Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

[photocopy of hand-written letter]

[photocopy of hand-written letter]

[photocopy of hand-written letter]

Tyler Map

GEDDY, ELIZABETH

Elizabeth Geddy, daughter of James Geddy, Silversmith, and Elizabeth Waddill Geddy. Married John Taliaferro

VG May 21, 1789

GEDDY ELIZABETH
Swem Index: 6 W(1) 25
Old Blandford Tombstones

BENEATH
this Marble rest
the Remains of
Mrs ELIZABETH GEDDY,
who departed this Life
December the 7th, 1799
in the 65th Year of her age.
Her Disconsolate Husband
(who with so worthy a Partner
upwards of 17 Years
enjoyed every Felicity
the connubial state can afford)
erected this TOMB in commemoration of her
VIRTUES.

Elizabeth Geddy (1797-1849)

Blandford Cemetery Records

Elizabeth Geddy, wife of William W. Geddy, died March 1849 at 52 years 5 months and 9 days. She was buried on the east side of the walk south of the old church. (Location: East by J. T. English; North by. W. Lunsford; West by W. Evans and South by Robinette) She was born in Northumberland.

Silver Shoe Buckles Marked "IG"

Virginia Gazette
Dec 10, 1736 Ran away from the Subscriber, in Hampton, the 28th of November last, a Servant Man, named Henry Donally: He is Irishman, of a middle Size, a ruddy Complexion, with fair Hair; and is about Seventeen Years of Age. Had on, when he went away, a blue broad Cloth Coat, and a German Serge Coat, a Guinea Cloth Jacket, and 2 Pair of Trowsers; one check'd Shirt, 1 Oznabrigg, and 2 white Shirts. He likewise took with him 3 Pair of Shoes, 3 Pair of Stockings, and a Pair of large Silber Buckles, mark'd I.G. Also a dark Bay Horse, branded I.W. on the near Buttock, has a Star in his Forehead, a Sore on his Shoulders, a little white Spot under one of his Ears, and a Sprig Tail. Whoever secures the said Servant, so that his Mistress may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, besides what the Law allows, paid by
Mary Bordland

Blandford Church
Bristol Parish, Petersburg
April 2, 1969

Built 1735
Abandoned by parish 1806

Elizabeth Geddy tombstone - 1799
wife of 17 years (so, married in 1782) marble stone on brick piers, located immediately S.E. of church's south door, apparently moved there from another (original) location.

James Geddy died May 12, 1807 - 76 years old (b. 1731)
23 years resident of Petersburg (1784)
Since Blandford Church abandoned in 1806, Geddy was probably buried somewhere else. Married Elizabeth after moving to Dinwiddie (Had a married daughter, Elizabeth Taliaferro, in 1803) So the Elizabeth (above) possibly second wife.
Married Jane Bradley - July 10, 1804

James Geddy, Jr. Married Euphan Armistead - May 21, 1789 --was dead, October 4, 1803
Mary Geddy married William Prentis - March 14, 1789 (date of license)

THESE CHILDREN COULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE ABOVE ELIZABETH GEDDY'S CHILDREN

LOCATION

Colonial Lot 161 (61) lies on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street near Palace Green. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?) facing page 1.

HISTORY

The history of this lot is closely parallel to and sometimes identical with the history of Colonial Lot 162 adjacent to it on the east. The lots are numbered "161" and "162" on the College Map. The lot in question is numbered "161" in a deed in 1716; "61" in a deed of 1750 and "161" in a deed of 1760. After that date the lot is not numbered in deeds but is numbered on the Bucktrout Map (1807) and on the College Map (1791?).

The first owner, Samuel Cobbs, received Lot 161 from the trustees of Williamsburg by lease on February 5, 1716, and by release deed on February 6, 1716:

[Consideration: 5 shillings] [February 5, 1716] THIS INDENTURE made ye fifth day of ffebruary in the Third Year of ye reign of our Sovereign 2. Lord George … in ye Year of our Lord God One Thousand, Seven hundred & Sixteen Between yt ffeofees or Trustees for ye Land Appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh of ye One part & Samuel Cobbs of ye County of York of Ye other part Wittnesseth that ye sd ffeofees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Consideration them thereunto moving but more Especially for & in consideration five Shillings of good & lawfull money of England … have Granted, bargained, Sold, Demised & to farm letter unto ye sd Saml Cobbs his heirs or Assigns Two certain Lotts of Ground in ye sd City of Wmsburgh designed in ye Plott of ye sd City by these figures (161 & 162) with all pasturage, Woods & Waters & … whatsoever to ye Same belonging… John Clayton (Seal)
Hugh Norvel (Seal)¹ [Recorded York County Court Feb. 18, 1716]

A deed of release was given the following day:

[February 6, 1716]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Samuel Cobbs of York County
Consideration: 30 shillings]

…Between ye ffeoffees or Trustees for ye Land Appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh of ye One part & Samuel Cobbs of ye County of York of ye Other part Witnesseth that whereas ye sd Saml Cobbs by One Lease to him by ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees bearing date ye day before ye date of those Presents is in actual & peaceable possession of ye Premises herein after granted, to ye intent 3. that by Vertue of ye sd Lease & of ye Statute for transferring Use into possession … ye sd Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations … but more Especially for & in Consideration of Thirty Shillings of good & lawfull money of England … do hereby Acknowledge have Granted, bargained, Sold, demised released & Confirmed & by these Presents for themselves … unto ye Saml Cobbs Two certain Lotts of Ground in ye sd City of Wmsburgh designed in ye Plott of ye sd City by these figures (161 & 162) with all Woods thereon growing or being, together with all Profits, Comoditys … TO HAVE & TO HOLD … unto ye sd Saml Cobbs & to his heirs for Ever … that is to say, that if ye sd Saml Cobbs his heirs or Assigns shall not within ye Space of Twenty four Months next Ensueing ye date of these Presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of ye sd granted Premises One good Dwelling house or houses of such dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at ye Capitol ye Twenty Third day of October 1705 Intituled an Act continueing ye Act directing ye building ye Capitol & City of Wmsburgh … Then it shall & May be lawfull to & for ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees & their Successors … to Enter & ye Same to have again … if these Presents had never been made… John Clayton (Seal)
Hugh Norvel (Seal)¹

[Recorded York County Court Feb. 18, 1716]

It may be assumed that the required buildings were constructed on the property, though houses were not noted in the release deed. When Cobbs conveyed the lots in 1719 to Samuel Boush, Jr., the "consideration" had increased from thirty shillings to forty pounds. Deeds of lease and release follow:

[July 17, 1719]

[Samuel Cobbs to Samuel Boush Junr of Norfolk County
Consideration: 5 shillings sterling money]

… THIS INDENTURE made the Seventeenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & ninteen in the fifth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George King of Great Britain &c BETWEEN Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife of the County of York of the one part & Samuel Boush Junr of the County of Norfolk of the other part - WITNESSETH that the sd Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife for the Consideration of five shills Sterling money to them in hand paid … have bargained & Sold & by these presents doth bargain & Sell unto the sd Samuel Boush junr Two Lots of Land with the appurtenances Scituate lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh beginning at a Corner Stone on the main Street & running thence up the Pallace Street to another Street thence down this sd Street to the market place thence along the market place to the main Street thence along the main Street to the beginning Stone and the same 5. being taken up by the sd Cobbs & acknowledged by the Feoffees for the sd City as pr Deeds bearing date fifth day of February 1716 & Recorded in York County & the Reversion & Reversions Remainder & Remainders together with the Rents & profits thereof & of every part & parcell of the premises TO HAVE & TO HOLD … with the appurtenances thereunto belonging … unto the sd Samuel Boush his Execrs & Assigns from the day before the date hereof for & during the Term of one whole year from thence next ensueing … paying therefore the yearly Rent of one yeyer [sic] Corn at the feast of St John the Baptist only if the same be lawfully demanded
Saml Cobbs Seal
Edith Cobbs Seal ¹

[Recorded York County Court July 20, 1719]

A deed of release was given on July 18, 1719:

[July 18, 1719]

[Samuel Cobbs to Samuel Boush jr. of Norfolk County
Consideration: 40 pounds lawful money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred & Ninteen & in the fifth year of our Sovereign Lord George King of Great Britain &c BETWEEN Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife of the one part & Samuel Boush junr of the County of Norfolk of the other part WITNESSETH that the sd Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife for & in 6. Consideration of the Sum of Fourty pounds lawfull money of Virginia to them in hand paid … doth acknowledge & themselves therewith fully contented & paid & thereof doth acquitt & discharge the Sd Samuel Boush his Execrs & Adminrs & … hath given Granted Targained Sold aliened Released & Confirmed … unto the sd Samuel Boush Junr his heirs & assigns Two Lotts of Land with the appurtenances Scituate lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh beginning at a Corner Stone on the main Street & running thence up the Pallace Street to another Street thence down the sd Street to the Market place thence along the Market to the main Street thence along the main Street to the beginning Stone, the Same being taken up by the sd Cobbs & acknowledged by the Feofees as pr Deeds bearing date the fifth of February 1716 & recorded in York County which sd Two lotts are now in the actual possession of the sd Samuel Boush by vertue of an Indenture of bargain & Sale to him thereof … by vertue of the Statute for Transferring use into possession … and that he hath good Right & lawfull authority to Sell & dispose of the sd Land & appurtenances …
Saml Cobbs (Seal)
Edith Cobbs (Seal)¹

[Recorded York County Court July 20, 1719]

A page by page check of the deed books of York County have failed to indicate when Boush conveyed Lot 161 to James Geddy, gunsmith, of Williamsburg. Geddy 7. had come into the property prior to 1738 when Boush conveyed Lot 62 (162) to Geddy. ¹ The deed stated that Lot 62 (162) was "adjoining the Lot whereon the said James Geddy² now dwells with all woods …"

The following notices in the Virginia Gazette indicate that James Geddy was living in Williamsburg by 1737 (probably 1736) and that he had a gunsmith shop:

Williamsburg, October 15, 1736.
(William Wyatt of Williamsburg advertised that a servant man of his had run away.] "He had on when he went away, (with a servant of Mr. Geddy's) a pair of brown Breeches with green Puffs, a pair of Yarn Stockings, a blue and white Stript Waistcoat, and a white Shirt…"³

July 8, 1737.

LOST out of Mr. James Geddy's Shop in Williamsburg, about a Week ago, A Steel Cross-Bow, the Spring of it broke. Whoever will bring it to Mr. Geddy aforesaid, or give any Intelligence of it; so that he may have it again, shall have half a Pistole Reward.
The said James Geddy has a great Choice of Guns and Fowling-Pieces, 8.of several Sorts and Sizes, true bored, which he will warrant to be good; and will sell them as cheap as they are usually sold in England.¹

[October 6, 1738]

GENTLEMEN and Others, may be supply'd by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, with neat Fowling-Pieces, and large Guns fit for killing Wild-Fowl in Rivers, at a reasonable Rate. He also makes several Sorts of wrought Brass-work, and casts small Bells.
James Geddy.²

[October 5, 1739]

About Six Months since, a long Gun, about 6 or 7.Feet in the Barrell, was brought by a young Gentleman of GLOUCESTER County, to me, the Subscriber, in WILLIAMSBURG, to be new Stockld and Lock'd; and as I have some Reason to believe, that the Person who brought it is dead, and am desirous the right Owner should have it, I therefore give this Notice, that the Person who has a Right to it, may know where it is, and that he may have it, on proving his Property, and paying the Charges, to me, James Geddy.³

[February 18, 1739]

At a Court held for York County on February 18, 1739 A Negro man slave 9. of James Geddy of Williamsburg was committed to the County Goal for breaking in and entering the shop house of John Coke a silver smith and taking out divers Goods as is set forth in the Indictment against him … ¹

It is assumed that James Geddy had a gunsmith shop on Lot 161, either in a part of the house or in a separate building. He died the latter part of 1743 or before August, 1744, leaving his wife, Anne, in possession of all of his real and personal estate:

[September 23, 1743]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN being in sound Judgment & memory Thanks be to God for the same Imprimis I bequeath my Soul unto Almighty God- who gave it and my body to be neatly interr'd with Comfortable hopes of a blessed and joyfull resurrection through Jesus Christ my Savior. As for my Temporal Estate after all my just debts are paid I will as followeth Item I give unto my Sons & Daughters David, James, William & John Geddy Elizabeth, Anne & Mary Geddy each of them-five shillings. I do constitute & appoint Anne Geddy my beloved wife Sole Extrix and heiress of all my real & personal Estate to be disposed by her as she thinks most proper. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal this 23d day of Septr Anno Domini one thousand Seven hundred & 10. forty three Years.
James Geddy (Seal) ¹

Signed Sealed & delivered
in the presence of us
Thomas Bennett
George Charlton
Hugh Boyd

[Recorded in York County Court, August 20, 1744]

An appraisement was ordered the same date. It was put on record November 19, 1744.²

On October 4, 1744 "A Petition of Anne Geddy, Widow, was presented to the House (of Burgesses], and read: setting forth, That her late Husband, James Geddy, by order of the Governor, cleaned Seven Hundred Arms in the Magazine; for which the Treasurer does not think fit to pay her without the Directions of this House so to do; and praying the Consideration of the House therein." ³

The appraisement is interesting in that it gives many items used by Geddy in the gunsmith shop such as "a parcel rough brass work for Guns, Bullet Mounds, Turner Laith, Gun Smith's Tools, Vices, screw plates, 11. Founders Laith, Founders patterns, 200 ps sheet Lead &c.". The total appraisement of Geddy's estate which included only personal property was £178.6.52.

Anne Geddy, the widow, by will, came into both Lot 161 and 162. In 1750, she conveyed Lot 162 to James Taylor, a tailor of Williamsburg, under the condition that Taylor, his heirs or assigns, his and their servants and tenants be allowed at all times to pass & repass to the well without the interruption or hindrance of Anne Geddy or any other person. ¹

William and David Geddy, sons of James and Anne, evidently, continued the gunsmith shop of their father's. An advertisement in the Virginia Gazette of August 8, 1751, stated that "DAVID and WILLIAM GEDDY Smiths in Williamsburg, near the Church" were soliciting trade:

DAVID and WILLIAM GEDDY Smiths in Williamsburg, near the Church, having all Manner of Utensils requisite, carry on the Gun-smith's, Cutler's, and Founder's Trade, at whose Shop may be had the following Work, viz . Gun Work, such as Guns and Pistols Stocks, plain or neatly varnished, Locks and Mountings, Barrels, blued, bored, and rifled; Founder's Work, and Harness Buckles, Coach Knobs, 12. Hinges, Squares, Nails and Bullions, curious Brass Fenders and Fire Dogs, House Bells of all Sizes, Dials calculated to any Latitude; Cutler's Work, as Razors, Lancets, Shears, and Surgeon's Instruments ground, cleaned, and glazed, as well as when first made, Sword Blades polished, blued, and gilt in the neatest Manner, Scabbards for Swords, Needles and Sights for Surveyors Compasses, Rupture Bands of different Sorts, particularly a Sort which gives admirable Ease in all Kinds of Ruptures; Likewise at the said Shop may be had a Vermifuge, Price, 3s.6d. per Bottle, which safely and effectually destroys all Kinds of Worms in Horses, the most inveterate Pole-evils and Fistulas cured, and all Diseases incident to Horses; at their said Shop.¹

On August 18, 1760 Anne Geddy conveyed the property to her son, James Geddy: 13.

[Anne Geddy of James City County to James Geddy of Williamsburg, silversmith Consideration: £100 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty BETWEEN Anne Geddy of the County of James City widow of the one part and James Geddy of the City of Williamsburgh Silver Smith of the other Part Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of the Sum of one hundred pounds current money by the said James to the said Anne in hand paid before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof she doth hereby acknowledge and thereof Acquit and discharge the said James his Executors and Administrators She the said Anne Hath Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Enfeoffed and Confirmed and by these Presents Doth Grant Bargain Sell Alien Enfeoff and Confirm unto the said James Geddy his Heirs and Assigns forever All that Peice Parcel or Lot of Land lying and being in the Parish of Bruton and County of York on the North Side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburgh and bounded on the South by the said Street on the West by Palace Street on the North by Nicholson Street and on the East by the Lott of Richard Corbin and Mann Page¹ Esquires and denoted in the Plan of the 14. said City by the Figures 161 and all [blurred] Buildings Yards Gardens Orchards Woods Ways Waters Profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging or any wise Appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents and Houses thereof and all the Estate Right Title and Interest to her the said Anne Geddy of in and to the same with the Appurtenances unto the said James Geddy his Heirs and Assigns to the only Use and Behoof of the said James Geddy his Heirs and Assigns forever And the said Anne Geddy for herself and her Heirs doth Covenant Promise and Agree to and with the said James Geddy his Heirs and Assigns forever that She the said Anne Geddy and her Heirs the said Peice Parcel or Lot of Land with the Appurtenances unto the said James Geddy his Heirs and Assigns against the lawfull Claim and Demand of all and every Person and Persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever Defend by these Presents IN WITNESS whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto set their hand and Affixed their Seals the day and Year first above written
Anne Geddy¹ LS

Sealed and Delivered
In the Presence of
John Bell
Samuel Spurr
George Powell

[Recorded in York County Court, August 18, 1760]

James Geddy,¹ son of James Geddy, the gunsmith, was a silversmith. He seems to have had a shop in Williamsburg from ca. 1760 to the latter part of 1777 when he removed to Dinwiddie County. While living in Williamsburg he advertised at various times as a silversmith, goldsmith and watchmaker. ² Geddy's brother-in-law, William Waddill, engraver and silversmith, had his shop at Geddy's from ca. 1772 to possibly 1782.³

We have reason to believe that Geddy had his shop and residence on Lot 161. Such expressions in the following notices in the Virginia Gazette as "Near the Church in Williamsburg," "next door to the Post office" and "at his Shop, near the Church" seem to confirm this belief. Newspaper notices follow: 16.

[1765]
Williamsburg September 1765
… James Geddy Do [advertising] Jewellery &c …. £--.5.- (Virginia Gazette Ms Account Book, University of Virginia, photostat, Research Department)

[1767]
JAMES GEDDY, GOLDSMITH, Near the Church in Williamsburg, has now on hand for SALE, very cheap, for ready money, the following articles, VIZ. SILVER Tea Spoons and Tongs, Mens, Womens, and Childrens Shoe Buckles, Stock and Knee do. Spurs, Plain and Stone Rings, Stone Seals, Plain and Stone Brooches, Plain and Stone Gold Buttons, Plain and Stone Silver Buttons and Studs, Plain and Stone Earrings in Gold, and many other articles.

N. B. He still continues to clean and repair WATCHES, and repairs his own work that fails in a reasonable time, without any expense to the purchaser.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., March 5, 1767)

[1768]
Just imported in the last ship from London, and to be sold at a low advance, by the subscriber, next door to the Post Office, Williamsburg,
A NEAT assortment of JEWELLERY, consisting of the following articles, viz . Stone and paste shoe, knee, and stock buckles, stone and plain gold brooches, hair sprigs, pins, crescents, and earrings, stone sleeve buttons and rings of all sorts, silver and pinchbeck buckles, turenne and punch ladles, thimbles, plated spurs, silver and steal watch chains and seals, &c &c &c
JAMES GEDDY. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., October 27, 1768)

[1769]
JAMES GEDDY
GOLDSMITH,
Next door below the Church, Wmsburg, HAS now on hand a neat assortment of country made GOLD and SILVER WORK, which he will sell at the lowest rates for cash, or exchange for old gold or silver. As he has not imported any jewellery this season, he flatters himself he will meet with encouragement, especially from those Ladies and Gentlemen who are friends to the Association.
N. B. He repairs his work, without any expense to the purchaser. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., September 28, 1769)

[1770]
WILLIAMSBURG, October 4, 1770
JAMES GEDDY,
Goldsmith, near the Church, Williamsburg HAS on hand a neat assortment of COUNTRY MADE GOLD and SILVER WORK, which he will sell reasonably, for cash; likewise a small, but neat as assortment of imported JEWELLERY (ordered before the association took place) among which are paste shoe, knee, and stock buckles, hair pins, thimbles, mocho and crystal in gold and silver, tortoiseshell and horn poll combs, fashionable plated spurs, &c. &c. He has also for sale, on six months credit, a likely NEGRO WENCH, about eighteen years old, with her child, a boy. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., October 4, 1770)

[1771]
Just IMPORTED, by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, for Sale, A GOOD Assortment of TOOLS and MATERIALS for GOLD SMITHS, JEWELLERS, and WATCHMAKERS. Orders from the Country will be as 18. strictly complied with as if the Person was present.
JAMES GEDDY. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., May 23, 1771)

[1772]
Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, near the Church in Williamsburg,
A NEAT Assortment of PLATE, WATCHES, and JEWELLERY, consisting of Silver cans; pierced, oval, and round Salts; Tureen, Punch, and Pap Ladles; Table and Tea Spoons; Spring Tongs; chased Cream Buckets; plain Silver Watches, of various Prices; Paste and plain Combs; Sprigs and Pins; Crystal, Paste and other Earrings; Corals and Bells; Paste Shoe, Knee and Stock Buckles; Brooches; Thimbles; fashionable Silver and Pinchbeck Buckles, Mocho Sleeve Buttons in Gold, set round with Marcasite; Crystal Ditto in Gold and Silver; Triangle, and other Seals, in Gold, Silver and Pinchbeck; plain and ornamented Lockets; Diamond, and other Rings; Loop, studded, and Chain Spurs; Ladies and Gentlemens Steal and Pinchbeck watch Chains; Steel, and Common Keys; chased Etwee Cases and Instruments; Pearl, Bugle, Marcasite, Wax, and Benecian Necklaces; with a neat Assortment of TOOLS and MATERIALS in the different Branches of his Business &c &c &c
JAMES GEDDY

MOURNING RINGS, and all Kinds of ENGRAVING, done at the same Shop by WILLIAM WADDILL.

(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., June 4, 1772)

[July 21, 1773]

[1773]
Just IMPORTED from LONDON, in the George, Captain Coates, by JAMES GEDDY, and to19.be sold reasonably, at his Shop, near the Church, in Williamsburg, a neat Assortment of
PLATE AND JEWELLERY,
consisting of pierced and plain Salts; Table and Tea Spoons; Tureen Punch and Pap Ladles; Silver, plated, and Pinchbeck Buckles; Paste Shoe, Knee and Neck Ditto; Paste Combs and Pins; Brooches of Gold and Silver; Mocho and Crystal Buttons in Ditto; Triangle and other Seals in Ditto; Gold Lockets; Chain, Loop, and Stud plated Spurs; Thimbles; Ladies and Gentlemens Chains; Corals; Paste and Crystal Earrings; Finger Ditto; Wedding Ditto; Gold Stock Buckles; Paste Hoops; plain Tortoiseshell and Horn Poll Combs; Morocco Pocket Books, and a Variety of Materials in the Watchmaker's, Jeweller's, and Goldsmith's Business.--The highest Price will be given for old Gold and Silver in Exchange for new Work.
N. B. I would be glad to take an Apprentice, a Lad of good Parts, not more than fourteen Years old, whose Parents or Guardians will find him Clothes. Such a one shall be taught the Business I now follow, in its different Branches. (Virginia Gazette, Hunter, (ed.), July 21, 1773)

[1773]
[Nov. 11, 1773]
STOLEN OUT OF THE SUBSCRIBER'S SHOP, OR given to a wrong Person by Mistake, a SILVER WATCH with a Silver Dial Plate, Maker's Name Hipling, London, No. 3723. I should be obliged to any Master Watchmaker who stops the said Watch, and any Person bringing it to me shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward.
JAMES GEDDY.
N. B. Just IMPORTED, and SELLING at the lowest Price, an Assortment of 20. PLATE and JEWELLERY, consisting of Table and Tea Spoons; Turenne, Punch, and Pap Ladles; Paste Shoe, Knee, and Neck Buckles; Corals, Buttons in Gold and Silver, Seals in Ditto, Paste and Crystal Earrings, Lockets plain and ornamented, plated Spurs, Ditto Buckles, Paste Pins and Combs, Watch Chains and Keys, Brooches, Rings, &c. &c.
J. G. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., November 11, 1773)

[1773]
[November 11, 1773]
JUST IMPORTED in the BLAND, CAPTAIN DANBY, and SELLING at the lowest PRICES at the Subscriber's shop in Williamsburg, An assortment of PLATE and JEWELLERY, consisting of table and tea spoons, tureen, punch and pap ladles, paste, shoe, knee and neck buckles, silver ditto, corals, seals in gold and silver, buttons in ditto, paste and christal earrings, lockets, plain and ornamented, plated spurs and buckles, paste pins and combs, watch chains and keys broaches, rings &c. &c.
JAMES GEDDY. (Virginia Gazette, Rind, ed., November 11, 1773)

[1774]
[October 13, 1774]
JAMES GEDDY
GOLDSMITH, near the Church,
WILLIAMSBURG,
Has for Sale all Sorts of Country made GOLD and SILVER WORK, and has just imported from London a genteel Assortment of PLATE and JEWELLERY, which he will sell at lower Rates than usual.
***Old SILVER taken in Exchange for new Work at 7s. per Ounce, and GOLD at 21. 5 £,.5s. He repairs his own Work that fails in a reasonable Time, without any Expense to the Purchaser. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds., October 13, 1774)

[1774]
[October 13, 1774]
JAMES GEDDY,
G 0 L D S M I T H,
NEAR THE CHURCH, WILLIAMSBURG,
Has just imported from London a genteel assortment of PLATE and JEWELLERY, he has likewise on hand all sorts of country made GOLD and SILVERWORK, which he will sell at lower rates than usual. OLD SILVER taken in exchange for new work, at 7s. per ounce, and GOLD at 5 £ 5s. He repairs his own work, that fails in a reasonable time, without any expence to the purchaser. (Virginia Gazette, John Pinkney, ed., October 13, 1774)

In July, 1774 James Geddy owed Samuel Gist, London merchant, £ 212.14.3. By November, 1774 Geddy had paid all but £ 96.12.1. ¹

[1775]
[June 3, 1775]
JAMES GEDDY, GOLDSMITH,
Near the Church, Williamsburg,
HAS now on Hand an Assortment of JEWELLERY, which he would sell at an unusual low Price for ready Money.---He has just procured, by the Bland, Capt. Danby, 22. from London, a WATCH FINISHER, who will repair and clean REPEATING, HORIZONTAL, and PLAIN WATCHES, on reasonable Terms, and warrant them twelve Months, Accidents excepted. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, eds., June 3, 1775)

[1776]
[Sept. 20, 1776]
WILLIAMSBURG, Sept . 20, 1776.
I WILL give 7s. 6d. an ounce for OLD SILVER, ready money.
JAMES GEDDY. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie, ed., Sept. 20, 1776)

[1777]
[Oct. 17, 1777]
WILLIAMSBURG, October 16, 1777.
ANY Kind of Ore that may be found with in this or the neighbouring States, and brought to Mr. Geddy's Shop in this City any Time before the Month of December, will be assayed or refined, gratis, and a proper Account rendered of what Metal such Ore contains. An accurate Account is necessary how such Ore as may be brought was found, whether in or contiguous to mountainous or hilly Grounds, rocky or stony, or on level Lands or whether above or below the Surface of the Earth. (Virginia Gazette, Dixon & Hunter, eds., Oct. 17, 1777)

Let us return to the year 1760 (August) when James Geddy acquired the property from his mother, Anne Geddy. In September, 1760 Geddy gave Hugh Walker and John Goode, merchants, a 15-year lease to the east portion of the house. From the deed of lease, Walker 23. and Goode were willing to "Erect & Build a Shed Sixteen feet long and ten feet wide with an out Side Chimney;" and in consideration of such repairs and improvements the- rent would hereafter be reserved with 5 shillings paid to confirm the agreement. The deed of lease follows:

[September 1760]

[James Geddy silversmith of Williamsburg
to
Hugh Walker and John Goode (London) merchants
Consideration: 5 shillings]

THIS INDENTURE made the day of September one thousand seven hundred and Sixty BETWEEN James Geddy of the City of Williamsburgh Silver Smith of the one Part and Hugh Walker of the same City- and John Goode of London Merchants and Partners of the other part WHEREAS in Pursuance of an Agreement made between the Parties aforesaid the said Hugh Walker and John Goode at their own proper Cost and Charge have repaired and improved a Messuage house or Tenement Scituate and being on the north Side of Duke of Gloucester Street and are to Erect & Build a Shed to the same Sixteen feet long and ten feet wide with an out Side Chimney upon the Lot of Ground belonging to the said James Geddy where he now dwells which Lot is numbered in the Plan of the said city by the Figures 161 NOW THIS INDENTURE 24. WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the repairs and improvements aforesaid for the rent herein after reserved and also for and in Consideration of the Sum of five Shillings by the said Hugh Walker and John Goode to the said James Geddy in hand paid at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and there of Acquit and Discharge the said Hugh Walker and John Goode the said James Geddy hath Demised Granted and Letten and by these Presents doth Demise Grant and Lett unto the said Hugh Walker and John Goode part of the Messuage house or Tenement by them repaired and improved as aforesaid that is to Say the East End or Room of the said house with the Chamber or Room over the Same and the Cellar under neath with the said Shed when built as aforesaid in the whole Containing Sixteen feet in front and twenty Six feet in width with leave to Erect and Build an Outside Chimney to the back room or Shed also the free use of the necessary house and Well belonging to the said Lot TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and Singular the Premises with the Appurtenances unto the said Hugh Walker and John Goode their Executors Administrators and Assigns from the day of the date hereof for and during and unto the full End and Term of fifteen years fully to be Compleat and Ended Yeilding and paying therefore Yearly during the said Term on the last day of each Year unto the said James Geddy his Executors Admors and Assigns one Grain of Indian Corn if the same shall be demanded And the said James Geddy doth hereby covenant and Agree to and with the said Hugh Walker and John Goode that they the said Hugh Walker 25. and John Goode their Executors Admors and Assigns the Premises with the Appurtenances during all the time aforesaid shall and may hold Use Occupy Possess and Enjoy without the Interruption of him the said James Geddy or any other Person lawfully Claiming the same and that the said Hugh Walker and John Goode may Erect and Build an outside Chimney to the Room or Shed aforesaid and that they their Executors Admors and Assigns may have the free Use of the necessary house and Well aforesaid with free Egress and Regress to the same without the Hindrance of the said James Geddy or any other Person or Persons whatsoever And the said Hugh Walker and John Goode Covenant to leave the Premises in Tenantable repair at the Expiration of the said Term the Casualty of Fire and Tempest Excepted IN WITNESS whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeably Set their hands and Affixed their Seals the day and Year first above written
James Geddy LS
Hugh Walker LS¹

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF

[Recorded in York County Court, September 15, 1760]

Walker and Goode were to have free use of the necessary house and the well. Also, in the lease, reference is made to the chamber room, room over it and to the cellar.

It is assumed that Walker, a Virginia merchant, joined with John Goode, London merchant, in a partnership in which Walker in Williamsburg sold many imported articles shipped him by Goode from England. A careful check of available sources failed to locate one order or bill of sale. However, Walker's account with the Virginia Gazette is noted in a Manuscript Account Book 1764-1766 for books, prints, &c. It is more probable that Walker sold these articles on Lot 161 than on Lot 162. ¹

[Hugh Walker Dr to the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg]

July	1764	Williamsburg
1.	293.	Hugh Walker (pL Self) Dr to R. Sayer	Stg.
	121.	12 Transparent Prints framed wth 2 Glasses to each	[£] 1.10.-
		2 Champions Penman's Employment	.16.-
		1 Satyrical History 2 Vols	.10.-
ret.	34	26 Drawing Books 13 to yt Doz 8/.	.16.-
ret.	50	52 Ditto do 4/.	.16.-
		12 Transparent Cards	. 9.-
		6 Setts of Ovals	1.16.-
		6 Ditto Round	.18.-
		6 Sleeping Venus	. 4.6
		350 Watch Prints, plain & Coloured	2. 9.6
		39 Ditto with Aprons	.12.-
		4 Setts of Prints to the Lady of Pleasure	1.16.-
27.
		6 Spanish Padlock	-. 4.6
		6 Nuns at Confession	4 6
		1 Le Brun's Passions 12 Heads	. 2.3
			£ 13. 4.31

The 15-year lease would not be up before September, 1775. However, Walker sold Lot 162 in 1770 and moved to Gloucester County, by 1771/2. It seems more than probable that Walker and Goode dissolved partnership and forfeited the remaining part of the lease. An advertisement of James Geddy, dated July 18, 1771, points to this conclusion:

THE STORE, adjoining the Subscriber's Shop, lately occupied by William Russell, is to be LET, and may be entered on immediately.
JAMES GEDDY. ²

The store which "may be entered on immediately," evidently, was rented to Mary Dickinson, milliner, as she described her location as "next Door to Mr. JAMES GEDDY'S Shop, near the Church":

[October 17, 1771]

Just IMPORTED in the JUNO, McCUNN, and NEPTUNE, WHITE, from LONDON, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, next Door to MR. JAMES GEDDY's Shop, near the Church, in 28. Williamsburg, at a low Advance, for ready Money,
A VERY elegant Assortment of MILLINERY, JEWELLERY, and other Goods, well chosen, and of the latest Fashions. Striped, flowered, and plain Lustrings, best striped and flowered Mantua Silks, plain and striped China Tafetas, India Chintz Calicoes and Cottons, worked Aprons, white and blue figured and spotted Cloaks and Bonnets, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers neatly dressed, Ladies Silk and Morocco Pocket Books with Instruments, black, white, and blue Satin Pumps, Calimanco Ditto, scented Hair Powder, double and single black Hair Pins, Powder Puffs, Wash Balls, Gentlemens Buck, Doe, Norway Doe, Beaver, Silk, Lamb, and Thread Gloves, Blond and Minionet Lace, black Lace and Edging, black Gauze Shades and fashionable Teresas, plain, figured, and Silver Riband, black Gloves, Patent Mits, Lace Ruffles, Kid and Lamb Gloves and Mits for Children and grown Persons, Morocco Shoes, Didsbury's Shoes, plain, Tortoishell, and Horn Combs, Paste Combs, Marcasite and Garnet Hoops, Lockets and Crosses, Childrens blue and black Satin Caps, beaded Collars, Solitaires, Paste Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles, London gilt and Pinchbeck Shoe Buckles, Garnet Necklaces, Earrings, Sprigs and Pins, Paste Cluster Necklaces and Earrings, a great Variety of Sprigs, Pins, and Earrings, Agate Necklaces set in Marcasite, Pearl and Wax Do. set Marcasites, Buffalo and Ivory sliding Knives and Forks, Gold and Silver Buttons, Loops, and Bands, Shagreen, Tortoiseshell, and Ivory Memorandum Books, ribbed China Silk Hose, plain and coloured Ditto, India Cotton Ditto, Thread and Worsted Ditto, 29. Gentlemens Gold and Scarlet Sword Suits, Suits of Blond Lace, Lace Ruffles and Tippets, Patent Net Gauze, Catgut, plain and striped Muslin, Book Ditto, Cambricks, striped and plain Lawn, green and white Sarcenet, black Mode Persian, Shenell, chased Silver Cruets, French Beads, Silver, Steel topped and Ivory Thimbles, Ivory Nutmeg Graters, large and small undressed Dolls, sprigged and striped Handkerchiefs, a great Assortment of Egrets, Caps, Fillets, Stomachers, Ribands Lace, &c. Italian Breast Flowers and Plumes, Net and Patent Hoods, Ruffell Quilts, Horn Snakes, Cruels and Marking Canvas, Ostrich Feathers, &c. &c.
MARY DICKINSON.¹

By April 30, 1772 Mary Dickinson had removed to another section of Williamsburg. ²

It is possible that Bartholomew Le Petit, a schoolmaster, rented a part of the house on Lot 161 or 162. Le Petit arrived in Williamsburg from Norfolk. He announced in the Virginia Gazette of May 28, 1773, "that next Monday Week, being the 7th of June, he proposes opening School for the Education of young Gentlemen, and has for that Purpose taken the Brick 30. House belonging to Mr. Robert Jackson,¹ in the Market Square…" This advertisement is very confused: (1) Jackson did not own Lot 161 until 1778 and the house thereon was not of brick; (2) Jackson never owned Lot 162, the house thereon which is of brick; Le Petit was at Jackson's in May, 1774 at which time he "asks that anyone not satisfied with him to repair to my school room, at Mr. Robert Jackson's whensoever, it shall suit… I can show them as well disciplined a school as any in the city of Williamsburg…"

On May 2, 1777 the local newspaper carried a notice that Geddy's property was for sale:

FOR SALE,
THE houses and lot whereon I now live in Williamsburg, well improved, and the whole built within these few years; one fourth of the purchase money to be paid down, and the remainder at four annual payments. If not sold before the 10th of June next, they will be set 31. up to the highest bidder.
JAMES GEDDY.¹

Of importance in this notice is the information that "the whole [house had been] built within these few years."

In May-November, 1777 William Page paid several bills for James Geddy. He paid taxes to James Shields; repairs to stable and lot; repairs to Humphrey Harwood, local carpenter and brick mason and work done by John Lamb, carpenter:

1777	Mr James Geddy in Acct with Wm Page	Dr
May 11
	To Cash paid your order to yr Mother	£15.- .-
15	To do paid Jas Shields pr rect..	4.19.-
	To do for repls to stable & lot ….	3.- .-
Novr 18	To do for Humphrey Harwood pr acct	19. 1. 3
	To do for John Lamb pe do	2. 2. 6
		£44. 2. 9
	By neat proceeds of Silver buttons	£ 14. 5.-
	By rent of house & lot	60.- .
	By Cash for Soap Jar	-.15.-
32.
	By do for Buckles of [illeg]	2. 6
		£75. 2. 6
		44. 2. 9
	Carid Over Bal. due	30.19. 9

May llth 1778 Recd the within sum of fifteen Pounds on Acct of my brother of William Page as Witness [by] my Hand

	WM Geddy. [Endorsed]
	"Mr James Geddie's Account	£ 19. 1. 3"
	Mr James Geddy
Brought Over	Wm Page Dr	£ 30.19. 9
Wm Page Cr
	by Sundrys Dyed	£ 0.19. 6
	by Assessment House & Lot	5. 0. 0
	by Cash to Mr J. Brown	27. 0. 0
		£ 32. 9. 6 2
	Mr James Geddy to John Lamb
1778
June 17		Dr
	To 35 feet of Scantlq at 6d	£ 0.17. 6
	To Making W Curbs at 6/3	1. 5. 0
		£ 2. 2. 6

Recd the Above of Mr Wm Pagein full John Lamb ³

Geddy, evidently, continued to rent out a part of the property. In July, 1777 a Mrs. Neill advertised from "Palace Street" that she taught guitar lessons, needle work and reading:

Palace Street, July 2, 1777.

MRS. NEILL is now in Williamsburg, where she purposes teaching the GUITAR at one Guinea Entrance, and one Guinea for eight Lessons. She will also instruct young Ladies in Reading, and Needle Work, in the Mornings, at 30s. per Quarter.¹

Geddy's property was on the corner of Palace Street and Duke of Gloucester Street.

In November, 1777, Ann Neill advertised "that she has opened a Store opposite Mr. John Greenhow's² near the Market Square": 34.

WILLIAMSBURG, November 6, 1777.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public in general, and her Friends in particular, that she has opened a Store opposite Mr. John Greenhow's, near the Market Square, where she purposes to sell all Kinds of European Goods on Commission. They may be assured there shall be the greatest Care and Assiduity to execute their Commands with Despatch and Punctuality. She has now on Hand the following Articles, for ready Money only, viz .---Elegant Paste Necklaces, Earrings, Shoe and Knee Buckles, Pinchbeck Watches, Men and Womens Watch Chains, Keys, Seals, and Crystals, a few Materials for Watch-Makers, Sleeve and Coat Buttons, Silver Toothpick Cases, Gold and Silver Lace, Pocket Pistols, best Ivory Handle Knives and Forks, Cut Glass Castors, with Silver Tops, ornamental, Tea and Table China Bowls, &c. Glass and Queen's Ware, a neat Tea Urn, with a Mohogany Stand, a Mohogany Tea Tray, German Flute, Guitar, Backgammon Table, Table Linen, Osnabrugs, Virginia Cloth, Cambrick, Lawn, Calicoes, Virginia Counterpanes, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers, Velvet Collars, Feather Muff, Wearing Apparel, Household Furniture, &c. &c.--Old Peach and Apple Brandy, old Jamaica Spirits, Holland Geneva, fine Stomachick Cordial, old Madeira and old Bourdeaux Claret in Bottles, Chocolate, &c. &c. with many other Articles too tedious to enumerate.
ANN NEILL. ¹

Ann Neill, let us notice, advertised "to sell all Kinds of European Goods on Commission" at "a Store 35. opposite Mr. John Greenhow's, near the Market Square."

In May, 1778, (just six months later) a sale was advertised "at Neill's commission store in Williamsburg."

For sale at NEILL's commission store, in WILLIAMSBURG, AN assortment of silks, Irish linens, muslins, suits of lace, India chintz, pocket handkerchiefs, checks, osnabrugs and Negro cloth, camlets, gold and silver appellets, silver buttons, worsted and silk stockings, black feathers, paste shoe, knee, and hat buckles, best paste necklaces and earrings, silver spoons and tea tongs, hair sprigs, silver blond lace, Ladies saddle and saddle cloth, watch keys and chains, Jamaica spirits, Barbados rum, Holland geneva, Batavia arrack, brandies, cordials, old Madeira and claret in casks and bottles loaf and brown sugar, rice, black pepper, pimenta, china and glass ware, starch, needles, pins and threads, household furniture, wearing apparel, Ladies riding dress and hat, watch maker's materials, decanter lables, India stripes for gowns, nankeens, green tea in pound and half pound canisters, India handkerchiefs, French lawns, coffee, sewing silks, checks, writing paper, &c. &c. &c.¹

In December, 1779, Mrs. Neill carried a notice in the Virginia Gazette:

DENTIFRICE for the teeth and gums, equal to Dr. Baker's, made by Anne Neill. The Public may, always be 36. supplied by her, and at Mr. Brands, ¹ Williamsburg.
N. B. Mrs. Neill will allow two dollars for all the empty dentifrice pots that are returned.²

We do not know if Mrs. Neill was located in Geddy's store on Lot 161 in 1779. She could have continued to rent from the new owner.³

When Geddy removed to Dinwiddie and then to Richmond to live, he, evidently, got William Page of Williamsburg to manage his affairs there until he could sell the property. An account of Geddy's with Humphrey Harwood, local carpenter and brick mason, was attended to by Page:

Mr. James Geddy Dr To Humry Harwood, by Mr. Wm Page

1778
May 19th
	To 1700 bricks a 5/6. & 32 bushs of lime a 1/6. hair 1/6	£ 7. 3. 0
	To Repairing Cellar wall 60/. & 8 Days labr a 4/	4.12. 0
37.
	To Mendin plastering. in D. House.
	Dary & Landary 15/	£ .15. 0
	To laying harth & mindq Chimney in Chamber 10/	.10. 0
	To Whitewashing 7 Rooms 2 passages, 4 Clossets, & 3 poarches a 7/6	4.13. 9
	To Whiteng Dary 7/6. & Mendg Kitchg & layg harth 10/	17. 6.
July 2
	To Mortar & Repairin Steps 10/	.10.-
		£19. 1. 31

Novemr 18th 1778 Then Recd of Mr William Page the Above Account in Full
pr
Harwood

In 1777 (?) James Geddy wrote asking that John Brown be paid the balance of the rent due to Geddy:

Sr Pay to Mr Jo: Brown the Balls Due me for Rent & his rect Shall be A Sufficient Discharge

James Geddy
Jany 2, 1778 Recd of Mr Wm Page twenty seven pounds in part of the above balance for Mr Geddy.
John Brown ²

From the account of Geddy's with William Page cited above, we note that Geddy was paid $60 for rent of his house and lot and the above note from Geddy--followed by Brown's receipt for £27--part balance for rent--proves clearly that Geddy's property was being rented prior to its sale.

In Illustration #4 are listings of jewellery work done by James Geddy for his customers in Williamsburg and after he moved to Dinwiddie (Petersburg).

Geddy conveyed the property to Robert Jackson, merchant, by deed dated December 11, 1778. The deed was not recorded until July 19, 1779:

[December 11, 1778]

[James Geddy - Jeweller of Dinwiddie County Elizabeth, his wife,
to
Robert Jackson - merchant of Williamsburg
Consideration: 1600 pounds current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight Between James Geddy of the County of Dinwiddie Jeweller and Elizabeth his wife of the one part and Robert Jackson of the City of 39. Williamsburg Merchant of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand six hundred pounds current money of Virginia by the said Robert to the said James in hand paid at or before the sealing and Delivery of these presents the receipt whereof he doth here by acknowledge and thereof acquit and Discharge the said Robert Jackson his Heirs Executors and Administrators They the said James Geddy and Elizabeth his wife Have granted, bargained, sold aliened, enfeoffed and confirmed and by these presents DO grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff & confirm unto him the said Robert Jackson his Heirs and Assigns forever All that Lot or half Acre of Land situate lying and being in the said City of Williamsburg numbered in the plan of the said City by the numbers or figures and bounded on the South by the Duke of Gloucester street on the West by Palace street, on the North by Nicholson Street and on the East by the Lots of John Hatley Norton lately purchased of William Pitt being the Lot or half acre of Land purchased by the said James Geddy of Mrs Anne Geddy and conveyed by Indenture bearing date day of in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy¹ [sic] recorded in the County Court of York And all Houses, buildings, Yards, Gardens, Pailings, Waters, Profits, 40. Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the same belonging or in any wise appurtaining and the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders Rents, Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate right, title, Interest, Property, claim and Demand whatsoever of them the said James Geddy and Elizabeth his wife of in and to the same and every part thereof To have, and to hold all and singular the premises with the Appurtenances unto the said Robert Jackson his Heirs and Assigns forever… In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and affixed their Seals the Day and Year first above Written
James Geddy LS¹

Sealed and Delivered
In the presence of
J Nichols
Ambrose Davenport
Sam: Abell
Henry Tazewell
John Heath jr

[Recorded in York County Court, July 19, 1779]

Jackson's will written on March 22, 1781, was recorded on June 18, 1781:

Jackson Robert Will
March 22d 1781 IN THE NAME OF GOD --AMEN as this is my last Will, I give unto my Wife Elizabeth Jackson all and everything I am possessed of to put it to what use she thinks proper.
Robt Jackson LS ²

41.

Teste
William Jeggetts
Courtney Sharpless
Sarah Massenburg

[Recorded in York County Court, June 18, 1781]

Elizabeth Jackson, sole heir to Jackson's will, on the same day the will was recorded signed over "one moiety" of the whole estate to Dr. J. M. Galt in trust for her daughter, Nancy, who was under age at the time:

[June 18, 1781]

[Elizabeth Jackson
Relict of Robert Jackson late of Williamsburg
to
Dr. John Minson Galt
In trust for her daughter, Nancy Jackson,
Consideration: Love and affection for her daughter and five shillings current money of Virginia]

KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I Elizabeth Jackson widow and Relict of Robert Jackson late of the City of Williamsburg for and in Consideration the natural love and affection I have for my daughter Nancy Jackson and for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings Current money of Virginia to me in hand paid by Doct. John Minson Galt of the City of Williamsburg the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and thereof doth acquit the said John Minson Galt his Heirs Exors and Administrators have quit granted bargained Sold aliened released and confirmed and by these presents do give grant bargain sell 42. alien release and confirm unto the said John Minson Galt and his Heirs forever one Moiety of the whole Estate both real and personal given and devised to me by the Will of my late Husband Robert Jackson bearing date in March in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one and recorded in York Court To have and to hold the moiety of the whole Estate… to and for the use of my said Daughter Nancy Jackson her and her Heirs forever Provided always and upon the express condition that if my said daughter should die unmarried or before she arrives to lawful age that then all that I have given granted & sold by these presents shall be to my sole use and benefit … In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and affixed my seal this eighteenth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one
Elizabeth Jackson LS¹

[Recorded in York County Court, June 18, 1781]

An appraisement of the estate of Robert Jackson was made on May 17, 1782 by order of the court. The total appraisement of the personal property was £222.19.-. It was put on record on June 17, 1782. ² 43. From the way the appraisement is recorded, it looks as though the appraisers went through the house, room by room. It looks as though Jackson occupied five of six rooms in the house.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) of Williamsburg shows a house with one outbuilding to the north on what appears to be Lot 161. Foundations uncovered by archaeological excavation in January, 1931, and in March, 1953, bear out this map. See: Illustration #1 for details.

A study of the Williamsburg Land Tax records establishes the fact that the title to this property was in the name of Robert Martin in 1782. ¹

In the ledger of Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg brick mason and carpenter, under the dates ranging from 1782 to 1787, there is an account for "Capt Robert Martin (that Marrid Widow Jackson)."² The accounts include charges for hair, mortar, lime, bricks, plastering, whitewashing and repairs.

Robert Martin's name appears in the list of Personal Property of Williamsburg in 1783 as owner of five slaves. In 1782 Martin was the owner of "1 lot valued at £7.4" for tax purposes.

The College Map (1791?) has the name "Martin" on Lot 161. ¹

It looks as though Peter De la Croix (sometimes written Dela Croix) had a store in a part of the house on Lot 161 from 1784 to ca. 1791. A notice appeared in a newspaper of date, January 3, 1784, which seems to locate De la Croix on this property:

[January 3, 1784]

TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
BROKE open on the night of the 21st instant, the Store of the subscriber opposite Mr. Greenhow's, and the following articles stole thereout: A small gold watch, of which the main spring was broke, and on the dial wrote in French L'Epine at Paris, it had a silk chain, to which was hung the key and seal, and a little padlock key; an English common silver watch, with a black silk ribbon and the Key to it; a piece of English plain black gauze, a piece of white ditto, striped, a piece of spotted 45. ditto, two pieces of French ditto, white and plain, one piece ditto, with blue flowers, two cards full of narrow white edging, one ditto of fine and broad white silk lace. - any Persons who shall give me any notice of the thief, may depend on the above reward.
P. DELA CROIX.¹

As available records indicate no lots in Williamsburg were under the ownership of De la Croix except Lot 27 north (prior to 1782), it seems reasonable to think that De la Croix leased a part of Lot 161 after he left Lot 27. ² "Mr. Greenhos's" referred to in the above quoted newspaper notice was Greenhow's house and store which was located on Lots 159 and 160. ³

We know little of De la Croix. According to one report he was a native of France. In 1786 he married Miss Amey Drummond of James City County and resided in Williamsburg or its vicinity until his 46. death in 1794. He had no children. About 1795-96 the widow married William Taylor. At her death a few years later, John Lewis Dormoy claimed the right of administrating on De la Croix's estate.¹

In 1787 Humphrey Harwood made repairs for De la Croix such as lathing, plastering store, passage, rooms, whitewashing store and closets, rooms upstairs, passage upstairs, underpining stable, repairing cellar garden steps, pillar to porch, dairy, yard well and laying hearth in outhouse. ²

De la Croix had no repair work done in 1788. However, in 1789 De la Croix is charged by Harwood for 22 ½ "days work of Ben-moulding bricks." In 1791-1792, there was the usual kind of repair work done by Harwood. As one item notes: "in Back Street" and as a deed on record indicates that De la Croix had purchased property on Nicholson Street about this period, one is inclined to think 47. that the repair work of 1791-1792 applied to the property on Nicholson Street. 1 A search into York records failed to give the deed when De la Croix acquired the Nicholson Street property.

The property remained in the ownership of Robert Martin until 1802 when Wells (sometimes written "Wills"] Dunsford acquired "2 lots late Martin valued at $50."² Dunsford appears also for the first time in the Personal Property Tax Lists for Williamsburg as owner of "1 slave, 2 horses and a shop license." ³ Dunsford died ca. 1808.⁴

In 1804, Henry Skipwith, writing to Judge St. George Tucker from Williamsburg, refers to a 48. stable on Dunsford's property: "… We have had neither Murder, Rape, Adultery, or even Fornication (that I know of) since your departure; so that but for a stable which neighbour Dunsforce has built at the North corner of his Garden for the accommodation (the ensuing Spring) of an English stud and a Maltese Jack, I should not have been able to record a single revolution in our Elysium…" (Tucker-Coleman Uncatalogued Ms, folder 19, CWI archives.)

His estate held the property until 1820 when William Pearman became the owner. The lot and buildings were valued at $1800 which was the same valuation which Dunsford's estate had paid in 1819. ¹ During Wells Dunsford's entire ownership he paid a yearly license of $15 to keep a shop. It is assumed that the shop was on Lot 161. Little is known about William Pearman except that he was the owner of this property from 1820 to 1831. ² During this period the property held the same assessed value as when Pearman 49. bought it from Dunsford.

For details of Pearman's life in Williamsburg as a watchmaker and silversmith, see Illustrations #4 and #6 of the report.

In 1831, the property came into the possession of Benjamin E. Bucktrout "Via James Semple trustee for William Pearman."¹ On April 18, 1826 a deed of trust had been given to James Semple and Leonard Henley. It was described thus:

"… All that half acre lot of Land with the houses thereon in the City of Williamsburg whereon the said Pearman and wife then resided bounded on the south by the Main Street on the West by Palace street on the North by the Back Street and on the East by Roscow Coles Lot to secure a debt of three hundred dollars and interest due to James Semple Senr: where by said debt remaining unpaid after the space of twenty days after the same should be demanded the said Semple Jr. and said Henley… were authorized… to sell the said property for ready Money to satisfy the said debt interest and costs attending the trust. Which deed was admitted to record in the Hustings Court of the said City… and whereas the said debt and interest having been regularly demanded and remaining unpaid for more than twenty days and being required to do so I have advertised 50. the said property for sale as prescribed by said deed and also at said Williams request in a public paper and in pursuance thereof did yesterday offer the same property for sale at the Court door of the said city for ready money and the same was knocked out to the said Benjamin the highest bidder at the sum of Five hundred dollars Now therefore the said Semple Jr. Trustee as aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of Five hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said Benjamin at or before the delivery of these presents has … conveyed … to him the said Benjamin E. Bucktrout … the said half acre Lot and houses thereon…"¹

According to the Williamsburg Land Tax Lists, Bucktrout held,the property until 1849 when it was in the name of Louisana T. Bucktrout [his wife]. Prior to 1854 Benjamin E. Bucktrout died; his widow was allotted the property as dower. She soon married James E. Joyner and the property appears in his name in the tax records of 1854. The property was described as "a certain lot of land situate at the southeast corner of the Duke of Gloucester 51. Street in the Palace Green of said City of Williamsburg."¹

In 1879, a deed of Daniel Dugger conveyed the property to Mary E. Neal:

[March 14, 1879]

all his right, title and interest in the house and lot situate in said City of Williamsburg of which the late Mrs. S. T. Joyner died seized and possessed, bounded on the South by Duke of Gloucester Street, on the West by Palace Green, on the North by Street, on East by lot of Peter T. Powell, said house and lot being Mrs. Joyner's dower and the interest of said Dugger therein is one-third for life, being entitled to same as tenant by curtesy, and at his death the same descends to his two children, Ben and Lucy Dugger.²

This conveyance brought on a chancery suit which lasted until 1884. In 1885, Mary E. Neal was conveyed the property in fee simple.³

The will of Mary E. Neal was probated on June 12, 1905. The real estate was devised to her nieces, Lucy Talbot Simpson and Mary Virginia Simpson, daughters of Lucy Talbot Simpson.¹ A chancery suit followed to construe the will. It was decided that Mrs. Lucy Talbot Simpson was the owner of the "house and lot in Williamsburg."

In November, 1905, Lucy T. Simpson and Lucias E. Simpson, her husband, conveyed to Bathurst D. Peachy thus:

[November 15, 1905]

… All that lot of land with the buildings thereon, situate in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, and bounded and described as follows: On the North by Nicholson Street; and the East by the property of B. D. Peachy; on the South by Duke of Gloucester Street; and on the West by Dunmore Street. This property was devised to the grantor, Lucy T. Simpson, by the late Mary E. Neal … ² [Recorded November 15, 1905]

On July 16, 1916, B. D. Peachy conveyed to Mary G. Peachy, his wife, the above described 53. property.¹

In December, 1927, Mary G. Peachy, widow, conveyed to W. A. R. Goodwin an irregularly shaped parcel of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon situate … on the North side of Duke of Gloucester Street, fronting thereon the distance of 115 feet 6 inches, being portions of the "Neal" and "Powell" lots with certain reservations. Full deed on record. ²

Further title to this property by Virginia Peachy Rogers and T. F. Rogers to Colonial Williamsburg can be seen in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated.

From ca. 1738 to 1831 some parts of the buildings on Lot 161 were in use as either a shop, store or school. In the period, there was a silversmith shop, gunsmith shop, store, millinery store, school, jeweller and possibly a carpenter's shop.

When archaeological excavations have been completed, possibly new evidence will come to light on the location of these shops and business ventures.

JAMES GEDDY (Gunsmith)

James Geddy, gunsmith, was in Williamsburg by 1736 according to the Virginia Gazette. On July 8, 1737 he advertised that he had "LOST out of Mr. James Geddy's Shop in Williamsburg, … The said James Geddy has a great Choice of Guns and Fowling Pieces, of several Sorts and Sizes, true bored, which he will warrant to be good: and will sell them as cheap as they are usually sold in England." In October, 1738 Geddy advertised: "GENTLEMEN and Others, may be supply'd by the Subscribers in Williamsburg, with neat Fowling-Pieces, and large Guns fit for killing Wild-Fowl in RiVers, at a reasonable Rate. He also makes several Sorts of wrought Brass-work, and casts small Bells. "

Geddy owned Lot 162 from December 8, 1738 until his death in 1743-44. His will was recorded August, 1744 in which he bequeathed his wife, Anne, his real and personal estate with the exception of five shillings each to his children: David, William, John, Elizabeth, Anne and Mary Geddy and James.

JAMES GEDDY, JR. (Silversmith)

An excellent account of James Geddy, Jr., silversmith of Williamsburg, can be found in The Silversmiths of Virginia by George Barton Cutten (1952) pp. 194-199.

Cutten says James Geddy was born in 1731 and died in 1807, son of jarr6as and Anne Geddy of Williamsburg. He seems to have had his silversmith shop in Williamsburg from ca. 1760 to the latter part of 1777 when he removed to Dinwiddie County. His-house in Williamsburg (Lot 161) was sold in 1778. In 1783 James Geddy moved to Petersburg to follow his business there.

Geddy married Elizabeth Waddill, probably sister to William Waddill, silversmith of Williamsburg. She died in 1799. Geddy had several sons and a daughter. One, William Waddill Geddy, one, James Geddy jr and a daughter Elizabeth who married John Taliaferro. In July, 1802 Geddy married Jane Bradley of Petersburg. He died on May 12, 1807 in Petersburg.

Nancy Geddy, a daughter of James Geddy, was most probably one of the belles of Williamsburg about 1768. An admiring swain sent these lines to the editors of the Virginia Gazette:

WIILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 20, 1768.

Ah me! Mr. Dixon,
A dear little vixen
Has caught me! and I could for her die!
Those lines pray set
In your next Gazette,
I'm a friend, Sir, to you and to Purdie.

On Miss ANNE GEDDY singing, and playing on the SPINET.

WHEN Nancy on the spinet plays
I fondly on the virgin gaze,
And with that she was mine;
Her air, her voice, her lovely face,
Unite, with such excessive grace,
That nymph appears divine!

A smile or kiss, or amorous toy,
To me can give but little joy,
From any maid but she;
Corelli, Handel, Felton, Nares,
With their concrtos, solos, airs,
Are far less sweet to me!

Ye fates, who cause our joy, or grief,
Oh! give my wounded heart relief,
Let me with her be blest;
Oh! Venus, soften the dear maid,
Oh! Cupid, grant thy powerful aid,
And pierce her youthful breast.

WILLIAM WADDILL

William Waddill who was a brother-in-law of James Geddy, the silversmith, was operating in Williamsburg as early as 1767 when he was located "next below the old printing office." At that time he was making all kinds and varieties of silverwork as well as gold and enamelled items. Waddill did engraving also.

In 1770 he made the silver handles and sixteen escutcheons for Lord Botetourt's coffin and a silver plate engraved to be put thereon. In 1771 he engraved cyphers on a cane, a whip and a snuff box for William Prentis, Williamsburg merchant.

By 1772 Waddill had located himself at Geddy's establishment. His name appears in Geddy's advertisement that year as making "MOURNING RINGS and all kinds of ENGRAVING" there.

In 1775 Waddill engraved inside setts of type for Robert Carter Nicholas, treasurer of Virginia. In 1776 he "received forty eight pounds for Altering & Engraving Sundry Copper plates for the New Money &c as p accot."

From 1773 to 1782 Waddill was a prominent member of the Botetourt Masonic Lodge in Williamsburg. When he moved to Richmond, Waddill continued his interest in the Masonic order there.

Removing to Richmond around 1782 Waddill advertised in the local newspapers as a goldsmith, jeweller and Watch repairer. He married in 1786 Nancy Aven of Richmond. He lived in Petersburg, probably, between 1785 and 1795.

In 1802 Waddill advertised from Petersburg that he was offering for sale the tract of land on which he lived in Pittsylvania County. He stated that he wished to remove to the western country.

For details of Waddill's work and customers, see: Illustration #4 of the report.

WILLIAM PEARMAN

A William Pearman was the son of John Pearman, a tailor of York County. He was administrator of his father's estate. In 1821 William and John Pearman, brothers, sold acreage in the county near the present Coke-Garrett house in Williamsburg to William Waller.

A "Mr. Pearman, Watchmaker" was attended by Dr. John M. Galt of Williamsburg in 1815-1819. Dr. Galt attended Pearman's wife and children, also. Daughters Ann and Elizabeth were treated. This would establish the fact that William Pearman, watchmaker, was living in Williamsburg ca. 1815. The wife mentioned was most probably his first wife as he married Mary H. Buffin of Petersburg in 1823.

According to George Barton Cutten in The Silversmiths of Virginia, William Pearman, silversmith and watch repairer, lived in Williamsburg prior to 1826 when he removed to Richmond. Pearman advertised in the Phoenix Gazette of June 4, 1825 that he had resided among the best workmen for thirteen years and was prepared to do any work such as repairing silverware and jewellery in a style inferior to none and also, that he made jewellery. These dates correspond with the Williamsburg Land Tax records which indicate that William Pearman bought a lot in 1820 and held it to 1831 though he had moved to Richmond in 1826.

After removing to Richmond he occupied several sites there. In 1832 he employed John McConnell in his shop. McConnell looked after the jewellery and silversmith work and Pearman gave "his undivided attention to the watch and clockmaking business."

For further details of Pearman's work and customers, see Illustration #4 of this report.

Peter Delacroix Supposed to be a Native of France married Miss Amey Drummond of the Parish & County of James City some time in the Autumn of 1786. Mr Delacroix had no issue by his Wife & resided in Williamsburg or its Vicinity till he died in the year 1794- as he made no Will his Widow administered on his estate in James City Court in October 1794 and possessed herself of Mr Delacroix's real estate which consisted of One Hundred & Twelve Acres of Land Lying in James City County a House & Lott of inconsiderable Value in the City of Williamsburg and his personal Estate which was appeased to be about £2000 Virginia Currency. The Widow Delacroix intermarried with Wm Taylor of James City about the last of 1795 or first of the year 1796. Taylor the second Husband sold the Tenement in Williamsburg--No account of the administration of Mr Delacroix estate was ever made up & returned to Court as our Law requires. Mrs Taylor late Mrs Delacroix lived but a few years after her second Marriage in Septr 179_ a Frenchman by the name of John Lewis Dormoy claimed the Wright of administering on Peter Delacroix's estate unadministered by the Widow of Mr Delacroix & in virtue of this Right, took possession of the Land in James City which possession is Still retained by him thus Stand matters in 1801.