Tayloe House Historical Report, Block 28 Building 3 Lot 262Originally entitled: "Tayloe House Colonial Lot 262 Block 28"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1522
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
TAYLOE HOUSE
Colonial Lot 262 Block 28
CONTENTS
| LOCATION | |
| SUMMARY | |
| HISTORY | |
| ILLUSTRATIONS | |
| #1 Architect's drawing from Frenchman's Map | |
| #2 Williamsburg Land Tax Records | |
| Williamsburg Personal Property Tax | |
| #3 Biographical Notes | |
| Dr. James Carter | |
| Corbin Family | |
| Dr. Samuel S. Griffin | |
| Mrs. Sarah Madison | |
| William Pitt | |
| Robert G. Scott | |
| John Tayloe | |
| Tayloe Family | |
| Henry Tazewell | |
| #4 Architectural Notes |
TAYLOE HOUSE
Colonial Lot 262 Block 28
LOCATION:
The property known as the "Tayloe House" is situated on the north side of Nicholson Street in Williamsburg. On early maps of the city it is designated as "Lot 262." (See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, opposite page 1.)
IN SUMMARY:
The first known owner of Lot 262 is noted in 1715 when the Trustees of Williamsburg conveyed one lot numbered thus to Francis Tyler. Tyler held the lot only five years. In 1720 he conveyed the property to James Roscoe naming a consideration of eighty pounds. Such consideration would seem to indicate that he had complied with the Act of Assembly of 1705 which required that a house be erected on the premises within twenty-four months after purchase or the lot would revert to the Trustees. In 1740 William Roscow (Roscoe), brother of James, sold the house and lot to John Collett. When Collett and wife died (1749 and 1752 respectively), it was noted in their wills that Benjamin Waller would inherit their Williamsburg property. A previous deed from Collett to Waller, February 1744, had conveyed this property but records seem to indicate that Waller did not possess the lots in fee simple until the death of Collett's wife. In May, 1752 Waller transferred the lot designated as "Lott 262" to James Carter, surgeon, "which said lot or half acre of land was sold and conveyed to the said Benjamin Waller by John Collett February 15, 1744, and was devised to him by the said John Collett by his last will & testament being dated the 9th day of December 1749." Honorable John Tayloe of Richmond County obtained the property in September, 1759 via James Carter. Lot 231 and a part of the street marked M had been acquired by Carter in 1757. These additions in area were named in the deed from Carter to Tayloe. The consideration named was £600 showing that major changes either in building or repairs had been made during Waller's and Carter's tenure. (A phrase from the will of Susan Collett, widow of John, "the last new room (built by John Collett)" indicated that Collett had made changes to the original house before his death.) Tayloe was a member of the Council and doubtless used the building as a town house when in Williamsburg. Tayloe, probably, sold the property prior to his death in 1779 as there is no mention in his will to any Williamsburg property. The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) shows a house on the lot, facing south with two outbuildings on the lot.
There is a gap to title from 1759 to 1782 when William Pitt who was the owner, advertised property which is interpreted to be Tayloe's former house and lot. By 1783 Henry Tazewell, lawyer and son-in-law of Benjamin Waller, became the owner. He or his heirs held it until 1801 when William Tazewell, physician, was the owner. The Bucktrout Map (1803) shows the name "Tazewell" on Lot 262. Around 1812 Mrs. Sarah Madison, widow of President James Madison of William and Mary College, was the owner. In 1814 she gave her son-in-law, Robert G. Scott, a part of the property towards the west. In 1815 by will she devised the property to her daughter, Susan Scott. In 1818 the Scotts sold to Dr. Samuel S. Griffin, a nephewson of Judge Cyrus Griffin. The property remained in the Griffin family until 1869 when Mrs. Cynthia B. Coleman, daughter of Judge Beverley Tucker, became owner. In 1923 Miss Elizabeth Coleman, daughter of Mrs. Coleman, became the owner. In 1928 the property passed to Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin a representative of Colonial Williamsburg Restoration. Further details of ownership can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg, Inc.See 22V275-276
TAYLOE HOUSE
Colonial Lot 262 Block 28
| DATE | OWNED BY | OCCUPIED BY | PROFESSION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1715 | Francis Tyler | ||
| 1720 | James Roscoe[Roscow] | James Roscow | Receiver-General Virginia |
| William Roscow[Roscoe] | William Roscow | Burgess & Planter | |
| 1740 | John Collet | Collet & wife | Keeper of Prison |
| 1749 | Benjamin Waller | Lawyer | |
| 1752 | James Carter (Dr.) | Carter family | Surgeon & Apothecary |
| 1757 | James Carter via | ||
| Feoffees | Carter | Surgeon & Apothecary | |
| 1759 | |||
| to | (?)John Tayloe | Tayloe | Councillor, gentleman Planter |
| 1782 | |||
| (before) | William Pitt | Pitts | Merchant |
| 1783 | Henry Tazewell | Lawyer | Planter |
| 1801 | William Tazewell (Dr.) | Tazewells | Physician |
| 1812 | Sarah Madison (Mrs.) | Mrs. Madison | |
| 1815 | Susan Scott(Mrs. R.G. Scott) | Mrs. Scott | |
| 1819 | Samuel S. Griffin (Dr.) | Griffins | Physician |
| 1869 | Cynthia B. Coleman(Mrs.) | Colemans | |
| 1923 | Elizabeth B. Coleman | Miss Coleman | |
| 1928 | W.A.R.Goodwin | (for Williamsburg Restoration.) |
PHOTOSTAT COPY OF THE WILLIAMSBURG PLAT IN "WILLIAMSBURG THE OLD COLONIAL CAPITOL" BY LYON G TYLER
TAYLOE HOUSE
Block 28 Colonial Lot 262
LOCATION:
The property known as the "Tayloe House" is situated on the north side of Nicholson Street in Williamsburg. On early maps of the city it is designated as lot 262. (See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, opposite page.)
HISTORY:
The first evidence of ownership of the lot is noted in a deed from the Trustees of Williamsburg to Francis Tyler:
2 Tyler, evidently complied with the regulations and built upon the lot within twenty four months. However, nothing more is known about the property until 1720 when Tyler conveyed the lot with houses to James Roscoe:[November 18, 1715]
[Trustees City of Williamsburg
to
Francis Tyler
Consideration: 15 shillings]…One certain Lott of Ground in ye City of Wmsburgh denoted in the plan there by the figures (262) with all Woods… [Shall build within twenty four months one or more good dwelling houses as according to an Act of Assembly of 1705…]1
[June 15, 1720]
[Francis Tyler, Gent
to James Roscoe1
Consideration: 80 Pounds]…All that Lott of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh & County of York Denoted in the plan of the sd City by the figures 262 with all houses…2
The Roscow (Roscoe) family held Lot 262 until May, 1740 when William Roscow conveyed to John Collet:
1[ May 31, 1740 ]
[William Roscow and Lucy his wife,
to
John Collet3 Consideration: 25 Pounds]…All that Lott or half acre of Land whereon the said John Collet now dwells lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh on the North side 3 of Nicholson Street joining on the East to the Lotts in possession of John Gladist, and is marked and denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures 262 its Number, being formerly the Lott of Francis Tyler now deceased and by him sold and conveyed to ---Roscow Brother to the said William party to these presents …and all Houses…1
The Collett family — John and Susannah, his wife — were owners of the property until the death of Susannah in 1752 as excerpts and explanations from court records will indicate:
- (1) According to a deed of February 15, 1744 John Collet and wife conveyed to Benjamin Waller2 a lot designated as 262:
[John Collett & Susannah
to
Benjamin Waller
Consideration: 45 Pounds current money of Virginia]…All that Lott or half acre of Land whereon the said John Collett and Susannah, his wife, now live, lying and being in the said City of Williamsburgh on the North side of Nicholson Street, joining on the East to the Lotts in 4 the possession of John Wall Gent, and is noted & marked in the plan of the said City by the Figures 262 and was conveyed unto the said John Collett by William Roscow Gent. by Indenture of Bargain & Sale, in York County, 21 July 1740…And all houses…1
- (2)Benjamin Waller is devised the real estate of John Collet under certain conditions as noted in the will of Collett in December 9, 1749:
… Item. I give and devise unto my wife Susanna Collett the use of all my estate real and personal during her natural life and after her death, I give …Solomon Davis all that tract of land containing 50 acres which I purchased of Mrs. Catherine Walker, lying in James City …All the rest of my estate, real and personal wheresoever lying & being and of what kind and nature, after the decease of my said wife, I give and bequeath unto my friend Benjamin Waller of the city of Williamsburgh, and I do constitute and appoint the said Benjamin executor of this my last will … 2
The above quoted will shows that Collett gave his wife only a life right in his real estate and bequeathed Benjamin Waller "all the rest of my estate, real and personal" except the 50 acres in James City devised to Davis. - (3)Susannah Collett's will is significant in that it bears out her husband's will which allowed her to
5
convey only personal property:
Reference to "the last new room (built by John Collet" shows that additions had been made to Collett's house at different periods.[Jan. 20, 1752]
…Item. I give and devise unto George Gilmer (son of George Gilmer Surgeon Apothecary of the city of Williamsburgh) now gone home to England with Mr. King all the goods, utensils and every other thing that shall be found in the last new room (built by John Collet at my decease…1
The same day on which Susan (Susannah) Collett's will was recorded in York County, the same court recorded a deed in which Benjamin Waller conveyed Lot 262 — which property had been devised to him by Collett:
[May 12, 1752]
[Benjamin Waller of Williamsburg and Martha, his wife,
to
James Carter,2 surgeon and apothecary of the city,
Consideration: 200 Pounds]…All that Lott or half Acre of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh on the North side of Nicholson Street Joining on the East to the Lotts in the Possession of Thomas Everard and is Marked and denoted in the Plan of the said City by the Figures 262 which said Lott or half Acre of Land was Sold and Conveyed to the said Benjamin Waller by John Collett …February 15, 1744 and was also devised to him by the said John Collett by his last Will & Testament baring date the 9th day of December 1749. The said 6 indenture & will proved & recorded in the Court of York County…1
Ben Waller (L.S.)
Martha Waller (L.S.)[Recorded May 18, 1752]
It seems evident from the consideration of £200 paid for the property by Carter that large additions or other repairs had been made to the building on the lot; or perhaps a new house had been erected in the period 1749-1752. Whether these additions had been made by Benjamin Waller or by the Colletts is not known.
Just what happened to Lot 262 after May, 1752 when Carter acquired the property — to December, 1757 when Lot 262 plus Lot 2312 was deeded by the Feoffees to James Carter — is not known. The deed of conveyance follows:
[December 21, 1757]
[Feoffees of Williamsburg
to
James Carter, Gent.
Consideration: 12 Pounds 5 Shillings]…Two certain Lotts of Ground lying and being in the said City of Williamsburg, designed in the Plot thereof by the figures 262 and 231, with all Pasturage…
Also that part of the street Marked with the Letter M in the Plan of the said city, which bounds the west side of the above Granted two 7 Lotts 262 & 231 so as to leave open on the West side of the said Street 14 feet in Breadth and making the same passable for Carriages and Sloaping & turfing the west side thereof or such part thereof as he shall Cut digg or Carry away for making Level Ground on his said Lotts…forever…
…If the said James Carter his Heirs or Assigns shall not within the space of twenty four Months next ensuing the date of these presents begin to build and finish on each lot of the said granted premises one good dwelling house or houses of such dimensions and to be placed in such manner as by one Act of Assembly made at the Capitol the 23rd day of October 1705 entitled "An Act directing the building the Capitol and the City of Williamsburgh & is directed or shall be agreed upon prescribed and directed by the Directors appointed for the Settlement and Encouragement of the City of Williamsburgh," pursuant to the trust in them reposed by virtue of the said Act of Assembly… [property reverts to the city if conditions not followed.]1
John Amson (L.S.)
Ben Waller (L.S.)
As the first conveyance to James Carter (May 12, 1752) named £200 consideration for one lot (262) and the second conveyance to Carter (December 1757) named £12/5 shillings for Lot 262 plus Lot 231 — one wonders if the houses on the property had burned prior to the last conveyance.
Carter held the property and, evidently, built or made improvements of some kind thereon, for in September, 1759 he conveyed to Honorable John Tayloe2 of Richmond County, for the large sum of £600: 8
[September 30, 1759]
[James Carter, surgeon of Williamsburg,
and Hester, his wife,
to
Hon. John Tayloe of the County of Richmond,
Consideration: 600 Pounds]…Two Certain Lotts of Ground lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh designed in the Plott of the said city by the Figures 262 and 231 Also that part of the Street marked with the Letter M in the Plan of the said City which Bounds the West side of the above Granted two Lotts 262 & 231 so as to leave Open on the West side of the said Street 14 feet in breadth, making the same passable for Carriages and Sloaping and turfing the West side thereof or such part thereof as he shall Cutt Dig and Carry away for making Level Ground on his said Lotts…With all houses …forever…
Received of the within named John Tayloe Esqr the sum of six hundred pounds Current money being the Consideration within mentioned this 30th day of September 1759.
James Carter (L.S.)Witness
1
Thomas Everard
James Tarpley
James Hubard
James Davenport
William Moss
[Recorded April 21, 1760]
The same day James Carter acknowledged bond for £600 to be paid Tayloe if he, Carter, did not carry out the condition laid down in the indenture:
"…shall make passable for Cariages the way of fourteen feet in Breadth herein before mentioned and shall Sloap and turf the West side thereof or such part thereof as he hath Cut Dug and Carried 9 away for making Level Ground on the said Lotts and shall in all things perform the Condition contained in the Grant of the said Street to him by Feoffees or Trustees of the said City of Williamsburgh so that the same shall not be forfeited and revert to the said Feoffees or Trustees for Breach or non performance of the said Condition but shall indemnify save harmless the said John Tayloe his Heirs and Assigns there from then — the above Obligation to be Void otherwise to remain in full force & Virtue."
James Carter (L.S.)Witness
1
Lewis Burwell
Wm Carter
Thos Everard
James Tarpley
James Hubard
James Davenport
William Moss.
Hester Carter, wife of James Carter, signed papers agreeing to the indenture on October 30, 1759.2
On October 27, 1759 John Tayloe drew on Messrs. Francis and Richard Brown [agents?] "By my Bill to Doctr James Carter to pay for my house-----£200.0.0"3
10Colonel Tayloe was one of the wealthiest men in the colony of Virginia. It is not known the exact date of his appointment to the Council but he sat as a member on April 21, 1757. He continued in that office until the outbreak of the Revolution when he resigned. As distances were often great, it was convenient and necessary for councillors to own or rent a home in Williamsburg during their term of office in order to be housed comfortably during the sessions. We assume that this property bought by Tayloe from Carter in 1759 was used as his "town house" while he sat in the Council.
Since Colonel Tayloe made no mention in his will (dated May 22, 1773)1 of any Williamsburg property, it seems reasonable to believe that he had disposed of the property before his death.2 Williamsburg Land Tax records and Personal Property records which begin in 1782 do not list the name "Tayloe" nor do the Tax Transfers show that the Tayloe family held any property in the city.3
Court records for York County and Williamsburg contain no further legal transactions of John Tayloe other than the deed cited above in 1759. Most of the General Court records were destroyed by fire. It is probable that the Tayloe legal transfers were recorded in this court, and lost forever.
11The writer has found no other references in court records, diaries, letters &c. to John Tayloe residing in Williamsburg.
The next clue to this property is dated September 14, 1782 when William Pitt,1 son of the late Dr. George Pitt, advertised his dwelling house in Williamsburg for sale:
FOR SALEIndirect evidence and other data to follow chronologically in the report will bear out the assumption that Pitt was owner of Lots 262 & 231 (1782-1785) and had a store at Lot 50 from 1775-1777. His father had operated on Lot 47 until 1775 when he left for England as a Tory. 12
And may be entered on immediately, MY HOUSE and LOTS in this city, situated near the courthouse square on the back street. The dwelling house has a Dutch roof, with two rooms on a floor and a spacious passage at one end; a large kitchen and laundry adjoining it, smoke house, dairy, &c. the whole well enclosed. The dwelling house is allowed to be as well finished as any in the city. One half the purchase money to be paid down, and credit allowed for the other half, as may be agreed on.
WILLIAM PITT. 2
Land Tax records for Williamsburg (1782-1784) indicate that William Pitt held two lots with valuation for tax purposes at £2 and he paid personal property tax on three whites and four blacks at this period.1
The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) shows a square house apparently facing upon the street with two dependencies — one to the east and one to the rear. The lot is enclosed.2
In March, 1783 Matthew Pearson acting as agent or trustee for Pitt, advertised:
…I will also sell the HOUSE and LOTS in this city, late the property of, and advertised by, Mr. William Pitt. The terms for either of the above places may be known by applying to the subscriber.3
On March 14, 1783 there was an agreement between Pearson, agent, and Henry Tazewell4 concerning Pitt's property:
An Agreement between Matthew Pearson and Henry Tazewell whereby Pearson sells Tazewell for £500 the Lotts & Houses where William Pitt 13 now lives in the City of Williamsburg which he the said Pitt sold lately to the said Matthew Pearson. And the said Pearson warrants the Title thereof to the said Henry Tazewell & his Heirs… [Tazewell to pay the £500 off at stipulated periods, completing the total sum by March l, 1784.]1
In 1785 the Land Tax records for Williamsburg give: "Henry Tazewell bought of William Pitt----2 lots ---- £2."2
Tazewell held the property from 1785 to 1801. In that time the two lots were taxed at £2 in 1785; £3 in 1786; £18 in 1788; £12 in 1797; $40 in 1798 through 1801.
At the time Tazewell bought Lots 262 & 231 from Pitt, he was a judge of the Virginia General Court. He had represented Brunswick County in the Virginia Assembly 1775-1777 and Williamsburg 1778-1785. He was a lawyer of repute prior to his appointments as judge. He married Dorothea Waller, daughter of Judge Benjamin Waller of Williamsburg. In 1787 he bought the plantation near Williamsburg known as "King's Mill." Littleton Walter Tazewell, distinguished lawyer of Norfolk was his son. Henry Tazewell died in Philadelphia in 1799 while attending a session of the United States Senate.
14In 1801 Littleton Walter Tazewell of Norfolk conveyed this property to William Tazewell1 by a deed recorded in York County. The consideration noted was £200:
[December 10, 1801]
[Littleton Walter Tazewell of Norfolk
to
William Tazewell
Consideration: 200 Pounds]…A certain house and lot of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg and County of York, on the North side of the street running from Palace Street to the Jail opposite to the lots of William Lee, bounded on the East by the lot of Joseph Ferguson and on the West by a public lane…2
Upon examination of the College Map (reputed to be 1791) and the Bucktrout Map (1803) the name "Tazewell" appears on Lots 262 and 231.3
Williamsburg Land Tax records give William Tazewell (Doctr) 2 lots valued at $40.4
In 1806 William Tazewell paid tax on 4 lots at $70; and 2 lots via Prentis at $10.5
15Sometime before 1812 Sarah Madison, widow of Bishop Madison, who had been President of William and Mary College, had come into possession of this property "via Tazewell." The Land Tax records for 1815 indicate that Sarah Madison held 6 lots valued at $100 "via Wm Tazewell and Mary Page his wife a certain House & Lotts of Land in the City of Williamsburg and county of York on the North side of the Street leading from Palace Street to the Jail."1
St. George Tucker wrote his daughter on July 3, 1812: "Mrs. Madison has got into her new house."2
In 1814 Mrs. Madison had deeded 1 lot at $50 to Robert G. Scott3 (her son-in-law) for life. The deed of gift stated that it was "in consideration of love and affection and $1.00" — a lot to the west of her home:
…a certain lot of ground in the city of Williamsburg having standing thereon a Granary and Cow house and bounded as follows: On the East by my lot and garden purchased of William Tazewell, on the North partly by another lot of mine and the lot of Mrs. Peachy, on the West by Mrs. Peachy, on the South partly by the Courthouse green and a street running parallel with the Main Street of the said City ...416 Obviously, the lot conveyed to Scott was between the house occupied by Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Peachy's house.
In 1815 Mrs. Madison devised her residence to her daughter, Susan Scott:
…I give and devise unto my daughter Susan Scott, the House and Lott where I now live in the City of Williamsburg with every out house and convenience belonging to it to her use during her life, and at her death to her son James Scott and his heirs …Also, $200. for the purpose of making an addition to the kitchen on the lot given to her during her life and completing the well thereon. [Residue divided between Susan Scott and Catesby Madison, her son.]1
By 1818 the property had come into the ownership of Samuel S. Griffin.2 Griffin was the son of Cyrus Griffin and Lady Christiana Stuart Griffin.3
According to the Land Tax records Samuel S. Griffin acquired 7 lots valued at $130 "Via RO: G. Scott — a certain house and lot where the said Scott formerly resided and which was charged to Sarah Madison." 4
Though Griffin owned the property by 1818, it looks as though he did not live thereon until 1824. Basis for this 17 assumption is that he first paid personal property taxes in Williamsburg in 1824. He paid on 3 blacks, 2 horses and 2 gigs. Land Tax from 1820 to 1827 charge Griffin with 1 lot at $1000; $1100 house and lot.1 In 1828 he is charged with the house and lot at $1100; and 1 lot $300.2 In 1839 Griffin acquired another lot taxed at $250 via Portia Hodgson. Heretofore charged to the estate of John Paradise decd.3
In 1843 the property was described by George W. Southall, Williamsburg lawyer of the period:
…all those certain lots of Land, lying and being in the City of Williamsburg, at present held & owned by the said Samuel, embracing the following Lot to wit: the lot whereon the said Samuel now resides, conveyed to him by the deed of Robert G Scott & wife, dated the first of May 1818 and fronting on Nicholson street…4Again, Southall defines the boundaries thus:
…all those certain lots of land and buildings thereon, lying and being in,the City of Williamsburg, at present held and occupied by the said Samuel S. Griffin as his residence, bounded North by the land of Thomas G. Peachy; South by Nicholson street, East by the lot of Robert McCandlish; and west by the lots of Thomas G. Peachy, containing five acres more or less.518
In 1820 a different system of evaluating lots and buildings in Williamsburg was put into effect. The Griffin property is noted thus in the land tax books: "1 lot in fee …value of lot $1100; sum added on account of buildings $1000. Formerly charged to Ro: G. Scott." From 1820 to 1860 Griffin is listed as the owner. In 1860 it is listed as follows: "S. S. Griffin Williamsburg… Residence [value of] lot including buildings $3000… [value of] buildings $1800." (See Illustration #2 for full listing of land taxes on this property from 1782 to 1860.)
The Griffin property is described by Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" (pp. 36-37) during the period of the Civil War:
The lot on the east side of Queen Street and facing on Nicholson was known as the "Griffin" lot (now owned and occupied by Miss Coleman). Time has wrought little change in the appearance of the buildings on this lot in the last sixty-five years or more. When the War began Old Dr. Sam Griffin lived there. He was a leading spirit in all the affairs of this city. He died in 1864 and was interred in Bruton Church Yard.
In 1869 James L. C. Griffin1 and F. M. Griffin, his wife, and Mary L. Wright conveyed to P. M. Thompson, 19 trustee of Cynthia B. Coleman and her children, land described as follows:
A certain lot of ground situated and lying in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia, fronting and bending on the north side of Nicholson Street, a street running parallel with the Main Street of said City on the north and bounded on the east by Vest's lot, on the north by Armistead's lot and on the west by Hansford's lot, improved by a frame dwelling house and outbuildings…1
In 1923, by deed dated April 21, 1911, recorded August 20, 1923, Williamsburg, N. B. Tucker Coleman and Ella, his wife, conveyed to Elizabeth B. Coleman one fourth of this property:
One undivided fourth interest in that certain house and lot located on Nicholson Street in the City of Williamsburg, on the north side thereof, and bounded as follows: On the north by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway property; on the east by what is known as the old "Bouwers Lot"; on the south by Nickolson Street and on the west by the Nickolson School property and the lot now owned by E. W. Warburton and the Ice Plant lot, which lot is the same as was the residence of the late Cynthia B. Coleman.2
In 1923 by deed dated July 18, 1914, and recorded August 20, 1923, Williamsburg, George P. Coleman and Mary Haldane, his wife, conveyed to Elizabeth B. Coleman one undivided fourth interest in the property.3
20In 1924 by deed dated January 30, 1923, and recorded April 12, 1924, Charles W. Coleman conveyed to Elizabeth B. Coleman one undivided fourth interest in the home property.1
From the above three transfers, it is seen how Elizabeth B. Coleman came into possession of the property. Such property is noted in the Land Tax Book of Williamsburg for 1928 as "a house and lot on East Nicholson Street," the lot being assessed at $1100 and the buildings at $3000, making a total assessment of $4100.
In September 1928, Elizabeth B. Coleman conveyed to Dr. William A. R. Goodwin, representing Colonial Williamsburg, the property with life tenure reserved. The same agreement contains a grant to Jeanette S. Kelly for life under certain provisions.
Further legal details of title for this property since the Coleman occupancy and ownership can be found in the chain of title prepared by C. M, Hall, attorney at law, now filed in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.
Notes made by Mr. Singleton Moorehead after talking to members of the Tucker-Coleman family in 1948 give information as to floor plan of the house, outbuildings and building materials in the house.2
Footnotes
Illustration #1
FROM FRENCHMANS MAP 1782?
Illustration #2.
| 1782-- | William Pitt----------- | 2 lots--- | £2 | |
| 1784-- | William Pitt----------- | 2 lots--- | £2 | |
| 1785-- | Henry Tazewell bought of William Pitt------ | 2 lots--- | £2 | |
| 1788-- | Henry Tazewell --------- | 2 lots--- | £18 | |
| 1797-- | Henry Tazewell --------- | 2 lots--- | £12 | |
| 1798-- | Henry Tazewell --------- | 2 lots--- | $40 | |
| 1800-- | Henry Tazewell --------- | 2 lots--- | $40 | |
| 1801-- | Wm. Tazewell Doctr----- | 2 lots--- | $40 | |
| Litt. Tazewell --------- | 1 lot---- | $30 | ||
| 1803-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 2 lots--- | $40 | |
| Wm. Tazewell ---Lee----- | 1 lot---- | $ 5 | ||
| 1804-- | Wm. Tazewell--Paradise- | 1 lot---- | $ 5 | |
| Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 3 lots--- | $45 | ||
| 1805-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 4 lots--- | $50 | |
| 1806-- | William Tazewell ------- | 4 lots--- | $70 | |
| -- | William Tazewell ------- | 2 lots via Prentis-- | $10 | |
| 1807-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1809-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1810-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1811-- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1812-- | William Tazewell ------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1813-- | William Tazewell ------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| 1814-- | Robt. G. Scott via S. Madison for Life-- | 1 lot--- | $ 50 | [1814--Robt.G.Scott via Madison for life- |
| -- | Wm. Tazewell ----------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | 1 lot (Tax Trans.)] |
| 1815-- | Sarah Madison---------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | [1815--Wm. Tazewell & Mary Page his wife to Sarah Madison A certain House and Lotts of Land in York On the northside of the Street leading from Palace Street to the Jail. (Ms Hustings Ct 1814-1815) card under Tazewell.] |
| Via Wm.Tazewell — a certain House & Lotts on northside street leading from Palace to Jail | ||||
| 1816-- | Sarah Madison---------- | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| -- | R. G. Scott------------ | 1 lot--- | $ 50 | |
| 1817-- | Sarah Madison est------ | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| -- | Robt. G. Scott--------- | 1 lot--- | $ 50 | |
| 1818-- | Sarah Madison est------ | 6 lots-- | $100 | |
| -- | Ro: G. Scott----------- | 1 lot--- | $ 50 | |
| pb | ||||
| 1819-- | Saml. Griffin----------- | 7 lots-- | $130 | Via Ro. G. Scott — a certain house and lot where the sd Scott formerly resided, and which stood charged to Sarah Madison |
| 1820-- | Saml Griffin Gloucester- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | Formerly charged to Ro: G. Scott |
| 1821-23 | [same] | |||
| 1824-- | Saml. S. Griffin Wmsburg- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| 1824-27 | [same] | |||
| 1828- | Saml S. Griffin---------- | 1 lot--- | $1000; $1100 | |
| -- | 1 lot--- | $300 | [via Joseph Ferguson Est] | |
| 1829-- | Saml S. Griffin---------- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| -- | 1 lot-- | $ 300 | ||
| 1830-1838 | [same] | |||
| 1839- | Saml S. Griffin---------- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $ 300 | ||
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $ 250 | via Portia Hodgson Heretofore charged to the estate of John Paradise decd | |
| 1840-- | Saml S. Griffin--------- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| 1841-- | [same] | |||
| 1842-- | Saml S. Griffin--------- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| ------ | 1 lot-- | $200 | ||
| ------ | 1 lot-- | $700 | ||
| 1842-1850-- | Saml S.Griffin----- | 1 lot-- | $1000; $1100 | |
| ------- | 1 lot-- | $200 | ||
| ------- | 1 lot-- | $700 | ||
| 1851-- | Saml S. Griffin--------- | 1 lot-- | $900; $1200 | |
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $150 | ||
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $500 | ||
| 1854-- | Saml S. Griffin--------- | 1 lot-- | $900; $1200 | |
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $150 | ||
| --------- | 1 lot-- | $250; $750 | ||
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $600; $2200 | no deed yet made by Corporation | |
| 1855-- | Saml S. Griffin--------- | 1 lot-- | $900; $1200 | |
| -------- | 1 lot-- | $150 | ||
| --------- | 1 lot-- | $250; $750 | ||
| ---------- | 1 lot-- | $600; $2200 | ||
| 1857-- | Saml S. Griffin------- | 1 lot--- | $1800; $3000 | |
| -------- | 1 lot--- | $150 | ||
| -------- | 1 lot- | $200; $800 | ||
| -------- | 1 lot-- | $3000; $3350 | ||
| -------- | 1 lot-- | $3000; $3350 | ||
| 1859-- | Saml S. Griffin------- | 1 lot--- | $1800; $3000 | |
| ------- | 1 lot--- | $150 | ||
| -------- | 1 lot--- | $200; $800 | ||
| ---------- | 1 lot--- | $3000; $3350 | Formerly owned by the Corporation | |
| ----------- | 1 lot--- | $3000; $3350 | Formerly owned by the Corporation | |
| 1860-- | Saml S. Griffin------- | 1 lot Residence--- | $1800; $3000 | |
| --------- | 1 lot-- | $200; $800 | ||
| -------- | 1 lot | $3000; $3350 | ||
| --------- | 1 lot-- | $3000; $3350 | ||
| -- | Richd W. Hansford------ | 1 lot--- | $150 | Formerly charged to Samuel S. Griffin |
| 1861-- | [same for Griffin] | |||
| [same for Hansford] | ||||
| 1783-- | William Pitt --------- | 3 white males 4 slaves 1 horse 2 cattle |
| 1785-- | Henry Tazewell -------- | 1 white male 9 slaves 1 horse 4 cattle |
Illustration #3
DR. JAMES CARTER
Dr. James Carter was the son of John Carter, keeper of the Public Gaol ca. 1731-41, and Thomasine Carter. He had three brothers: John, Thomas and Dr. William Carter. Both James and William were surgeons and apothecaries in Williamsburg.
In the period 1751-1774 Dr. James Carter advertised drugs and other goods for sale in Williamsburg. By 1752 he had established his shop, "the Unicorn's Horn," noting it as "next door to the Printing-Office." In 1764 he bought Lot 53. He continued in partnership with his brother, William, until 1779 when he sold out to William. In 1771 he bought the shop of Dr. Andrew Anderson, apothecary in the city.
In 1769 Dr. Carter bought the block of lots marked "Holt" on the College Map — such lots were bounded by Boundary, Scotland, Henry streets and a lane near the Palace lots, and numbered 212-217. The dwelling-house of Dr. Carter was mentioned in 1776 by Patrick Henry in an executive communication thus: "Dr. James Carter's house which is but small, yet has many convenient out buildings which might be applied also to the purposes of Hospitals… may be procured for the sum of one thousand Pounds." In 1781 Colonel Abercombie quartered at the house of Dr. Carter. In December, 1781 Carter sold the property to William Holt.
In 1788 he had bought the house now known as the "Brush-Everard House" — 3 lots which he held until his death in 1794. His estate held it until 1820.
Dr. Carter married first Hester — who died in 1791 in Richmond. Her obituary appeared in the Maryland Gazette of September 2, 1791 as the wife of Dr. James Carter of Williamsburg. Dr. Carter married in 1793 Sarah Saunders, a sister of Robert Saunders of Williamsburg. Elizabeth, a daughter was born in 1793. Dr. Carter died in 1794 according to Crozier's Williamsburg Wills.
Colonial Williamsburg owns a manuscript Account Book for the years 1752-1773 which, apparently, was the property of Dr. James Carter. Although it is unsigned, it duplicates invoices which John Norton and Sons, London pb merchants, sent Dr. James Carter in exact detail. St. George Tucker bought a number of books and some china at the sale in 1794.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Tucker-Coleman Uncat. Mss: St. George Tucker Accounts 1793-1798, (CWI).
- PRO/T 79/73 SR: 2837, pp.153, 159 (microfilm CWI).
- House History of Lot 53 west, Research Department.
- House History of Lots 212-217, Research Department.
- House History of Brush-Everard House, Research Department.
- Crozier's Williamsburg Wills.
- The Maryland Gazette, Sept. 2, 1791.
- Virginia Gazette.
- John Norton & Sons, pp. 151-152.
DR. SAMUEL S. GRIFFIN
Dr. Samuel Stuart Griffin was the son of Judge Cyrus Griffin and his wife, Lady Christiana Stuart, daughter of John Sixth Earl of Traquair, Peebleshire, Scotland. Lady Christiana Griffin died on the 8th of October, 1807 in Williamsburg and was interred in Bruton Parish Church graveyard there. Cyrus Griffin died December 10, 1810 in York Town at the age of sixty two. He was interred at Bruton churchyard by his wife. No markers to either one.
An obituary notice with other details of Dr. Samuel S. Griffin was recorded by his son, James L. C. Griffin in a Diary (1866-1867) on file now at William and Mary College. He stated that his father was born in Philadelphia on the 6th of January, 1782; attended William and Mary College under Bishop Madison ca. 1801-1802; and was a student 1804-5 at the University of Edinburgh. Upon his return to Virginia he practised medicine in Yorktown with his uncle, Dr. Corbin Griffin. Around 1819 Dr. Samuel Griffin moved to Williamsburg where he lived for about forty years "discharging the duties of his benevolent profession with eminent ability." He married about 1808 Miss Sally Lewis, daughter of James Lewis and Mrs. Sarah Thruston Lewis of Gloucester, Virginia. Dr. Griffin died on the 19th of December, 1864.
Dr. James Lewis Corbin Griffin was a graduate of William and Mary and the University of Pennsylvania under Drs. Chapman and Horner but never practised his profession. He was the last of his name. The Griffin family which came from Wales and settled in Lancaster County, Virginia, moved into York County later.
An uncle of Dr. Samuel S. Griffin, Colonel Samuel Griffin, member of Congress 1789-1795, married on January 1, 1779 Elizabeth Braxton, daughter of Carter Braxton, "Signer of the Declaration." He died 1806 at Philadelphia where he was interred in Christ Church. Colonel Griffin lived in pb Williamsburg at the house known as the "Griffin House" on Francis Street from 1779 to 1806.
A portrait of Samuel Griffin done by Gilbert Stuart was owned by Dr. Ferdinand Campbell Stuart, grandson, of Philadelphia in 1892.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- House History of the Griffin House, Francis Street, Research Department.
- William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 7, pp. 60-61.
- Virginia Magazine of History, vol. 17, p. 435.
- Diary of James L. C. Griffin (1866-7) Ms William and Mary College, Uncat. Ms folder 123-B.
MRS. SARAH MADISON
Miss Sarah Taite (sometimes written Tate) was married to the Reverend James Madison, President of William and Mary College in April, 1779 according to The Virginia Gazette of May 1, 1779.
Madison was born in 1749, received his B. A. degree from William and Mary in 1772; was a professor of Natural Philosophy 1773-1775; was ordained a minister in London 1775; appointed President of the College 1777; ordained first Bishop of America 1790; continued as President of the College; died March 6, 1812 and was interred in the Wren Building at William and Mary.
Bishop Madison and his wife, Sarah, had a son, James Catesby Madison, and a daughter Sarah who married Robert G. Scott, lawyer of Richmond.
Mrs. Madison was a granddaughter of William Cocke, Secretary of the Colony of Virginia (1712-1720) and Elizabeth Catesby Cocke.
Mrs. Madison died in August, 1815. The Richmond Enquirer of August 26th stated that she died on August 14th but made no mention of place of burial. As the Scotts had removed to Richmond by 1815, it is possible that Mrs. Madison died in Richmond at her daughter's home.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Tyler's Virginia Biography.
- John Thompson Brown Papers, William and Mary College.
- The Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Nicolson, May 1, 1779.
- Richmond Enquirer, August 26, 1815.
- M-153-3 Brock Collection, Huntington Library MSS data on Scott.
WILLIAM PITT
William Pitt was the son of Dr. George Pitt and Sarah Pitt. He had two brothers, Richard Floyd Pitt and Thomas Pitt and a sister, Mary Pitt. His mother died in 1773 leaving a will which named her children and husband. She had a millinery and general shop on Lot 47 in Williamsburg where she had lived prior to her marriage to Dr. Pitt. (See: House History of Lot 47).
Dr. George Pitt, the father of William, was keeper of the Magazine in the city from ca. 1767 in addition to running a store on Lot. 47. According to a statement by his son, Richard Floyd Pitt, Dr. Pitt had lived in Williamsburg "upwards of 30 Years and acquired as well by his Profession, as by trading in British Manufactures, a considerable Fortune, Independent of his Wives, to the Amount at least of £400." (PRO/AO 13/32). He left Virginia in 1775 with his son, Richard Floyd, for England where he died in 1776. Richard Floyd in a petition for recovery of his father's and mother's estates in Virginia confiscated during the Revolution, stated that he understood that the property of his parents in Virginia was held by his brothers there. (Ibid.)
In 1775 William Pitt according to The Virginia Gazette of December 16th was advertising as a merchant in Williamsburg noting that he "was located at Allan and Turner's store." He continued to advertise his general store goods in 1777 and 1778.
If William Pitt had taken over his parent's property which his brother accused him of having, he would have been in a position to acquire Lots 262 and 231, on Nicholson Street, Williamsburg. In 1782 he was advertising property which seems to us Lots 262 and 231 though the lots were not named by numbers. As no deeds are extant from Tayloe to Pitt, we do not know when Pitt acquired this property. It is possible that his father had bought the property from John Tayloe. No court records prove this theory, however.
pbPrior to selling the property to Henry Tazewell in 1784 William Pitt had removed to a place "known as Lilliput now occupied by William Pitt, about 4 miles of Wmsburg," (Virginia Gazette or Weekly Advertiser, Richmond Dec. 17, 1783.) Pitt bought 405 acres in James City County. Tax records carry this from 1783 to 1786; and William Pitt's Est. from 1787-1797. In 1790 Pitt's estate was divided: the estate having 370 2/3 acres and Eleanor Pitt having 34 1/3 acres.
In 1785 Pitt had advertised that he "intends the continuance of his boarding school at Lilliput…"
William Pitt died at Lilliput in January, 1786 according to the January 26, 1786 newspaper. He married Eleanor---. Bruton Parish birth register gives: "Elizabeth Garland [daughter of] William and Eleanor Pitt born 1781."
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Virginia Gazette & Weekly Advertiser, Nicolson & Prentis, eds., Sept. 14, 1782; Dec. 27, 1783.
- Virginia Gazette or The American Advertiser, James Hayes, ed., Mar. 1, 1783.
- Tazewell Papers, Ac 1651, Virginia State Archives, Mar. 14, 1783: Agreement between Math: Pearson and Henry Tazewell.
- Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, T. Nicolson, ed., Jan. 26, 1786; Nov. 12, 1785.
- House History of Lot 47, Colonial Williamsburg, Research Department.
- PRO/AO 13/32 microfilm CWI (M-490 Loyalist Claims 1777-1789.)
- The Record of Bruton Parish Church by Goodwin (1941).
- Williamsburg Land Tax Records, Virginia State Archives. Microfilm CWI.
ROBERT G. SCOTT
Robert G. Scott, son of Captain William Scott, was born in Georgia in 1789. In 1808-1810 he attended William and Mary College. Around 1810-1811 he married Susan Randolph Madison, daughter of Bishop James Madison and Mrs. Sarah Taite Madison. Scott began the practice of law in Williamsburg and in due time became one of the leading criminal lawyers of his day. In 1812 he served as lieutenant of Cavalry in the War of 1812.
A few years after the death of his father-in-law Scott removed to Richmond. There he became Past Master of Jerusalem Lodge #54, was Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge and delivered the orations at the laying of the cornerstone of Crawford's equestrian statue of Washington in the Capitol Square on February 22, 1850 and at the unveiling on February 22, 1858. He was a pallbearer of John Marshall in 1835 and presided at the funeral of Monroe as a member of Richmond Randolph Lodge #19.
President Pierce appointed Scott Consul to Rio in 1853. He resigned in 1856.
He died in Monroe County, Alabama in 1869/70.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Early Freemasonry in Williamsburg, Virginia by George Eldridge Kidd (1957).
- Brock Collection, Huntington Library.
JOHN TAYLOE
1721-1779
John Tayloe Jr. of Mount Airy, Richmond County, a son of Honorable John Tayloe, was born May 28, 1721. He is known to have been educated in England at the University of Cambridge and to have inherited a very large estate from his father who died when he was sixteen years of age. As soon as he reached his majority he was appointed a justice for Richmond county and in a short time became one of the most influential as he was probably the wealthiest man in the region. The exact date upon which he was commissioned a Councillor does not appear from the extant records, but he sat as a member April 21, 1757, and held this office until the outbreak of the Revolution. Though a supporter of American liberty and a friend of General Washington, it seems probable that he was not in favor of an entire separation from Great Britain, for, though he was elected by the convention of 1776, a member of the first republican council of state, he declined to accept the office. In 1758 Col. Tayloe completed the fine house at Mt. Airy on the Rappahannock River, which, with its gardens and parks, remains such an interesting example of the home of the wealthy colonial planter. He had, also, a town house at Williamsburg for his winter residence, and "here and at Mt. Airy he was renowned for his hospitality." Col. Tayloe died April 18, 1779. In 1748 he married Rebecca Plater, eldest daughter of George Plater, Esq., of St. Mary's County, Maryland, and had a son John and eight daughters who each married a man of distinction. Mount Airy still remains in the Tayloe family. (Excerpt from Tyler's Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography (1915), vol. I, p. 164.)
Elizabeth (1750-1825) married Nov. 19, 1767 Edward Lloyd IV of Wye House, Talbot County, Maryland; Rebecca (1751-1797) married May 25, 1769 Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration, of Manokin, Richmond County, Virginia; Ann Corbin (1753-1835) married Thomas Lomax of Porto Tobago, Caroline County, Virginia; Eleanor (1756-1815) married Nov. 19, 1772 Ralph Wormeley of Rosegill, Middlesex County, Virginia; Mary (1759-1803) married Mann Page of Mansfield, Spottsylvania County, Virginia; Catherine Griffin (1761-1798) married Landon Carter of Sabine Hall, Richmond County, Virginia; Sarah (1765-1834) married 1789 William Augustine Washington of Bridges Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia and Jane (1774-1816) married Robert Beverley of Blandfield, Essex County, Virginia on May 26, 1791.
pbSources used in compiling these notes:
- Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, XVII, 374 f.n.
- Old Churches, Ministers and Families of Virginia, II, pp.181-182, by Bishop William Meade.
- Hardy's Colonial Families of the Southern States of America (1958) pp. 500-502.
HENRY TAZEWELL
1753-1799
Henry Tazewell was the son of Littleton Tazewell and Mary Gray of Brunswick County. He married Dorothea Waller, daughter of Judge Benjamin Waller of Williamsburg. She died in 1777. They had two children: Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774-1860) and Sophia who married (1) Benjamin Talliaferro of Powhatan, James City County, and (2) Larkin Smith.
About 1770 he was a student at William and Mary College. In 1778 he advertised that "he was settled in Williamsburg." In 1790 he was head of family in Williamsburg.
He represented Brunswick County in the Virginia legislature 1775-77 and Williamsburg 1778-1785; was a judge of the Virginia General Court 1785-1793; United States Senator from Virginia 1794-1799 and President pro tem of the Senate in 1795.
Tazewell died while the Senate was in session at Philadelphia in 1799.
In 1778 he owned Lot 20 York Road, Williamsburg via Bartholomew Dandridge; and King's Mill Plantation 1787-17--.
In 1785 Tazewell bought Lot 262 Nicholson Street from William Pitt. He or his heirs held it until 1801 when Dr. William Tazewell became the owner. In 1779 he held three lots: 163, 164, and 619 near the Palace.
Sources used in compiling these notes:
- Early Freemasonry in Williamsburg, Virginia (1957) by George E. Kidd.
- Virginia Historical Portraiture (1930).
- House History of King's Mill plantation, Research Department.
- House History of Tazewell Hall, Research Department.
- Tazewell Papers, MSS, Virginia State Archives.
- Williamsburg Land Tax Records, orig. Virginia State Archives, microfilm CWI. York County Records.
Illustration #4
ARCHITECTURAL NOTES
April 18, 1943
To: The FilesFrom: S. P. Moorehead
Re: Block 28, #3
Elizabeth Coleman House
West Outbuilding
Today I talked with Mr. George Coleman and his brother, Mr. Tucker Coleman about the small outbuilding west of the above noted building. They recalled it in detail as follows:
Basement
The basement was all open without divisions. Along the north wall were arranged three horse stalls. The first floor framing was very heavy. There were two small openings in the brick wall along the south wall which were filled with louvers. In the west wall was a generous door opening.
The basement portion was of brick.
Kind of floor?
Were brick walls covered with plaster or wood?
What kind of door was used in the west?
First Floor
The first floor was divided into two rooms equal, or nearly equal in size. A doorway led from one to the other in the middle of this partition. There was a door in the east end served by a small flight of wood steps. There were two windows on the south and two on the north walls. Some of the openings had louvers. Some had sash, some had batten shutters. In the west end was a loading door. The attic floor framing was very heavy and was exposed. The attic floor boards were the typical Williamsburg Colonial kind showing adze marks on the bottom with hewn sizing for proper fitting over joists.
How was interior finished?
More information about windows.
What was west door like — how hinged?
What was inside door like — how hinged?
What was east door like — how hinged?
Use of first floor — room by room
Hardware.
Baseboard.
Ceiling.
Attic
The attic was used as a hay loft with a loading door in the west gable. This door was a little over 5' high and opened in. At its head was a loading arm about 6 or 7' long and made of a 6"x 8" piece of wood. It extended well back into the attic roof framing and had an iron staple on the exterior end. The attic roof framing was quite heavy, more so than usual. At every third or fourth rafter pair was a tie creating A-trusses at these points. This number was high enough from the attic floor to give good head room. The roof pitch was about 45 degrees or more. There were no dormers on the roof.
Was there a stair to the attic?
How was hay gotten to the horses in the basement?
No dormers.
What kind of an iron staple — other hardware?
What kind of a door, batten?
Exterior
The basement was brick. From the first floor upwards the structure was of frame. The outer sheathing was of very wide boards with beaded joints. There was a simple cornice of crown, facia, soffit and bed mold type.
Was boarding vertical or horizontal?
More information about windows.
E. Coleman
Other Outbuildings
Notes 2 and 5 are shown in photos of Coleman collection SE corner of 2 and east elevation of 5
Mr. George Coleman and Mr. Tucker Coleman mentioned kitchen, torn down when George Coleman was about eight years old. They also mentioned a carriage house.
NOTES TAKEN BY MR. MOOREHEAD ON NOVEMBER 15, 1948, re TAYLOE PROPERTY
Yesterday I reviewed on the ground with Mr. Tucker Coleman what he remembered about the outbuildings of the above noted home when he was a boy.
Present Smoke House
Mr. Coleman said that the present smoke house is in its original location.
Well
Mr. Coleman recalled that the well is in its old location.
"Old Kitchen"
This building, no longer standing, stood just south of the present Smoke House and was far enough away from it to provide a good passage between the two. The "Old Kitchen" was 1-½ stories high with an "A" roof shingled in wood and without dormers. The gable of the roof ran east and west. What Mr. Coleman called the front was on the south towards Nicholson Street. The west end contained one window in the gable. He felt that there was no other opening in this elevation. The chimney was on the east end at the top of the present terrace slope but he could not recall whether this chimney was inside or outside the building.
A single room occupied the west portion of the first floor, the remaining space being devoted to room for two carriages — one a phaeton and one a surry. This space was open to the South with no doors. Access to the space was from the south from Nicholson Street. The room at the west was entered from the carriage space. Mr. Coleman could not recall whether there was a window or door on the south wall of the room. A stair to the second floor or attic space was located at the west of the carriage space.
In the north wall of the carriage space there were windows. Beyond them was a pen for hogs which were fed through these windows.
Mr. Coleman said that this building was not used as a kitchen within his memory.
Old Foundations
East of the "Old Kitchen" Mr. Coleman remembered some old brick foundations located in the center (from east to west) of the lower terrace. He recalled finding, as a boy, a box underground composed of flagstones, empty of any contents. He had hoped to find "buried treasures" and was accordingly greatly disappointed.