Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library Research Report Series - 1231
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Library
Williamsburg, Virginia
1990
When Area A2 of this block was excavated in 1932, the east side of Colonial Lot #18 (subsequently recorded as Area E) was occupied by a privately owned modern dwelling, and so could not be included in the work.
Early in 1939 Area E was excavated, and the foundations of a dwelling and certain outbuildings were unearthed. The dwelling foundation in particular was of a nature to cause some revision of opinions previously held.
A Research Department report issued a few weeks earlier,3 and an Archaeological Report of some years previous,4 had contained the assumption that the dwelling in Area B was the brick building of Insurance Policy #1522.5
This policy was printed in the usual form, with blanks which had been filled in by hand. Its wording certainly seemed to imply that it was describing a detached building immediately west of Dr. Carter's brick House:
". . . the said Building is owned by Robert Griffith
. . . and is occupied by John Anderson . . . situated
. . . between Nancy Camps and John Blocks lots . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
"The Dwelling house Marked A at 2500 dollars."Page 2
It was thought that Nancy Camp's was Area A, and that John Block's was Lot #19.1
The dwelling was described as 34 feet deep by 40 long. The frontage available in Area E (measuring between the dwelling of Area A and Dr. Carter's brick house) is 39 feet 9 inches. The shortage is thus only 3 inches, a discrepancy which might easily be attributed to careless measurement.
For the statement that "A is contiguous to three wood buildings and to one brick building covered with wood" the likeliest explanation seemed to be that the "brick building" was Dr. Carter's, and that the "three wood buildings" were the dwelling in Area A, plus dwellings on Lot #17 or perhaps certain out-buildings.2
But the stereotyped wording of the policy, with its references to a "building" and to a "dwelling house", proved to have been deceptive in suggesting that it referred to a detached house. The close resemblance of dimensions was deceptive in suggesting that the house was that of Area E.
Policy #1522 actually had reference to the western half of Dr. Carter's Brick house, a building 34 x 80 feet in extent, with a brick cross-wall in the middle.
With the excavation of Area E it became evident that this was the eastern part of the tract shown on the Nancy Camp plat (#231). This plat is therefore coextensive with Lot #18. It agrees with the archaeological evidence in this lot so closely that no doubt is any longer permissible as to the identity of the two.
Excavation in Area E disclosed the following evidences, in agreement with Policy #231 but in conflict with Policy #1522:
But two apparent contradictions existed:
These two contradictions would resolve themselves both at once if the building of Area A had been extended in some manner before 18102, to form a connection.3 Further exploration of the 6-foot gap was therefore undertaken. To the north nothing could be found, the ground having been disturbed by landscaping activities. But a short stretch of foundation wall came to light on a line with the south walls of the two foundations. Undoubtedly, then, the hypothetical connection had actually existed.
It follows that the building of Area A (though not its basement) was 20 x 44 feet in size and continuous with the building of Area E. Agreement was thus established in every essential respect between Insurance plat #231 and the archaeological evidence of lot #18. It is now plain that "foundation A," of the Archaeological Report of 1932 on Lot #18, represents4 the 20 x 44-foot two-story frame house of Insurance Policy #231. The 20 x 30-foot one-story frame east wing shown on the same policy is Page 4 represented by the foundation of Area E.1
The foundation of Area E2 consisted of a basement with floor about 5 feet below present sidewalk level. Of the outside wall the only brickwork remaining was a small patch near the south-west corner. But the lines of the wall on all four sides were clearly marked by the edges of the fill.3 This wall was 14½ inches thick.
Of the original brick paving there remained several patches, one of considerable size southeast of center. The edge of the paving in several places verified the evidence of the fill in locating the inside face of the foundation wall.
Outside the south wall, east of center, were found a sloping bed of shell mortar and three small patches of brickwork, Page 5 no doubt part of the foundations of steps from the basement floor up to grade.1
Traces2 were found of a 14½-inch cross-wall at the center of the building. These traces are lost near the middle of the wall, and the paving crosses the line of the wall.3 This may mean that there was an opening in the wall here. At this point there is a bed of mortar 4 inches wide with the imprint of wood graining in it. This was doubtless the bed for a door-sill.
A cross wall, in a building of this size, can have been required only as a partition, not for structural purposes; for the floor would be carried on the outside walls, and the upstairs partition (if any) on a beam.
This wall seems to indicate that an outer storage room was entered directly through the exterior bulkhead while an inner strong-room was provided for the safekeeping of especially valuable goods. That both divisions of the basement were intended for storage rather than living may be inferred from the absence of fireplaces at this level. That goods of some value were to be stored, rather than mere lumber, is indicated by the brick paving. Thus the evidence is strong that this building was intended to be a shop.
West of the southwest corner, exactly on a line with the south wall, lies the short foundation already referred to as the south wall of a connection between the foundation already referred to as the south wall of a connection between the foundation of Area A and that of Area E. This foundation is 14 inches wide, Page 6 and at a level about 4 feet above that of the basement walls.
No direct clue was found to the location of a chimney or chimneys to this building. The distribution of patches of paving, taken in relation to the wall lines, is strong evidence that no inside chimney existed, and that if there were outside chimneys, they had no fireplaces at basement level. Ground at each end of the house was found to have been disturbed to such a depth that evidence of an outside chimney might have been destroyed in either of these areas.
So small a building, the first floor of which was partly, or wholly used as a store,1 is likelier to have had one chimney than two.2
The store, if confined to half of the first floor, was probably in the eastern half, where it would be nearer to the trading area of the east end of the street. Hence, the likelihood is that an outside chimney stood at the west end of the house.3
But such a chimney must have been replaced when the building on the west was extended to cover its site. This larger building certainly required a chimney at each end, and its eastern chimney no doubt took the place of the single chimney which had served the smaller house.
Area E behind the dwelling foundation was explored by Page 7 cross-trenching down to hardpan, and probing between trenches.
Towards the rear of the area is a very large elm - a beautiful specimen. Great care was taken to disturb the roots as little as possible, when excavating the foundations of the outbuildings near it. Only two of the smaller roots were cut. Many of the roots in this area had actually grown in such a way that their tops were exposed.
35 feet back from the east end of the dwelling was found the foundation of the 16 x 20-foot kiitchen of Insurance plat #231. The chimney is an outside one at the south end. The chimney, and patches of the north and south walls, with the northwest corner, were all that was found of this foundation, but this was sufficient to determine the essential facts about the building.
Brick hearth and underfire paving was found, but the rest of the floor may have been of packed earth.
This building is not shown on the Frenchman's map.
| Brick | 9½ x 4½ x 2¾ |
|---|---|
| Mortar | Shell. |
| Condition | Bad. |
Just east of the kitchen are two short lengths of a foundation wall which must have belonged to an outbuilding perhaps a smokehouse, on Lot #19, no doubt the one shown on this location on the Frenchman's map, and on insurance plat #1522.
Farther north is a curved section of drain, also on Lot #19.
Inside the kitchen foundation, near the northeast corner, was found a well. The shaft was dug out to a depth of about 10 feet. No lining was found. Around the top were evidences of a square curbing.
The brickwork was too dilapidated to provide direct evidence as to the age of the well. It probably did not exist while the kitchen was standing, for too much of the kitchen's floor space would have been sacrificed to it. It probably preceded the kitchen, because
Brick paving which runs west from the kitchen, from a point north of center, is probably a remnant of a walk, and is the likeliest indication of the location of a door. This walk may have provided communication with the kitchen and forges of Area A, and perhaps with the shop on Lot #17.
Another length of brick paving, south of the house, indicates a walk which began about two feet west of the cellar- door bulkhead, and immediately west of the center-line of the house (where the cross-wall of the basement may have been carried up through the first floor). This walk may have run parallel to the west wall of the kitchen, as far as the east-west walk already mentioned. A deep fill under this walk may indicate thatit is of late date.
A large brick drain formerly crossed Area E just north of the kitchen,1 but traces of it remain only in the areas to east and west. Almost on the line of this drain, but on a higher level, was found a small remnant of brickwork which might have formed the northern half of a hollow square about 3½ feet on a side. It is improbable that this remnant had any connection with the drain, from which it is separated by a fill. No evidences of its purpose were found.
A kitchen (D), forges (F, H. J, etc.)2, and other outbuildings in Area A, are described in the Archaeological Report of April 22, 1932.
| East | Either or Both | West | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1700-1723 | Thos. Ravenscroft building (but not a substantial brick dwelling2; perhaps a 1½-story house on site of the later 2-story Camp house | ||
| 1723 | Ravenscroft sells "lots 17 and 18" to Cole Digges for £200. | ||
| 1723-55 | Shop built on lease by Dr. Kenneth McKenzie | ||
| 1755 | McKenzie shop (+10 feet behind for shed) leased from Digges by Currie. | ||
| 1755-60 | Lots 18 and 19 sold by Digges to Wm. Withers, Merch't. | ||
| 1760 | Lot 183 sold by Withers (for £350) to Wm. Holt, Merch't. (Christianna Campbell then lessee, but not of "brick" house.4) (1761, Withers sells lot 19 to Carter for £375.) | ||
| 1769 | Freer Armston, chandler and soap boiler | Catherine Rathell, milliner.5 | |
| 1770 | Lot 18 (plus 2½-foot strip) sold by Holt to James Anderson, blacksmith. | ||
| 1771 | Drinkard's-tavern | ||
| 1798 or 18036 | Nancy (Anderson) Camp inherits property, probably Lot #18. | ||
| 1806 | Ins. Policy #1522 mentions Nancy Camp as living next door to brick house. | ||
| 1817 | Nancy Camp insurance policy describes 2-story frame dwelling of 44 x 20 feet, "between Mary Stith and Leroy Anderson"; with one-story frame wing 20 x 30, "four feet, dividing Leroy Anderson's. Also out-buildings." | ||
| 1842 | Fire destroys all buildings on street front and perhaps outbuildings. (See notes on following page.) |
The sale of Lots #17 and #18 in 1723, for £200, seems to be no positive proof whether Lot #18 had been built on at that time, or not.1 The amount might have covered only the house on Lot #172, or might have included one on Lot #18 as well. But it is unlikely that the house on Lot #17 would have brought £200, for its value was soon to be impaired by the raising of the street level, which was very likely foreseen in 1723. Hence it is likely that Thomas Ravenscroft had built on Lot #18 before he sold it.
He probably built on the western foundation (that of Area A); for what is known of McKenzie's shop, built some time later,3 best fits the eastern foundation (that of Area E). He may have built a 1½-storey house: certainly it was of frame,4 and almost certainly it was replaced later by a longer, 2-storey frame building.5
Dr. McKenzie's shop was built after Cole Digges acquired the property, and before the lease of 1755. If a dwelling was built first on the lot, and a shop later, the likelihood is that the shop was the smaller of the two (i.e. the eastward building). The latter had a plan better adapted to the purposes of a shop than to those of a dwelling.6 It is therefore assumed that the foundation of Area E is that of the shop.
Christianna Campbell is mentioned in 1760 as tenant of the entire lot. She is known to have kept a tavern, which was no doubt on this site. This seems the earliest date to which the building of the 2-storey, 20 x 40 structure can reasonably be assigned. The probability is that it was built later, for the Page 13 Armston advertisement of 17691 is worded as if the shop was then a free-standing building.
In 1771 William Drinkard opened a tavern on the lot, almost certainly in the westward house.2 There is not yet any direct evidence that a connection between the two houses had been established. This tavern, like Christianna Campbell's, would no doubt have operated to better advantage in a two-story building, but might also have been carried on in less ample space.
It may be pertinent to observe that after the Armston advertisement of 1769, no further evidences are found of use of the eastward building as a shop.3
James Anderson owned Lot #18 from 1770, but (to judge by the Drinkard advertisement) did not domicile himself there until later.
The most positive evidence to date the building of the 20 x 44 house is perhaps the fact that Anderson was survived by seven children,3 sufficient cause for him to have enlarged his dwelling between 1771 (the earliest date when he could have occupied the house) and 1800 (the approximate date of his death).
| N 6014 | Kitchen from South |
| N 6017 | Dwelling from southwest |
| N 6018 | Dwelling from northeast |
F. D.
The first evidence of a building on the western portion of colonial lot #18 is in the year 1755, when a shop which had been erected on the lot by Dr. Kenneth McKenzie was leased to James Currie:
Digges, Dudley
to
July 21, 1755. Currie, James
Consideration: 5 shillings and yearly rent, of 2 pounds.Whereas the said Digges did license and permit one Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, dec'd, to set a tenement or shop on his lots in the city of Williamsburg with liberty to remove the same at any time, which shop the said James Currie hath purchased.
Whereas the said Dudley Digges and James Currie have come to the following agreement that he the said Dudley Digges will grant a lease of the ground whereon the said shop stands with an addition of ten feet more for the whole length thereof for the conveniency of building a shed to hold to the said James Currie or assigns for 14 years.
(York County, Virginia. Book 5 - Deeds)
Dr. McKenzie died in February, 1755, and in March the same year that Dudley Digges leased the shop to James Currie.
Digges, some time between 1755 and 1760, sold colonial lot #18 on which this property stood to William Holt, the merchant.
In 1769, Catherine Rathell, milliner, occupied the wooden shop according to an advertisement of the adjoining brick house. Holt sold the property to James Anderson on October 20, 1770, but there is no record of the use Anderson made of it.
His daughter, Nancy, married George Camp in 1796, who died at Norfolk in 1797. Her father died intestate in 1798, leaving her and -2- six other children to share his property.
Nancy Camp was living in the house by 1806, when she is mentioned in an insurance policy to adjoining property. In 1817, she insured her own property, describing it as:
| A-- | Dwelling House and unoccupied situated between Mary Stith and Leroy Anderson, built of wood and covered with wood. 44 by 20 feet. two Stories high. Porch. |
| B-- | Wing to the dwelling house of wood entire 20 by 30 feet unoccupied. One story. (four feet dividing Leroy Andersons). Smoke house. |
| C-- | Kitchen of wood entire. 20x16 feet. One story. |
________
A tracing of this policy is enclosed. From this policy one could infer that the "wing" referred to was either the old wooden shop on the western portion of lot #18; or, was the new wing to a new house which extended from a space within four feet of the property of Leroy Anderson on lot #18, westward into lot #17.
All of the buildings in this block which fronted on Duke of Gloucester Street, were destroyed by fire in 1842 according to the Williamsburg tax records.
Helen Bullock, Archivist
Department of Research and Record
The first definite reference to the ownership of colonial lot #18 was made in 1723 when Thomas Ravenscroft sold two lots to Cole Digges and the York County deed book recorded the sale as follows:
Ravenscroft, Thomas - Gent
Elizabeth, his wife - Jas City
to
Diggs, Cole
November 16, 1723.
Consideration: 200 PoundsAll these their two lots or two half Acres of Land in the City of Wmsburgh scituate lying and being in or upon the South Side of Duke of Gloucester Street in the said City designed in the Plot or draught thereof by ye Numbers or figures 17 & 18 together with all the houses outhouses Edifices gardens orchards Woods wells waters & water courses and all other improvements advantages privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging...
(York County, Va. - Vol. III, Deeds, Bonds)
From a deed of a later date it appears that this property passed from Cole Digges to Dudley Digges. According to a genealogical record prepared by Lyon G. Tyler (See William and Mary Quarterly, Vol l, lst series, p. 88) Dudley was the son of Cole Digges and apparently had inherited the property from his father. In a deed dated March 16, 1761, conveying property, from William Withers to William Carter apothecary Dudley Digges is mentioned as the owner of that portion of Cole Digges' property which adjoined lot #19.
Withers, William - Merchant
All that piece or parcel of ground situate lying and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street, in the said City and bounded as followeth on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street, on the East by a cross street running from Duke of Gloucester Street to Francis Street, -2- on the South by Francis Street and on the West by the ground sold by the said William Withers to William Holt, merchant, and is the remaining part of those two Lots or half acres of Ground purchased by the said William Withers of Dudley Digges of the Town of York I gent.
Williamsburg
to
Carter, William - Apothecary
Consideration: 375 Pounds
And all houses ... (York County, Va. - Book 6, Deeds)
The records indicate that some years prior to that time Dudley Digges had permitted Dr. Kenneth McKenzie to "set a tenement or shop" on his lots, "with liberty to remove the same at any time." Dr. McKenzie did not remove the shop for it was sold to one James Currie in 1755. Digges leased the land on which McKenzie's shop stood "with an addition of ten feet more for the whole length thereof" to Currie "for the conveniency of building a shed to hold to the said James Currie or assigns for fourteen years."
Some time prior to 1760 lot #18 was acquired from Digges or some intermediate owner by one William Withers. In that year Withers sold this property (then in the tenure of Christianna Campbell) and a portion of the lot adjoining its east side (apparently that on which Currie had erected a shed) to William Holt, a merchant. Christianna Campbell had for many years served as a tavern keeper in the city and the diary of George Washington shows that he dined and lodged often at Mrs. Campbells. A deed of November 10, 1760, from Withers to Holt states:
Withers, William - Merchant
to
Holt, William - Merchant
Consideration: 350 PoundsLot or half acre of Land situate, lying and being on the main street in the said city on the South Side thereof now in the Tenure and occupation of Christianna Campbell denoted in the Plan of the city by the figures -3- 18, and also part of the lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit: 5½ feet in breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining Lot on the said Street and from the street a strait Line to be run through the said Lott to the end thereof on the back Street Parallel to the East Side of the said Lott first above mentioned.
(York County, Va. Book 6 - Deeds)
And all buildings, gardens, ways...
In 1769 Catherine Rathell, a milliner, had a shop on this site, apparently in the large portion of the house, while Freer Armston, a chandler, conducted a business in the smaller portion of the house. Armston advertised in the Virginia Gazette:
April 27, 1769
FREER ARMSTON, Chandler and Soap Boiler, in Norfolk, For the better convenience of supplying the town of Williamsburg, has opened a shop between Mr. Carter's great brick house and Mrs. Rathell's, where may be had TALLOW CANDLES as good as any on the continent; the present price by the box 11d. paying freight from Norfolk, Best HARD SOAP at 6d. by the box, or 7d. halfpenny small quantities.
(Va. Gazette., Purdie and Dixon, Eds.)
William Holt, the owner was living on the property the next year when he sold it to James Anderson, a blacksmith:
- 4 -October 20, 1770.
Holt, William
Mary, his wife
to
Anderson, James
Consideration: 600 Pounds.All that lot or half acre of ground lying and being on the Main street in the said City on the South side thereof now in the Occupation of the said William Holt, denoted in the plan of the City by the Figures 18, and also part of the Lott next adjoining the East side thereof to wit: 2½ feet in breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining lot on the said street, and from the street a straight line to be run through the said lot to the end thereof on the back street parallel to the East side of the said lot first above mentioned.
(York County, Va. - Book 8 - Deeds)
And all buildings.
In 1771 William Drinkard opened a tavern in the house and advertised in the Virginia Gazette:
WILLIAM R. DRINKARD begs Leave to inform the Publick that he intends to open TAVERN in the House lately occupied by Mr. William Holt; nearly opposite the Post Office, by the ensuing April Court. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accomodation. (Va. Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
Although we have no reference to Anderson's occupying the property, it is possible that he did and that the following accounts with Humphrey Harwood, the mason, applied to the buildings on it:
- 7 -
Mr. James Anderson (Blacksmith) 1778 Decemr 4th To 80 bricks 6/8. 3 bushl of lime a 2/3 :13: 5 1778 Decemr. 4 To Seting up a Grate 22/6 & laying a harth 6/ 1 : 8: 6 To 1 Days labour 8/ : 8: 1779 May 18 To 250 bricks 50/ 8 bushl of lime a 6/ & building up steps to front Door 120/ 10:18: 1783 Jan. 3 To 1 bushel of lime 1/6 1: 6 To Repairing Chimney & altering the Arch & Plasterg 7/6 7: 6 June 3 To Bricking up your well 12/ & 2 Days labour a 3/ 18: 1785 Decr. 20 To 200 bricks 6/ & 5 bushels of lime 5/ 11: To laying an Harth 3/9 & setting up a Grate 7/6 11: 3 To labourers work 2/6 : 2: 6 1786 July 13 To mortar 2/ Repairing plastering 2/6 Whtwashing 2 Rooms 9/ :13: 6 Wht washg 3 cealings at 3/ Do 2 passages 9/. & 6 clossets at 2/ :10: -5- 1786 July 13 To 12 bushel of white wash 3/ : 3: Novemr 9 To 16 bushels of lime at 1/ & 325 bricks a 3/, & 3 days labr a 2/6 1:14: 1787 April 3 To building 2 forges 18/ :18: To 250 laths at 1/6 & lathing & Plasterg Room to Shop 6/ : 9: 9 To 6 bushes of lime 6/. & Hair 9d. & labrs work 2/6 : 9: 3 page 115 1787 July 3rd To 12 bushels of lime 2/ & ¾ bushel hair 1/6 :13: 6 To 2 days labour 5/. & repairing Plastering 12 : 17: To laying harth and reparing a Grate 3/ 3: To 66 Bricks 2/. & white washing 4 rooms & 2 passages at 4/6 1: 9: To 7 bushel of Whitewash 2/ : 2: 1788 Feb. 26 To 6 bushels of lime 6/ labr 2/6 & building a forge 6/ :14: 6 18:12: 8 Decr 10 To Amt of Sundries as pr under written account 4:16: 4 __________ 23: 8: 7 To 620 Bricks a 3/. & 10 bushels of lime 18/3 days labr a forge 15/ 2:19: 1 __________ 26: 7: 8 (Loose leaf account opposite p. B-115) 1784 May 19 To 4 bushs of lime 4/, & hair 4d 4: 4 To Repairing plastering 6/ & labours work 1/6 7: 6 June 5 To 1 bushs whtwash 2/. & Do 2 Rooms & 2 passages a 4/6 1: To wht wasg do 2 clossets 5/. & cealing to Room 2/6 :7:6 - 6 - 1785 Feb. 18 To 7 bus of lime 7/. & 800 bricks a 3/ 1:11: To 3 days labr a 2/6 & underpining Smoke House l5/ 1: 2: 6 To Repairing Jambs to Cellar Steps 3/6 : 3: 6 __________ 4:16: 4 (Harwood Ms. Ledger Ledger B) p.5 1788 Decr 10 To 6 bushels of lime 6/. & building a forge 6/ :12: To labour 2/6 2: 6 23 To sundries 24/7 (30th) To Sundry work 34/6 2:19: 1 1789 Septr 15 To 9 bushels of lime a 9d 88 Bricks & mendg well 10/ :16: 9 October 22 To 2 bush of lime 1/6 & building a Forge 15 :16: 6 Novr 4 To building a Forge 15/ :15: 1790 Jan. 2 To 2 bushels of lime 1/6 & mending plastering 1/6 : 3: June 22 To 2 bushels of whitewash : 3: To whitewashing 2 Rooms a 3/9 & 2 Ceilings & 7 clossets a 1/6 1: 2: 6 To do 2 passages a 3/9 lime & mendg spots 6d : 6: July 22 To 2 days work of Nate building a wall, putting in a door frame & window frame 8/ : 8: Octor 24 To l½ bush: of lime 1/ l½ & mending plaistering 1/ : 2: 2½ To whitewash & whitewashing 1/ : 1: 1791 To 3 bush: lime a 9d laying a Hearth, mending Plast. 4/ : 6: 3 (Harwood Manuscript Ledger - C)
James Anderson died in 1798 and in 1803 an inventory of his personal estate was recorded in Robert Anderson's Account Books:
(Anderson, James. Anderson Ro., Account Books etc., 1808-1812. Virginia Historical Society. p. 71.)
Inventory and appraisment of the estate of James Anderson, decd in Williamsburg made on the 25th October 1803.
Account of Sales of the est. of James Anderson decd. made lst November 1803 on a credit of six months.Nat, a Negro man blacksmith 600." Robert Anderson 600." 1 pair blacksmiths bellows 20." Nathaniel Anderson 11." one anvil 20." do do 11." one anvil 9." George Jackson 5." one Vice 8." Nathaniel Anderson 8." one vice 8." George Jackson 5.50 1 large scale beam and weights 8." do do 4." 3 bunches wire 1.50 Robert Anderson 1.50 1 lot of guns and pistols 4." James Wright 2.75 2 sledge hammers 4." Nathaniel Anderson 4." 1 lot of hammers 2." do do 2.25 1 box sundry old iron 3." James Wright 2.25 1 plough 2." George Jackson 1." 9 cart wheel boxes 1." Nathaniel Anderson 1." 1 brass kettle &c 3." James Wright 2.25 four mills incomplete 3." do do 8.25 1-Jack and several iron wheels 2." John Crump .60 1 lot of files 3." Simkin Bryan 1.66 1 lot of window scrawls 3.50 George Jackson 3.25 1 lot of iron and chair wings 1." do do ".50 1 lot of tongs 2." Benjamin Powell 1. " 1 lot of punches &c 2." Nathaniel Anderson 1. " 1 dozen mahogany chairs 24." Nancy Camp 24. " 13 black walnut chairs 6.50 John Crump 7.28 1 pair Mahogany tables 12." Nancy Camp 12." 1 corner table 3." Robert Anderson 1." 1 round table 3." Nancy Camp 3." 1 looking glass 3." Nancy Camp 3." 20 oz. 12 dwt. silver spoons 9/ oz. 30.90 Do do 30.90 1 bed, bolster &c 15. " do do 15. " 1 bed, bolster &c 15. " do do 15. " 3 pots 2 ovens and 1 skillet 2.50 do do 2.50 1 frying pan and 3 fenders 2. " do do 2." - 8 - hook, racks and candle moulds 4. " do do 4." 2 pokers and 2 pair tongs 2. " do do 2." flat irons and trivit 1." do do 1." 8 blankets 12." do do 12." ________ ________ $860.90 $836.44
In 1810 Nancy Camp, the daughter of James Anderson, insured the property on lot #18. This was described in the policy as being located between the lots of Mary Stith and Leroy Anderson. At this date Leroy Anderson owned the lot on which Dr. Carter's Brick House stood and Mary Stith owned lot #17. It is probable that Nancy Camp had inherited the property as her share of her father's estate.
It appears that the buildings on lot #18 were destroyed by a fire which swept this section in 1842. Some time prior to 1842 the title to this property appears to have passed from Nancy Camp to her brother, Robert Anderson.
In a letter written by Hannah Wright Anderson, widow of Leroy Anderson, from Sumterville, Alabama, to Capt. Robert Anderson, Williamsburg, Virginia, April 28, 1842, she refers to the fire in that section:
My dear brother
I was much shocked and concerned, to learn by an article in the Phenix that your dwelling house and store had been burned down, together with some other houses. I picture to myself the anxiety and perplexity of yourself, sister Helen, and indeed the whole family, in endeavouring to save the many articles of value and interest that it contained. We wait with feelings of anxious suspense to hear the particulars of the Accident, and as none can describe them more minutely than yourself a circumstantial account from your pen, would be received with thankfulness by us all. I hope, indeed I feel pretty certain, that the house and property were insured...
In his Recollections of Williamsburg, Mr. Charles makes the following statement concerning a fire which had swept over block 10 and this is undoubtedly the same as the one referred to above. Mr. Charles - 9 - states:
There were, when the War began, no more houses on this square fronting on Duke of Gloucester street; but instead there were immense brick gable ends of houses that had long since been destroyed by fire. These foundations were often filled with water that afforded the small boys rare sport - boating in the summer and skating in the winter.
Hunter D. Farish, Director
Department of Research and Record
March 16, 1939.
A substantial brick dwelling house was erected on Colonial Williamsburg Foundation lot 18 in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. The first owner on record was Thomas Ravenscroft, son of Captain George Ravenscroft, and his wife, Dyonisia Savage.
There are so few records about the early history of the property that it is probable that they were recorded in the general court, but there is a line of evidence that offers some support to the following theory:
In 1695, Dyonisia Ravenscroft, widow, married Thomas Hadley, the general superintendent of the College building. She had five Ravenscroft children, one of whom died in Bruton Parish in 1692. She had a son, Thomas, who was born in 1688.
Because of the very limited property rights of women, the Ravenscroft property was probably vested in the male heirs. When Dyonisia Hadley died in 1714, a return of her personal estate was entered in York County. It is possible that the inventory is of her own estate in Williamsburg:
Hadley Dionisia
of York County.
September 24, 1714.(Book 14 - Orders, Wills. York County, Virginia)
1 chest of drawers and a parcel of old gasses 1 pr. old brass scales and wates 1/10/ 0 1 silver porringer, 4 silver spoons 2/16/ 0 6 large pictures, 8 small do. 0/16/ 0 1 looking glass 0/10/ 0 13 old chairs 0/13/ 0 1 old feather bed and bolster, 2 pillows, 1 pr. blankets, 1 hamack, 1 suit of old curtains, vallens, 1 bedstead, cord, hide 4/ 0/ 0 -2- 1 little old do. bead and bolster, 2 pillows, 1 pr. blankets, 1 suit of curtains, vallens, 1 bedstead end cord 2/10/ 0 1 old feather bed and bolster, 2 pillows, 1 holland quilt 1 suit of do, curtains, vallens, 1 bedstead and cord 5/ 0/ 0 1 Virginia tick do., and bolster, 3 pillows, 1 pr. blankets, 1 silk quilt, 1 suit of diaper curtains, 1 do. head cloth 1 pr. window do., 1 bedstead and cord 5/ 0/ 0 1 old feather bed and bolster, 2 pillows, 1 callico quilt, 1 suit of flowered curtains and vallens Virginia cotton, 1 bedstead and cord 4/ 0/ 0 3 pr. fine Holland sheets 2/ 5/ 0 3 pr. old do. 1/ 0/ 0 3 pr. Virginia cotton do. 1/10/ 0 7 towells 0/13/ 0 7 old pillow cases 0/ 7/ 0 2 bro. Ozenb. table cloaths, 1 callico do., 2 diaper napkins 0/ 8/ 0 1 old large Bible 0/10/ 0 1 parcel of old books 0/10/ 0 1 small case of drawers, 1 old quilting frame 0/10/ 0 1 little old table 0/ 2/ 0 3 old chests, 1 old powdering tub 0/10/ 0 l pr. large hand irons, 2 pr. small do. 0/10/ 0 1 pott rack, 2 iron potts, l pr. hooks, 1 spit, 1 pr. tongs 1 fire shovel, 1 old grid iron, 1 iron fender 1/ 5/ 0 1 old candlestick all brass 0/15/ 0 1 old bell mettle skillet, 1 brass pestle and mortar 0/ 7/ 6 1 old sugar box, 1 flower box, 1 funnel, 1 grater, 1 dripping pan all tin, 1 frying pan, 1 dutch smoothing iron, 1 do candlestick 0/ 7/ 6 4 old pewter dishes, 2 basons, 10 plates, 2 chamber potts, 1 close stool pan, 1 old porringer 1/ 0/ 0 2 pr. blankets, 1 pr. Virginia yarn blankets 0/15/ 0 A parcel of lumber, 1 stone mug 0/ 5/ 0
On November 16, 1723 a deed from Thomas Ravenscroft, Gentleman, and Elizabeth, his wife, of James City was recorded in York County to Cole Diggs for a consideration of £200:
All those two lots or half acres of land in the city of Williamsburg, situate lying and being upon the South side of Duke of Gloucester Street, designed in the plot of the said city by the figures 17 [19] and 18 together with all houses.[Should be 18 and 19. See Deed #634. Probably an error of the County Clerk in copying. 16 and 17 owned by someone -3- else. See # 270, 421 and #422. 18 and lot east (19) owned by Withers. See 620]
Dudley Digges, who succeeded Cole Digges as owner of lot 18, allowed Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, surgeon and apothecary, to build a tenement or shop on his lot with liberty to remove them at any time. (Dr. McKenzie had been a tenant of Joanna Archer's on lots 16 and 17 west of 18). This shop was leased to Currie.
Digges, Dudley
to
Currie, James
July 21, 1755.
Consideration: 5 shillings and yearly rent, of 2 pounds.Whereas the said Digges did license and permit one Dr. Kenneth McKenzie, dec'd, to set a tenement or shop on his lots in the city of Williamsburg with liberty to remove the same at any time, which shop the said James Currie hath purchased.
Whereas the said Dudley Digges and James Currie have come to the following agreement that he the said Dudley Digges will grant a lease of the ground whereon the said shop stands with an addition of ten feet more for the whole length thereof for the conveniency of building a shed to hold to the said James Currie or assigns for 14 years.
(Book 6 - Deeds. York County, Virginia)
Dudley Digges sold lot 18 to William Withers in a deed not recorded at Yorktown, but referred to in a later deed, when Withers sold to Holt:
Withers, William - Merchant
to Holt, William - Merchant
November 18, 1760.
Consideration: 350 PoundsLot or half acre of land situate, lying and being on the Main street in the said city on the South side thereof. -4- now in the tenure and occupation of Christianna Campbell denoted in the Plan of the city by the figures 18 and also part of the lot next adjoining the East side thereof to wit:
5½ feet in breadth extending Eastwardly into the said adjoining lot on the said street and from the street a straight line to be run through the said lot to the end thereof on the back street parallel to the East side of the said lot first above mentioned.And all buildings, gardens, ways...
(Book 6 - Deeds. York County, Virginia)
He subsequently sold the lot #19 on the east to Dr. William Carter.
Withers, William - Merchant Williamsburg.
to
March 16, 1761.
Carter, William - Apothecary
Consideration: 375 Pounds.All that piece or parcel of ground situate lying and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street, on the East by a cross street running from Duke of Gloucester Street to Francis Street, on the South by Francis Street and on the West by the ground sold by the said William Withers to William Holt, merchant, and is the remaining part of those two lots or half acres of ground purchased by the said William Withers of Dudley Digges.
(Book 6 - Deeds. York County, Virginia)
And all houses. . .
The Christianna Campbell who was occupying the brick house on lot 18 in 1760 was a famous tavern keeper. Washington's diary refers to many occasions when he lodged, dined and supped at Mrs. Campbell's and in addition his club dined there frequently.
The next tenant of the property of whom we have record was a merchant:
October 22, 1767.
Lately Imported, and to be Sold by the subscriber in Williamsburg, at the large brick house nearly opposite to the Post Office, Irish linen, white and brown sheeting, diaper -5- table clothes, printed cottons, womens bonnets and cloaks, handkerchiefs, check linen,striped holland, osnabrigs, men and womens shoes, Negro cottons, kerseys, and plains, and a very good assortment of coarse hats, &c.
J. Eilbeck.N.B. The above articles may be had at the lowest prices, For ready money.
(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
In the next year a watchmaker occupied the brick house:
April 28, 1768.
Williamsburg, April 27, 1768
The Subscriber has removed to the brick house opposite Mr. Baker's store, where he continues to repair horizontal, plain, and repeating watches and clocks, and will keep watches in repair by the year at a very reasonable rate.
JAMES PATTERSON. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, Eds.)
In 1769 Catherine Rathell, a milliner, had a shop, perhaps in the wooden shop first erected by Kenneth McKenzie; and a chandler and soapboiler occupied the brick house:
-6-April 27, 1769.
FREER ARMSTON, Chandler and Soap Boiler, in Norfolk, For the better convenience of supplying the town of Williamsburg, has opened a shop between Mr. Carter's great brick house and Mrs. Rathell's, where may be had TALLOW CANDLES as good as any on the continent; the present price by the box 11d. paying freight from Norfolk, Best HARD SOAP at 6d. by the box, or 7d. halfpenny small quantities.
I have WEST INDIA AND DRY GOODS at the lowest prices, for ready money.
As I want a large quantity of good WOOD ASHES, for goods or money, all persons that send or give their Ashes to Negroes are desired to signify the same by a note, otherwise they will not be received.
All commands will be carefully executed.
(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)
FREER ARMSTRONG
Holt occupied the property himself the next year, when he sold it to James Anderson, the blacksmith:
October 20,1770.
Holt, William
Mary, his wife
to
Anderson, James
Consideration: 600 Pounds.All that lot or half acre of ground lying and being on the Main Street in the said City on the South side thereof now in the occupation of the said William Holt, and denoted in the plan of the city by the figure 18, and also part of the lot next adjoining the East side thereof to-wit: 2½ feet in breadth extending eastwardly into the said adjoining let on the said street, and from the street a straight line to be run through the said lot to the end thereof on the back street parallel to the East side of the said lot first above mentioned.
And all buildings.
(Book 8 - Deeds. York County, Virginia)
Anderson did not occupy his property immediately as the following records would indicate.
March 7, 1771.
WILLIAM R. DRINKARD begs Leave to inform the Publick that he intends to open TAVERN in the House lately occupied by Mr. William Holt; nearly opposite the Post Office, by the ensuing April Court. Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accomodation. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, editors)
October 6, 1774
PATRICK BEECH,
At the Brick Shop opposite Mr. TURNER's Store,
WILLIAMSBURG,
Begs Leave to inform the Publick, that he makes and sells all Sorts of Gold, Silver, and Jewellery Work, after the newest Fashions, and at the lowest Prices, for ready Money only. Those who are pleased to favour him with their Commands, may depend upon having their Work done in the neatest Manner, on the shortest Notice, and a grateful Acknowledgment.-Commissions from the Country will be -7- carefully observed, and punctually answered.... He gives the highest prices for OLD GOLD, SILVER, or LACE, either in Cash or Exchange.
(Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, Eds.)
The date at which James Anderson occupied his property is uncertain, but the existence of numerous forges and other evidences of his blacksmith's work were excavated some years ago. The following accounts with Humphrey Harwood, the mason, probably apply to the buildings on lot 18:
10
Mr. James Anderson (Blacksmith) 1778 Decemr 4th To 80 bricks 6/8. 3 bushl of lime a 2/3 :13: 5 1778 Decemr. 4 To Setting up a Grate 22/6 & laying a harth 6/ l: 8: 6 To 1 Days labour 8/ : 8: 1779 May 18 To 250 bricks 50/ 8 bushl of lime a 6/ & building up steps to front Door 120/ 10:18: 1783 Jan. 3 To 1 bushel of lime 1/6 : 1: 6 To Repairing Chimney & altering the Arch & Plasterg 7/6 : 7: 6 June 3 To Bricking up your well 12/ & 2 Days labour a 3/ :18: 1785 Decr. 20 To 200 bricks 6/ & 5 bushels of lime 5/ :11: To laying an Harth 3/9 & setting up a Grate 7/6 :11: 3 To labourers work 2/6 : 2: 6 1786 July 13 To mortar 2/ Repairing plastering 2/6 Whtwashing 2 Rooms 9/ :13: 6 Wht washg 3 cealings at 3/ Do 2 passages 9/. & 6 closets at 2/ :10: -8- 1786 July 13 To 12 bushel of white wash 3/ : 3: Novemr 9 To 16 bushels of lime a 1/ & 325 bricks a 3/, & 3 days labr a 2/6 1:14: 1787 April 3 To building 2 forges 18/ :18: To 250 laths at 1/6 & lathing & Plasterg Room to Shop 6/ : 9: 9 To 6 bushes of lime 6/. & Hair 9d. & labrs work 2/6 : 9: 3 page 115. 1787 July 3rd To 12 bushels of lime 2/ & ¾ bushel hair 1/6 :13: 6 To 2 days labour 5/. & repairing Plastering 12. :17: To laying harth and reparing a Grate 3/ : 3: To 66 Bricks 2/.& white washing 4 Rooms & 2 passages at 4/6 1: 9: To 7 bushel of Whitewash 2/ : 2: 1788 Feb. 26 To 6 bushels of lime 6/ labr 2/6 & building a forge 6/. :14: 6 _________ 18:12: 8 Decr 10 To Amt of Sundries as pr under written account 4:16: 4 _________ 23: 8: 7 To 620 Bricks a 3/. & 10 bushels of lime 18/ 3 days labr a forge 15/ 2:19: 1 _________ 26: 7: 8 (Loose leaf account opposite p. B-115) 1784 May 19 To 4 bushs of lime 4/, & hair 4d : 4: 4 To Repairing plastering 6/. & labours work 1/6 : 7: 6 June 5 To 1 bushs whtwash 2/. & Do 2 Rooms & 2 passages a 4/6 1: : To wht wasg do 2 clossets 5/. & cealing to Room 2/6 : 7: 6 -9- 1785 Feb. 18 To 7 bus of lime 7/. & 800 bricks a 3/ 1:11: To 3 days labr a 2/6 & underpining Smoke House 15/ 1: 2: 6 To Repairing Jambs to Cellar Steps 3/6 : 3: 6 _________ 4:16: 4 (Harwood Ms. Ledger - Ledger B.) p. 5 1788 Decr 10 To 6 bushels of lime 6/. & building a forge 6/ :12: To labour 2/6 : 2: 6 23 To sundries 24/7 (30th) To Sundry work 34/6. 2:19: 1 1789 Septr 15 To 9 bushels of lime a 9d 88 Bricks & mendg well 10/ :16: 9 October 22 To 2 bush of lime 1/6 & building a Forge 15 :16: 6 Novr 4 To building a Forge 15/ :15: 1790 Jan. 2 To 2 bushels of lime 1/6 & mending Plastering 1/6 : 3: June 22 To 2 bushels of whitewash : 3: To whitewashing 2 Rooms a 3/9 & 2 Ceilings & 7 clossets 1 1/6 1: 2: 6 To do passages a 3/9 lime & mendg spots 6d. : 6: July 22 To 2 days work of Nate building a wall, putting in a door frame & window frame 8/ : 8: Octor 24 To 1½ bush: of lime 1/1½ & mending plaistering 1/. : 2: 2½ To whitewash & whitewashing 1/ : 1: 1791 To 3 bush: lime a 9d laying a Hearth, mending Plast. 4/ : 6: 3 (Harwood Manuscript Ledger - Ledger C)
James Anderson died about 1803 and his estate was divided. Leroy Anderson received the eastern portion of lot 18, on which the brick house stood. (He had already acquired the large brick house on lot #19). Nancy Camp inherited the western portion which might have been the old building erected by McKenzie. [See separate report on Nancy Camp. Colonial lot #18].
The inventory and account of the sale of James Anderson's estate may be of value in determining something about the house:
11
Inventory and appraisment of the estate of James Anderson, decd in Williamsburg made on the 25th October 1803. Nat, a Negro man blacksmith 600." 1 pair blacksmiths bellows 20." one anvil 20." one anvil 9." one Vice 8." one vice 8." 1 large scale beam and weights 8." 3 bunches wire 1.50 1 lot of guns and pistols 4." 2 sledge hammers 4." 1 lot of hammers 2." 1 box sundry old iron 3." 1 plough 2." 9 cart wheel boxes 1." 1 brass kettle &c 3." four mills incomplete 3." 1 Jack and several iron wheels 2." 1 lot of files 3." 1 lot of window scrawls 3.50 1 lot of iron and chair wings 1." 1 lot of tongs 2." 1 lot of punches &c 2." 1 dozen mahogany chairs 24." 13 black walnut chairs 6.50 1 pair Mahogany tables 12." 1 corner table 3." 1 round table 3." 1 looking glass 3." 20 oz. 12 dwt. silver spoons 9/ oz. 30.90 1 bed, bolster &c 15. " 1 bed, bolster &c 15. " 3 pots 2 ovens and 1 skillet 2.50 1 frying pan and 3 fenders 2. " hook, racks and candle moulds 4. " 2 pokers and 2 pair tongs 2. " 4 flat irons and trivit 1." 8 blankets 12." ________ $860.90 (Anderson, James. Anderson Ro., Account Books etc., 1808-1812. Virginia Historical Society. p. 71.)
Account of Sales of the est. of James Anderson decd. made lst November 1803 on a credit of six months. Robert Anderson 600." Nathaniel Anderson 11." do do 11." George Jackson 5." Nathaniel Anderson 8." George Jackson 5.50 do do 4." Robert Anderson 1.50 James Wright 2.75 Nathaniel Anderson 4." do do 2.25 James Wright 2.25 George Jackson 1." Nathaniel Anderson 1." James Wright 2.25 do do 8.25 John Crump .60 Simkin Bryan 1.66 George Jackson 3.25 do do ".50 Benjamin Powell 1. " Nathaniel Anderson 1. " Nancy Camp 24. " John Crump 7.28 Nancy Camp 12." Robert Anderson 1." Nancy Camp 3." Nancy Camp 3." Do do 30.90 do do 15. " do do 15. " do do 2.50 do do 2." do do 4." do do 2." do do 1." do do 12." ________ $836.44
Leroy Anderson sold his property to Robert E. Griffith of Philadelphia who insured it in 1815. This insurance policy is for a brick building two stories high covered with wood, and 40 x 34 feet. Two stories could mean a story and a half, as the surviving houses which were story and a half are described as two stories in insurance policies. A tracing of the policy is attached.
The next owner of the property was Thomas Sands. It was charged to his estate in the Williamsburg tax books in the year 1843, with the note that "the buildings were totally destroyed by fire in April, 1842."
Mr. Charles in his Recollections of Williamsburg refers to the ruins standing just before the War between the States:
"... There were, when the War began, no more houses on this square fronting on Duke of Gloucester Street, but instead there were immense brick gable-ends of houses that had long since been destroyed by fire. These foundations were often filled with water that afforded the small boys rare sport-boating in the summer and skating in the winter." (Charles, John S.; Recollections of Williamsburg, page 43.)
Helen Bullock, Archivist
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND RECORD
There are two Lektriever reports for this file. The one title "Ravenscroft" is the complete one, containing a copy of the other inside. In this copy, pages 2-5 are duplicated. There are also three oversized blueprints in the Lektriever copy that were too large to be scanned.