Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

On the southwest lot of the square bounded by Nicholson, Scotland, England and Queen Streets in Williamsburg.

HISTORY:

From 1714 to 1723 owned by William Robertson; date of dwelling ca 1715; in 1723 dwelling and a windmill on the property. In 1724 Sir John Randolph, owner, until his death in 1737. Widow of Randolph in possession until 1745 when Peyton Randolph was owner until 1775, and his widow until 1783. Joseph Hornsby, owner, until ca 1802 when Thomas Peachy became the owner. The Peachy family in possession until 1858 when Richard Hansford bought. Followed by Moses R. Harrell in 1884, John Dahn, E. W. Warburton, Mary Proctor Wilson in 1921, and Merrill Proctor Ball in 1927. The Ball family sold to Williamsburg Restoration in 1938.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT:

Excavation of the Peyton Randolph lot were begun on November 1939 and continued until the fall of 1940. Restoration was begun in 1939 and was completed in April, 1940. Dwelling was on lot to east by 1715; probably had been connected by 1724. East wing was gone in 1783. (September 1, 1939 report)

APPENDIX:

LOCATION:

The house known as the "Peyton Randolph House," is located on the southwest lot of the square bounded by Nicholson, England, Scotland and Queen Streets in Williamsburg. On the "College Map" (1791?) the lot is designated as "Peachy." (See: Illustration #1, Appendix, for Tyler's adaptation of the College Map.)

HISTORY:

On November 11, 1714 the first deed to the property on Nicholson Street was recorded between the Trustees of the city of Williamsburg and William Robertson.¹ There were eight lots conveyed at this date with a clause providing that Robertson must finish one or more good dwelling houses on each of the lots within 24 months or they would revert to the city. These lots were 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 207 and 208:

[November 11, 1714.]
Trustees City of Williamsburg
to
Robertson, William
Consideration: 5 shillings.
... Eight certain lots of ground in y^e city of Williamsburg designed in y^e said city by these figures 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 207, 208, with all pastures, woods... Shall within 24 months begin to build and finish one good dwelling house on each of said premises according to An Act entitled Building of the Capitol and city of Williamsburg...
(York County Records, Bonds & Deeds, Book III, p. 28)

Robertson, undoubtedly, complied with the building clause as there is no record of the lots reverting to the city. Also, in 1715 Robertson sold two of the lots, 233 and 234, to Philip Ludwell "with all houses". (York County Records, 2 Deeds & Bonds, III, p. 95) As 236 is a corner lot and more desirable a location than lots 233 and 234, it seems reasonable to believe that Robertson had built his dwelling house on lot 236 by 1715.

In 1723 Robertson conveyed lots 236, 237, 207 and 208 to John Holloway¹-the stipulation being 80 pounds with houses and a windmill:²

[December 12, 1723.]
William Robertson of the County of York
To
John Holloway
Consideration: 80 Pounds
...
All those four lots of Ground lying and being in y^e City of Williamsburgh, denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures 236, 237, 207, 208 being the lots whereon the said William Robertson's Wind-mill stands-together with the said Wind-mill and all Houses, buildings... (York County Records, Deeds & Bonds, III, p. 412) Recorded: Dec. 16, 1723.

Holloway held the property about six months when he conveyed same to Sir John Randolph.³ The consideration named being only 30 pounds instead of 80 pounds paid by Holloway in 1723, leads one to believe that the entire property was not conveyed:

[July 20, 1724.]
Holloway, John
to
Randolph, John
Consideration: 30 Pounds.
...
All that messuage and lot or half acre of land situate, lying and being in the City of Williamsburg adjoining to the lot whereon the said John Randolph now lives which he the said John Holloway lately purchased of William Robertson of the city of Williamsburg...
(York County Records, Deeds & Bonds, III, p. 423)

The phrase, "adjoining to the lot whereon the said John Randolph now lives" is somewhat confusing. Records show that "John Randolph-Gent of W^msburg" was granted property on July 15th 1723 by "Alexander Spotswood Late Lt. Governor of Virginia" - the amount paid being 36 pounds. The property is described as "All that messuage or tenement and half acre of land situate lying and being in the city of Williamsburg contiguous to the gardens of Mr. Archibald Blair."¹ (Ibid, p. 404)

By subsequent deeds it is possible to eliminate other Holloway and Robertson lots in the square, and place Randolph's two lots on the corner of Nicholson and England Streets.²

It was Sir John's request in his will (1737) that, after the death of Lady Susannah Randolph, "the houses and lots in Williamsburg and at the college landing and the said plantation and lands lying near or adjoining to the town upon Archers hope creek" be given to his son, Peyton Randolph, and his heirs 4 forever.¹ Peyton was only sixteen years old when his father died, and John,² his brother, was ten. John Carter was named one of the guardians of Randolph's children until they reached the age of twenty-four. (See: Illustration #2, will of Randolph) The "plantation and lands" mentioned in the will is interpreted as Sir John Randolph's home and land known today as "Tazewell Hall." (See: House History of Tazewell Hall, Research Department)

Born 1721

Thus Peyton Randolph came into his full patrimony - according to his father's will - in 1745. He made Williamsburg his home and lived on this lot until his death in 1775.

Randolph was Speaker of the House of Burgesses from 1766-1775 and was frequently referred to as "Mr. Speaker." In the division of the Ludwell properties (lots 233 and 234) in 1773, the lots were advertised for sale and designated thus: "the large wooden House, on the Back Street, next door but one to Mr. Speaker" (referring to Peyton Randolph). Another reference is made to the "tenement adjoining the Speaker's." (See: history of the Mansion and Ludwell's tenement, Research Department) Speaker Randolph was held in high regard by his Williamsburg neighbors and friends. When Randolph returned from the Continental 5 Congress on June 1, 1775, the Volunteer Company of Williamsburg called him "The father of your Country, and the Friend to Freedom and Humanity." (Virginia Gazette, Pinkney, June 1, 1775) Randolph died in October 1775.¹

The Virginia Gazette for November 29, 1776, carried this notice of Randolph's burial at the College:

On Tuesday last the remains of our late amiable and beloved citizen, the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; were conveyed in a hearse to the College chapel attended by the worshipful brotherhood of Freemasons, both houses of Assembly, a number of other gentlemen, and the inhabitants of this city. The body was received from the hearse by six gentlemen of the house of Delegates, who conveyed it to the family vault in the chapel.
(Purdie, editor)

Peyton Randolph's will was probated on November 20, 1775 in York County:

...
I Give and devise unto my beloved wife my dwelling House, Lots all the Outhouses thereto belonging in the City of Williamsburg, with the furniture of the same and also my Chariot and Horses and all her wearing apparel rings and jewels, all which Estates real and personal I give to her, and her Heirs, Executors and administrators... after the Death of my wife I give unto my said brother [John Randolph] all my Estate Real and Personal... after the death of brother John, I give all my estate devised to him for life, to the said Edmund Randolph, his heirs, executors and administrators...
Recorded November 20, 1775.
(York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book 22, p. 308)

An inventory of Randolph's estate was filed on January 5, 1776 in York County Court records. (See: Illustration #2 for complete inventory)

Mrs. Betty Randolph, Peyton's widow, continued to live on the property until her death in 1783. In 1777, 1778 and 1781 Mrs. Betty Randolph contracted with Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg builder and brick mason, for repairs on her property. Such items as "bricks, lime, larthing and plastering in Kitching & Covered way, building steps to back door, white-washing Kitching, Closset, & Covered way, laying harth, mending Cellar wall, Repairing marble Chimney Piece, 6 Working in a Cellar Door frame," and other items, indicate the extent of her buildings on the lot. (See: Illustration #3 for complete account) This is the only account for building or repairs made by the Randolphs on this property.

During the Revolution this house was used as headquarters by General Rochambeau during the siege of Yorktown. In September 1781 St. George Tucker in a letter to his wife, dated from Williamsburg, noted that "His [George Washington's] quarters are at Mr. Wythe's house. Aunt Betty has the honor of the Count de Rochambeau to lodge at her house." (Tucker-Coleman Collection, St. George Tucker to Frances Tucker, Sept. 15, 1781) The use of the term "aunt" seems to be justified as Mrs. Tucker's kinship with the Randolph's is well known.¹

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows a long rectangular house at this location facing upon the back street. (Illustration #1)

In 1782 Betty Randolph is charged with 3 lots at £6. (Illustration #4)

Mrs. Randolph's will was probated in York County in February, 1783. It provided among other things, that "the House and all the lots in Williamsburg given me by my dear Husband, together with the furniture not particularly given away, chariot, wagon and horses in town, and all the estate not otherwise provided for, be sold at public auction." (York County Records, Wills, Inventories Book 23, pp. 45-50) The proceeds from the sale were divided among her legatees according to her requests. Accordingly, the property was advertised for sale in the Virginia Gazette of February 1, 1783:

To be SOLD at Public Auction, in Williamsburg, on Wednesday the 19th of February next,
THE HOUSES and LOTS of the late Mrs. BETTY RANDOLPH, deceased together with a quantity of Mahogany Furniture, consisting of chairs, tables, mahogany and gilt frame looking glasses and desks, a handsome carpet, a quantity of glass ware and table china, and a variety of other articles; also kitchen Furniture compleat. The above mentioned House is two stories high, with four rooms on a floor, pleasantly situated on the great square, with every necessary out-house convenient for a large family; the garden and yard well paled in, stables to hold twelve horses and room for two carriages, with several acres of pasture ground. Twelve months credit will be allowed for all sums above five pounds, on giving bond with approved security, to carry interest for the date if not punctually paid.
THE EXECUTORS.

According to an archaeological report of 1939 (Colonial Williamsburg) a statement is made concerning the reference in the above quoted Virginia Gazette notice of sale. "It is safe to assume that the east wing was gone when, in 1783, an advertisement described the house as of `four rooms on a floor.' "

On February 21, 1783, the house was sold to Joseph Hornsby by the executors:

[February 21, 1783.]
Benjamin Harrison, Sr.
Harrison Randolph
Benjamin Harrison, Jr. Executors
Betty Randolph - widow of Peyton Randolph
to
Joseph Hornsby,¹
Consideration: 1800 Pounds
All those lots or half acres of land with the tenements and appurtenances thereunto belonging lying and being in the city of Williamsburg, whereon the said Betty Randolph lately 8 resided, and bounded by the lot of John Paradise¹ and Lewis Burwell on the East side, by the street denoted and called —— in the plan of the said city —— and dividing the tenement of John Blair² now in the occupation of James Madison from the said lots on the West, by the street called and known by the name of Scotland Street on the North and by the Market Square on the South side...
(York County Records, Deeds, Book VI, p. 169)

In 1784 and 1785 Joseph Hornsby contracted with Humphrey Harwood for repairs to his property. This account may or may not be for work on lot 236 but it comes within his period of ownership. The usual items for repairs such as lime, lathing, plastering, bricks, laying hearth, repairs to cellar door, underpinning granary, repairing wells and dairy. (See: Illustration #3 for complete account)

From Hornsby the property passed to Thomas G. Peachy³ in whose name it 9 appears on maps (Bucktrout, 1803; Galt and College Maps). The Land Tax records Thomas G. Peachy as holder of 9 lots in 1802.¹ In 1805 Peachy held 13 lots valued at $120. In 1820 a change was made in the tax lists. Thomas Peachy Estate is charged with "1 lot— buildings & lot valued at $1350— buildings $1200 Formerly charged to Thomas Peachy's Estate."² (See: Illustration #4 for complete list)

Mrs. Mary Monro Peachy, widow of William S. Peachy and daughter-in-law of Thomas G. Peachy, was living in the house in 1824 when Lafayette visited Williamsburg.³ It was fitting that the home of Peyton Randolph which had been Rochambeau's headquarters, should have been selected for Lafayette's residence while in Williamsburg. A newspaper of that date refers to Mrs. Peachy's house being Lafayette's headouarters:

A description of LaFayette's visit to Williamsburg in Oct. 20th-... He was conducted to the house where Peyton Randolph, the first President of the old Congress once lived... When he left the tavern nearly all the company followed to his quarters at Mrs. Peachy's, where a number of ladies assembled to see him.
(Richmond Enouirer. October 26, 1824)

Another account is given by Robert D. Ward:

GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S MOVEMENTS *** RECEPTION AT WILLIAMSBURG.
...
After visiting our college, and going to pay his respects to Mrs. Page, the widow of the late Governor Page, he sat down to dinner at the Raleigh Tavern... He was conducted to the residence of Mrs. Mary Monroe Peachy, which had been volunteered for his accommodation by that patriotic lady...
... An Account of General La Fayette's Visit to Virginia 1824-25 - Richmond, 1881)

A Frenchman's account of the entertainment is cited below:

Extracts of the Voyage of General LaFayette to the United States of America in 1824; A Paris, L'Huillier, Editeur, 1824.
... We shall not give any details of the ceremonies which took place; we shall merely recall that he visited the College of 10 William and Mary, and that he was given as place of residence the house of Peyton Randolf, who was the first President of American Revolutionary Congress...
(Translation by W. Dawson)

Mrs. Cynthia Beverley Tucker Coleman, grand-daughter of St. George Tucker, in The Annals of Williamsburg, Virginia, prepared many years after Lafayette's visit from letters and recollections, has this description of what happened at the time:

Chapter VII.
In 1824 General Lafayette revisited the shores of America.....
On Wednesday afternoon October 20th 1824 Genl. Lafayette set out from York Town to accept the invitation accorded him by the Town Council and citizens to visit Williamsburg... A Committee of arrangements was formed. On the part of the Common Hall Dr. Jessie Cole, Robert Anderson and Dr. Thomas Griffin Peachy. On the part of the citizens Messrs. Tunstall Banks, John Blair Peachy and Dr. Samuel Stuart Griffin. Acting in unison right nobly did they perform their mission. Mrs. Mary Monroe Peachy (nee Cary of Rochambeau memory) had offered her house for the occasion, other patriotic women begged to contribute to the adornment of his sleeping apartment. One sent a new mahogany bedstead another a dressing table and so on. These things used for a night by Lafayette have been handed down as precious relics of the Nation's guest.
Accompanied by the Governor, James Hampden Pleasants, the Executive Council, the principal Judges of the State and Chief Justice Marshall, The Minister of War John C. Calhoun, Officers of the Army and Navy, escorted by Cavalry Companies, from Richmond, Petersburg and New Kent County and Williamsburg, the cavalcade reached its destination in a rain. The intended illumination of the Town and some minor parts of the programme were necessarily modified. The crowd assembled on Court House Green had to seek shelter in the neighbouring houses. The addresses of Welcome were made not on the Green as originally intended, but from the porch of Mrs. Peachy's house. That historic colonial porch has in these latter days given place to a tawdry gimcrack affair which is an offense to the eye and to good taste.
After Lafayette had made a suitable and appreciative reply to the expressions of good will and admiration which met him on every hand, the whole party adjourned to the spacious drawing room with its wainscotted walls and marble mantel near the ceiling over the capacious fire-place. Here under the light of an hundred candles, which softened the smiles of the beautiful women Genl. Lafayette held a reception. Among the ladies was Miss Eleane Southall quite famed for wit as well as beauty.
`Abundant refreshments were served around' but their character has not been preserved. At ten o'clock the guests dispersed and left the weary traveller to seek repose under the canopy of the high-post bed-stead almost as difficult to scale as the redoubt at York Town. The next morning was spread for him an old Virginia breakfast, with its variety of breads, its oysters, and its game.... 11 ...
The entertainment of Genl. Lafayette in Williamsburg closed with a ball in the Apollo Hall which was opened by the Gallant Frenchman with the winsome and fascinating wife of Dr. Thomas Griffin Peachy.
(Typescript, Research Department)

It may be of interest to know that Williamsburg Personal Property Taxes for 1815 listed Mrs. Mary M. Peachy as owner of 10 slaves, 4 horses, 6 cattle, 1 phaeton, 1 secretary, 1 chest of drawers, 1 book case, 1 sideboard, 7 tables, 13 chairs, 1 carpet, 5 calico curtains, 2 portraits in oil, 3 pictures, 5 cloths press, 9 gilt frames under 52 inches, 1 looking glass of 2 and under 3 feet, 1 silver coffee pot, 5 do tea pots, 4 do candlesticks, 4 plated do, 1 silver tankard, 3 do waiters, 1 do cup, 1 cut glass bowl... Many of these items may have been in the house when Lafayette was entertained there so graciously in 1824.

The estate of Thomas G. Peachy was not settled until 1840 (the first year in which the property appears in the name of Thomas G. Peachy [Jr]. (Illustration #4, Land Tax Records) The property is listed in 1840 as "1 lot—— lot & buildings $1800; buildings $1600 Heretofore charged to Thomas Peachy Est." Peachy held until 1849 when his brother, Archibald C. Peachy is charged with "1 lot— lot & buildings $1800; buildings $1600 formerly charged to Thomas G. Peachy." (Ibid) Archibald C. Peachy held the property until 1858 at which time Richard W. Hansford became the owner: "1 lo— lot & buildings $3300; buildings $2500." (Ibid)

In 1868 a deed of trust from Richard W. Hansford to Charles C. Hansford describes the property above noted:

Deed of Trust.
[Feb. 24, 1868.]
Richard W. Hansford
&
Charles C. Hansford
[to secure $3658.37 to Wm. W. Vest security for said Richard Hansford to Robert F. Cole]
All those lots of land with the houses thereon in the said city of Williamsburg, Virginia now held and occupied by the said Richard W. Hansford, conveyed to him by Archibald C. 12 Peachy and Mary L. Dwight and James L. C. Griffin by deeds which were duly recorded in the Clerk's office of the Hustings Court of the city aforesaid, bounded on the north by the lands of Robert H. Armistead west by a street leading to the court house Green, South by the said Green, and East, by a lot now owned by said M. L. Wright and J. L. C. Griffin [The Grave Yard on the "Peachy lot" was reserved to said A. C. Peachy, when he sold to said R. W. Hansford]. Also all the Household and kitchen furniture.
(Williamsburg and the County of James City, Deed Book I, p. 123)

From this date to the present time the property can be traced by deeds and other court records on file at the Williamsburg and James City Court house. Such copy also can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg. Owners of the property from 1868 to the present time were:

COPY OF WILL OF SIR JOHN RANDOLPH.

Dated December 23, 1735

I Sir John Randolph of Williamsburgh Knight being in good health and of sound mind and memory for preventing disputes in my ffamily about the estate I may leave at my death which I have acquired honestly tho' by a profession much exposed to temptations of deceit and extortion do make this my last will and testament. But whereas I have been reproached by many people especially the clergy in the article of religion and have by the ffreedom and sincerity of my discourses drawn upon me names very familiar to blind zealots such as deist heretic and schismatic and gained the ill will or perhaps the hatred of some few I think if necessary in the first place to vindicate my memory from all harsh and unbrotherly censure of this kind and to give this last testimony of my ffaith.

...

For the maintenance and support of my dear and most beloved wife who for her ffaithfulness affection and prudence deserves to be remembered in the first place I make the following provision I give and devise to her during her life all my houses and lots in the city of Williamsburgh and the plantation and lands adjoining to the town which I purchased of Mr. Thomas Corbin and Mr. Thomas Bray with the appurtenances and also my household servants and slaves and the slaves living and residing upon the said plantation. I also give her during her life the use of all the ffurniture of my house in Williamsburgh of what kind soever my plate and linnen of all sorts all the goods which are or shall be provided for the use of my several plantations and the liquors and other things laid in for my housekeeping and all the stocks of cattle and sheep upon the said plantation allowing her to take ffirewood from the said land for the use of the house. I also give her forever my coach chariot and chaise with every thing that belongs to them and my coach horses riding horses mares and colts which are kept in town also all her own wearing apparel rings jewels and other paraphenalia also all the pieces of money whether gold or silver which I have given her and one hundred pounds sterling. I also give her the profits of all my other plantations and negros or other slaves until my several sons shall respectively attain the age of twenty four years or if any of them should die until that time would have been accomplished if they had lived if she should live as long. And after that my will is that she shall receive of my sons one third part of the profits of my said plantations and slaves for her dower. And my will is that the profits of my estate be received by my wife in trust for her better support and the maintenance and education of my children. After her death I give all my said houses and lots in Williamsburg and at the college landing and the said plantation and lands lying near or adjoining to the town upon Archers hope creek which I purchased of the said Thomas Corbin and Thomas Bray and my household servants and slaves and slaves belonging to the said plantation and other the premises before given to my wife during her life to my son Peyton Randolph and to his heirs and assigns forever. I also give unto my said son Peyton his heirs and assigns all my lands tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances lying and being in Martin's hundred in the county of James City and all 2 the slaves horses hogs cattle sheep and other goods and chattels belonging to the said lands or at the time of my death living residing or being upon the same.

I also give unto my said son my whole collection of books with the cases in which they are kept hoping he will betake himself to the study of the law: But if he dies before he comes to the age of twenty four years, I give the same to my son John if he lives to be of the age of twenty one; otherwise I leave them to my residuary legatee.

I give and bequeath to my said son John all my plantations lands tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances lying and being in the Parish of James City upon Chickohominy river in the county of James City which I purchased of Robert Porteous Esqr and all the slaves horses hogs cattle sheep and other goods and chattels belonging to the same or living residing or being upon the said plantations to hold to him and his heirs forever.

I give and bequeath to my daughter one thousand pounds sterling when she attains the age of twenty one years or marries but if she dies before I give the same to my residuary legatee.

Whereas my negroes Peter and Hull do not live constantly at any plantation I give Hull to my son Beverley and Peter to my son John. I also give unto my son Beverley the mulatto boy Billy and all the rest of my estate both real and personal. Appointing my wife, brethren William Randolph and Richard Randolph and Henry Whiting Esqr. my executors and guardians to my children. In testimony whereof I have signed my name to every page of this my will containing five pages and affixed my seal the 23rd day of December MDCCXXXV.

Published and declared to be my last will and testament in the presence of these witnesses

John Randolph L. S.

Chas. Bridges

Philip Ffinch

Virginia Sc./

Memorandum that on the XXVIIJth day of April MDCCXXXVIJ— this Will was presented in the General Court by William Randolph Esq. Richard Randolph and Henry Whiting Gent executors therein named who made oath thereto according to law and the same was proved by the oaths of Charles Bridges and Philip Ffinch the witnesses to it and ordered to be recorded.

Teste. Matt. Kemp Clk.

Whereas I Sr. John Randolph have heretofore made my last Will and testament in writing bearing date the three and twentieth Day of December in the year of our Lord 1735 I do now confirm and republish the same with the additions and alterations contained in this codicil which shall be received and taken as part of my said Will. Ffirst I desire that the house at Eaton Hill be repaired in the manner I have already provided for and according to such directions as 3 I shall leave for that purpose then that it be furnished with beds ffurniture (of which several are already provided) and otherthings which may be found necessary also that North River Hill may be rebuilt: the expense of all which to be defrayed out of the profits of my estate in Gloucester. I give to my eldest son the following negros, a negro girl named Ffrank who lives with Mr. Pasteur a negro girl Lucy who lives with Mr. Bridges a mulatto girl called Nanny who lives at my quarters at Archer's house and a negro girl called Easter and I also give him my great silver cup. I give to my son Peyton a parcel of land I lately purchased of colonel Custis and his son adjoining to my land at Archers hope also the warehouses and land thereunto belonging which I purchased about twelve months ago of the executors of John Holloway Esqr deceased to hold to him and his heirs forever and I give him a mulatto boy called Lewy my will further is that all the money outstanding and due to me be placed out at interest upon such securities as my executor shall approve and if it shall happen that any of the securities for money I have already placed out should be suspected of insufficiency I desire the same may be called in and the money placed out upon better security and I do appoint the interest arising from such loan to be applied to the better maintenance and education of my children until my son Peyton comes of age yet I do not intend that the paiment of my Daughter's portion should be delayed in case of her marriage before that time but shall be paid as soon as the money can be called in. I also desire that a fair catalogue may be made of my books and that they be carefully preserved in the presses where they now are so far as they can contain them and I desire that these presses be fully repaired and have new locks and keys and that one other mahogany press be provided for the better keeping the rest of the books. Lastly my will is that an inventory be made of my estate without any appraisement or security to be given for the admonas—of it trusting entirely to the ffidelity and kindness of my executors. And I do appoint my worthy and honest ffiriend John Carter Esqr. one of the guardians of my children. In testimony where of I have signed and sealed this writing this seventeenth day of February 1736 publishing and declaring the same to be a codicil to and part of my last will before mentioned.

Signed sealed published and declared in the presence of us who subscribed our names in the presence of the Testator

John Randolph L. S.

Will. Stith

Joshua Ffry

William Dawson

John Symmer

Benj. Needler

Virginia Sc./

Memorandum that this codicil to the last will, and testament of Sir John Randolph Knight deceased was presented in the General Court the XXVIIJth day of April MDCCXXXVIJ by William Randolph esqr. Richard Randolph and Henry Whiting (executors in the said will named) who made oath thereto according to law and the same was proved by the oaths of William Stith Joshua Ffry William Dawson and Benjamin Needler witnesses to it, and (together with the said last will and testament) ordered to be recorded.

Teste Matt. Kemp Clk.

The foregoing are true transcripts from the record of the will and codicil of Sir John Randolph.

Teste N. P. Howard,

Clk General Court.

York County Records

Book 22 - Wills, Inventories, (p. 337)

PEYTON RANDOLPH - PEACHY HOUSE.

Statements madd by Mrs. Ball
at a Conference with
Mr. Reed, and Mr. Kendrew
at the
RANDOLPH-PEACHY HOUSE

July 12, 1938

PEACHEY FAMILY

Samuel Peachey, the immigrant, was son of Robert Peachey, of Milden Hall in Suffolk County, England, and Anne Hodgskin, his wife. As a youth he accompanied his uncle, William Hodgskin, to Virginia in 1659.....

...

By Mrs. Phoebe Slaughter's deposition, made July 7, 1703, Mr. William Hodgskin was her first husband, her brother being Mr. Henry Smith (and she was a daughter of Col. Toby Smith, of Rappahannock); that on a visit to England she saw Mrs. Anne Peachey, mother of Mr. Sam Peachey, and heard Mr. Hodgskin call her "sister"; that Machin Hodgskin was brother of William Hodgskin, and Mrs. Anne Peachey was their eldest sister, and Samuel Peachey her eldest son.

This is confirmed by the family bible of Thomas Griffin Peachey, from which the following is a literal transcription:

Thomas Griffin Peachey, son of Samuel and Winifred Peachey, was born December 23, 1734, and was married to Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of Mr. John Gilliam, October 12, 1758. Elizabeth Gilliam b. March 26, 1741; d. May 27, 1781. T. G. Peachey d. March 6, 1810.

Thomas Griffin was married to Elizabeth Mills, widow of Mr. Mills, of Urbanna, in the county of Middlesex, September 22, 1783. [Elizabeth, the second wife of Thos. Griffin Peachey, departed this life October 3, 1795.]

Samuel Peachy, the father of Thos. Griffin Peachy, was son of William Peachy, who was the son of Samuel Peachy, who was the son of Robert Peachy, of Milden Hall, the county of Suffolk, in England, from which place the last-named Samuel Peachy immigrated with his family to Virginia about the latter part of the seventeenth century, and purchased lands and settled himself on the banks of Rappahannock, in the county of Richmond.

Winnifred, the mother of Thomas Griffin, was the eldest daughter of Thomas Griffin and Elizabeth (Lee), his wife.

(See Chapter VIII, Lee Family)

(The above is copied from an old bible leaf, and is the handwriting of Thomas Griffin Peachy, the first-named, save the parts included in brackets which are in another hand.)

Samuel Peachey, the immigrant, was justice of Richmond Co., and in 1704 lieutenant colonel; d. about 1712, disposes of a large estate; legacies to his nephews and nieces, the sons and daughters of Nathaniel Peachey, and the sons and daughters of John Wildman and Jane, his wife; to grandson, Samuel Peachey, "my great silver tankard and my sealed gold ring, having both my coate of Armes and the horse I lately bought, with the Saddle and Furniture, as holsters and Pistolls," etc., etc.; to said grandson "all my bookes"; Sister Jane Wildman to have some necessary clothing for the poor of the parish; gold rings to Col. Willoughby Allerton, Capt. Daniel McCarty, Mr. Daniel Dobbins and Capt. Thomas Beale; requests that his grandson, Samuel, "be sent to the Colledge of Williamsburg to be improved as much as he is capable of attaining unto"; other legacies to Katharine Dobbins, James Bibblecomb, Robin Hood, Sen., William Dobbins, Charles Dobbins, Thomas Thorne, Elizabeth Lynch, daughter of Steven Lynch and Elizabeth, his wife, and Thomas Burly, etc. etc.

William Hodgskin, who was justice of Rappahannock Co., mentions in his will, proved in 1673, the sons of his nephew, Samuel Peachey, Samuel and William.

About this time lived Mary Peachey, whose will (May, 1713, to 2d September, 1713) mentions daughter Mary Tarpley, grand-daughters Mary and Elizabeth Tarpley, and appoints the residue of her estate to be divided between James Bibblecomb's children and daughter Elizabeth Jones' children.

...

Capt. Samuel Peachey's will is on record in Richmond County, dated December 12 1748, proved November 5, 1750. It mentions sons: Samuel, William, Thomas Griffin and Le Roy, and daughters Flood and Eustace, and granddaughter Kate Flood. His inventory exhibits a large library.

Fe: Lots 178, 179, 180, 181, marked "Peachy" on Tyler's adaptation of the College Map

Upon request is enclosed a chain to title to these lots in brief and biographical sketches of some of the more prominent owners.