Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

COKE-GARRETT HOUSE
(Block 27 ^{Bldg. 1}- Colonial Lots 279, 280)

According to the available records it seems that the first owner of the Coke-Garrett lots was William Sherman (Sharman, Sharnan) a baker. On June 18, 1708, Sherman bargained to sell house and property to Joseph Chermeson by a deed of lease:

June 18, 1708.

"Sherman, William - Baker to
Chermoson, Joseph
Consideration: 5 shillings.

All that his two lots or one acre of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, near her Majesties Queen Anne's Royal Capitol, with all houses, outhouses, kitchens, barnes, stables & erections of what kind or fashion soever, and numbered 279, 280."

(Abstract, York County Records, Volume II - Deeds, Bonds, p. 296.)

The following day the deed of release was recorded and the transaction became legal:

" June 19, 1708.

Know all men by these presents that I, William Sharman of the city of Williamsburgh...have ordained, Constituted & appointed...M^r Benjamin Weldon...my true & Lawful Attorney...and whensoever so requested by M^r Joseph Chermoson his heirs or Assigns then there to acknowledge to the said Joseph Chermoson his heirs as my voluntary Act and Deed Indentures of sale by way of Lease and Release for my two Lotts or one Acre of Land lying and being situate in the City of Williamsburgh with all Houses...sold...to the said Joseph Chermoson... by me the said William by Indenture bearing Date with the present..."

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 13 - Deeds, Orders, Wills, p. 148.)^{Rec. June 24, 1708}

Another recording of this property tells us that Chermeson bought it from Sherman for fifty pounds sterling: 2

"W^m Sharnan of City of Wmsburgh Baker
to
Joseph Chermoson of Co of James City

On June 18 for sold to J. Chermoson his 2 lots of land 279 & 280 Lying & being Scituate near Queen Anne's Royall Capitol in the City of Williamsburgh with all Kitchens Barnes & Stables with all manner of Buildings & Erections of what Kind belonging unto the said Joseph Chermoson For 50 pounds ster^g of Lawfull Money of England by Chermoson to Sharnan and to the Severall Persons by him appointed...
At a Court held Aug, 24, 1708"

(Abstract, York County Records, Book II - Deeds, pp. 296-298.)

On March 24, 1708/9 (York County Records, Book 13, Deeds, Orders, Wills, p. 212) Chermeson was granted a "Lycence to keep an Ordinary at Williamsburgh." We do not know whether he was living on lots 279 and 280 at this time — in 1712 he was living on his "plantation" near the city. However, we have no record of his owning property other than lots 279 and 280 in Williamsburg.

In January, 1709/10, lots 279 and 280 were again deeded to Joseph Chermeson by the Feoffees of the City of Williamsburg. We do not understand how the property, already apparently in Chermeson's possession, reverted to the city, unless the buildings standing on the property were not of sufficient size to hold the two lots. The lots may have thus reverted to the trustees of the city, and have been promptly taken up again by Chermeson for the consideration of 1 Pound 10 shillings - which would be more in the nature of a fine than the purchase price. The building clause is mentioned in the deed of release as follows:

January 24, 1709/10

"Feoffes to Chermoson, Joseph

Consideration: 1 Pound - 10 shillings.

Two certain lots of ground in the city of Williams-burg designed in the plot of the said city by the 3 figures 279, 280.
Shall build according to Act of Assembly October 23, 1705"

(Abstract, York County Records, Vol. II - Deeds, Bonds, p. 348.)
[The deed of lease was entered January 23, 1709/10.]

At the time of Chermeson's death, in 1712, he was living on his "plantation," which he left to his wife and daughter. He ordered his executors to sell his house and two lots in Williamsburg. His will, in part, follows:

April 30, 1712.

Chermeson, Joseph - Will
of Bruton Parish
…

"I give to my loving wife Elizabeth Chermeson and to my daughter Elizabeth Chermeson my dwelling house and plantation I now live upon with all lands, houses and^& appurtenances thereunto belonging being 150 acres to be equally divided between them...All the rest of the property to be equally divided between the wife and daughter, when the latter attains the age of 21 or marries and at the death of the mother the whole both land and personal to go to the daughter. If the daughter should die before 21, the property to go to Claude Rouviere, if he should die to Richard Kendall...

I do ^{request &}impower my Exec^s hereafter named to Sell & Convey my houses and the^& Two Lotts of Land w^ch I have in the City of Williamsburgh by way of Outcry for Money towards payment of my debts as soon as conveniently...^{can be}after my decease." [Also desires plantation called Hotwaters sold. Wife and Claude Rouviere appointed executors.]
Probated June 16, 1712.
(Abstract, York County Records, Book 14 - Orders, Wills, p. 173.)
(See Illustration #1, Appendix for inventory of Chermeson's estate.)

Besides lots 279 and 280, Chermeson had other lands in Bruton Parish, adjoining the plantation on which he lived.¹

The next owner of lots 279 and 280 was David Cunningham, who was a barber and a peruke maker. He acquired them in May, 1713. A David Cunningham was granted ordinary licenses for his "now Dwelling house in Williamsburgh" on January 19, 1712/13 (York County Records, Book 14 - Orders, Wills, p. 225^{pp 217, 225}), March 15, 1713/14 (Ibid., p. 318), and September 17, 1716 (Ibid., Book 15 - Orders, Wills, p. 30). The first date of an ordinary license is before Cunningham gained legal possession to lots 279 and 280. No record has been found of his owning other property in Williamsburg before May, 1713, so we can only speculate as to where he kept his ordinary. It is possible that he could have been renting this property from Chermeson, as Chermeson lived on his plantation, and not in Williamsburg, in 1712.

The following deed of lease was recorded May 7, 1713:

May 7, 1713

Claude Rovierre & ) Executors
Eliza Chermeson ) Joseph
widow) Chermeson
to
David Cunningham, Barber
of city of Williamsburg

"Whereas Joseph Chermeson by his will dated April 13, 1712 ordered his `houses & my Two Lotts of Land' in the city of Williamsburg to be sold by way of outcry towards payment of debts. In consideration of 5 shillings current money of Va. To sell all those `his houses & Two Lotts of Land with all their appurtenances' 5 ...in the city of Williamsburg near the Capital...granted to Joseph Chermeson by deed of sale by way of lease & release executed by feoffes designed in plat by figures 279 & 280."

(Abstract, York County Records, Vol. II - Deeds, Bonds, p. 418.)

On May 8th, the next day, the release was recorded and the legal transaction was completed:

May 8, 1713

Rouvierre, Claude ) Executors
Chermoson, Elizabeth ) Joseph Chermoson
widow
to
Cunningham, David - Barber
Consideration: 45 pounds.

"All those two lots of land with dwelling house and outhouses which was the said testators at the time of his death, lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh, on the back side of ye Capitol near ye Public Goal...designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 279, 280...with all Gardens, Orchards, Yards, Backsides, Way Waters, Emolluments, Commoditys, Previledges, Profitts, Common of Pasture, hereditaments & appurtenances with all its Royalties of Hunting, Hawking, Fishing & Fowleing…"

(Abstract, York County Records, Vol. II - Deeds, Bonds, pp. 419-420.)

This is the first description of these lots as being on the "back side of ye Capitol near ye Public Goal." On May 18, 1713, Cunningham received acknowledgement of these two lots from Chermeson's executors:

May 18, 1713.

Rouviere, Claude )Executors
Chermeson, Elizabeth ) Joseph Chermeson
to
Cuningham, David.

"in open Court presented & acknowledged their deeds of Lease & Release of two Lotts of Land lying in Williamsburgh in this County to David Cuningham & the s^d Eliz^a did also Relinquish her Right & title of Dower therein w^ch s^d deeds & Relinquishm^t on the s^d Cuningham motion is ordered to be recorded—"

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 14 - Orders, Wills, p. 246.)

Cunningham died in January or February, 1719/20. His will is dated January 13, 1719/20, and was presented at court on February 15, 1719/20. In 6 his will he requested that the lots be sold to help pay off his debts.

^{[Jan 13, 1719/20]}

Cunningham's Will:
"In the Name of God Amen. I David Cuningham of the City of Williamsburgh Barber being very sick... Imprimis my Will...is that my Lotts & houses lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh be sold by Auction or Otherwise by my Executors hereafter named for the satisfaction of my just Debts & funeral Charges and that my Negroe women named Mary Aggy and my Two white servants named James Minnis and James Spense, together with all my shop Tools belonging to my Occupation of Barber and peruke maker be also sold by Auction for the purposes afores^d, and the remainder^sidue of the money ^{x i[illegible]t} after paying my debts and funeral expenses be equally divided between my son David & my Daughter Jane Cuningham to be paid to them...when they attain the age of 21 and 18 years respectively or marry..." Presented at Court Feb. 15, 1719^/20.

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 15 - Orders Wills, p. 562.) (See Illustration #1, Appendix, for inventory of Cunningham's estate.)

Pursuant to his will the lots were sold in 1720; one to Nathaniel Newton, and the other to George Newton. The Newtons were brothers (Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, XXIX, 517). The deed of lease was contracted on December 16, 1720, and is as follows:

December 16, 1720.

Robertson, William ) Executors ^{Surviving Excrs}
Cobbs, Samuel )David Cuningham ^{[illegible] of the County Barber}
to
Newton, George ^{of the County of [illegible]}
Consideration: 5 Shillings.

"All that lot of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg near the Capitol in the County of York, designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 280, and all houses, buildings, gardens, orchards, & fences..."

(Abstract, York County Records, Vol. III - Deeds, Bonds, pp. 348-350.)^{Rec. Feb 20, 172[cut off]}

On December 17, 1720, the deed of release was recorded. The lot (280) sold for 75 pounds (York County Records, Vol. III - Deeds, Bonds, pp. 348-350).

At the same time lot 279 was purchased by Nathaniel Newton. The deed of lease, with a consideration of 5 shillings, was signed December 16, 1720 (York County Records, Vol. III - Deeds, Bonds, pp. 350-351). The deed of release was entered the following day: 7

December 17, 1720

Robertson, William ) ^{Surviving Exrs} Executors
Cobbs, Samuel ) David Cuningham ^{lots of Wmsbg barber}
to
Newton, Nathaniel ^{of County of Norfolk [illegible]}
Consideration: 75 pounds. ^{C M}

"All that lot of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg near the capitol, denoted in the plot of the said city by the figures 279 and all gardens, yards, fences & other improvements formerly belonging to David Cuningham, deceased."

(Abstract, York County Records, Vol. III - Deeds, Bonds, pp. 350-351. ^{Rec Feb 20, 1720/21})

The interesting facts about these two deeds is the selling price and the description of the lots. When Cunningham bought the lots the price for both was 45 pounds (1713). Seven years later they were selling for 75 pounds each. Lot 280 is described as having "houses, buildings," but these are not mentioned as being on lot 279. It is not known whether the Newtons ever lived on these lots - they seem to have been Norfolk inhabitants (Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. XXIX, p. 517). On February 20, 1720/21 Nathaniel Newton and George Newton each received acknowledgment of one lot of land in Williamsburg (York County Records, Book 16 - Orders, Wills, p. 9).

John Mundell, Goaler, appears to be the next owner of these lots. Very little is known about Mundell, but he may be the John Mundell referred to as coming to this country in 1716 as a prisoner. A shipload of rebel prisoners was landed at Yorktown; some were indentured and some not. These prisoners were probably some of the followers of the Pretender to the English throne (son of James II) who were captured and sent to Virginia. Mundell was not indentured. (Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol. I, pp. 185-186.) The following is probably a deed of release, and is the only one we have for this period:

November 15, 1742.

Newton, George - Gent. of Norfolk
to
Mundell, John - Goaler
Consideration: 6 Pounds Current Money of Va.

"All that lot of land lying and being in the city of 8 Williamsburg near the Capitol, in the county of York, designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 280, together with all appurtenances thereunto belonging and all papers, deeds and minuments belonging to the same."

(Abstract, York County Records, Book V - Deeds, p. 43.)

Mundell also acquired lot 279, but this deed has not been found. In his will he requested that his lots and houses be sold:

[July 3, 1745.]

Mundell, John - Will
Williamsburgh.

"…
Item. I give and devise all my houses and lots of land in the city of Williamsburgh and my negro wench ^{Venus and her Daughter Bea} and her little girl, to my good friend John Blair... to be sold by him and money arising from such sale to be applied to the payment of my bond due him first, and then towards the payment of a debt due to the widow Woodings estate."
Proved July 15, 1745.^{John Mundell (L.S.) Coke - Adm Cooke or Blair, Exec}

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 20 - Wills, Inventories, p. 34.)

After Mundell's death the lots were sold at a public sale in December, 1745, to Joseph Cocke. It never became a legal transaction because the deed was not recorded and Cocke did not pay the price asked (60 pounds). In 1748 Andrew Anderson bought the property, and the following deed explains this rather complicated situation:

August 11, 1748

Blair, John - Hon. - exor. John Mundell ^{of Williamsburgh}
Cocke, Joseph - Joiner
Anne, his wife
to
Anderson, Andrew - Barber ^{of the city}
Consideration: 60 Pounds, to John Blair & 5 shillings to Joseph Cocke

"'AND WHEREAS since the death of the said John Mundell at a Public Sale of the said Lotts the said Joseph Cocke was the Highest Bidder for the Sum of Sixty Pounds,' John Blair and^{together with} Frances Mundell, widow, who was entitled to dower in lots by deed dated Dec. 10, 1745, did convey said lots and appurtenances to Joseph Cocke but 60 pounds was not paid nor deed recorded according to law. Now John 9 Blair, Joseph Cocke and Anne his wife for the sum of 60 pounds paid to John Blair and 5 shillings to Joseph Cocke do release to Andrew Anderson above lots and all houses, outhouses, edifices... ^[illegible]

All those two lots or half acres of land lying and being on the North side of Nicholson Street adjoining to the East on the lots of John Coke and on the West to the lots whereon the public Goal is erected and to the North by the extreme bounds of the said city, and denoted in the plan of the said city by the numbers 279, 280, lately belonging to John Mundell, deceased."

Proved August 15, 1748

(Abstract, York County Records, Book V - Deeds, pp. 254-256.)

The interesting feature about these deeds is the fluctuation in the value of the two lots. In 1720, when the Newton brothers bought these lots, they paid 75 pounds each for them. In 1742, Mundell pays 6 pounds for one of the lots. However, Anderson pays 60 pounds for both lots. The explanation for this decrease and increase in value is not known; perhaps a fire destroyed some of the buildings and then they were rebuilt. In this deed we also note that this is the first time that all four boundaries of the property are given.

The Waller Map of 1749 does not show these two lots. Just what use Anderson made of these lots cannot be ascertained. He may have rented them or lived there. An advertisement in the Virginia Gazette (1752) concerning these lots near the Capitol show that he was willing to sell the property. Anderson carried on his business of barber and peruke maker at his house on "main Street."

"To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 10^thInstant, to the highest Bidder, A HOUSE, situate on the main Street in Williamsburg, where the Subscriber now keeps Shop; also two Lots of Land near the Capitol, adjoining to Mr. John Coke's. Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Buyer giving Security, as usual, to
Andrew Anderson. ..." (Virginia Gazette, Hunter, June 5, 1752.)

This advertisement did not bring results and he advertised it again 10 in the Virginia Gazette, Hunter, September 29, 1752:

"...
N. B. He also has Two Lots of Land, adjoining to Mr. John Coke's, in Williamsburg, to be sold to the highest Bidder. Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond, as usual, to
Andrew Anderson."

During his lifetime the house was not sold, and it was not until 1754 that a purchaser was found:

[December 1, 1754]

Webb, John Pearson - ^{only acting}Executor ^of
Anderson, Andrew- deceased.
Barber and peruke maker of Williamsburg
to
Ford, Christopher, Jr. - Carpenter
Consideration: [38 Pounds]

"^{… whereas the [illegible]in his lifetime and at the time of his death was [illegible]}Two certain lots or half acres of land lying and being in city of Williamsburg on the North side of Nicholson Street, bounded on the East by the lots of John Coke, on the West by the lots whereon the Public Goal is erected and to the North by the extreme bounds of said City,… and denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures^number 279 and 280. ^{and the said Andrew Anderson}"

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 6 - Deeds, pp. 13-14.)

Within three months Ford had leased the lots to John Coke. This rounded out Coke's property on Nicholson Street. Coke already owned lots 281 and 282, having acquired them in 1740,¹ and he may have had a tavern on 11 this property:

February 5, 1755.

Ford, Jr., Christopher
Carpenter - Williamsburg^h
to
Coke, John - Tavern Keeper
Williamsburg
Consideration: 32 pounds current money.

"All those two lot^ts or half acres of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg aforesaid on the North side of Nicholson Street bounded on the East by the lots of said John Coke and on the West by the lots whereon the Public Goal is erected on the North by the extreme bounds of the said City, which said two lots are denoted in the plan of the said city by the numbers 279 and 280, and were sold ^{and conveyed}unto the said Christopher Ford by John Pearson Webb, acting executor of the last will ^{and testament}of Andrew Anderson, dec'd. ^{by indenture bearing date Dec. 1, past}" (York County Records, Book 6 - Deeds, p. 15.)

The following Historical and Genealogical Notes are taken from the William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, VII, 128, and tell us a little about John Coke and his family:

"John Coke, who settled in Williamsburg in 1724, is identified by his letters and receipts for legacies, preserved by the English branch...His will, proved November 16, 1767, names his two sons, Samuel and Robie Coke, and wife Sarah. He owned a plantation on the main road leading from Williamsburg down to the Capitol Landing and five lots, or half acres of ground, whereon he lived, facing the capitol and joining the public jail, and the main road leading to the Capitol Landing. His personal estate was valued at £772. 18s. ld. Samuel Coke married Judith Brown (born May 26, 1746), daughter of John Brown, M. D. (will proved in Norfolk county), and Judith, his wife (probably Judith Armistead, as she had a daughter Sally Armistead)...Bruton Register has births: Richard, son of John and Sarah Coke, born August 3, 1739-'40. Roby, son of John and Sarah Coke, born October 23, 1745..."

In the deeds of the York County Records John Coke is listed as a goldsmith and a tavern keeper (Deed Book 4, September 11, 1740, p. 610; Deed Book 5, January 21, 1743, p. 98; Deed Book 6, February 5, 1755, p. 15). Further proof of this is found in the York County Records, Book 22 - Wills, 12 Inventories, p. 36:

"The estate of Mr. Thomas Penman to Anthony Hay's Estate.
August 18, 1759.
...
Dec 5 To paid John Coke for Punch and wine at the 1759 funeral 0/17/3
..."

In the Manuscript Apothecary Account Book on file in the Department of Research is an account with "Mr Coke Silver Smith." The dates are illegible but it is probably about 1743. Volume III of Tyler's Quarterly, p. 298, states that John Coke was a goldsmith in Williamsburg before 1744.

John Coke died sometime between 1764 and 1767. The former is the date of his will and the latter the probated date. Undoubtedly he had acquired full legal possession of lots 279 and 280, as he devised them to his son, Robey, in his will.

Coke, John - Will.

"Item. I give and bequeath to my son Samuel Coke, my plantation containing 200 acres, more or less, lying on both sides of the Main Road which leads from the city of Williamsburg down to the Capitol Landing commonly called Queen Mary's Port, to him and his heirs forever.

…
Item. I give and bequeath to my son Robey Coke all the houses and 5 lots or half acres of ground whereon I now live in the City of Williamsburg facing the Capitol and joining the Public Goal and on the other side to the Main Road which leads to the Capitol Landing, to him and his heirs forever.

…
Item. I give to my loving wife [Sarah Coke] the remaining part of my estate both real and personal, during her life...then to be equally divided between my two sons...I do appoint my loving wife & my son Samuel Coke¹ executor..."
Signed May 18, 1764.

Presented
November 16, 1767.

(Abstract, York County Records, Book 21 - Wills, Inventories, p. 366.)

John Coke's widow attempted to keep her husband's business of tavern keeping going. She advertised as follows:

"SARAH COKE,
BEGS leave to inform those Gentlemen who were so kind as to favour her deceased husband with their custom that they may depend on receiving the same entertainment as formerly." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, October 15, 1767.)

By 1769 the executors were advertising John Coke's personal things for sale and the houses in Williamsburg for rent:

"To be SOLD by publick auction, on Thursday the2^d of FEBRUARYnext, at the late dwelling-house of JOHN COKE, deceased, in Williamsburg,
ALL his HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE, several valuable SLAVES, with the stocks of CATTLE, HORSES, and SHEEP; also a quantity of CORN and FODDER. At the same time will be sold, or rented, a plantation lying on both sides of the road to the Capitol landing, containing upwards of 200 acres; it is exceeding good land, and in order for cropping. Credit will be allowed for all sums above five pounds until the 20th of October next, the purchasers giving bond and security to
SARAH COKE, Executrix.
SAMUEL COKE, Executor.
The HOUSES in Williamsburg will be rented at the same time, on reasonable terms." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, January 12, 1769.)

This description of John Coke's possessions shows us that he was a man of means. It has already been noted that his estate was valued at £772. 18s. 1d., (William and Mary Quarterly, First Series, VII, 128). (See Appendix for inventory of the estate of John Coke.)

Richard Hunt Singleton took advantage of this advertisement and within a month had rented the house:

"RICHARD H. SINGLETON
BEGS leave to acquaint the publick that he intends immediately to open TAVERN in the house lately occupied by Mrs. Sarah Coke, opposite the north side of the Capitol, in Williamsburg; where those Gentlemen who formerly resorted that house, and others who please to favour him with their custom, may depend on having genteel lodgings and good entertainment, he being determined to do every thing in his power to give satisfaction, and ensure their future favours.
He likewise proposes boarding young Gentlemen, by the year." (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, February 9, 1769.)

Two years later, in 1771, Robey Coke offered the houses and lots for sale through an agent, Richard Brown, of Norfolk:

"To be SOLD at publick Auction, on Tuesday the 19^thof next Month, pursuant to a Deed of Trust from Robey Coke to the Subscriber,
ALL the HOUSES, and five LOTS of LAND, whereon the late John Coke, deceased, lived, in the City of Williamsburg, at present occupied by Mr. Richard Hunt Singleton. The Terms will be agreed on at the Sale, which will be on the Premises.
Tdf. RICHARD BROWN."
NORFOLK, January 26. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, January 31, 1771.)

Two months later Singleton had moved to Colonel Johnson's House behind the home of Mr. Waller (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, March 7, 1771.)

From this point forward the history of the Cokes is very obscure. But it can be assumed that the houses and lots were not sold, because Sarah and Robey seem to have occupied them during the Revolution. Both lent valuable aid to the American cause during the Revolution and Sarah rented her house to the army, as seen below:

Williamsburg, February 7, 1776
"[A Warr't] to Robey Coke for £8.11.9 — Do. — for Repairing Waggons and making Rammers."
(Calendar of Virginia State Papers, VIII, 77.)

Williamsburg, July 4, 1776
"A Warrent to Robey Coke for £16.14.4 for mounting cannon, &c.; also for use Sarah Coke £2, for house rent to army." (Ibid., 237.)

"…
A petition of Sarah Coke was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that on the 18th of November 1775, her dwelling house was appropriated as barracks for a company of soldiers, for which she was to be allowed after the rate of 45⁴ per annum during their continuance therein; that she has sustained considerable damage in her said house from the troops being stationed therein, and praying to be reimbursed for the same, and to be paid the rent aforesaid.
Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of Public Claims; and that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.
…" (Journal of the House of Delegates, p. 10, Wednesday, May 14, 1777.)

[June 10, 1777]

"Coke, Robey, for helving Axes for the use of the Militia in Williamsburg, -.14.6"

(Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, VII, 152, "Virginia Militia in the Revolution.")

The Williamsburg City Land Book for the years 1782 and 1784 show that Robey Coke was taxed for three lots of land:

Name	Year	No. of Lots	Value	Tax
Robey Coke	1782	3	3£ 10s 2d
Robey Coke	1784	3	3£	6d

(Virginia State Library - Commissioner's names not given.)

In the files of the Department of Research Robey Coke is listed as the head of a family of 8 whites and 10 blacks for the year 1782, and Sarah had 4 whites in the same year. Also in the files is a "list of tithables in that part of Williamsburg lying in York County for the year 1792," and Sarah Coke is listed as having one.

Robey Coke evidently died before January, 1791, as he is referred to then as "deceased" (York County Records, Deed Book VI, 457; deed between Benjamin and Catharine Waller and Samuel Crawley).

The Frenchman's Map of c. 1782 shows two large houses northeast of the Capitol and several outbuildings. (See appendix.) The College Map (Unknown Draftman's Map) of c. 1790; the Bucktrout-Lively Map, c. 1867; and Tyler's Map, c. 1900 all show Coke's name on these five lots.

At this point there is a gap of about twenty-five years. The Garrett name begins to appear on the James City County Tax Records in 1813 and remains on them until recent years. The presumption is that the Garretts obtained the house and lots directly from the Cokes.¹ However, in 1805 Francis Pierce got five lots "via Coke" (Williamsburg Land Transfers, Virginia State Library). Pierce's name does not appear on the James City County Tax Records. On page 11 of the York County and City of Williamsburg Tax Records Charles Abrahams acquired five lots from Coke in 1806, but his name does not appear again. Neither the insurance nor tax records available add anything to clear up the situation. In the Williamsburg Land Tax, Virginia State Library Archives for the year 1837, Richard Garrett's estate is charged with "2 new buildings recently erected and assessed by the commissioners at $1200." Could these be buildings on lots 279 and 280? In the same records for the year 1848, Robert M. Garrett obtains a lot "formerly charged to Bellett's est." In 1860 the following is recorded:

"Robert M. Garrett-1 lot known as the Wade Mountforth lot
1 Residence
8 acres in rear of residence formerly
Mrs. Ann Garrett's known as Augustine
Hubbard's lot." (Ibid.)

Among the papers found in Tazewell Hall is one with the heading, "A Memory of Williamsburg." From a comparison with the other papers found there, 17 it is undoubtedly in the handwriting of Mrs. Peyton Randolph Nelson (Susan Garrett). This paper implies that her grandfather was the first Garrett to live in the Coke-Garrett house:

"When I can first remember, we were living in the Garrett House on Nichson [sic] St in old Williamsburg. Our grandfather had lived there before us with his wife; he was Richard Garrett of Williamsburg son of Richard Garrett of York Co.[¹] His wife, our grandmother was Anne Timson Major, (the daughter of Anne Thornton Timson), who we were taught to love for her Christian Character. My father's father died when he was young, and he did not know any thing about the Garrett family beyond his grandfather, and his sons - Our grandfather who lived in the Garrett house had six sons..."

Residents of Williamsburg in the Civil War era have given the following descriptions of the Coke-Garrett house:

"The Garrett house appears now much as it did when the writer was a boy and went to school in the small one room brick house built on the south side of the Academy lot..." (John S. Charles, "Recollections of Williamsburg," p. 49)

"The Lottie Garrett house was not the inherited home of the Garretts. The Garretts were county people. Old Dr. Garrett married a Miss Winder from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, an unusually sweet woman..." (Mrs. Martha Vandegrift, "Williamsburg in 1844," p. 89.)

The following is copied from an ABSTRACT OF TITLE made April 4, 1928, etc. on file in the Accounting Department: