Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Colonial lot 49 lies on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street. (See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) plat-opposite page.)

THE HOUSE:

A dwelling house may have stood on the lot in 1709 as Henry Gill was granted "lycense to keep an ordinary" on 49 or 50. Gill's inventory in 1721 would indicate that his house was used as an ordinary until his death. Gill's heirs kept the property until ca 1729 when John Gladish came into possession. In 1737 Robert Davidson, "Practitioner in Physick" gained ownership. Inventory of Davidson's estate in March 1739 mentions a hall, chamber, upstairs, closet, kitchen. Appraisement amounted to £301. 5. 1 ½.

In 1744 John Holt, merchant, came into Davidson's lots. Evidently, Holt built "a new Store" on the lot by 1746 where he sold all kinds of merchandise: goods, haberdashery, china, groceries &c. It seems quite probable that the storehouse to stand so long on the western part of lot 49, was built by John Holt in 1746. Holt held the lot and continued in business until 1754 when William Waters became the owner.

In 1760 Waters sold the western part of lot 49 (a portion 24 feet by 87 deep) to William Holt, brother of John Holt, former owner. "The Storehouse thereon lately Erected and all other buildings" were noted in the deed. William Holt also kept a general store on this lot from 1760-1770. His store was described as "Mr. HOLT'S Store, next door to the Printing Office , Williamsburg." In April, 1770, Mary Dickenson, milliner, rented Holt's store advertising every kind and type of millinery and general items.

November, 1770, found John Lewis, merchant, in possession of the storehouse of William Holt. The dimensions of the lot given in the deed were 24 by 87 feet and "the store House erected thereon" is noted therein. Lewis sold choice assortment of imported goods - wholesale or retail and "almost every other useful Article."

In 1796 Matthew Anderson, merchant was the owner of the lot with storehouse of wood, 32 by 18 feet and a lumber house of wood 20 by 16 feet. Anderson's brother, Leroy, kept store in this building, selling in 1797-1798 a wide assortment of yard goods, and the usual miscellaneous articles. In 1799-1803 Matthew Anderson, evidently, kept the store himself as items such as paper, yard goods, books, gloves, pantaloons, &c were sold by him. In 1804 Robert Anderson came into the property at the death of Matthew. The storehouse was valued at $1150. (In 1796 the storehouse was valued at $500). Robert Anderson continued to own the storehouse lot until 1873 ca. During this long period, Anderson rented the storehouse to one merchant after another. In 1842 Anderson mentioned "my store, counting room and front cellar room." In each insurance policy from 1796-1846, outbuildings (either called "lumber house" or "kitchen") appear on the lot.

In the mid-l9th century, John S. Charles (writing in 1928) remembers a house on this lot:

When the "dogs of war began to howl" there was only one other house on this square fronting on the Duke of Gloucester Street and that was a very long two-story frame building just east of the depression referred to. [the Virginia Gazette site] This house had a store in the front part and the rooms in the rear and upstairs were used as a dwelling ....... SUMMARY -2 This [a house to the north facing on Nicolson street] along every other house on this square, was burned in the big fire which occurred about thirty years ago, known as the "Harris fire." (Recollections of Williamsburg by John S. Charles, 1928, P 45)

In 1873 Robert Anderson's heirs conveyed to Robert A. Lively the lot measuring 30 feet on Duke of Gloucester Street and 84 ½ feet deep. See: report to follow for history to present time.

EXCAVATIONS:

Excavations - made in 1932 and completed in 1952 - indicate that a building 18 feet 2 inches by 32 feet 1 inch, stood about 2 feet 8 inches from the western boundary of lot 49. The building had a front basement entrance with steps and , front porch or stoop entrance from Duke of Gloucester Street. To the north of the lot, 87 feet 8 inches from Duke of Gloucester Street, the foundations of a kitchen were located. These foundations were about 12 feet by 14 feet. See: Illustration #1 for drawings - foundations uncovered by archaeological excavations in 1952.

A CHRONOLOGY of owners or occupants and an INDEX follows:

OWNERS:

• HENRY GILL, 1707/1708
  See report, p 1 and Appendix, Illustration #2.
• GILL ESTATE, 1721-172(?)
  See report, p 2
• JOHN GLADISH, 1729 (?) - 1737
  See: p 3
• ROBERT DAVIDSON, 1737-1744
  See: pp 3-6 and Appendix, Illustration #2.
• JOHN HOLT, 1744-1754
  See: pp 7-8 and Appendix, Illustration #4
• WILLIAM WATERS, 1754-1760
  See: p 9 and Appendix, Illustration #4
• WILLIAM HOLT, 1760-1770
  See: pp 9-11 and Appendix, Illustration #4.
• JOHN LEWIS, 1770-1785 (?)
  See: pp 11-14 and Appendix, Illustration #4.
• MATTHEW ANDERSON, 1796-1803
  See: pp 15-17 and Appendix, Illustrations #4 and #3.
• ROBERT ANDERSON, 1804-1873
  See: pp 17-20 and Appendix, Illustrations #3 and #4.
• ROBERT A. LIVELY, 1873-1884
• ROBERT T. ARMISTEAD, 1884-1886
• Chronology - 3
• JOHN A. W. JONES 1886-1898
• CHARLES M. RICHARDSON, 1898-1902
• SAMUEL HARRIS, 1902-1904
• ARTHTUR D. HARRIS, 1904-1907
• ROBERT CARY GARY, 1907-1927
• W.A.R. GOODWIN (for Williamsburg Restoration) 1927

OCCUPANTS or RENTERS:

• MARY DICKENSON, (milliner) "at Mr. William Holt's store" 1770.
  See: p 11
• LEROY ANDERSON, (merchant) 1796-1798 ca
  See: p 15
• COLE & SHELDON, (merchants) 1819-
  See: p 18
• WALTER W. WEBB, (merchant) 1823-1831
  See: p 19
• RICHARD COKE JUNR. & WILSON WILLCOCKS, (merchants) 1832-1837
  See p 19
• SCERVANT JONES, 1838-
  See: p 19
• JOSEPH BOSSIUX, 1845-
  See: p 19
• GEORGE W. HOPE, 1846-
  See: p 20
• FRANKLIN A. SIBLEY, 1849-
  See: p 20

INDEX

HOUSE:

Cellar

p 19.

Chimney

p 14.

Counting room

p 19.

Dutch roof

p 17.

Dwelling

pp 1, 2, 6.

Grates

p 16.

Messuages

pp 3, 4.

Ordinary

p 1.

Repairs

p 16.

Store

pp 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20.

Storehouse

pp 9, 11, 15, 17.

Size of Storehouse

pp 15, 17, 18, 19, 20

Index - 4

Size of Lumberhouse

pp 15, 20.

Size of Kitchen

pp 18, 19.

OUTBUILDINGS:

Dairy

p 16

Kitchen

pp 18, 19.

Lumber house

pp 15, 20.

YARD, & GARDENS:

Space between buildings east

p 17

Space between buildings west

p 17

Space between buildings north

p 17

yard

p 17

LOCATION:

Colonial lot 49 lies on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street; See Tyler's plat-adaptation of the College Map (1791?).

HISTORY:

On February 2, 1707/8 the feoffees of Williamsburg granted unto Henry Gill two lots: 49 and 50. The consideration named was 30 shillings. According to the Act of Assembly of April 27, 1699, the owner must build on the lots with-in twenty-four months.¹

[February 2, 1707/8]

Feoffees of the City of Williamsburgh
to
Gill, Henry
Consideration: 30 shillings

…
Two Certain Lots of Ground in the City of Williamsburgh designed in the plot of the said City by the figures (49) and (50) with all pasturage woods & water…
Mongo Ingles (Seal)
Hugh Norvett (Seal)

At a Court for York County the 24th day of February 1708 Mongo Ingles & Hugh Norvett ffeofees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & erecting the City of Williamsburgh presented & acknowledged the above Deed of Lease for Two Lotts of the said Land to Henry Gill which at his motion is admited to Record--

Teste
Phi Lightfoot ClCur

(York County Records, Deeds, Bonds I, p 315)

On February 4, 1709 Henry Gill was granted "lycense to keep an ordinary at his dwelling house in Williamsburgh."² (York County Records, Deeds, Orders, Wills, Book 13, p 207) The license was renewed on March 24, 1710; June 18, 1711; June 15, 1713; July 19, 1714. (Ibid, Book 13, p 271 and Orders, Wills, Book 14, pp 89, 152, 349)

Gill's will, written on December 16, 1720, was presented for record on June 19, 1721:

[December 16, 1720]

Gill, Henry
Will
In the Name of God, Amen. I, Henry Gill of the City of Williamsburg, County, of York…
After my Just debts are paid, I give and bequeath unto my Son John Gill, and the heirs of his body lawfully begotton for ever, Two lotts whereon I now dwell with all edificies, buildings, etc to be kept in good repair till he comes to the age of Twenty one years and if my Son John Gill die without issue then I Give & bequeath the Two lotts aforesaid with all Improvements aforesd to my daughter Elizabeth Gill & the heirs of her body... if my daughter Eliza should happen to die without issue, then I Give the Two Lotts with the housing aforesaid to my loving wife, Margaret Gill, her heirs and assigns forever . …[bequeaths the tan yard with lots to John Gill¹ and Margaret Gill, and to Elizabeth Gill in case of the death of first named; and three lots where Lewis Holland keeps store to Margaret Gill] (York County Records, Orders, Wills, Book 16, p 53)

Gill's will was entered in York Court on June 19, 1721 and Margaret Gill was named executrix. (York County Records, Orders, Wills -1720-1729- Book 14, p 48) Margaret Gill filed executrix bond in order to act. (Ibid, p 57)

An inventory of Gill's estate was recorded on September 18, 1721. (Ibid, pp 68-69) See: Illustration #2, Appendix, for copy)

Gill, undoubtedly, was living on the two lots at the time of his death. A reference to "the house of Henry Gill" is noted in a deed to lot 47 of date, December 15, 1729. The description of lot [47] as "adjoining the great street between the storehouse of Mr. Archibald Blair and the house of Henry Gill." (York County Records, Deeds, Book 4, p 8 : Hyde to Packe) Though Gill had been dead ca. eight years, his heirs were still in possession in 1729.

Just what year John Gladish purchased the property is not known; but we do know the date at which Robert Davidson¹ received it via Gladish. A deed of 1744 conveys the information as to Gladish and Davidson but nothing further could be located about Gladish's ownership of the lot:

[March 18, 1744]

THIS INDENTURE made the Eighteenth day of March in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George Second… and in the Year of our Lord Christ One thousand Seven, hundred & forty four Between Samuel Reade high Sherif of the County of York, in the Colony of Virginia and John Blair of the City of Williamsburgh Esqrs Administrator of all & Singular the Goods and Chattels Right & Credits of Robert Davidson late of the said City Gent decd of the one part and John Holt of the said City Mercht of the other part Whereas the said Robert Davidson died Seized of two Messuages and Lotts of Land lying & being in the City of Wmsburgh and County of York aforesaid by him purchased of John Gladish and Elizabeth his wife by Indenture bearing date the Tenth day of Decr in the Year of Our Lord One thousand and Seven hundred & thirty Seven proved and recorded in the General Court of this Colony in his Demesne as of Fee Simple very much indebted And Whereas after the death of the sd Robert a Suit in Chancery was Commenced and prosecuted in the Court of the said County… by William Prentis Alexander Spalding John Lidderdale and Sarah Packe against the said John Blair and the heir at Law of the said Robert Davidson who died Intestate to wch said Suit the said John Blair put in his Answer and the Cause came on to be heard the Eighteenth day of June last past in the said Court… On Consideration whereof it was the opinion of the Court That as the personal Estate of the said Robert Davidson had been apply'd towards discharging the debts due from him at the time of his death on Bonds and other Specialties wherewith his Real Estate was Chargeable the Messuages & Lotts aforesd ought to be subject to the Complainants demands Therefore it was Order'd and decreed that unless the heir at Law of the said Robert should within Six Months shew Cause to the Contrary the Sherif of the said County should make Sale of the said Messuages and Lotts with the Appurtenances unto the highest Bidder for ready money giving public Notice of the Time and place of the Sale and that he return an Account of such Sale to the Court in order to a final Decree And for as much as it was Suggested that the heir at Law of the said Robert resided in the Provence of Carolina It was further Order'd That the said Decree should be published three times in the Virginia Gazette to the end 4 such heir might have Notice thereof And Whereas another Decree was made in the said Suit at a Court held for the said County of York the Eighteenth day of Feby last past reciting that the Decretal Order before mention'd had been duly published in the Virginia Gazette and that the Heir or Heirs at Law of the said Robert did not appear and that the Sherif that day return'd that he had Sold the Messuages & Lotts aforesd with the Appurtenances unto John Holt¹… who was the highest Bidder for Two hundred & thirty two pounds Currt money which he had ready as the Court should direct … and Order'd that after deducting the whole Costs & Charges of the said Suit the said Sherif should pay unto the respective persons named in the said Decree their Several debts therein Mention'd out of the Money arising from the said Sale and that he should deliver the residue unto the said John Blair to be by him apply'd as equitable Assets towards discharging the other debts of the said Robert… They the said Samuel Reade and John Blair have granted bargain'd and Sold … do grant bargain and Sell unto the said John Holt his Heirs and Assigns for ever all those two Messuages House & Lotts… lying & being in the City of Wmsburgh on the Northside of Duke of Gloucester Street in the county of York aforesd whereon the said Robert lately dwelt and denoted in the plan of the said City by these figures 49 & 50 withall Houses Buildings Gardens…
Samuel Reade
John Blair

Sealed and delivered in presence of
John Perrin
John Blair junr
At a Court held for York County March the 18th 1744 Samuel Reade and John Blair Gent this Day in open Court acknowledged this Deed to John Holt at whose Motion the same was order'd to be recorded.
Teste
Matt Hubard Cl:Cur.

(York County Records, Deeds V, pp 123-126)

From the above quoted indenture, we know that Robert Davidson purchased the property (lots 49 and 50) from John Gladish in December 1737. As this business was conducted in the General Court, it is assumed that the property transfer from Archibald Blair, guardian of Elizabeth Gill, to John Gladish 5 was also filed in that court.¹ Unfortunately, the General Court records were destroyed (or largely so) and the York County court records reveal nothing about these lot transfers from Gill's estate to Gladish or Gladish to Davidson.

A notice of Davidson's death appeared in the Virginia Gazette of February 2, 1738/39:

On Wednesday Morning last, dy'd Mr. Robert Davidson, Practitioner in Physick, and Mayor of this City, after a few 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. (Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed., Feb. 2, 1738/39)

Davidson's will was filed in York County Records on February 19, 1738/39. It was written on January 23, 1735:

[January 23, 1735]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Robert Davidson of Wmsburgh Physician being at present Sick of body but by the Mercy of Godd of Sound & disposing mind & Memory do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following. First I commend my Soul to God trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour for pardon & Salvation. My body I desire may be decently laid in the Earth hoping for a joyfull resurrection at the last day-- And for what Estate it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I give and bequeath the same (after my just debts paid) wholly & intirely to my loving Wife Mary Davidson hereby appointing her my Sole Exetrix In Witness whereof I have hereunto to Set my hand & Seal the twenty third day of Janry in the Year of Our Lord Christ one thousand Seven hundred & thirty five.
Robt Davidson L.S.

Signed Sealed published & declared to be his last Will & Testament by the said Robert Davidson
in presence of John Blair
Wil Prentis
Frans Eagle
Recorded York County Court Febry the 19th 1738. [1738/39]
Test Matt Hubard Cl.Cur.

[Mary Davidson declined to serve as executrix and John Blair was appointed administrator. Ibid, pp 469 & 474]

The appraisement of Davidson's estate amounted to £301.5.1 ½ and was recorded on March 17, 1739 signed by John Blair, Administrator, Wil Prentis, Joseph Davenport and George Gilmer, appraisers.¹ (Wills & Inventories, Book 18, pp 587-588) Illustration #2 for copy of inventory.

Mary Davidson, widow of Robert, died intestate. The record is filed on September 19, 1743 and John Blair is named her administrator by the court. (Wills & Inventories, Book 19, p 223)

On April 6, 1739, John Blair, as Davidson's administrator, advertised the physician's effects 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, Carts, and Harness, &c. at Twelve Months Credit, the Buyer giving Security as usual. The Sale to begin on Thursday the 12th Instant: 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, Parks, ed., April 6, 1739)

From the indenture previously reported, we know that Davidson's two lots (49 and 50) were not sold until March 18, 1744; and that John Holt purchased the property as the highest bidder at two hundred and thirty two pounds current money of Virginia.

The reader will notice that the lots have not been divided and that Holt became the owner of both 49 and 50 according to the indenture of 1744.

The Virginia Gazette of September 25, 1746 carried Holt's notice of the type of merchandise he was offering for sale:

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, Mercery, Haberdashery, Cutlery, Hats, Hose, Gloves, Grocery, Iron, Brass, Earthen, Glass, and China Wares, &c. To be Sold, Wholesale or Retail, by, the Subscriber in Williamsburg .
John Holt . (Virginia Gazette, Sept. 25, 1746)

It looks as though Holt built a new store soon after his ownership of the property. The description is vague as to location but frequently in this period advertisements were vague as to exact locations:

[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, 1846 1746)

We cannot know where "Mr. Holt's new Store" was located. It may have been on the west side of lot 49 or the east side of lot 50.

Francis Jerdone, a native of Scotland, came to Virginia and operated a store at Yorktown, and later in New Kent County and Louisa County. While in Yorktown, Jerdone furnished John Holt, merchant of Williamsburg, with some orders:

York Town
24th June 1751.

Mr John Holt in Wmsburgh	Dr
	[£]
To 2 doz mens & Womens shoe lasts	-.12.-
3 setts smallest blue & white China Cups and Saucers 3/6	-.10.6
1 Set flat. Bottomd Cups & Saucers 4/6	-. 4.6
2 Sets Large blue & white Cups & Saucers--5/6	-.11.6
1 ps fine Cambrick No 217	4. 4.-
1 doz Bottles Snuff	-.13.-
	[£] 6.15.

(Jerdone Ms Ledger 1750-1752, William and Mary College Archives)

In August, 1751, Holt announced from Williamsburg, that he intended to sail for England in about a month and gave notice "to all Persons whose Accounts have been due longer than the usual Time of Credit, that if they do not discharge them before my Departure, I shall leave their Accounts in an Attorney's Hands, with orders to prosecute immediately." (Virginia Gazette, Hunter, ed., August 24, 1751)

In December, 1753, John Holt gave mortgage to Peyton Randolph to secure John Hunter. Two lots on the north side of the main street were mortgaged.¹ Though the numbers were not given, undoubtedly, the lots were 49 and 50:

[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 to John Hunter of Hampton mercht by John Holt.

…Witnesseth that Whereas at the request of the said John Holt the said Peyton Randolph did on the twenty ninth day of September in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and forty nine become bound with him as his Security in a Bond Payable to John Hunter Esqr of Hampton Mercht for the Sum of £800 Current Money Penalty £160O… and in Consideration of the Sum of five Shillings doth… Bargain… All those two Lotts 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… [Holt also mortgaged two lots in Newcastle and "4 lotts with houses in Williamsburg where the said Holt now lives"…]
Rec. July 15, 1754.

(York County Records, Deeds V, p 617-618)

John Holt, merchant of Williamsburg, carried an account with Alexander Craig, saddler, from October 1751 — September 1753 amounting to £71.3.10 1.2. (Ms Account Book of Alexander Craig, p 86, Galt Collection on loan from Mrs. E. Lee Kirby)

We know from a deed to follow that Peyton Randolph - as trustee - with William Nelson and John Robinson - conveyed the lots to William Waters on December 13, 1754. Waters held the lots until 1760 when he sold the western part of lot 49 to William Holt, merchant and brother of John Holt:¹

[July 19, 1760.]

Waters, William--Gent.
Sarah, his wife
to
Holt William--merchant²
Consideration: 300 Pounds current money of Virginia

…
All that Piece or Parcel of a Certain Lot lying and being on the North side of the Main Street in the city of Williamsburg which said Lot is denoted in the Plan of the said City by the figures 49, and to begin at the West corner of the said Lot on the Main Street and to Extend from thence Eastwardly and along the Line of the said Street 24 feet, thence to run Northwardly down into the said lot 87 feet, thence Westwardly a line 24 feet Paralel to the First Line and thence along the West side of the said lot being a South direction to the Beginning, being Part or Parcel of one of the Lotts Conveyed to William Waters by Indenture bearing date December 13, 1754, made or mentioned to be made between Peyton Randolph, then of London Esq of the first part, the Honorable William Nelson and John Robinson Esquires of the second part, Elizabeth Holt³ of the city of Williamsburg aforesaid of the third part and the said William Waters of the fourth part. Together with the Storehouse thereon lately Erected and all other buildings…

(York County Records, Deeds 6, pp 260-61)

This deed was recorded on July 21, 1760.(Ibid, p 262)

In this deed we notice for the first time that a part of lot 49 (to the west) is conveyed to William Holt. According to the size of a colonial lot, the part conveyed was a little less than one third of the width and about one third of the length.¹

The above deed indicates, also, that a storehouse had been lately erected thereon . As this lot - along with another - had been conveyed to Waters in 1754, it is possible that the storehouse "lately erected" was built by John Holt ca. 1746, if not by Waters 1754-60.²

William Holt, merchant, who had acquired the small western portion of lot 49 in 1760, continued at this location. In 1766, an advertisement in the Virginia Gazette gave the location of Holt's store:

[July 4, 1766]

…
And to be SOLD at Mr. HOLT'S store, next door to the Printing Office , Williamsburg, THE NATURE AND NECESSITY OF REGENERATION, considered in a discourse delivered at Williamsburg , in Virginia ; with a dedication to the Episcopal Church in that city, containing an apology for Presbyterians. By CHARLES JEFFERY SMITH, A.M. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon,eds. July 4, 1766)

The Printing Office was located on Lot 48. See: House History of this lot, Research Dept.

On April 19, 1770, Mary Dickenson, milliner, informed the public through the Virginia Gazette that she was located "at Mr. William Holt's store":¹

Just imported in the RANDOLPH, Captain WALKER, and to be sold by the subscriber at Mr. William Holt's ^{store, at a very low advance, for ready money} ,
RICH white lustrings, striped do. best Persian taffetas, nice white trimmings, fine white calicoes and humhums, striped and plain muslins, book do. cambricks and lawns, plain gauze, figured, spotted, and striped, ell wide do… suits full trimmed, lace fronts, Ranelagh and lace crimped do. flower caps, cockades, egrets, best Italian breast flowers end nosegays, do. feathers, do. very pretty newest fashioned ribands, [torn] … handsome half moon marcasites, pearl and fancy [torn] common do. to pin hats, crooked [torn] rings, very fashionable marcasites set [torn] and fine pink French do. seed wax and [torn] sleeve knots quite in the taste, [torn] fans, wedding do. rich blue satin [torn] … womens kid and lamb gloves, [torn] boys do. cotton and thread [torn] co. shoes, white satin do. black [torn] sewing silk of all kinds, best [torn] bow wire, skeign do. and [torn]
MARY DICKENSON. (Ibid-sup)

On November 17, 1770, William Holt, gave deed to John Lewis.² merchant of the city:

[November 17, 1770.]

[Holt, William - merchant of Williamsburg
Mary, his wife
to
Lewis, John of Williamsburg - merchant
Consideration: 300 Pounds Current Money of Virginia]

…
ALL that piece, part or parcel of a Certain Lot of Land situate lying and being on the North side of the Main street in the said City of Williamsburg which said Lot is denoted in the plan of the said City by the Figures (49) and to begin at the West Corner of the said Lot on the Main street and to Extend from thence Eastwardly and along the Line of the said street Twenty four feet thence to run Northwardly down into the said Lot Eighty seven Feet Thence Westwardly a Line of Twenty four feet parrallel to the first Line and thence along the West side of the said Lot being a south Direction to the Beginning which said piece or parcel of a Lot of Land was sold and Conveyed to the said William Holt by William Walters [sic Waters?] and Sarah his Wife by Indenture dated the Nineteenth day of July in the Year one thousand Seven hundred and sixty recorded in the Court of York County Together with the store House erected thereon and all other Buildings…

12

AND the said William Holt for himself and his Heirs doth by these presents Covenant and agree to and with the said John Lewis his Heirs and Assigns that he the said William Holt and his Heirs the above granted premises with the appurtanances and every part thereof free and Clear and freely and Clearly discharged of and from all former Gifts Grants and Incumbrances whatsoever (save and except the Dower of Elizabeth Holt Wife of John Holt Printer whenever the same as shall or may be lawfully demanded) unto the said John Lewis his Heirs and Assigns against the Claim of the said William Holt and His Heirs shall and will Warrant and for ever defend by these Presents...

Wm Holt [Seal]
Mary Holt [Seal]
Sealed and Delivered In Presence of
Alexr Craig
Thomas Russell
William Russell for W.H.
John Tazewell W.H.
RECEIVED this Seventeenth day of November 1770 of the within Named John Lewis the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds Current Money being the Consideration within mentioned to be received by me--- £300-
Wm Holt

Witness
Thomas Russell
Will Russell
John Tazewell

[Ordered to be recorded at York County the 17th June 1771]

(York County Records, Deeds 8, pp 113-115)

From the above deed, we see that the property had been owned by William Holt for ten years thereabout, that a storehouse was erected on the property when Lewis acquired it, and that Elizabeth Holt held dower right in the property via her husband, John Holt.¹

On November 18, 1770, (one day after above deed) John Lewis gave a mortgage to William Holt covering the property:

[November 18, 1770.]

Lewis, John--merchant of Williamsburg
to
Holt, William of the County of James City Gent
For securing the payment of Three hundred pounds Current Money due and owing from the said John to the said William and also in Consideration of the Sum of Five Shillings by said William to said John in hand paid…

13

ALL that piece part or parcel of a Certain Lott of Lend situate lying and being on the North side of the main street in the said City of Williamsburg which said Lott is denoted in the plan of the city by the figures 49 [the description and boundary lines are identical with deed of William Holt to John Lewis of November 17, 1770]

[The mortgage was to be paid off in three installments by Lewis:]

One hundred Pounds Current Money on or before the last day of March which will be in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Seventy two the further sum of one hundred pounds Current Money on or before the last Day of December in the same Year and the further sum of one Hundred pounds Current Money on or before the last day of September which will be in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy three…

Recorded June 18, 1771.

(York County Records, Deeds 8, pp 116-120)

Lewis advertised in September, 1771, that he sold goods "at his Store near the Post Office, in Williamsburg":¹

[September 17, 1771.]

IMPORTED in the Molly, Captain Younghusband, and in the last Ships from London, and to be SOLD by JOHN LEWIS, at his Store near the Post Office, in Williamsburg, on the very lowest Terms, by Wholesale or Retail ,
A CHOICE Assortment of EUROPEAN GOODS suitable for the Season, among which are the following Articles, namely, six Quarter Cloths of all Colours, blue and green Half Thicks, Shrewsbury Plains, Welch and Kendall Cottons, blue, green, and Torrington Rugs, Dutch Blankets, Fearnoughts) Yarn and Plaid Stockings, German Osnabrugs, Hempen Rolls, Irish Linens, Mens, Womens, Boys and Girls Leather Shoes and Pumps, Womens and Girls Calico Shoes, and Pumps, Womens Silk Hats and Bonnets of all Sorts, Nails of all Sorts, single and double refined Sugar, Peper, raw and white Ginger, Saltpetre, Saddlery of all Sorts, Muscovado Sugar, Rum by the Hogshead, Quarter Cask, or Gallon, and almost every other useful Article. (Virginia Gazette Purdie & Dixon, eds., September 17, 1771) p.3, c.1

Lewis ran this notice for two issues of Purdie & Dixon's newspaper (Sept. 17th. and 26th) and in Rind's paper for September 26th. No further notices appeared by Lewis, nor do we know how long he continued in business.

However, a letter from John Norton of London to John Hatley Norton, Williamsburg, dated February 24, 1772, seems to indicate that John Lewis had ordered goods from Norton's merchantile firm: "…A Bill of John Lewis' payable to John Walker on selves for £100 I have paid, which being endorsed by you, tho' he then stood Dr £333.6.6 has sent for another Cargo, and his remittance only 25 hhds Tobo." (John Norton & Sons, p 220)

Whether Lewis continued his store at this stand we have not been able to discover. He had a store in Williamsburg as late as 1780. Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg brick mason and carpenter, charged John Lewis: "April 7 To building a Chimney to Store at 5/. & 14 Days labr at 2/. . . . £4:13:-." (Ledger B, p 3)

John Lewis died in 1785. An excerpt of his will appears in Crozier's Williamsburg Wills, microfilm, Research Department. The will was filed on October 10, 1785 in the General Court. Lewis's wife, Betty; daughters, Anne, Betty and Mary; brothers, William, David and Charles; and executors - wife, John Ambler and brothers were named. Unfortunately, the General Court Records have been destroyed by fire-, so more definite information about Lewis is not available.

Between 1785 and 1796 the owner of the property is not known. From sources to follow in the report, Matthew Anderson,¹ merchant, was the owner in 1796. It seems quite possible that Anderson (together with his partner, David Low) rented the property from the Lewis heirs during this period.²

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows three houses with several outhouses on lots 49 & 50. (Illustration #1 for copy)

The Bucktrout Map (1803) and the College Map (1791?) indicate "Waters" on lot 49. (copy of College Map (adaptation by Tyler) Illustration #1)

The maps give "Waters" on the lot and court records prove that Anderson was the owner. The writer is not able to explain this difference. Certainly court records and insurance policies would be accurate as to location and ownership of property.

Matthew Anderson is known to have owned the western part of lot 49 in 1796. An insurance policy, #114, Mutual Assurance Society, dated April 19, 1796, establishes the fact that Anderson held the lot "on the main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by Leroy Anderson situated between William Hunter's and that of Sarah Waters... The Store house A of wood 32 feet by 18 and the Lumber House of wood 20 feet by 16." (Illustration #3 for copy)

Leroy Anderson, evidently, kept store at this stand in 1797. An account of St. George Tucker in account with Anderson follows:

Williamsburg Vga
The Honble St Geo Tucker Esq
Bot from Leroy Anderson

1797
Decr	8	1 piece Blue Cloth 33 ½ yds 4/	6.14. -
		1 piece Best drab 14 ½ 7/6	5. 8. 9
		1 piece Common do 28 ½ 4/	5.14. -
		18 pair Yarn Hose 2/3	2. 0. 6
		1 Colourd Thread 7/6	-. 7. 6
	10	4 ½ yds drab cloth 7/6	1.13. 9
	14	½ lb fig Blue 5/	-. 2. 6
		3 ¼ yds flannel 4/6	-.14. 7 ½
		4 pocket handkerchiefs 2/6	-.10. -
		2 ¾ yards Durants 2/6	- 6.10 ½
		1 hank Silk ----- 6	-. -. 6
		3 doz Buttons 9d	-. 2. 3
		½ doz Blue flowerd plates 5/6	-. 2. 9
		1 ½ yard Turkey Stripe 10/	-.15. -
	18	5 yds Striped Cloth 12/	3. -. -
		4 Yards linen 2/6	-.10. -
	21	16 yards Blue plain 4/	3. 4. -
		3 Oz thread 1/6	-. 1. 6
	26	1 fine hat and Band	1. 5. 6
				£ 32.14. -

E E --1 January 1798.
February 15 1798 Received payment in full for
Leroy Anderson
Robert Anderson

(Uncatalogued Ms Papers St. George Tucker folder for 1798, Colonial Williamsburg Archives)

A letter from John Bryan "Near Wmsburg" to Mr. Richard Blow, Norfolk, dated March 30, 1798, refers to "Mr Matha Anderson near the post Office: Wmsbg."

From 1795-1798 James Anderson, father of Matthew Anderson, who was blacksmith and Public Armorer, carried an account for minor repairs and draying:

[no date]	Mr Matthew Anderson	Dr
	To a barrel of Beer from Mr Wm Hay	£ 2. -. -
	Draying Do-	-. 2. -
	Dutch Oven 20/10 Tea Kettle 6/	1. 6.10
	Draying goods from Mr Gilliats	-. 3. 9
1795
Novr 10	Cash paid Mr Hayden for plank	2. 5. 0
1796
Jany 19	To a lock for Darey Door 13/6	-.13. 6
Feby 24	To a barrel of Superfine flour	4. 4. -
	Dray to Rockets	-. 2. 6
	To one barrel flour 40/ Decembr 1794	2.-----

(James Anderson Ms Account Book, p 42, photostat from Virginia Historical Society)

		Dr
1796
August 7	Mr Matthew Anderson
	To hooping a Dutch oven	-. 3. -

(Ibid, p. 43)

1797
Octr 10	Mr Matthew Anderson	Dr
	To a Staple & half Do for Store 1/6	-. 1. 6

(Ibid, p 46)

1798
	Mr Matthew Anderson
Jany 26	To putting new Sides, Top, bars, & bottom bars to a grate &c pr Store	-.12. -

(Ibid, p 49)

An account of Dr. Alexander Galt, Williamsburg, with Matthew Anderson, merchant:

1799	Dr Alexander Galt
	Bot of Matthew Anderson
Novr 28	1 quire paper 31. 1 quire ditto 1/6	[£] -. 4. 6
Decm 28	1 ½ yd Casimere 30/. 2 ¾ yd Cotton 6/10 ½	1.16.10-½
	Osnaburgs 3d linen 2/. silk twist &C 1/9	-. 4. -?
1800
Jany 18	1 quire paper each 3/. 2 & 1/6	-. 6. 6
29	10 yds ticklenburg 20/. 1 pr gloves 4/6	1. 4. 6
Feb 6	2 ps tape 2/2 6 ½ yds dowlas 1/ 4 ½	-. 3. 4-½
Mar 10	1 Small Book for John	-. 1. 6
		£ 4. 1. 3
	Recd paymt July 15, 1800
	Matt Anderson
1801	Dr Alexander Galt
	To Matthew Anderson
Feby 19	To Sundries furnished Crump for Pantaloons	2. 1. 7
	Recd paymt Jan. 1, 1802.

(Galt Ms Collection, folder 1792-1803 Dr Alexander Galt; on loan from Mrs. E. Lee Kirby)

Prior to his death, Anderson conveyed to his brother ^nephew, Robert Anderson, ¼ lot valued at $40. Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts show that in 1804 Robert Anderson received via M. Anderson ¼ lot valued at $40. (Illustration #5 for copy) The Land Tax records are incomplete. They do indicate that Matthew Anderson held in 1802 ¼ lot valued at $20. (Ibid) Personal Property Taxes for Williamsburg list Robert Anderson as paying a license for a store (Feb. 1.804 to May l805)----$l8.75. (Photostat, Research Department) These facts would seem to indicate that Robert Anderson had acquired the ¼ lot via Matthew Anderson before his death and had taken over the store to operate.

The will of Matthew Anderson - dated August 10, 1803 — devised unto his sisters, Sally and Rachel, "who now live with me, all my estate whether it be real or mixt, to them and their heirs forever."¹ Rachel became owner of lot 51. (Insurance policies up to 1823 bear out this statement)

An insurance policy #668 - revaluation of #114 — for 1806 indicated that Robert Anderson was the owner of "a building on the North side of the Main Street now occupied by myself and situated between the Lott of Francis Teterel² East and the Lott of Robert Greenhow³ West… The store House marked A Wooden 1 story high dutch roof 32 feet by 18[feet] 6 inches [east] side is distanced 3 feet from one wooden house & 60 feet from another [south] End is distanced 16 feet from one wooden house & 30 feet from another Do... Store House valued at $1150)." (Illustration #3 for copy)

In 1808 Robert Anderson, apparently, gave deed to Henry Anderson to property which seems to be the lot in question: 18

… Also that store house and lot in the said City situated between the lots of Robert Greenhow and of Francis Teterel and bounded by its known and reputed boundaries and all houses buildings and improvements to the said lots belonging or in any wise appurtaining with all the estate right title interest use claim and demand of him the said Ro. Anderson. (Indenture: Ro. Anderson to Henry Anderson--Deed-Anderson Account Book #2, Virginia Historical Society, p 12)

Henry Anderson, evidently, never became the fee simple owner of the lot. Neither the Land Tax Records nor any insurance policy appear under his name for property in the city.

In 1815 Robert Anderson insured the storehouse under Policy #1509, revaluation of #668. He described the property as "on the main street in Williamsburg situated between Greenhows lot on the west and Teterels lot on the North and the East... storehouse of wood and covered with wood one story high 32 by 18 [and] B Kitchen of wood & covered with wood 12 by 14. A and B are contiguous to four wooden buildings covered with wood--- store house valued at $1200 and Kitchen at $20.OO." (Illustration #3 for copy of policy)

In 1819 Cole & Sheldon, merchants, rented the storehouse:

Feb. 3, 1819.
Rented storehouse to Cole & Sheldon at $120.00
insurance, taxes &c on same for 1819 11.00 July 13, 1819.
Merchandise dr To Cole & Sheldon this sum at which I take my storehouse back for the remainder of this year pr Mr. S... $20.00 (Robert Anderson Account Book #7, pp 80, 84 Virginia Historical Society.)

In 1823 another insurance policy of Anderson's, #5008 revaluation of #1509, states that his buildings were "on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lots of Francis Teterel north and East and Richardson Hubbard West Storehouse A wood and covered with wood Kitchen B wood covered with wood A and B contiguous to four wooden buildings each Store House valued at $800 and Kitchen at $115." (Illustration #3 for copy)

An item in the Anderson papers notes that Walter W. Webb, merchant, rented Anderson's storehouse: 19

Williamsburg March 3, 1823.

Walter W. Webb dr To Merchandise took possession 18 March rent of my store house for one year from the 1 April next pr memo: given to him ----------------- $100. (Robert Anderson Day Book 9, p 21, Virginia Historical Society)

Anderson continued to own the western part of lot 49. In 1830 he again insured his buildings "on my own land, situated on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between my own other lands and lots on the west, Webbs lot on the North and on the East, and the main street in Williamsburg on the South... Store House marked A at $800 and Kitchen marked B at $185. A. Store house 18 by 32 of Wood entire - two stories B. Kitchen 12 by 14 of Wood entire. The buildings A and B are contiguous to each other and to two other buildings of wood on the east, and to one other wood building on the west." (Illustration #3 copy of policy #7574 revaluation of #5008)

Richard Coke Jr. and Wilson Willcocks leased Anderson's store for five years:

September 8, 1831
Richard Coke Junr and Wilson Willcocks written obligation of lease dated 6th inst. for the store and counting room and front cellar rooms of the house (now under lease to W. W. Webb till 31 Dec. next) for five years from 1 January 1832 at $100 per year in half yearly payments ---------------------- $500-00 (Ibid, Book 12, p 77)

In 1838 Anderson's insurance policy states that his "buildings on my own land in Williamsburg now occupied by Scervant Jones situated between another lot of mine on the West, Jacob C. Sheldons lot on the North and East, and the main street on the South in the county of York... The Store House A at $1200 Kitchen B at $300-- store house 18 by 32." (Illustration #3 for copy) Jones, evidently, continued to rent the property. Anderson's Day Book #15, p 6 states: "Scervant Jones--recd for a year house rent, due 23 June last ---------- $120." (dated January 4, 1841)

In 1845 Anderson was renting the storehouse to Joseph Bossiux:

Septr 21 1845 Rented my storehouse adjoining Sheldon & Maupins at $125 a year from the first of October to (Joseph)Bossiux my things to remain in Cellar & Kitchen sometime and until those 20 places are wanting by Mr Bossiux. (Robert Anderson Account Books, Cash Book 1845-1850, p 7, Virginia Historical Society)

In 1846 Anderson insured the property under policy #14373 revaluation of #10991. He described it as "my Buildings on the Main street in Williamsburg now occupied by George W. Hope situated between Jacob C. Sheldons lot on the East and North another lot of said Anderson West and main street on the South in the county of York... The Store marked A at $1200 The Lumber House marked B at $250 --------- $1450." (Illustration #3 for copy)

In 1849 (October) Franklin A. Sibley was renting Anderson's storehouse:

4. Franklin A. Sibley dr To Rents of Real Estate Rent of my store house in Williamsburg to 30 September 1850 ----------- $125
Mr Sibley is at liberty to give up the house on 31 Decemr next by paying $50 from this time, until then, per my letter to him. (Robert Anderson Day Book #16, p 69)

Anderson's property is mentioned in May 1851 thus: "Sheldon deed of trust to William S. Peachey on all that lot of land in the said City on Main Street whereon the store house of the said Sheldon formerly stood adjoining the lots of Coleman and Robert Anderson.¹ (Southall Papers, Legal Cases & Estates, folder 179, William & Mary College Archives)

Anderson or his estate were owners of the property until 1873. From 1873 to the present time there have been eight different owners..., For further detail about the property at this period, see CHRONOLOGY to this report, or more detailed chain to title, Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" (1928) as he remembered it during the Civil War period, has this to say about the property on the lot [west 49]: 21

When the "dogs of war began to howl," there was only one other house^x on this square fronting on the Duke of Gloucester Street and that was a very long two story frame building just east of the depression referred to. This house had a store in the front part and the rooms in the rear and upstairs were used as a dwelling. ("Recollections of Williamsburg," p 45, copy Research Department)

The Architectural Department has a photograph "#93 From Dame, Stoddard Kendall 374 Washington Street, Boston" - no date thereon. It shows Virginia Gazette building with portions of "the two story frame building" to the east and very close to the Gazette building. This building probably is on the original foundations of Holt's storehouse.

Excavations made in 1932 and completed in 1952, indicate that a building 18 feet 2 inches by 32 feet 1 inch stood about 2 feet 8 inches from the western boundary of lot 49. According to findings the building had front basement entrance and stoop entrance from Duke of Gloucester Street. The foundations of kitchen were 12 by 14 feet. (Illustration #1 for drawings by archaeologist)

Illustration #1

From Frenchman's Map

Tyler Map

Illustration #2

[August 18, 1721.
Rec. Sept. 18, 1721.]

this is the whole account of the es[torn] decd my late husband that hath as yet come to my hands this 18 day of August l721
[torn]arga W Gill ^{her mark}

At a Court held for York County Sept 18 1721 This Inventory of the estate of Henry Gill decd was presented in Court by the executrix and admitted to Record
Test
Phil Lightfoot Cl Cur

[March 17, 1739]

John Blair
Adm
Appraisers
Wil Prentis
Jos: Davenport
Geo: Gilmer

At a Court held for York County March the 17th 1739
This Inventory & Appraisement of the Estate of Robt Davidson decd was this day retd to Court and Order'd to be recorded

Test
Matt Hubard ClCur
Examd

Illustration #3

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #114 declared for assurance by Matt Anderson 1796, April 19th I the underwritten Matt Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society...

My buildings on the main Street at Williamsburg now occupied by Leroy Anderson situated between William Hunter and that of Sarah Watters in the county of York...

Insurance plat

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #668 Revaluation of the Buildings insured under #114 for Matt Anderson 1806, May 30th

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Wmsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire...My one Building the North side of the Main Street now occupied by my self and situated between the Lott of Francis Teterel East and the Lott of Robert Green-
how West in the county of York...

Insurance Plat

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #1509 new revaluation former declaration #668 of Robert Anderson
1815, June 21st

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire... my buildings on the Main Street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between Greenhows lot on the West and Teterel's lot on the North and the East in the County of York...

Insurance plat

Mutual Assurance Policy #5008 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Robert Anderson per Declaration #1509 1823.. April 7th

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire ... my buildings on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lots of Francis Teterel north and East- and Richardson Hubberd West in the county of York...

Insurance plat

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #7574 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Robert Anderson per Declaration #5008
1830, May 12th

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire... my buildings on my own land, situated on the main street in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between my own other lands and lots on the west- Webbs lot on the North and on the East, and the main street in Williamsburg on the South-- in the county of York...

Insurance plat

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #10991 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Robert Anderson per Declaration #7574
1838, November 27th

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire... my buildings on my own land in Williamsburg now occupied by Scervant Jones situated between another lot of mine on the West, Jacob C. Sheldons lot on the North and East, and the main street on the South in the county of York

Insurance plat

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #14373 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Robert Anderson per Declaration #10991
1846, October 3rd

I the underwritten Robert Anderson residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire… my Buildings on the Main street in Williamsburg now occupied by George W. Hope situated between Jacob C. Sheldons lot on the East and North another lot of said Anderson West and main street on the South in the county of York…

Insurance plat

Illustration #4

Illustration #5

NOTE: Robert Anderson owned so many lots in Williamsburg that the writer found it difficult to trace this lot in the land tax records to the present. The title seems conclusive from the insurance policies and other evidences.
M.A.S.