Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

LOCATION:

Eight lots designated as "Prentis" on the College Map (1791?) are bounded on the west by Boundary Street, on the east by Henry Street, on the south by Prince George Street and on the north by Scotland Street.

HISTORY IN SUMMARY:

Earliest known owner of the eight lots bounded by Henry, Prince George, Boundary and Scotland Streets in Williamsburg was Dr. William Cocke, Secretary of the colony of Virginia, 1712-1720. As no deeds of conveyance have been found in the York County Records, it appears that such conveyances were filed in the General Court of the Colony. Such records were destroyed in the Civil War. Fortunately, in the Jones Papers, Library of Congress, there is evidence that Dr. Cocke owned these lots, that John Pratt bought them from Cocke's estate, that Pratt sold them for £324 in 1724 to the wife of his deceased nephew, William Pratt, that Mrs. Pratt married Colonel Thomas Jones in 1727 and through the laws of the land at that time, Jones became the sole owner. He held the property to some time ca. 1758 (his estate held it) when it may have been sold partly to Mrs. Francis Hubard and to James Wray, carpenter. In 1782 Joseph Prentis, lawyer, and owner of the lots towards the east later known as "Green Hill," came into possession of the property first owned by Dr. Cocke. The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) indicates several buildings on what appears to be these lots. The College Map (1791?) shows "Prentis" thereon. They were acquired from the Prentis estate by Fulwar Skipwith. He conveyed to John Goodall who sold to Robert B. Randolph. In 1829 Randolph conveyed to John B. Gregory who in 1841 sold to Robert H. Armistead. By 1887 R.F. Cole was listed with a group of lots which included these above lots. Robert R. Cole was the next owner. Williamsburg and James City court records, doubtless, will give the titles from 1887 to the present time. For further details of ownerships, consult the body of the report.

LOCATION:

Eight lots designated as "Prentis" on the College Map (1791?) are bounded on the west by Boundary Street, on the east by Henry Street, on the south by Prince George Street and on the north by Scotland Street. See: Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, Illustration #1, Appendix.

HISTORY:

Though no transfers or deeds have been located for the early history of this property, there is evidence (to follow in the report) that Dr. William Cocke¹ who came over to Virginia in June, 1710 in the Deptford with Alexander Spotswood, owned and lived thereon prior to 1720.

It is known that Dr. Cocke came as private physician to Lt. Governor Spotswood. However, by June, 1712 Dr. Cocke was sworn in as Secretary of the Colony of Virginia. He had been recommended to this office by Spotswood and Edmund Jenings, former Secretary of State and former acting Governor. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Cocke had sent for his wife, Elizabeth Catesby Cocke, sister of Mark Catesby,² the naturalist; and his two children who were in England. They arrived in the Hanover in April, 1712. Apparently, Catesby was with them for a few days after they had been met and taken to Williamsburg in the Governor's coach. Soon Dr. Cocke, his family and Catesby were visiting at "Westover."³ Cocke had been a classmate of William Byrd in England.

By 1713 Dr. Cocke had been appointed to the Council. From 1716-1718 2 he was in England on business for the Colony. On October 22, 1720 he "was struck with a fit of apoplexy in the Capitol and died immediately and fell on me," so reported Byrd. Dr. Cocke left a widow and six children: Mrs. Elizabeth Cocke Pratt (widow), Catesby, William, Anne, Susanna and Lucy.¹

As many of the lots in Williamsburg had been granted to owners in 1705, it seems reasonable to think that Dr. Cocke who came in 1710 may have been the first person to build on these lots. From subsequent source material which will be given chronologically, it is apparent that Cocke's house had diamond window panes, iron casements and other details which indicated that it was one of the earliest houses erected in the new Capital, Williamsburg. It is understandable that a man in his position, friend of the Governor, former classmate of William Byrd in England and of William Lee of "Green Spring," would have selected a desirable location for his home in Williamsburg. Evidently, they lived well--and perhaps, extravagantly--for little estate was left at his death for his family. He was involved by debts to the state and to private parties.

Prior to his death Dr. Cocke had mortgaged his Williamsburg property to Colonel Peter Beverley. On February 20, 1720 John Pratt who lived in Gloucester County purchased the eight lots and dwelling house, and forty acres of wood land in James City County formerly owned by William Cocke. Pratt paid £324 for the property:

[Mr Pratt's Acct with his niece Elizabeth Pratt² afterwards Mrs. Jones in pencil]

1724 May 15th	My Neice Mrs Elizabeth Pratt Dr to Sundry Goods D D her at first cost on her own Perticular Account Vizt
3
		£ S D
June 15th	To paid Arch: Blair for 1 ps Plain Taffety	4.12.6
	To 1 Chariot with Carrege four Wheels and harness for four Horses...	40.-.-
	To 4 Horses for the use of the Chariot named as followeth Vizt
	Duke )
	Captain )
	Diamond )
	Oliver )	10.-.-.
	...	£65.3.6
June 24th	Carried Over	£65.3.6
June 12th	To my right for eight Lots of land with all the dwelling Houses thereon and forty Acres of Wood Land lying in the County of James City formerly belonging to William Cocke Esq but being Mortgag'd to Colo Peter Beverley but purchased by me the 20th day of Fbr 1720 for which I paid to Colo Peter Beverley three hundred and twenty four Pounds which Lots houses and Lands &c I have this day sold to my Neice Mrs Elizabeth Pratt for the Sum of three hundred and twenty four Pounds	£324.-.-
	...	£426.19.2¼1

We do not know what use Mr. Pratt made of the eight lots and dwelling after February 1720 until June 1724. Did he rent to Mrs. Pratt?

On February 14, 1725/6 Mrs. Elizabeth Cocke Pratt, widow of William Pratt, married Colonel Thomas Jones,² merchant of Williamsburg. Upon her marriage all of her real and personal property was legally vested in her husband--which means that Thomas Jones became the owner of the Williamsburg houses and eight lots belonging formerly to William Cocke, and later to John Pratt.

By the latter part of 1724 Mrs. William Cocke, had married John 4 Holloway,¹ prominent lawyer of Williamsburg, Speaker and Treasurer of the Virginia Colony. As Mrs. Cocke's husband had left her financially embarrassed with six children--three^all under age--Mrs. Cocke, Mr. Holloway and her daughter, Mrs. Pratt, entered into a contract tripartite on November 5, 1724. Such indenture cited that Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt would "take into her Care and at her proper Charge keep maintain and educate three of the Children of the said Elizabeth Cocke such as she shall nominate until death of them shall be otherwise provided for or settled in the World." Whereupon, Catesby Cocke, brother of Mrs. Pratt, agreed "out of natural Love & Affection he hath to the said Elizabeth Pratt and in Order to ease her of some part of the Charges to which she is bound by the aforementioned Indenture...shall and will from this Day... take under his Care and at his own proper Cost and Charge keep Support and maintain Anne Cocke one of the [sisters?] and one of the Children appointed by the said Elizabeth to pursuance of the afore noted Indenture untill the said Anne shall be otherwise provided for or settled ...he the said Catesby shall satisfy & pay about the Maintenance Clothing and Education of William & Susanna Cocke the two other Children...so long as they shall both live.. unprovided for or otherwise Settled..."²

Early in 1725 John Pratt, London, wrote to Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt at Williamsburg:

...my humble Service to Major Holloway & his Lady, to your Brothers Sisters & Mr Robertson...³

Soon after, John Catesby, an uncle of Mrs. Pratt's, wrote to her from England: 5

...The happy exchange my Sister has made of her condition w^th a person in such circumstances and character as Mr Holloway bears, must be thought a happy one: And indeed I think can be deem'd no other than a Blessing to the family. An Early instance of w^ch is y^t of Catesbys being so handsomely provided for....¹

Shortly after the marriage of Mrs. Pratt to Colonel Thomas Jones, she went to England to consult Sir Hans Sloane, a distinguished physician, about her health. While there she visited her uncles, John and Mark Catesby, and her brother-in-law, John Pratt. Many letters passed between her and her husband during her stay in 1728-1729.² From items in these letters, one gathers that Jones with the aid of a housekeeper, nurses and Mrs. Holloway, kept Mrs. Jones's two children, Betty and William Keith Pratt (ages 4 & 2); the two sisters and brother under age which Mrs. Jones had promised to clothe, feed and educate; Thomas Jr. and Dolly, infants.

The above circumstances indicate that Colonel Jones was living in Williamsburg, and that he must have been living in the property sold to his wife by John Pratt which was formerly the residence of William Cocke.

In 1732 Colonel Jones made a settlement on his wife--such items to belong to his wife in case of his death:

Settlement on Mrs. Jones 1732

In 1732 Col. Thomas Jones of Williamsburg, settled on his wife, after his death, certain property, including [abstract only given]

11 leather chairs, 1 large oval table, 1 round table, a Dutch table, a card table, an Indian Japan tea table, a china tea pot, slop bowl and sugar dish, 12 tea cups, 13 coffee cups, 14 saucers, a large looking glass, 26 pictures in frames, 12 pictures in black frames covered with glass, 3 dozen of glasses, 4 mugs, 2½ dozen knives & forks, 1 p'r iron dogs, a corner cupboard & some pieces of china standing in or on it, 12 cups & 7 punch bowls--all of which things are now in a room of the dwelling of said Thomas Jones called the Hall and most of them are part of the usual furniture of the hall.

6

A great chest, a Beuroe with drawers, 20 suits of clothes for negroes, 50 books &c--all in a small room behind the Hall.

16 pr. sheets, 29 table clothes, 5 doz. napkins, 3 doz. towels, contained in 2 chests, 30 course sheets for negroes, &c. in a room called the back Porch.

13 china dishes, 12 china plates,***china cups & saucers, 2 Delph dishes, ***Delph plates, 12 Delph cups & saucers,***flower bottles, 6 glass decanters, 6 glasses with covers, 2 punch bowls & other things in a room of said house upon the right coming into the back porch & 2 oval tables in the entry or passage

Two feather beds, mattresses & bolsters, two sets of curtains & Vallences, 2 quilts & 2 p'r blankets, a French walnut Beuroe, a walnut escritoire, 6 chairs, dressing table & glass--in a room called the chamber

7 chairs, a square table, a chest of drawers, a looking glass, &c.--in the New Room.

4 beds, 2 tables, 2 chairs, 4 chests, &c, in the other rooms of the House

[There is also a deed, dated Aug. 10, 1749, by which Thomas Jones, settled at his death on his wife Elizabeth £1500 sterling--This deed has fine armorial seal of Benjamin Waller, clerk of Court.]¹

The importance of this list lies in the rooms of the house designated by Colonel Jones. Mention is made to the hall, small room behind the hall, room called the back porch, room upon the right, room called the chamber, the New Room, other rooms of the house, the entry or passage and back porch.

From 1731 through 1745 Colonel Jones carried an account with James Wray, local carpenter and builder. From the items listed one can see that repairs were being made to a house with leaden panes, iron casements, diamond glass panes and extensive painting. Though the number of rooms in the dwelling is not designated, mention is made to stairs, doors, steps, cellar, porch, gates, stable, laundry, gardens, yards, pales, well, &c: 7

Coll^o Thomas Jones
[in account with James Wray]

1731		Dr
June 30	To a Case of piggon holes	£ -.10.-
	To putting up shuols [?] & moving ye piggon holes	-. 2.-
August 29	To 3 oke frames for steps	-. 7.-
1732
April 22	To 2 foot for a trussell	-. 1.6
25	To Materials & workmanship About Building A portch att the Doore	1. 1.6
28	To 66 foot of plank	-. 5.6
	To 2 Days Work at 3/ About Seller Doore & Raill on the Stairs &c	-. 6.-
Octr 16	To 4 foot of New Glass & Lead at 1/	-. 4.-
	To 18½ foot of old Glass sett In New Lead at 6d	-. 9.3
	To putting In 49 Diamond panes of Glass at 2d	-. 8.2
	To mending a Light In a Iron Casement	-. 1.3
	To 6 square panes of Glass at 3d	-. 1.6
30	To mending 5 Dishes	-. 3.1½
	To a Bottom Raill & a Sash	-.- .9
	To 2 Stair hides at 5/	-.10.-
March 24	To mending a Sash frame for the Coach & peaceing out the Glass &c ------------	-. 2.6
April 21	To painting a Chare & Carrage -----------	-.12.-
1733
May 10	To plank & work Done About the Bedhouse --	-. 4.6
	To a [illeg] Bed & tester & mending a table ---------------------------------	-.11.8
Octr 17 ) January 24 )	To 10 foot of oke plank & 1½ Days work Done About shuols [?] & Jobb	-. 5.6
March 8	To 10 Days Work About Repairing ye Garden pales	1. 5.-
	To a paleysadow [?] Gate	-.18.-
14	To 15 Yards of painting Done at 1/	-.15.-
1734
May 23	To 1½ Days Work Done about ye stable &c at 2/6	-. 3.9
	To a frame for ye Doore In the Garden & mending the portch &c	-.12.-
August 28	To a trundell Bedstid	-.10.-
Octr 22	To 4 foot of Glass & Lead at 1/	-. 4.-
	To Repairing 5½ foot of Glass & Lead at 3d	-. 1.4½
	To 20 Diamond panes of Glass at 2d	-. 3.4
November 14	To 18, 40d Nails & 15 foot of planck from my Yard	-. 2.-
	To 500, 3d Nails and 2 peaces of scantlings 12 foot Long	-. 5.6
8
January 7	To 75 foot of planck & 200, 8d Nails	-.6. 7
	To 2½ Days Work Done About Doore in ye Laundry	-.6. 9
	To a Coffin for Nurse & one for Child	-.18. -
	To a Bedstid	-. 8. -
	Carried Over	£13. 6. 6
1734	Brought Over Dr	£13. 6. 6
february 24	To 17 foot of New Glass & Lead at 1/	-.17. -
	To 9½ foot of New Lead at 6d	-. 1. 9
	To 31 Diamond panes at 2d	-. 5. 4
1735
April 9	To 6 sash panes & putting In at 1/3	-. 7. 6
	To 2 foot of New Glass at 1½	-. 2.-
	To 3½ foot of New Lead at 6d	-. 1. 9
	To Repairing 3½ foot of old Glass at 3d	-. -.10½
	To 3 sash panes at 1 1s/3d & 7 Diamond Dito at 2d	-. 4.11
	To Repairing 10 foot of old Glass at 3d --	-. 2. 6
		£15.10.1½
1733
May 11	To the Account of work Done at Mr Weatherbourn
	. . .	£ 47. 1. 3
	Errors Excepted May 23, 1735 per James Wray

[endorsed]
Coll^o Thomas Jones
Account £47.1.3

1740 July the 31^st
Rec^d of Col^o THOMAS JONES fifty six pound Eighteen shillings & Eleven pence half penney, being in full of all Acc^ts To this day for material & Carpenters Work &c.
£ 56: 18: 11½
James Wray.
the stalls In the stable & the seller window frames were Agreed to be Done on Account of your man Patton work¹

A fragment of a mortgage to various pieces of property owned by Colonel Jones indicates that Jones gave a mortgage to Lewis Burwell and Henry Armistead in order to pay William Robertson, executor of John Holloway. Though it has no date it was after 1734 (when Holloway died) and before 1739 (when Robertson died): 9

...And also all that Messuage tenements and dwelling house where the said Thomas Jones now dwells & Situate lying and being in the [torn] of Williamsburg aforesaid And also all that peice or parcel of Land lying [torn] of James City about Two miles distant from the said City of Williamsburg [torn] by the Land of Philip Ludwell & William Prentis...¹

A letter from Peter Collinson, London, February 20, 1737/38 to John Custis, Williamsburg, indicated that Colonel Jones's trees in Williamsburg had been hurt by fire:

London, February 20th; 1737/38
... P.S. Mr Catesby Gives His Humble service and is und'r Great Concerne for fear the Race of that Curious peach colour'd Dogwood is Lost, without you have One in your Garden. He says most of them that He had Transplanted from the Mother Tree Into Mr Jones Garden was Destroyed by Fire, but He Thinks One or Two was saved & He brought and planted In your Garden ....²

Along in the period (1735-1750) there are accounts of Colonel Jones to George Charlton, tailor; Charles Jones, tailor; John Coulthard, saddler; John Cock blacksmith; Andrew Anderson, barber; Hugh Orr, hammer man and Thomas Hornsby, merchant. Also, there were sundry orders from time to time to merchants in England for various types of goods needed by the family in Williamsburg.³

In April, 1735 Micajah Perry and Company bought of John Normandy, London, to be shipped to Thomas Jones in Virginia:

Linseed Oil 4 qts @ 3d	£ -. 3.-
Blue figg Indico 2d	-. 4.-
T I Calsind Small 1	-. 2.-
CASKET 4 quart Stone bottles & Caskets	-. 1.4
	£ 0.10.4

⁴

10

James Wray, carpenter, did further repair work for Colonel Jones in 1744-1745:

1744	Dr Colo Thomas Jones
Octo 23	To Ballance p Accot given in	£ 3.14. 6
1745
Apl 9	To ½bushell white wash	-. -. 6
	To 4 large Garden posts 6/ 19 foot scantlg 2/	4. 8. 4
	To 4 Garden rales	-. 2. 6
	To 75 foot plank 5/3 ¼ft 40d.- 50.20d. 250.8d Nails 2/5	-. 7. 8
	To 5 Days work a new Gate & 2 pannls palings & mending the floor in the House	-.15. -
	To 25 yds painting over 3 times @ 12d	-. 1. 5
June 3d	To 200 bricks	-. 4. 4
		£ 6.17.10
	To 176 foot plank 15/6 Stabb 1/	-.16. 6
	To 1 sqr Scantg for the Well, Glew for the seat of the little house	-. -. 6
1743
Mar. 10	To 7 Days Work	-.17. 6
	By 82 lb beef @	8.12. 4
	9 lb of Bisket and Cask	-.12. 4½
		£ 9. 4. 8½[sic]
	Errors Excepted James Wray

March the 4^th 1745
Received in full of the above Account p^r
... James Wray

¹

From 1743-1747 Mrs. Walter King (Betty Pratt, daughter of Mrs. Jones), with five slaves and several horses, boarded at Colonel Jones's in Williamsburg. Walter Jones, her husband and a merchant, had gone to England on business. Board was charged Mrs. King and her entourage "from September, 1743 - December, 1745------£101.5.-"; and "from December 1745 to June, 1746------£35.8.-."²

An epidemic of smallpox raged in Williamsburg in 1747. Someone wrote an article on February 22, 1747/48 giving the number affected and recovered, and those dead. Colonel Jones had 19 in his family and servants 11 who had recovered, and 1 dead, his son Catesby, a lad of seventeen. Mrs. Holloway, Mrs. Jones's mother, had 10 recovered and 2 dead (white servants).¹

In June, 1750 Benjamin Waller wrote to Thomas Jones about buying the Jones pew in Bruton Parish Church:

[June 2, 1750]

Sir:
My Wife being often at a Loss for a Seat in the Pew allotted her; I trouble you with this Letter, to know whether you would be willing, at leaving the Town, to sell yours in the Gallery and what you would take for it? I would not have mentioned it, but as I cannot see how it will affect the Rent of your W^msburgh Estate, M^rs Byrd having a Place, when in Town, in the adjoining Pew of the Carters, and I hear another Person, D^r Hay, had a Mind to make the same Overture. My Family being as yet small, should you be willing to listen to this Proposal, M^rs Jones yourself or Daughters shall always be welcome to a Seat in the Pew when they happen at Church.

I am
Your most hble Serv^t
Ben: Waller

Saturday
June 2^{d 1750}

²

Colonel Jones removed his family to Hanover County sometime in the latter part of 1750 or early 1751. By April 11, 1751 he was advertising his dwelling house and lots in Williamsburg for sale:

[April 11, 1751]

To be LETT or SOLD,

A Dwelling-House, with all convenient Out-Houses, Eight Lots of Ground belonging to the House where the Subscriber now liveth; also Six other Lots contiguous, and a Family Pew in the Church, belonging to the House in the City of Williamsburg; and, if sold, there's Forty Acres most of it Woodland about a Mile distant, that may be disposed of with the rest, at a reasonable Time of Payment.
Thomas Jones.

April 10, 1751.

³

12

The Virginia Gazette Day Book (1750-1752), page 35, confirms the above notice in this way:

Williamsburg April 30. 1751.
...
April 11 [1751]
...
Col^o Thomas Jones D^r To advert^g y^r House------ [£] -.9.- 1

By 1752 the property, evidently, was leased to a William Williams:

Williamsburg, January 2, 1752.
WHEREAS I have lately had the Misfortune to lose my Wife, which hath quite frustrated my Intention of settling in this City; I therefore, hereby, give Notice, That on Monday the 13th instant I intend to expose to Sale, for ready Money, at the House where Col. Jones lately lived, sundry Sorts of Household Goods, and also Womens wearing Apparel. And I hereby give Notice, That I intend to depart this Colony, for England, by the first Ship that sails from hence.
William Williams.²

Nothing further could be ascertained about William Williams.

On December 15, 1752 a notice appeared in the Virginia Gazette:

To be Let, and entered on immediately,
THE Houses and Lots lately belonging to Col. ThomasJones, in Williamsburg, with a good Kitchen, Stable, and all convenient Out-Houses; for further Particulars enquire of Mr. JohnHulett, near Williamsburg.³

In December, 1753 Colonel Jones in Hanover County sent his son, Frederick Jones, in Williamsburg, a long, involved letter. Parts which refer to the Jones property in Williamsburg follow:

…
You must go to M^r Webbs⁴ office which is at the House that was M^r Kings in the room on the left hand as you enter the door 13 and give him my Letter who I suppose will pay you Some Mony for Seven hhd^s of Tob^o I sold him [illegible] comes to £74.-.2 out of which I have told him to deduct his Fee for Some business he is to do for me, and you may receive the rest, but if he Should propose any other Time you need not insist any further. If he should be come out of Town you must call at his house as your [illegible]

M^r Waller was to receive £100- of Walkers Estate who bought the House in Town and 2 Pistoles of M^r King, and I have drawn upon him the following Summs Viz^t.

To Mr Wm Nelson--	£ 62.10.--
To Sheldon	17.--.--
To Mr Tho: Dawson	9.--.--
To Mr Benj: Waller his Acct

If he has received that Mony there will be a Balance coming to me which he will pay you, and you must give him a receipt if he requires it .

...
If the Secretary Says any thing to you about the College Lotts you may tell him you have no instruction about that but you believe I am in hopes he will not insist upon his pretentions to them because it would be the greatest prejudice that could happen to me to be deprived of them...¹

Reference in the above quoted passages, to the fact that "Walkers Estate who bought the House in Town" for £100 does not establish it as the Jones property, subject of this report though it could have been. Jones was owner of six other lots in town which were described as "contiguous."

Mrs. Holloway, Mrs. Jones's mother, continued to live in Williamsburg after her daughter had moved to Hanover County. She wrote to Mrs. Jones in June, 1753[?]:

...Mrs. Davenport cant do y'r gown before the week after next having Molly Dawsons wedding clothes to do, her uncle has given her £40 to buy wedding Clothes ...²

In May, 1755 the personal property of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Holloway was advertised for sale: 13

At the Dwelling-House of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Holloway, byDr. Amson's, will beexpos'd to public Sale, next June Courtof Oyer and Terminer, on Twelve Month's Credit,
A GREAT Variety of Household Furniture, consisting of Beds, Pier-Glass, fine India Cabinets, hard Metal Pewter, old China, &c. Also several valuable Slaves and Town Cows. Bond and Security, to be given, as usual, for all above Forty Shillings Value.¹

"Dr. Amson's" lots were those lots #212-217 to the north. Possibly Mrs. Holloway was occupying the Jones property following their removal to Hanover County.

Colonel Thomas Jones died in Hanover County in 1758. His will--written December 10, 1757--was recorded September 7, 1758,² Elizabeth Jones, the widow; Thomas Jones, Jr. and Frederick Jones were named executors. Colonel Jones named eight children: Thomas, Jr., Frederick, William, Walter, Dorothea, Lucy, Anna and Elizabeth. Mrs. Jones died in 1761/62 at the home of her son, Thomas Jones who was clerk of Northumberland County.³

Just what date the Jones property in Williamsburg was sold, is not known. It may have been prior to 1758. An item: "Sale of the Estate of Col^o Thos Jones" dated November 28, 1758 does not list any Williamsburg property though other property and plantations in Hanover and King William Counties are noted as unsold.⁴

York County records, unfortunately, have not supplied the deeds of conveyance from the Jones executors. However, a few deeds to other adjoining property, note apparent owners following the Jones family.

15

• (1)A deed in the Tucker-Coleman Collection, Colonial Williamsburg Archives dated April 20, 1812 from the executors of the estate of Joseph Prentis to Henry Skipwith...(1810) conveys the lots known as "Green Hill" [Lots 319-322, 324-328]: "...Also the other Lot to the Westward of the said dwelling house called Wrays Lot, containing three acres of Land more or less, being the Lot of ground sold & conveyed to the said Joseph Prentis esquire deceased by James Wray, and Ann, his Wife, by their Deed bearing date the eleventh day of June one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and recorded in the General Court..."¹
• (2)A deed of date July 16, 1782, Frances Hubard, Williamsburg to Joseph Prentis Williamsburg ...Consideration 240 pounds specie conveys: "...her Lots and half Acres of Land situate in the City of Williamsburg in the Neighbourhood of James Wray, and James Carter² Gentlemen which said Lots of Land were purchased of Richard Bland and Robert Beverley Gentlemen as may appear by their Deed Recorded in the General Court on the fourth day of November in the Year one thousand seven hundred and sixty two..."³ [James Hubard, husband of Frances Hubard, was a lawyer. In 1776 he went off with Dunmore to New York as a Loyalist; died in New York in May, 1782.]⁴
• (3)

  In June, 1776 "The Committee appointed to inquire for a proper Hospital for the reception and accommodation of the Sick and wounded Soldiers ...agreed upon a Report and came to a Resolution thereupon . ...Your Committee beg leave farther to represent that the following private Houses within the City of Williamsburg may be purchased viz: Doct. James Carter's which is but small, yet has many convenient out buildings which might be applied also to the purposes of Hospitals, and the whole may be procured for the sum of one thousand Pounds. Mr. James Hubbards' which does not contain many Rooms but they [are] commodious and airy; this may be had for about twelve hundred pounds, the sum which (with the repairs lately made) it cost him, with this privilege reserve to him of repurchasing on the same terms and in the same condition if at the end of the present troubles the public should incline to sell it:...

  And it appears to your Committee that no one of the three private Houses above mentioned would singly be sufficient for the purpose..."⁵

• 16
• (4)

  Williamsburg Land Tax records indicate that James Wray held four lots valued at £4 from 1782-1798 which seems to mean that he was owner prior to 1782. It is possible that Wray held four of the lots marked "Prentis" on the College Map (bounded by Boundary, Henry, Scotland and Prince George Streets); and James Hubard's estate held the other four. Lack of court records compels a tentative statement as to title of this property for this period. However, the above descriptions as given in the above (1), (2), and (3), seem reasonable. Whether Hubard acquired lots from the Jones estate via Beverley and Bland in 1762 as agents for the Jones estate--insufficient evidence bars definite proof. Or whether Wray acquired via the Jones estate or from Hubard--is not known. The fact that such conveyances went via the General Court rather than the York County Court precludes a clear title to the lots in this area.¹

  Joseph Prentis came into ownership of the property in 1782.²

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg (1782) indicates several houses in an enclosed area at what appears to be the situation of these lots.

The College Map (1791?) indicates "Prentis" on the block of lots.

Tyler's adaptation of the College Map indicates "Prentis" thereon.

Williamsburg Land Tax records--which began in 1782--indicate that Prentis owned the "Green Hill" lots plus the lots, subject of this report; and the block of lots north of "Green Hill" lots and west of the Palace. All of these lots were conveyed in a block to "John Goodall via Fulwar Skipwith ----23 lots----$100 tax valuation via Prentis."³ In 1818 John Goodall sold to Robert B. Randolph who held until ca. 1829. He was followed by John Gregory who conveyed in 1841 to Robert H. Annistead.⁴

Sometime before the Civil War all houses on the property had 17 disappeared. According to Mr. John S. Charles in his "Recollections of Williamsburg" during the Civil War period:

...The square bounded by Prince George, Scotland, Boundary and Henry Streets had no house on it, and for many years subsequent to the War. It had no signs of ever having had a building thereon. It was known is the 'Four acre Lot' and belonged to Colonel R.H. Armistead....¹

In 1887 an inventory of the estate of R.F. Cole listed fifteen lots in the city owned by Mr. Cole. Edward P. Cole, one of the heirs, released the Armistead four acre lot bounded by Henry, Scotland, Prince George and city boundary line west to Robert R. Cole, his brother.²

Court records for Williamsburg and James City County, doubtless, will supply details of title to the property from 1884 to the present time.

Illustration #1

Photostat Copy of the Williamsburg Plat in "Williamsburg, the Old Colonial Capitol" by Lyon G. Tyler

Illustration #2

Williamsburg Land Tax Records:

1782--	Joseph Prentis-----	12 lots-----	£9
1788--	Joseph Prentis----	12 lots-----	£22.10.-
1791--	Joseph Prentis----	8 lots-----	£12. -.-
1793--	Joseph Prentis----	8 lots----	£15. -.-
1795--	Joseph Prentis-----	8 lots----	£12. -.-
1798--	Joseph Prentis---	24 lots-----	$24
1800--	Joseph Prentis----	24 lots-----	$80
1803--	Joseph Prentis----	22 lots------	$100
1804--	Joseph Prentis-----	23 lots-----	$100
1809--	Joseph Prentis-----	23 lots-----	$100
1810--	Fuller [Fulwar] Skipwith--	23 lots-----	$100 Via Prentis
1813--	John Goodall -----	23 lots-----	$120
1815--	John Goodall ----	23 lots------	$170
1817--	John Goodall -----	26 lots-----	$250 [1 lot next to Rachel Anderson 1 lot of M. Diggs]
1819--	John Goodall ------	25 lots-----	$170
1820--	John Goodall-----		$1720 lot & bldgs; $1500 lot [and 3 others]
1821--	Robert B. Randolph U.S. Navy	1 lot------	$1720 lot & bldgs; $1500 bldgs via John Goodall
1834--	Robt B. Randolph (Richmond)--	1 lot------	$1720; $1500
1837--	John M. Gregory-----	1 lot------	$1720;--$1500 via Robert B. Randolph
1839--	John M. Gregory-----	1 lot -----	$2500;--$2200
1841--	Robert H. Armistead ------	1 lot-----	$2500;--$2200 Via John M. Gregory 1841 [also 1 lot 950: 850 via Gregory	1 lot 300 via Gregory]
1848--	Robt H. Armistead -----	1 lot-----	$2500;--$2200
1852--	Robert H. Armistead ------	1 lot-----	2800;--$2500
1858--	Robert H. Armistead -----	1 lot-----	3000;-- 2500
1861--	Robert H. Armistead ------	1 lot-----	3000;-- 2500

[Tax records cease]

Williamsburg Personal Property Tax Records

1783	Joseph Prentis	11 slaves	2 horses	2 cattle
1786	Joseph Prentis	12	3	3	2 wheels
1790	Joseph Prentis	8	3	3	6 (post chaise & chair)
1801	Joseph Prentis	8	3	1 coach	1 chair
1804	Joseph Prentis	9	4	2 studs	1 chair
1809	Joseph Prentis	10	3		1 chair
1810	Fulwar Skipwith	3
1811	John Goodall	7			1 chair
1813	John Goodall	7
1817	[same]
1818	Robt. Randolph	8
1824	Robt B. Randolph	8
1827	Robt. B. Randolph	3
1828-29	[no Randolph]
1830	John M. Gregory		1 horse
1835	John M. Gregory	1	1 horse		1 gigg
1837	John M. Gregory	7	1 horse		1 gigg
1841	John M. Gregory	15	4		1 gigg
1842-45	[no Gregory]
1845	Robt. H. Armistead	8	2 horses		1 wheel
1846	Robt. H. Armistead	10	4 horses	1 buggy	1 Atty. License
1849	Robt. H. Armistead	12	7 H & Cattle	1 buggy
1853	Robt. H. Armistead	14	7 H & cattle	1 buggy
1859	Robt. H. Armistead	17	11 H & cattle
1861	Robt. H. Armistead	15	12 h & cattle

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

Source: Jones Papers, Library of Congress; M-22-1, #2; M-22-2, #3, #4, #5. (CWI).

1732-1735	Colonel Jones in account with William Parks
	[...Complete Journal of the House of Burgesses----7/6 ...Almanacks 1/3, Bible, Common Prayer Book 2/, Lillys Grammar 2/, paper, sealing wax, snuff, ink powder &c]
1734-1742	Thomas Jones Dr to John Coulthard [blacksmith;---£26.5.1]
1740-1742	Thomas Jones Dr to Hugh Orr, Williamsburg,
	[Bleeding negroes ---------- L2.16.7]
1741-1743	Colo Thos Jones Dr with Andrew Anderson
	[for wigs for son and Mrs. Cocke and Mrs. Crosbie, drawing teeth for Betty & Poll; bleeding negroes ----£9.9.0]
1746	Colo Jones Dr with George Charlton, tailor,
	[made coat & breeches for Thomas, son of Colo Jones----£2.2.10]
1746 June	Colo Thomas Jones in acct. with Charles Jones [tailor]
Augst	[clothes for sons: Catesby, Thomas and Frederick----£2.19.11]
1734-1742	Colo Thomas Jones dr with John Coulthard, [sadler]----£26.5.1
1744-1748	Colo Jones in acct with John Cock, [blacksmith] ----£4.18.-
1746-1747	Colo Thomas Jones Dr Thos Hornsby
	[general items as ribbon, Rattinet, pepper, powder, beer---£6.-.-]
1747-1748	Colo Thomas Jones Dr to a physician (no name)
	"...
	To Attendance to his Children in the Small Pox----£10.15.-"
	[children's names noted as: Walter Thomas, Dolly, Catesby]
1744-1745	Colo Thomas Jones Dr to Dr James Carter
	[medicines-------------------£4.8.5]
1746	Colo Thomas Jones Dr to Ken: M'kenzie
Aug-Sept	[medicines-----------------£-.6.11]
1747-1748	Colo Thos Jones Dr to Eliza Tarpley
	[rum, wines--------------£4.6.4]
	receipt signed by Edwd Tarpley.

Colonel Jones carried a big account with Micajah Perry & Company,
London; and with other firms in London. In the period 1733-1736 Colonel Jones seems to have bought more goods abroad than in other years. (See: Jones Papers).