of this County on suspicion of felony and burglary in breaking and robbing the store of Dr. Archibald Blair in Williamsburg…⁵

In June, 1722, another robbery occurred on the same site:

[June 7, 1722]

At a Council held at the Capitol June 7th 1722 … A Memorial being presented to this Board by W^m Roscow Execut^r of James Roscow Esq^r dec^d 9 setting forth that the sum of £254.18.9 received by the said Roscows Dep^ty for his Majt^ys Q^u R^ts in the Year 1721, was Stolen out of the Store of M^r Arch^d Blair Merch^t in Williamsburg…¹

On August 4, 1722, Archibald Blair's "storehouse" is cited in a deed to Lot 47 by Thomas Jones to Christopher Degraffenried:

[August 4, 1722]

Lot 47 described as "adjoining on the Great Street between the storehouse now in the tenure of Archibald Blair and the house now in the tenure of Michael Archer…"²

In April, 1728, Blair, apparently, was present at a public sale of John Davis' estate at which time Blair bought "1 pr. scales and weights, 1 pr. money scales, chain for a carry log, 23 clamps and pins…£1.10.0."³

On December 15, 1729, another deed to the adjoining Lot 47 mentions the Blair storehouse thus: "between the storehouse of Mr. Archibald Blair and the house of Henry Gill."⁴

Dr. Archibald Blair died in 1735^{March, 1733.}.⁵ Following his death^{[d. March 4, 1733 MP]}, a partnership store owned by William Prentis, John Blair (son of Archibald), and Wilson Cary⁶ was located on this property with William Prentis as operating manager.

The brick storehouse, very probably, was standing in 1743 when the feoffees leased a strip to the east "being Part of the Lane" to William Prentis: 10

[December 7, 1743]

THIS INDENTURE made the seventh day of December, in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & forty three, BETWEEN the Feoffees & Directors appointed for the Settlement and Encouragement of the City of Williamsburgh of the one Part, and William Prentis of the same City in Behalf of himself and Company Merchants of the other Part. WITNESSETH that the said Feoffees & Directors for & in Consideration of the Rents & Covenants hereinafter reserved & expressed HAVE Demised, Leased, & to farm letten, & by these Presents do Demise, Lease, & to farm let unto the said William Prentis & Company one hundred & forty four square feet of Ground on the North Side of the Main Street, & adjoining to the East Side of their Store Lott being Part of the Lane & marked in the Plan of the said City A.A. lying between their said Store Lott, & the Lott of Sarah Packe, that is to say four Feet in Breadth of the said Lane Eastward and thirty six Feet in Length thereof Northward. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Plat of Ground unto the said William Prentis & Company [the]ir Executors, Administrators & Assigns for & during the Term of Fifty Years from the Seventh [Day of] February MDCCXXXVIII fully to be compleat [mutilated] nded YIELDING and PAYING [mutilated] Plat of Ground hereby demised unto the sa[id] [mutilated] [Feo]fees & Directors and their Successo[rs] [mutilated] Directors of the said City for the Time [mutilated] [yearly] Rent of One Shilling Current m[oney] [mutilated] [at the?] Feast of Christmas in every Year d[uring] [mutilated] said Term AND the said William Prentis on behalf of himself & Company Merchan[ts] [mutilated] their [Execu]tors Administrators & Assigns [mutilated] the & they shall & will & [mutilated] to the said Feoffees & Directors and [mutilated] [Di]rectors of the said City for the Time [being] Yearly Rent at the respective [mutilated] according to the true Intent & [mutilated] Presents. IN WITNESS whereof [mutilated] Ben: Waller, Jno Harmer & Geo: Gilmer three of the said Feoff[ees] [mutilated] hav[e] here-unto Set their Hands & Seals the [day month & year abo]ve written.
Ben: Waller
Jn^o Harmer
George Gilmer

Sealed & Delivered in presence of
Augⁿ Longan
John Kendall
Joseph Davenport

11

[on verso]
Rec^d Febry 1743/44 five shillings on Acc^t of the
Corporation for Rent due them
Geo Gilmer

1747 Mar 26. Rec^d the rent to 1746/47
Rec^d—————
Geo Gilmer

July 28th 1760. Rec^d in full for 13 years Rent to
Christmas last.
John Prentis

¹

Though this indenture is dated, December 7, 1743, actually the feoffees direct that "William Prentis & Company Merchants" pay rent beginning on February 7, 1738 (nearly five years before). Could the firm have wished to enlarge following Archibald Blair's death in 1735¹⁷³³? Could they have encroached on the lane and built the present brick storehouse? According to Mr. Knight's drawing of the archaeological findings, the brick shop (about a half of it) lies outside of Lot 46 and into the lane. See: Illustration #1 for drawing. It seems significant that the length of the strip is identical with the length of the brick storehouse. Further excavation of the strip may reveal something as to its use by Prentis and Company.

A reference to "Mr. Prentis's Store" is found in the Virginia Gazette, June 6, 1745:

Carter Burwell, Executor of James Bray's Estate will meet those indebted to the estate at Mr. Prentis's Store, in Williamsburg…²

The "Diary of John Blair" and the Bursar's Book at William and Mary College offer some light on the Prentis, Blair and Cary store:

[March 19, 1751]

… fine day. Col. Cary being here we settle^d y^e Dividd^s at Store…³ 12 [June 13, 1754]>
… By Cash to M^r Prentis Store Account……. £8.-.-.¹
[June 4, 1755]>
By [cash] paid ' Prentis………………… 9.16.9.² [November 18, 1755]
By [cash] paid M^r Prentis………………… 5. 2.7.³
[December 4, 1764]
To Cash p^d ' Prentis for sund^ry & P^r Acc^ts… 25.18.11 ½.⁴ [December 7, 1764]
To Bills p^d in fav^r ' W^m Prentis…………. 18.13.14.⁵

The will of Prentis (William) was made in December, 1761, and recorded on August 19, 1765. He bequeaths his shares in the partnership store to his wife, Mary, and to his children - John, Daniel, William, Joseph, William Waters [husband of Sarah], and Elizabeth Prentis:

[December 31, 1761]

IN THE NAME OF [torn] AMEN
I, William Prentis, of the City of Willia[torn]burg Virginia Merchant… [illegible] …
I devise to my beloved Wife Mary Prentis, that part of the Lott whereon I now Live which was Conveyed to me by my Father in Law M^r Brookes to her and the heirs of her body… for ever.

ITEM. I give and Devise to my said Wife all my Lands and Slaves except those hereafter particularly mentioned… Stocks… Hogs…

ITEM. I give to my Said Wife the use of my Chariott and Harness during her Natural Life and after her decease I give the same to my Daughter Sarah Waters.

ITEM. It is my Will and Desire that all my Slaves and Personal Estate of what Nature or kind soever except my Stock in Trade should be inventoried and 13 Appraised, and as I have already given to my Daughter Sarah Waters a Negroe Woman Nanny, Daughter of Venus whom I value at forty Pounds I also give and bequeath to my Sons John, William, Daniel, and Joseph each the Sum of forty Pounds Current Money exclusive of what I shall here [torn].
ITEM. I give to my Daughter Elizabeth [torn] Negro Woman Judith with her Da [torn] Increase.

ITEM. [torn] rtis who Lives with me the Sum [torn] oney when he shall attain the [torn] Die before he Attain [torn] hundred Pounds sh [torn] of my Estate [torn] and Robert [torn] Current [torn] And whereas for a number of Years I have been engaged in a Copartnership of Trade with the Honorable John Blair Esq^r and Wilson Cary Esq^r and by a late Settlement dated the twenty fifth day of November last and signed by the said John Blair and myself, there appears to be balance of Stock amounting to seventeen thousand three hundred and ninety one Pounds three shillings of which I estimate my Proportion to be seven thousand one hundred and fourteen Pounds; It is my Will and Desire that my part of the said Stock shall be divided in the following manner, that is to say, I give to my beloved Wife One thousand Pounds part of said Stock, to my Son John one thousand four hundred and forty four Pounds other Part thereof, to M^r William Waters the Sum of Six hundred and seventy Pounds other part thereof, to my Son William one thousand Pounds other part thereof, to my Son Daniel One thousand Pounds other part thereof, to my Son Joseph one thousand Pounds other part thereof, and to my daughter Elizabeth One thousand Pounds the residue thereof, but it is farther my Will and desire that such parts of the said Stock as I have given to my Children who are under Age may during their Minorities be continued in Trade under the Management of my Son John who I desire May account regularly with my other Executors for the Profits of the said Childrens parts of the said Stock and all other matters relating thereto…

ITEM. I do appoint M^r Robert Carter Nicholas Guardian of my son Joseph. ITEM. I do constitute and appoint my Son John Prentis and my Friends M^r Benjamin Waller, and Robert Carter Nicholas Executors of this my Will and Guardians of my other Children… And Lastly I do revoke all other Wills by me heretofore made…

14

IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this thirty first Day of December 1761
Wil Prentis (LS)¹

[Codicil very torn — distributes slaves and stock in store in case of death of owners. Could not read well enough to copy.
Will, with codicil, proved and recorded in York County Court, August 19, 1765.]

Through Prentis's will we learn that the stock in the partnership store — in 1760 — was £17,391 and 3 shillings, of which Prentis owned £7,114.

An inventory of his personal estate was recorded in York County on October 21, 1765.²

In August, 1768, the will of Mary Prentis, widow of William Prentis, was filed in the York County Records. According to her husband's will, the store stock bequeathed to her came to her four sons, John, Daniel, Joseph and William at her death.³

From 1765 to 1775 John Prentis, the eldest son of William, was the manager of the partnership firm of Blair, Cary and Prentis. The store continued to be run. In 1769 the estate of Mrs.. Ann Singleton paid the firm thus: "1769 March 3, To pd. for Sundries at M^r Prentis's Store…….[£]-.8.2."⁴

In 1771 John Blair died. His will (dated October 25, 1771, and proved November 18, 1771) bequeathed to his daughter, Anne, and to his son, James, certain stock in John Prentis & Company: 15

[October 25, 1771]

…
ITEM. I Give and bequeath to my Daughter Anne Blair one thousand Pounds Current Money part of my Stock in trade with John Prentis and Company with the profitts thereof from the Divident made in August one Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty Nine and to my Son James Blair the like Sum of One thousand Pounds part of the said Stock with the profits thereof as to my Daughter Anne.¹

In March, 1773, William Prentis, son of William, died.² He bequeathed his estate equally to his brothers, Daniel and Joseph, and his cousin, Robert Prentis.³ From the settlement of his estate by his executors, it is evident that this William Prentis was employed by the store firm at a salary of £300 per annum.⁴ Also, that following the first William Prentis's death (in 1765), the firm went under the name of "John Prentis & Company." Prentis's "Stock in Trade with Messr^s John Prentis & Co" amounted to £1667.⁵

Research has failed to find any mention in Cary's settlement of his estate to his interest in the Williamsburg store.

In May, 1773, the Virginia Gazette carried a notice of a sale to be held at John Prentis's store: 16

[May 27, 1773]

For SALE, at Mr. JOHN PRENTIS'S Store in Williamsburg,
AN exceeding elegant SPINNET, in a genteel mahogany case, with a music desk, spare wires, quills, &c. This instrument is entirely new, and was lately imported in the Virginia, Capt. Esten. The lowest price is TWENTY TWO POUNDS current money. ¹

In October, 1773, the firm of John Prentis & Company reported the deaths of two members of the firm:

WILLIAMSBURG, October 13, 1773.

BY the DEATH of two of our principal PARTNERS² it is become absolutely necessary that all ACCOUNTS should be IMMEDIATELY SETTLED. We must therefore desire every Person indebted, whether by BILLS, BONDS, or OPEN ACCOUNTS of twelve Months standing, to discharge their respective Balances without Loss of Time, as no farther indulgence can be given. The Trade will be carried on to its usual Extent, and we do not mean by this Advertisement to press such of our good Customers as have been punctual in their Dealings with their obliged humble Servants,
JOHN PRENTIS, & CO.³

John Blair, Jr., representing the Blair interests in the firm, and Wilson Miles Cary, son of Wilson Cary, representing the Cary interests, combined with John Prentis in financing the store. It, however, was always operated by a member of the Prentis family.

In the John Norton & Sons business papers for 1774, there is an invoice of goods bought by Norton in London of Robert Price, wholesale glover. The gloves were to be delivered at Cooke & Co. for various Virginia merchants. There appears this merchant's mark B P C. Though we are not positive, it seems reasonable to 17 believe that it was the trade-mark of Blair, Prentis and Cary (John Prentis & Company). This mark appears in many of Norton's invoices.¹

In August, 1774, a lane is cited between Lot 47 and 46 - deed from George Pitt to John Dixon:

[August 17, 1774]

… [lot] 47, bounded on the North by Nicholson Street on the East by lots of William Hunter whereon the printing office now stands on the South by Duke of Gloucester Street on the west by a small lane…²

On November 24, 1774, John Prentis ran a notice in the Virginia Gazette:

… that I have incurred the displeasure of the York and Gloucester committees, and thereby the public in general, for my omission in not countermanding the order which I sent to Mr. Norton for two half chests of tea; and do with Truth declare, that I had not the least intention to give offence, nor did I mean an opposition to any Measure for the public good…³

An account of what happened is quoted below:

A letter, 27 Novr. 1774, has the signature carefully erased; it speaks of stirring times, also: "I would willingly hope the patriotic fever here is at the hight as we have lately had some of the most extravagant proceedings you have heard of. Mr. Norton's ship arrived about the time the Assembly met, and the meeting of the merchants at Williamsburg. She happened to bring two quarter chests of tea for Mr. Prentice's store; this being known a great many people went from W^msbg proceeded on board and destroyed the tea- they intended to have burnt the ship but that could not be done where she lay. … At Williamsburg there was a pole erected by order of Coll. Arch^d18 Cary, a stray patriot, opposite the Raleigh Tavern, upon which was hung a large map and a bag of feathers and under it a bucket of tar."¹

In December, 1774, a Meeting of the Committee appointed for James City County met and made these resolutions:

THE Chairman acquainted the Committee, that Mr. John Prentis, Merchant in Williamsburg, had, on the 7th Instant, informed him of the Arrival of Captain Andrew M'Vey, of the Ship Warwick, from Glasgow, by whom he had imported a Parcel of CUTLERY, &c. amounting to 40 £. 10s. Sterling, which was ordered early in the last Summer; that the Package was still unopened, on Board of the Ship, at the Ferry, and submitted to the Committee to dispose of it as they thought proper.

…
Resolved, that the several Articles imported by Mr. Prentis and Mr. Purdie, after being twice advertised in the Gazette, ought to be sold at publick Auction, in small Parcels, for ready Money, in Conformity to the 10th Resolution of the AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; and that Colonel Taliaferro, Mr. Spratley, Mr. Travis, Mr. Wilkinson, and Mr. Warburton, Members of this Committee, or any three of them, do advertise and manage the Sale, and dispose of the Money thence arising, agreeable to the said Resolution.
Published by Order of the Committee,
JOHN NICHOLAS, Junior, Clerk.

⸪ Pursuant to the above Resolution, we hereby give Notice that the Sale will be on the third Thursday in January, before the Raleigh Door, at 11 o'clock in the Forenoon. The Package contains a large Number of green Ivory TABLE KNIVES, PENKNIVES, &c. &c.
RICHARD TALIAFERRO, junior.
WILLIAM SPRATLEY.
CHAMPION TRAVIS.
CARY WILKINSON.
JOHN WARBURTON. ²

19 Both parties were, apparently, cleared of charges of disloyalty to the colony.

The same month, Robert Carter of Nomini Hall ordered goods from Robert Prentis:

[December, 1774]

6 Book Case Locks, large Excutchions &cca.
6 Cabinet Case Locks, smallest Excut. &cca.
18 Calf skins, dressed, superfine
½ lb white Arseneck
½ lb yellow Ditto-
Case N^o 15 is not mentioned in the Invoice of bread, it being intended a present to you…¹

In February, 1775, John Dixon in conveying Lot 47 to William Hunter mentions "a small lane" on the west:

[February 13, 1775]

… 47, bounded on the North by Nicholson Street on the East by the lots of William Hunter whereon the printing office now stands, on the South by the Duke of Gloucester Street on the West by a small lane, being the lot formerly sold and conveyed by George Pitt to the said John Dixon…²

John Prentis died in the early part of November or late October, 1775. The following notice was published on November 2, 1775: "Died, after a lingering illness JOHN PRENTIS, of this city, Merchant."³

On November 4, 1775, a letter from John Blair to Robert Prentis reveals his concern over the death of John Prentis and also the problem of the business settlements:

Nov^r 4^th 1775 —

To
M^r Robert Prentis -
Dear Sir,
I a^m tr^uly concerned for the Death of our Part [torn] worthy Manager; and [torn] hould 20 willingly attend his Funeral, in Testimony of my Respect, but that I am not a little disordered by a Cold —

With Respect to the Subject on which you desire my Sentiments, I must own I know not well what to entertain, & I am as much a Stranger to M^r Cary's — I can only say, that I always had thought of you as a proper person to succeed Col. Prentis in the Management of the Partnership — Affairs — but I have had Doubts too for some time past, whether it would not be adviseable to discontinue the Trade till better Times; I m[torn] an to shut the Store, because I am apprehensive it will be impossible to continue the Trade —

This however will depend upon the State of it, & the Goods on Hand; I shall write to Col. Cary, & if possible get him to come here, then the matter may be inquired into and agreed upon. …¹

John Prentis's will follows:

[August 19, 1773]

I John Prentis of the City of Williamsburg
Merchant…

I Give bequeath and devise unto my Brother Joseph Prentis and his Heirs forever, my Lands in Surry, James City and York County's as also my waiting Boy Alexander and [other slaves] …

I give to my sister Waters my sett of Table China, and if she is Indebted to me at the time of my death I desire she may not be called upon to pay it as I Give it [to] her.

I desire my Man Squire may Chuse his Master…

After the Payment of my just Debts I desire the Remainder of my Estate be equally divided Between my Brothers Daniel and Joseph Prentis and my Cousin Robert Prentis who I appoint my Executors and desire they may not be held to give Security to the Court…
John Prentis (LS)²

[Recorded York County Court November 20, 1775]

No date appears on the letter to Robert Prentis from John Blair below, but the context dates it as December, 1775: 21

… I have wrote to Col. Cary to know his Opinion about shutting up the Store, or keeping it open, but have not yet had his Answer- I have some Notion the Treasurer is concerned jointly with him; I think he is an Exor of the late Col. Cary; but if not he is concerned in Interest at least; Suppose you now ask his Opinion on that Subject— …¹

Another letter from Blair to Robert Prentis on December 5, 1775, shows further Blair's concern over the management of the property and its future:

Dec^r 5^th 1775.

Dear Sir,
I return you the Inventory of the Partnership Goods — Since I saw you, I have had some Conversation with the Treasurer with Respect to the Propriety of keeping the Store open — He too is of Opinion, from the Quantity of Goods on Hand, & the Impossibility & the peculiar Risk now of increasing it in these … difficult Times that it would be more to our Advantage to discontinue the Trade — I should be glad to know the Sentiments of Col Prentis's Exors on a matter in which we are all considerably interested; if they should not concur in Opinion, I think the best way would be to have a meeting, and communicate our Reasons — If the Store is to be shut up; still we shall have some Points to adjust — the collection of the Debts — in what manner the Goods are to be sold, & for what Credit — whether the Partnership is to dissolved, or suspended only; if the former, the Store Houses² &c. must be sold; if the latter I conceive it would be better to keep them in Hopes of better Times; and as, if they should ever arrive, I should be desirous, my Self, to be engaged again in Trade, my own Opinion at present is only for a Suspension — …³

This letter of December 5, 1775, is the first time "Store Houses" are mentioned in referring to the property on Lot 46. Prior to 22 this, there are references to "store," "storehouse," and "store lot." In the years to follow, there are many references to "storehouses" as applied to Lot 46.

By December 22, 1775, the surviving partners of John Prentis, deceased, had decided upon the proper course to take in the management and settlement of the business:

WILLIAMSBURG, December 22, 1775.

THE surviving partners of Mr. John Prentis, late manager of the trade under the firm of himself and Co. earnestly request all persons indebted to the said partnership to pay their respective balances to Mr. Robert Prentis, the present manager; and such who cannot possibly comply therewith will think it but reasonable to close their accounts, by giving bond and security to
ROBERT PRENTIS,& co. ¹

The store was not closed. In the settlement of the estate of John Prentis in account with his executors, we learn that Prentis's salary from August, 1775, to his death [November, 1775] was £75 and his proportion of a dividend from the store "Made to the 4^th of Nov^r last [1775]——[£]295.6.7." Mrs. Prentis's Moiety of £262-10-3 principal of Stock As per Contra——[£]131-5-1½."² In March, 1777, Robert Prentis & C^o paid John Prentis's estate "for proportion of a Dividend of the Profits of Stock from 4 Nov^r 1775 to 4^th Feb: last——[£]177.3.10."³

On May 5, 1778, the "store houses and lot" of John Prentis & Co. were advertised for sale:

WILLIAMSBURG, May 5, 1778.

TO BE SOLD, for ready money, before the Raleigh door, on the 23d instant, and to be entered on the 1st of July next, the store 23 houses and lot in this city, late the property of John Prentis, & company.¹

Purdie's Virginia Gazette of May 8, 1778, carried a similar notice of the sale:

To Be SOLD for ready money, on the 23^dinstant (May) before the Raleigh tavern, THE houses and lot in this city late the property of John Prentis and company.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 5, 1778.²

Robert Prentis must have purchased the property from the others involved. (At least he made arrangements to put it in his name. See: records to follow.)

In June, 1778, four storehouses were offered by Robert Prentis to the Board [of Trade]. The Council in session agreed to use Prentis and his stores:

[June 12, 1778]

…
The Board having purchased a large Cargo of Goods in compliance with a late Resolution of the General Assembly, it is become indispensably necessary, not only for the Reception of the said Cargo, but to prevent the Confusion that would arise from its being sold by the Commissary of Stores, to appoint some able & discreet person to take charge & dispose of such Articles as are to be sold to the Inhabitants at large & Robert Prentis esquire of this City offering his Services on this occasion & to furnish four Storehouses for the Reception & safe keeping of the said Cargo & other Cargoes that may be purchased under the said Resolution the Board do agree in consideration of the abilities of the said Robert Prentis & the convenience & fitness of the Storehouses aforesaid to employ him in the said business giving him as a full allowance for his trouble therein at the rate of thirty five pounds per Month & fifteen pounds per Month as rent for his Houses so long as they shall be used by the public; engaging to give him three Months notice before they discontinue the use of them.³

24 Let us notice that Prentis offered "four Storehouses" for the public use. If these four storehouses were located on Lot 46, they are not shown on the Frenchman's Map.

The same month Robert Prentis was detailed by the Public Stores to sell "the Articles unfit for the Army & Navy." The retailing of such articles in the Public Stores had become very inconvenient and a hardship upon the Commissary of Stores. Prentis handled the sale at his store in Williamsburg.¹

On August 21, 1778, William Armistead, Commissioner of Stores, advertised the surplus of a cargo ordered for the Continental Army would be sold at Mr. Robert Prentis's store. Goods offered for sale were: "Baize of different colour, Flannels, Poplins, Sergedenim, A few pieces of fine and coarse Cloths, Shoes, Teas of various kinds, Cordials And a few hogsheads of CLARET."²

As manager of the firm of Robert Prentis & Company, Robert Prentis made certain necessary repairs to the property during 1778, 1779 and 1783. Such items are accounted and noted in the ledger accounts of Humphrey Harwood, carpenter, to Robert Prentis, debtor:

1778
June	30th	To Mending Arch over back door 6/. & 1 bu. Mortar & labr 2/ Painting Wall "Pinting Wall"	- 9 6
July	26	To 6 bushs lime a 1/6. Hair 1/6 Repairg larths. & plastre in Store 22	1 12 6
		To 300 L Nails 11/3 & 2 days labour a 2/6 6/	1 12 6
August	27	To Whitewashing the 2 back Rooms & Stareway 12/	- 12 -
Septr.	26	To 2000 bricks at 33/. to 3 bushs. of Mortar 3/4/6 Laying a harth 3/. 5/	5 19 6
		To Altering Chimney 5/. 10/ & 1 Days labour 2/6 6/.	-16-
25
November	2	To 20 bushs. lime 20/ 30/ & Carting a load of Sand 2/4 2/	1 14-
	5	To 12 Do 12/ 18/. 400 bricks 11/. 22/. & Carting a load of Sand 2/ 4/.	2 4 -
		To building a Chimney 40/ 60/. & 4½ days labour a 2/6 6/.	4 7 -
1779 March	11	To 20 bushs of lime a 2/6 4/6 & underpining Stable 20/ 80/ & 3 days labour a 2/6 12/.	10 6 -
	13	To 5 bushs. of lime a 4/6. hair 3/. & 80 larthes 10d 4/ & puting up Step to Store 1/6 6/.	1-15 6
		To larthing and plastering Nesacary House 24/ & 1 Days labour 2/6 12/	1 16-
May	19	To 4 bushs of lime 6/ 24/ & underpining Paleing 10/ 60/. & 1½ Days labr at 2/6 a 15/.	5 2 9
November	13	To 80 bricks 2/6 24/ 2 bushs of lime 2/ 30/.	2 14 -
		To pillering Poarch 6/ 60/ & labours work 2/6 15/	3 5 -
		To a load of Oat straw 30/ £14.2.6
1783 Januay.	8th	To 2 Sills 21 feet long [illegible]
		To 15 Rafters 16 do long 3½ by 2½	1 5 -
		To 25 Studes 7½ Do long	-16 3
		To 4 Posts 7½ Do long 6 by 4 25 Do a 3	- 6 3
		To 4 Braces 6 Do 6 by 4 13 Do a 3	- 3 3
			£ 19. 4. 1
		(payment refused (?) by Jo. Prentis)	£19 4 1

¹

References to the store are to be noted in the above bills for repairs.

In January, 1779, Robert Carter of Nomini Hall ordered books, tea and other items from Prentis:

Nomony Hall Jan^y 20^th 1779

…
[Order sent by Robert Carter to Robert Prentis]

A guide to prayer By J Watts — 1 Copy
Hyms & Spiritual Songs, in 3 Books 1 Voll by J Watts 3 Copies — Psalms of David imitated in the Language of the New Testament with Preface & notes by Ditto — 1 Copy —
Henry on Prayer — 1 Copy
Gillis's Decotions on the Gospel 1 Copy
12 Horn Books — 12 first Primmers
Tow Cards 2 pair Wool Cards 6 pair Cotton Cards 9 p^r Coarse
3 p^r fine d^o
1 lb of Green Tea 3 Bone combs fine
2 Calf Skins best-half a Ream coarse writing paper

²

26

In November, 1779, John Blair, Wilson Miles Cary and Robert Prentis, representing the firm of Robert Prentis & Company, decided to dissolve the business and sell the lot and buildings. A deed of trust was given William Hornsby to protect Robert Prentis who was purchaser:

[November 10, 1779]

… Whereas the said John Blair for himself and as Executor of his fathers Estate, the said Wilson Miles Cary for himself and as one of the Executors of his fathers Estate, Robert Prentis for himself and as one of the Executors of the Estate of M^r John Prentis, were for themselves and the aforesaid respective Estates interested in a certain Lot of Ground in the City of Williamsburgh denoted in the Plan thereof by the figures— which said Lot and Store Houses thereon were considered as part of the joint Stock in Trade under the firm of Robert Prentis and Company, by a Settlement of the said Stock made the 4^th February, 1778,

And whereas, it has been agreed on by the aforesaid John Blair, Wilson Miles Cary, and Robert Prentis, sole Managers and Directors of the said Partnership to dissolve the same and in order to close the account thereof it became necessary to make Sale of the said Lot, the same was accordingly advertised in the Gazette… and sold to Robert Prentis the highest bidder for the sum of 1000 pounds current money

Now this Indenture witnesseth, that the parties of the first part grant, bargain sell unto the said William Hornsby… the Lot and Store Houses above mentioned with all Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging… In trust to and for the only proper use, and behoof of him the said Robert Prentis his heirs and assigns forever & to no other Use Interest or purpose whatsoever…¹

[Ordered recorded York County Court April 17, 1780]

On Friday, May 7, 1784, "An account for the rent of Mr. Robert Prentiss Store in Williamsburg made use of by the public in the year 1779, amounting to fifteen pounds, being laid before the board, by the Governor, …"² [was ordered paid].

27

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows what appears to be an L-shaped building on Lot 46; if it is not L-shaped, two buildings were joined together. Two smaller outbuildings appear on the map to the north of the first two named: one immediately to the rear and the other near Nicholson Street.

The College Map (1791?) and the Bucktrout Map (1803) show Lot 46 in the possession of "Prentis."

HISTORY (continued):

In July, 1782, William Hunter conveyed Lot 47 to Joseph Davenport. A street is noted as west - which would mean that the street was between Lot 47 and Lot 46:

[July 20, 1782]

… on the South by the Main Street on the West by the Street running between the said lots and those of Robert Prentis…¹

Sometime prior to 1786 Robert Prentis must have paid off the mortgage to Hornsby, for he bequeathed his lot and storehouses in Williamsburg to his nephew, William Prentis. He could not have bequeathed property in fee simple unless he was the owner with no attachments.² Prentis's will follows:

[Will of Robert Prentis, dated June 19^th 1786 — Trinidad]

…
I give to my Nephew William Prentis (who at present is in this Island but immediately returning to Virginia) my Store Houses & Lot of Land in the aforesaid City of Williamsburg 28 which I purchased at Vendue at the Dissolution of the late Partnership of Self & Company which will appear by Deed thereof proved & Recorded in York County Court in Virginia, to him the said William Prentis & his Heirs for ever

I give unto my said Nephew all the rest & residue of my Estate of what nature or kind soever to him & his Heirs for ever
…
Ro: Prentis (Seal)¹

Though Robert Prentis made the will in Trinidad in 1786, he did not die until sometime after 1801 and before 1805. Correspondence between Robert Prentis and Joseph Prentis, brother of William,² in Williamsburg refer repeatedly to the store building there and an invoice of goods shipped to the Williamsburg store:

Trinidad 23^d June 1786

…
All I have to request & repeat to you is, to use your utmost Endeavours to extricate me from Debt here, & if it cannot be effected by any other means endeavour to raise it by a Mortgage on the Store, observing to make Insurance on what you send to avoid the Loss by risk of the Sea.
…
Ro: Prentis³

A long invoice of sundry goods sent to Joseph Prentis, Williamsburg, by Robert Prentis, Trinidad, is included in Illustration #4 of this report. Such goods were for the Williamsburg store, presumably.

Trinidad 25 Sep^r 1790.

…
I have delivered M^r Lafargue⁴ a Deed for the Lot in Williamsburg, requesting him to procure 29 two people to present themselves as Witnesses… pray endeavor to get it admitted to Record if possible…
Ro: Prentis

[P. S.] … before the deed is recorded fill up the number of the Lot. I think it was 41¹ — but was fearful of being mistaken²

Trinidad 18^th June 1791.

…
It being a long time since I received a Line from Virginia, makes me very desirous to be informed of the Situation you are in, and to know if its possible to receive any assistance, from either the Sale of the Houses & Lot in W^msburg; the debt due me by the late J. Norton & Sons, or out of any of the little matters due me on my private Acco^t: I do not mention that of my Interest in the Stock of Company, having already passed you a Sale of it…
Ro: Prentis.³

Trinidad 12^th Sep^r 1792.

… [P. S.] Pray who occupies the Brick Store, & what may it Rent for? …⁴

Trinidad 8 Nov^r 1796

…
Pray give me some Idea of my Affairs — by way of A/current, what does the Store, Rent for, & what it would sell for in Case I should be under the Necessity of selling it to support me in old age, or to receive the Rent of it annually…. I have always kept a Will by me, in which I confirm the transfer made to you in 1786, as also the Devise of the Store & Lot to Billy [William Prentis] not wishing if possible to alter my intention when I left you…
Ro: Prentis.⁵

30

Trinidad 24^th August 1798.

…
I just wish to be informed how you and my Nephew are Situated before I go hence, which [would] be a real Satisfaction; as also to know in the most concise manner possible, how my Accoun[t] stands with you; some of the debts due to me I should hope have been received, and that the Store, has by this time Created a small fund for me by the Rent; it being of Brick, the annual repairs cannot be great, but am apprehensive it brings but a small annual Rent now, from the Fatality of the removal of the Seat of Government, which was to me a proper Stumbling bloc[k] …¹

Trinidad 20^th Feb^y 1800.

…
As the Power of Attorney I formerly made to you, I should suppose would be fully sufficient for you to pass a Sale of the Store & Lot to W. P. for whom I always intended it, as will appear by the Will I made and left behind me (I think in the Iron Chest) I should wish it to be done, if it can with propriety; as it stands in my Will here his property; as will appear by a Sketch thereof inclosed, the Contents of which will not probably be changed or much augmented before my departure Hence…
Ro: Prentis²

Suffolk January 28^th 1807.

…
Last evening's post brought me a letter from W. P— which I have long expected —… He has seemed not disposed to sell the Store, but now says that he has written you requesting you to advertize the Sale of it, and that out of the proceeds I am to share one half —… I suppose that my part will be at least $300… I wish that his instructions to you may be absolute and direct, to sell for what it will command — but I fear that when he compares the value of houses in his own town [Petersburg] with those in W^msburg that he will not be disposed to let it go — The period since he gave me the interest has been I believe near 2 years…
Jos: Prentis jr.³

31

Feby 10. 1807. [Williamsburg]

…
Your Letter… to hand this morning, and as you request an early Answer to that part that relates to the Store, I shall loose no time in giving you information respecting it. M^r P sent me a Letter about a week ago requesting it might be advertized and sold if possible during the present month it has accordingly been advertized but no terms offered suitable — The terms are 500 D. in Cash, or 600 at 3.6.9 & 12 mo. There are several Persons wishing to purchase, and if possible it shall be sold. Among them your friend R. A. who supposes that there will be no difficulty in settling with you for your part, but he only offers his Bond for the other money. His terms are his own Bond for 500 Dolls pble at 3:6:9 and 12 mo, his Letter has this day been sent by me to W. P. …
J P [Joseph Prentis, Sr.]¹

A letter from William Prentis, Petersburg, to Joseph Prentis, Williamsburg, on January 23, 1807, conveys the information that "Mr. Warburton's year is up in March."² This was Robert H. Warburton who had rented Prentis's storehouse. He had tried to buy the property on April 18, 1804.³

On October 14, 1805, William Prentis in writing to his cousin, Joseph Prentis, at Suffolk said:

…
With respect to the Store Lot, I received a letter two or three weeks ago from D^r Tazwell, wishing to get a part of the vacant ground on the street to build a Shop on — I wrote him that I would prefer selling the whole; that a sale of a part might injure a sale of the remainder - that my price was 600 $ and that if he would join with M^r Warburton, who wished to purchase, I would prefer selling the whole at once. …
W. Prentis.⁴

32

Mr. Warburton made various propositions for buying the store and lot from 1804 to March 24, 1809, when he succeeded in purchasing it.¹ Williamsburg Land Tax Records give:

1809 Warburton, H. Rob^t—1 lot—$80.— via Prentis²

Prior to April 8, 1811, Warburton died.³ His estate was bequeathed to certain of his nephews and nieces who were Drummonds and their connections.⁴ On April 8, 1811, Samuel Shield, Jr., purchased from the commissioners of Warburton's estate property described thus:

… on the Main Street in the city of Williamsburg, bounded on the East by a cross street, on the South by the Main Street, on the West by the brick tenement occupied by Mrs.. Paradise and on the North by the Back Street, which said lot Robert H. Warburton purchased of —— Prentis.⁵

In April, 1814, Samuel Shield and his wife (who was Maria Drummond) mortgaged the property to William C. Drummond for a consideration of 217 pounds current money of Virginia:

…
A Certain house and lot on the Main Street in the City of Williamsburg whereof the late Robert H. Warburton died seized and which the said Samuel Shield purchased at a sale made thereof by George Jackson, William T. Galt, and Robert Anderson, Commissioners appointed by a decree of the Hustings Court of Williamsburg to make sale of certain property belonging to the estate of the said Robert H. Warburton…⁶

33

On April 18th Drummond promptly gave a mortgage to Robert Anderson to secure Shield.¹

On July 13, 1815, certain of the Warburton heirs — William P. Vass, William C. Drummond, and John and Martha Drummond — conveyed to Samuel Shield, Jr. for a consideration of $120 their several shares in the house and lot commonly called the "Brick Store" and further described it as:

… the lot whereof is bounded on the East by the land which separates it from the house occupied by Doctor _____ Dufort,² on the South by the Main Street, on the West by the lot late in the occupation of Lucy L. Paradise, decd, and on the North by _____ street, and which is the same house and lot sold to the said Robert H. Warburton by William Prentis and Mary, his wife. And by the said Warburton devised to the above grantors and wife of the grantee. ³

In 1818 Williamsburg Tax Transfers indicate that Cary Drummond sold the lot to William Lee: "1 lot [value] $100 Via Cary Drummond lot and brick store on the north side of the main street, and is the same formerly the property of Robert H. Warburton, dec'd." From 1820-1830 Lee is taxed for 1 lot assessed at $1000, building and lot together being valued at $1100. In the ten years Lee's property seems to have increased in value, doubtless, because of the additional building or repairing.

In the George W. Southall Papers at William and Mary College,⁴ is a small account of William H. Lee, debtor, to R. T. Booker, carpenter: 34

March 6th 1828	Mr Wm Lee Dr to R T Booker to building Chimney	$25.00
…
June 6th	To 16 ½ feet of 1 ¼ plank at 3 Cts. 50 ½ to 5 bushels of lime	84.—

Another account is given in Folder 194 of the Southall Papers:

[period 1818-1843]
to 431 pine rails at 8 cts	$ 3.78
to 72 railes at 6	4.38
to 25 post at 12 ½	3.—
to putting up 24 pannells at 25	6.—
	$17:76 ?

Evidently, there were other accounts with carpenters and masons which are not available. A new building of some kind had been added to the lot.

In 1830 Lee's lot and buildings were valued at $1325. An attached note explains the change in value as follows: "Reassessed; new building estimated at $225."¹ In 1838 Lee's property is valued at $1175. The lower value is explained thus: Lee had sold a part of the lot to Sheldon and Maupin, merchants of Williamsburg. Sheldon and Maupin's part: "1 lot [value including buildings] $500, via William H. Lee."² From subsequent records which follow, it appears that Sheldon and Maupin's part of Lot 46 bordered on the Paradise lot (45) to the west.³ This record indicates that Sheldon and Maupin mortgaged the property adjoining the lots of Parkes Slater⁴ and John Millington⁵ to William S. Peachy.

35

In 1841 the eastern part of Lot 46 on which the brick store was located came into the ownership of John Millington: "1 lot via William H. Lee."¹

Undoubtedly, Millington kept the brick house for his own use several years but sold a part of the lot to Dr. Edward Camm in 1843.²

Evidence that Dr. Camm built another storehouse in Williamsburg in 1843 is:

Doctr Edward Camm
	To J. R. Warren & Co Dr
1843 August 1st For Furnishing Timber & building Store House	$250.00
August 1st For Digging & Bricking Well	28:00
August 1st For Furnishing Materials & building Lumber House	12.00
	$290:003

The account does not locate the storehouse of Dr. Camm's, but it seems reasonable to believe that the storehouse was built on Lot 46 as Dr. Camm owned no other property in the city at the time. (At least no record has been found of any other property.) It could have been built to the rear of the brick storehouse along with the lumber house. Unfortunately, no insurance policies are extant to reveal the location. However, by 1858 Camm was owner of Millington's part of the lot.⁴

Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg, writing in 1933, recalls Williamsburg as it looked during the Civil War 36 period. His description of Lot 46 is:

… The next house on the east of the Paradice House was a small one story house with dormer windows used as a tailor shop in days when 'hand-me-downs' were unknown. The house next on the east had about the same appearance as it has today. This was Dr. Camm's 'drug store,' built not many years before the War. The brick house, now standing on the corner and improperly called 'Red Lion,' was used as an apothecary shop, but was used for other purposes when the new 'drug store' was built.¹

Just when Millington conveyed the entire eastern part of Lot 46 to Dr. Camm is not known. The tax transfers for 1856 indicate that Edward Camm is assessed for a new building. On October 1, 1857, Camm transferred his business to William Camm, his son, who continued to operate the business in the brick store.² It appears that by 1860 Dr. Camm had erected a new building adjacent to the old brick drug store to house his son's business.³ This was, probably, the new building referred to above in 1856 on the Land Tax Records.

To summarize at this point: By 1860 there were two storehouses adjacent to each other on the eastern part of Lot 46 - both owned by Dr. Camm until his death in 1871 - then by his wife until 1877 at which time the property was sold to William W. Vest. The western part of Lot 46 - owned by Sheldon and Maupin, merchants, in 1838 - was mortgaged in 1851 to William S. Peachy: 37

[May 3, 1851]

This deed made this third day of May A D 1851; between Jacob C. Sheldon surviving partner of the late firm of Sheldon & Maupin, which said firm consisted of Jacob C. Sheldon & John M. Maupin, merchants and partners doing business under the firm & Style of Sheldon & Maupin, of the One part, William S. Peachy, of the City of Williamsburg, of the second part, and Robert McCandlish and others Securities of and Creditors of the said Sheldon & Maupin of the Third part… doth grant… unto the said Peachy the following property — All that lot of land in the City of Williamsburg on Main Street of the said City adjoining the lots of Parkes Slater and John Millington now occupied by Wm: W Dodd, which said lot with the houses thereon is a part of the partnership property of the said Sheldon & Maupin…¹

In 1933 Mrs.. Victoria King Lee, an old citizen of Williamsburg, gave her recollections of Williamsburg in 1861. She remembers Lot 46 in this way:

The brick building, across the street from the Barlow house, which has been mistakenly called for years, the Red Lion, closely resembles its former appearance, though the interior then, was not like it is now. Between this building and the Paradise house was a small, frame cottage. Like so many other frame buildings in Williamsburg, this was a story and a half house. A negro woman, Julia Minson owned and lived in this cottage.²

Apparently, Mrs. Lee had overlooked the new store used for a drug store, which Camm had built between the brick store and the small cottage on the western side of the lot.

The chain of title from 1865 to the present is taken from the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

38

The will of Edward Camm, M.D., of Williamsburg, dated March 28, 1869, and recorded March 31, 1871, bequeathed his whole estate to his wife, Eliza Camm.¹

In November, 1877, Eliza Camm conveyed to W. W. Vest this property described thus:

That lot of land in the City of Williamsburg, with the buildings thereon, bounded on the south by Main Street; east by Colonial Street; north by Nicholson Street; and, west by the lot of Julia Minson. Which the said Camm (Edward Camm) purchased of John Millington.²

In March, 1884, Vest conveyed to G. Teiser:

That lot of land in the City of Williamsburg, with the buildings thereon, bounded on the south by Main Street; east by Colonial Street; north by Nicholson Street; and, west by the lot of Julia Minson…³

Hannah Teiser held the property until 1891 when it was conveyed to Samuel Harris:

That certain piece or parcel of land with the buildings thereon, situate in said City and known as "The Red Lion", and bounded as follows: North by Nicholson Street; west by the lot of B. D. Peachy, and by the lot known as Camm's Old Drug Store lot; east by a cross street; and, south by Duke of Gloucester Street.⁴

A suit of attachment — David Lichtenstine vs. G. Teiser — resulted in judgment being allowed. Samuel Harris was conveyed the property via the sheriff of James City County.⁵

39

Harris held the property until 1895 when Thomas Hughes became the owner:

All that certain house and lot known as "Red Lion", situated in the City of Williamsburg, State of Virginia, and bounded as follows: North by line fence of Samuel Harris, running east and west; east by cross street; south by Duke of Gloucester Street; west by Mary Anderson's line 85 feet running north and south; same line 28 feet, running east and west; thence westly by a line 10 feet from the line of the property of B. D. Peachy's line, running north and south.¹

Hughes held the property (under several mortgages) until 1912 when Christina N. Henderson gained possession:

All of that certain lot of land situated, lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, State of Virginia, together with buildings and improvements thereon, generally known as "Red Lion" lot, and more particularly bounded and described as follows: On the north by the land formerly belonging to Samuel Harris, now the property of James Wilkerson, measuring 42 feet on said north line, running east and west; on the east by cross street, measuring 205 feet thereon; on the south by Duke of Gloucester Street, fronting 28 feet thereon, and by the lot of Mary A. Anderson; and, west by the lot of Mary A. Anderson, running north and south a distance of 85 feet measured along said line; thence west along the north line of the said Mary A. Anderson, a distance of 28 feet, measured along said line; thence north to the land of the said James Wilkerson; the same being the property conveyed to the said Thomas Hughes by deed from Samuel Harris and Joanna B. Harris, his wife, dated January 24th, 1895, and recorded in the Clerk's office of James City County and the City of Williamsburg, in Williamsburg D.B. #2, pages 603-4, to which deed reference is here made.²

40

In 1925 the Hendersons leased to George L. Meyers:

[September 9, 1925]

…
All that certain lot of land, with the buildings, known as "The Red Lion", situated at the northwest corner of Duke of Gloucester Street and a cross street, and now occupied by the lessee, from the 12th day of September, 1925 for the limited term of five years thence ensuing… yielding… the rental of $1200 payable in equal installments of $20 each, on the 15th day of each month, beginning October 15th, 1925…¹

In 1927 the surviving unmarried children of Christine N. Henderson conveyed the property to W. A. R. Goodwin in the interest of the Williamsburg Restoration.

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

PICTURES:

The Coleman Collection of pictures, now in the Research Department, furnishes a photograph made about 1880. Three buildings are shown as standing on Lot 46 at that date. They are the brick storehouse, a two-story wooden storehouse to the west of the brick store (the house, apparently, built by Camm), and a story and a half house with dormer windows on the western part of the lot and immediately adjoining the Ludwell-Paradise property. See: Illustration #6 for copy.

Illustration #1
Lot 46

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?

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

Illustration #2
Williamsburg Land Tax Records

1782	Prentis, Robert	2 lots	£ 7. -.-
1783	Prentis, Robert	2 lots	7.10.-
1784	Prentis, Robert	2 lots	7.10
1785	Prentis, Robert	2 lots	7.10
1786	Prentis, Robert	2 lots	10.10
1787	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	20.00
1788	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	20.—
1789	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	20.—
1791	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	20.—
1797	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	20.—
1800	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	[torn]
1801	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	$66.67
1802	Prentis, Robert	1 lot	$66.67
1803	Prentis, Robert Estate	1 lot	$66.67
1804	Prentis, William	1 lot	$66.67
1805	Prentis, William	1 lot	$66.67
1806	Prentis, William	1 lot	$66.67
1807	Prentis, William	1 lot	$70.—
1809	Warburton, H. Robt	1 lot	$80.—	via Prentis
1810	Warburton, Robt	1 lot	$80.00
1811	Drummond, Cary	1 lot	$100.	via Warburton
1812	Drummond, Cary	1 lot	$100.
1813	Drummond, C. William	1 lot	$100.
1814	Drummond, Wm. C.	1 lot	$100.
1815	Drummond, Wm. C.	1 lot	$100.
1816	Drummond, Wm. C.	1 lot	$100.
1817	Drummond, Wm. C.	1 lot	$100.
1818	Lee, William	1 lot	$100.		via Cary Drummond lot and brick store on the North side of the main street, and is the same formerly the property of Robert H. Warburton decd
1819	Lee, William	1 lot	$100.
			Value of Bldgs.	Value of Lot Inc. Bldgs.
1820-1830
	Lee, William H.	1 lot	$1000.	$1100.
1830	Lee, William H.	1 lot	$1225.	$1325.	Reassessed: new building estimated at $225
1838	Sheldon & Maupin	1 lot	$150.	$500.	via William H. Lee
1838	Lee, William H.	1 lot	$925.	$1175.
1839	Lee, William H.	1 lot	$925.	$1175.
1839	Sheldon & Maupin	1 lot	$150.	500
1840	Sheldon & Maupin	1 lot	$300	$500
1841	Millington & Griffin	1 lot	925	1175	via William H. Lee
	John Millington	1 lot
1842	Sheldon & Maupin	1 lot	300	500
	Millington & Griffin	1 lot	925	1175	Purchased of William H. Lee in 1841
1843	Millington & Griffin	1 lot	925	1175	via William H. Lee — Transferred in 1841
	Sheldon & Maupin	1 lot	300	500
1844	John Millington	1 lot	925	1175	via Samuel S. Griffin Heretofore charged to Millington & Griffin
1847	Somerset Moore, tr. &c.	1 lot	300	500	Formerly S & Maupin in 1846
	John Millington	1 lot	925	1175
1850	Somerset Moore, trus	1 lot	300	500
	John Millington	1 lot	925	1175	Formerly chd to Millington & Griffin
1851	Somerset Moore, Trustee	1 lot	400	550
1855	Somerset Moore, trustee	1 lot	600	900
1857	Jacob C. Sheldon	1 lot		600
1858	Edward Camm	1 lot		600
1861	John Millington	1 lot	1000	1300
	Somerset Moore trustee	1 lot	600	900

Illustration #3

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

Illustration #4

Illustration #5

ARCHITECT'S REPORT

According to Mr. Singleton Moorehead, architect of Colonial Williamsburg, archaeological excavations on Lot 46 have indicated that the building once situated west of the Blair Apothecary Shop was of an earlier date than the Apothecary Shop. In the process of excavation, steps were found between the^* Ludwell-Paradise House and the Apothecary Shop. Such steps were within a few inches of the western wall of the brick apothecary shop and would indicate an earlier building.

[Note: No date on this memorandum.]

Illustration #6

Coleman Collection, C.W.I. #299, (taken 1888-1889 by C. W. Coleman).
Showing houses on lot west of Paradise House and Archibald Blair's Storehouse.