Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot 162 (62) lies on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street facing upon the Court House Green east. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map (1791?).

THE HOUSE & LOT:

Samuel Cobbs, the first owner, received lot 162 from the trustees of Williamsburg in 1716. Lot 161 adjoining was conveyed at the same time to Cobbs. In 1719 Cobbs sold to Samuel Boush, Junior, of Norfolk County. The lots were not numbered in the deed but the description definitely locates the property as lot 162. Between 1719 and 1738 the two lots in question were separated. In 1738 Boush conveyed Lot 162 to James Geddy, gunsmith, who had already purchased Lot 161. In this deed the lot is designated 62 rather than 162. Upon the death of Geddy (ca. 1744) his widow became the owner via the will. In 1750 Ann Geddy conveyed the property (designated lot 62) to James Taylor, a tailor of Williamsburg. New buildings or additions to the property had increased the consideration from £30 in 1738 to £130 in 1750. In 1752 Taylor's property is located as "on the main Street, just below the Church, in Williamsburg." Taylor advertised his house and lot for sale in 1753 "joining the upper End of the Market Place." Houses and cellars were noted. In 1753 Taylor leased a part of the lot to John Bryan, wigmaker, designating it to be a 12-year lease. Bryan's part was "between the end of the House belonging to the said James Taylor and which he has Leased to Doctor Kenneth McKenzie and the House belonging to the Widow Geddy containing by Estimation Sixteen feet long and thirty feet Wide and is the Land whereon the said John Bryan hath built a House and now keeps his Shop." By 1754 mortgages and judgments forced a sale. Richard Corbin and Mann Page were the new owners. Bryan's lease was not disturbed. In July 1755 he gave a mortgage to John Wheatley, carpenter, for his shop. In 1761 Corbin and Page sold the property to Hugh Walker, merchant of Williamsburg, for £50 current money of Virginia. In 1767 a part of the property was rented to Nathaniel Keith and John Hatch, tailors; and in 1770 Andrew Anderson, barber surgeon, gained the property from Walker. In 1771 William Hornsby, merchant, became the owner via Anderson. In 1773 another surgeon dentist, John Baker, came into the property, the amount named being £425 current money. By 1777 the dwelling house had grown into quite a large place: "4 handsome Rooms below neatly papered, and a Fire Place in each, with 3 Closets, and 6 Rooms above, with dry Cellars under the Whole, a good Kitchen and Laundry, with closets, a brick Dairy, Corn House, Smoke House, Stable and Coach Houses…" In Baker's advertisement of 1778 he summary 2 mentions "a small store adjoining [the house]." The next owner was John Hatley Norton, merchant of Yorktown. It is thought that Norton lived in this house and conducted a store thereon from 1778 to 1781. The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a house with a north wing and smaller attached house to the west with two outbuildings north and a larger building to the extreme rear of the lot. In 1781 Mrs. Peachy Holt became the owner. Under her ownership it was rented to a French baker who had ovens on the property. By 1792 Mrs. Holt had become Mrs. Wills. She mortgaged her lot to Robert Greenhow, her nephew in 1809. At this time Roscow Cole and James Henderson, merchants, were renting the property. In 1811 Cole acquired the property "via Wills." Insuring his property in 1812, Cole stated that the dwelling was of brick, two stories high 22 feet by 50 feet, with a store of wood 24 by 16, kitchen, dairy, smokehouse and stable. Mrs. Wills had insured the property in 1806 describing the dwelling as of wood 30 by 20; storehouse, kitchen and dairy. Cole under the firm name of "Cole and Sheldon" carried on a mercantile business on the property in 1819-1822. In 1830 Cole was still occupying the property as a brick dry goods store two stories high 20 by 50 connected with a grocery store of wood 43 by 20 by doors and covered way. In 1839 Pierce and Armistead, merchants, occupied the property. The dwelling part is described as of brick, with the western part of wood. In 1854 Peter T. Powell was the owner. In 1860 Powell's insurance policy stated that there was a dwelling, store, kitchen and stable — valuation $3775.

Powell or his estate owned the property until 1895 when it was conveyed to B. D. Peachy. It was described as "late the residence of Peter T. Powell, situate in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, and bounded on the north by Nicholson Street, on the East by Court House Green, on the south by Duke of Gloucester Street, and on the west by the lot owned and occupied by Eliza Neal." It was conveyed to Mary G. Peachy in 1909. In 1927 Mary G. Peachy, widow of B. D. Peachy, conveyed to W. A. R. Goodwin with reservations. Mrs. Peachy's death in 1929 conveyed the property held with reservations by Dr. Goodwin, to Virginia Peachy Rogers for life. In 1931 Virginia Peachy Rogers and T. F. Rogers, her husband, conveyed the property under former reservations to Colonial Williamsburg.

LOCATION:

The house now known as the Norton-Cole House is located on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street facing upon the Court House Green east. It is numbered 162. 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 161 adjacent to it on the west. The lots are numbered "162" and "161" on the College Map. The lot in question is numbered "162" in deeds from 1716 to 1738 and "62" from 1738 to 1773. From the boundaries mentioned, it is perfectly clear that Lot 162 and 62 are the same lot.

The first owner, Samuel Cobbs, received lot 162 from the trustees of Williamsburg by lease on February 5, 1716, and by release deed on February 6, 1716:

[February 5, 1716]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Samuel Cobbs of York County
Consideration 5 shillings]

THIS INDENTURE made y^e fifth day of february in the Third Year of y^e reign of our Sovereign Lord George … in y^e Year of our Lord God One Thousand, Seven hundred & Sixteen Between y^e ffeofees or Trustees for y^e Land Appropriated for y^e building & Erecting y^e City of W^msburgh of y^e One part & Samuel Cobbs of y^e County of York of Y^e other part Witnesseth that y^e s^d ffeofees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations 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 y^e s^d Sam^l Cobbs his heirs or 2 Assigns Two certain Lotts of Ground in y^e s^d City of W^msburgh designed in y^e Plott of y^e s^d City by these figures (161 & 162) with all pasturage, Woods & Waters … whatsoever to y^e 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 y^e ffeoffees or Trustees for y^e Land Appropriated for y^e building & Erecting y^e City of W^msburgh of y^e One part & Samuel Cobbs of y^e County of York of y^e Other part Witnesseth that whereas y^e s^d Sam^l Cobbs by One Lease to him by y^e s^d ffeoffees or Trustees bearing date y^e day before y^e date of those Presents is in actual & peaceable possession of y^e Premises herein after granted, to y^e intent that by Vertue of y^e s^d Lease & of y^e Statute for transferring Use into possession … y^e s^d 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 y^e Sam^l Cobbs Two certain Lotts of Ground in y^e s^d City of W^msburgh designed in y^e Plott of y^e s^d City by these figures (161 & 162) with all Woods thereon growing or being, together with all Profits, Comoditys … TO HAVE & TO HOLD … unto y^e s^d Sam^l Cobbs & to his heirs for Ever … that is to say, that if y^e s^d Sam^l Cobbs his heirs or Assigns shall not within y^e Space of Twenty four Months next Ensueing y^e date of these Presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of y^e s^d granted Premises One good Dwelling house or houses of such dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at y^e Capitol y^e Twenty Third day of October 1705 Intitutled an Act continueing y^e Act directing y^e building y^e Capitol & City of W^mssburgh… Then it shall & May be lawfull to & for y^e s^d ffeoffees or Trustees & their Successors… to Enter & y^e Same to have again … if these Presents had never been made …
John Clayton (Seal)
Hugh Norvel (Seal)²

[Recorded Yor^k County Court Feb. 18, 171⁶]

It may be assumed that the required building was constructed on the property, though houses were not mentioned in the deed. When Cobbs sold the lots in 1719 the "consideration" had increased from thirty shillings to forty pounds. The deeds of lease and release follow:

[July 17, 1719]

[Samuel Cobbs to Samuel Boush Jun^r 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 Jun^r of the County of Norfolk of the other part — WITNESSETH that the s^d Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife for the Consideration of five shill^s Sterling money to them in hand paid … have bargained & Sold & by these presents doth bargain & Sell unto the s^d Samuel Boush jun^r 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 s^d Street to the market place thence along the market place to the main Street thence along the main Street to the beginning Stone the same being taken up by the s^d Cobbs & acknowledged by the Feoffees for the s^d City as p^r 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 the s^d Tract & parcell of Land… with the appurtenances thereunto belonging … unto the s^d Samuel Boush his Exec^rs & Assigns from the day before the date thereof 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 S^t John the Baptist only if the same be lawfully demanded…
Sam^l Cobbs Seal
Edith Cobbs Seal¹

[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]

4

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 jun^r of the County of Norfolk of the other part WITNESSETH that the s^d Samuel Cobbs & Edith his wife for & in 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 S^d Samuel Boush his Exec^rs & Admin^rs & … hath given Granted bargained Sold aliened Released & Confirmed … unto the s^d Samuel Boush Jun^r 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 s^d Street to the Market place thence along the Market to the main Street thence along the Same being taken up by the s^d Cobbs & acknowledged by the Feofees as p^r Deeds bearing date the fifth of February 1716 & recorded in York County which s^d Two lotts are now in the actual possession of the s^d 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 s^d Land & appurtenances …
Sam^l Cobbs (Seal)
Edith Cobbs (Seal)¹

[Recorded York County Court July 20, 1719]

At some time between 1719 and 1738 the lots in question were separated. Within that time Lot 161 became the property of James Geddy.² In 1738 James Geddy bought Lot 162 [called 62 in the deed]:

[December 8, 1738]

[Samuel Boush & Frances, his wife
to
James Geddy, gunsmith of Williamsburg
Consideration 30 pounds current money of Virginia]

… THIS INDENTURE made the Eighth day of December in the Eleventh year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George the Second … in the year of Our Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred & thirty Eight BETWEEN Samuel Boush & Frances his wife of the County of Norfolk of the one part & James 5 Geddy of the City of Williamsburg Gun smith, of the Other part WITNESSETH that the said Samuel Boush & Frances his wife for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereupon moving but more especially for & in Consideration of the Sum of thirty pounds Current Money of Virginia to them in hand paid by the said James Geddy … do hereby acknowledge Have granted bargained Sold Aliened … unto the said James Geddy his heirs & Assigns for ever one Lott or half Acre of Ground lying & being in the City of Williamsburg & denoted in the plan of the said [City] by the figure 62 & adjoining the Lot whereon the said James Geddy now dwells with all woods & other things thereon now growing & being together with all Houses thereon erected and all profits … Appurtenances whatsoever to the same belonging … And also the Estate rights Title property Claim and Demand whatsoever of them the said Samuel Boush & his wife … TO HAVE & TO HOLD the Said Lott or half acre of ground and premises … unto the said James Geddy his heirs & Assigns forever And the said Samuel Boush & Frances his wife for themselves & their heirs do Covenant … to & with the said James Geddy his heirs & Assigns that he and they shall & may at all Times for ever … have hold Occupy & Enjoy the said Granted premises free from all former Sales Gifts Mortgages, Statutes Recognances, Rents Annuities Rights of Dower and all other Incumbrances whatsoever And further that the said Samuel Boush and his heirs shall & will at any time within the Space of Seven Years at the Cost & Charges of him the said James Geddy his heirs & Assigns make do & Execute all such further Act & Acts Deed & Deeds for conveying the said Granted premises as he the said James Geddy his heirs or Assigns shall advise or Enquire …
Sam: Boush Seal ¹
W^m Keith
John Coulthard
Henry Bowcock

[the figure 62 in the 11th line being first interlined]

Dec^r 8^th 1738 Then rec^d of M^r James Geddy the Sum of thirty pounds Current Money in full of the Consideration within mentioned as p^r Deed.
Sam: Boush

[Recorded January 15, 1738 York County Court]

In the above deed houses are noted for the first time.

Biographical notes on James Geddy, Williamsburg gunsmith, and his family appear in Illustration #4, appendix.

Upon the death of James Geddy, the gunsmith, which occurred sometime between September 1743 and August 1744, his wife, Anne, came into possession by will of all his real and personal estate:

[excerpt from will]

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 23^d day of Sept. Anno. Domini one thousand seven hundred & forty three years.
James Geddy

Witnesses
Thomas Bennett
George Charlton
Hugh Boyd

¹[Recorded York County Court, August 20, 1744]

In November 1750 Ann Geddy, widow, according to her rights as expressed in the will of her husband, proceeded to sell lot 62 (162) to James Taylor:

[November 17, 1750]

[Ann Geddy, widow, James City County
to
James Taylor, taylor [tailor]
Williamsburg
Consideration: 130 Pounds current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the seventeenth day of November in the Year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred & fifty BETWEEN Ann Geddy Widow of the County of James City of the one part and James Taylor of the City of W^msburgh Taylor of the other part — WITNESSETH that the said Ann Geddy for and in Consideration of the Sum of One Hundred and thirty Pounds Current Money of Virginia to her in hand paid before the Sealing and Delivery of these presents … HATH Granted Bargained sold Aliened enfeoffed and Confirmed … unto the said James Taylor and to his Heirs and Assigns All that Messuage Tenement-Lot or half Acre of Land Situate & being in the City of Williamsburgh and denoted in the plan of the said City by the Figures 62 formerly purchased by James Geddy late Husband of the said Ann of Samuel Boush Gent as by Indenture recorded in the Court of York County the Nineteenth day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred & 7 thirty eight may appear and by the said James Given and bequeathed to the said Ann Geddy by his last will and Testament proved and recorded in the County Court will also appear together with all Houses Out Houses Buildings Gardens Casments Ways profits Commodities Hereditaments & Appurts … Also one Moiety or half part of the welll Situate and being on the Lot N^o 61 belonging to the said Ann Geddy and adjoining the Lott hereby Sold & Conveyed with free Liberty to the said James Taylor his Heirs and Assigns his and their Servants and Tenants at all times to pass & repass to the said Well without the interruption or hindrance of the said Ann Geddy or any other person or persons whatsoever TO HAVE & TO HOLD the said Messuage Tenement Lot of Land … unto the said James Taylor … and that the said Messuage Tenement and Lot of Land and every part thereof with the Appurtenances is free and clear from all other Bargains, Sales Gifts Grants feoffments Entails wills Dowers Mortgages and all other Incumbrances … IN WITNESS whereof the said Ann Geddy hath hereunto set her Hand and Affixed her Seal the day and Year just above written.
Ann Geddy (SeaL)

In Presence of
Sam^l Nelson
Thomas Hornsby
Sarah Orr

November the 19^th 1750 -
Received of M^r James Taylor the Sum of One Hundred and thirty Pounds Current Money being the Consideration within mentioned by me Ann Geddy (Seal)

Witness
S^am^l Nelson

¹[Recorded York Couⁿty Court November 19, 175⁰]

New buildings or additions to the property had increased the consideration from thirty pounds current money of Virginia to one hundred and thirty pounds current money.

Taylor proceeded to mortgage the property at once.

[November 19, 1750]

[James Taylor — tailor of Williamsburg
to
John Holt, merchant of same city
Consideration: 200 Pounds secured to Thomas Hornsby]

… Whereas John Holt and James Taylor for the proper Debt of James Taylor did become bound unto Thomas Hornsby in the sum of 200 pounds current money for the payment of £100 on Nov. 17 next … James Taylor Doth Give Grant Bargain & Sell unto John Holt all that Lott or half Acre of Ground with the Appurt^s which the said James Taylor purchased of Ann Geddy lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid described in the Plan of the said City by the Figures 62 with all houses … provided that if James Taylor shall cause John Holt on Nov. 17 next to be cleared & discharged of an from the Bond aforesaid, then these presents shall cease & become Void … and also that if default of the Condition aforesaid be made, than John Holt shall Have Hold and Peaceably Enjoy the said lot and houses … that until Default James Taylor shall have and enjoy all and Singular the above …
James Taylor Seal¹

[Recorded York County Court Nov. 19, 1750]

On June 21, 1751 William Hunter of the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburg, paid James Taylor £5.9.7½ "For his acct^s against me from the 28^th of June 1750 £o this Day for making Cloaths &^c".²

Taylor had not defaulted in February 1752. Evidence below would indicate that Taylor continued to live in the house:

ALL my Clients, or others, who may have any Business with me during the Sitting of the General Assembly, may direct their Letters to, or find me, at the House of James Taylor (Taylor) on the main Street, just below the Church, in Williamsburg.
Edmund Pendleton.³

In the months to follow in 1752, James Taylor had serious financial difficulties. The estate of Robert Cary, London merchant, had started proceedings against Taylor for debts owed Cary. (Details of this judgement will follow 9 chronologically). It was necessary for Taylor to advertise that those owing him would pay as soon as possible. He also advertised a lot of household furniture for sale in December, 1752:

WHEREAS the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, has a great Number of Debts of long Standing, and has laboured under several Inconveniences for Want of the same, he begs the Favour of all those who are indebted to him to pay their Ballances, immediately, in Order to enable him to satisfy his Creditors.
James Taylor.

N. B. A Quantity of Household Furniture will be expos'd to Sale, on the Tenth Day of December next: Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond and Security, as usual, to
James Taylor.¹

Early in March, 1753 Taylor advertised his lot with dwellinghouse for sale:

To be SOLD,
A LOT of Land, with a large Dwelling-House, Kitchen, and other convenient Out-Houses, all in good Repair, and most new, situate on the main Street in Williamsburg, joining the upper End of the Market Place; The Convenience of the Houses and Cellars may be viewed, by any Person inclinable to purchase, and the Terms may be known of the present Proprietor.
James Taylor.²

Does Taylor mean that practically all buildings on the property were new? Perhaps the wing end was built about this period.

Thomas Hornsby was the mortgagee. He took the obligation for one hundred pounds:

[March 13, 1753]

[James Taylor of Williamsburg, tailor,
to
Thomas Hornsby of Williamsburg, merchant,
Consideration: 100 Pounds]

… WHEREAS the said James Taylor is and stands Justly indebted to the said Thomas Hornsby by his Bond in which John Holt of the said City stands bound as his Security in the Penalty of 10 Two hundred Pounds dated the twentieth day of November 1750 Conditioned for the Payment of One hundred Pounds with Interest upon November twentieth next … AND WHEREAS the said James Taylor is and stands bound unto the aforesaid John Holt by his certain Bond or Obligation in the Penalty of Ninety one Pounds three Shillings and eleven Pence dated the twenty fourth day of June One thousand seven hundred and fifty one Conditioned for the Payment of forty five Pounds eleven Shillings and Eleven Pence half penny of which the said James paid on the thirteenth day of November One thousand seven hundred and fifty two the Sum of Nine Pounds fifteen Shillings and two pence … which reduced the Money due thereon to the twelfth day of this Instant March to Thirty Nine Pounds six Shillings and six Pence which Sum at the request of the said James Taylor the said Thomas Hornsby paid to the said John Holt who hereupon Assigned the said Bond to the said Thomas Hornsby … AND WHEREAS the said James Taylor is and stands bound to the Said Thomas Hornsby for another past and true Debt by one other Bond or Obligation in the Penalty of One hundred and ten Pounds Nineteen Shillings and two Pence half penny dated the twelfth day of this Instant March Conditioned for the Payment of Fifty five Pounds nine Shillings and seven Pence farthing on demand as by the said three several Bonds or Obligations … NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said James Taylor for the better securing the money due on the said true several Bonds to the said Thomas Hornsby with all Interest due … to the said Thomas Hornsby and also in Consideration of the sum of five Shillings by the said Thomas Hornsby to the said James Taylor in hand paid at the Sealing and Delivery hereof … DOTH GIVE GRANT BARGAIN AND SELL unto the said Thomas Hornsby and his Heirs and Assigns forever ALL that Lot or half Acre of Land with the Appurtenances and buildings thereon Erected lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid described in the Plan of the said City by the figures (62) and was purchased by the said James Taylor of one Ann Geddy AND all Houses Out-houses … Gardens… And all the Estate Rights Title… PROVIDED always that if the said James Taylor his Heirs and Assigns … do and shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the said Thomas Hornsby … or Assigns the said Sum of One hundred Pounds with lawful Interest thereon from the aforesaid twentieth day of November in the Year One thousand seven hundred and fifty the said Sum of Thirty nine Pounds six Shillings and six Pence with lawful Interest thereon from twelfth day of this Instant March and the said Sum of fifty five Pounds nine Shillings seven Pence farthing with 11 lawful Interest thereon from the said twelfth day of this Instant March at or upon the first day of April next ensuing Then these Presents and every Clause … herein contained shall Cease Determine and become utterly Void … as if the same had never been made… AND ALSO that if default shall happen to be made by the said James Taylor his Heirs … in the performance of the said Proviso or Condition or any part thereof that then and in such case it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Thomas Hornsby his Heirs and Assigns to enter into all and singular the Premises above granted Bargained and Sold … to hold Occupy Possess and Enjoy as his and their own proper Estate without any disturbance Eviction Claim or demand of him the said James Taylor … AND LASTLY it is Agreed … that until default shall be made in the Performance of the Proviso … it shall and may be lawful to and for the said James Taylor his Heirs and Assigns to have hold Use Occupy Possess and Enjoy the above granted Premises …
James Taylor LS
Thomas Hornsby LS

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of
J Palmer
Alex^r Craig
Hugh Orr
Thos Archer

¹ [Recorded York County Court March 19, 1753]

Less than two months after the above transaction, Taylor gave a twelve-year lease to a part of the lot to John Bryan, wigmaker:²

[May 1, 1753]

[James Taylor of Williamsburg — Taylor
to
John Bryan of Williamsburg — Wigmaker
Consideration: £57 13 shillings 1½ penny]

THIS INDENTURE made the first day of May in the twenty 12 seventh Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second … and in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and fifty three BETWEEN James Taylor of the City of Williamsburgh Taylor of the one part and John Bryan of the said City Wig Maker of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the Sum of Fifty seven Pounds thirteen Shillings and one penny half penny Current Money of Virginia by the said John Bryan to the said James Taylor in hand paid at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents … He the said James Taylor Hath Demised Granted and to Farm letten … unto the said John Bryan ALL that Messuage House and Tenement scituate lying and being in Gloucester Street in the said City of Williamsburgh and is between the end of the House belonging to the said James Taylor and which he has Leased to Doctor Kenneth McKenzie and the House belonging to the Widow Geddy containing by Estimation Sixteen feet long and thirty feet Wide and is the Land whereon the said John Bryan hath built a House and now keeps his Shop together with all and singular Celars Selars Chambers Rooms Lights [sic] Waters Water Courses Easments Profits Commodities and Appertenances to the said Messuage or Tenement … TO HAVE AND TO HOLD unto the said John Bryan … for and during and unto the full end and Term of Twelve Years from thence next ensuing … AND also that he the said John Bryan his Exo^rs … shall and will at his or their own Proper Cash and Charges well and sufficiently repair and keep the said Messuage House and Tenement with the needful Reparations … when need or occasion shall require during the Term (the Casualty of Fire which may burn down or destroy the said Messuage House and Tenement or any part thereof only excepted) and the said Messuage House or Tenement at the end of the said Term unto the said James Taylor his Ex^rs & shall and will Peaceably and Quietly leave and Yield up (except as before excepted) And also that he the said John Bryan his Ex^rs &^c shall and will at all times hereafter during the Term hereby demanded pay and discharge the Quit Rents of the said Messuage House and Tenement aforesaid And the same James Taylor for himself his Heirs ... doth Covenant and Grant to and with the said John Bryan his Ex^rs … that he the said John Bryan his Ex^rs paying the said Yearly Rent of one Grain of Indian Corn … shall and may Peaceably and Quietly have hold Use Occupy Possess and Enjoy the said Messuage Houses Tenement and Premises hereby demised for and during the Term hereby granted without any lawful Let Suit Trouble & Interruption of or by the said James Taylor his Heirs Exo^rs Admin^s and Assigns … or by any other Person...
James Taylor LS
John Bryan LS

13

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of
Sam^l Spurr
Edw^d Maynard
John Greenhow

Received of John Bryan the sum of fifty seven Pounds thirteen Shillings and one penny half penny being the Consideration Money within mentioned May the 1st 1753.
James Taylor.¹

[Recorded May 21, 1753/]

In this lease to John Bryan above quoted, we notice that Bryan had built a house on Taylor's lot between the house of Taylor's (then leased to Dr. McKenzie) and the house of the Widow Geddy. It also states that Bryan kept his shop therein. This deed records the first mention of the small shop. Although the date (1753) is thirty-odd years before the Frenchman's Map (1782), a look at that map will help to interpret the above deed.² On the Frenchman's Map a small square building is shown between two larger houses (probably the widow Geddy's house on the west and Taylor's house — L shaped — east.) However, the dimensions in the deed give the small house to be 16 feet long by 30 feet wide — which is not a square house.

Up to this point, Hornsby holds a mortgage on Taylor's property, and Taylor had leased a small part of the property to John Bryan, wigmaker, who had built a small shop thereon. Taylor's debts were many. In April 1754, Thomas Reynolds, Sheriff of York County, according to law, proceeded to levy, seize and take into possession lot 62. Taylor's debts had mounted to the point that judgment had been recorded by the widow and administrators of 14 Robert Cary, London merchant, in March 1753, to recover from James Taylor and Thomas Wilkins.¹ A Fiori Facias bearing date September 24, 1753 had followed. In May 1754, Reynolds conveyed to Richard Corbin of King and Queen County, and Mann Page of Gloucester County, the above named property. The full proceedings as recorded in York County Court records follow:

[May 20, 1754]

[Thomas Reynolds, Sheriff of York County, for Robert Cary estate
to
Richard Corbin of King & Queen County and Mann Page of Gloucester County
Consideration £23.12.-]

…WHEREAS by an Act of Parliament made the thirteenth day of January in the Year of our Lord MDCCXXXI Intituled an Act for the more easy recovery of Debts in his Majesty's Plantations and Colonies in America among other things It is Enacted That from and after the twenty ninth day of September MDCCXXXII the Houses Lands Negros and other Hereditaments and Real Estate situate or being within any of the said Plantations belonging to any Person indebted shall be liable to and chargeable with all Just Debts Duties and Demands … owing by any such Person to his Majesty or any of his Subjects … And shall be subject to the like Remedies Proceedings and Process in any Court of Law or Equity in any of the said Plantations … AND WHEREAS Amy Cary Widow Henry Stevens and Edward Woodcock Gent Executrs of the last Will and Testament of Robert Cary late of London Esq^r dec^d by a Judgment of the Court of the said County of York bearing date the nineteenth day of March 1753 did recover against James Taylor and Thomas Wilkins Eighty Pounds Current Money of Virginia for Debt and seventy nine and a half Pounds of Nett Tobacco and fifteen Shillings or One hundred and fifty Pounds of Cask Tobacco and for the speedy obtaining the same and in Pursuance of the aforesaid recited Statute sued out of the said Court his Majestys Writ of Fiori Facias bearing date the twenty fourth day of September last past and returnable to the third Monday in December then next directed to the Sherif of York County whereby he was commanded that of the Goods and Chattels 15 Lands and Tenements of the said James Taylor and Thomas Wilkins he cause to be made the sum of Eighty Pounds Current Money and one hundred and seventy nine and half Pounds of Nett Tobacco fifteen Shillings or One hundred and fifty Pounds of Tobacco which said Amy Cary Henry Stevens and Edward Woodcock Executors of the last Will and Testament of Robert Cary late of London Esq^r dec^d lately in the same Court have recovered against the said James Taylor and Thomas Wilkins for Debt… But by a Memorandum thereon endorsed the said Execution was to be discharged by the Payment of forty Pounds Current Money with Interest for the same to be computed after the rate of five per Centum per Annum from the tenth day of October 1752 to the time of Payment … as by the said Judgment and Fiori Facias with the Sherif's Return … the said Thomas Reynolds being then and now Sherif of the said County of York did Levy Seise and take into Possession One Messuage and Lot of Land with the Appurtenances lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh in the County of York Numbered in the Plan of the said City by the Figures 62 belonging to the said James Taylor and after due Publication made the Sale hereof by Acution … and the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page were the highest Bidders for the sum of two hundred and forty two Pounds but Thomas Hornsby having a Mortgage on the said Messuage and Lot for Two hundred and eighteen Pounds eight Shillings there remained only twenty three Pounds twelve Shillings towards satisfying the said Execution out of which the Sherifs Commissions were to be deducted NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said Thomas Reynolds for and in Consideration of the sum of twenty three Pounds twelve Shillings Current to him in hand paid by the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page... HATH GRANTED Bargained Sold Aliened … unto the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page their Heirs and Assigns the before mentioned Messuage and Lot of Land with the Appurtent^s … TO HAVE AND TO HOLD… foreover …
Tho^s Reynolds Sherif LS

MEMORANDUM the Grantees in this Deed have Agreed and do hereby Agree that the Right of survivorship shall not take Place between them but that the survivor and his Heirs shall at any time when required convey to the Heirs of the Party first dying the Fee Simple of one Moiety of his Premises in this Deed contained In Witness whereof the said Grantees have hereunto set their hand and Seals the twenty sixth day of April One thousand seven hundred and fifty four.
R^d Corbin LS
Mann Page LS

Witness
Landon Carter
By Richard Corbin Esq
Before Ben: Waller Tho^s Everard

¹[Recorded York County Court May 20, 1754]

The above transaction seems to be a fee simple deed to the property. However, Taylor had leased a part of the property to John Bryan for a term of twelve years, and Bryan had built a shop thereon. Corbin and Page, evidently, could not disturb this twelve-year lease. So, in July 1755, Bryan gives a mortgage on this property to John Wheatley,¹ carpenter, for the remaining part of the lease —

[July 8, 1755]

THIS INDENTURE made the Eighth day of July Anno Domini MDCCLV Between John Bryan of James City County Peruke Maker of the one part and John Wheatley of York County, Carpenter of the other part WITNESSETH that the said John Bryan for and in Consideration of Eighteen Pounds seventeen Shillings and three pence Current Money to him the said John in hand paid the receipt whereof he the said John doth Acknowledge and him the said John Wheatley his Heirs Exo^rs and Assigns doth by these Presents forever discharge and Quit Claim He the said John Bryan hath Granted Sold and Demised unto the said John Wheatley his Heirs Executors and Assigns All and fully that Lease Granted by James Taylor, Taylor by Trade, unto him the said John Bryan dated the first day of May MDCCLIII (which Lease is herewith annexe^d) in as full and firm a Manner to be held and enjoyed by the said John Wheatley his Heirs Executors and Assigns during the Residue of the Term hereof as if he the said John Bryan was himself actually in full Possession now if the said John Bryan do pay or cause to be paid unto the said John Wheatley the full and Just Sum of Eighteen Pounds seventeen Shillings and three pence then this above Agreement to be void otherwise if he the said John Bryan do not pay the above mentioned Sum when demanded with Interest arising thereon Then the above said granted Premises with all and every their Rights Privileges and Emoluments be vested in the said John Wheatley his Heirs Executors and Assigns [blurred]

July the 8^th 1755 Be it Remembered That Whereas the above-said John Wheatley is bound in the Sum of Six Pounds Current Money to Thomas Hornsby Merchant in Security for the said Bryan as Security for the Said Sum and Interest the said Six Pounds and Interest are to be charged in this mortgage.
Signed and Sealed by
John Bryan.²

[Recorded York County Court July 21, 1755]

In September, 1760 the property of Ann Geddy (Lot 161 next door) is described as being bounded "on the East by the lot of Richard Corbin and Mann Page, Esquires…"¹

On June 11, 1761 Corbin and Page conveyed lot 62 (162) to Hugh Walker,² merchant of Williamsburg. Walker and John Goode were, evidently, renting the property on lot 161 from James Geddy.³

The conveyance to Walker follows:

[June 7, 1761]

[Richard Corbin of King & Queen County
Mann Page of Gloucester County
to
Hugh Walker of Williamsburg, merchant.
Consideration: £350 Current Money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the eleventh day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty one and in the first Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King George the third BETWEEN the Honourable Richard Corbin of the County of King and Queen Esquire and Mann Page of the County of Gloucester Esquire of the one part and Hugh Walker of the City of Williamsburgh Merchant of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page for and in Consideration of the sum of Three hundred and fifty pounds Current Money of Virginia to them in hand paid by the said Hugh Walker the receipt where of they do hereby Acknowledge and thereof do release acquit and Discharge the said Hugh Walker his Heirs Executors and Administrators they the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page HAVE Granted Bargained Sold Aliened and Confirmed … and by these presents DO Grant … unto the said Hugh Walker his Heirs and Assigns for ever ALL that Messuage Tenement and Lott of Land and Premises with the Appurtenances lying as in the City of Williamsburgh in the County of York numbered in the Plan of the said City by the Figures (62) which Lot formerly belonged to one James Taylor and was by Virtue of an Execution seised and sold by Thomas Reynolds Gent late Sherif of the said County of York unto the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page by Indenture recorded in the said County Court the twentieth day of May One thousand seven hundred and 18 fifty four … with all Edifices Buildings, Yards, Gardens, Ways, Waters, Profits Commodities Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Lott of Land and premises… and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Rights Title and Interest of them the said Richard Corbin and Mann Page of in and to the same … and all Deeds Evidence or Writings touching or concerning the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD … unto the said Hugh Walker … forever …
R^d Corbin LS
Mann Page LS

…
Received this Eleventh day of June 1761 of the above named Hugh Walker the sum of Three hundred and fifty pounds Current Money of Virginia being the Consideration for the Land and premises [blurred] above mentioned.
R^d Corbin LS
Mann Page LS¹

[Recorded York County Court June 15, 1761]

No merchant's accounts or business transactions of Hugh Walker could be discovered other than the one given in quotes below:

In 1763 Hugh Walker and Mary Thruston, daughter of John Thruston of Gloucester County were desirous of marrying. A marriage agreement or settlement was recorded in York County Court records between Walker and Thruston, the father:

[May 20, 1763]

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT

Indented made and concluded on this twentieth day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Sixty three, and in the third Year of the reign of our sovereign Lord King George, the Third BETWEEN Hugh Walker of York County Merchant of the first part, John Thruston of the County of Glouster Merchant [blurred and illegible] and the said Hugh is to receive from the said John Thruston the sum of five hundred pounds Current Money and a female Slave known by the Name of Amey as a Marriage Portion with the said Mary. AND whereas it is reasonable that some provision should be made for the said Mary in Case She should survive the said Hugh NOW these presents WITNESS and it is hereby concluded and agreed by and between all the Two Parties and the said Hugh Walker for himself his Heirs Ex^rs and Administrators DOTH hereby Covenant Grant and Agree to and with the said John Thruston … that in Case the said Mary should happen to survive the said Hugh that the Heirs Executors or Administrators of the said Hugh shall within twelve Months after his Decease pay and satisfy or cause to be paid and satisfied unto the said Mary her Executors Administrators or Assigns the just & full Sum of One thousand Pounds Current Money together with one Years' Interest and that in such Case she shall hold & enjoy one Lott of Ground now belonging to the said Hugh lying in the City of Williamsburg and said County of York and denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures (62) with all Houses Gardens and Appurtenances thereon being or thereto belonging WITH ALL the Household and Kitchen Furniture … with four of his House Slaves … during her Widowhood and in Case of her Death or second Marriage then the said Lott Houses and Appurtenances Household and Kitchen Furniture … shall return & become vested in such Person or Persons as shall be legally intitled thereto under the said Hugh and the said Hugh Walker for himself and his Heirs doth hereby further [illegible] the said John [illegibles] that the said [illegible] Slave And one thousand Pounds Current Money with one Years lawful Interest hereon before mennioned and intended to be paid to the said 20 Mary in Case She should Survive the said Hugh shall be to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Mary her Executors … for ever. And that the said Lott of Ground Houses and Appurtenances shall be only for the use of the said Mary in Case She shall Survive him during her Widowhood … and that the said Hugh and his Heirs in Case the Marriage shall take Effect shall and will stand seized thereof for the said uses and no other …
Hugh Walker LS
John Thruston LS
Mary Thruston LS¹

[Ordered to be recorded] [illegible]

Hugh Walker survived his wife, Mary Thruston Walker.² The property (lot 62) legally became his again.

In 1767, it seems that Keith and Hatch, tailors, were carrying on their business on the site in question:

NATHANIEL KEITH & JOHN HATCH,
TAILORS,
PROPOSE, by the favour of their friends and the publick, to carry on their business in all its branches, in the shop opposite to Mr. John Greenhow's store, on the main street in Williamsburg, where Gentlemen may depend on having their clothes made in the best manner and newest fashion: Also, Ladies riding habits made in the most fashionable manner.

N. B. I take this opportunity to inform my former customers that they may depend on having their clothes made with as great care and despatch as when I was formerly in business, and shall be glad of their future favours.
NATHANIEL KEITH.³

Research has failed to find anything further about Keith or Hatch. The "shop" referred to by them could be the shop built by John Bryan (previously noted in the report.)

In November 1769, Walker's lot is given as a west boundary line for the 21 land on which the proposed new courthouse for Williamsburg was to be built: "That so much of the said market-square as lies on the north side of the said [Duke of Gloucester] street, as far as Nicholson street, and between the line of Hugh Walker's lot, on the west, and the paling where Haldenby Dixon's store stands, on the east, be, and the same is hereby added to and made part of the said county of James City …"(Hening's Statutes of Virginia, volume 8, pp. 419-420 — An Act to annex part of the county of York to the county of James City, and for other purposes therein mentioned.)

By August 1770, Hugh Walker had established residence in Gloucester County where he had married Catherine Morgan.¹ The property in Williamsburg, Lot 62, was conveyed to Andrew Anderson, surgeon:

[August 15, 1770]

[Hugh Walker, merchant of Middlesex County
Catherine, his wife
to
Andrew Anderson,² surgeon of Williamsburg
Consideration: £400 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy BETWEEN Hugh Walker of the County of Middlesex merchant and Catherine his wife on the one part and Andrew Anderson of the City of Williamsburg Surgeon of the other Part WITNESSETH that for and in Consideration of the sum of four hundred pounds current money by the said Andrew to the said Hugh in hand paid or before the Sealing & delivery of these presents ... they the said Hugh Walker and Catherine his wife have granted Bargained sold 22 enfeoffeed and confirmed … unto the said Andrew Anderson his heirs and assigns for ever all that messuage Tenement and Lot of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg and described in the Plan thereof by the figures 62 bounded on the North by Nicolson Street and on the east by the market square on the South by the Duke of Gloucester Street and on the West by the Lot of James Geddy and all houses buildings Yards Gardens … TO HAVE AND TO HOLD … unto the said Andrew Anderson his heirs and assigns…
Hugh Walker LS
Catherine Walker LS

¹ [Recorded York County Court September 17, 1770]

Anderson's family arrived in August 1769 from London, according to Rind's Virginia Gazette. He probably occupied the house from August,1770, until its sale in November, 1771. It is assumed that he did not have his shop thereon.² In November, 1771, Anderson conveyed the property to William Hornsby of Williamsburg, merchant:

[November 12, 1771]

[Andrew Anderson, surgeon of New Kent County
to
William Hornsby, merchant, Williamsburg
Consideration: 500 pounds current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the twelfth Day of November in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy one BETWEEN Andrew Anderson of the County of New Kent Surgeon of the one Part and William Hornsby of the City of Williamsburg Merchant of the other part WITNESSETH that for and in consideration of the sum of five Hundred Pounds Current Money by the said William to the said Andrew in Hand paid at or before the Sealing and Delivery 23 of these presents … He the said Andrew Anderson HATH Granted Bargained Sold Aliened and Confirmed and by these presents DOTH Grant … unto the said William Hornsby his Heirs and Assigns all that Lott or Half Acre of Ground lying and being in the City of Williamsburg aforesaid in the Parish of Bruton and County of York Denoted in the Plan of the said City by the figures 62 and bounded on the North by Nicolson Street on the East by the Market Square on the South by Duke of Gloucester Street and on the West by the Lott of James Geddy which said Lott or half Acre of Ground was sold and Conveyed by Richard Corbin and Mann Page Esquires to Hugh Walker by Deed dated the eleventh day of June in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty one and by the said Hugh and Catherine his Wife to the said Andrew Anderson by Deed dated the fifteen Day of August in the Year one thousand seven hundred and Seventy … And all Houses Buildings Yards Gardens Ways Waters Profits Commodities Hereditaments and appurtenances…
And^w Anderson LS

[Received payment November 12, 1771]

¹[Recorded York County Court Dec. 16, 1771]

The property was conveyed in 1773 by Hornsby to John Baker,² a "surgeon dentist":

[July 3, 1773]

[William Hornsby, merchant Williamsburg,
to
John Baker, surgeon dentist, Williamsburg,
Consideration: £425 current money of Virginia]

… All that Lot or half Acre of ground lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, Parish of Bruton, County of York, denoted in the Plan of the said city by the Figures 62 and bounded on the North by Nicolson Street on the East by the Market Square on the South by the Duke of Gloucester Street and on the West by the lot of James Geddy conveyed by Richard Corbin and Mann Page to Hugh Walker by Deed dated June 11, 1761 and by the said Hugh Walker and Katherine his wife to Andrew Anderson August tenth 1770 and by the said Anderson to William Hornsby on November twelfth 1771 … And all Houses …
William Horⁿsby LS³

[Recorded York County Court July 16, 1773]

Baker, a traveling dentist had practiced in Williamsburg before he acquired the property from Hornsby.¹

In August 1777, Baker advertised his property on the market square for sale:

WILLIAMSBURG, August 7, 1777.
TO BE SOLD, and entered on immediately, a valuable House on the Market Square in this City, with 4 handsome Rooms below neatly papered, and a Fire Place in each, with 3 Closets, and 6 Rooms above, with dry Cellars under the Whole, a good Kitchen and Laundry, with closets, a brick Dairy, Corn House, Smoke House, Stable, and Coach Houses, with a Flower and Kitchen Garden, well paled in, also a small House adjoining, with 2 Rooms and Fire Places, a Good Cellar and Yard, the whole in good Repair, with the above may be had all or any Part of the following valuable Furniture, viz. Mahogany Dining Tables, Pembrook, Card, Toilet and other Tables, large and small handsome Looking Glasses, an eight Day Clock, Mahogany Chairs with Brocade and Furniture Bottoms, green Passage Chairs, Carpets and Carpeting, a large Mahogany Plate Case, with Glass Doors, a Mahogany Bureau on Brass Castors, a Tea Urn with a Mahogany Stand, Bedsteads, and Curtains, Tea and Table China, Bowls, and ornamental China, japanned, glass, and Queen's Ware, a Brass Grate, A Bath Stove, Handirons, Brass and Wire Fenders, a good Jack and a quantity of Kitchen Furniture, also a large imported Flour Mill, with a Variety of other Articles too tedious to mention. The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, on the Premises, who intends leaving this State in a short Time, and requests those who have any Claims against Him immediately to apply for Payment, and all who are indebted to him, either by Bond or Account will be so good to discharge their several Balances as soon as possible.
JOHN BAKER.²

Baker gives a detailed description of his property. We know that the house had four rooms below (papered and a fireplace in each), three closets, with six rooms above, cellars, and dependencies: kitchen, laundry, dairy, 25 cornhouse, smoke house, stable and coach houses. Also, a small house adjoining with two rooms, fireplaces and cellar. Though Baker advertised above that he intended "leaving this State in a short Time" evidently he did not go. Nor was his house on the Market Square sold until after August, 1778. Baker's advertisement in the Virginia Gazette of August 21, 1778, indicates that he was "on the premises" or a part of it:

[August 21, 1778]

^{To be} SOLD, and entered on in October next, A VALUABLE house on the market square in this city, having four handsome rooms below, neatly papered, and a fire place in each, with 3 closets, 6 rooms above, and dry cellars under the whole, a good kitchen and laundry, with closets, a brick dairy, cornhouse, smoke-house, a stable, that will hold nine horses, two coach houses, with a flower and kitchen garden, well paled in, also a small store adjoining, with two rooms and fireplaces, and a good cellar and yard; the whole in good repair. With the above houses may be had some valuable household and kitchen furniture, plate, &c. The terms may be known by applying to the subscriber on the premises, who intends leaving this state in a short time, and requests those who have any claims against him, immediately to apply for payment, and all who are indebted to him, either by bond or account, to be so good as to discharge their several balances as soon as possible.
JOHN BAKER.

?I have for sale a pair of fine horses, well broke to a carriage, and a top chair, with harness for two horses, &c. &c.
J. B.

WILLIAMSBURG August 13, 1778.

¹

In this notice Baker mentions "a small store" adjoining the house; also outhouses, gardens &c. In the notice of Baker of date August 7, 1777 (page 24), the store is not mentioned but "a small house adjoining". These were probably the same building but with different uses in 1777 and 1778.

Within three months, the property had been conveyed to two different owners. Our only source for this statement lies in a deed from James Geddy to Robert Jackson dated December 11, 1778, which deed conveyed [lot 161] the property to the west:

… All that lot or half Acre … 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 Gedd^y of M^rs Anne Geddy … in the year 1770 [sic 1760?] recorded in the County of York…¹

John Hatley Norton, son of John Norton merchant of Yorktown and London, was the owner of Lot 162 by December, 1778.

It appears from an item in the Journals of the House of Burgesses (1777-1780) that the Burgesses were in session in Williamsburg on Wednesday, December 17, 1777.

The following record indicates that John Norton³ had a store in the 27 city at this time:

[December 17, 177⁷]

… It also appears to your committee, from the information of Humphrey Harwood, that he went to Mr. John Norton's store on Tuesday morning in search of goods, where he met with two pieces of linen which he intended to take, but John Cox, who was in the store objected to it, and said he should not take them that they were imported by Norton and Company, and then produced the act of Assembly, to show that he was not empowered to take goods from any person importing them …¹

A study of the Virginia Gazette shows that John H. Norton and Samuel Beall were operating a store in partnership as early as August 29, 1777 to July 10, 1778.² The location of this store is not known though we know it was in Williamsburg. It is possible for the firm of Norton and Beall to have rented the storehouse on Lot 162 from Baker prior to Norton's acquisition. by December, 1778. It is possible, also, that Norton lived thereon before he bought it.

On June 28, 1778, Norton made an assignment to Samuel Beall:

"J.H.N. signs over to Samuel Beale all the Vessels held in Company with the s^d Beale under the firm of Norton & Beale and do by these presents transfer, and make over to the said Samuel Beale, all my right title claim and Interest in and to all the s^d Vessels at the prices and rates Stipulated … herewith … further transfer and make over to the s^d Samuel Beale his heirs and assigns all my Interest and Claim to all the Debts due to the House of Norton & Beale … saving the said John H. Norton his heirs Executors or Administrators free from any claim or demand on him inconsequence of his being a Partner under the firm of Norton & Beale. I have also sold to the said Samuel Beale all the Goods Wares & Merchandize as far as my Interest in the same held in Company under the firm of Norton & Beale, and have received in Amount a Valuable Consideration for the same —
Given under my hand this 28^th of June 1778"³

April, 1779 finds Norton established at his residence, with a store business in the city. Items copied below so indicate:

[Letter from James Clay¹ to James Withers, London]

Wmsburg 20th April 1779

£ on my arrival I waited on Mr. Norton who receiv'd me kindly and made an offer of his house and inform'd me he should look upon me as one of the Family and as soon as I was at leisure after getting my Goods on shore, desir'd me to lay my future operations or anything I had to offer candidly before him that he would advise me for the best…²

Wanted on charter for the WEST INDIES, PARTS of fast sailing Virginia pilot boats. For farther particulars enquire of me in this city. (tf)
J. H. NORTON

WILLIAMSBURG, April 28, 1779.

³

WILLIAMSBURG, October 7, 1779

I HAVE for SALE by package the following articles: Mens and youths leather shoes, a great variety of cutlery, mens and youths hats, worsted and thread stockings, mens and womens gloves, an assortment of needles and pins, Kendall cottons, German serges, shalloons, Dutch blankets, Bath coating, Irish linens, and good West India rum.
J. H. NORTON.⁴

During Norton's stay in the house, the following entries appear in Harwood's Ledger for repairs:

Note that Norton contracts with Harwood, Williamsburg brick mason and carpenter, for repairs. No store or storehouse is mentioned. However, on the office, kitchen, main house and necessary, considerable repair work was done. Five rooms, two passages, and a porch are noted.

By May 28, 1781 Norton was selling out all of his dry goods and other salable goods on hand prior to his removal to northern Virginia. A contract with James Clay and John Cox, merchants of Hanover Town confirms this statement.² Also an "Invoice of Merchandize Purchas'd of John Hatley Norton" seems to confirm this.³ We do not know that this invoice represented Norton's goods in Williamsburg. 30 However, from several references in the invoice (one "A trunk formerly in Greenhow's Store" and another "Trunk SMB N^o 1" would lead us to think the goods had been in Williamsburg. "SMB" are the initials of Samuel M. Beall, Norton's former partner. If this reasoning is correct, the invoice gives us an idea of the kind of store Norton had in Williamsburg.

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a house with north wing and smaller attached house to the west with two outbuildings north and a larger building to the extreme rear of the lot. See: Illustration #1 for copy.

We know from a deed of date September 25, 1809: Peachy Wills to Robert Greenhow — (York County, Deeds VIII, p. 16), that Mrs. Wills "purchased the property from John H. Norton as by Indenture dated the fifteenth of November, 1781, and duly recorded in the Gen^l Court in Richmond the fourth day of April following." In 1781 she was married to William Hold.¹

Should a wife own property at the time of her marriage, the Virginia law of this period would, by act of marriage, give the property to the husband. In this case, William Holt would inherit all the property of Mrs. Peachy Purdie upon his marriage to her.

In 1783-1784 there were repairs made by Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg brick mason and carpenter, to William Holt's property. From some of the items, 31 it appears to be the property which was formerly John Hatley Norton's. We quote:

Let us note that Harwood laid a hearth and mended back, repaired underpining to house, furnished bricks and lime for the French baker, repaired plaster in house, whitewashed rooms, passages and ceilings, dug foundations, and built 32 a cellar wall, built cellar steps, repaired kitchen chimney and oven, repaired dairy, ash house and smoke house.

The description, "French Baker next Court House", and other items under "oven" would indicate that the baker was living or conducting his bake shop on lot 162.

A letter from Nathaniel Littleton Savage to J. H. Norton [date not given] may throw some light on the house once owned by Norton in Williamsburg: "The house in Williamsburg yet stands in a ruinous state first occupied by one pauper & then another." The letters from Savage to Norton date from 1764 to 1790. If this undated letter was written after Norton moved to Winchester, the reference to a "house in Williamsburg" may indicate the condition of the property after 1781 when Peachy Wills acquired from Norton. See: Norton-Savage Ms. Collection, Brock Papers, Huntington Library, microfilm, Research Department.

William Holt's will written January 11, 1791 mentions his wife, Peachy, and the property which she purchased of John Hatley Norton thus: "… I give to my beloved wife Peachy … also the lot in Williamsburg she purchased of John Hatley Norton…"¹

According to a paper in the Harry Innes² Papers, Peachy Holt, widow of William Holt, renounced the will and all benefits thereunto:

I Peachy Holt of the City of Williamsburg Widow and Relict of William Holt late of the said City, by these presents declare that I will not take or accept the provision made for me by the last will and Testament of the said William Holt or any part thereof, and I do hereby Renounce all 33 benefit which I may claim by said Will. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this twenty seventh day of June 1791.
Peachy Holt.

Just what really happened is not known by the writer. Mrs. Holt in renouncing the benefits of Holt's will, may have acted thus to claim her rightful dower and thereby gain a greater portion of the estate than would have been hers under the will. In 1809 the widow of Holt (she had married Elias Wills by 1800) gave mortgage to Robert Greenhow, her nephew (to follow chronologically in report) to the property. In 1796 while occupying the property Mrs. Wills insured it with the Mutual Assurance Society.² She stated in the policy that "the buildings are wooden on the Main Street now occupied by myself situated between the lott of M^rs Elizabeth Martin and that of the Court house Square in the county of York." There was a wood store 16 by 14 feet attached to the house which was 40 by 17 feet with a north wing, a dairy and a kitchen.

The College Map (1791?) shows "Wills" on lot "162".²

In 1806, Mrs. Peachy Wills insured her buildings — four — with the Mutual Assurance Society stating that the property was "now occupied by myself between the Lott of Wells Dunsford and the Court House Square in the county of York." The dwellings was wood 50 by 20 feet with wing; a wooden shop 14 by 16 feet attached; also dairy and kitchen.³ In the appraisement the dwelling was A at $900 the Store House [shop in drawing] B at $100 with Kitchen C at 34 $120 and Dairy D at $100.

A letter written in 1806 to Harry Innes indicates that Mrs. Wills was having financial difficulties at that time:

W^mmburg, May 14th, 1806

D^r Sir,
At the request of My Aunt M^rs Peachy Wills, I once more resume my pen to entreat that you will put into action your utmost Exertions, to dispose of all & Every of the unsold tracts, & parcels of Land which you have been invested with … She is very far advanced in Life, has to encounter not only with the maladies incident to old Age; but also with those mental afflictions that a Person accustomed to live for the first 40 or 50 years of their life in affluence must experience when they find themselves necessitated to live in penury & want … She is now verging on 3 Score Years & ten…
Ro, Greenhow.¹

All the above written at my earnest entreaty, by my dear Nephew & all which I most earnestly beg may be put into execution as speedily as may be for the benefit of Sir
Your much obliged friend
Peachy Wills.²

The Bucktrout Map (1807) shows "Wills" on Lot "162".²

In 1809, Mrs. Wills seems to have mortgaged the property to her nephew, Robert Greenhow who had moved to Richmond:

[September 25, 1809]

[Wills, Peachy of the city of Richmond
to
Greenhow, Robert, merchant of the same city
35 Consideration: $1000]

…Witnesseth that the said Peachy Wills for and in consideration of one thousand dollars paid or secured by the said Robert Greenhow … hath granted … unto him the said Robert Greenhow … all that Tenement or parcel of ground situate in the city of Williamsburg on the North side of the Main Street bounded to the East by the Courthouse Square, to the west by the widow Dunsford's Lot and to the North by a Lane seperating it from St. George Tucker's Tenement & now occupied by Roscow Cole and James Henderson which said Tenement or parcel of Ground was by her the said Peachy purchased of John H. Norton as by Indenture dated the fifteenth of November, 1781, and duly recorded in the Genr^l Court in Richmond the fourth day of April following, by reference to which will more fully appear … that the premises are free of Incumbrances … the lien of Roscow Cole on said Tenement for repairs & the unexpired Lease of James Henderson of another portion of it alone excepted…¹

Reference to James Henderson having a lease on a part of the property is significant in that Henderson had a store in Williamsburg during this period. In 1804-1807, Robert H. Waller of Williamsburg had merchandise accounts with James Henderson. Such items as shoe strings, bath coating, thread, muslin, cassimere, blankets, buttons, tea pots, nails, wine, sugar, almonds coffee, quire of paper, calf skin &c. &c. are the type of goods sold in the store.² From 1808-12 Waller's estate was indebted to "Cole & Henderson" for merchandise such as glass, putty, nails, sherry wine, powder to shot, shoes, cups & saucers, cloth, gilt buttons, flannel and "segars".³

In 1806, Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts, list Peachy Wills — 1 lot — Tax value $70.⁴ In 1809, the value is $130. In 1811, Williamsburg Land Tax 36 Accounts indicate that Roscow Cole was conveyed the property "via Wills." The lot is valued at $130 for tax purposes. This is the first piece of property owned by Roscow Cole in the city.

In 1812, Cole insured his property with the Mutual Assurance Society. He stated that it was occupied by himself between the main street South — Court house square east — cross street north and Ann Dunsfords lot west in the county of York … Brick Dwelling valued at $2500, two stories high 22 feet by 20 feet; with a store at $300 of wood 24 feet with 16 foot extension; kitchen of wood $200 32 feet x 26 feet; dairy, smokehouse and stable on premises.¹

Let us notice that the dwelling house is described as of brick in 1812. In 1806, the dwelling house was of wood. Mrs. Wills was financially embarrassed in 1809. Cole acquired the property in 1811. It seems reasonable to assume that Cole built the brick house in 1811-1812.

Accounts of St. George Tucker with Roscow Cole, merchant, from 1813-1815 can be seen in Illustration #9 of this report.

Cole,evidently,was living on the property in March, 1817. A letter to him from St. George Tucker would indicate this:

W^msburg March 7-1817.

Copy of a Letter to Roscow Cole.

Sir.
About eight oClock last night I saw one of your Servants with a lighted Candle, without any Lanthorn, in your Stable. The Wind setting directly towards my house, it must have been burnt, if the Stable had caught fire. I therefore hope & request that you will be pleased to take such immediate, & effectual Measures to prevent so dangerous a practice, as may contribute to the absolute Security both of your own property & mine —
S^t G T²

In January, 1819 Roscow Cole announced in the newspaper that he and Jacob Sheldon were in the mercantile business to be known as "Cole & Sheldon":

COLE & SHELDON HAVE ON HAND
(And will be constantly receiving from New-York, Philadelphia and Baltimore)
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF DRY GOODS, HARDWARE, GROCERIES, PAINTS, &^c &^c.
Which they offer for sale, (at the STORE lately occupied by Mr. Roscow Cole adjoining the Court-house square) on moderate terms for Cash or six months credit.

Williamsburg, Jan. 1,

¹

In May 1819, Cole and Sheldon advertise 250 packages of general assortment of goods from New York: dry goods, hardware, earthen and glass ware, groceries paint, oil and medicines &c.² In May, 1820 they advertised 8500 yards of shirtings, sheetings, ginghams, chintz, muslins, crapes, bombazette, wool hats, ladies straw bonnets, shoes, hardware, groceries, 4000 gallons of rye whiskey in barrels and hogsheads &c. "all selected by R. Cole." In 1822 Roscow Cole & Jacob Sheldon, Williamsburg, advertised in the same newspaper that they needed a clerk "well acquainted with the Dry Goods and Grocery Business and Accounts generally."

In 1823, Cole insured the property stating that he was living in the James City part of Williamsburg³ but "now occupied [this property] situated between the lot of William Pearman on the West — the Court house square East and streets otherwise in the county of York."⁴

Cole was still operating his store in the city in December, 1833. "A negro man Slave the property of Benjamin Waller did on the 26^th day of this month [December] feloniously steal take &^c Carry away from the store of Roscow Cole of this City one piece of Cotton flannel about twenty yards of the value of five dollars."¹ On February 15, 1833, "between the hours of nine P. M. the dwelling house of Washington Hatton, Clerk of Williamsburg being also the storehouse of Roscow Cole in the said City, was feloniously & burglariously broken & entered, and a peice of cotton cloth of the value of five dollars of the goods & chattels of Roscow Cole and one bank note of the value of twenty dollars of the Bank of the United States dated the 2^d day of July 1831, & numbered 170 and one other Bank note of the Bank of Virginia of the value of twenty dollars dated the 14^th of March 1822 & numbered 2804 belonging to Roscow Cole, feloniously & burglariously stolen, taken & carried away from thence, and that He has just cause to suspect & does suspect that Jacob … labourer, a slave the property of Thomas. G. Tinsley, the said felony & burglary did commit…"² Roscow Cole's storehouse and dwelling house is described, in 1833 thus:³

On night of 15 feb. 1833, fastened and locked the inner and outer door of house, which was Roscow Cole's Storehouse, and dwelling house occupied by Witness — Door was forced open after dark — he left about 7-O'C having locked inner door, leading from Counting room to passage-outer door was composed of the folding door, one confined by bolt top & bottom, Catch & lock — Locked [door] was forced, from appearances of latch, the bolt having scraped it, in pussing[SIC] door spring — Door on South side, at west end of passage, confined by two locks, stock & padlocks the one (stock) was locked, only, & key was placed on box in passage, near lamp. 39 When returned found front door, forced open, keys takn, S. W. door unlocked - back door, opened, box broken, small wooden box opened, & $6420 — in bank notes — checks, bills 2 pocket books, red & calfskin-stolen from box, 50 cents from drawer, hdkfs, worth 50 cts each— pocket books, 1.50 & 1.00— Knows the note produced, $20 Va Bank. by hole, and name, "W. Wingfield" endorsed. Recognized Envelope — endorsements- handwriting — Sheldon's due bill — $500. Second folding door was still fastened at top — Two other due bills $40 & $50 wall of brick House projects and forms front of Counting room — ^Two houses connected by several doors … R-Cole. P[laintiff?] closed up cash a/c that night (15th) after dark, placed parcel of silver in Iron chest, notes with other notes in small wooden also 2 pocket books, one red, tied with red tape string …

…
situation of House, same as Hatton described — Brick Store was used as Store at time &^c

…
Case of Cellar door. (Not similar because cellar door was not all fas^d) not two doors no boltin. there.

Cross [examination]
Front door — Catch —
Two buildings, brick & wood — lives in brick.

In May, 1830, Roscow Cole insured his property. At the time he resided in Williamsburg, described the property "on the Main street and Court House Square now occupied by myself situated between the lot of William Pearman on the West the Court House square on the East and streets on the South and North… "A. Dry Goods store of brick two stories high 20 by 50 connected with B, by doors and covered way; B. Grocery store of wood entire 43 by 20; brick storehouse, wood storehouse to rear of grocery store; and C. Kitchen of wood 26 by 32 north; D. stable of wood 30 by 18 north end of lot."¹

In 1839 Cole property was insured. It stated that he was residing in 40 New York and the property was occupied by Elizabeth Edloe, and Pierce & Armistead [merchants]. The store was one and a half stories 43 by 20 with two small storehouses directly behind, and kitchen and stable further to the north on the lot. The main portion of the dwellinghouse is described as of brick, while the western wing is of wood.¹

In 1846 Cole again insured the property. At the time it was occupied by Thomas Stephenson in part with Benjamin E. Bucktrouts property on the west. Total valuation $2975.²

The Land Tax Records for 1854 state that Peter T. Powell had come into the property "Formerly charged to Roscow Cole 2 lots added together $2900 with $2500 value of buildings."³ Powell, evidently, had acquired the property in 1853 as he insures it that year. Total valuations of dwelling, store, kitchen and stable $3773.⁴

Powell insured the property in 1860 thus: "My Buildings on the Main Street now occupied by Myself situated on the North side of the Main Street and West of Court House Square in the said city of Williamsburg and in the county of York… (dwelling, store, kitchen and stable) valuation $3775. A. Dwelling 2 Stories high Walls — Brick Roof — Wood B Store 1 ½ Stories Walls Wood Roof-Wood…"⁵

Powell or his estate owned the property until 1895 when it was conveyed to B. D. Peachy.⁶ The property was described as: "the late residence of 41 Peter T. Powell, situate in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, and bounded on the north by Nicholson Street, on the East by Court House Green, on the south by Duke of Gloucester Street, and on the west by the lot owned by Eliza Neal." In 1909 Peachy conveyed to his wife, Mary G. Peachy gave an option in 1927 with certain reservations to Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin.¹ By will in 1929 Mrs. Peachy conveyed the property to her daughter, Virginia Peachy Rogers under the same reservations as agreed to for Dr. Goodwin who was representing Williamsburg Restoration.² In 1931 Virginia Peachy Rogers and T. F. Rogers, her husband conveyed the property under former reservations to Colonial Williamsburg. The death of Mrs. Rogers and Mr. Rogers released all property rights to Colonial Williamsburg.³

Illustration #1

FROM FRENCHMAN'S MAP 1782?

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

Illustration #2

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

Illustration #5

Virginia Gazette;
Purdie ed., August 29, 1777. Norton & Beall
"A QUANTITY of exceeding fine JESUITS BARK to be sold either wholesale or retail, at a reasonable price."

Ibid.
Dixon & Hunter, eds., Nov. 28, 1777. Norton & Beall
"For SALE, at the Subscribers Store in this City, a choice Assortment of JESUITS BARK, JALAP, MANNA, BLAUBER SALTS, SENNA. Also a Quantity of COPPERAS which will be sold in small Quantities, or by Wholesale."

Ibid.
Dixon & Hunter, eds., July 10, 1778. Norton & Beall
"OPENED, and now for SALE, at our store in Williamsburg, the following GOODS …"

Illustration #6

[Will of William Holt]

[January 11, 1791]

…
By this my last will and testament I give to my beloved wife Peachy all the estate she brought me, with land in Cantucky under the power of Harry Innis esq to rooved from John May deceased whose bonds he has to recover them upon — also the lot in Williamsburg she purchased of John Hatley Norton, and a provision out of my estate to supply the occasion of her family in the same manner as she enjoys at present, during her widowhood, after which it is presumed she will not need them, and they will of course cease.

I give to my son David …

I give to my daughter Elizabeth Coleman nineteen hundred pounds when the profits of my estate will raise the money, leaving a sufficienty for the support of my family, and carying my works on the keeping them in repair.

I leave to my sons William and David…

My son John I have provided for already —

I give to my son Samuel …

I give to my son Henry … subject to the payment of twenty five pounds yearly to their sisters Jane and Mary twenty five pounds to each …

I leave my residuary legatees my sons Samuel and Henry. I appoint for my executrix my beloved wife Peachy, and my executors my friends Wm. Russell, Robert Greenhow and William Coleman. Witness my hand and seal this 11th January 1791.
Wm. Holt¹

In the Harry Innes MSS Papers, vol. 25, pt 1, Library of Congress, there is a copy of the will of William Holt dated January 11, 1791. On the back is the following:

I Peachy Holt of the City of Williamsburg Widow and Relict of William Holt late of the said City, by these presents declare that I will not take or accept the provision made for me by the last will and Testament of the said William Holt or any part thereof, and I do hereby Renounce all benefit which I may claim by said Will. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this twenty seventh day of June 1791.
Peachy Holt.²

Signed and Sealed in the presence of us-
Ro- Greenhow
Samuel Greenhow
James Davenport

Illustration #7

[Contract between James Clay & John Cox, and John Hatley Norton]

Hanover Town May 28 1781

We James Clay & John Cox have this day agreed & purchased of Mr. J. H. Norton one half the dry Goods said J. H. Norton has on hand for Sale in the State at the Advance of Seven Hundred & fifty pounds current Money for every Twenty shillings sterling value payable when demanded in merchantable James River Tobacco at Byrd Shockoes, & Petersburg Warehouses: The other moiety of the Goods being J. H. Nortons property we oblige ourselves to sell with our own free of Commission: J. H. Norton to be allowed the Expences of removing the Goods from Hanover to Charlottesville. In ratefication of the above agreement we bind ourselves to comply with the Same in the Penal Sum of Five hundred thousand pounds of Merchantable James River Tobacco at Byrd, or Shockoe warehouses.

We do agree to rate the Tobacco to be paid J. H. Norton at eighty pounds p Cwt.
John Cox
for self

Test:
Robt. Foster

James Clay

Hanover May 28, 1781

In consideration of the foregoing Agreement of Messrs. James Clay & John Cox with me I do oblige myself to fulfill my engagements conformable to the Lesser & true meaning of the same under the like penalty
J. H. Norton

Test:
Robt Foster

[Endorsed: John Cox and James Clay / Agreement.]

Invoice of Goods

Illustration #8

1796, April 18^th

Mutual Assurance Society Policy N^o 128 Form of the Declaration for Assurance

I the underwritten Peachy Wills residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia, established the 26th December, 1795,

My Wooden Buildings on the main street at Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lott of M^rs Elizabeth Martin and that of the court house Sqr. in the county of York…

1806, May 12^th

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 646 Revaluation of the Buildings insured per Declaration N^o 128 as per endorsement thereon

I the underwritten Peachy Wills residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia. My four Buildings on the Main Street in s^d City of Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the Lott of Wells Dunsford and the Court House Square in the county of York…

1812, December 31^st

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 1151 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Peachy Wills per declaration No. 128 & 646

I the underwritten Roscow Cole residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against fire on buildings of the state of Virginia my several buildings on the main street situated between the main street South-Court-house Square east-cross street north and Ann Dunsfords lot west in the County of York…

1823, April 19^th

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 5017 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared by Roscow Cole per Declaration No. 1151

I the underwritten Roscow Cole residing At Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for Assurance… my buildings on my own land now occupied by myself situated between the lot of William Pearman on the West- the Court house square East and streets otherwise in the county of York…

1830, May 21st.

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 7581 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Roscow Cole per Declaration No. 5017

I the underwritten Roscow Cole residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia,

My buildings on the Main street and Court House Square in Williamsburg now occupied by myself situated between the lot of William Pearman on the West the Court House Square on the East, and streets on the South and North in the county of York…

1839, April 24th

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 10999 Re-valuation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Roscow Cole as per Declaration No. 7581

We, the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and Lucius F. Cary and Albert G. Southhall Appraisers, do hereby certify, that we have viewed and revalued the Buildings heretofore declared for Assurance, in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia, by Roscow Cole as per his Declaration for Assurance Numbered 7581 That the said Buildings are at present owned by Roscow Cole residing at New York and are occupied by Eliza beth Edloe, and Pierce & Armistead That they are situated on the Court house square on the East, on Main street South, Nicolson Street North and Benjamin Bucktrouts lot West in the county of …

1846, October 3rd.

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 14,383 Revaluation of Buildings declared for Assurance by Roscow Cole as per Declaration No. 10999

We, the underwritten Robert Anderson Special Agent, and John M. Maupin and Goodrich Durfey Appraisers, do hereby certify that we have viewed and revalued the Buildings heretofore declared for Assurance, in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia, by Roscow Cole as per his declaration for Assurance, Numbered 10999

That the said Buildings are at present owned by the said Roscow Cole residing at and are occupied Thomas Stephenson in part That they are situated on the North side of Main street and the Court House Square on the South and East- on the North by Nicolson street and on the west by lot of Benjamin E. Bucktrouts estate in the County of York…

1853, November 14th.

Mutual Assurance Society Policy No. 17646 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Roscow Cole per Declaration No. 14383

I the underwritten Peter T. Powell residing at Williamsburg in the county of James City do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia my Buildings on the main street and Court House Square now occupied by myself situated between the lot of Benjamin E. Bucktrouts heirs, and streets otherwise in the county of York…

1860, December 31st.

Mutual Assurance Society Policy 21342 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by Peter T. Powell per Declaration No. 17646

I the underwritten Peter T. Powell residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for Assurance in the Mutual Assurance Society against Fire on Buildings of the State of Virginia my Buildings on the Main Street now occupied by Myself situated on the North side of said Main Street and West of Court House Square in the said city of Williamsburg and in the county of York…

Illustration #9