Brush House Historical Report, Block 29 Building 10 Lots 165 and 166Originally entitled:"The Brush House (Block 29, Colonial Lots 165 and 166): Report of May, 1943 and Additional Report of May, 1947"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1644
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1994
Brush House Historical Report, Block 29 Building 10 Lots 165 and 166Originally entitled: "The Brush House (Block 29, Colonial Lots 165 and 166): Report of May, 1943 and Additional Report of May, 1947"
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1644
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1994
The Brush House
Block 29, Colonial lots #165 and #166
The first record yet found of the ownership of lots #165 and #166 so conveniently located near the palace is the York County deed of date July 8, 1717. At this date the trustees who granted lots in the city of Williamsburg deeded to John Brush
Two certain lots of ground in the city of Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 165 and 166.
The proviso: That the grantee should within the space of 24 months build one or more good dwelling houses.
Book 3, Deeds and Bonds
Pages 246-247
Brush met the legal requirement of building within the stipulated time for the lots remained in his possession and were transferred at his death to his heirs. It can be asserted that houses of some sort were built on these lots between 1717 and 1719.
Brush, it has been said, was brought to Virginia by Governor Spotswood and was the keeper of the arms in the Magazine (Tyler's Quarterly, Page 299; William & Mary Q.V (1) 213. The bases for these statements have not been found in the primary sources available here. That Brush was once employed to fire the guns at the Palace in celebration of the King's birthday, is clear (Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia, II, Page 695).
In his will made November 26, 1726, Brush provided for the equal division of his lots between his unmarried daughter, Elisabeth, and his son-in-law, Thomas Barber, husband of Susanna Brush. The will provided that after their deaths the property was to go to their heirs. Clauses in the will, however, made it possible for one of the heirs to possess all of the real estate as the following clauses show:see appendix for additional facts 2
Item. I will that my houses and lots in Williamsburgh do descend equally unto my son in law, Thomas Barber and my daughter Elisabeth Brush and their heirs forever. And their better agreement I do direct that the same shall (when either of these legatees shall require it) by four honest and indifferent men upon their oaths be valued and appraised. And then if the legatees do agree that either shall possess the whole, I will that such possessor shall pay unto the other legatee, relinquishing one half of the valuation aforesaid by such payments and within such reasonable time as they shall agree. And then the legatee so possessed shall inherit the said premises to his, or his or her heirs forever. . . . Book 16, Orders, Wills
York County Records
Page 424
Brush died before December 19, 1726, as the will was probated on that date.
The inventory of Brush's personal property if it be the total inventory is almost wholly made up of equipment that an artisan would have found useful. It is the equipment of a man who lives in his shop rather than that of the owner of a house and household furniture. This may mean, of course, that his dwelling was poorly furnished. Brush in his will had asked that the property which is listed below be equally divided between his legatees:
Book 16 - Orders, Wills
Brush, John - Inventory January 14, 1726/7 1 vice 45lbs., 1 do 54 1. 1 do. 26 4/18/6 23 lbs. Steel, 172 lbs. Old brass, 48 lbs. Old iron 7/12/2 45 lbs. Copper, 2 old candlesticks, 1 old pestle and mortar 2/ 9/0 1 smoothing iron and 2 brass pans, 3 gridirons 0/16/4½ 1 brass pot, 1 skillet, 1 frying pan, 3 wedges, 15½ lbs.-20lbs. Pewter 2/ 0/3 12 new cast brass, 1 saw and frame, 2 old cross out saws 0/16/0 4 small baggonets, 1 saddle and bridle, 1 silver watch, 2 horse clogs 5/13/0 1 clock, 1 old desk, 1 looking glass, 1 tea table and chest of draws 12/ 0/0 2 bedsteads, a parcel picture, 1 old corner cupboard, 1 clothes brush 1/14/0 2 old feather beds, 1 flock bed, 3 pr. Old blankets, 2 rugs 15 lbs. Feathers 4/10/0 1 trussel, 1 small curtain rod and testor, 1 oval table 1/ 7/6 1 pr. Dogs and 2 trevits, 3 rake heads, 3 gun barrils, 1 stock 2/ 0/0 3 1 Gun, 1 close stool, 13 lbs. Wrought iron, 1 horse £5 5/29/0 6 screw plates and 6 pr. Clams, 2 tumbler tools, 2 pan borers 1 pr. Gypherinton hand vice 4/18/0 10 smooth files, a parcel old files, punches, shairs etc. 27 new files 2/ 6/8 1 binder box, and powder trier, 2 long shank bills, 1 drawhore 0/17/3 1 hold fast, 1 horse and 2 hammers, a parcel old gouges & formers 0/ 8/4 A parcel plains, 1 spoke shave, parcel small iron, brass and other rubbish 0/16/10 1 spit, 1 old jack, 1 old chest and box, 1 old vice 1/12/0 7 pr. Smiths tongs, 4 bolsters, 6 cole chiswells, 2 hammers, 1 sledge 0/19/0 1 half bushel, 29 melting pots, 1 smiths bellows and nose piece 1/16/4 1 large wheel, for razor grinding, 2 stones for do., spindles etc 1/ 5/0 1 grindstone and frame, 1 large do, 1 anvil, 1 beak iron 3/16/3 A parcel of smiths files, 4 curtain rods, 1 chain and castor 2/ 2/0 A parcel small iron, 1 pail, 4 old tubs, 5 old chairs, 3 bags 1/ 9/0 1 jar, 1 earthern and 2 stone pots, 1 dripping pan, 2 narrow axes 0/16/3 13 lbs. Wrought iron, tea ladle and parcel rubbish, 2 bushels hair 0/15/1½ 1 stone jug, 4 candle moulds, a parcel fodder, parcel rubbish iron 0/10/6 2 glew pots, a pestle and wooden mortar, 1 pr. Garden sheers 0/12/6 1 dung fork, 21 oz. Old silver 1 pr. Old money scales 5/17/6 112 bushels sea coal, 1 hand saw, 1 fender and tongs 6/ 1/6
A few months after her father's death, Elisabeth Brush in conformity with her father's will sold her share of the house and lots to her brother-in-law.
February 2, 1726/7
Elisabeth Brush, spinster of Williamsburg
To
Thomas Barber, Carpenter of Williamsburg
Consideration: 80 pounds current moneyShe doth sell all her share of the messuage of tenement situate, lying and being on the north side of the City of Williamsburg, wherein John Brush, her father deceased, lately dwelt, and all buildings, edifices, goods, tools, yards, and also those two lots containing one acre of ground parked in the plot of the said city with the figures 165, 166 to the said messuage belonging, 4 which said two lots were conveyed by John Clayton and William Robertson, trustees for the land appropriated for the building of the city of Williamsburg and the Capitol to the said Brush on July 8, 1717.1
Book 3, Deeds, Bonds
York County Records
Page 470
Thomas Barber died in May, 1727. One of the clauses of his will provided for the disposal of the lots under discussion. He ordered and directed that
After my decease my lots and houses in Williamsburgh be sold by my executrix to the best advantage an that the produce thereof be applied to the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses Book 16, Orders, Wills
York County Records
Page 457
Thomas Barber's inventory, like that of his father-in-law's, was by no means a pretentious one.
Book 16 - Orders, Wills.(Page 475)
Barber, Thomas - Inventory May 30, 1727. 1 new feather bed, bolster, pillows and bedstead 4/ 0/0 1 old bed, 1 rug, 2pr. Sheets, 2 pillows, 4 old beds, some old furniture 5/ 7/0 3 looking glasses, a parcel of nails, a tea table, chest of drawers 3/10/0 a brass warming pan, brass shovel and fire tongs, chest carpenters tools 6/ 8/3 3 trimers chiswells, 3 gouges, 1 sword and belt, 1 folding table 1 desk and trussel 20/, a clock £6-10 a fallen table, A pair of dogs an 2 trevits 20/ 2 boxes irons and heaters, some old brass 20/, 2 iron pots, 1 brass pot, 2 brass skillets, 20/ 2 ladles, 2 flesh forks, 1 skimmer 10/, 58 lbs pewter £1-14-4½ 5 1 corner cupboard, 2 grid irons, 1 spit, 1 frying pan, 1 dripping pan, 6 skuers, 1 pr. Fire tongs and shovel 1/ 2/6 1 pr. Pot hooks, 1 iron pestle, 5/, 2 jars A parcel white lead and some bails 10/, 2 cloathes brushes 2 sack bags 6/ The blacksmiths tools £8, a larger razor wheel and 2 stone do. 12/ A pr. Dogs 12/, a large grindstone frame and iron spindle 15/ 29 melting pots 4/10, a spade and a parcel of old iron 16/ A parcel old brass £6-9 A parcel old copper 45/, cast brass 9/ 77 bushels sea coal £3-17 A pr. Large money scales and weights 10, a parcel table linen 14/ Water pails 3/6, 2 casks, 8/ a parcel old lumber 20/ List of cattle 1 old feather bed, 2 old blankets, 1 sheet and 1 bedstead 2/ 5/0 List of Negroes A parcel of earthen ware, 2 spits, pot and pan 3 broad axes, old vice, 1 corner cupboard, 1 old sword
In conformity with these directions, barber's sole executrix, his wife, sold to Elisabeth Russell, widow, for one hundred pounds on November 14, 1728
All those two lots of ground situate, lying and being in the city of Williamsburg next adjacent to the Governors House and are numbered in the plan of the said city by the figures 165, 166, being the two lots lately held by John Brush father of the sd Susanna, and by him devised by his last will to be equally divided between the said Thomas Barber and Elizabeth Brush which said Elizabeth Brush hath since sold her moiety to the said Thomas Barber now deceased . . . with all houses.
The said two lots are on the east side of Palace Street.
Vol. III, Deeds, Bonds
York County Records
Page 497
There is no proof yet found that Elizabeth Russell was the former Elisabeth Brush. It is possible that this Elisabeth Russell became the third wife of Henry Gary, II. In his will dated May 27, 1748, the latter bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth, £220 current money 1 in consideration of a "like sum" he had received for the sale of her house in Williamsburg. 6 (Robert K. Brook, Archibald Gary of Ampthill, Page 145.)
Henry Gary, II was employed as overseer, contractor or architect in Williamsburg from 1720 to 1733. He lived in Williamsburg some of that time - his son Archibald was born here in 1721. Henry Gary was Keeper of the Magazine until his resignation of that job in 1726. (See articles on Henry Gary I & II by Mary Jansen in the Department of Research and Record.) Although he was deeded lots #316, 317, and 318 by the city trustees, Henry Gary does not appear to have kept them very long. He sold or leased 317 and 318 within six months and allowed 316 to revert to the city trustees who deed it to David Menetree in 1725 (York County Records, Vol. 3, Deeds, Bonds, Pages 391, 413-416; 447). At the time that Gary bought these lots, he was referred to as Henry Gary Gentleman of James City. Therefore, all this is definitely known about Gary's Connection with the property on lots #165 and #166 is that he sold it to William Dering in 1742. Facts that may have some bearing on his ownership of this property is that his wife's name was Elizabeth, that he left her £200 in his will because he had disposed of her Williamsburg house for that amount, and that £200 was apparently the sum needed by Dering after he bought the property on lots #165 and 166.
In 1744, William Dering, dancing master, gave Peter Hay, physician in Williamsburg, and Bernard Moore, gentleman of King William County, a mortgage on the house, the two lots, #165 and #166, and certain chattels as security £200 which he owed William Prentis. The house and lots were those Dering had purchased in 1742 of Henry Gary, and his wife Elizabeth. These facts are found in the deed of 1744. Dering deeded
All those two lots of ground situate lying and being on the East side of Palace Street, adjacent to the Governors House, denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 165-166 which the said William Dering purchased of Henry Gary of Henrico County and Elizabeth his wife by deeds of lease and bearing the dates the 18th and 19th days of August in the year 1742 and recorded in the General Court. . . . .7
The chattels which Dering mortgaged were
In the House
- 3 beds, with bedsteads and curtains, featherbeds, bolsters, pillows, etc.
- 2 bedsteads and feather beds etc. but no curtains.
- 6 leather chairs and a couch, 6 do. 1 elbor chair, 6 chairs with walnut backs and rush bottoms
- 1 black walnut desk and book case
- 1 walnut chest of drawers, 1 large walnut table and 1 small walnut table
- 1 large do., 1 sconce looking glass, 1 dressing glass, 2 dressing tables
- 8 pictures in gilt frames, 9 do. In black frames, 10 do. Without frames
- 2 tea tables with their furniture, 2 common tables
- ½ doz. China dishes, ½ doz. China plates, 2 salvers. One 2-gallon china bowl, 1 gallon do. 2 small do.
In the Kitchen
- 1 large brass kettle, 1 brass skillet, 1 spit, 2 iron pots, 1 dutch oven
- 1 warming pan, 2 frying pans, 2 grin irons, 2 skimmers, 2 ladles, 2 flesh forks, 3 doz. Pewter plates, 10 pewter dishes, 1 copper coffee pot, 1 tea kettle do., 1 brass coffee pot, 3 doz. Patty pans, 2 coffee mills
- 9 pr. Brass candlesticks, 1 fish kettle
List of Slaves
Book 5, Deeds
- 1 Riding Horse, saddle, bridle and housing.
York County Records
Page 105
Recorded Aug. 20, 1744
Very little is known about the connection of William Dering with Williamsburg. In November, 1737, he inserted a notice in the Virginia Gazette (Wm. Parks, Nov. 18-25) that he would teach "Dancing, according to the newest French manner" at the college every three weeks on Fridays and Saturdays. The infrequency of Dering's lessons may indicate that he came to Williamsburg from some other town1 or was a peripatetic dancing teacher with Williamsburg as a point of departure. By 1742, it appears that Dering was 8 living on Palace Street, as was indicated above. Unfortunately there are no files on hand of the Virginia Gazette for the years between 1740 and 1745. In the spring of 1745, Dering announced that he would open his assemblies at the Capitol on April 23rd for the Court season (Ibid. March 21-28) A similar announcement appeared in the fall of 1746 (Ibid. Sept. 18-25).
Dering's next creditor after Hay and Moore was Philip Lightfoot, to whom it was necessary to mortgage the houses and lots #165 and #166 as well as certain chattels.1 The amount of money owed Philip Lightfoot of Yorktown - an amount which Lightfoot had paid for Dering was £286.15s. (Book 5 Deeds, York County Records, Pages 136-9, May 11, 1745)
Philip Lightfoot died in 1747. In his will he made his son, William Lightfoot, one of his executors. (Ibid. Book 20, Wills & Inventories. July 31, 1717.) Dering's indebtedness to Philip Lightfoot continued with the next generation of Lightfoots as the following mortgage shows:
September 29, 1749
Dering, William of Williamsburg
To
Lightfoot, William, Gentleman of Charles City, son, executor, and heir of Philip Lightfoot, decd.Whereas the said William Dering was justly indebted to the said Philip Lightfoot in his lifetime in the sum of 286 Pounds, 15 shillings, and for securing the payment thereof with the growing interest thereon the said William Dering by indenture bearing date the 11th day of May, 1745, made between the said William Dering, Dancing Master, of the one part and the said Philip Lightfoot of the town and county of York, Esquire, of the other part did mortgage his house and two lots lying on the East side of Palace Street denoted by the numbers 165, 166, a certain number of slaves and all his household and kitchen furniture and other goods and chattels, mentioned and comprised in a schedule thereunto annexed, to be paid at a certain time therein mentioned, And whereas there is still due and owing on the said mortgage the sum of 200 pounds with two years interest thereon, And whereas the said William Lightfoot hath paid and advanced for the said William Dering the sum of 35 pounds current money. . . . . . . .
9Abstract Dering further says that the mortgage of the lots houses and goods is his security for paying the £35 on the last day of April next and for the more speedy raising of the sum, he, William Dering has by these presents made, appointed, and named William Lightfoot as his executor with the right to sell or mortgage the lots, houses and goods. If there was any "overplus" resulting from the sale, it would go to his wife, Sarah.
Book 5, Deeds
York County Records
Page 343
Recorded May 21, 1750
John Blair, in his diary for date February 14, 1751, notes his attendance at a Mrs. Dering's outcry. (William & Mary Quarterly, Series I, Vol. 7, Page 136.) In view of the lack of Virginia Gazette issues between 1746 and February 28, 1751, it can only be suggested that it is possible that William Dering had died and that, in his will, he had provided for a sale of his real and personal estate.
From 1750 until c. 1845, the ownership and occupation of the houses and lots under discussion remains an uncertainty. The Frenchman's Map of the 1780's shows a small house with five outhouses directly back or north east of it.
This is not drawn to scale.
The unknown Draftsman's Map (late 18th or early 19th century) has the name Carter inscribed in lots #165, #166, and an adjoining lot #172. There is fairly strong evidence that a James Carter was the owner referred to by the Unknown Draftsman. In 1794, the will of James Carter1 of Williamsburg 10 refers to an infant daughter, Elizabeth. (William A Crozier, Williamsburg Wills, Page 15. This book is merely a calendar of the wills.) On May 28, 1810, Milner W. Peters married Elizabeth Carter and the marriage was recorded in the borough of Norfolk (Virginia Magazine, Vol 34, Page 263). These facts appear to have an important bearing on the question of the ownership during the first half of the nineteenth century of the "Brush House".
The Williamsburg Land Tax Records (Photostat copies in the Department of Research) show that James Carter (after 1801, his estate) was taxed for three lots from 1791 through 1819. In 1820, 1825 and 1828 Milner Peters whose residence was at Norfolk was taxed for one lot (the tax records in 1820 and after seem to consider as one, oftentimes, more than one lot) on which houses valued at $500 stood. This property of Peters had come into possession by way of James Carter deceased, probably through his (Peters') marriage to Carter's daughter, Elizabeth. The property appears to have passed next to Dabney Browne, a professor at the College of William and Mary. Browne was taxed for one lot the houses on which were valued at $500. This property Browne obtained "via Wm. T Milner Peters decd". Browne continued to be taxed for one lot until 1847. The value of the houses in the possession of Browne rose to $600. In 1847, a lot with a house of the same value appears in the tax records in the possession of Daniel P. Curtis. The lot and houses were "Formerly chd to D. Browne and transfd to Daniel Curtis in 1847". Actually the transfer was made in 1845 as will appear below.
On Dec. 8, 1849, Sidney Smith bought the lot and houses from Daniel P. Curtis and his wife Elizabeth R. The property was describe as
All that certain piece or parcel of land and tenement lying and being in the City of Williamsburg and bounded as follows, to wit---------
On the north by the street which separates it from the lands lately owned by Richard Randolph and Thomas G. Peachy, on the south by the lot of Beverly Tucker, on the east by the lot of 11 Jacob C. Sheldon and on the west by Palace Street and being the same house and lot which the said Daniel P. Curtis purchased of Jessie Cole & Elizabeth B., his wife, and conveyed by deed dated the 10th. Of December 1845, together with all and singular the privileges and appurtenances to the said house and lot in any wise appertaining and belonging
(Recorded in Williamsburg Hustings Court, Dec. 12, 1849 and now in the Court Records of Williamsburg and of James City County, Deed Book #12, Pages 497-8.)
An extraordinary increase in the value of the lots and houses shows up in tax records in the 1850's and 1860's. The value of the house increased from $600 in 1850 to $1500 in 1854. A further increase occurred in 1859 and 1861; the houses in both years were valued at $1700; the houses and lots together at $2400 as compared with $1800 in 1850. It may be said that a general appreciation of property values appears in the tax records for Williamsburg between 1850 and 1860, so that it is impossible to know whether this increase in value represents additions improvements or general appreciation in value.
This property remained in the possession of Sidney Smith and his descendants for nearly one hundred years - that is, until its transfer to the Williamsburg Holding Corporation. This long tenure explains its frequent designation in records as the "Smith House" (Mrs. Victoria Lee, "Recollections of Williamsburg;" Typed copy, page 85).
In recalling the appearance of this house around the 1860's, Mr. John S. Charles thought the porch was different - a single front porch rather than the long one that runs completely across the front. The small detached brick storeoffice* had remained unchanged since the 1860's, he said.
The house came to be known as the "Page" house and the "Audrey" house to many Williamsburg citizens. (Lyon G. Tyler, Williamsburg, Page 255; Charles Lee, Vandergrift, "Recollections of Williamsburg", a typed mss. In the Dept. of Research and Record, Pages 34, 85, 90.) The widow and family of Governor 12 John Page lived in but apparently did not own this house in the early nineteenth century (Conversation with Miss Estelle Smith, April, 1930; Miss Smith told the writer that Governor Page's daughter, Mrs. Saunders, who lived across the street from her, recalled having played dolls in one of the upstairs rooms in the "Brush" house. See also letter of St. George Tucker to Mrs. John Coalton, April 19, 1811, typed mss. Tucker-Coleman letters, Dept. of Research and Record).
The reason for calling this house the "Audrey" house is to be found in the fact that Mary Johnson in a novel of that name lays part of the happenings in a "small white house" on the Palace green. In this house was "a tiny stairway" in the hall leading up to a "little dormer-windowed white washed room". Edition 1902, Houghton Miflin Co. Miss Johnston disclaims any intention of laying the scenes of her novel in any particular house in Williamsburg, but writes that the house described in her novel was the product of her imagination. (Letter to W.A.R. Goodwin, Warm Springs, Va., November 3, 1930.)
In conclusion, it must be said that the historical facts presented here throw very little light on the architectural features of the houses on lots #165 and #166. Although there was a house standing on the lot in 1719 and its ownership can be traced from 1717 to 1728, and from 1742 to 1750, there is a gap from 1728 to 1742 during which no documentary evidence has been found. The Frenchman's Map of 1782 is the only eighteenth century source which throws any light on the number of buildings on this lot. The map gives only the lay out of the buildings and their dimensions.
Hunter D. Farish, Director
Department of Research and Record
Report prepared by Mary E. McWilliams
May, 1943
Footnotes
Additional Report
Colonial Lots 165, 166, and 172
Block 29
May, 1947
Previous reports (dated 1940 and 1943 - both prepared by Miss. Mary E. McWilliams - and now on file in the Department of Research) have dealt with lots 165 and 166. In these reports there were gaps in the ownership of lots 165 and 166 and almost nothing had been discovered regarding lot 172.
It is the purpose of this additional report to clear up gaps in the title, if possible, and to set up a reasonable basis for the occupancy (and possible ownership) of Thomas Everard of lots 165, 166 and 172.
LOCATION:
Lots 165 and 166 are located southeast of the palace at the intersection of Scotland Street with Palace Street. Lot 172 lies to the rear of lots 165 and 166 and is contiguous to lot 173.
HISTORY:
A thorough search has been made in source materials of the period, such as the York County records, The Diary of John Blair (1751), the Secret Diaries of William Byrd (1709-1712; 1739-1741), Dinwiddie Papers (1751-1758), Spotswood Letters (1712-1721), Bruton Parish Records, the Virginia Gazette and letters of the Tucker-Coleman Collection and Norton Collection found in the Department of Research. Some new material has been discovered.
In July 1716, Archibald Blair of James City County was granted lot 172 along with lots 170, 171, and 173 (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, pp. 126-127). On November 5, 1716, two lots along Palace Street, known by the numbers 163 and 164 on the southwest side of the black were allotted by the trustees of the City to William Levingston; also, lot 169 to the rear of lots 163 and 164. (Ibid., Deeds, Bonds, III, 204.)
2In 1717, John Brush was granted "two certain lots of ground in Williamsburg denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 165, 166." (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, 246-247.) According to the Act of Assembly of 1705 a building clause was added to these deeds.
Below is given a drawing by the writer of this report which shows the ownerships of lots on block 29 in 1716-1717. These lots are so closely related that it may be well to keep the "neighbors" of lots 165 and 166 clearly in mind. All of the lots are located on the east side of Palace Street.
Block 29
in
1716-1717
The history of the chain of title to lots 165 and 166 covering the period 1717-1742 is partly found in the "Brush House History" (1943), prepared by Miss. McWilliams. The legendary date of the building or construction of the house located on lots 165 and 166, known as the "Brush House," is based on a date "1734" found on the windowpane in the southwest room. Such date appears to have been scratched with a diamond or some hard tool. In 1734, the ownership of the lots 165 and 166 was recorded under Elizabeth Russell, who had come into possession of the two lots in 1728. Who this Elizabeth Russell was is not certain. Some think, perhaps she was the wife 3 of Henry Gary II,1 master builder of the time, who provided in his will (1748) for his wife Elizabeth Gary. Gary designated 200 pounds for his wife in consideration of a like sum he had received for the sale of her house in Williamsburg. (Robert K. Brook, Archibald Gary of Ampthill, Richmond:1937, p.145.) The value placed on the property when mortgaged in 1744, was the same amount, 200 pounds, which may be significant.
The history of lots 165 and 166 is somewhat sketchy from 1742 to 1779. From evidence in two deeds (both dated September 10, 1773) and in a later deed (September 1, 1779) it is apparent that John Blair possessed these two lots after 1745 and that his ownership was followed by Thomas Everard2:
September 10, 1773.
Blair, John-Esq.
To
Everard, Thomas-Esq.
Consideration: 5 shillings & 3 lots.One lot of land lying and being in the said city, 4 Bruton Parish, County of York, denoted in the plan of the said city by the figures 172, and was devised to the said John Blair by his brother Doct James Blair, dec'd.
(York County Records, Deeds, VIII, p.374.)
On the same day Everard gave a deed to John Blair:
September 10, 1773.
Everard, Thomas
Williamsburg
To
Blair, John
Consideration: 1 lot of land in the city of Williamsburg conveyed by John Blair to Thomas Everard, sum of 5 shillings.Three lots of land lying and being in the city of Williamsburg Parish of Bruton, County of York, denoted in the Plan of the said city by the figures 175, 176, and 177, and were sold to the said Thomas Everard by Peyton Randolph, Esq.
[See York County Records, Deeds, VIII, p.38, Peyton Randolph to Thomas Everard - consideration £13.10 - March 1770.](York County Records, Deeds VIII, p.373.)
The deed from Everard to Blair mentions only lot 172. However, there is strong evidence to indicate from a deed of other property that Everard was the owner of lots 165 and 166 as well as lot 172:
September 1, 1779.
John Tazewell and wife
To Henry Tazewell
Consideration: 1200 Pounds...3 lots denoted...163, 164 and 169, bounded by Palace Street on the West and by the lott of Thomas Everard on the North by the Lott of John Blair, Esq. On the East and by the Market Square on the South...with all buildings...
(York County Records, Deeds VI, p.227.)
If Blair and Everard exchanged lots in September 1773, as the foregoing deeds seem to indicate, then the invoice designated as follows has added significance: "Mr. John Norton Invoice of Goods for T. Everard 2 October 1773..." Among the long list of goods, clothes, etc., for slaves are lists of finer materials for ladies clothing, and household belongings such as a kettle, pans, shovel and tongs, brushes, brooms, books, etc. Also included is an order for 100 feet window glass, 11 inches by 9½. (John Norton 5 & Sons, Merchants... p.367.) On the 12th of February, Everard had written to Norton & Sons, ordering "100 lbs white lead ground in Oyl."(Ibid., p.300 )
Everard is known to have lived near George Wythe,1 possibly on or near Palace Green. In writing to John Norton & Sons, merchants in London, in August, 1770, Everard mentions that "Your Son has been sometime confined Sick at my neighbor Mr. Wythes but is now pretty well recovered and gone to York." (Ibid., p.142.) Everard is known also to have lived in the vicinity of Dr. Gilmer's: "February 5, 1751. Spent the eveng (after a visit at Mr. Everard's) at Doctr Gilmer's; and bethot me the way of coming wth---" ("Diary of John Blair," William and Mary Quarterly, first series, VIII, 2.) Blair does not locate Everards house exactly, but it is known that Dr. Gilmer's house and shop were on lot 163. (See house history of lots 163, 164 and 169, Department of Research.)
MAPS:
In 1782, the Frenchman's Map shows a small house with five outhouses northeast of the main house on lot 165. The College Map (1791?) indicates the name Carter on lots 165 and 166; also on the adjoining lot 172. From the notes which follow in this report, it is apparent that James Carter2 was the Carter referred to by the College Map. (See Illustration #2 for Tyler's copy of College Map.)
HISTORY (continued):
In 1788, Williamsburg tax transfers indicate that James Carter 6 came into "3 lots via Dr. Hall." Tax Transfers, Department of Research.)
It is known that Dr. Isaac Hall of Petersburg married Martha Everard, daughter of Thomas Everard of Williamsburg, one time clerk of the General Court, Commissioner of Accounts before and during the Revolution, and executor of many estates in York County. Dr. Hall died in 1806 leaving a will proved in Petersburg. (William and Mary Quarterly, first series, IX, 123.) It is known also that Dr. Hall was a vestryman at Bristol Parish, Petersburg, in 1787 and 1788. (Chamerlayne's The Vestry Book and Register of Bristol Parish, Virginia 1720-1789, pp. 270-274.) However, proof will be given below to show that Dr. Hall was closely associated with Williamsburg and its people in addition to being a property owner there up to 1788.1
On March 9, 1787, Dr. Hall who was a dear friend of the Tucker Family, delivered certain items to Richard Randolph, step-son of St. George Tucker, from his mother at Matoax.2 Richard Randolph wrote his mother on March 8th: "Dr. Hall brought all the things except tea and coffee... pleased with breeches and shirts...tomorrow is my birthday..." (Letter from Richard Randolph to Frances Bland Randolph Tucker, dated March 8, 1787, from 7 from Williamsburg - copy from Tucker-Coleman Collection, Department of Research.)
On March 19, 1787, Dr. Hall is charged with labor, etc., by Humphrey Harwood, carpenter, of Williamsburg: "Dr. Hall (Petersburg)...taking down 2 marble chimney pieces...134 bricks...4 bushels of lime...to laying 2 hearths...and plastering chimney...£1.10" (Harwood ledger B, p.90 - Photostat copy in Department of Research). On the credit side of the account for Dr. Hall the following is recorded on July 28, 1788: "By cash in full by Mr. John Carter (skiper) £1.10" (Ibid., p.91).
One cannot be sure that the house which Harwood repaired for Dr. Hall was in Williamsburg but it seems probable because Hall did own property here, and Harwood lived in Williamsburg and often made carpentry and brick laying repairs.
It is possible that Dr. Hall came into possession of lots 165, 166 and 172 through his marriage to Martha Everard, daughter of Thomas Everard. Until 1877 the Virginia law gave the husband entire legal right and control of his wife's property. If Martha Everard had inherited lots from her father in Williamsburg, then according to Virginia law her husband would be the legal owner and responsible for the tax and upkeep.
Exact information is wanting here. The fact that Dr. Hall owned property in Williamsburg in 1788, and held an intimate friendship with the Tucker family over a period of years, seems significant.1 Dr. Hall may have been owner and occupant of lots 165 and 166 at the same time the Tuckers were living on the Tucker property on lot 169. Certain letters from Dr. Isaac Hall to Mrs. Frances Randolph Tucker at Matoax, dated November, 1787, "Petersburg":
[NOTE: The following information relating to Dr. James Carter as owner of lots 165, 166 & 172 came to light in some new Ms Papers sent in by Mrs. George Colemen, Dec. 1, 1948.
In describing the Tucker property for tax purposes on the first day of April 1815, The Tucker property is bounded thus:
"which Lots adjoin the Lots of James Henderson Esqr on the East; the Court house square (or Nicholson street) on the South, the palace Street on the West, & the lot formerly belonging to Dr James Carter, & now in the Occupation of Mrs Margaret Page on the North ... "
Mrs. Margaret Page was the second wife of Governor John Page. She was the daughter of William Lowther of Scotland, was married in 1789, and had eight children- among them Gregory Page who was drowned while a student at William and Mary College, John Page who died unmarried in 1838, Barbara Page who died unmarried in Williamsburg ca 1864, aged 69 years, and Lucy who married Hon. Robert Saunders of Williamsburg. (See: Genealogy of the Page Family in Virginia-New York, Jenkins & Thomas, 1883)
8to St. George Tucker in Williamsburg, dated January 4, 1790, October 30, 1790, and December 20, 1798, concerning the illnesses in the family, the choice of a tutor for the Tucker Children (Coalter was his choice), and certain requests regarding Hall's brother who was a student at the College in Williamsburg - throw light on the intimate relationship between the two families. Dr. Hall signs the letters "Yours in Affectn." (Tucker-Coleman Collection, Department of Research.)
Incomplete tax records for Williamsburg show that James Carter is charged with 3 lots from 1791 through 1819. A James Carter was a merchant in Williamsburg from 1771-1787 (Virginia Gazette). A Dr. James Carter owned a house within the city in 1776; "Doct. 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..." (Executive Communications of Patrick Henry, Folder 1776, June 15th, Virginia State Library, Archives - copy in Palace Book, Department of Research.) A James Carter of Williamsburg owned lots 212-217 from 1769-1781, and lot 53. (Williamsburg Tax Records.) One cannot tell from the records whether Dr. James Carter and James Carter were one and the same person or not.
James Carter's association with lots 165, 166 and 172 from 1788-1801 can be seen in the tax accounts of Williamsburg Land Tax Books. (See Illustration #3.) Carter's estate is charged with 3 lots in the city until 1819.
In 1820, Milner Peters of Norfolk came into possession of the property "Heretofore charged to Jas Carter" (Williamsburg Tax Records, p.77). Carter had died in 1794, leaving a will which indicates that he had a daughter, under age, named Elisabeth. (William A. Crosier, Williamsburg Wills, p.15.) Some time later, Milner Peters married Elizabeth Carter, daughter of James 9 Carter. (See: "Marriage Returns of the Borough of Norfolk 1809-1829" for the year 1810 in which the following is recorded: "May 28th. Milner W. Peters and Elizabeth Carter." Copy in Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, XXXIV, 263.)
The subsequent history of lots 165, 166, and 172 can be found in the Brush House History (Department of Research, 1943), and in the history of lot 172 which follows the summary in this report.
IN SUMMARY:
John Brush became owner of lots 165 and 166 in 1717. Brush held the lots until his death in 1726 when his heirs came into possession of the property. In 1728, Elisabeth Russell held the lots, until 1734 or later. It is possible that Henry Gary II was the husband of Elizabeth Russell, widow, and that he came into her house and lots by marriage with her. Gary sold what appears to be this property before her death and made provisions in his will (1748) for an additional 200 pounds for his wife, Elisabeth, in consideration of a like sum that he had received for the sale of her house in Williamsburg. From subsequent deeds to the property during the period from 1742-1779 it is obvious that John Blair possessed lots 165 and 166 after 1745 and that his ownership was followed by Thomas Everard. The exact dates of the period of ownership of Blair and Everard is not known from available court records. Circumstantial evidence collected from letters, journals and court records point to Everard's occupancy and ownership of lots 165, 166 172 until his death in 1784. Then, it appears that Dr. Issac Hall, husband of Martha Everard hall, was the owner. Hall's ownership of a lot in Williamsburg is certain from tax transfers. His occupancy and ownership of lots 165, 166 and 172 is circumstantial but strong in evidence gathered. Following Dr. Hall, James Carter acquired the property in 1788.
10Carter's association with the lots from 1788-1801 is found in the tax accounts for Williamsburg. In 1820, Milner Peters of Norfolk was in possession of lots "heretofore charged to Jas Carter." Peters had married the daughter of James Carter. The subsequent history of the property can be found in the Brush House History (Department of Research 1943), and in the history of lot 172 which follows in this report.
Lot 172
The earliest record found as to the ownership of lot 172 appears in the York County Records of April 12th, 1713, when Christopher Jackson was granted lots 171 and 172 by the trustees of the City. The usual stipulation that the owner build and finish a house on each lot with 24 months appeared in the deed according to the Act of Assembly of 1705. (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, p.31) On September 18th, 1713, a release deed of the feoffees established Hon. Alexander Spotswood with "one certain lot in the city of Williamsburg designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 174." (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, II, p.428.) (Lot 174 is mentioned because of its connection with Archibald Blair in 1716. See below.)
Lot 172 evidently reverted to the City from Jackson because the building clause had not been complied with. In July 1716, Archibald Blair of James City County was granted lot 172 along with lots 170, 171, and 173 with a building clause added in the deed. (Ibid., Deeds, Bonds, III, pp.126-7.)
In 1735, the records show that John Blair, executor of Archibald Blair, conveyed title on his property to Dr. George Gilmer (York County Records, Book V, Deeds, pp.153-154). In 1763, apparently John Randolph and wife were in possession of Blair's property. Randolph and wife sold to Peter Hay five lots which appear from later records to be lots 170, 171, 172, 173 and 174. Hay sold the lots to Dr. Gilmer, who resold them, in 1771, to 11 John Blair (York County Records, Book VIII, Deeds, p. 124). It is known from deeds cited above that Archibald Blair's garden was a boundary line to describe other property: "adjoining to the garden of the said Archibald Blair."
In 1773, John Blair conveyed to Thomas Everard lot 172. (For continuation of the history of lot 172, see the foregoing report on lots 165 and 166 which is attached hereto.)
| Illustration #1 | - Summary of Notes on Thomas Everard |
| Illustration #2 | - Tyler's Map |
| Illustration #3 | - Tax Records |
Department of Research
(Report prepared by Mary. A. Stephenson, General Research Assistant)
May, 1947
Footnotes
2 Thomas Everard served as clerk of York County, 1745-1784. (John Norton & Sons. Merchants... edited by Frances Norton Mason, Richmond: 1937, p. 510.) He was a witness to the will of Governor Fauquier. (Will proved in York County, March 1768.) In 1768, Everard held about 600 acres in James City County according to tax records. Everard is listed as a buyer of items of Fauquier's personal property in the amount of 125 pounds. (See Fauquier inventory, copy in Department of Research.) In 1773 Everard advertised a slave for hire, (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., December 23rd.) From 1769-1774 Everard ordered goods of various kinds from John Norton and Sons, London. (John Norton & Sons...pp.101, 141, 300, 353.)
Everard's daughter, Frances Everard, married Rev. James Horrocks, commissary in 1768 and president of William and Mary College, 1770-1772. Rev. Horricks died in 1772; his wife died in 1773. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds., December 9th.) His daughter Martha married Dr. Isaac Hall of Petersburg (William and Mary College Quarterly, first series, II, 123.)
In 1781, Jefferson in communication with the General Assembly wrote: "Mr. Everard having declined resuming the office of auditor, to which the general assembly had elected him, the executive have appointed Bolling Stark, esq; in his room..." (Hening's Statutes at Large, I, 572.)
For summary of notes on Thomas Everard, see Illustration #1.
Illustration #1
Thomas Everard
(Summary of Notes from Different Sources)
John Norton & Sons Merchants of London and Virginia, p. 510"As clerk of Elizabeth City County in 1743, then as Clerk of York Country from 1745 to 1784, Thomas Everard pursued his quiet way of responsibility. So faithfully and ably did he execute these offices, that he was finally appointed Clerk of the Committee Courts of the House of Burgesses.
"His daughter, Frances, married the Reverend Mr. James Horrocks, at one time Commissary of Virginia. Wirt, in his Life of Patrick Henry, thus explains this office, "The Governor of Virginia represented the King; the Council, the House of Lords; the Episcopalian commissary (a member of the Council) represented the spiritual part of that house; and the house of burgesses was of course, the house of Commons."
Ibid., Letters of Thomas Everard to John Norton:
pp. 59-60; 100-1; 141-2; 170; 195-6; 237, 260-1; 273-4; 275-6; 282-3; 300-1; 344-6; 353-5; 387; 397.
1751 - "Diary of John Blair," William and Mary Quarterly, first series, VIII, 2, 17: reference to Thomas Everard as neighbor of Gilmer and Blair
1768; 1771 - York County Records, Wills, Inventories, Book 22: inventory of Governor Francis Fauquier - Thomas Everard bought about 100 of Fauquier's goods.
1770 - Palace Book, Department of Research: Botetourt inventory:
"Mr. Everard £22.3.6"
1770, March 19th - York County Records, Deeds, VIII, 38:
Thomas Everard bought lots 175, 176, and 177 with all houses from Peyton Randolph.
1772, January 18th - York County Records, Deeds, VIII, 229:
Elisabeth Hay purchased lots 263 and 264 formerly the property of Thomas Everard and deed to Anthony Hay on August 8th, 1756.
1773, Sept. 10th - York County Records, Deeds, VIII, 374:
John Blair gave deed to Thomas Everard for lot 172 which lot was "devised to John Blair by his brother Rev. James Blair..."
Ibid., p.373
Thomas Everard gave deed to lots 175, 176 and 177 to John Blair
1766-1775 - Virginia Gazette
Purdie and Dixon, Aug. 22, 1766, p.3 - clerk of the General Court. Rind, July 12, 1770, p.2 - agent of William Byrd to collect moneys.
Purdie and Dixon, Dec. 23, 1773, p.2 - Everard's slave for sale or hire.
Purdie and Dixon, Oct. 6, 1774 - overseer of Everard had plantation on Archer's Hope Creek.
Purdie and Dixon, Dec. 23, 1774 - Thomas Everard, a member of the Williamsburg Committee to elect a representative to the Continental Congress.
Purdie and Dixon, Nov. 9, 1775 - same as for Dec. 23, 1774
[photocopy of hand-written sheet - no digital image available]
Capt Orr
1740-1760
Blacksmith
[hand-written notes - largely illegible]
Illustration #3
WILLIAMSBURG LAND TAX ACCOUNTS
| 1791 - James Carter | 3 lots | annual value - £ 12 |
| 1797 - James Carter | 3 lots | " " - 12 |
| 1801 - James Carter's estate | 3 lots | " value - $ 40 |
| 1806 - James Carter estate | 3 lots | " value - 50 |
| 1810 - James Carter's estate | 3 lots | " value - 80 |
| 1815 - James Carter's estate | 3 lots | " value - 50 |
| 1817 - James Carter's estate | 3 lots | " value - 80 |
| 1819 - James Carter's estate | 3 lots | " value - 80 |
Other lots owned by Thomas Everard in Williamsburg were:
1752 - Lots 263 and 264
1756 - Lots 263 and 264 - sold to Anthony Hay - consideration £200 (York County Records, Deeds, VI, 65.)
1770 - Lots 175, 176, 177 - sold by Peyton Randolph to Everard - consideration £15.10
1773 - Lots 175, 176, 177 - sold by Everard to J. Blair - consideration - 5 shillings (York County Records, Deeds, VIII, 373.)
York County Records Will & Inventories, Book 20 pp402-404
Will of Anthony Robinson Feb. 7, 1756; recorded June 21, 1756
"I give and bequeath unto my son-in-law Mr. Thomas Everard one hundred pounds to be raised out of my land in Brunswick County..."
Will of Mrs. Diana Robinson May 22, 1758 (Book 21, Wills and Inv. York Co)
"I give to my GrandDaughter Frances Everard one Negro named Dick"