Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Mr. Gill asked me to check the nineteenth-century deeds relating to the Baker House. In the City of Williamsburg Deed Book 1, pages 175-176, I found the deed of the house and lot to Pauline Hill and enclose my transcription of it here. (Please note that the reference given in the footnote to Miss Stephenson's house history is incorrect; it is the City Deed Book 1.) The property formerly occupied by John Morris was sold at auction to Pauline Hill, the highest bidder, for $210. There is no indication that she was black.

I also read through the Chancery records concerning the case Hogg v. Morris. In this case John Morris's property, the Baker house and lot, was ordered to be sold by the appointed commissioners, Armistead and Henley. Between the time of this order and the deed mentioned above, the case reappears in the records because Sally Munsford refused to remove herself from the property and failed to appear before the court. The relationship between Sally Munsford and previous or subsequent owners of the Baker lot is not designated.

Examined.

This deed made this 20th. day of June 1869, between R. H. Armistead and R. L. Henley, Commissioners in hereafter mentioned of the first part, and Pauline Hill and Dixie C. Lumpkin of the second part. Whereas at the November term of the Circuit Court held for the City of Williamsburg and County of James City in the year 1867, it was depending in the name of "Hogg versus Morris" that the aforesaid Commissioners should at public auction, make sale of a certain house and lot lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, being the same formerly occupied by John Morris, And whereas the said Commissioners in persuance of the dectual [?] order aforesaid, did on the 10th. day of February, in the year 1868, before the Court House door in the City of Williamsburg sell the aforesaid house and lot to Pauline Hill for the sum of $210.00, that being the highest bid for the same. And whereas the said sale having been reported to the said Court, the Court by its decree of the 27th. day May 1869, confirmed the said sale, and directed that a payment of the whole purchase money, the said Commissioners should convey the said land to the said purchaser, And the whole of the purchase money having been paid, Now this deed Witnesseth: that the said Commissioners to carry into effect the said sale as aforesaid made, in persuance of said decutal [?] order, in consideration of the premises, and of the said sum of Two hundred and ten dollars to them in hand paid by the said Pauline Hill at or before the sealing and delivering of this deed, have given, granted bargained, and sold unto the said Pauline Hill for life, with remainder in fee to Dixie C. Lumpkin infant daughter of Pauline Hill at the request of the said Pauline Hill, her heirs and assigns the house and lot lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, it being the same house and lot, that was conveyed to John Morris by [ ] by deed bearing date [ ] day of [ ] in the year [ ] and on record in the Clerk's office in the City of Williamsburg to which deed reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the premeses, which said house and lot the aforesaid Commissioners against themselves and their heirs, and all other persons claiming or to claim by or through or under them, shall and will by these presents unto the said Pauline Hill for life, and to the said Dixie C. Lumpkin after the death of the aforesaid Pauline Hill warrant and forever defend.

Attached is a report on Colonial Lot 271 prepared by Mary A. Stephenson.

COLONIAL LOT 271
Nicholson Street - Williamsburg
Block 27

LOT OWNERS & RENTER OF LOT 271 ON NICHOLSON STREET

LOCATION:

Colonial Lot 271 lies on the north side of Nicholson Street. See: Tyler's adaptation of early Williamsburg plots: opposite this page. It is marked "Couvemont 271."

HISTORY:

The first known owner of Lot 271 seems to have been Christopher Jackson who received Lot 271 along with Lots 267, 268, 172, 12 and 43 in April 1713 from the trustees of Williamsburg:

[April 3, 1713]

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Christopher Jackson
Consideration: £4 10 shillings Money of England]

THIS INDENTURE made ye Third day of April in ye Twelfth Year of ye reign of our Sovereign Lady Anne by ye grace of God of Great Britain, France & Ireland Queen Defender of ye faith &c And in ye Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Thirteen BETWEEN Ye ffeoffees or Trustees for ye Land appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh of ye one part & Christopher Jackson of ye County of York of ye other part WITTNESSETH that whereas ye sd Christo: Jackson by One Lease to him by ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees bearing date ye day before ye date of these Presents is in Actuall & peaceable possession of ye Premisses herein after granted to ye intent that by Vertue of ye sd Lease & of ye statute for transferring use into possession he may be ye better Enabled to Accept a Conveyance & Release of ye Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever ye sd Feoffees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereunto moving but more especially for & in consideration of Four Pounds Ten Shillings of good & lawfull Money of England to them in hand paid at & before ye Ensealing & Delivery -2- of these Presents ye receipt whereof & themselves therein fully satisfyed & paid they do hereby Acknowledge have granted, bargained, Sold, remised, released & Confirmed & by these Presents for themselves their heirs & successors as far as in them lyes & under ye limitations & reservations here after mentioned do grant bargain Sell, remise, release & Confirm unto ye sd Christo: Jackson Six certain Lotts of Ground in ye sd City of Wmsburgh designed in ye Platt of ye sd City by these figures 267, 268, 172, 271, 12, 43, With all Woods thereon growing & being… TO HAVE AND TO HOLD… for Ever… That is to Say, that if ye sd Christo: Jackson his heirs or Assigns shall not in ye Space of Twenty four Months next Ensueing ye date of these Presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of ye sd granted premisses One good Dwelling house or houses or such dimension & to be placed in such Manner as by One Act of Assembly made at the Capitol ye 23d day of October 1705…then it shall & may be lawfull to & for ye sd ffeofees or Trustees & their Successors… for ye Land appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh for ye time being into ye sd granted Premisses & Every part there of with ye Appurtenances to Enter & ye same to have again as of their former Estate…as they might have done if these Presents had never been made. In Wittness where of Jno Clayton Esqr & Wm Robertson Gentt Two of ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees have hereunto Sett their hands & Seals ye day & Year Above written

John Clayton Seal
Wil Robertson Seal

April 3d 1713

Then received of Mr Christopher Jackson Sum of Four pounds, Ten Shillings being ye Consideration Money within mentioned
p Wil Robertson¹

Signed, Sealed &
Delivered in presence of
C. C. Thacker
Michl Archer

[Recorded York County Court November 15, 1714]

Jackson evidently did not hold Lot 271 very long, for in October, 1714 the trustees conveyed this lot to Jean Pasteur,¹ perukemaker of Williamsburg:

[Trustees of Williamsburg
to
Jean Pasteur
Consideration: 15 shillings money of England]

THIS INDENTURE made ye Twentieth day of Octor in ye first Year of ye reign of our Sovereign Lord George by ye Grace of God of Great Britain, France & Ireland King, Defendr of ye faith &c And in ye Year of our Lord 1714 BETWEEN ye ffeoffees or Trustees for ye Land appropriated for the building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh of ye one part & Jean Pasteur of ye sd County of James City of ye Other part WITNESSETH that ye sd Jean Pasteur by one Lease to him by ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees bearing date ye day before ye date of these Presents is in Actuall & peaceable possession of ye Premisses hereinafter Granted to ye intent that by vertue of ye sd Lease & of ye Statute for transfferring Use into possession he may be ye better Enabled to Accept a Conveyance & Release of ye Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever The ffeoffees or Trustees for divers good causes & considerations them thereunto moving but more Especially for & in consideration of fifteen Shillings of good & lawfull Money of England to them in hand paid at & before ye Ensealing & delivery hereof, ye receipt whereof, & themselves there with fully Satisfyed & paid they do hereby Acknowledge have granted, bargained, Sold, remised, released & Confirmed & by these Presents for themselves their heirs & Successors as far as in them lyes & under ye limitations & reservations hereafter mentioned they do grant, bargain, Sell, remise, release & Confirm unto ye sd Jean Pasteur One certain Lott of Ground in ye sd City of Wmsburgh designed in ye Plott of ye sd city of the figures (271) with all Woods thereon growing or being together with all Profits, comoditys, Emolumts & Advantages whatsoever to ye Same belonging or in any wise appertaining To Have and to Hold unto ye sd Jean Pasteur his -4- [Heirs] & Assigns for Ever to be had & held of our Sovereign Lord ye King in ffree & Comon Soceage YEILDING & PAYING ye Quitt rents due & legally acustomed to be paid for ye Same, to ye only Use & behoof of him ye sd Jean Pasteur his heirs & Assigns for Ever under ye limitations & reservations hereafter mentioned & not other wise. That is to Say, that if ye sd Jean Pasteur his heirs & Assigns shall not in ye Space of Twenty four Months next Ensuing ye date of these Presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of ye sd granted Premisses one good Dwelling house or houses or such dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at ye Capitol ye 23d day of October 1705… Then it shall & may be lawfull to & for ye sd feeoffees or Trustees & their Successors…into ye Land appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh for ye time being into ye sd granted Premisses & Every part thereof with ye Appurtenances to Enter & ye Same to have again as if their former Estate to have, hold & Enjoy in like manner as they might Other wise have done if these Presents had never been made. In Wittness whereof Chickley Corbin Thacker & Jno Clayton Esqr Two of ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees have hereunto Sett their hands & Seals ye day & Year Above written.

CC Thacker Sealed
John Clayton Sealed

Signed, Sealed & Delivered
by C C Thacker in ye presence of
John Brooke
David Cunningham ^{his mark}
Susanna Allen

October 20, 1714
Reced of Mr Jean Pasteur
ye Sum fifteen Shillings being ye Consideration money within mentioned
Wil Robertson¹

[Recorded York County Court
January 17, 1714/5]

According to the Act of Assembly of 1705 the owner must erect a dwelling or houses thereon within twenty four months or the property would revert to the trustees of the city.

Pasteur held the property until 1735 when it was mortgaged to William Prentis. Pasteur had built on the lots and was dwelling there at the time the mortgage was given:

[October 14, 1735]

[Jean Pasteur, perukemaker,
to
William Prentis, merchant
Consideration £93 16 shillings 1 pence]

THIS INDENTURE made the fourteenth day of October in the Year of Our Lord on thousand Seven hundred thirty five Between Jean Pasteur of the City of Williamsburgh Peruke Maker of the one part and William Prentis of the said City Merchant of the other part Witnesseth that the said Jean Pasteur for and in Consideration of Ninety three pounds Sixteen Shillings and one penny Current money of Virginia to him in hand at or before the Sealing thereof by the said William Prentis well and truly paid the Receipt whereof he the said Jean Pasteur doth hereby acknowledge and thereof doth acquit [illegible] and discharge the said William Prentis his Heirs Exrs and Admrs and every of them by these presents and for divers other good Causes and Considerations him the said Jean Pasteur thereunto moving Hath granted bargain'd Sold aliened Released and confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain Sell alien release and confirm unto the said William Prentis (in his Actuall possession now being by Virtue of bargain & Sale to him thereof made by the said Jean Pasteur by Indenture bearing date the day next before the day of the date these presents for the term of one whole Year commencing from the day next before the day of the date of the said Indenture of Bargain & Sale by Virtue of the Statute for transferring uses into possession) and to his Heirs All that Messuage and Lott or half Acre of Land where the said Jean Pasteur now dwells lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh with all and Singular the Appurtenancy TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Messuage and Lott or half Acre of Land with their and every of their Appurtenancy unto the said William Prentis his Heirs -6- and Assigns forever To the only proper Use and behoof of the said William Prentis his Heirs and assigns forever PROVIDED always that if the said Jean Pasteur his Heirs Exrs admrs or Assigns shall and do well and truly pay or cause to be paid unto the said William Prentis his Exrs Admors or assigns, the full Sum of Ninety three pounds Sixteen Shillings and one penny Current money at or upon the first day of June next ensuing the date hereof together with Lawfull Interest thereon from the day of the date hereof until the same be actually paid That then and from thence forth this present Indenture and all the Estate and Interest hereby granted and conveyed shall cease determine and be Absolutely void and finishable to all Interests and purposes And the said Jean Pasteur for himself his Heirs Extors and admors doth covenant and promise to and with the said William Prentis his Extors and admors and Assigns the said Sum of Ninety three pounds Sixteen shillings and one penny together with the Interest arising thereon by the time above limited and further that if default shall happen to be made of or in payment of the said money and interest herein before covenanted to be paid or of any part thereof that then and from thence forth it shall and may be Lawfull to and for the said William Prentis his Heirs and assigns into and upon all and singular the premisses to enter and the same from thenceforth peacably and Quietly to have hold and enjoy without any let Trouble hindrance or Interruption of or by the said Jean Pasteur his Heirs or assigns or any other person or persons whatsoever And the said William Prentis for himself his Heirs & Assigns doth Covenant and promise to and with the said Jean Pasteur his Heirs and Assigns by these presents that until default shall happen to be made of or in payment of the said Sum of Ninety three pounds Sixteen Shillings and one penny with Interest herein before Covenanted to be paid or some part thereof the said William Prentis his Heirs and Assigns shall and will permit and Suffer the said Jean Pasteur his Heirs or Assigns peaceably and quietly to hold and enjoy the said Messuage and Lott or half Acre of Land with the Appurtenances without the Let Suit hindrance or Interruption of him the said William Prentis his Heirs or Assigns In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have interchangeably set their hands and Seals the day and Year first above written.
Jean Pasteur LS¹-7-

October the 14th 1735

Sealed and Delivered
in presence of
Mark Cosby
Thomas T. Goosley
John mark Kendall

[Recorded at York County Court May 17, 1736]

John (Jean) Pasteur died in 1741.¹ It seems that his son, John James Pasteur took charge of the estate though the father had named his wife, Martha, and his friends, William Prentis and Mark Cosby as executors of his will.

In 1743 a suit in chancery between William Prentis vs. John James Pasteur of Norfolk, son of John Pasteur, was decided in York County Court:

[September 3, 1743]

[William Prentis of Williamsburg, merchant, COMPLT.
vs
John James Pasteur of Norfolk, perukemaker, DEFENDANT]

In the Suit of Chancery between William Prentis of the City of Williamsburgh Merchant, Complt and John James Pasteur of the Borough of Norfolk, Peruke Maker, Defendt; This Cause was this day heard on the bill & answer. On Consideration whereof It's Order'd & decreed that unless the Defendt shall on or before the first day of Jany next pay unto the pltf. the Sum of Ninety three pounds Sixteen Shillings & one penny Current money being the principal Sum of the Mortgage in the bill mentioned together with Interest for the same after the rate of five pr Cent pr Annum from the fourteenth of October seventeen hundred and thirty seven to the time of payment and the costs of this Suit. He the said Defendt and his heirs shall from thenceforth be absolutely barr'd and foreclosed from all right & Equity of redemption of the Mortgaged House and Lott in the City of Wmsburgh in the bill also mention'd and the plts Estate therein shall become absolute.²

John James Pasteur, evidently, did not redeem the property and it was foreclosed which gave William Prentis fee simple rights by January 1, 1744. At any rate, Prentis was in full and legal possession when he conveyed the property on December 20, 1746 to George Charlton, tailor of Williamsburg:

[December 20, 1746]

[William Prentis, Williamsburg
to
George Charlton, tailor, Williamsburg,
Consideration: £ 130 current money of Virginia]

THIS INDENTURE made the Twentieth Day of December in the Twentieth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c And in the Year of our Lord Christ one Thousand seven and forty six BETWEEN William Prentis of the City of Williamsburgh Merchant of the one part and George Charlton of the same City Taylor of the other part WITNESSETH That for and in Consideration of the sum of one Hundred and Thirty Pounds current Money of Virginia to him the said William Prentis in Hand paid by the Said George Charlton at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these presents the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and thereof and every part and parcel thereof acquit and Discharge the said George Charlton his Heirs Executors and Administrators and every of them by these present He the said William Prentis Hath Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Released Enfeoffed and Confirmed and by these Presents DOTH Grant Bargain Sell Alien Release Enfeoff and Confirm unto the said George Charlton His Heirs and Assigns forever ALL that Messuage & Lott or half Acre of Land where the said George Charlton now Dwells lying and being in the said City of Williamsburg on the North side of Nicholson Street and Designed in the Platt of the said City by these Figures 271, which said Messuage and Lott or half Acre of Land were Granted and Sold unto Jean Pasteur by the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the Building and for the Land appropriated for the Building and Erecting of the City of Williamsburgh by Deeds of Lease and Release acknowledged and Recorded in the Court of York County the twenty first Day of September one Thousand seven hundred & Thirteen -9- and by the said Jean Pasteur the same were Mortgaged unto the said William Prentis by the Deeds of Lease and Release acknowledge and Recorded in the said County Court in the seventeenth Day of May one Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Six and after the Death of the said Jean Pasteur the Equity of Redemption thereof was foreclosed by Decree of the said County Court obtained the Nineteenth Day of September one Thousand seven Hundred and Forty three by the said William Prentis against John James Pasteur of the Borough of Norfolk Peruke Maker Eldest Son and Heir at Law of the said Jean Pasteur deced with all Houses Outhouses Edifices Buildings Yards Gardens Orchards Woods Ways Waters Profits Commodities Hereditaments Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Messuage and Lott or half Acre of Land belonging or in any wise Appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and also all the Estate Right Title Interest property Claim and Demand Whatsoever of him the said William Prentis of in and to the same and every part thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Messuage & Lott or half Acre of Land and premisses with the Appurtanances unto the said George Charlton his Heirs and Assigns to the only proper Use and Behoof of him the said George Charlton his Heirs and Assigns for ever And the said William Prentis for himself his Heirs Exors … Admors Doth Covenant Promise and Agree to and with the said George Charlton his Heirs Exors Admors and Assigns by these presents that he & they shall and may from Time to Time and at all Times hereafter peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the above granted premisses with the Appurts without Let Suit Trouble Interruption or Hindrance of him the said William Prentis or any other Person whatsoever And that he the said William Prentis his Heirs the said Premises and of every part and parcel thereof with the Appurtenances unto the said George Charlton his Heirs and Assigns against the lawful Title Claim and Demand and of all and every other Person and Persons whatsoever shall and will Warrant and for ever Defend by these presents IN WITNESS Whereof the Parties to these Presents have hereunto interchangeable set their Hands and affixed their seals the Day and Year first above Written.
Wil: Prentis (L.S.) -10-

Sealed and Delivered
In Presence of
John Prentis
John Ferguson
John Carter

RECEIVED the twentieth Day of December 1746 of the within Named George Charlton the sum of one Hundred and thirty Pounds Currt Money being the Consideration Within Mentioned -----------£30.-.-
Wil: Prentis¹

Recorded York County Court February 16, 1746/47

Charlton held the property until his death in 1749.² It is interesting to see from Charlton's inventory the way a tailor dressed: a broadcloth and a Sagathy suit, drab overcoat, duroy waistcoat, yarn and cotton hose, gold buttons and frogs and a white wig. The inventory also lists equipment necessary for a tailor's trade such as press, work board, shears, pressing irons, velvet, thread, buttons, frogs, yard good, "store rug," money scales, &C.

Charlton's widow, Lydia, continued to live on the lot. By will of November 1, 1760, Lydia Charlton bequeathed "the dwelling house in the said City of Williamsburg and the Lot of Ground whereon it stands together with all appurtenances thereon…to the said Mrs. Christian Burwells Brother John Blair Junior Esquire to him and his Heirs… that the said John Blair…shall convey the same in fee simple to which of her Sons Lewis & John she shall direct." Her will follows: -11-

[November 1, 1760]

[Will of Lydia Charlton, Williamsburg]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I Lydia Charlton Widow now dwelling in the City of Williamsburg and in the County of York tho Sick of Body yet Sound of mind and of perfect since and memory do constitute this my last Will and Testament this first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty In manner and form following- IMPRIMIS I desire my Executor herein named may cause my Body to decently interred and for the disposal of my Estate my Will and desire is as follows Vizt I give and devise unto my brother Thomas Johns who lived at Ellstead near Farnham in Surry in the Kingdom of Great Britain a weaver by Trade and to each of his Seven Children on Guinea a Piece if alive at the Time of my decease ALL the rest of my Personal Estate after my just Debts and moderate Funeral Charges are paid I give and Devise unto Mrs Christian Burwell out of the great respect I have for her And as to my Plate I desire she may keep it to herself and not part with it as long as she Lives in Remembrance of me. My dwelling house in the said City of Williamsburg and the Lot of Ground whereon it stands together with all appurtenances thereon I hereby devise to the said Mrs Christian Burwells Brother John Blair Junior Esquire to him and his Heirs upon this Especial Trust and Confidence that [torn] and John Blair and his Heirs shall convey the same in fee Simple to which of her Sons Lewis & John she shall direct to the only proper use of Such and Lastly I do appoint the said John Blair Junior Esquire [torn] Execu[torn] Will IN WITNESS where of I have hereunto [torn] ed my Seal the day and Year above written
Lydia Charlton (LS)

Signed Seale[torn]
to be [torn]
at York
eighth[torn]

CODICIL to this Will Added immediately at her desire - I Give and Devise to Katherine Didip in Consideration of the great Services she has lately done me my Cow all my wearing Cloaths and wearing Linens which I hereby declare and desire this Codicil to part of my will on the other Side And further Devise to Matthew Davenport my Clock for the Trouble he has taken in keeping it all my Life without any charge.

-12-

DECLARED by Her before us
as an Addition to her will
John Blair
Alexander Baxter
Frederick Eppes
James Blair¹

[Recorded York Court December 15, 1760]

An inventory and appraisment of the estate of Lydia Charlton was recorded on March 16, 1761.²

In June, 1761 John Blair[jr] entered a caveat before the Council in behalf of his grandchildren, Lewis and John Burwell, heirs of Lydia Charlton:

At a Council held June 10th 1761
…
John Blair Esqr having entered a Caveat in Behalf of his Grand children Lewis and John Burwell Infants against Thomas Everard Gentleman for a lot in Williamsburg with a dwelling House and Improvements thereon supposed to Escheat from George Charlton deceased Widow of the said George, in Trust to be hereafter conveyed to which of the two sons above named Mrs. Christian Burwell their Mother shall think proper to prefer in pursuance of the Will of the said Lidia, and that the Rents of the said House be subjected, in case of any deficiency of the personal Estate of the said Lidia, to the payment of her Debts and Legacies,…³

The provisions of Lydia Charlton's will had not been carried out in December, 1767 as John Blair jr and Lewis and John Burwell [grandsons] conveyed Lot 271 at the date to [Miss] Peachy Davenport:¹

[December 15, 1767]

[John Blair Jr.
Lewis Burwell Jr.
John Burwell
to
Peachy Davenport
Consideration: £130 current money]

THIS INDENTURE made the fifteenth Day of December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and sixty seven BETWEEN John Blair Junr Esquire Lewis Burwell Junr and John Burwell of the City of Williamsburgh of the one part and Peachy Davenport of the same place of the other part
WITNESSETH that the said John Blair, Lewis Burwell and John Burwell for and in consideration of the Sum of One hundred and thirty Pounds Current Money of Virginia to them the said John Blair Lewis Burwell and John Burwell by the said Peachy Davenport at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents in hand paid the Receipt whereof they do hereby Acknowledge HAVE Granted Bargained Sold Aliened Enfeoffed and Confirmed… unto the said Peachy Davenport her Heirs and Assigns for ever ALL that Lott or half Acre of Land situate Lying and Being on the North side of Nicholson Street in the City of Williamsburg and in the Parish of Bruton and County of York denoted in the Plan of the said City of Williamsburg by the Numbers or figures 271 which said Lot or half Acre of Land was granted to the said John Blair Junr by Patent bearing date the thirtieth Day of August One thousand seven hundred and sixty three and Recorded in the General Court AND all Houses Pailings Yards Ways Waters Profits Privileges unto the said Peachy Davenport her Heirs and Assigns to the only proper use and -14- behoof of the said Peachy Davenport her Heirs and Assigns forever. AND the said John Blair Junr for himself and his Heirs doth Covenant and Grant to the said Peachy Davenport her Heirs and Assigns that he the said John Blair Junr and his Heirs the sd Lot of Land and Premisses and with the Appurtenances unto the said Peachy Davenport her Assigns against the Claim of him the said John Blair Junr Lewis Burwell and John Burwell for themselves and their Heirs do Covenant and Grant to and with the said Peachy Davenport he Heirs and Assigns that they will for ever Warrant defend the aforesaid Lot or half Acre of Land to the said Peachy Davenport her Heirs and Assigns forever against the Claim of all and every Person or Persons whatsoever IN WITNESS…

John Blair Junr LS
Lewis Burwell Junr LS
John Burwell LS¹

[Recorded December 21, 176 York County Court]

In the six years in which Peachy Davenport held the property the valuation changed from 130 pounds current money to 275 pounds. Inflation may have entered into this change but there is reason to believe that building or repairs must have had some part in the change of valuations.²

In May, 1773 Purdie³ and wife conveyed the property to Nicholas Scovemont of Williamsburg:

[May 1, 1773]

[Alexander Purdie & wife⁴
to
Nicholas Scovemont⁵
Consideration: 275 pounds current money]

-15- THIS INDENTURE made the first Day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Seventy three BETWEEN Alexander Purdie and Peachy his wife of the City of Williamsburg of the first part and Nicholas Scovemont of the said City of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Alexander Purdie and Peachy his Wife for an in consideration of the sum of two hundred and Seventy three pounds Current Money of Virginia to them in hand paid on or before the Sealing and delivery of these presents by the said Nicholas Scovemont the receipt whereof they do hereby acknow- ledge have granted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed and Confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain Sell alien enfeoff and confirm unto the said Nicholas Scovemont his Heirs and assigns forever all that Lot or half Acre of Land situate lying and being on the North side of Nicholson Street in the City of Williamsburg in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York and denoted in the plan of the said City by the numbers or figures 271 together with all Houses outhouses Pailings Yards Gardens Ways Waters Profits Privileges commodities Heretaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said hereby granted Premises belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Rights Title Interest Property Claim & Demand whatsoever of them the said Alexander Purdie and Peachy his Wife of in and to the same and every part thereof TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Lot or half Acre of Land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with the appurtenances unto the said Nicholas Scovemont his Heirs and Assigns forever and they the said Alexander Purdie and Peachy his Wife for themselves & theirs Heirs do covenant and grant to and with the said Nicholas Scovemont his Heirs and Assigns that they the said Alexander Purdie and Peachy [illegible] the said Lott or half Acre of Land and Premisses with the appurtenances to the said Nicholas Scovemont his Heirs and assigns will forever warrant and defend against the Claim of all and every person -16- whatever by these presents In testimony whereof the parties to these presents have subscribed their hands and affixed their seals the day and year above written.

PURDIE L. S.
Peachy Purdie L. S.¹

Sealed and delivered
in presence of
Robt Nicolson
Alexr Craig
John Lewis

[Recorded York County Court May 17, 1773]

Scovemont conveyed the property in 1788 to Alexander Kevan:

[June 21, 1788]

[Nicholas Scovemont, Williamsburg
to
Alexander Kevan², Williamsburg,
Consideration: £275 current money]

THIS INDENTURE made the twenty first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight between Nicholas Scovemont [sic] of the City of Williamsburg of the first part and Alexander Kevan of the said City on the other part, Witnesseth that the said Nicholas Scovemont for and in Consideration of the sum of two Hundred and seventy-five pounds current Money of Virginia to him in hand [sic] on or before the sealing and delivery of these presents by the said Alexander Kevan the receipt whereof he do hereby acknowledge have granted bargained sold aliened enfeoffed and confirmed…unto the said Alexander Kevan his Heirs and Assigns for ever, all that lot or half Acre of Land situate lying and being on the North side of Nicholson's Street in the City of Williamsburg in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York and denoted in the plan of the said City by the numbers or figures 271 together with all houses outhouses pailings Yards Gardings [sic] ways Waters prof fits privileges… To have and to hold the said Lot -17- or half acre of Land and all and singular the premises aforesaid with the appurtenances unto the said Alexander Kevan his Heirs and Assigns… forever…
Nicholas Scovemont L. S.

Sealed and Delivered
In presence of
J: M. Galt
Jno Bryan
James Davis
Alexr D. Galt

At a Court held for York County the 19th day of January 1789 This Indenture was proved by the Oaths of John M. Galt and John Bryan Witnesses thereto And at another Court held for the said County the 18th day of April 1791 the said Indenture was proved by the Oath of Alexander D. Galt a Witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste
Ro: H Waller
Cl: Cur: ¹

The Land Tax records never show that Kevan owned property in Williamsburg. This would seem to indicate that the fee simple ownership was never completed.

Scovemont's Estate obviously, was owning property in the city as late as 1805 when he conveyed to Peter Dela Croix's Estate. (This title will be followed through chronologically in the report.) Scovemont had acquired another lot in 1786 via William Holt.²

In 1788 Alexander Kevan contracted with Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg -18- brick mason and builder, to make repairs amounting to £ 8. 14. 4.

	Mr Alexander Kevan	Dr
1788
August 2	To 2000 Bricks at 30/ pr M	£ 3. -. -
	To 56 Bushels of lime a 1/. & building Oven 20/.	3.16. -
	To 6 Days labour a 2/6 & 274 Laths ¾	.18. 4
	To lathing & plastering Shed 15/	.15. -
	To repairing Well 5/	. 5. -
		£ 8.14. 41

If Kevan had married the daughter of Scovemont (as likely from marriage notes quoted above) it is probable that these repairs were to buildings on one of Scovemont's lots.

In 1788 Frances Davenport made deposition in Chancery Court to the effect that "This Deponent saith that in the Year 1785 and in the Month of Novr Mrs Mary Curle² rented a house in the City of Wmsburg of Nicholas Scovemont at the Rate of £5.10 pr the Quarter."³

By 1790 Scovemont had removed to Sussex County, Delaware, where he made his will. He stated therein that he was "formerly of York County, in the State of Virginia." Scovemont bequeathed to his "daughter, Felix Kevan now the wife of Alexander Kevan: one Negro Gairl named Collet. Six black walnut Chaires; one large mahogany table one black walnut table: one mahogany desk: one looking Glass four Silver Table Spoons; four Silver tea Spoons; two fl[illegible] and two Silver Salt Sellers: all which said Goods and Chattles my daughter hath now in her possession in full of her part of my Estate to her and her heirs for Ever." To his son, Ferdinand Scouvemont, he bequeathed "all my houses and lots in Williamsburg Town lying in York and James City County - State of Virginia together with all rents due me for sd houses and lots, likewise all the rest of my Estate of what kind soever lying in the state of Virginia or Elsewhere:"¹

Scovemont's Estate held two lots until 1793. His Estate held the property until 1799 when the name disappeared.

In 1805 the Estate of Peter de la Croix is in possession of the property formerly Nicholas Scovemont's: "1805 Peter De la Croix estate___Scovemont___lots $21.67."²

In the Tucker-Coleman Collection of Ms are letters and court orders to St. George Tucker, attorney, from Fulwar Skipwith, Robert Greenhow -20- and Robert H. Waller, Clerk of James City County Court, relating to the settling of the estate of Peter de la Croix.¹

De la Croix was a Frenchman who lived in Williamsburg, owned property there and died in 1794. He married Amey Drummond of James City County in 1786. He left no children. In October, 1794 his widow administered on his estate consisting of 112 acres of land in James City County, "a house & lot in Williamsburg of considerable value and his personal estate which was appraised to be about £2000 Virginia Currency. The widow intermarried with William Taylor of James City ca 1795 or 1796. Taylor sold the tenement in the city, but no account of administration of Mr De la Croix's estate was ever made up or returned to Court as our Law requires. Following Mrs. Amey De la Croix Taylor's death ca 179(-) John Lewis Dormoy claimed the right of administering."²

It is all quite puzzling as to the exact time at which de la Croix began to occupy the Nicholson Street property. Evidently, he was living on "Back Street"³ judging from these items of Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg brick mason and carpenter: -21-

MONSIEUR PETER DE LA CROIX

		Dr
"1789
…
1791
April 28	To 13 bush: lime 9d & mending &c (in Back Street) 8/	[£]-.17. 7
May 8	To 5 packs of Whitewash 1/6 - whitewashing 4 Rooms a 3/9	-.16. 6
	To passage 3/	-. 3. -
Augt 29	To 17 bushels of lime a 9d & Hair 1/	-.13. 9
	To mending plaistering -- 1/
	Back of fireplace &c	-.15. -
Sepr 11	To whitewash 1/ & whitewashing 2 Rooms & a Ceiling 6/	-. 7. -
	(To 4 brick moulds lent)
1792
June 10	To 19 bush: of lime a 9d & 1 ½ bush. of Hair a 1/3	-.16.12
	To 3 days work of Nat mending plaistering a 4/	-.12. -

(vide poster folo 74.)"¹

If this was the property on Lot 271, let us note that there were six rooms and passage.

From a deed to adjoining property (Lot 270) we learn that de la Croix's estate was holding some property on Nicholson street in 1800 and that it was rented to James Chaddick:

[April ____ 1800]

[James Davenport of Augusta County
Frances, his wife,
to
George Jackson,² Williamsburg
Consideration: $200 current money of Virginia]

-22- …One certain Lott or parcell of land lying and being in the City of Williamsburg on the north back street containing one acre & bounded on the south by the said street on the west by the Lots belonging to the said George Jackson on the north by the Lands of Colonel James Southall and on the east by the Lott belonging to the estate of Peter De La Croix at present in the possession of James Chaddick…"¹

In 1804 Nicholas Scovemont's estate is charged with "2 lots valued at $21.67."² In 1805 Williamsburg Land Tax indicates that Peter de la Croix's Estate had acquired "2 lots via Scovemt valued at $21.67."³ The de la Croix estate continued to hold the two lots until 1820 when they disappear from the records.

In 1835 we pick up the chain to title again. It looks as though Richard T. Booker had acquired four lots on Nicholson Street: Lots 269, 270, 271 and 274: this is the interpretation as gathered from records:

[September 24, 1835]

Deed of trust
Richard Booker
to
William P. Underwood trustee to secure Richard Coke jr. R. R. Garrett, George B. Lightfoot, R. Hubbard, Sheldon & Maupin, W. W. Vest & Co. and Thomas O. Cogbill … three Houses & Lots situate and being in the County of York adjoining the City of Williamsburg and bounded as follows on the south by the north back street in the City of Williamsburg and on the West by the lot of Robert McCandlish now Occupied by Mrs Bowers [Also a lot on Duke of Gloucester Street] Also the following property Conveyed in a deed in trust made by the said Richard T. Booker to William P. Underwood Trustes for George W. Southall and -23- bearing the 20th day of September 1835 and duly re- corded to wit:
All that lot or parcel of Land Containing twelve Acres commonly Called and known as the Raleigh lot situate on the north back street of the said city On the west and on the north by the aforesaid Raleigh lot on the east by the lot Called the Tan Yard with all houses barns and stables situate thereon… [also deed of trust on Personal property] … forever … until default … [given until September 25, 1837 to meet payments] (Southall Papers, William and Mary College, Legal Cases & Estates)

There is a gap in the records until 1865 when the Land Book charges the estate of John Morris with "1 lot with buildings thereon assessed at $800." Following a suit: "Hogg vs Morris" in 1867 the property was conveyed to Pauline Hill in 1869 for life.¹ In November, 1893 Frank D. Banks and Dixie C. Banks (formerly Dixie C. Lumpkin, daughter of Pauline Hill) conveyed the property to Lydia M. Jones.² A deed of trust in 1902 by Lydia Jones conveyed to N. L. Henley, trustee: "… bounded as follows … On the north and west by the lot of M. R. Harrell formerly known as the Vest lot, on the south by Nicholson Street, and on the east by the Major Custis lot."³ In 1924 following several deeds of trust, Lydia Jones conveyed to William H. Hayes.⁴ In 1928 Hayes conveyed to William H. Baker.⁵

The northern portion of the lot had been conveyed by Hayes and then Baker to other parties. We are interested primarily in the part which bounds upon Nicholson Street.

John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg during the Civil War" does not mention any house on this lot though he notes the "Patsy Custis house" toward the east.

Eliza Baker, mother of William Baker, in her "Memoirs of Williamsburg"¹ given to Dr. Goodwin's secretary in 1933 states that "a Mr. Whiting lived right back of the Raleigh Tavern in the house where my Willie stays now…I lived right back of the Tavern on Nicholson Street… After Mr. Vest bought his horses, he bought the lot where my house was built for a pasture."²

Illustration #1

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

Illustration #2

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

Illustration #5
THE WILL OF NICHOLAS JOSEPH SCOUVEMONT

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN: I Nicholas Joseph Scouvemont, formerly of York County in the State of Virginia: but now of Sussex County and the State of Delaware being weak in body but of Sound memory and good Judgement, thanks be to allmighty God for the Same: Calling to mind the morality of my body: do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament heartofore by me mad Either Verbal or otherwise and this only to be taken for my last will and testament and none other - - - -

Item. I give and bequeath Unto my daughter Felix Kervan now the wife of Alexander Kervan: one Negro Gairl named Collett. Six black walnut Chaires: one large mahogany table one black walnut table: one mahogany desk: one looking glass four Silver TableSpoons: four Silver tea Spoons: two p-sses [illegible] and two Silver Salt Sellers: all which said goods and chattles my daughter hath now in her possession in full of her fro[illegible] of my Estate to him and his heirs for Ever - - - - -

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Ferdinand Scouvemont all my houses and lots in Williamsburg Town lying in york in James City County State of Virginia togeather withall Rents due me for S.. houses and lots, likewise all the rest of my Estaet of what kind soever lying in the State of Virginia or Else wheare: allso all debts due me for Goods or other Merchandise. All so all Cash and Goods now in hand: or may be at the time of my deceas: allso all my loan office Certificates with the Intrest thiron = I do hiarby hand to him and his heirs for Ever. I do heareby Constitute and apoint my son Ferdinand Scouvemont Executor of this my last will and Testament in Witnys wheare of I have heare Unto set my hand and offixed my seal this 13 day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-nine Ninety.

X ^{his mark} (seal)
Nicholas Joseph Scouvemont

Signed seald publishd and pronounsd, and delivered for the last will and Testament of Nicholas Joseph Scouvemont in the prasance of - - - -
-2 Jeremiah Cannon X
Isaac Cannon X
Charles Litleton X ^{his mark}
Holsey Horsey

Scouvemont
Nicholas Joseph Scouvemont
proved Feb 9, 1791
paid for
Recorded Sib D f^o 325.

[Source:] Public Archives Commission
Hall of Records, Dover, Delaware
Volume 498 p. 38;
Negative photostat,
Research Department