Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

^{Have asked to pick up sketches started by G.B. try to establish property lines of these lots. [illegible]}

Attached is research data on lots 263 and 264, prepared by Miss Mary Stephenson.

RESEARCH DATA RE: LOTS 263 and 264

The first reference available (in our files) to the owner of lots 263 and 264 appears in a deed of 1740 conveying lot 262. John Gladist is noted in possession of property to the east of lot 262. Nothing is known about Gladish but that he came into lots 49 and 50 in December 1737 via the Gill heirs. Lots 263 and 264 were held by "John Wall, Gent", in 1744 when a deed to lot 262 mentioned that the property was "joining on the East to the lotts in the possession of John Wall, Gent." Our records have produced nothing further about John Wall.

From 1752 to 1756 Thomas Everard was the owner. The deed from John Wall to Everard was recorded in the General Court on October 17, 1745. Unfortunately, these court records were burned and the problems of titles is much more difficult for property so recorded. However, the deed from Everard to Anthony Hay of August 8, 1756 conveying lots 263 and 264, is recorded in York County Records. The consideration was 200 pounds current money of Virginia.

Anthony Hay was a cabinet maker by trade. He is supposed to have come to Williamsburg ca 1740-50. In 1767 Hay became an ordinary or tavern keeper by purchase of the Raleigh Tavern. Hay used the buildings on lots 263 and 264 as his dwelling house and also had his cabinet shop on the premises. After his death in 1770, the estate was offered at public auction to satisfy his debtors. The Virginia Gazette of January 17, 1771, carried a notice by two of his executors advertising Hay's property. Along with the Raleigh, the executors noted for sale: "Also, a very good DWELLINGHOUSE on the back Street, where Mr. Hay formerly lived, with large Cabinet Maker's Shop and Timber Yard, and all necessary Out houses for a Family."

On January 18, 1772 Hay's executors conveyed to Elizabeth Hay, relict of Anthony Hay, the two lots 263 and 264 "she being the highest bidder for the same" and the consideration named was 156 pounds 10 shillings current money of Virginia.

Hay's cabinet-making shop was rented by Edmund Dickinson, cabinet-maker, in 1771 and possibly several years thereafter as he was in Williamsburg at his trade. Dickinson advertised "that he has lately opened the SHOP formerly occupied by Mr. Anthony Hay."

During Mrs. Hay's ownership and occupancy repairs were made by Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter. The Land Tax records list Mrs. Elizabeth Hay as owner of 2 lots from 1782 to 1798. In 1798 Joseph Furguson had come into the property. The Furgusons (Joseph and Sidney) held the two lots until ca 1825 when Samuel S. Griffin (then owner of lot 262) bought lot 263 from Joseph Furguson's estate. In the mid-1800's Sidney Furguson was holding lot 264, apparently, from tax accounts. After 1865 the lot, 263, was known as the "Bowers" lot. Some data gives it as "Bowery."

During the period 1755-1762 Anthony Hay is credited in a Mss Account Book of William Lightfoot of Charles City County and Yorktown with furniture made for Lightfoot. Such items are noted as "1 Doz Chears, 2 small Tables, 1 writing Table, By Cash & Shop Work per Bal^a and for mending Chairs."

In the Mss Book of Alexander Craig, chair-maker, is a credit in 1759 to the account of M^r Ant^y Hay: "By a Desk, & book case---£10." In June 1761 Craig charged "Col Byrd" with "2 Skins of Morrocca for Anty Hay."

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows two buildings of medium size on what are, apparently, lots 263 and 264. The College Map (1791?), Bucktrout-Lively (1803 & 1867) and Galt Map show "Furguson" on the two lots.