Character Biography

THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES:
Biographies of Eighteenth-Century
Residents
EDUCATION OUTREACH
THE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION
This packet of materials was developed by Elizabeth L. Maurer of Colonial Williamsburg’s
Department of School and Group Services with additional material by Cynthia Burns, Ron
Poister, and Elisabeth Butler.
© 2005 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Table of Contents
Biographical Roles
Patriot:
James Anderson ............................................................................................................................. 3
Lydia Broadnax............................................................................................................................ 11
Christiana Campbell..................................................................................................................... 19
Edmund Dickinson....................................................................................................................... 27
John Minson Galt......................................................................................................................... 35
James Geddy, Jr. .......................................................................................................................... 41
John Greenhow ............................................................................................................................ 48
Anthony Hay................................................................................................................................ 55
Judith............................................................................................................................................ 62
Benjamin Powell.......................................................................................................................... 69
Elizabeth Randolph...................................................................................................................... 78
Clementina Rind .......................................................................................................................... 93
Loyalist:
Jane Hunter Charlton ................................................................................................................. 103
Eve ............................................................................................................................................. 111
Matthew Hubard ........................................................................................................................ 120
William Hunter, Jr. .................................................................................................................... 126
John Randolph ........................................................................................................................... 134
Undecided:
Frances Tasker Carter ................................................................................................................ 141
Alexander Craig ......................................................................................................................... 148
Dennis ........................................................................................................................................ 154
Gaby........................................................................................................................................... 161
Gowan Pamphlet........................................................................................................................ 166
Catherine Rathell ....................................................................................................................... 171
John Rollinson ........................................................................................................................... 178
Adam Waterford ........................................................................................................................ 184
Images Chart .......................................................................................................188
Image Descriptions*............................................................................................190
Bibliography ........................................................................................................194
*More information about images marked with an asterisk (*) may be found in the Image
Descriptions (p. 190).
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James Anderson
James Anderson was a successful blacksmith. He served as public armourer
for both the colony of Virginia and Commonwealth of Virginia after
independence was declared. He advertised in the Virginia Gazette for
apprentices to train and later offered their wares, nails, for sale. He was
married to Hannah Tyler of Essex County and they had 8 children. He died
in 1798 and is buried in Bruton Parish Church Yard.
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James Anderson
Character Biography
Name:
James Anderson
Birth Place:
Abingdon Parish, Gloucester, VA
Birth Date:
January 24, 1739/40
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA (Buried in Bruton Parish Church Yard)
Death Date:
September 1798
Parents:
William Anderson
Sarah Pate Anderson
Siblings:
Anne (b. December 26, 1737/8)
Sarah (b. November 23, 1741—d. June 1, 1824)
William (b. November 18, 1743)
Matthew (b. October 6, 1745—d. November 1803)
Mary (b. March 5, 1747/8—d. December 10, 1822)
Rachel (b. July 9, 1756—d. December 6, 1825)
Education:
Anderson could read and write. He was possibly apprenticed to his uncle
Thomas Pate, a Williamsburg blacksmith.
Occupation:
Blacksmith (1762-1798)
Merchant ? (1770-1773)
Office(s) Held:
Public Armourer—Colony of Virginia (1765-1776)
Petit Juror—York County, VA (1770, 1771, 1772)
Public Armourer—Commonwealth of Virginia (1776-1782)
Captain—Company of Artificers (1780-1782)
Residence(s):
Abingdon Parish, Gloucester, VA (1740-1762?)
Williamsburg, VA (1762-1767) unknown
Williamsburg, VA (June 1767-October 1770) Southern half of Lot 19
Williamsburg, VA (October 1770-1780?) Lot 18
Richmond, VA (1780?-1783) Ward 4
Williamsburg, VA (1783-1798) Lot 18
Spouse(s):
Hannah Tyler of Essex County, VA
(b. December 25, 1740—d. January 12, 1803)
(m. February 8, 1766—Prince George County, VA)
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James Anderson
Children:
William (b. January 2, 1767—d. September 1802)
John Tyler (b. September 7, 1768—d. January 12, 1803 [or 5])
Leroy (b. December 6, 1770—d. November 21, 1837)
Ann (Nancy) (b. October 24, 1772—d. after 1840)
James (b. October 8, 1774—d. June 15, 1805)
Julia (b. March 9, 1777)
Henry (b. March 29, 1779—d. after 1840)
Robert (b. October 22, 1781—d. 1859)
Miscellaneous:
According to court records and government records, James Anderson had
a number of apprentices and slaves both in Williamsburg and in
Richmond.
Sources:
Family Record Book of James Anderson
Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County, VA
James City County (VA) Sheriff Book
Robert Carter Account Book
Robert Anderson Papers
Virginia Gazette & General Advertiser
York County (VA) Records
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James Anderson
Letter from Governor Patrick Henry to Richard Henry Lee
Saturday the 21st of March 1777.
Mr. James Anderson this day agreed to do Blacksmith’s work for the Commonwealth of
Virginia at his shop in Williamsburg on the following terms for six months, and for a longer time
unless he shall give the Board one month’s notice of his intention to decline the Business, or they
shall give him the same notice of their intention to discontinue him via Mr. Anderson is to be
allowed fifteen shillings per day for his own wages including Sundays, for the rent of his shop,
six setts of Tools and eight Vices for the Gunsmiths Business at the rate of ninety pounds per
annum, he is to be allowed 6 per day for boarding each work man, for his two forges and five
apprentices three pounds per month each, and if he is deprived of either of them by any accident
he is to supply their place with another Hand as good; He is to employ such other workmen as
the public Business requires on the best terms he can, and charge the country with whatever
wages he pays.
Official Letters, Governors of Virginia, Letters of Patrick Henry, Vol. I, p. 127.
Virginia Gazette
October 3, 1777
Williamsburg; Sept. 25, 1777.
GREAT wages will be given by the subscriber to journeymen GUNSMITHS, BLACKSMITHS,
and NAILORS, that are good workmen. None others need apply. Six or eight boys are wanting,
as APPRENTICES.
(tf)
JAMES ANDERSON
Virginia Gazette
March 29, 1776
STRAYED or STOLEN from me when at Williamsburg, about the first of February last, a
mouse-coloured mare with a blaze face, about 13 hands and a half high, about 6 years old, but is
not branded that I remember. Whoever brings her to mr. James Anderson, blacksmith, or to me
in Louisa, shall have 10s. reward.
ELLYSON ARMISTEAD
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James Anderson
James Anderson Ledger
1771
Jan 22
March 22
August 28
1772
May 25
June 3
7
July 30
May 18
July 5
Decmb 7
1774
Jany 18
Augt 22
1775
May 17
Mr Henry Morse
Dr to James Anderson
To Cleaning 3 guns @ 3/
To Cleaning 3 Do @ 3/
To plating Chair Shafts
To mendg a spring
To a New tumbler pr lock
To Mending Bridle Bitt
To Mending a Chair
To Altering a Spring
To Do 2 bolts
To feeding 2 horses
20 days @ 4/
To laing axletree pr Chair
To 3 Tiar Nails @ 1 1/2d
To pr Clamps pr Wheels
To 2 gallons oats
...
To a key pr lock 2/6 mendg
lock 1/3
0..9..0
0..9..0
?..?..3
0..2..6
0..2..6
0..0..7 1/2
0..2..6
0..3..9
0..1..3
4..0..0
0.15..0
0..0..4 1/2
0..2..6
0..1..3
0..3..9
To a Nutt for Chair
To 8 Dog Nails 8d Cleang
a Gun 2/6
0..0..7 1/2
0..3..2
To a Key for a lock
0..2..6
Webb-Prentis Papers (Alderman Library, University of Virginia).
Work done for the Capitol by James Anderson
1773
May 24
To Cleaning a Stove
July 26
To 4 Bars prs Statue
Octr 3
To 3 Bars prl Doors @ 2/6
To 4 Do @ 5/. 20 mendg a
hinge 2/6
4
To Eight hooks @ 7 1/2
15
To 2 Keys prs locks @ 3/9
To a Box prs do
1..0..0
2..4..5
0..7..6
1..2..6
0..5..0
0..7..6
1773 Country Dr
Apr 25
To half a Year Salary as Armourer to
the Magazine £10
Anderson Accounts, Brock Collection (Huntington Library).
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James Anderson
James Anderson House
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James Anderson
James Anderson Blacksmith Shop
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Lydia Broadnax
Magazine
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Lydia Broadnax
Lydia Broadnax was a slave who later became a free woman. She belonged to
George Wythe, who was a prominent member of the gentry class, a lawyer, a
Burgess, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. After George
Wythe's wife died, he returned several slaves to her family from whom they
originally came. Wythe freed the slaves that he himself owned, including
Lydia Broadnax. Lydia continued in George Wythe's employment, probably
as a cook and housekeeper.
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Lydia Broadnax
Character Biography
Name:
Lydia Broadnax
Birth Place:
“Chesterville” in Elizabeth City County, VA
Birth Date:
ca. 1736 (she was about 33 years old in 1769, about 39 years old in 1775,
about 40 years old in 1776, and over 45 years old when she was freed in
1787)
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Sometime after September 25, 1820 (when her will was written)
Will probated in Richmond on February 26, 1827
Parents:
Father—possibly a white overseer at “Chesterville”
Mother—Letty, an enslaved woman
Siblings:
Letty Robertson
John
Occupation:
Cook
Boarding House Keeper
Residence(s):
“Chesterville” in Elizabeth City County, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
None known
Children:
None known
Sources:
Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser
Richmond (VA) Hustings Court Records
City of Richmond (VA) Personal Property Tax Lists
United States Census
York County (VA) Project
Henrico County (VA) Records
Williamsburg (VA) Personal Property Tax Lists
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Lydia Broadnax
Letter to Thomas Jefferson
Richmond 9 April 1807
Sir,
I beg leave to trouble you with these lines, hoping you will lay such favorable
construction as the nature of my distressed situation shall appear & present require.
You must know Sir, that since the death of my dear old Master (Judge Wythe) I have
already labored under many tedious difficulties, and what is more unfortunate my eyesight has
almost failed me. I believe it is owing to the dreadful complaint the whole family was afflicted
with at the decease of my poor Master—supposed to be the effect of poison.—It is true I have a
tolerable, comfortable house to live in, but being almost intirely deprived of my eyesight,
together with old age and infirmness of health I find it extremely difficult in procuring merely
the daily necessaries of life—and without some assistance I am fearful I shall sink under the
burden. This being my situation I am compelled to resort to this crisis—from the old and
intimate acquaintance, and knowing your benevolence do now appeal to you for some charitable
aid, which I have no doubt your generous hands will not refuse when considering my
embarrassed circumstances—and be well assured that nothing but this, and this alone seises me
with fortitude to make my supplications known to you. If this should meet your approbation -&
such charity as you shall think proper to bestow to me you will please to inclose in a letter
directed to me by the Mail to [crossed out] at this City—and the favor will ever be remembered
by
Your obt. & humble
Servant
Lydia Broadnax
Jefferson sent Broadnax fifty dollars, but not directly. He instructed his Virginia agent—a
cousin, George Jefferson—to forward the money for him. “I have received a letter,” he wrote,
“from Lydia Broadnax, the freed woman of my deceased friend Mr. Wythe, stating that she is in
considerable embarrassment for the daily necessities of life, & asking some charity. I cannot
from here make any remittance, but will thank you to inform her that you are authorized to pay
her 50 D. out of the money you are to receive from me.”
Excerpt from: Jack McLaughlin, ed., To His Excellency Thomas Jefferson, Letters to a President. (W.W. Norton &
Co., 1991), 128-129.
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Lydia Broadnax
The Last Will and Testament of Lydia Broadnax
City of Richmond Will Book
Examined
In the name of God Amen. I Lydia Broadnax of the city of Richmond, being old and infirm, but
in my perfect senses at present, and in tolarably good health, do make this my last will and testament.
I decree and direct that a space of ground twenty feet in length and twelve feet in breadth, in the
back part of the lot on which I now live in the City of Richmond, be laid off and forever appropriated to
the use and purpose of a burial ground and that my body be interred in that place.
And I hereby give, devise and bequeath all my property, subject to the said reservation of a burial
ground, which property consists of a house and half acre of ground in the City of Richmond, and my
household furniture, and whatever ready money and other goods I may die entitled to, or possessed of, to
Philip Wythe ( Judah ) and Benjamin Wythe ( Judah ), free boys of colour, grandsons of my sister Letty
Robertson deceased, to them and their heirs and assigns forever.
I appoint Mr. Isaac Judah of the said city, executor of this my Will, confiding in his kindness &
disposition to do justice and in testimony of all and singular the foregoing devises, dispositions and
bequests, I have subscribed my name hereto, and published and declared this to be my last will and
testament, this twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand and eight hundred &
twenty –
Lydia
her
— Broadnax
mark
Signed & acknowledged as the
last will and testament of the
said Lydia Broadnax by her
in our presence
Wm. Mumford
George W. Mumford
J H Jude
William Blackburn Jr.
At a Court of Hustings held for the City of Richmond, at the
Court house, on the 26th day of February 1827.
This last will and testament of Lydia Broadnax was proved by the oath of George W. Mumford, a witness
thereto. And at a court of Hustings held for the said city on the 22nd day of September 1827, the said will
was proved by the oath of William Blackburn Jr, another witness thereto, who also proved that Joh H.
Jude, the third subscribing witness to the said Will is dead.
Whereupon the said Will was ordered to be recorded.
Teste
Th. B. Howard. clk.
1787 September 15; recorded 1787 September 17. York County Deed Book 6 (1777-1791).
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Lydia Broadnax
p. 351. Orig: York County Clerk’s Office, Yorktown, VA. Microfilm available in CWF
Library, M-1.17. Transcribed by Cathy Hellier 5/5/87.
I acknowledge the negro woman Lydia freed from slavery by me to have been at the time of her
manumission more than forty five Years old, and in testimony thereof put my name and seal
hereunto this fifteenth day of September, one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven.
Signed and sealed
in presence of
Joseph Prentis
R. Waller
G. Wythe L.S.
At a court held for York County the seventeenth day of September 1787
This certificate was proved by the Oaths of Joseph Prentis Esquire and Robert Hall Waller and
ordered to be recorded.
Exd.
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Teste R. Waller cyc
15
Lydia Broadnax
George Wythe House
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Lydia Broadnax
George Wythe Kitchen
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Lydia Broadnax
Lydia’s Room
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Christiana Campbell
Christiana Campbell was a successful tavern keeper in Williamsburg. She
was a widow with two children when she opened her first tavern. She moved
her business around town several times to take advantage of better locations.
Many wealthy and important members of Williamsburg society were guests at
her establishment. She owned several slaves, some of whom she sent to the
Bray School in Williamsburg. After the Revolution, Mrs. Campbell retired
from the tavern keeping business and lived quietly in Williamsburg.
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Christiana Campbell
Character Biography
Name:
Christiana Campbell
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
1723
Death Place:
Fredericksburg, VA (Buried in Old Masonic Burying Ground,
Fredericksburg)
Death Date:
March 25, 1792
Parents:
John Burdett (Keeper of Burdett’s Ordinary, Williamsburg, VA)
Mary
Siblings:
Mary
Occupation:
Tavern Keeper
Residence(s):
Blandford (Near Petersburg, VA) (?-1752)
Williamsburg, VA (1752/3-Late 1780s)
Fredericksburg, VA (possibly 1787-1792)
Spouse(s):
Dr. Ebenezer Campbell, Apothecary (d. sometime before August 14,
1752)
Children:
Mary (Molly) (b. ca. 1750—d. ?)
Ebenezer (Ebe) (b. 1752—d. 1804)
Miscellaneous:
Christiana Campbell operated a tavern on the site of the reconstructed
James Anderson House (ca. 1760). She also operated a coffee house on
the eastern side of Lot 58 (Charlton Coffee House site) in the spring of
1771. By the fall of 1771 she moved to the tavern east of the Capitol that
currently bears her name.
Sources:
Colonial Williamsburg Research Report #7102
Colonial Williamsburg Research Report #1098
Virginia Gazette
William & Mary Quarterly
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Christiana Campbell
George Washington Ledger A (1750-1772)
Feby. 1757
3
By {Money} gave Mrs. Campbell
£ 1..15.0
Apl. 1761
13
Mrs. Campbells
£ 2..5..0
March 1762
Williamsburg Mrs. Campbell
£ 8.17.6
May 1763
By Mrs. Campbell acct. 40/
Novr. 1763
3
By Mrs. Campbells acct.
£ 4..4..0
Jany 1764
21
By Mr[s]. Campbells for lodging
£ 2..0..0
Decr. 1764
14
By Mrs. Campbell pd. her in Cash
£22.7..6
Decr. 1766
12
By Mrs. Campbell for board & Lodge.
£17.7..6
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Christiana Campbell
Correspondence of Robert Carter Nicholas to Rev. John Waring
16 February 1769
Negroes now at School [February 1769]
Mrs. Prisca. Dawson's Grace
Mr. R.C. Nicholas's Sarah
Mr. President Blair's Catherine, Nancy
Johanna & Clara Bee
Mr. Hay's Jerry, Joseph, Dick
3
Mrs. Chiswell's Jack
Mrs. Campbell's Mary, Sally, Sukey
Mrs. Speaker's Sam
Mrs. Vobe's Jack
John & Mary Ashby . . free
Mrs. Ayscough's Sally
The College. Adam, Fanny
The Commissary's Charlotte
Mrs. Blaikley's Jenny, Jack
Hon. Robert Carter's Dennis
Mr. Hornsby's Nancy, Judy, Ratchel
Mr. Cocke's Mourning
Mr. Davenport's Matt, Henry
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1
4
1
3
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
3
1
2
22
Christiana Campbell
Journal of Alexander Macaulay (1754 - 1798)
pp. 186-188
February 1783
Thus was our time spent until we opened the spires of Williamsburg, & could
plainly discern the Geese walking on the top of the Capitol! Theres the Colledge, remarkable for
the excellence of its Proffessors in all the different branches of Literature; Law, Physic, &
Philosophy; Poetry, Painting, & Musick; all the liberal Arts are here cultivated in the greatest
perfection; Theres the Capitol, in which the fate of Empires has been decided like that of ancient
Rome. There the eloquence of Demosthenes or Cicero, Mansfield, or Camden has been far
outshone. Theres the Church fam'd for its noble Organ of one hundred tones, touch'd
by the modern Orpheus-the inimitable Pelham. Theres the Prison, where there are none confined excepting those
unfortunate people who have been guilty of Horse Stealing. On that spot where you see these
ruins, formerly stood the Palace which far exceeded the Temple of Diana at Ephesus; or that of
the Sun at Palmyra. Theres is the Raleigh Tavern, where more Business has been transacted than
on the Exchange of London or Amsterdam; in that Building formerly assembled the rich,
wealthy merchants of all Countries from Indies to the pole, from the Tweed to the Orcades; here
the Exchange of the world, the relative value of money in every Kingdom on Earth was settled;
who has not heard of the fame of the Merchts of this ancient Dominion, your Hansons,
Brisbanes, & etc.
There sits the Master of this extensive Building comparing past and present times;
alas how changed! The seat of Empire removed, commerce at an end By the fury of a civil War.
He is grown grey in the service of his Country & watching the motions of a Hostile, inveterate
enemy. By this time we found ourselves at Mrs. Campbells, we alighted & walked in; the House
had a cold, poverty struck apperance; a large cold room on the left hand, no white Person yet
appeared; several negroes; "Pray does not Mrs. Campbell live here!" "Yes." "Will you be so
good as inform her We shall be happy to see her;" presently she came in. But as I did not
approve of waiting for her in the passage, I had by this time led Bettsey into the cold parlour.
Our Landladys looks were not more inviting than her House. Figure to yourself a little old
Woman, about four feet high; & equally thick, a little turn up Pug nose, a mouth scrwe'd up to
one side; in short, nothing in any part of her appearance in the least inviting; I wish'd we were
out of the House, fairly out of the House; But we were in for it, and I was obliged to accost her,
"A-Hem, Madam! Hem--Madam! I ought to make an apology for this liberty, being on way
thow Williamsurg Madam, & knowing you formerly kept a very genteel House, We could not
resist the inclination we had to call and take a Familly Dinner with you, Madam; We hope we
will be no inconvenience. We are not nice, Madam; anything you have provided for yourself,
Madam, will do; a few Oysters will not be amiss; my Wife, here she stands, is fond of Oysters
Cook'd any way; & in the meantime Madam, will you be so good as order one of your Aids to
make a little fire in this room;" By this time we had all the negro's in the House, about a dozen,
around us. I thought I had made a Capital Speechification, & stopt to draw my breath & give her
time to answer; with a very ill mannered tone, she replied, "I don't keep a house of entertainment,
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Christiana Campbell
nor have not for some years;" Bettsey & I gap'd at one another; at least I recovered Spirits
enough to say, "We have been misinform'd, Madam, I Beg pardon for this intrusion, impute it to
ignorance only; But as we are fairly landed here" (for By this time Solomon had taken out his
Horses) "suppose for this one time you relent, Madam; it will be charity, Madam, and charity
covers a mulitude of Sins, Madam; Angels sometime travell in disguise to mark the Deeds of
Mortals;" she look'd up at me with the same amiable simplicity, as much as to say, your face is
not smooth enough, even for an angel in disguise; and again answered, "I have no
entertainment." She was now joined By her elder Daughter Molly, a Maiden Lady of about 45.
You know old Andrew Greenhow of your County; I thought it had been him in petticoats; it was
indeed high time to take some measures for a retreat from these amiable personages; I therefore
immediately directd Solomon to put his Horses to the Carriage, in an audible voice, as we had
come to a Damn'd bad Shop. I handed Bettsey into the Carriage, and could scarce help blessing
them for a couple of Hell Cats; Miss Molly followed us to the Door, and told us Mrs. Craig was
the only Lady in Town who kept a publick House; I thank'd her for her information, & to reward
her shall direct my Brother Peter to give her a call the first time he comes to Williamsburg.
Perhaps he may be of some service to her. We drove to Mrs. Craigs whose appearance
prepossessed us in her favour as much as Mrs. Campbells had against her; We met here with a
Col. Monroe, one of the Honorable Council, who appear'd to be a modest, well-behav'd Man,
But Rather young for a Counsellor; the good Landlady was extremely kind, gave us a good
Dinner, was at pains to send all over the Town untill she procured some Oysters for Bettsey,
entertained us with a degree of good nature which is peculiar to Fat people; you probably know
her, she is exactly shap'd like a Rum Hdd; she play'd a good knife & forke, & had no objection to
a glass of genuine Port, which I assure you did not come amiss to some of the rest of the
Company. At four o'clock we bid adieu to our good Landlady, after assuring her that should we
come to Williamsburg again, we would most certainly have the pleasure of waiting on her. We
arrived safe at his place [Yorktown] with daylight, found everything ready for our reception,
Sup'd heartily upon Oysters & went to Bed.
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Christiana Campbell
Memorial (tombstone)
Masonic Cemetery
Fredericksburg, Virginia
In memory of Mrs. Christiana Campbell, late of Williamsburgh, Relict of Doctor Ebenezer
Campbell, formerly of Petersburgh, who departed this life 25th March, 1792, in the 70th year of
her age. She was humane, generous, and kind, an affectionate and indulgent parent, warm in her
attachments, Sincere in her professions, An enemy to oppression, A friend to the distressed, The
means whose relief she generously exercised and promoted. She lived respectably beyond the
usual period of mortality, Till life's taper gradually declined, and died universally beloved as
universally lamented.
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Christiana Campbell
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
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Edmund Dickinson
Edmund Dickinson was a cabinetmaker in Williamsburg. By 1771, he was
plying his trade in the shop on Nicholson Street that had belonged to Anthony
Hay. He advertised in the Virginia Gazette and sold furniture to well known
Virginians like Patrick Henry. Some of the furniture he made was owned by
Lord Dunmore, the last royal governor and can still be seen at the Governor’s
Palace. He died at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.
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Edmund Dickinson
Character Biography
Name:
Edmund Dickinson
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
Unknown
Death Place:
Monmouth, NJ
Death Date:
June 28, 1778
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Agnes
Lucy (Mrs. Robert Gibbons)
Mrs. Judith Farrer
Mrs. Elizabeth Warren
Education:
Apprentice Cabinetmaker
Occupation:
Cabinetmaker
Office(s) Held:
Captain, 10th Company, of the First VA Regiment of Foot
Residence(s):
Unknown
Spouse(s):
Unmarried
Children:
None
Sources:
York County (VA) Records
Furniture of Williamsburg and Eastern Virginia, 1710-1790
Colonial Williamsburg Journal, Spring 2001
Colonial Williamsburg Research Report: “Cabinetmaking in the
Eighteenth Century”
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Edmund Dickinson
Virginia Gazette
January 3, 1771
Edmund Dickinson, Cabinetmaker, Williamsburg
Informs the publick that he has lately opened the Shop formerly occupied by Mr. Anthony Hay,
where may be had all Sorts of Cabinetwork. Those gentlemen who please to favour him with
their Orders may depend on their Work being well and punctually executed. He has for Sale two
Hundred and fifty Acres of Woodland, within seven Miles of Petersburg, which he will sell for
Cash, or short Credit.
Virginia Gazette
May 10, 1776
STRAYED from York town about three weeks ago, a likely gray horse about 15 hands high, his
marks forgot, paces, trots, and gallops well. Whoever brings him to me, at the said place, shall
receive 10s.
Edmund B. Dickinson
Edmund B. Dickinson Will
Williamsburg 28 March 1778
It is my Will & Desire that all my Estate real & personal at My Death after all my Debts . . . shall
be Divided Between my Two Sisters Agnes & Lucy Dickinson except thirty pounds to be pade to
Elizabeth Warren and twenty pounds to Judith Farrer also if my Sister Warren will incline I do
desire that my Nephew Thos Warren may be put to a good school Master or Masters and that
Sixty pounds out of Real Estate may be reserved for his Education
Edmund B. Dickinson
Maj. Dickinson
Will
The Dickinson Family Papers, 1778-1845. MS 2001.9
George Washington specifically mentioned Dickinson’s death in his personal correspondence.
In a letter to Governor Patrick Henry on July 4, 1778, General Washington stated that the loss of
Major Dickinson “ought much to be regretted by his friends and Countrymen as he possessed
every qualification to render him eminent in the Military line.”
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Edmund Dickinson
The Dickinson Family Papers, 1778-1845. MS 2001.9
Letter to sister Lucy
Dear Girl
I embrace this opportunity to communicate a few sentiments to you as well as inform of
the Joy circulating through our Camp at the Glorious news from France which I make no doubt
has reached your City by this time ‘tis no less than an offer of Alliance from France & Spain on
the most Honourable terms possible. I make not the least doubt but it will cause a Peace before
the leaves (which now are just buding out here) falls from their tinder Sprigs.
Understand by Billy Nicolson my shirts are comeing on which I thank you most kindly
for have desired him to supply you with cash when you may want it as well as your Sister Agnes
your provider will direct the proper use of it give my compliments to Mrs. Craig & Husband &c
&c &c
When you write to your York correspondent you will present my compliments to her &
Family while I subscribe myself
Your [lov]ing Brother
Edmund B. Dickinson
Camp Valley Forge
May 9th 1778
York County Records, No. 8, Deeds, 1769-1777.
The indenture of apprenticeship of James Tyrie to Edmund Dickinson, Williamsburg
cabinetmaker, is typical of apprenticeships to cabinetmakers.
Dickinson undertook to instruct
. . . his said lawful Apprentice in the same art of a Cabinet Maker which he useth by the best
means that he can shall teach and instruct or cause to be taught and instructed finding unto
the said Apprentice sufficient Meat Drink Washing Lodging &c during the said term of five
years.
Tyrie, at the same time, undertook the obligation that
. . . his said Master shall faithfully serve his secrets keep his lawful commands every where
gladly do, he shall do no damage to his said Master nor see to be done of others, but that he
to his power shall let or forth with give warning to his said Master of the same he shall not
waste the goods of his said Master nor lend them unlawfully to any he shall not commit
fornication nor contract Matrimony within the said term He shall not play at Cards Dice
Tables or any other unlawful games whereby his said Master may have any loss, with his
own Goods or others during the said term, without a licence of his said Master He shall
neither buy nor sell He shall not Haunt Taverns nor Play Houses nor absent himself from his
said Masters Service Day nor Night—unlawfully But in all things as a faithful Apprentice he
shall behave himself towards his said Master and all his, during the said term
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Edmund Dickinson
The Appraisment of the Personal Estate of Major Edmund Dickinson decd. taken this 28th. July 1778.
81 Planes of different sorts £14..2..6 1 large framed Saw £5
1 small framed Saw 30/ 1 Whip Saw 60/ 1 Tenant 1 Panel 1 hand Saw 74/
3 dove tailed 1 Bow and 1 Sash Saw 30/ 47 Carving Chissels & Gouges 94/
1 Stock and 20 Bitts 60/ 6 Morticeing chisels 20/
2 Iron hold fasts 30/ 1 large Cramp 40/ 1 small Do. 20/
1 bench Vice 30/ 2 Oyl Stones Bedstead Keys 28/
1 Hatchet 2/6 2 Squares Bevels & Gages 6/ 1 Tool Chest 30/
1 pr. Pinchers pr. Nippers Saw Sett and Punches
part of Case of Drawing Instruments 10/ 2 Irons 5/
1 black leather Trunk 30/ Grey Cloth Coat and Waistcoat 40/
brown Cloth Coat and Waistcoat £6 1 pr. buff Silk Stocking breeches £5
3 white waistcoats and breeches £9 2 Stript tyke Waistcoats £3
3 pr. Breeches and pr. Drawwers £3..18/ 2 Cloth Waist coats £3
pr. black Cloth Leggings 12/ 1 Shirt and 3 Stocks 50/
2 pr. brown thread and 1 pr. worsted Stockings
1 Case drawing Instruments 40/ 1 Tea Kettle 40/ 9 Pewter Plates 30/
1 Camp bedstead £5 1 Window blind £3 3 Yard Yellow Canvas 36/
A Marker and Tent £30 “The Preceptor 2 Vols. £1.10/
Fennings Dictionary 15/ Boyers French Dictionary and Grammer 44/
Spectator 8 Vols. and Tapers 4 Vols.
Age of Lewis 15th 2 Vols 18/ Wises Companion 6/
Universal Gazetteer 12/ British Merchant 18/
Conniosseur 4 Vols. 24/ Quintessince of Poetry 18/
Essay on health 6/ Longinus on the Sublime 4/
Types for marking Linnen 15/ Chippendales Designs £6
Gold Appulet 12/ Silver Stock buckles 15/
Masons Apron 30/ New Rifle Gun £6
Emsons Machanicks
19..2..6
8..4..6..4..4..-..4..10..2..18..1..18..6
0..12..0..15..3..10..11..-..12..-..6..18..3..2..3..-..5..10..9..16..31..10..2..19..3..7..6
1..4..1..10..2..2..0..10..6..15..1..7..7..10..2..12..£164..6..6
Agreeable to an Order of York County Court We the Subscribers have appraised the Personal Estate of
Major Edmund Dickinson decd as above to £164..6..6 current Money of Virginia.
July 28th. 1778.
Hum’y Harwood
Wm. Goodson
Benja. Bucktrout
Returned into York County Court the 17th. day of August 1778 and Ordered to be recorded.
Exd. Teste
Thos. Everard Cl: Cur
York County Wills & Inventories 22, 1771-1783, p. 401.
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Edmund Dickinson
Portrait of Edmund Dickinson*
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Edmund Dickinson
Chair made in the Edmund Dickinson Shop*
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Edmund Dickinson
Anthony Hay Shop*
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John Minson Galt
John Minson Galt was an apothecary and surgeon. He studied medicine in
London and received his M.D. degree from Edinburgh University. He entered
into a partnership with Dr. William Pasteur in Williamsburg in 1775 and
eventually bought the shop and continued his practice. He served in the
Revolution as a military surgeon and was at the siege of Yorktown. Dr. Galt
was a vestryman of Bruton Parish and attendant physician for the Public
Hospital. He served on the Hospital’s Court of Directors until his death in
1808.
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John Minson Galt
Character Biography
Name:
John Minson Galt
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
1744
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA
Death Date:
1808
Parents:
Samuel Galt
Lucy Clealand
Siblings:
James Galt
Education:
College of William and Mary
Medical Education in Edinburgh and Paris (1765-67)
Occupation:
Apothecary
Office(s) Held:
Vestryman of Bruton Parish
Board of Directors for College of William and Mary
Court of Directors for the Public Hospital (Insane Asylum)
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (1754-1765)
Edinburgh, Scotland and Paris, France (1765-1767)
Williamsburg, VA (1768-1808)
Spouse(s):
Judith Craig (m. April 6, 1769)
Children:
Sarah Trebell Galt (baptized at Bruton Parish Church 1782)
Lucy Ann Galt (baptized at Bruton Parish Church June 26, 1785)
Miscellaneous:
The children of Galt’s slave Betty were baptized at Bruton Parish Church:
George Preston (July 6, 1783)
Polly Preston (May 1, 1785)
Sources:
Virginia Gazette
William and Mary Quarterly
York County (VA) Project
Bruton Parish Records
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John Minson Galt
Virginia Gazette
April 23, 1772
DR. KEYSER’s famous PILLS are to be had, with full Directions for their Use in all Cases, at
JOHN M. GALT’s Shop, near the Capitol, in Williamsburg.
WHO takes the Liberty to give the Publick some Particulars relating to them, that such
Persons as are suffering under any Degree of a CERTAIN DISEASE may be encouraged to use
the Means for their Recovery, which have hitherto been successful beyond all the other
Inventions of human Subtlety.
The Preparation has been discovered only eleven Years. The Patient is most effectually
cured without any inconvenience to himself, or being exposed to the Shame and Confusion of his
Disaster being known to the nicest Observer. When he is condemned to a torturing Salivation,
he finds himself blessed in a Reprieve by substituting this Medicine; and it has ever been found a
certain Cure after the noisome and excruciating Torments of filthy Salivations have failed.
His Majesty ordered the most rigid and nicest Examinations, by twenty seven of the
principal Physicians and Surgeons, to be made, not only immediately upon the Persons having
been treated with the Medicine, but even for the Space of two Years afterwards, to see if the
Cures of all the numerous Patients were durable; when, to the eternal Honour of Doctor Keyser,
there was not found a single Instance of Failure. This occasioned the King to establish an
Hospital, where these Pills alone are administered, and from whence seven Thousand Soldiers
have been dismissed since the 20th of April, 1763, perfectly restored to Health. His Majesty, in
Reward for such important Services to Mankind, has settled an Annuity of seven Hundred and
fifty Pounds upon the ingenious Inventor.
The happy Effects of Keyser’s Pills have been often proved in white Swellings, Asthmas,
Suppressions of Urine, in the Palsy, Apoplexies, Sciaticks, in the Green Sickness, and more
especially in the Yaws.
The Cures are attested by the Duke of Bedford, and Lord Ligonier, in England; and the
Dukes of Nivermois, Choiseul, and Praslin, in France.
We certify, to all whom it may concern, that since the Establishment of our Hospital, in the Year
of our Lord 1757, for the Use of the Soldiers of the French Guards, it appears, by the Registers
of the said Hospital, that Mr. Keyser’s Medicine has already cured five Hundred and fifty eight
Soldiers, who (by the Accounts of our Physicians and Surgeon Majors) were afflicted with the
most severe and inveterate Disorders, many of which were unconquerable by repeated
Salivations and other Methods, without our having lost a single Man; whereas, before Mr.
Keyes’s new discovered Remedy, we generally lost near Half the Number of those who were
treated for this Disorder by the best Methods then in Use; That we caused the strictest and
repeated Examinations to be made of the Cures performed; and having no other Motive but that
of Humanity in the Preservation of Mens Lives, we thought it, therefore, our Duty to give
particular Attention to this Object, in Consequence of which we have supported it with our
warmest Protection, &c.
We certify, moreover, that, in Consideration of the continual Success of this Remedy, examined
and acknowledged, it has pleased his Majesty to purchase the Secret, and to grant a Pension of
ten Thousand Livres a Year to Mr. Keyser, which is notorious to all Paris, as also an exclusive
Privilege of making and vending his Medicine during his Life; that Mr. Keyser’s Remedy is
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John Minson Galt
adopted and made Use of by Order of the Government, in all the military Hospitals of the
Kingdom, from whence we daily receive Letters filled with the greatest Encomiums on its
Superiour Virtues.
We have, therefore, signed the present Certificate with our own Hands, sealed with the Seal of
our Arms, and counter-signed by our first Secretary, the 20th of April 1763.
BEDFORD. LIGONIER
Marshal Duke of BIRON.
Duke of CHOISEUL.
(SIGNED)
Duke of PRASLIN.
Duke of NIVERMOIS.
And underneath by their respective Secretaries, with the Seals of their Arms annexed.
They are sold in Boxes, with printed Directions for taking them, at two Dollars and a Half and
five Dollars each.
This Medicine is sold for Mr. James Rivington of New York, the only Person appointed by
Doctor Keyser to vend them in America.
Virginia Gazette
May 8, 1779
To be SOLD to the highest bidder, for ready money, on Tuesday the 18th instant (May) at the late
dwellinghouse of Mr. Alexander Purdie, deceased.
ALL his personal estate, consisting of a great variety of exceeding good household and kitchen
furniture, 130 ounces of plate, two horses and saddles, a neat Italian riding chair and harness,
and nine slaves, amongst them a carpenter, gardener, and cook. Also his printing materials and a
few books. Likewise his dwellinghouse and lots, and printing office, together with the unexpired
lease of the adjoining house, used as a composing and press room. Possession of the
dwellinghouse will be given the first of October, and the office immediately.
RO. ANDERSON,
J.M. GALT
Executors
All persons who are indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment; and
those who have any demands against the same are desired to make them known.
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John Minson Galt
Apothecary Jar*
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John Minson Galt
Galt Apothecary Shop
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James Geddy, Jr.
James Geddy, Jr. was orphaned at about the age of 13, when his father died,
and was probably apprenticed to a silversmith shortly afterward. In 1760, he
purchased the family property from his mother and established his business at
the site across Palace Green from Bruton Parish Church. His success in
business paralleled his status in the community. He became a member of the
Common Council and supported the Nonimportation Agreement. In late 1777
or early 1778 Geddy left Williamsburg and moved his business to Petersburg.
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James Geddy, Jr.
Character Biography
Name:
James Geddy, Jr.
Birth Place:
Probably Virginia, possibly Scotland
Birth Date:
1731
Death Place:
Petersburg, VA
Death Date:
May 12, 1807
Parents:
James Geddy
Anne Geddy
Siblings:
David
William
John
Elizabeth
Mary
Anne
Sarah
Occupation:
Silversmith
Office(s) Held:
Petit Juror—York County, VA
Grand Jury—York County, VA
Common Council—Williamsburg, VA
Member, Committee of Safety—Williamsburg, VA
Common Council—Petersburg, VA
Alderman—Petersburg, VA
Vestryman—Bristol Parish
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (1733?-1752)
Unknown (1753-1759)
Williamsburg, VA (1760-1777/8)
Dinwiddie County, VA (1778-1783)
Petersburg, VA (1783/4-1807)
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James Geddy, Jr.
Spouse(s):
1. Elizabeth (Waddell) (b. 1734—d. December 7, 1799) (m. 1750s)
2. Elizabeth (probable) (m. 1782)
3. Jane Bradley (m. July 10, 1804)
Children:
Anne (Nancy) (b. 1750s)
William Waddell (b. between 1760 and 1766)
Mary (b. April 16, 1766)
James (b. 1760s—definitely by October 1803)
Elizabeth
Miscellaneous:
Geddy owned slaves named Grace, Christopher, Man, Nanny, Sukey,
George, and Alice (called Else). He also had additional unnamed slaves
listed in Dinwiddie and Petersburg.
Sources:
1787 Census of Virginia
Bruton Parish Records
Petersburg (VA) Marriage Register
York County (VA) Records
Bristol Parish Register
Petersburg (VA) Hustings Court
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James Geddy, Jr.
Virginia Gazette
November 9, 1775
The following gentlemen are appointed a committee to represent this city: James Southall,
Robert C. Nicholas, John Tazewell, James Geddy, Robert Nicholson, William Pasteur,
Alexander Craig, Humphrey Harwood, George Wythe, Benjamin Powell, Thomas Everard,
Gabriel Maupin, James M. Galt, Edward Charlton, Joseph Prentis, Joseph Hornsby, James
Hubard, William Goodson, Robert Anderson, John Blair, John Ferguson.
Virginia Gazette
March 5, 1767
JAMES GEDDY, GOLDSMITH, Near the Church in Williamsburg, has now on hand for
SALE, very cheap, for ready money, the following articles, VIZ.,
SILVER Tea Spoons and Tongs, Mens, Womens, and Childrens Shoe Buckles, Stock and Knee
do. Spurs, Plain and Stone Rings, Stone Seals, Plain and Stone Brooches, Plain and Stone Gold
Buttons, Plain and Stone Silver Buttons and Studs, Plain and Stone Earrings in Gold, and many
other articles.
N.B. He still continues to clean and repair WATCHES, and repairs his own work that fails in a
reasonable time, without any expense to the purchaser.
Virginia Gazette
July 18, 1771
THE STORE, adjoining the Subscriber’s Shop, lately occupied by William Russell, is to be LET,
and may be entered on immediately.
JAMES GEDDY
York County Order Book 1774-1784, p. 63
November 21, 1774
Ordered that James Geddys nine Tithables be added to Bruton List.
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James Geddy, Jr.
Virginia Gazette
March 26, 1772
WILLIAMSBURG, March 26
[Marriages.] Mr. JOHN BROWN, of the Secretary’s Office, to Miss NANCY GEDDY,
Daughter of Mr. James Geddy, of this City.
James Geddy to Col. Preston
Dr Co: Preston
1771
July 26
To former Balle
Ap. 27
To pr Bobbs
1772
To pr Large Stong Buckles (for Mr Smith)
To a Stone ring
To odd Ear ring
To Locks to pr Do (Mrs Buchanan pays this)
To 2 pr Silver Studs
To repg Watch
To pr Bobbs (for Mr F. Smith)
To Large Strong Spoon (for my mother)
Engr of
Mr. Smith
To pr knee Buckles
0..11..6
2..0..0
1..5..0
0..10..0
0..11..3
0..10..0
0..4..0
0..15..0
£6..6..9
2..0..0
1..5..9
9..11..9
0..7..6
9..19..3
May 5, 1772 recd the above in full
James Geddy
Virginia Gazette
October 31, 1777
WILLIAMSBURG, October 28, 1777
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Mr. Geddy’s in this City, about the 10th Instant, a large GRAY
HORSE near 15 Hands high, has no Brand, his Tail tolerable long having never been docked,
Shod all round when missing, paces slow, trots and gallops, has the Marks of Chair Harness
upon his Shoulders. A Reward of SIX DOLLARS will be given to whoever delivers the said
Horse to Mr. Geddy, or to Mr. Charles Waddill in New Kent.
WILLIAM WADDILL.
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James Geddy, Jr.
Lord Botetourt’s Coffin Plate*
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James Geddy, Jr.
James Geddy House and Shop
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John Greenhow
John Greenhow was born November 12, 1724, in England and died August 29,
1787. He owned a store in Richmond as well as a large store on Duke of
Gloucester Street where he sold a wide variety of goods. He regularly
advertised in the Virginia Gazette, especially in the issues printed just before
the Court was in session. He was married three times and had children.
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John Greenhow
Character Biography
Name:
John Greenhow
Birth Place:
Staunton near Kendal in Westmoreland, Great Britain
Birth Date:
November 12, 1724
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA (Buried in Bruton Parish Church Yard)
Death Date:
August 29, 1787
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Merchant
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (1750s-1787)
Spouse(s):
Judith Davenport (m. by 1761, d. January 7, 1765)
Elizabeth Tyler (b. 1744—d. July 23, 1781—smallpox)
Rebecca Harmon (m. March 28, 1786)
Children:
Greenhow had two children [Robert (b. 1761) and Ann (b. 1762)] by his
first wife; eight children [John (b. 1769—d. 1795), Judith, Samuel (b.
1771—d. 1815), Elizabeth (b. 1773—d. 1804), James, George, Charles,
and Patsy] by his second wife; and one child, Patsy (b. 1786—d. 1808) by
his sixteen-year-old third wife, Rebecca Harmon.
Miscellaneous:
Greenhow had a slave Betty, who had two children: Richard (baptized
May 1, 1763), and Milliuda (baptized December 1, 1764).
Sources:
York County (VA) Project
Bruton Parish Records
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John Greenhow
An extract from the Association of 1770
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1773 - 1776, edited by John Pendleton Kennedy
The Association Entered Into Last Friday, the 22d Instant,
by the Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,
and the Body of Merchants, Assembled in this City
We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects of Virginia, declaring our inviolable and
unshaken Fidelity and attachment to our gracious sovereign, our affection for all our fellow
subjects of Great Britain, and our firm determination to support, at the hazard of our lives and
fortunes, the laws, the peace, and good order of government in this colony; but at the same time
affected with great and just apprehensions of the fatal consequences certainly to follow from the
arbitrary imposition of taxes on the people of America, for the purpose of raising a revenue from
them, without the consent of the representatives; and as we consider it to be the indispensable
duty of every virtuous member of society to prevent the ruin, and promote the happiness, of his
country, by every lawful means, prevent the ruin, and promote the happiness, of his country, by
every lawful means, although in the prosecution of such a laudable and necessary design some
unhappy consequences may be derived to many innocent fellow subjects, whom we wish not to
injure, and who we hope will impute our conduct to the real necessity our affairs: Influenced by
these reasons, we do most earnestly recommend is our association to the serious attention of all
Gentlemen, merchants, traders, and other inhabitants of this colony, not doubting but that they
will readily and cordially accede thereto. And at this same time we, and every of us, do most
solemnly oblige ourselves, upon our word and honour, to promote the welfare and commercial
interests of all those truly worthy merchants, traders, and others, inhabitants of this colony, who
shall hereafter conform to the spirit of this association; but that we will upon all occasions, and at
all times hereafter, avoid purchasing any commodity or article of goods whatsoever from any
importer or seller of British merchandise or European goods whom we may know or believe, in
violation of the essential interests of this colony, to have preferred their own private emolument,
by importing or selling articles prohibited by this association, to the destruction of the dearest
rights of the people of this colony. . . .
...
Walter Boyd
John Page, jun.
John Tazewell
John Greenhow
Thomas Hornsby
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John Greenhow
Virginia Gazette
April 11, 1771
SOLD at John Greenhow's Store, near the Church in Williamsburg, very cheap, for ready Money, Linens
of most sorts, Breadths, and Fineness, Durants, Tammies, Sagathies, Stuffs, Everlasting, Calicoes, printed
Linens, Bed Ticks, fashionable Mens and Children Hats, Hyson, Congo, Green and Bohea Teas, India
Damasks, white Calice, India Dimity and Humhums all imported before the Association took Place;
Coffee and Chocolate, Pots and Mill for Do., Iron and Copper Tea Kettles, Iron Pots of all sorts and
Sizes, Iron Dutch Ovens, Salamanders, Dogs and Backs, Skillets, Mortars and Pestles, Sheet Iron, Tin
Sheets, wove Brass Wire for Riddle Bottoms, Dutch Fans and Safes, large, noble and rich China Bowls,
and various other sorts of China Ware, Glass, Pewter, Tin, Stone, and Delf Wares of most Sorts, a large
Assortment of Surveyor;s Instruments, either in complete Sets or separates, Chapes and Tongues for
Silver Buckles of most Sizes, most Kinds of tools and Materials for Carpenters, Silversmiths,
Watchmakers, Blacksmiths, Shoemakers, Bricklayers, and Saddlers, Crucibles, Silversmiths casting sand,
prepared Emery, and other polishing Powders, Screw Plates and Files of Most Sorts, Mill Saws, Whip
Saws and most other Kinds of Saws, Whalebone, and every other Article for the Stay making Business,
Stockings, Gloves, Fans, Bugles, Paste Combs and Combs of all Sorts, Hunting Horns tipped and plain,
German Flutes and Fifes, Spinnet Wire and Hammers, Teethe Instruments and Teeth Drawers of all Sorts,
Crystals and main Springs for Watches, Yellow canvas and Worsted Shades, Whitechapel Needles,
Blunts, Sharps, and Squares, a large Assortment of fresh and genuine Drugs and Medicines at an unusual
low Price, Spices, of all sorts, Currants, Plums, Almonds, Candy Sweetmeats, best Sallad Oil, Vinegar,
Wines, Rice, Barley, split Peas, Sago, Salop, Clover Seed, Lucren, Rope, Saintfoin, Timothy, French
Furze, Flax Seed, Linseed and Train Oil, Paints, Brushes and Pencils of almost all Sorts, Shells of Water
Coloures, a great Variety of Locks of all Sorts common and curious, Nails, Hinges and most Sorts of
Materials for building, Window Glass, Horse Collars, Chain Traces, Wall Chains, Warming Pans,
Coopers Tools, Cart and Chair Wheel Boxes of all Sizes, Iron Wire, Spades and Shovels, Seine Twine
and Cork, Copperas, Madder, Redwood, Logwood, Alum, Half Gallon square Case Bottles, Iron Weights
from one to fifty six Pounds, Weights for Money from one Grain to three Ounces, Hour Glasses, Pewter
Measures, House Bells, Barbers weaving Silk and Thread, Toys, Candlesticks, Family Bibles, Prayer
Books, Dispensatories, Tissot, (?) and Fothergill on Health, and various other Books and Stationary,
Candle Moulds, Fiddles, and Roman Fiddle Strings, Sheep and Tailors Shears, Silver Thimbles of all
Sized, Red Screws, Wool, Cotton and playing Cards, single and double Bed Blankets, Pumice and rotten
stone, Nipple Glasses, Coal and Dust Shovels and Trivets, Shaving Boxes and Soap, Billiard Balls, Dice
and Boxes; Cock Gaffs, Key Rings, Tooth-pick cases, Court Plaister, Shoe Irons, Silk Purses, Rules and
Squares, Box and Flat Irons, Fiddlesticks, Beaver and Vermin Traps, Bar Steel of all Sorts, Moor's best
Grass and Bramble Scythes, Fish Hooks and Lines, Doctors Vials, Green, Blue and purple Spectacles, for
preserving weak Eyes, visual Spectacles, of a new Construction, by Martin the celebrated Optician,
Concave Spectacles and Hand Glasses for near-sighted People, convex Spectacles and Glasses of all
Sorts, Pocket Steelyards, Shoe Black and Breeches Ball, Smelling Bottles and Salts, Turners Tools of All
Sorts and some Hundreds of other useful items.
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John Greenhow
Virginia Gazette
March 28, 1786
Lately married, Mr. JOHN GREENHOW, of Williamsburg, Virginia, Merchant, in his 64th year,
to Miss Harman, of James City, aged about 16 years.
Bruton Parish Church records
Greenhow, John
29 Aug 1787
decd this date
late of this city, merchant
Born in Staunton, near Kendal, Westmoreland, England, 12 Nov 1724. Died after short illness.
Next to him buried Elizabeth, dau of John Tyler, his second wife. She born in James City 30 Jan
1744/5, died of small pox 23 Jul 1781.
Virginia Gazette
September 24, 1787
Williamsburg
Agreeable to the last will and testament of Mr. John Greenhow, late of this city, The store and
four Lots, beautifully situated on Chalk Hill in Richmond, and on the Monday following, will be
sold, all the real and personal estate of the deceased, (except the store Goods) in and about the
city of Williamsburg, consisting of a large and commodious Dwelling House on the main street,
6 or 8 houses and Lots on the back street, about 300 acres of Land adjoining the Town and lying
on each side of the road to the College Landing, and about 100 acres of well timbered land 3
miles from town, a number of valuable slaves, 12 or 14 milch cows, 2 old cart Horses, and a
parcel of elegant household furniture, among which is a beautiful keyed chamber Organ and a
Spinnet--three months credit will be allowed the purchaser for all sums above £10, on giving
bond with approved security.
Robert Greenhow, sole executor
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John Greenhow
Tombstone Inscription
Bruton Parish Church Yard
Here lies,
in hopes of a joyful
Resurrection, all that was
mortal of JOHN GREENHOW,
late of this City, Merchant.
He was born in STAUNTON
near KENDAL in Westmoreland,
Great Britain, November the 12th
1724, & died the 29th August 1787,
after a very short illness.
On his left side, lies ELIZABETH,
the Daughter of JOHN TYLER
his second Wife,
who was born in JAMES CITY
the 30th. Jany. 1744, and died
of the Small Pox on July the 23rd. 1781,
which she endured with the greatest
Christian Fortitude & Resignation.
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John Greenhow
Greenhow Store
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Anthony Hay
Anthony Hay was a successful cabinetmaker who left that trade to take up
tavern keeping. He owned a shop on Nicholson Street for many years before
retiring from cabinetmaking to run the Raleigh Tavern. He sold his
cabinetmaking business and continued to rent out his shop to his former
journeyman, Benjamin Bucktrout. The Raleigh Tavern was well known as
one of the finest taverns in America. The former members of the House of
Burgesses used it (after the governor dissolved them) when they reconvened as
an extra-legal legislative body. Anthony Hay died before the Revolution, but
because he (and his successor), allowed the tavern to be used as a meeting
place by Revolutionary leaders he assured its lasting reputation as a patriotic
establishment.
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Anthony Hay
Character Biography
Name:
Anthony Hay
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
by 1712
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
by December 17, 1770
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Cabinetmaker
Tavern Keeper
Residence(s):
Unknown
Spouse(s):
1. Elizabeth Penman (b. by 1737—d. by July 29, 1758)
(m. by December 6, 1752)
2. Elizabeth Davenport (b. 1743—d. by 1788)
(m. by July 29, 1758)
Children:
With Elizabeth Penman: Barbara (b. December 6 1752)
Thomas (b. June 26, 1754)
With Elizabeth Davenport: Joseph (b. July 29, 1758)
George (b. December 16, 1765)
Anthony (b. November 26, 1767)
Miscellaneous:
Hay had a number of slaves baptized at Bruton Parish Church, and a
number of them attended the Bray School.
Sources:
Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography
York County (VA) Records
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Anthony Hay
York County Wills & Inventories 21, 1760 - 1771, 149 - 152
The Estate of Mrs. Anna Maria Thornton to John Ferguson
June 2, 1762
Dr.
To Paid Mr. Anthony Hay for a Coffin 4..6..0
Virginia Gazette
January 8, 1767
Williamsburg, Jan. 6, 1767
The Gentlemen who have bespoke work of the subscriber may depend upon having it made in the best
manner by Mr. Benjamin Bucktrout, to whom he has given up his business. - - - - I return the Gentlemen
who have favoured me with their custom many thanks, and am
Their most humble servant,
ANTHONY HAY
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1773 - 1776, ed. by John Pendleton Kennedy.
Williamsburg
Wednesday, the 17th May, 1769
About 12 o'Clock his Excellency the Governor was pleased, by his Messenger, to command the
Attendance of the House of Burgesses in the Council Chamber, whereupon, in Obedience to his
Lordship's Command, the House, with their Speaker, immediately waited upon his Excellency, when he
thought fit to dissolve the General Assembly.
The late Representatives of the People then judging it necessary that some Measure should be taken in
their distressed Situation, for preserving the true and essential Interests of the colony, resolved upon a
meeting for that very salutary Purpose, and therefore immediately, with the greatest Order and Decorum,
repaired to the House of Mr. Anthony Hay in this City, where being assembled, it was first proposed, for
the more decent and regular Discussion of such Matters as might be taken into consideration, that a
Moderator should be appointed, and, on the Question being put, Peyton Randolph, Esq; late Speaker of
the House of Burgesses, was unanimously elected.
The true State of the Colony being then opened and fully explained, and it being proposed that a regular
Association should be formed, a Committee was appointed to prepare the necessary and most proper
Regulations for that Purpose, and they were ordered to make their Report to the General Meeting the next
Day at 10 o'Clock.
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Anthony Hay
York County Wills and Inventories 21
p. 529 - 30
In the Name of God Amen I Anthony Hay of the City of Williamsburgh, being Weak in Body, but of
sound and perfect Mind and Memory (blessed by God) to this twentieth day of January one Thousand
Seven hundred and Seventy, make and Publish this My last Will and Testament in Manner and form
following viz! -- First I Desire that my Body may be buried in a Plain black Pine coffin that my funeral be
attended with no Expense, and that none of my Family put on Mourning, unless my Dearly beloved Wife
should insist upon it as to herself -Secondly Whereas my Eldest Son Thomas Hay is more amply provided for by the Will of his Grandfather
Thomas Penman late of this City, than I can Provide for any of the rest of my Children, I do give unto my
said Son Thomas, the sum of Ten Pounds, as a Pledge of my Paternal Affection for him Assuring him [
] that tho' he receives no further part of my estate, he shares my Affections equally with the rest
of all my Children -Thirdly I do give unto my Executors (hereafter to be named) all my Estate both real and Personal of every
kind for the sole purpose of paying my [ ] debts and trust they will Discharge those in the most Effectual
Manner for the benefit of [my] Estate, and the Interest of my Children -Fourthly I do give unto my Affectionate and beloved Wife Elizabeth Hay, the whole of my Estate of
every kind (after the payment of my Debts) for her life to use and Dispose of as she shall think most
Prudent for the sole purposes of [
] support and the maintaining and Educating the Children I have
by [her] and after her Death I direct that my whole Estate be divided between the Children I have by her
Share and Share Alike, I have given the whole of my Estate to my Wife, for her Life in trust and
Confidence, that she will never Marry again but employ her time and her Estate so left her wholly in
bringing up her Child[ren] and Maintaining and Educating them in the best Ma[nn]er [about three words
missing] the Circumstances of my Estate. If she should Mar[ry] [about four words missing] Estate to be
Divided [be]tween [about four words missing] by Equally [About eight words missing or illegible] and
worthy friends John Greenhow, Matthew Davenport, William Trebell and Robert Nicholson Executors of
this my last Will and Testament hoping that they jointly with my Wife will and or [ ]ke the Execution of
it and aid and Assist her with their best advice and most friendly endeavours. In Testimony whereof I
have subscribed my hand and Affixed my seal the day and year above Mentioned. -Signed sealed and
published in presence of
Fred Bryan
Tho. Skinner
James Hubard
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Anthony Hay
58
Anthony Hay
At a Court held for York County the 17th day of December 1770 This will was proved according to Law
by the Oaths of Frederick Bryan and James Hubard witnesses thereto and [
] to be recorded and at a
Court held for the said county the 21st day of January 1771. William Trebell and Robert Nicholson two
of the Executors in the said Will Named took the Oath of Executors and together with Peyton Randolph
Esq. and Benjamin Powell their Securities entered into an Acknowledged Bond to the Law [
] and
Certificate was granted the said Executors [
] Obtaining [ ] in due form Liberty being reserved for
the other [Executors] to Join in the Probat when they shall think fit
Teste
Thos. Everard Co. Cur.
Virginia Gazette
December 13, 1770
Williamsburg, Dec. 13
On the 4th instant died, of that painful and lingering disorder a cancer, Mr. Anthony Hay, master of the
Raleigh tavern in this City. He underwent several severe operations, in this lip and face, for the disorder,
at home; and at length went (unhappily too late) to Prince Edward, where he was some time under the
care of Mrs. Woodson, famous for the cures she has made. His death is a heavy loss to his large family,
to whom he was a tender husband and kind parent; and he is regretted by his acquaintances, as being a
good citizen and honest man.
Virginia Gazette
January 17, 1771
To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 6th of March, pursuant to the last Will and Testament of Mr. Anthony
Hay, deceased,
That noted and well accustomed Tavern in Williamsburg called the Raleigh, which has every
Convenience to it, and an exceeding fine Stable and Pasture adjoining. At the same time will be sold the
Stock of LIQUORS, a great Quantity of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, some CHAIRS
and HARNESS, CARTS and HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP &c. Also a very good DWELLINGHOUSE
on the back Street, Where Mr. Hay formerly lived, with a large Cabinet Maker's Shop and Timber Yard,
and all necessary Out-houses for a Family. And on Tuesday the 7th of May will be sold, before the
Raleigh Door, nineteen NEGROES belonging to the said Estate; among them a very good Cabinet Maker,
a good Coachman and Carter, some fine Waiting Boys, good Cooks, Washers, &c. Six Months Credit
will be allowed for all Sums above five Pounds, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security; and for the
Raleigh, the Time of Payment will be agreed on at the Day of Sale.
WILLIAM TREBELL
Executors
ROBERT NICOLSON
N.B. All Persons who have Demands against Mr. Hay's Estate are requested to make them speedily
known, that Provision may be made for discharging them; and those indebted thereto are desired to make
immediate Payment. It is hoped none of the Creditors will put the Estate to any unnecessary Charge, by
Suits, when we assure them the best Means will be used to pay the Debts with all Speed, and when it is
considered that Mr. Hay left a large Family, whose tender Years entitle them to some indulgence.
The Executors have thought proper to alter the Day of Sale to the above Date, as it will enable the
Purchaser to get the House in Order against the April General Court.
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Judith
Anthony Hay Shop
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Judith
Raleigh Tavern
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Judith
Judith was a household slave owned by William Prentis.
Her primary
responsibilities were most likely cooking. When William Prentis died, his
daughter Elizabeth inherited Judith and Judith's three children. Elizabeth
Prentis was only 13 years old when she inherited the slaves. She probably
continued to live in the house she grew up in, as her older brother John
Prentis became her guardian. Judith and her children remained there as
well. Elizabeth died five years later at the age of eighteen, leaving Judith and
her children to her brother, John. Judith and her children were separated at
the time of John’s death in 1775.
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Judith
Character Biography
Name:
Judith
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
ca. 1740
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
After December 16, 1775
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
House Servant to Prentis Family
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
James (Jemmy) (baptized July 1763—Bruton Parish Church)
Effy
Molly
Pompey (baptized February 9, 1766—Bruton Parish Church)
Nancy Lewis (baptized November 6, 1768—Bruton Parish Church)
Tom
Miscellaneous:
Judith was owned by William Prentis until his death in 1765, then by his
daughter Elizabeth until her death in 1770, then by Elizabeth’s brother
John until his death in 1775. It is unknown who owned her after that.
Sources:
Bruton Parish Church Register
York County (VA) Records
Virginia Gazette
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Judith
William Prentis Will
December 1761
recorded August 19, 1765
IN THE NAME OF [GOD] AMEN
I William Prentis, of the City of Willia[ms]burg Virginia Merchant . . .I devise to my beloved Wife Mary
Prentis, that part of the Lott whereon I now Live which was conveyed to me by my Father in Law Mr.
Brookes to her and the heirs of her body . . . for ever.
ITEM, I give and Devise to my said Wife all my Lands and Slaves except those hereafter
particularly mention[ed as well as] . . . Stocks . . . Hogs . . .
ITEM. I give to my Said Wife the use of my Chariott and Harness during her Natural Life and
after her decease I give the same to my Daughter Sarah Waters.
ITEM. It is my Will and Desire that all my Slaves and Personal Estate of what Nature or kind
soever except my Stock in Trade should be inventoried and Appraised, and as I have already given to my
Daughter Sarah Waters a Negroe Woman Nanny, Daughter of Venus whom I value at forty Pounds I also
give and bequeath to my Sons John, William, Daniel, and Joseph each the Sum of forty Pounds current
Money exclusive of what I shall here . . .
ITEM. I give to my Daughter Elizabeth . . . Negro Woman Judith with her Da[ughter and all her
natural] Increase.
ITEM. [I bequeath to] . . . rtis who Lives with me the Sum [of . . . Pounds] . . . only when he
shall attain the [age of 21. If he should] Die before he Attain [21 years. Then] hundred Pounds sh. . . of
my Estate . . . and Robert . . . Current [money]. And whereas for a number of Years I have been engaged
in a Copartnership of Trade with the Honorable John Blair Esqr. and Wilson Cary Esqr. and by a late
Settlement dated the twenty fifth day of November last and signed by the said John Blair and myself,
there appears to be balance of Stock amounting to seventeen thousand three hundred and ninety one
pounds three shillings of which I estimate my Proportion to be seven thousand one hundred and fourteen
Pounds; It is my Will and Desire that my part of the said Stock shall be divided in the following manner,
that is to say, I give to my beloved Wife One thousand Pounds part of said Stock, to my Son John one
thousand four hundred and forty four Pounds other Part thereof, to Mr. William Waters the Sum of Six
hundred and seventy Pounds other part thereof, to my Son William one thousand Pounds other part
thereof, to my Son Daniel One thousand Pounds other part thereof, to my Son Joseph one thousand
Pounds other part thereof, and to my daughter Elizabeth One thousand Pounds the residue thereof, but it
is farther my Will and desire that such parts of the said Stock as I have given to my Children who are
under Age may during their Minorities be continued in Trade under the Management of my Son John who
I desire May account regularly with my other Executors for the Profits of the said Childrens parts of the
said Stock and all other matters relating thereto . . .
ITEM. I do appoint Mr. Robert Carter Nicholas Guardian of my son Joseph. ITEM. I do
constitute and appoint my Son John Prentis and my Friends Mr. Benjamin Waller, and Robert Carter
Nicholas Executors of this my Will and Guardians of my other Children . . . And Lastly I do revoke all
other Wills by me heretofore made. . .
IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this thirty first Day of
December 1761.
Wil Prentis
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Judith
Bruton Parish Church Records
3 July 1763
Judith slave of Wm Prentis had son James bapt'ed this date
9 Feb. 1766
Judith slave of estate of Wm Prentis decd her son Pompy bapt'd this date.
6 Nov. 1768
Judith slave of Elizabeth Prentis her dau Nancy Lewis bapt'ed this date.
Virginia Gazette
October 11, 1770.
On Friday the 5th instant, departed this life at the house of David Meade, Esq; in Nansemond,
Miss ELIZABETH PRENTIS, in the 18th year of her age. She was the daughter of the late Mr.
William Prentis, merchant, of this city. Providence, whose blessings are sparingly, but wisely
distributed, lent her to the world as a pattern for imitation. At a time of life when few pay more
attention to religion than by conforming to its fashion, she well knew and practised its principles.
Her chearfulness, her humanity and benevolence, were the effusions of a heart panting to acquire
happiness in herself, by imparting happiness to others. The pleasant care of her amiable parents
had formed her for every pleasing social intercourse of life; and whilst she hald in its utmost
purity the mind and pleasing conduct of a virgin, she possessed a superiority of soul which
would have adorned or dignified either sex, or any station. Thus formed to please on earth; thus
fitted for a better place; Death (too formidable alas to many) to her seemed only as a necessary
conductor to her proper residence: The bosom of her Father, and her God.
EPITAPH.
If love for worth ove ev'ry kind,
Which all can wish; which few can find,
E'er claim'd the tribute of a tear:
(Here lies a maid whom virtue warm'd,
With ev'ry pleasing grace adorn'd)
Stop traveller, and drop it here.
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Judith
Cowrie Shells*
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Judith
Prentis House
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Benjamin Powell
Prentis Store
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Benjamin Powell
Benjamin Powell was a carpenter and builder whose skills moved him into the
public eye. He contracted to repair the Public Gaol, build a steeple for Bruton
Parish Church, repair the Capitol, enlarge the Governor’s Palace and build
the Public Hospital. He also served in a variety of public service positions:
petit juror, grand juror, Common Council, Doorkeeper of the Capitol, the
Williamsburg Committee of Safety, Marshal of the Admiralty Court and
Justice of the Peace for York County. He died in York County in late 1790 or
early 1791.
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Benjamin Powell
Character Biography
Name:
Benjamin Powell
Birth Place:
Probably Warwick County, VA
Birth Date:
By 1732
Death Place:
York County, VA
Death Date:
Between November 19, 1790 and January 17, 1791
Parents:
Probably: Seymore Powell
Ann Jackson Powell
Siblings:
Seymore Powell
Thomas Powell
Edward Powell
Occupation:
Wheelwright
Carpenter/Joiner
Building Contracter
Planter
Office(s) Held:
Petit Juror—York County, VA
Grand Jury—York County, VA
Doorkeeper, Capitol—Williamsburg, VA
Member, Committee of Safety—Williamsburg, VA
Marshall, Admiralty Court
Justice of the Peace—York County, VA
Member, Committee of Inspection and Observation
Residence(s):
Warwick County, VA
Williamsburg, VA
York County, VA
Spouse(s):
1. Annabelle Powell (m. ca. 1750)
2. Frances Tabb Rowsay (3 children by first husband, William Rowsay)
Children:
Hannah (b. 1753—d. after 1793)
Ann (Nancy) (b. ca. 1754—d. by October 1803)
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Benjamin Powell
Miscellaneous:
Powell owned a number of slaves both in Williamsburg and on his
property in York County. He hired slaves from Carter’s Grove for his
construction projects.
Sources:
York County Records
Virginia Gazette
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Benjamin Powell
Virginia Gazette
December 5, 1771
[Marriages.] Mr. JOHN BURWELL, to Miss NANCY POWELL, youngest Daughter of Mr.
BENJAMIN POWELL, of this City.
Virginia Gazette
November 15, 1776
[Marriages] WILLIAM DREW, esq: clerk of Berkeley, to miss HANNAH POWELL, of this city.
Gravestone moved from York County Plantation to churchyard (possibly in 1920s?). Inscription, now
illegible, reads:
[Here lies in] hopes of a joyful
R[e]su[r]rection [t]he Body of M[rs. Annabelle
th]e Wife [o]f B[en]jamin Pow[ell, Esqr.,
of Yorke County. She departed this
Life the 4th. Of January 1782 in the 50th
Year of her Age.
The Christian Virtues she possessed
Were many, her failings few as any.]
Ref: Deed Book 6, 118
Grantor: Benjamin Powell, gent, York County
Grantee: Zachariah Rowland, Henrico County
Date: 17 June 1782
Recorded: 17 June 1782
Acres: 1 (2 lots)
Price: £340
Bounds: south west corner of Waller street, down the street leasing to Queen Mary’s Port 10 poles, then
south 89 degrees and a half east 15 poles, then south half a degree west 10 poles to Waller street thence
up the said street 15 poles
lots 19, 43; purchased by Benjamin Powell from Benjamin Waller Esq. on 1 May 1763
Witnesses: Will Rowsay, Charles Graves, Matthew Anderson, Wm Galt
Virginia Gazette
December 3, 1767
WILLIAMSBURG, December 3.
Monday last being St. Andrew’s day, appointed by the Corporation of this city for the election of a
Mayor, JAMES COCKE, Esq; was chosen into that office for the ensuing year. And there being five
vacancies in the Common Council, the following Gentlemen were elected to fill them, viz. Dr. GEORGE
GILMER, Mr. JOHN TAZEWELL, Mr. ALEXANDER CRAIG, Mr. BENJAMIN POWELL, and Mr.
JAMES GEDDY.
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Benjamin Powell
Article of Agreement between Benjamin Powell and the Public Hospital
Articles of Agreement indented made and concluded this eighteenth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one Between Benjamin Powell of the
City of Williamsburg carpenter of the one part and the Court of Directors of the Hospital for the
Reception of Idiots Lunatics and persons of insane and disordered Minds of the other part
Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Powell for and in consideration of the sum of money herein
after mentioned doth command and agrees with the said Court of Directors that he will erect a
large brick Building for an Hospital for the Reception of Idiots Lunatics and persons of insane
and disordered Minds on the Lot lately purchased by the said Court of Directors of Thomas
Waller agreeable to the plan and explanation thereof heretofore annexed the whole…of hard well
burnt brick laid with good mortar the north front of the middle building to have a neat pediment
the south east and west ends to be hipped to have a neat mandelian(?) cornic rounds the whole
roof to be covered with planks and good cypress shingles the frames and seantling(?) to be of
good oak or poplar and of…sizes for such a building the floors to be laid with good pine plank
well seasoned one and a half inch thick and…from sap the outward doors and those to the middle
rooms be pannelled and the others strong batten doors and the said Benjamin Powell doth agree
to furnish all those materials for the said building except the grates and other such things as are
usually imported from England and that he will finish and compleat the whole in a neat strong
and workmanlike manner agreeable to the plan and explanation thereof aforesaid within two
years from the date hereof. In consideration whereof the said Court of Directors do agree to pay
the said Benjamin Powell one thousand and seventy pounds in the following manner that is to
say two hundred and fifty pounds part thereof in hand and the residue of such times and in such
proportions as the Court of Directors shall think fit to direct having regard to the progress of the
work. In witness whereof the parties of the those present have hereunto set their hands and
affixed their seals this day and year before written
Will Russell
Henry Tazewell
William Nelson
George Nicholas
Benjamin Powell
(From Court of Director’s Minutes, Eastern State Hospital, 1770-1801, pp. 15-16 [Microfilm, Colonial
Williamsburg Research Library])
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Benjamin Powell
Virginia Gazette
September 16, 1773
WILLIAMSBURG, September 14, 1773.
THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL, established by an act of the General Assembly for the reception of
idiots, lunaticks, and other persons of unsound minds, being now completed, notice is hereby
given that the court of directors will meet at the said hospital on Tuesday the 12th of October
next, to receive all such persons as may be sent thereto, according to the directions of the said
act, and that the court, for the same purpose, and the better ordering the general business of the
hospital, will meet on the same day in every succeeding week, till farther notice.
It is hoped that the magistrates in the several counties will in every instance distinguish
between such persons as have no estates and those who are able to defray the whole or part of the
expence of their support and maintenance as the law requires, and that none but such as are
proper objects of the act of Assembly will be sent to the said hospital. By order of the court of
directors.
JACOB BRUCE, Clerk
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Benjamin Powell
Benjamin Powell House
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Benjamin Powell
Benjamin Powell House Property
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Benjamin Powell
Bruton Parish Church
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Elizabeth Randolph
Betty Randolph was married to Peyton Randolph, Attorney General at the
time of their marriage, and later the Speaker of the House of Burgesses. They
were one of the best-connected and wealthiest families in Virginia. Betty was
responsible for the management of the household and the household slaves.
She entertained important members of the government. Peyton and Betty did
not have any children, but they were actively involved in the upbringing of
Betty’s orphaned brothers and sisters and had several nieces and nephews
with whom they had very close, loving, affectionate relationships. Betty was
named the executor of her husband's will and also inherited most of his
property.
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Elizabeth Randolph
Character Biography
Name:
Elizabeth Randolph
Birth Place:
Possibly Berkeley Plantation, Charles City County, VA
Birth Date:
ca. 1723
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA
Death Date:
January 31, 1783
Parents:
Benjamin Harrison of Berkeley Plantation (d. July 12, 1745)
Ann Carter
Siblings:
Henry (d. by 1743)
Anne (b. ca. 1724—d.. after February 1784)
Benjamin (b. 1726—d. 1791)
Carter Henry (b. ca. 1732—d. 1794)
Henry (d. 1772)
Robert Nathaniel (b. 1742—d. 1782 or 1786)
Charles
Lucy (d. after 1793)
Hannah (d. 1745)
another daughter (d. 1745)
Education:
Literate
Occupation:
Urban Housewife
Residence(s):
Berkeley Plantation, Charles City County, VA
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
Peyton Randolph (m. March 8, 1745/6)
Children:
none
Miscellaneous:
Elizabeth’s mother died about 1744. The accidental death by lightning of
Elizabeth’s father Benjamin Harrison and two sisters in July 1745 left
Elizabeth and her siblings instant orphans with few immediate relatives.
For this reason we believe it is likely that the surviving children went to
live, at least temporarily, with their sister Anne. Anne had married
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Elizabeth Randolph
William Randolph III [later “of Wilton”] about 1744 and they were living
at his “Fighting Creek” plantation in Goochland County in 1745. Anne’s
husband was Peyton Randolph’s first cousin. It is also likely that after
Elizabeth’s marriage, at least some of her siblings came with her to
Williamsburg. Her brother Benjamin was a student at the College at the
time of her marriage and was probably a frequent visitor at the Randolph
House. All of Elizabeth’s other brothers attended the College in the 1750s
and 1760s. It seems likely that the Harrison sisters might have been aware
of the advantages of raising the boys in the Attorney General’s household.
At any rate, Carter Henry Harrison seems to have had a particular
fondness for Peyton Randolph, naming two of his sons Peyton and
Randolph. As the years passed and the Randolphs’ brothers and sisters
began having children, nieces and nephews (and other children) were
frequent visitors. Peyton was especially close to his nephew, Edmund, son
of John Randolph. At Elizabeth’s death, her niece Elizabeth (probably the
orphaned daughter of Henry Harrison) was living with her.
At her marriage, Elizabeth was a country girl moving to the city. In
addition, whereas her father had been a Burgess, her young husband was
Attorney General, so that she was moving into a household of greater
political influence. Her mother-in-law lived in the house that the
newlyweds occupied. Lady Susannah Randolph was a very capable
woman, and she might well have considered herself to be the head woman
of the household. It is impossible to know now how those family
dynamics worked, but the potential for tension was there. Add to that the
presence of an “instant family” in the form of some of Elizabeth’s
siblings, and we can imagine that Elizabeth probably had many
adjustments to make as she entered married life.
Pat Gibbs and Cathy Hellier, May 11, 1993
Sources:
York County (VA) Records
Virginia Gazette
Maryland Gazette
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Elizabeth Randolph
Will of Peyton Randolph
York County Records, Wills and Inventories, XXII, 308-310
In the name of God Amen I Peyton Randolph do make this my last Will and Testament. I
gave and devise unto my beloved Wife my dwelling House, Lots and all the Outhouses thereto
belonging, in the City of Williamsburg, with the furniture of the same, and also my Chariot and
Horses, and all her wearing Apparel rings and Jewels, all which Estates Real and Personal I give
to her, her Heirs, Executors and Administrators. I Give to my said Wife also little Aggy and her
Children, Great Aggy and her Children, Eve and her Children, Lucy and her Children, to her and
her Heirs forever. I give to my Wife also the use and enjoyment of my whole Estate real and
personal, not hereafter given away, during her natural Life. I Give to Harrison Randolph a
Negro boy called Casar, the son of Sue, to him and his Heirs forever. I Give to my Brother John
Randolph two Negroe Boys, such as he shall choose out of my Estate, which have not been
particularly disposed of to him and his Heirs, after the Death of my wife I give unto my said
Brother all my Estate Real and Personal to hold the same during his Life, except my Man
Johnny, whom in that Case I Give to my Nephew Edmund Randolph to him and his Heirs. And
after the death of my Brother John I Give all the Estate devised to him for life to the said
Edmund Randolph his Heirs Executors and Administrators, subject Nevertheless to the payment
of five hundred pounds to each of his Sisters Susanna and Arriana Randolph for the payment of
which sums I allow him four years, after the Estate shall come into his Hands, he paying them
Interest yearly for such sums as Remain unpaid. I do hereby empower my executors to sell my
books and Presses to pay my debts, and if that is not sufficient, to sell so many of the negroes as
they think can be best spared from the use of the Plantations to answer that Purpose. I do appoint
my Wife, my Brother John Randolph, and Mr. James Cocke Executors of this my Will. In
Witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 18th day of August in the year of our Lord
1774.
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Peyton Randolph as and for his Last Will (he
being present at the [time] of this attestation) In the presence of us
Thomas Mason
Samuel Henley
John Pope
At a Court held for York County the 20th day of November 1775 This will was produced in
Court an the subscribing Witnesses thereto not being to be had John Blair and Thomas Everard
were sworn and Examined who severally deposed that they are well acquainted with the
Testators hand writing and verily believe that the said Will and the Testators name thereto
subscribed are of his proper hand writing, and thereupon the said will was ordered to be
Recorded on the motion of Betty Randolph and James Cocke two of the Executors who made
Oath thereto and together with John Blair and Nathaniel Burwell their Securitities entered into
and acknowledged Bond as the law directs Certificate was Granted them for obtaining a Probat
in due form Liberty being reserved for John Randolph Esqr. the other Executor to join in the
Probat when he shall think fit.
Thomas Everard, Clerk
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
York County
Willis & Inventories, no. 22 (1771-83)
pp. 337-41
INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF PEYTON RANDOLPH
ESQR. IN YORK COUNTY TAKEN JANR. THE 5TH. 1776
12
1
4
5
8
1
4
21
12
18
4
1
10
1
1
1
492
1
1
1
1
1
2
11
Mahogany Chairs £15.2 Mahogany tables £8
Card Table £2.1 Marble Table £2
looking Glasses £20 1 pr. End irons £2
China Bowls £5. 5 China Mugs 15/
doz: red and white China plates £6
22 Do. dishes £5
Blue and White China Tureen 20/
11 Blue & White dishes £4
Blue & White China Sauce boats
10/ 2 Do. potting pots 15/
Custard Cups & Patty pans 10/
6 Scollop Shells 15/
Egg Cups 6/ 13 Blue and White Coffe Cups
& Saucers 10/
Blue and White China Plates 22/
5 Beer Glasses 5/
fruit Baskets 20/ 1 Queen China Mug &
Sugar dish 2/
Marble Bowl 15/ 15 Water Glasses 30/
Wine Glasses 12/ 5 punch Do 5/
Mahogany Tray 10/9 Decanters and
4 Baskets 25/
Do. Case containing 2 Bottles 25/
round Mahogany table 26/ 1 plate Warmer 12/
Oz: plate @ 7/6
plate Basket and 2 knives Do.
10/ 3 1/2 doz: knives and forks
Do. £5
Maohogany tea Board 7/6 Japand Watiers 10/
Chariot and 8 Harness
Mare and Colt £40 1 riding Horse £30
Phaton £15 5 Cows £20
Carts and 1 Tumbrill and Harness
Frying pans at 3/
© 2005 Colonial Â
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£23. 0.0
4. 0.0
22. 0.0
5.15.0
11. 0.0
5. 0.0
1. 5.0
1. 5.0
0.16.0
1. 7.0
1. 2.0
2. 5.0
0.17.0
1.15.0
1. 5.0
1.18.0
184.10.0
5.10.0
0.17.0
60. 0.0
70. 0.0
35. 0.0
20. 0.0
1.13.0
Elizabeth Randolph
25
5
4
10
48
9
6
1
2
1
1
1
1
5
6
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
Bushels Salt at 3/
a parcel Wool 40/ a parcel Hemp and Flax 10/
a parcel Lumber in the Store house 20/
Bushels Malt 15/
old Scythes 10/ 1 Bedstead 15/ a
Cross Cut Saw 15/
old Sacks 5/ a parcel of Tallow
25 a pr. Stilliards 12/6
a parcel Corks 50/ a pipe of Sower Cyder 40/
Table Cloths £46.15 36 Towells £2.11
napkins 18/ 11 pr. Sheets £16.10
2 pr. Virginia Do. £2
pr. pillow Cases 15/ 2 Side Boards Cloths 5/
a parcel Queens China Ware &
Sundry Articles Sent to Wilton
a Sett of Ornamental China
doz: Mahogany Chairs
fire Screens £5 1 Card table £2
Wilton Carpet L10 1 Tea table 20/
1 Do. 30/
Sett China & Tea Board £3 1 Ditto
& Do. 40/
Looking Glass £10 1 pr. Tongs, poker
Shovel & Fender 20/
Black Walnut press £3
Flax Wheets 2 Check Reels & 2 Common Reels
A dressing table and Glass £5 a Desk
and Book Case £7
old Chairs £3 1 Easy Chair 20/
a Small Cabinet & a parcel old China
a Fender & pr. Tongs 3/
Sett old Blue damask Curtains 30/
2 pr. Window Do. 30/
Sundry Articles in Mrs. Randolph's Closet
Warming pan & pr. Scales & Weights
10/ 2 Spinning Wheels 15/
Coal Skuttle 5/ 8 pewter dishes 40/
doz: pewter plates £3 a parcel old pewter 20/
Copper Kettles £15 8 Copper Stew pans L5
Safe 30/ 5 pales 10/ 2 fish Kettles
and Covers L3
Bell Metal Skillet 15/ 1 Marble Mortar 20/
Small Marble Mortar 5/ 1 Brass Mortar 5/
© 2005 Colonial Â
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1. 0.0
15.0
2. 0.0
2. 2.6
4.10.0
49. 6.0
19. 8.0
1. 0.0
5. 0.0
20. 0.0
24. 0.0
7. 0.0
12.10.0
5. 0.0
11. 0.0
3. 0.0
5. 0.0
12. 0.0
4. 0.0
2. 0.0
0. 3.0
3. 0.0
3. 0.0
1. 5.0
2. 5.0
4. 0.0
20. 0.0
5. 0.0
1.15.0
10.0
1
3
1
8
1
23
11
2
29
100
35
7
7
6
4
30
2
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
1
Grid Iron 2 dripping pans & 2 frying pans 25/
Iron potts 40/ 1 Tea Kettle 15/ 1 Do. 15/
Jack, 2 Spitts and a pr. Kitchen Dogs
Stone Butter pots, 7 Milk pans and
1 Stone jug 30/
Iron ladle, 1 Chopping knife and flesh fork
Candle Moulds 23/ a parcel Old
Copper and tin Ware 20/
Chamber pots 3 Wash Basons, 35 Wine
and 8 Beer Glasses
dish Covers, 3 tin Kettles, 8 Sauce pans,
5 Cake Moulds & a Cullender
a parcel Brooms and Brushes 20/ 4 Spades 20/
Hoes, 1 Chopping knife 6 Scythes &
Stones & 3 Cuttg knives
lb Brown Sugar 45/ 150 lb Coffee at 1/3 £9.7.6
part of a Box Glass 20/
yds Green cloth at 10/ £12.10.
40 yds Cotton £5
dutch blankets £3.10 10 yds Crimson
Cloth £7.10
About 30 yds. Green planes at 2/9
£4.2.6 20 Ells Oznbr. 25/
Sifters 9/ 4 pr. Coarse Shoes 24/
3 Jack lines 9/
Flat Irons 7 a pr. Broken Dogs
12/ 1 pine Table 3/
a parcel wine in Bottles containing about a pipe
Jugs 8/ 1 Butter Pot 2/ a Box & 1/2
Candles 60/
a firkin Butter 40/ 5 flasks Oil 10/
Gallons Rum £7.10.0 a parcel Lumber 5/
Soap Jars 15/
Mahogany Book presses at 30/
Do. Writing Table £3 1 large Mahogany table L5
Round table 15/ 1 paper press 10/
Chaffing dish 5/ 1 dry rubbing Brush 3/
Clock £5 1 pr. Back Gammon tables 10/
old pine table 8/ 6 Mahogany Chairs 40/
Lanthorn
Dressing Table Glass and Toilet
Mahogany Chairs £6 1 Bed Table L1.10
China Bason and Bottle 20/
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
1. 5.0
3.10.0
5. 0.0
1.10.0
5.0
2. 3.0
2.10.0
1.10.0
2. 0.0
5. 0.0
11.12.6
1. 0.0
17.10.0
11. 0.0
5. 7.6
2. 2.0
15.0
60. 0.0
3.10.0
2.10.0
7.15.0
15.0
9. 0.0
8. 0.0
1. 5.0
8.0
5.10.0
2. 3.0
10.0
2.10.0
7.10.0
1. 0.0
1
1
4
1
1
8
4
3
51
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
3
1
1
5
1
8
1
Bedstead and Suit Cotton Curtains
Do. and Do. Virginia Cloth Do.
pr. Window curtains 40/ 1 old Carpet 10/
Sett Callico Curtains 50/ 5 Quilts £5
Chintz Bed Cover £3
Feather Beds, 7 Bolsters & 9 pillows
hair Mattrases £6 10 Counterpaines £12
Wook Do. £3 6 pr. New Blankets
£9 7 old Do. £4
yards Irish Linnen @ 5/ 12.15
25 yards @ Do. £6.0
ps. Fustian Dimity 25/ 100 lb. Wt. Sugar £7.10
a parcel Sylabub & Jelly Glasses, 4 Salvers,
8 Water Glasses 22 Wine Do. and 3 Glass
Candlesticks
Corner Cupboard & a parcel physick
Japann'd Tea Board 5/ 3 Globe Candle Sticks 30/
Screen 30/ a Trussel and 4 old Trunks 20/
Mahogany Chairs £4 1 dressing Glass 30/
Carpet 5/ 1 old Fender Shovel and Tongs 3/
Bedstead & Suit Virginia Curtains
and Window Curtains
a mahogany press £3
pine Table and Looking Glass 15/
3 old Chairs 15/
Bedsteads 15/ 1 Fender 5/ 3 Chairs 15/
Bedstead 10/ 1 old Chest drawers 15/
pine Table 5/ 1 Floor Cloth 20/
1 passage Do. 8/
Hoes, 1 Dung fork, 1 Garden Rake and Spade
Wheel Barrow 8/ 1 pr. Money Scales 10/
doz: Bottles at 30/ Gro:
About 100 Bushels dust Coal
a parcel old Casks and Tubs
Steel Mil
a Library of Books
Elizabeth Randolph
15. 0.0
10. 0.0
2.10.0
7.10.0
3. 0.0
40. 0.0
18. 0.0
16. 0.0
19. 0.0
8.15.0
3. 0.0
5. 0.0
1.15.0
2.10.0
5.10.0
8.0
10. 0.0
3. 0.0
1.10.0
1.15.0
1. 5.0
1.13.0
15.0
18.0
1. 0.0
2.10.0
10.0
3. 0.0
250. 0.0
£1578.14.6
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Johnny £100.0.0
gone to the enemy
Billy
Braches
Cesar
gone to the enemy
Henry
William
Cosor
gone to the enemy
Eve
gone to the enemy
Aggy
Little Aggy
Jack
100.0.0
10.0.0
£ 25.0.0
Watt
100.0.0
Ben
80.0.0
gone to the enemy
George
30.0.0
gone to the enemy
Sam
40.0.0
Bob
25.0.0
Watt
25.0.0
25.0.0
30.0.0
30.0.0
30.0.0
100.0.0
Charlotte
60.0.0
60.0.0
Succordia
10.0.0
Kitty
20.0.0
gone to the enemy
Lucy
60.0.0
gone to the enemy
Peter
15.0.0
Roger
60.0.0
Betsey
10.0.0
Katy
Betty
Moses
20.0.0
100.0.0
60.0.0
Wmsburg Sct. [?]
80.0.0
£2883.14.6
In Obedience to an Order of York Court dated the 20th of November 1775 We the Subscribers
being first Sworn before a Magistrate of Said City have Appraised the Estate of Peyton Randolh
Esq: as Within
J. Dixon
Wm. Peirce
Alexr. Craig
Returned into York County Court the 15th day of July 1776 And Ordered to be Recorded
Examd.
Teste
Thos: Everard Cl. Curr.
Granted them for obtaining a Probat in due form Liberty being reserved for John Randolph Esqr.
the other Executor to join in the Probat when he shall think fit.
Thomas Everard, Clerk
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Elizabeth Randolph
Will of Mrs. Betty [Peyton] Randolph
York County Records
Wills and Inventories, XXIII, 4-5.
In the Name of God Amen I Betty Randolph do make this my last will and testament June 1st 1780. I give to
Edmund Randolph, Esq; Nephew of my dear departed Husband, the Family Picture[s?] the Silver Chafing
Dishes the 4 New Silver Salt Cellars the Silver Cup and 2 Silver Waiters. I also give him the Suit of Yellow
Printed cotton Curtains, the Bed, Bedstead, and Blankets thereunto belonging the Clock, and his uncles Seal
which I wear to my Watch. I give to my Nephew Harrison Randolph the Silver Cruet frame Table Spoons,
Soup ditto, Punch Strainer ladle the four old silver Candlesticks 2 old Silver Salt cellars the Cross the China
bowls the Tea set of India China all my House Linnen and half the Beds with Blankets &c. I give to my Niece
Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me the new Tea Spoons 4 Silver Saucers all my wearing Cloths my minature
Picture of my dear Husband my Watch and the Treasury Bond of the United States for Ninety Pounds now in
the House--I give to my niece Lucy Burwell the set of Chelsea Tea China, as a token she is not forgot. I give to
my Nephew Peyton Randolph the Silver Coffee Pot for the same reason. I give to my Nephew Benjamin
Harrison of Berkley 4 Silver Candlesticks called the new ones which were given me by my grandmother
Harrison I also give him a Mulatto Woman called little Aggy, her Daughter Betsy her son Nathan to him and
his heirs forever. I also give him the other half of the Beds Blankets and Curtains. I give to my Nephew Carter
Harrison of Berkley a Molatto Boy named Wat, to him and his heirs forever. I give to my Niece Ann Coupland
a Negro Woman named Eve and her son George to her use and after her death to her Heirs. I give to my niece
Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me a Girl named Kitty, daughter of little Aggy to her use and after her Death
to her Heirs. I give to my niece Elizabeth Rickman a Negro Woman called great Aggy and her Son Henry to her
use and after her death to her Heirs. I give to my Niece Lucy Randolph Daughter of my Sister Necks a Molatto
girl named Charlotte to her use and after her death to her Heirs. I give to my Nephew Harrison Randolph a
Negro Woman named Lucy, and her Children to him and his Heirs forever. I have in the loan Office of this
Commonwealth the sum of Nine hundred Pounds which I dispose of in the following manner, five hundred
Pounds I give and bequeath to my Niece Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me. One hundred to my Br. Charles
Harrison, and None hundred to his daughter Betty Randolph Harrison. My Will and desire is that the House
and all the Lots in Williamsburg given me by my dear Husband together with the furniture not particularly
given away, Chariot, Waggon & Horses in town, and all the Estate I shall die possessed of not particularly
disposed of may be sold, and after paying my debts (which I design shall be very few) the Money arising from
the sale thereof may be divided into two equal parts, the one half I give and bequeath to my Nephew Harrison
Randolph, out of the other half I desire forty pounds may be divided among Servants that shall attend me in my
illness as they shall deserve, the remainder to be divided into Six equal parts to be given to Six Persons
hereafter mentioned Viz. Peyton Harrison, son of my Br. Carter Harrison, William Harrison, son of my Br.
Benjamin the Youngest Son of my Br. Nat, the Youngest Son of my Br. Charles, and the two Sons of my Br.
Robert Harrison. If either of my Br. Roberts sons should die before the Age of twenty One the Survivor to take
both his own and his Brothers part. My Will & desire is that the heirs of my dear & honored Husband (by
whose bounty I have been enabled to make these bequests) may be put to no inconveniency by my heirs, for
which reason I desire the Carts Waggons & work Horses on the Plantation & tools for the use of the Plantations
tho purchases by me may not be looked on as part of my Estate. I also desire a sufficient quantity of corn and
fodder may be left on the Plantations for the use of the Negroes & Stocks. I also direct that whatever Cloths, or
materials for making cloths for the negroes, that shall be found in the House shall be given up for that purpose.
If I should have any Money in the house or Treasury not already given away I give it to Harrison Randolph. I
have lent the Estate Money as Mr. Cocks receipt & Books will show to the amount of One hundred & thirty
Pounds which I design should be laid out in a monument to the memory of my dear and blessed husband. My
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Will & desire is that the above Sum of One hundred & thirty Pounds due from the Estate be paid to Edmund
Randolph esqr. he giving Bond to my Executors to put up a monument in the Chapel of Wm. and Mary College
opposite to that of his grandfather Sr. John Randolph (which I have been informed cost about that sum) as soon
as possible, he is to pay no Interest for the money only to lay out the sum of One hundred & thirty pounds. My
Body which I had almost forgot I desire to be put in the Vault in the College chapel in which the remains of my
blessed husband are deposited, the summit of all my wishes with regard to this world & that the expences of the
funeral may be paid before the division is made. My share in the Wmsburg factory I give and devise to
Harrison Randolph, my Books to his sister Lucy Randolph. I do appoint my Brother Benjn. Harrison, my
Nephew Benjn. Harrison & my Nephew Harrison Randolph Exors of this my last Will & Testament. In witness
whereof I have set my hand & Seat this 23rd day of October in the Year of our Lord 1780, (Signed) Betty
Randolph [Seal] {Witnesses} Rachel Whitaker, Sally Singleton.
1782 July 20th A Codicil to the above Will. Whereas Eve's bad behavior laid me under the necesity of selling
her, I Order and direct the Money she sold for may be laid out in purchasing two Negros Viz; a Boy & girl, the
Girl I give to my Niece Ann Coapland in lieu of Eve, in the same manner that I had given Eve. The boy I give
to Peyton Harrison--Son of my Brother Carter Harrison, to him & his heirs forever. I have lent Charlotte to my
Nephew Harrison Randolph during my life. As he will perhaps be at some expence in raising & maintaining
other Children she may have as a gratuity I give to him & his Heirs forever her son called Thomas Prouce. I
have given in my Will, forty Pound Paper Currency to be divided among the Servants, instead of which I Order
Ten Pounds of the Money found in the House to be divided as afore directed. I also Order Twenty Pounds out
of the same Money to be given to my niece E Harrison if she should be living with me at the time of my death
in order to enable her to pay her Expences to some friendly roof. I thing I have express myself with regard to
Thomas Pruse in a manner that my leave room for a dispute to prevent which I declare my Will is that Harrison
Randolph is to have the said Thomas Pruse at all events, I give to my Niece Eliza. Harrison my dressing Table
and Glass that stands in my Chamber and the Cabinet on Top of the Desk. Betty Randolph
This Codicil was Signed, Published and declared to be part of the last Will of the said Betty Randolph in
presence of us.
{Witness}
John Blair
James Madison
[Seal]
(Presented and ordered recorded 17 Feb. 1783)
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Portrait of Elizabeth Randolph*
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Portrait of Peyton Randolph*
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Coffee Pot owned by the Randolph Family*
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Elizabeth Randolph
Peyton Randolph House
© 2005 Colonial Â
92
Clementina Rind
Clementina Rind was from Maryland. She was married to William Rind, a
printer. They moved to Williamsburg in 1765. William began to publish a
newspaper that competed with another newspaper already being published in
Williamsburg. The motto of his paper was "Open to all parties, but
influenced by none." William Rind continued as a printer until his death in
1773. Clementina Rind then took over the management of the business. She
was the editor from 1773 until 1774, and, like her husband, was made the
public printer for the colony of Virginia. Clementina Rind was the only
Virginia woman to print a newspaper or hold the position of public printer
during the colonial period. Ill health caused her to stop work. She died
September 25, 1774, in Williamsburg.
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Clementina Rind
Character Biography
Name:
Clementina Rind
Birth Place:
Maryland
Birth Date:
ca. 1740
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA
Death Date:
September 25, 1774
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Education:
Literate
Occupation:
Housewife
Printer, Virginia Gazette (1773-1774)
Lodging House Keeper (1774)
Office(s) Held:
Public Printer (1774)
Residence(s):
Annapolis, MD
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
William Rind
Children:
William
John Grierson
Charles
James
Maria
Miscellaneous:
Clementina Rind died of tuberculosis on September 25, 1774. The
orphaned Rind children experienced some benevolent treatment as well as
some negligence. Two of the boys, William and John, were educated at
the expense of the Williamsburg Lodge of Masons for several years.
Eventually, William edited newspapers in both Richmond, VA and
Georgetown. Another son, James, became a lawyter in Richmond, VA.
Charles disappeared from the record; he too may have died of
tuberculosis.
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Clementina Rind
The only girl, Maria, was bound out to an unknown family for three years
after her mother’s death. In 1777, Sarah Norton (wife of John Hatley
Norton and daughter of Robert Carter Nicholas) prevailed on Frances
Randolph, who married St. George Tucker the next year, to accept Maria
in her household.
Sources:
Virginia Gazette
“Clementina Rind” research report by Jane Carson
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Clementina Rind
Virginia Gazette
May 16, 1766
We propose to print this GAZETTE on every Friday, to contain a faithful Account of remarkable
foreign Occurrences; Materials for which we shall be amply furnished with, in Consequence of a general
Correspondence we have established for that Purpose.
Remarkable domestic Occurrences, with exact Lists of all Entries and Clearances, Accounts of
Exports and Imports, and such Proceedings of the Legislature, and Courts of Justice, as may conduce to
the Benefit or Entertainment of our Readers, shall find a Place in our Publications.
Essays, useful or entertaining, Schemes for the Advancement of TRADE, ARTS and
MANUFACTURES, Proposals for Improvements in AGRICULTURE, and particularly in the Culture of
HEMP and FLAX, will be received with a high Sense of the Obligation, and inserted with Pleasure and
Alacrity.
The Interests of RELIGION and LIBERTY, we shall ever think it our peculiar Duty to support;
and, at the same Time, to treat with Contempt the intemperate, Effusions of factious Zealots, whether
religious or political, as Enemies to Virtue, and the Pests of Civil Order. With the utmost Scorn shall we
reject every Proposition to make our Paper a Vehicle for the dark Purposes of private Malice, by
propagating Calumnies against Individuals, wounding the Peace of Families, and inflaming the Minds of
Men with Bitterness and Rancour against one another.
In one Word, we will spare neither Cost nor Pains to make our Paper as useful and entertaining as
possible; and, while these Objects are steadily pursued, the Publisher will confidently rely upon the
known Generosity and Public Spirit of the Gentlemen of this Colony, for their Countenance and Support
to such a useful Undertaking.
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Clementina Rind
Virginia Gazette
August 26, 1773
WILLIAMSBURG, Agust 26.
On Thursday the 19th Instant, after a lingering illness, died Mr. WILLIAM RIND, publick Printer
to the Colony; who supported the Character of an affectionate Husband, kind Parent, and a benevolent
Man. His Impartiality in the Conduct of his Gazette, by publishing the Productions of the several
contending Parties that have lately appeared in this Country, cannot fail of securing to his Memory the
Esteem of all who are sensible how much the Freedom of the Press contributes to maintain and extend the
most sacred Rights of Humanity.
His Remains were interred last Saturday afternoon, in the Church of the Parish of Bruton; and,
being one of the ancient and honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, the Worshipful the
Master, Wardens, and other Officers and Brethren of the Lodge of this City, met at their Lodge at 3
o’Clock, to prepare themselves for expressing a proper Respect to the Memory of their deceased Brother,
from whence they soon after proceeded, in the Order and with the Formalities usual on such Occasions, to
the House of the Deceased, and after staying there as long as the necessary Preparations required, they
went in Procession to the Church before the Corpse, each Brother being ranked agreeable to his
Advancement in the Royal Art. The Corpse was followed by the Relations, and some other respectable
inhabitants of the City. The Service in the Church, and at the Grave, was performed by the Reverend
John Dixon, one of the Brethren, and Professor of Divinity in William & Mary College; and a solemn
Dirge, suitable to the Occasion, was performed on the Organ, by Mr. Peter Pelham, a Brother likewise.
As soon as the Service was ended (during which the Fraternity payed all the masonick Honours due to so
worthy a Brother) they returned, in the like Procession, to the Door of the Deceased’s Dwellinghouse,
and, without entering, repaired to their Lodge. The Whole was conducted with that Regularity and
Decorum so conspicuous in the Laws of Masonry and fraternal Affection.
Virginia Gazette
September 2, 1773
Being now unhappily forced to enter upon Business on my own Account, I flatter myself those
Gentlemen who shall continue to oblige me with their Custom will not be offended at my requesting
them, in the future, to be punctual in sending Cash with Advertisements, and c. The ardent Desire I have
of rendering this Paper as useful and entertaining as possible urges the Necessity of attending to this
Request, as it must be obvious to every one that Business of so extensive a Nature cannot be carried on
with that Spirit which is necessary, without a sufficient Fund to supply it: Mine, in great Measure,
depends on the Punctuality of those who favour me with their Commands. May that All Ruling Power,
whose chastening Hand has snatched from my dear Infants and myself our whole Dependence, make me
equal to the Task! An unaffected Desire to please, an indefatigable Attention to my Business, and the
Assistance of Persons whose Abilities and Attachment I can rely on, will, I hope, make me not entirely
unworthy of Encouragement from the Public in general, and from the Honourable House of Burgesses in
particular; whose Favour I once more take the Liberty to solicit, and in whose generous Breasts it lies to
bestow Happiness and Plenty on my orphan Family, if they find me capable of being their Servant.
Cheared by that pleasing Hope, I will try to support, with Fortitude, the painful Sensation of Incertainty,
by a firm Reliance on that Candour and Generosity, which have ever been the Characteristic of that
honourable Body.
I am, with great Respect,
The Public’s most faithful,
And most obedient,
CLEMENTINA RIND.
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97
Clementina Rind
York County Wills & Inventories, 22, 1771-1783
Outline personal moveable property
Inventory and Appraisment of Mr. William Rind, deced taken Sept. 27th [1773]
by Alexander Purdie, John Dixon, Robert Prentis & John Pinkney
500 Weight of Long Primer
@ 1/3
31.. 5..500 ditto of English
@ 1/3
31.. 5..25 ditto of Double Pica
@ 1/3
1..11..3
25 ditto of French Canon
@ 1/3
1..11..3
Two Presses
25..--..Two Imposing Stones
5..--..15 Chades
3..15..One Rack
-..10...Eight Frames
4..--..18 Pair of Cases
18..--..15 Gallies
1..--..Composing Sticks, 12 Letter Boards two large Pine Tables &
Sundry other Impliments belonging to the Printing Office
5..--..7 Beds three Boulsters and four Pillows
16..--..1 Small Matrass
-..10..7 Bedsteads Cords &c.
2..15..13 Blankets
3..5..4 Ruggs
1..10..4 Counterpanes
3..--..7 pr. Sheets
4..--0..2 ditto Ozenbrigs ditto
-..10..6 Pillow Cases
-..6..9 Towells
-..4..6
5 Napkins
-..3..9 Table Cloths
2..10..12 Mahogany Chairs and 2 Elbow ditto
10..--..2 ditto Card Tables
2..10..2 ditto Square ditto
1..10..1 ditto larger
2..--..1 ditto Tea Table
-..15..1 Square Walnut Table
-..10..1 Walnut Dressing Table
-..15..2 large and 1 small Pine Table
-..15..12 Mahogany Chairs (4 of them broke)
4..00..6 Walnut Chairs
2..--..4 old ditto
-..2..6
1 Mahogany Desk
3..--..01 ditto
3..--..1 looking glass
-..15..© 2005 Colonial Â
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1 ditto
1 ditto & Sconces
1 Rim Casters
4 Prints and 6 Maps
4 Silver Tea Spoons and Tongs
OZ dw ts
4 Table ditto
17.13 @ 7/pr.
1Soop ditto
2 China Dishes
a Parcel Queens China and Stone Ware
2 China Bowls
1 Decanter, 6 Glasses, 2 Salts & 2
Tea Board and Tea Chinea
A Parcel Tin Ware
1 Case Bottles
A Parcel old Pewter
12 Pewter Plates and 4 dishes
1 Tin and 1 Copper Coffee Pott
Old Copper and Brass
1 Fish Kettle
1 Iron Tea Kettle
1 Small Carpet
1 Larger ditto1..
17 yds Ozenbrigs
1 Brush and Dry Rubber
1 Pair of And
1 ditto ditto
1 ditto Tongs and Fender
1 Warming Pan
1 Water Jugg
2 large Stone Bottles
3 Pickle Jars and 4 Pans
2 Iron Pots and Hooks
1 Frying Pan
1 Brass Kettle
3 Flat Irons
2 Spits
1 dripping Pan
1 Jack
2 Flesh Forks
1 Large Jarr
Parcel Tubs Pails c
1 Sett Bed Curtains and Rods
14 Bushels Coal at 9d pr.
44 ½ lb. Bacon @6d pr1
Cutting Press and other materials for Binding
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Clementina Rind
1..5..1..15..-..6..3
-..15..-
6..3..6
-..6..-..10..-..10..-..7..6
-..10..
-..10..-..7..6
-..7..6
1..--..-..10..-..10..-..10..-.. 5..-..10..--..-..15..-..5..-..10..-..15..-..5..-..6..-..2..6
-..4..-..5..-..12..6
-..3..9
2..10..-..5..-..5..-..1..3
2..00..-..2..6
-..10..-..6..2..10..-..10..6
..2..3
4..--..-
Clementina Rind
..7..6
-..10...6..--..-..15..-..10..-..10..-..15..30..--..2..10..£272..5..6
6 Knives and Forks
Several old Casks
1 Cow 50/. 1 ditto 70/l
1 Bible and Prayer Book
A Parcel Books
A Saddle and Bridle
1 Smoaking Chair (Broke)
Negro Man Dick
New Ledger & Alphabet
In obedience to an order of York hereunto annexed We the Subscribers have Appraised the
Estate of William Rind deced as will appear by this Inventory.
Sept. 27th 1773.
Will: Russel Dshf
A. Purdie
John Dixon
Ro: Prentis
John Pinkney
Returned into York County Court the 18th day of October 1773 and ordered to be Recorded.
Exd:
Teste
Thos: Everard Cl: Cur:
Virginia Gazette
September 29, 1774
On Sunday last died, Mrs. CLEMENTINA RIND. It ill beseems the printer, he apprehends, as
being a relation, to pretend to characterize her. The public, who must in general have been
acquainted with her, knew her qualifications. It shall, however, be his most ardent study to
protect her children.
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Clementina Rind
Virginia Gazette
October 6, 1774
From a reader
Ye mournful bards! Why are your lyres unstrung!
Shall Clementina’s praise remain unsung!
Sooner the lowest of the tuneful throng
Shall raise her lays to elegiac song:
To her, blest shade, a plaintive verse is due,
Lov’d by the muses, and fair science too;
And sure a happy proof of this remains,
In her soft numbers, and harmonious strains.
With manly sense, and fortitude of mind,
The softer graces of her sex combin’d,
To form a bright example in her life,
Of friend, of mistress, daughter, mother, wife.
Aid us, religion! To receive the strike,
Which fatally those dear connections broke.
When worth and genius prematurely die,
All men must give th’ involuntary sigh;
But when that worth is intimately known,
We pay the tribute of a heart-felt groan!
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Clementina Rind
Ludwell Paradise House*
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Jane Charlton was a milliner who moved to Williamsburg from London in
October, 1766, to open a shop. She married her neighbor Edward Charlton, a
barber and wigmaker, and they ran a millinery business and a wig shop from
their house. On April 29, 1775, Edward and Jane Charlton advertised in the
Gazette that they intended to go to England and wished to sell their house.
The house was not sold until 1779 and it is not known whether they actually
returned to England. They were, however, in Williamsburg from 1778 to
1779 and perhaps into 1782 based on records from York County.
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Character Biography
Name:
Jane Hunter Charlton
Birth Place:
London, England?
Birth Date:
by 1746
Death Place:
Williamsburg, VA
Death Date:
1802
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Margaret Hunter (b. by 1749—d. 1787)
Elizabeth Hunter Farrow (d. after 1802)
Occupation:
Milliner
Residence(s):
England (before 1766)
Williamsburg, VA (1766-1802)
Spouse(s):
Edward Charlton (d. 1792)
(m. between June 1770 and October 1771)
Children:
None Known
Miscellaneous:
Charlton owned the slaves Aggy, Charlott, Nanny, and Sally.
Jane Hunter Charlton is an example of a successful eighteenth-century
business woman. She was a trained milliner, indicating that she had some
schooling and probably served an apprenticeship in London. She
advertised a wide variety of imported goods, including caps and hats,
materials, ribbons, feathers and other trimmings, sewing notions, jewelry,
and accessories, and she made hats, cloaks, and other milliner, as well as
mounting fans. She was a supplier of the goods that the growing trend of
consumerism demanded.
Her legal status changed when she married Edward Charlton. Even
though she kept on running her business as a femme covert, she would not
have been in control.
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Jane had an urban upbringing in London, and the nature of her business
dictated that she live and work in an urban setting. Millinery shops were
generally located in capital cities where there was a market for expensive
fashionable articles and clothing.
Edward Charlton died in 1792, and Jane continued the business as a
femme sole. At her death in 1802 she freed her two slaves, left them
money, and provided for the upkeep and education of their two children,
who were to be freed at the age of 18. Her estate was worth almost
$7,000.
Connections to other families: Ledger pages in the 1790s include
purchases by Joseph Prentis and Mrs. Tucker.
Sources:
York County (VA) Records
Virginia Gazette
House History—Colonial Williamsburg Research Department
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Virginia Gazette
October 1767
…The Subscriber having a sister just arrived from LONDON, who understands the millinery
business, she hopes to carry it on to the satisfaction of those who shall favour them with their
commands. They have imported all the materials for making hats and bonnets, in the newest
taste; where Ladies may be supplied in the shortest notice, by
Their humble servants,
M. & J. Hunter
Virginia Gazette
October 27, 1774
Just Imported, in the Bland, Captain Danby, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in
Williamsburg,
A FRESH Assortment of MILLINERY, consisting of Bath, Brussels, and Minionet
Laces, Blond and Black Laces, Edgings of all Sorts and Stomachers and Sleeve Knots,
Caps of all Kinds, also a compleat Assortment of JEWELLERY, Silks and Satins, White
and coloured Gentlements fashionable Silk Hose, Childbed Linen, Baskets, Pincushions,
and Cradle Quilts, Ladies Riding hats, Childrens Do.
Jane Hunter Charlton
Virginia Gazette
April 29, 1775
As the subscibers intend for England, the GOODS they have on Hand will be sold cheap for
Cash; and as their continuance here is uncertain, it makes such a Notice necessary. The HOUSE
they live in, which is situated in the most public Part of the City, and well calculated for any
public Busines, to be sold on long Credit, with Interest from the Date of the Deed, or on an
Annuity, with approved Security.
Edward Charlton
Jane Charlton
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Jane Charlton
Account Book
Mr. J. Prentis
To J. Charlton Dr.
1795
July 15 To 2 hkrs 15/au. 1 & 1/2 yd. Persian 2/3 To 1 yd. Ribbon 10d 1 yd Do. 6d.
Silk 6d - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1796
July 6
17. .2
1.10
To 1/2 yd. Persian 2/3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2. .3
£21. . 4
4. .7
£16. .9
By Cash 4/7
1798
Recd the above in full.
Jane Charlton
Jane Charlton
Account Book
1793
May 7 Mrs Tucker Bought of J. Charlton
pr Slippers 13/ pr gloves 5/6 - - - - - - - - fan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - By Cash recd the Contents
1795
July 11th
Mrs Tucker to J. Charlton
pr Sandles 13/ 5 yds ribbon 7/6 - - - - - - 6 yds ribbon Do 8/6 1 yd Muslin 10/6
1 yd Do 8/6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - pr Slippers 11/6 pr Stockings 60/
tape 7/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - needles 1/ pins 1/3 Marking thrd 6d
£
£
18. .6
7. .6
6
1. .10. .6
1. . .3. .6
3. .18. .2. .9
£6. .14. .9
S. G. Tucker requests to know if a draft on Mr Browne of Richmond for the above
amt will accomodate Mrs Charlton equally as well as The Money paid her.
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Jane Hunter Charlton
1795
Novr 2 Recd of Mr. Tucker the sum of £ 8. .5 in full of all demands.
J. Charlton
1796
Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton
March hatt 6/ flower 10/6 fan 6/5
sandles 12/ Do 13/ - - - - - - - - - - 6 Yds ribbon 9/ hatt 4/6 6 Yds
ribbon 9/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April 2 2 Yds ribbon 3/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12 Recd the Conts in full
£
1. .15. .6
1. . .2. .6
3. .
J. Charlton
Jane Charlton
Account Book
1796
Ausst
1798
Feby 6th
February 15
Mrs Tucker to J. Charlton
3 Handks 27/ 3 Do 15/ - - - - - - - - - - - -£
4 1/2 yds Muslin 40/ 1 yd persian 4/65 1/2 Yds edging 9/2 4 1/2 Do 5/- - - - - 2 fans 16/ 1 Do 5/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 yds ribbon 3/9 3 Do 1 1/2 - - - - - - - - 1 paper pins 1/6 Do 1/2 Do 1/2 - - - - - Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton
6 Yds Muslin - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hatt 13/ 2 1/2 yds ribbons 3 1/2 yds Do3 Yds ribbon 3/ 1 1/2 yds lawn 8/3
....
Recd the above in full
Jane Charlton
2. . .2. .2. . .5. .13. .8
1. . .1. .4.10 1/2
2. .6
£
3. .12. .18.10 1/2
11. . .3
£
5. . .2. .1 1/2
June 22nd
(edging, muslin, gloves, shoes,
fan, &c.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1799
Jan 30
July 12
3. .15. .6
Mrs Tucker to Jane Charlton
To 6 pr Stockings
(persian, silk, nedles, ribbon, gloves,
thread) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Recd the contents in full
Jane Charlton
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£
3. .14. .4 1/2
Jane Hunter Charlton
Charlton House
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Jane Hunter Charlton
Margaret and Jane Hunter Millinery Shop
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Eve
Eve was one of 27 slaves owned by Peyton and Betty Randolph. In 1775,
Royal Governor Dunmore issued a proclamation declaring that he would
“declare all indented Servants, Negroes, or others . . . free” who would join his
army against the Rebels. Eve ran to Dunmore’s cause, taking her son George
with her. At some point she returned or was returned, but by the time of
Betty Randolph’s will had been sold away because of her “bad behavior.”
Note: Several thousand men responded to the proclamation and joined
Dunmore’s forces with an additional several thousand women and children
following.
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Eve
Character Biography
Name:
Eve
Birth Place:
Before 1766
Birth Date:
Unknown
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Unknown
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Slave belonging to Peyton and Elizabeth (Betty) Randolph
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
George (baptized July 6, 1766 at Bruton Parish Church)
Miscellaneous:
Valued at 100 pounds, Eve was the highest-valued female slave and one of the
most valuable of all the slaves, suggesting that she was of prime age and highly
skilled. In his will Randoph bequeathed “Eve and her children” to his wife, Betty
Randolph.
One month after Peyton Randolp’s death, Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation
that offered “freedom to any slaves who desert rebellious masters and who serve
in the king’s forces.” Eve evidently responded to the call, as Randolph’s probate
inventory of January 5, 1776, listed eight slaves from the estate, including Eve,
as “gone to the enemy.” She must have returned, either by force or choice, to the
widow Betty Randolph, however, because Betty Randolph’s will of October
1780 gave “Eve and her son George” to Randolph’s niece. In July 1782 in a
codicil to her will, Betty Randolph stated that “Eve’s bad behavior laid me under
the necessity of selling her.”
Sources:
York County (VA) Project
York County Records
York County Wills & Inventories
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Eve
By his Excellency the Right Honourable J O H N Earl of D U N M O R E, his
Majesty’s Lieutenant and Governour-General of the Colony and Dominion of
Virginia, and Vice-Admiral of the same:
A
P R O C L A M A T I O N.
s I have ever entertained Hopes that an Accommodation might have taken Place between
Great Britain and this Colony, without being compelled, by my Duty, to this most
disagreeable, but now absolutely necessary Step, rendered so by a Body of armed Men,
unlawfully assembled, firing on his Majesty’s Tenders, and the Formation of an Army, and that
Army now on their March to attack his majesty’s Troops, and destroy the well-disposed Subjects
of this Colony: To defeat such treasonalbe Purposes, and that all such Traitor, and their
Abetters, may be brought to Justice, and that the Peace and good Order of this Colony may be
again restored, which the ordinary Course of the civil Law is unable to effect, I have thought fit
to issue this my Proclamation, hereby declaring, that until the aforesaid good Purposes can be
obtained, I do, in Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given, by his Majesty, determine to
execute martial Law, and cause the same to be executed throughout this Colony; and to the End
that Peace and good Order may the sooner be restored, I do require every Person capable of
bearing Arms to resort to his Majesty’s S T A N D A R D, or be looked upon as Traitors to his
Majesty’s Crown and Government, and thereby become liable to the Penalty the Law inflicts
upon such Offences, such as Forfeiture of Life, Confiscation of Lands, &c. &c. And I do hereby
farther declare all indented Servants, Negroes, or others (appertaining to Rebels) free, that are
able and willing to bear Arms, they joining his Majesty’s Troops, as soon as may be, for the
more speedily reducing this Colony to a proper Sense of their Duty, to his Majesty’s liege
Subjects to retain their Quitrents, or any other Taxes due, or that may become due, in their own
Custody, till such time as Peace may be again restored to this at present most unhappy Country,
or demanded of them for their former salutary Purposes, by Officers properly authorised to
receive the same,
A
G I V E N under my Hand, on Board the Ship William, off Norfolk,
the 7th Day of November, in the 16th Year of his Majesty’s
Reign.
D U N M O R E.
G O D SAVE THE K I N G.
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Eve
Will of Peyton Randolph
York County Records
Wills and Inventories, XXII, 308-310
In the name of God Amen I Peyton Randolph do make this my last Will and Testament. I gave
and devise unto my beloved Wife my dwelling House, Lots and all the Outhouses thereto belonging, in
the City of Williamsburg, with the furniture of the same, and also my Chariot and Horses, and all her
wearing Apparel rings and Jewels, all which Estates Real and Personal I give to her, her Heirs, Executors
and Administrators. I Give to my said Wife also little Aggy and her Children, Great Aggy and her
Children, Eve and her Children, Lucy and her Children, to her and her Heirs forever. I give to my Wife
also the use and enjoyment of my whole Estate real and personal, not hereafter given away, during her
natural Life. I Give to Harrison Randolph a Negro boy called Casar, the son of Sue, to him and his Heirs
forever. I Give to my Brother John Randolph two Negroe Boys, such as he shall choose out of my Estate,
which have not been particularly disposed of to him and his Heirs, after the Death of my wife I give unto
my said Brother all my Estate Real and Personal to hold the same during his Life, except my Man Johnny,
whom in that Case I Give to my Nephew Edmund Randolph to him and his Heirs. And after the death of
my Brother John I Give all the Estate devised to him for life to the said Edmund Randolph his Heirs
Executors and Administrators, subject Nevertheless to the payment of five hundred pounds to each of his
Sisters Susanna and Arriana Randolph for the payment of which sums I allow him four years, after the
Estate shall come into his Hands, he paying them Interest yearly for such sums as Remain unpaid. I do
hereby empower my executors to sell my books and Presses to pay my debts, and if that is not sufficient,
to sell so many of the negroes as they think can be best spared from the use of the Plantations to answer
that Purpose. I do appoint my Wife, my Brother John Randolph, and Mr. James Cocke Executors of this
my Will. In Witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 18th day of August in the year of our Lord
1774.
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the said Peyton Randolph as and for his Last Will (he being
present at the [time] of this attestation) In the presence of us
Thomas Mason
Samuel Henley
John Pope
At a Court held for York County the 20th day of November 1775 This will was produced in Court an the
subscribing Witnesses thereto not being to be had John Blair and Thomas Everard were sworn and
Examined who severally deposed that they are well acquainted with the Testators hand writing and verily
believe that the said Will and the Testators name thereto subscribed are of his proper hand writing, and
thereupon the said will was ordered to be Recorded on the motion of Betty Randolph and James Cocke
two of the Executors who made Oath thereto and together with John Blair and Nathaniel Burwell their
Securitities entered into and acknowledged Bond as the law directs Certificate was Granted them for
obtaining a Probat in due form Liberty being reserved for John Randolph Esqr. the other Executor to join
in the Probat when he shall think fit.
Thomas Everard, Clerk
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Eve
Excerpt from Peyton Randolph Probate Inventory, November 20, 1775
Johnny £100.0.0
gone to the enemy
Billy
Braches
Cesar
gone to the enemy
Henry
William
Cosor
gone to the enemy
Eve
gone to the enemy
Aggy
Little Aggy
Jack
100.0.0
10.0.0
£ 25.0.0
Watt
100.0.0
Ben
80.0.0
gone to the enemy
George
30.0.0
gone to the enemy
Sam
40.0.0
Bob
25.0.0
Watt
25.0.0
25.0.0
30.0.0
30.0.0
30.0.0
100.0.0
Charlotte
60.0.0
60.0.0
Succordia
10.0.0
Kitty
20.0.0
gone to the enemy
Lucy
60.0.0
gone to the enemy
Peter
15.0.0
Roger
60.0.0
Betsey
10.0.0
Katy
Betty
Moses
20.0.0
100.0.0
60.0.0
Wmsburg Sct. [?]
£2883.14.6
Bruton Parish Records (birth) Randollph, Peyton Esqr.
George, son of his slave Eve bapt’ed this date.
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115
6 July 1766
Eve
Will of Mrs. Betty [Peyton] Randolph
York County Records
Wills and Inventories, XXIII, 4-5.
In the Name of God Amen I Betty Randolph do make this my last will and testament June 1st
1780. I give to Edmund Randolph, Esq; Nephew of my dear departed Husband, the Family
Picture[s?] the Silver Chafing Dishes the 4 New Silver Salt Cellars the Silver Cup and 2 Silver
Waiters. I also give him the Suit of Yellow Printed cotton Curtains, the Bed, Bedstead, and
Blankets thereunto belonging the Clock, and his uncles Seal which I wear to my Watch. I give to
my Nephew Harrison Randolph the Silver Cruet frame Table Spoons, Soup ditto, Punch Strainer
ladle the four old silver Candlesticks 2 old Silver Salt cellars the Cross the China bowls the Tea
set of India China all my House Linnen and half the Beds with Blankets &c. I give to my Niece
Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me the new Tea Spoons 4 Silver Saucers all my wearing
Cloths my minature Picture of my dear Husband my Watch and the Treasury Bond of the United
States for Ninety Pounds now in the House—I give to my niece Lucy Burwell the set of Chelsea
Tea China, as a token she is not forgot. I give to my Nephew Peyton Randolph the Silver Coffee
Pot for the same reason. I give to my Nephew Benjamin Harrison of Berkley 4 Silver
Candlesticks called the new ones which were given me by my grandmother Harrison I also give
him a Mulatto Woman called little Aggy, her Daughter Betsy her son Nathan to him and his
heirs forever. I also give him the other half of the Beds Blankets and Curtains. I give to my
Nephew Carter Harrison of Berkley a Molatto Boy named Wat, to him and his heirs forever. I
give to my Niece Ann Coupland a Negro Woman named Eve and her son George to her use and
after her death to her Heirs. I give to my niece Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me a Girl
named Kitty, daughter of little Aggy to her use and after her Death to her Heirs. I give to my
niece Elizabeth Rickman a Negro Woman called great Aggy and her Son Henry to her use and
after her death to her Heirs. I give to my Niece Lucy Randolph Daughter of my Sister Necks a
Molatto girl named Charlotte to her use and after her death to her Heirs. I give to my Nephew
Harrison Randolph a Negro Woman named Lucy, and her Children to him and his Heirs forever.
I have in the loan Office of this Commonwealth the sum of Nine hundred Pounds which I
dispose of in the following manner, five hundred Pounds I give and bequeath to my Niece
Elizabeth Harrison who lives with me. One hundred to my Br. Charles Harrison, and None
hundred to his daughter Betty Randolph Harrison. My Will and desire is that the House and all
the Lots in Williamsburg given me by my dear Husband together with the furniture not
particularly given away, Chariot, Waggon & Horses in town, and all the Estate I shall die
possessed of not particularly disposed of may be sold, and after paying my debts (which I design
shall be very few) the Money arising from the sale thereof may be divided into two equal parts,
the one half I give and bequeath to my Nephew Harrison Randolph, out of the other half I desire
forty pounds may be divided among Servants that shall attend me in my illness as they shall
deserve, the remainder to be divided into Six equal parts to be given to Six Persons hereafter
mentioned Viz. Peyton Harrison, son of my Br. Carter Harrison, William Harrison, son of my Br.
Benjamin the Youngest Son of my Br. Nat, the Youngest Son of my Br. Charles, and the two
Sons of my Br. Robert Harrison. If either of my Br. Roberts sons should die before the Age of
twenty One the Survivor to take both his own and his Brothers part. My Will & desire is that the
heirs of my dear & honored Husband (by whose bounty I have been enabled to make these
bequests) may be put to no inconveniency by my heirs, for which reason I desire the Carts
Waggons & work Horses on the Plantation & tools for the use of the Plantations tho purchases
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Eve
by me may not be looked on as part of my Estate. I also desire a sufficient quantity of corn and
fodder may be left on the Plantations for the use of the Negroes & Stocks. I also direct that
whatever Cloths, or materials for making cloths for the negroes, that shall be found in the House
shall be given up for that purpose. If I should have any Money in the house or Treasury not
already given away I give it to Harrison Randolph. I have lent the Estate Money as Mr. Cocks
receipt & Books will show to the amount of One hundred & thirty Pounds which I design should
be laid out in a monument to the memory of my dear and blessed husband. My Will & desire is
that the above Sum of One hundred & thirty Pounds due from the Estate be paid to Edmund
Randolph esqr. he giving Bond to my Executors to put up a monument in the Chapel of Wm. and
Mary College opposite to that of his grandfather Sr. John Randolph (which I have been informed
cost about that sum) as soon as possible, he is to pay no Interest for the money only to lay out the
sum of One hundred & thirty pounds. My Body which I had almost forgot I desire to be put in
the Vault in the College chapel in which the remains of my blessed husband are deposited, the
summit of all my wishes with regard to this world & that the expences of the funeral may be paid
before the division is made. My share in the Wmsburg factory I give and devise to Harrison
Randolph, my Books to his sister Lucy Randolph. I do appoint my Brother Benjn. Harrison, my
Nephew Benjn. Harrison & my Nephew Harrison Randolph Exors of this my last Will &
Testament. In witness whereof I have set my hand & Seat this 23rd day of October in the Year of
our Lord 1780, (Signed) Betty Randolph [Seal] {Witnesses} Rachel Whitaker, Sally Singleton.
1782 July 20th A Codicil to the above Will. Whereas Eve’s bad behavior laid me under the
necesity of selling her, I Order and direct the Money she sold for may be laid out in purchasing
two Negros Viz; a Boy & girl, the Girl I give to my Niece Ann Coapland in lieu of Eve, in the
same manner that I had given Eve. The boy I give to Peyton Harrison—Son of my Brother
Carter Harrison, to him & his heirs forever. I have lent Charlotte to my Nephew Harrison
Randolph during my life. As he will perhaps be at some expence in raising & maintaining other
Children she may have as a gratuity I give to him & his Heirs forever her son called Thomas
Prouce. I have given in my Will, forty Pound Paper Currency to be divided among the Servants,
instead of which I Order Ten Pounds of the Money found in the House to be divided as afore
directed. I also Order Twenty Pounds out of the same Money to be given to my niece E Harrison
if she should be living with me at the time of my death in order to enable her to pay her
Expences to some friendly roof. I thing I have express myself with regard to Thomas Pruse in a
manner that may leave room for a dispute to prevent which I declare my Will is that Harrison
Randolph is to have the said Thomas Pruse at all events, I give to my Niece Eliza. Harrison my
dressing Table and Glass that stands in my Chamber and the Cabinet on Top of the Desk.
Betty Randolph
This Codicil was Signed, Published and declared to be part of the last Will of the said Betty
Randolph in presence of us.
{Witness}
John Blair
James Madison
[Seal]
(Presented and ordered recorded 17 Feb. 1783)
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Eve
Bead Necklace*
Bone Handle*
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Eve
Peyton Randolph Kitchen
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Matthew Hubard
Matthew Hubard was the oldest child of James Hubard, a lawyer who joined
the British Army and served until the surrender at Yorktown. James
retreated with the army to New York and died there in May, 1782. Matthew
was fifteen years old when his father died. He traveled to New York from
Virginia to find his father but arrived three days after his father's death.
Governor Dunmore, the last Royal Governor of Virginia, took Matthew with
him to England to seek financial help. The commissioners in England
examined Matthew’s claim for compensation from his father’s losses on July
9, 1783.
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Matthew Hubard
Character Biography
Name:
Matthew Hubard
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
December 25, 1766
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Unknown
Parents:
James Hubard, Jr. (Lawyer, Loyalist)
Frances Morton (Milliner)
Siblings:
James (b. February 12, 1765)
Meriwether (b. October 16, 1768)
5 other siblings
Occupation:
Unknown
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Miscellaneous:
During the 1780s and 1790s, Frances Hubard (Matthew’s mother) owned
as many as 5 slaves.
In April 1797, Frances Hubard’s house in Williamsburg burned.
Sources:
York County (VA) Project
Virginia Gazette
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Matthew Hubard
Virginia Gazette
May 11, 1769:32
Williamsburg, May 16, 1769
The subscriber purposes to practice the law in the county Courts, in and about Williamsburg, in
the Cort of Admiralty, and to attend the Council Board on the trial of caveats. Whatever
business is entrusted to his care shall be conducted with the greatest dispatch, and to the best of
his abilities.
James Hubard
24 Nov 1781
J. PRENTIS TO GOV: NELSON
Sir,
At the request of the Common Hall of this city, I am to inform your Excellency, that a
number of Persons who were formerly residents of this Town, and who joined the British Army,
have, since Lord Cornwallis's Reduction, returned here; and are at this time, quietly enjoying the
privileges and advantages of good citizens, which we cannot conceive they are entitled to.
I have inclosed a List of such of them as can be recollected to present, and have no doubt
but that some mode will be adopted by the Executive to enquire into this matter.
I am with every sentiment of Esteem & Respect
Yr: Excellency's most ob't S'vt.
Jacob Williams
Joseph Thompson
Henry Drake Watson
Benj. Bucktrout
James Hubard Jnr:
Wm. Hill
James Ross
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Matthew Hubard
JOHN BLAIR TO GOV: HARRISON
28 May 1782
In behalf of the widow of Mr. James Highboard, who had been allowed without proper
authority to leave Williamsburg for New York to see her dying husband, but who now desires to
return, altho' she had promised not to do so, adds "I forbear, Sir, to urge in her Behalf Arguments
of Compassion. I know it is unnecessary. I know that if the safety of the Public, should in the
Opinion of the Honble Board make it their Duty to reject this Application, the Feelings of
Humanity will still play their Part in private and need no Prompter. * * *
"If the opinion of the Count de Rochambeau may have any weight, I am authorized to say
that he apprehends no Danger from the Indulgence of Mrs. Highboard's request."
Audit Office Series 13/031/001
Corresponding Survery Report no .2247
Williamsburg
Claim presented by James Minzies on behalf of the late James Hubard Jr.'s son, Matthew
Hubard. James Hubard joined the British Army under Cornwallis and served until the surrender
at York Town, after which he sailed to New York. His health was failing, occasioned by a
disorder he had contracted in the Garrison at York Town, and he died in May 1782. He had a
wife and eight children at the time, the oldest, Matthew being fifteen. Matthew had made his
way through Rebell Country from Williamsburg to New York, arriving three days after his
father's death. Dunmore took up Matthew's cause, took him to England to get him a commission
in the Army, and when that failed, helped him appeal to the Committee to receive compensation
for his father's losses.
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Matthew Hubard
Virginia Gazette
April 8, 1797
WILLIAMSBURG, April 5
Yesterday between 4 and 5 o’clock in the afternoon, a Fire broke out in the dwelling
house of Mrs. FRANCES HUBARD of this town, which in a little time was entirely consumed:
Fortunately however, most of the furniture was saved; though not without sustaining
considerable injury. The situation of this unfortunate lady, who has not so much as a
comfortable dwelling left her, must be sincerely lamented by all who compassionate the
unfortunate and sympathize with the distressed. Never did the voice of humanity cry aloud for
the relief of the distressed more than on the present occasion. Such were the feelings of those
who beheld the melancholy spectacle, who saw an unfortunate woman, the mother of many
children, deprived of her only security against the inclemencies of the weather, that a
subscription was instantly handed about to alleviate her misfortune. But alas! The loss was too
great to be easily repaired. It is however much to be wished, that all who feel for the misfortunes
of others, but particularly those who, either from connexion or subsisting intimacy, are
concerned for the welfare of the unfortunate Mrs. Hubard, will, without hesitation contribute to
her relief. A more worthy occasion never urged a compliance with the duties of humanity.
The Printer is most earnestly requested to receive all Contributions which may be made
for the relief of Mrs. HUBARD, and to convey them safely to the Rev’d. John Bracken of
Williamsburg.
Inventory of estate of Matthew Hubberd 1772 September 29
Inventory of the Effects of Matthew Hubberd Deced in the possession of W. Boaz Booth Sept.
29th 1772 Viz.
1 Cow and Calf, 1 Bed 2 Bedstead 1 Rugg and Blanket 1 large Bagg of Feathers, 6 Flagged
Chairs & Leather bottom do., 1 Black Walnut Oval Table, 1 Iron Potts, 1 Frying Pan, 2
Powdering Tubbs, 1 old Gun, 1 old Cutlass & Spinning Wheel
Examd:
Will: Russel DShf
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Matthew Hubard
Courthouse*
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William Hunter, Jr.
William Hunter inherited half a printing business from his father. As an
adult, he worked in the shop with his partner, John Dixon. Hunter and Dixon
ended their partnership in 1779, probably over issues related to the
Revolutionary War. Hunter joined Cornwallis's Army in June, 1781, where
he gave information about the Americans to the British. Hunter was forced to
leave Williamsburg after the Revolution and, as he left behind valuable
property, he later petitioned the British to repay him for his losses.
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William Hunter, Jr.
Character Biography
Name:
William Hunter, Jr.
Birth Place:
Williamsburg, VA?
Birth Date:
Late 1755 or early 1754
Death Place:
Unknown—probably London, England
Death Date:
After September 1789
Parents:
William Hunter
Elizabeth Reynolds (b. by 1739—d. after 1779)
NOTE: There is no evidence that William Hunter and Elizabeth Reynolds
were married.
Siblings:
None
Occupation:
Printer
Merchant
Office(s) Held:
Petit Juror (1779)
Subsheriff and Tax Collector (March-July 1780)
Residence(s):
James City County, VA (1761-1764)
Philadelphia, PA (1764-1767)
Charles Parish, York County, VA (1768)
Williamsburg, VA (1769-1781)
Yorktown, VA (1781)
New York (1781-1783?)
Nova Scotia (1783?-1784)
London, England (1784-1789+)
Spouse(s):
Elizabeth Hunter Davenport (d. by 1784) (William’s first cousin)
(m. 1777)
Children:
William Hunter (b. +1780?)
Joseph Hunter (b. by 1782)
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William Hunter, Jr.
Miscellaneous:
Hunter owned several properties in Williamsburg. He was a member of
the Williamsburg Masonic Lodge, and he owned a number of slaves.
Although he was a member of the Williamsburg militia, Hunter was a
loyalist and suffered property losses when the British surrendered.
Sources:
Virginia Gazette
York County (VA) Records
Becoming Americans—People & Revolution
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William Hunter, Jr.
RECEIVED December the twenty eighth 1774 of Benjamin Waller and Thomas Everard Executors of Mr
William Hunter decd and by them assigned to me the following Bonds and Papers to Wit
A Bond dated November 3d 1767 from John Thompson junr Thomas Mann Randolph James
Pride and William Byrd to the said Executors in the Penalty of Five thousand Pounds current Money with
condition for the payment of Two thousand Six hundred pounds current Money on the 18th day of
December 1774 with Lawful Interest the Interest on which has been duly paid and accounted for by the
said Executors for the use of the said Testators Estate and to Col. John Dixon my Late Guardian to the
18th day of December 1773. Also the said John Thompson’s Bond to the said Executors dated November
3d 1767, in the penalty of Two hundred and sixty Pounds current Money for the payment of One hundred
and thirty pounds Current Money on the tenth day of December 1774 Six pounds one Shilling and a
Penny part of which has been paid my said late Guardian and is for the Last years Interest on the first
above mentioned Bond.
And also a Bond from the said John Dixon with Henry Dixon his Security to the said Executors
dated the 12th day of August 1773 in the penalty of two hundred and eighty Pounds current Money for
the payment of one hundred and forty pounds current Money being so much of the principal Money of the
first above mentioned bond received by the said John Dixon for my Uses Which said several Bonds are in
full for the said Testator’s Stock in Trade with Messrs Tarpley, Thompson and company bequeathed me
by his Will. Also a bond from Alexander Purdie John Dixon and Haldenby Dixon to the said Executors
dated the twenty first day of June 1766 the Penalty of Two thousand four hundred pounds current Money
for the payment of twelve hundred Pounds current Money with Lawful Interest for the same being for the
said Hunter’s part of Printing Materials Books Stationary Wares&c at the Printing Office sold the said
Purdie by the said Executors the Interest on which has been recieved and accounted for by the said
Executors to June 21st 1772.
Also the said Executors written Agreement with the said Purdie and Dixon for renting the said
Printing Office to them the Rents for the same have been duly accounted for by the said Executors.
And also the Articles of Agreement entered into by the said Executors with Joseph Royle decd
pursuant to their Testators directions.
Which Premises are in full of the Legacies bequesathed me by the Will of the said William
Hunter decd.
WILLIAM HUNTER/s/
Winess
John Waller junr
Ben: C. Waller
And I the said William Hunter to hereby Oblige myself my Executors and Administrators to
indemnify the said Benjamin Waller and Thomas Everard from any Claim or demand Which they may
hereafter be Liable to as Executors of William Hunter decd.
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William Hunter, Jr.
Virginia Gazette
January 7, 1775
“Printed by JOHN DIXON and WM. HUNTER, at the POST OFFICE”
To the PUBLICK
The many Orders we have received from the Subscribers to this Gazette for continuing
them on our List, and the few who have withdrawn their Subscriptions, encourage us to hope for
Success in this Publication. We now present the Publick with our papers, as a Sample of what
they are to expect from us in Future...
Whatever may be sent us in Favour of LIBERTY, or for the PUBLICK GOOD, shall be
published with Cheerfulness; and in Case of a Scarcity of News, we will endeavour to supply the
Room with such moral Pieces, from the best Writers, as may contribute to the Improvement of
mankind in General ...
The PAPERS will be published early every Saturday Morning...
JOHN DIXON
WILLIAM HUNTER
Virginia Gazette
March 5, 1779
ALL persons indebted to the late partnership
of Dixon & Hunter, for gazettes, books, &c. Are
requested to pay off their respective balances as
soon as possible; and those who have claims against
the same are desired to apply for payment. The
books are lodged with William Hunter, who will
settle all accounts relative to the said partnership.
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William Hunter, Jr.
Loyalist Petition
of William Hunter
To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury.
The Memorial of William Hunter, late of the Colony of Virginia, Printer, Book Seller and
Stationer, Humbly showeth:
That your Memorialsit was, at the Commencement of the late Rebellion, settled in a very
lucrative Business in the Colony of Virginia, but from a Spirit of Loyalty and Attachment to his
Sovereign, and to avoid Persecution, was obliged to quit his Business and embraced the earliest
Opportunity of joining his majesty’s Forces: chusing rather to sacrifice his Life and Fortune in
the Service of his King and Country than to bear Arms against them, which, though he had
avoided during his Residence in Virginia, he would have been obligated to do when the British
Army came into the Neighbourhood in which he lived, or suffer a further Prosecution of which
he had already experienced too much.
That in Consequence of his Loyalty he has not only been deprived of the Whole of his
Fortune, but banished from his native Country, having returned thither, under the Faith of the
Treaty of Peace, in order to settle his Affairs.
That your Memorialist did, both before he joined the Army, and afterwards, endeavour to
render every Service in his Power to the Commanders of his Majesty’s Army, which he takes the
Liberty to say he believes is well known to Col. Dundas, and which will further appear by Lord
Cornwallis’s certificate annexed to this Memorial.
That your Memorialist has a small Family consisting of an aged Mother and two Children
who look up to him for Support, which he is absolutely unable to give them, being himself
destitute of the Means of Subsistence; Therefore humbly prays that your Lordships will take into
consideration his Case, and grant him such relief as you may think his Losses and Services
Merit.
And your Memorialist, as in Duty bound, will ever Pray
William Hunter
London Septr 2 1782
No. 2 Sugar Loaf Court
Leadenhall Street
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William Hunter, Jr.
No. 1
An Estimate of Losses sutained by William Hunter in Consequence of his Loyalty and
Attachment to his Majesty and Government viz.
1 House and Lott in the City of Williamsburg N47
1 Ditto
Ditto N 48
1 Ditto
Ditto
1 Small Farm near Williamsburg
4 Negro Men value £75 each
5 Negro Women £60 each
6 Negro Children from 2 to 10 Years old, average £30 each
1 Phaeton & pair Horses in value
1 Waggon & 4 Horses
20 Head of Cattle, 30 Head of Sheep, and a Number of
Hogs in value about
Household & Kitchen Furniture in Value about
Virginia Currency
£ 650
650
350
105
300
300
180
175
170
100
500
Virginia Currency
1200
60
300
100
Debts due on Account of his Business
1 Sloop of 40 Tons
1 Sett of Printing Materials
a small Quantity of Merchandis in value about
£5135
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William Hunter, Jr.
William Hunter, Jr.’s Printing Office
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John Randolph
John Randolph was a political moderate in the years before the Revolution,
but as the events leading up to the conflict unfolded, he became more and
more conservative. He refused to support Virginia's separation from England
because he saw it as an illegal and foolish act. Randolph became more and
more unpopular with the people of Williamsburg until finally, in 1775, he, his
wife, and their two daughters left Virginia for England. Upon his departure,
John Randolph had Peyton Randolph as one of three trustees given the task of
selling his property in Williamsburg. Despite his political differences with his
brother Peyton, they remained close.
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John Randolph
Character Biography
Name:
John Randolph
Birth Place:
Williamsburg, VA
Birth Date:
ca. 1727
Death Place:
London, England (Buried in family vault—Chapel, College of William &
Mary)
Death Date:
January 31, 1785
Parents:
Sir John Randolph
Lady Susannah Beverly Randolph
Siblings:
Beverly
Peyton
Mary
Education:
College of William & Mary
Middle Temple, Inns of Court, London, England
Occupation:
Lawyer
Office(s) Held:
Common Council—Williamsburg, VA
Clerk, House of Burgesses—Williamsburg, VA
Mayor—Williamsburg, VA
Deputy Judge, Court of Vice Admiralty
Justice of the Peace—James City County, VA
Attorney General
Trustee, Public Hospital
Burgess representing the College of William & Mary
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
London, England
Spouse(s):
Ariana Jennings
Children:
Edmund (b. August 10, 1753)
Susannah Beverly (b. ca. 1755)
Ariana
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John Randolph
Miscellaneous:
Diarist Daniel Fischer, ca. 1750: “John Randolph in speaking of the
disposition of the Virginian, very freely cautioned us against disobliging
or offending any person of note in the Colony we were going to; for says
he, either by blood or marriage, we are almost all related, or so connected
in our interests, that whoever of a Stranger presumes to offend any one of
us will infallibly find an enemy of the whole nor right nor wrong, do we
ever forsake him, till by open means or other, his ruin is accomplished.”
John Page of Rosewell wrote in his memoirs in 1808 about his service as a
member of the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary, and
made this reference to John Randolph: “As a visitor, I faithfully supported
the rights and privileges of both Professors and Students; and
notwithstanding I had been placed at the Council Board by Lord Dunmore,
I opposed his nomination of John Randolph as a visitor, boldly declaring
that as he had been rejected on a former occasion, as not possessing the
disposition and character, moral and religious, which the Charter and
Statutes of the College required, he ought not again be nominated, till it
could be proved that he had abandoned his former principles, and
practices, which no one could venture to say he had. I then proposed
Nathaniel Burwell, in the place of Lord Dunmore’s nomination, and he
was elected I think by every voice except Dunmore’s.”
John Randolph with William Nelson, Robert Carter Nicholas, George
Wythe, and John Blair administered the settlement of Lord Botetourt’s
estate.
Sources:
The Randolphs of Turkey Island: A Prosopography of the First Three
Generations, 1650-1806. Gerald Cowden, 1977. William and Mary
Dissertation
York County (VA) Records
Virginia Gazette
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John Randolph
An extract from
Considerations on the Present State of Virginia
[ca. early July 1774]
My Address is to the Publick. To that Tribunal I apply, as a proper one, to determine on
the Rectitude of my Sentiments. When I mention the Publick, I mean to include only the rational
Part of it. The ignorant Vulgar are as unfit to judge of the Modes, as they are unable to manage
the Reins, of Government. ...To such Judges I appeal; and if what I say be approved of, I hope
that those Gentlemen who agree with me in Opinion will have Resolution enough to avow their
Concurrence; but if otherwise, I am open to Conviction, and wish to be enlightened with better
Thoughts.
The Author of this little Performance was born, and educated, in Virginia. He was
nurtured in the mixed Principles of Obedience and Freedom, as they stand ingrafted in the
English Constitution. He has ever held in Contempt the Applause of a giddy Multitude, but the
good Opinion of the Wise and Virtuous he has at all Times endeavoured to cultivate. He is fully
apprised of the precarious Tenure of an Office, should he possess one; and is sensible of the
Weight of popular Odium, should it fall on him. Not solicitous about the former, or dismayed
with the Apprehensions of the latter, he has ventured to exhibit a few Demands upon the present
State of this Colony.
There never was a Country in a more distressed Situation than Virginia seems to be, at
this Juncture. We have at our Backs, committing daily Massacres, a cruel, daring, and insidious
Enemy; driving our anteriour Inhabitants in, like Sheep, to Slaughter. . . . we are engaged in a
Dispute with our Mother Country; which, if maintained on both Sides with the Vehemence that
seems to actuate each at this Time, must terminate most certainly in the Destruction of one, and
perhaps of both the contending Parties. ...
I have frequently heard the Term Patriotism mentioned. I had the Vanity to suppose that
I knew its Import; but, if I am to judge from what I have seen in those who are said to possess it,
I fear that I was very much mistaken....
True Patriotism consists not in separate Attachment to any particular Branch, but in the
Preservation of the several Parts of Government in that Degree of Strength and Vigour which the
Constitution intends that each shall enjoy. England, though called a Monarchy, yet is a mixed
Dominion, and partakes of many different Species of Government. The King has a Proportion of
Power lodged with him for the Support of his Royal character. . . . the executive Power is placed
under his Discretion.
The People have a Share of Power allowed by the Constitution to them also. As their
Number is so large that they cannot individually be present in Legislature, they act by their
Representatives, who are elected by a Majority of the Votes of the Freeholders qualified to give
their Suffrage. . . .it is the Duty of these Deputies to consider themselves as Fiduciaries [one
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John Randolph
who holds the trust] to the People, and to consent to no Laws but such as are likely to produce
Advantage to the Community.
The House of Lords form an intermediate State, between the King and People. They, like
the Statue of Janus, look two different Ways: Forwards, to see that the King, in the Exercise of
his Prerogative, does not infringe the Rights of the People; backwards, to observe, on the other
Hand, that the People to not exceed that Line which is the Boundary of their Privileges. There
are, within every Government, many inferiour Movements; but, in England, the united Power of
King, Lords, and commons, is the great Wheel by which all the others are brought into Motion
and Action. This vast political Body, with its Appendages, is like the Earth; it must be preserved
in its due Poise, or else it would quickly tumble into Ruin. . . . If the Rulers in Polity below
would endeavour to imitate this unerring Pattern, and preserve all the constituent Parts of
Government entire, by striving against those only which are redundant, and fostering such as are
below the Equilibrium; and, farther, would allow to the King what is his just Prerogative, and
take from the People what does not belong to them; would look minutely into those Department
with which they are more intimately connected, and without Favour, Affection, or Prejudice,
keep the Society moving on its proper Hinges; such a Man, and such only, I would call a Patriot,
or a Friend to his Country...The Constitution of England and Virginia resemble each other so
much, that what I have said as to the one will hold equally as to the other. The King's
Prerogative exists here, in its fullest Lustre and Vigour. The People, by their Representatives,
compose a Branch of the Legislature; and the Council, as a middle Power, complete the whole
Legislative Body. These integral Parts, as well as the subordinate Ones, as they fall into Decay,
demand the same Attention and Reparations which those of every Government require....
The present Dispute between Great Britain and her Colonies is certainly of a very
interesting Nature, and has been already carried too far; and yet I am persuaded that it may be
adjusted without Noise, and the publick Tranquillity again restored, if Gentlemen would pursue
those Measures which are likely to effect what is every Man's Wish to obtain. . . . In Exertion of
the Right of Taxation, the Parliament laid a Duty on Stamps and Tea. From the Dissatisfaction
occaisoned by the Stamp Act, and the Remonstrances made against it, a Repeal was obtained,
before it was carried into Execution. . . . The Americans may argue till Doomsday, but I am
afraid that they will find the Parliament deaf to their Resoning, and their Eloquence unavailing.
The most stubborn must yield to superiour Force. . . .
IN the Meantime, I hope I shall enjoy my private Freedom, which is to think for myself,
and, at this critical Time, to offer my Sentiments with Regard to the Welfare of this Country, to
which I profess myself a devoted Servant.
[John Randolph]
Annonymous, Considerations of the Present State of Virginia
Williamsburg, 1774.
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John Randolph
Virginia Gazette
July 12, 1775
Williasmburg
It having been asserted, and industriously propagated, that some little time before the late
meeting of the merchants, in conversation with a person at my own house, I said that the
merchants would not meet, because they were afraid of being robbed of their money by Patrick
Henry and his followers: I take this opportunity to declare, upon my honour, that I never said or
thought any such thing, and that the person who charges me with uttering such expressions must
have mistaken my words, or inferred from them a meaning never intended by
JOHN RANDOLPH
Virginia Gazette
August 25, 1775
Williamsburg
I do hereby give notice, that I have conveyed my estate, both real and personal, to Peyton
Randolph, John Blair, and James Cocke, esqrs. Who are authorized to sell the same. All persons
who have any demands against me are desired to make them known to those Gentlemen at the
meeting of the merchants, in October next. I intend to leave the colony for a few months; and
beg the favour of those who have any business to transact with me, as attorney general, to apply
to John Blair, esq; who has been so kind as to engage to act for me during my absence.
Virginia Gazette
September 8, 1775
This morning the attorney general, with his Lady and daughters, set out for Norfolk, where they
are to take shipping for England.
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John Randolph
Capitol*
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Frances Tasker Carter
Frances Tasker Carter was a member of Virginia’s gentry class. Frances
Tasker was married to Robert Carter and together they had 17 children. Her
role was that of housewife and mother. She oversaw the running of her
household, including the cooking, cleaning, food preservation, gardening,
raising of domestic animals, and supervision of slaves. As a gentry mother,
Frances oversaw the education of her younger children but not the older ones.
This was left to her husband. Her accomplishments as a housewife, mother
and manager were documented in the journal and letters of the Carter
children’s tutor, Philip Vickers Fithian.
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Frances Tasker Carter
Character Biography
Name:
Frances Tasker Carter
Birth Place:
Annapolis, MD
Birth Date:
1738
Death Place:
Nomini Hall, Westmoreland County, VA
Death Date:
October 31, 1787
Parents:
Benjamin Tasker
Ann Bladen Tasker
Siblings:
Education:
Domestic, social graces, music, dancing
Occupation:
Housewife
Residence(s):
Annapolis, MD
Nomini Hall, Westmoreland County, VA (1754-1761)
Williamsburg, VA (1761-1772)
Nomini Hall, Westmoreland County, VA (1772-1787)
Spouse(s):
Robert Carter (b. 1728) (m. April 2, 1754)
Children:
Benjamin (b. 1757—d. 1779)
Robert Bladen (b. 1759)
Priscilla (b. June 15, 1760)
Anne (Nancy) Tasker (b. January 17, 1762—d. after 1796)
Rebecca (b. and d. November 16, 1762) (Buried in Bruton Parish Church
Yard)
Frances (b. May 25, 1764)
Betty Landon (b. October 25, 1765)
Mary (b. 1767—d. 1771) (Buried in Bruton Parish Church Yard)
Harriet Lucy (b. July 8, 1768)
Amelia Churchill (b. 1769—d. 1770) (Buried in Bruton Parish Church
Yard)
Rebecca Dulany (b. 1770—d. 1771) (Buried in Bruton Parish Church
Yard)
John Tasker (b. 1772)
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Frances Tasker Carter
Sarah Fairfax (b. 1773)
Judith (b. September 17, 1775—d. September 26, 1775)
George (b. 1777)
Sophia (b. 1778)
Julia (b. 1783)
Sources:
Calendar of Virginia State Papers
Hening’s Statutes at Large
Tyler’s Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine
Virginia Magazine of History and Biography
William and Mary Quarterly
Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia
Executive Journals and Legislative Journals of the Council of Colonial VA
Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian, 1773-74
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143
Frances Tasker Carter
Extracts pertaining to Mrs. Frances Carter from the Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian,
1773-1774: A Plantation Tutor of the Old Dominion (Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg,
1943).
December 1773
Thursday 16.
I can only to day write down my Misfortune; my poor Horse as he was feeding in a miry
Bottom, walked upon a sharp Stick, which stuck into his Thigh on the under Side about four
Inches below his Flank!-The stick went in more than three Inches!-He is very lame, but they tell
me will revoke, The Hostler, when we had lead him to the Stable, applied Spirits of Turpentine
to part, and in the Evening is to fill it with Comfrey roots pounded Soft.
I had the pleasure of walking to Day at twelve o-Clock with Mrs. Carter; She shewed me
her stock of Fowls & Mutton for the winter; She observed, with great truth, that to live in the
Country, and take no pleasure at all in Groves, Fields, or Meadows; nor in Cattle, Horses, &
domestic Poultry, would be a manner of life too tedious to endure; Dined at three.
December 1773
At Dinner Mr. & Mrs. Carter gave their opinion concerning what they thought pleasing
and agreeable in a person; Mrs. Carter said she loved a sociable open, chatty person; that She
could not bear Sullenness, and stupidity-Mr. [Robert] Carter, on the other-hand, observed that it
is just which Solomon says, that there is a “time for all things under the Sun”; that it discovers
great Judgement to laugh in Season, and that, on the whole, he is pleased with Taciturnity-pray
which of the two should I suit?
[4 January 1774] Mrs. Carter is prudent, always cheerful, never without something pleasant, a
remarkable Economist, perfectly acquainted (in my Opinion) with the good-management of
Children, intirely free from all fooling and unnecessary fondness, and is also well acquainted (for
She has always bee used) with the formality and Ceremony which we find commonly in high
Life...
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Frances Tasker Carter
[January 1774]
Sunday 30
Very stormy this morning with Rain and Hail which instantly freezes; the trees hang bending
with Ice, & the ways are all glassy & slippery-None think of going to Church this day-Mrs Carter
& I after Breakfast had a long conversation on religious affairs-Particularly on differing
Denominations of Protestants-She thinks the Religion of the established Church without
Exception the best of any invented or practised in the world. & indeed she converses with great
propriety on these things, & discovers her very extensive Knowledge; She allows the Difference
between the church, & Presbyterianism to be only exceeding small, & wishes they were both
intirely united! Through this whole Day it storms but the Evening is terrible! Almost an
Inundation of Rain’ The wind violent at North-East; The Snow, Hail, and Rain freezing together
on the Ground! This Evening the Negroes collected themselves into the School-room, & began
to play the Fiddle, & dance-I was in Mr. Randolphs Room;-I went among them, Ben, & Harry
were of the company-Harry was dancing with his coat off-I dispersed them however
immediately.
[10 March 1774] Mrs. Carter informed me last Evening that this Family one year with another
consumes 27000 Lb of Pork; & twenty Beeves. 550 bushels of Wheat, besides corn--4
Hogsheads of Rum, & 150 Gallons of Brandy....
[17 October 1774] To day I saw a Phenomenon, Mrs. Carter without Stays!--She complains of a
pain in her breast, that prevents her wearing them, she says that She is always supposing the
worst, & fears it is a Cancer breeding there--I hope it may be only fear--I am more & more every
day pleased with the manner, Temper, Oconomy, & whole management of this good Lady....
Monday, April 4, 1774
After Supper I had a long conversation with Mrs. Carter concerning Negros in Virginia, & find
that She esteems their value at no higher rate than I do. We both concluded, (& I am pretty
certain that the conclusion is just) that if in Mr. Carters, or in any Gentlemans Estate, all the
Negroes should be sold, & the Money put to interest in safe hands, & let the Lands which these
Negroes now work lie wholly uncultivated, the bare Interest of the Price of the Negroes would be
a much greater yearly income than what is now received from their working the Lands, making
no allowance at all for the trouble & Risk of the Masters as to the crops, & Negroes.-How much
greater then must be the value of an Estate here if these poor enslaved Africans were all in their
native desired Country, & in their Room industrious Tenants, who being born in freedom, by a
laudable care, would not only inrich their Landlords, but would raise a hardy Offspring to be the
Strength & the honour of the Colony
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Frances Tasker Carter
Portrait of Frances Tasker Carter*
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146
Frances Tasker Carter
Robert Carter House
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147
Alexander Craig
Alexander Craig was a tanner, saddler, and leatherworker. Craig had a large
and successful business and owned several slaves. Saddle and harnesses were
Craig's specialties, but he seemed willing to take on other projects. Craig, or
those working for him, produced shoes and he advertised leather “suitable for
cushions for couches, chaises, portmanteaus, and chair bottoms.” In addition
to making leather goods, he also imported European goods like chocolate and
glass for resale. From his inventory, he seems to have enjoyed a high
standard of living and surrounded himself with many luxury goods. He died
in January, 1776.
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Alexander Craig
Character Biography
Name:
Alexander Craig
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
1717
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
By January 19, 1776
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Saddler
Harnessmaker
Office(s) Held:
Served on York County (VA) Court and Grand Jury
Elected to Common Council of Williamsburg (December 3, 1767)
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (by January 19, 1746/7-January 13, 1776)
Spouse(s):
Mary (Marie) Maupin (b. by 1734—d. after 1805)
Children:
Judith (b. August 30, 1749) (m. John M. Galt—April 6, 1769)
George (b. August 29, 1751)
Mary B. (b. January 26, 1753)
Isabelle (b. November 27, 1754)
Thomas (b. August 24, 1757)
Lucretia (b. February 13, 1760)
Ann (b. October 5, 1763)
Sarah (b. December 8, 1766)
Miscellaneous:
Craig owned a slave named Aberdeen, who was five years old in 1762 and
attended the Bray School. He also owned a slave named Sarah who was
baptized January 1, 1769 at Bruton Parish Church. Adult slaves also
baptized at Bruton Parish Church were: Essex, Seth, William (November
3, 1765), Judith (June 1766), and Ellise (June 5, 1768).
Sources:
York County (VA) Project
Bruton Parish Records
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149
Alexander Craig
Virginia Gazette
October 17, 1751
To be sold, at Mr. Alex. Craig's, in Williamsburg, Best Sole and Neats Leather,
wax'd Calve Skins and Hides, auitable for Coaches, Chaises, couches Portmantuas
and Chair bottoms, in any Quantity.
Likewise best Chocolate, and Window Glass.
Virginia Gazette
March 2, 1776
To be SOLD to the highest Bidders, on Wednesday the 6th of March, at the late
Dewlling House of ALEXANDER CRAIG, deceased, in Williamsburg,
ALL his Stock in Trade, consisting of Saddlery and Harness Furniture, &c. also a
Cart and Horses, several Cows, and some Household Furniture. Six Months
Credit will be allowed for all sums above 5 £. Bond and approved Security will
be required-All Persons indebted to the Deceased are requested to make
immediate Payment; and those who have any Demands will make them, to
immediate Payment; and those who have any Demands will make them known to
JOHN M. GALT }
GABRIEL MAUPIN } EXECUTORS
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Alexander Craig
York County Wills and Inventories, No. 22, 330 - 333.
Recorded: 15 April 1776
An Extract from the Inventory of the estate of Alexander Craig, taken March 2, 1776
1
Womans Saddle and Mane Comb
1
postillion Whip
3
Velvet Caps
1
pr Straps
1
Lot Old Iron
1
Writing Desk and Frame
Shelves Counters and Glass Case
13
Prints
1
Looking Glass
1
Easy Chair
6
black Walnut Chairs
1
Round Tea Table
1
Lot China and Crockery
16
Glasses
1
Desk and Book Case
1
1b Powder and Powder Horn
Stackhouse History Bible
Smollet's History England
Robertson's History Scotland
American Gazzettes
1
Tea Chest
1
Round Mahogany Table
1
Pinchback Watch
3
Flax Wheels
4
Course Towels 2/ 5 Table Cloths 40/
1
Lot Crockery Ware
4
Candle Sticks 7/6 1 Cruet Stand
14
Knives and Forks
1
Childs Chair
2
black walnut Bedsteads
1
pine Chest of Drawers
2
Beds, 2 Bolsters and 4 pillows
5
pr Sheets
1
Easy Chair
1
pine Table 1/3 1 Pewter Tureen 10/
7
Candle Moulds
1
Coffee pot 2/6 1 Skillet 4/
27½ Ozs of old Silver at 7/
3
Cows
Parcel empty barrels
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2..0..7
0..3..9
2.10..0
0..2..6
1.10..0
0.15..0
4..0..0
1..6..0
2.10..0
3.10..0
3..0..0
0.12..6
4.10..0
0.10..0
7.10..0
0..7..6
2..0..0
2..0..0
1..0..0
0.10..0
0..2..6
1..5..0
3.10..0
1.15..0
2..2..0
1.10..0
0.11..6
0.12..6
0..1..0
3..0..0
0.10..0
8..0..0
4..0..0
0..7..6
0.11..3
0..3..6
0..6..6
13..2..6
7.10..0
0.10..0
151
Alexander Craig
8
1
4
1
1
1
1
sox bottles
Copper Kettle
Iron pots
Frying pan
spit 2/6 1 old Tea Kettle
Copper Dutch Oven
Spinning Wheet
1..0..0
3.10..0
1..7..6
0..3..9
0..6..3
1..0..0
0..3..9
Old Will
Aberdeen
Old Judy
Lydia
Alics
Jamie
Patty
Sarah
15..0..0
75..0..0
15..0..0
25..0..0
60..0..0
25..0..0
15..0..0
50..0..0
5
Horses at £8 each
Cart and Harness
40..0..0
11..0..0
£680..8.10¼
Appraisers:
Blovet Pasteau
Wm Goodson
James Wood
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Alexander Craig
Alexander Craig House
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Dennis
Dennis was a young slave who belonged to Robert Carter. The Carters were a
wealthy, prominent family, and they had several children. Dennis was close in
age to several of the Carter children. When the family lived in Williamsburg,
Dennis was sent to the Bray School. This school educated slave, free black,
and Indian children for free. After moving to the country, Dennis was
allowed to attend some school sessions with the Carter family's private tutor,
Phillip Fithian. Dennis' main task in the Carter household was to wait at
table when the family ate. He would refill wine glasses, remove uneaten food,
and see to any of the family’s needs.
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Dennis
Character Biography
Name:
Dennis
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
1761 (baptized at Bruton Parish Church August 30, 1761)
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Unknown
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Education:
Attended Bray School
Occupation:
Slave to Robert Carter of Nomini Hall while the Carters lived in
Williamsburg (1761-1772). Worked as a waiter at Nomini Hall.
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
Nomini Hall, Westmoreland County, VA
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Sources:
Journal & Letters of Philip Vickers Fithian
Bruton Parish Register
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Dennis
Correspondence of Robert Carter Nicholas to Rev. John Waring
16 February 1769
Negroes now at School [February 1769]
Mrs. Prisca. Dawson’s Grace
Mr. R.C. Nicholas’s Sarah
Mr. President Blair’s Catherine, Nancy
Johanna & Clara Bee
Mr. Hay’s Jerry, Joseph, Dick
Mrs. Chiswell’s Jack
Mrs. Campbell’s Mary, Sally, Sukey
Mrs. Speaker’s Sam
Mrs. Vobe’s Jack
John & Mary Ashby . . free
Mrs. Ayscough’s Sally
The College. Adam, Fanny
The Commissary’s Charlotte
Mrs. Blaikley’s Jenny, Jack
Hon. Robert Carter’s Dennis
Mr. Hornsby’s Nancy, Judy, Ratchel
Mr. Cocke’s Mourning
Mr. Davenport’s Matt, Henry
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1
4
3
1
3
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
3
1
2
156
Dennis
Fithian
Dec 73
Saturday 25
I was waked this morning by Guns fired all round the House. The morning is stormy, the wind
at South East rains hard Nelson the Boy who makes my Fire, blacks my shoes, does errands &c.
was early in my Room, drest only in his shirt and Breeches! He made me a vast fire, blacked my
Shoes, set my Room in order, and wish’d me a joyful Christmas, for which I gave him half a
Bit.—Soon after he left the Room, and before I was Drest, the Felllow who makes the Fire in our
School Room, drest very neatly in green, but almost drunk, entered my chamber with three or
four profound Bows, & made me the same salutation; I gave him a Bit, and dismissed him as
soon as possible.—Soon after my Cloths and Linen were sent in with a message for a Christmas
Box, as they call it; I sent the poor Slave a Bit, & my thanks. –I was obliged for want of small
change, to put off for some days the Barber who shaves & dresses me.—I gave Tom the
Coachman, who Doctors my Horse, for his care two Bits, & am to give more when the Horse is
well.—I gave to Dennis the Boy who waits at Table half a Bit—So that the sum of my Donations
to the Servants, for this Christmas appears to be five Bits, a Bit is a pisterene bisected; or an
English sixpence, & passes here for seven pence Halfpenny. the whole is 3s 1½ d.—
January 1774
Fryday 7
This afternoon Dennis, a Boy of about twelve Years old, one of the Waiters at Table, as
he was standing in the front Door which is vastly huge & heavy; the Door flew up, and drew off
the Skin & Flesh from his middle finger caught between, took off the first Joint, and left the
Bone of the greater part of the Rest of the Finger naked.
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Dennis
September 1774
Fryday 2
Extreme hot to day—Yesterday a Negro Child about six years old sickened as to appearance
with the Ague & Fever, & to Day about eleven in the morning it expired! It is remarkable that
the Mother has now lost seven successively, none of which have arrived to be ten years old!—
The Negroes all seem much alarn’d, & our School make it a Subject for continual Speculation;
They seem all to be free of any terror at the Prescence of Death; Harry in special signified a
Wish that his turn may be next. I should be glad if his desire were wise; & he was as fit for the
business of the other world, as he seems willing to leave the business of this—In the evening this
unexpected Death was the Subject of Conversation in the House—Mr. Carter observed, that he
thought it the most desirable to die of a Short Illness. If he could have his Wish he would not lie
longer than two days; be taken with a Fever, which should have such an unusual effect on his
Body as to convince him that it would be fatal, and gradually increase till it affected a
Dissolution—He told us that his affairs are in Such a state that he should be able to dictate a Will
which might be written in five Minutes, & contain the disposal of his estate agreeable to his
mind—He mentioned to us the Substance—“That he would leave Mrs Carter 6000 £ Sterling; &
leave the remainder of his Estate to be disposed among his children as the Law directs.”—
He told us likewise, with great firmness, that if he hives [lives] to see his children grown,
he will pay no regard to age, but give his wealth to Him who bids fairest to be useful to
mankind—That he allows all an equal oppertunity of improvement, but the One who is found
then improved shall with the Learning inherit also the Substance—Dennis the Lad who waits at
Table, I took into the School to day at his Fathers request, He can spell words of one syllable
pretty readily. He is to come as he finds oppertunity.
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Dennis
Collection of Buttons*
Livery Button*
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Dennis
Robert Carter House*
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160
Gaby
Gaby was a field slave who belonged to James Burwell at King's Creek in
York County. When he was about 40 years of age, he ran away, possibly to
Williamsburg. Because slaves often ran away to visit or join family members,
the authorities suspected that Gaby had gone to Williamsburg, where his wife
lived. Gaby was first advertised as a runaway on September 15, 1768, when
he had been gone for three months, and was still missing in late October.
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Gaby
Character Biography
Name:
Gaby
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
Unknown
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Unknown
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Slave belonging to James Burwell at King’s Creek, York County, VA
Residence(s):
Unknown
Spouse(s):
“he has a wife at Mr. Robert Nicholson’s in Williamsburg”
Children:
Unknown
Sources:
York County (VA) Project
Virginia
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Gazette
Gaby
Virginia Gazette
September 15, 1768
King’s Creek, York county, Sept. 14, 1768
RUN away from the subscriber, about three months ago, a tall black Negro fellow named
GABY, about 40 years of age, round shoulder’d, bends in one of his knees (in which I
have forgot) is very subject to sore legs, has a very long foot; and had on when he left me
the usual winter cloathing of corn field Negroes; he has a wife at Mr. Robert Nicholson’s
in Williamsburg, where ( in all probability) he may be secreted by her. He is outlawed,
and a reward of TEN POUNDS will be given for his head, or Twenty Shillings if safely
delivered to
JAMES BURWELL
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163
Gaby
Tool Fragments*
Pipe Stems*
Spoon Fragments*
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164
Gaby
Slave Quarter at Carter’s Grove*
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165
Gowan Pamphlet
Gowan Pamphlet was born a slave. Jane Vobe, a tavern keeper in
Williamsburg, owned him. Following her death, the executor of her will
gained possession of Gowan and set him free in 1793. Gowan was already a
well-known preacher having been preaching since 1781. His large church,
Williamsburg Baptist Church, became part of the Dover Association of
Churches. He died between 1807 and 1810.
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166
Gowan Pamphlet
Character Biography
Name:
Gowan Pamphlet
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
ca. 1760
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Between 1807 and 1810
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Baptist Preacher
Slave to Jane Vobe
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (by 1779-1786)
Chesterfield County, VA (1786-1791)
Williamsburg, VA (1791-1807/10)
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Miscellaneous:
Gowan Pamphlet was owned by Jane Vobe until her death in 1788, then
by David Miller until Pamphlet was freed on September 25, 1793 in York
County. Pamphlet owned land in both Williamsburg and James City
County (14 acres) in 1805, 1806, and 1807.
Sources:
York County (VA) Records
James City County (VA) Records
Williamsburg (VA) Records
Chesterfield County (VA) Records
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167
Gowan Pamphlet
York County Deed Book #7 1791-1809
Know all men by these presents that I David Miller of York County do hereby manumit
emancipate and set free a Negro man named and called Gowin Pamphlet and I do for myself my
Heirs executors and administrators hereby declare the said Negro man Gowin Pamphlet
exonerated of and from all services whatsoever and do hereby declare him to be a free man and I
do renounce all Right title Interest claim and demand whatsoever to the said Slave. In Witness
whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my seal this twenty fifth day of September 1793
David Miller {Seal}
Sealed and Delivered
In presence of
Philip Moody
William Stott
At a Court held for York County the 16th day of December 1793
This deed of Emancipation was acknowledged by David Miller Party thereto and ordered to be
recorded.
Teste
Exd.
R. H. Waller Cl. Cur.
Virginia Gazette
February 6, 1772
(Advertisement for the King’s Arms Tavern in which he worked)
I beg leave to acquaint my former Customers, and the Publick in general, that I have just opened
Tavern opposite to the Raleigh, at the Sign of The King’s arms, being the House lately occupied
by Mr. John Carter, and shall be much obliged to the Gentlemen with their Company.
JANE VOBE
***I am in want of a good COOK, and would be glad to hire or purchase one.
Virginia Gazette
July 3, 1779
Stolen from the subscriber on Tuesday the first instant by a negro fellow named Gavin belonging
to Mrs. Vobe of Williamsburg, a black horse between thirteen and fourteen hands high, a
hanging mane and switch tail, his rump remarkable sloping, branded on the near shoulder with
either a T or I, about the brand the hair is rubbed off, which makes it appear to be two letters; he
is also branded on the near buttock, which appears to be W, his right eye seems to have a film
over it, a star in his forehead, paces and gallops. Whoever delivers the said horse to me, shall
receive a reward of thirty dollars.
C. CUNTHER
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Gowan Pamphlet
Earthenware Pot and Bowl*
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169
Gowan Pamphlet
King’s Arms Tavern
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Catherine Rathell
Catherine Rathell came to Virginia from England. She was a milliner who
moved from city to city in order to make the most of her business. She
ordered her goods from England and sold only for cash. She sold a wide
variety of goods for both gentlemen and ladies. In early 1775, Rathell
advertised that she was returning to England until "Liberty of Importation
[was] allowed." In February 1776 word reached Virginia that Rathell's ship
had been lost at sea.
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Catherine Rathell
Character Biography
Name:
Catherine Rathell
Birth Place:
England, probably London
Birth Date:
By 1744
Death Place:
Off the coast of England (shipwreck)
Death Date:
November 26, 1775
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Education:
Literate
Occupation:
Milliner
Residence(s):
England (until 1766)
Fredericksburg, VA (1766-1767)
Williamsburg, VA (1768-1769)
London, England (July 1769-August 1769)
Annapolis, MD (September 1769-November 1769)
Unknown (1770-early 1771)
London, England (Spring 1771)
Williamsburg, VA (June 1771-October 1775)
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Miscellaneous:
Rathell owned one slave.
In Williamsburg by 1765, Rathell brought a letter of recommendation to
Councillor Robert Carter from an English merchant. Her first Virginia
Gazette advertisement said she was “Lately arrived from London, [and] at
present in Fredericksburg.” During the late 1760s she shuttled back and
forth between shops in Annapolis and Williamsburg. She also took at
least one trip back to England, maintaining professional and personal ties
there.
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Catherine Rathell
In 1771 Rathell rented the Ayscough House in Capitol Square, a location
for which she felt she had to apologize. “As it was impossible to get a
House on the Main Street . . . [she hoped] the little Distance will make no
Difference to her Customers.” Early in the next year she tried to turn this
site off the beaten path into an asset: her shop was open evenings when
the General Assembly was in session. Burgesses did not give her enough
business, apparently, because as soon as possible she moved to Duke of
Gloucester Street across from the Raleigh Tavern. at the time, according
to her ads, she was living in Petersburg and came to Williamsburg only
during Court Days. The rest of the year, her resident manager, Margaret
Brodie, ran the millinery shop. Non-importation associations during this
period certainly caused difficulties for all milliners since they, by
definition, dealt in manufactured goods shipped from England.
Rathell’s life ended tragically. Returning to England in late 1775, she was
shipwrecked and drowned within sight of Liverpool, her destination.
Sources:
Family Record Book of James Anderson
Abingdon Parish, Gloucester County, VA
James City County (VA) Sheriff Book
Robert Carter Account Book
Robert Anderson Papers
Virginia Gazette & General Advertiser
York County (VA) Records
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173
Catherine Rathell
Virginia Gazette
April 18, 176
CATHERINE RATHALL,
MILLINER
LATELY arrived from London, at present in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a large assortment of
European and other goods, suitable for Ladies and Gentlemen, which she sells very cheap.
Among other things she has laces, ribbons, fans, stomachers and Knots, jewelry, caps, feathers,
gloves and mits, hats, cloaks, stockings, Gentlemen's laced ruffles and bags for wigs, buckles,
silver thimbles, pencils in cases, nutmeg graters, needles, stationery items and pills.
She also makes all sorts of MILLINERY, in the best and newest taste, for the following prices:
Full dress suits at 11s. 6d. laced do. at 9s. 6d. plain do. at 7s. 6d. also washes and makes up all
laces and gauzes, so as to be little inferiour to new.
As the said Catherine Rathall is but lately come into the country, and her continuance here very
uncertain, she sells for ready money only, and at a very low advance; and as she is contented to
make a reasonable profit, she assures those who shall favour her with their commands that the
fall of the exchange shall be to their benefit. And she flatters herself her goods, and prices, will
give general satisfaction; for as they were chosen by herself, and bought with ready money from
the best hands, they are both good and reasonable.
© 2005 Colonial Â
174
Catherine Rathell
John Norton & Sons
Merchants of London and Virginia
ed. Frances Norton Mason
Dietz Press
Richmond, VA
To
Mr. John Norton Mercht. in
Queens Square Crutched Friers
London
Williamsburg Virginia 31 of January 1772
Mr. Norton
Sir
I wrote to you the 17th Inst which I purposed Sending by a Ship then at the office for Liverpool,
but an hour before My letters got to the ferry She had Sailed, and as my distress for Gentlemens
Shoes Was very great I sent it directly of by post. in it I requested you would send me by the
very first oppertunity some Shoes, which are Mentioned with some other things in the Inclosed
Invoice, I must observe that the gentlemen Now Call frequently for Shoes with long hind
Quarters, and that Buckle Low on the foot, so beg youll give orders to Send some of them, if not
the most part, as I suppose by the time the Arive, there will be no other Called for, Meeting with
a disapointment in getting Shoes I Expected from Dublin, is the Occasion of My present
Necessity, No Ships would venture to bring them in, as our men of War are so Strict, perhaps Sir
you May Scruple Sending so Much Goods to a person Who you know so little off, but you may
depend on My being very Exact in My payments, and for a further Satisfaction to your self, I
refer you for Particulars to your friend Coll. Geo. Mercer in Hollis Street, Who is Not
unaquainted with My Method of Dailing, and Who can Inform you I Sell for Nothing but redy
Cash, so by giving no Credit, I Can at all times Either Command Goods or Cash, I now have got
a store Exactly opposite the Raleigh Tavern, which I look on as the best Situation in
Williamsburg, Where I hope to do three times the Business I ever did, So that my orders will be
the more Considerable, & the very great Character I have had from Many of My Acquaintance of
Mrs. Nortons great Carefullness in buying & Sending the Neatest and Cheapest goods in, thats
sent to Virginia, Makes me so very desirous of geting goods from your House; As you Must
know I Peique myself much on haveg the very best & most fashionable goods in Williamsburg, I
left London my self but last July with a very large Cargo. A few days ago I seen Mr. Norton
from York, he was Married Sunday the 26th Inst. to Miss Nicholas. Your sending me all my
goods With all the Speed in your Power
Will very Much Serve and Oblige
Sir your Huml. Servt
Cathn. Rathell
© 2005 Colonial Â
175
Catherine Rathell
Virginia Gazette
April 22, 1775
As I purpose going to England as soon as I dispose of my Goods (till Liberty of Importation is
allowed) I am under the Necessity of not parting with a single Shilling's Worth without Cash;
and I request, as a Favour, that all who are indebted to me will pay off their Accounts this
Meeting, and all Persons having demands against me are desired to call immediately for their
Money.
Virginia Gazette
February 17, 1776
Some letters by the above vessel advise that the Peggy, Fisher, from Virginia, was cast away on
the 26th of November last, in sight of Liverpool, and that only the Captain, and part of the crew,
were saved. Mrs. Rathell, of this city, went passenger in the above vessel, and was one of the
unfortunate persons that perished.
© 2005 Colonial Â
176
Catherine Rathell
Margaret and Jane Hunter Millinery Shop*
© 2005 Colonial Â
177
John Rollinson
John Rollinson (also spelled Rawlinson, Rollison) was a free African
American shoemaker in Williamsburg. He accumulated wealth and property
during his lifetime. He owned houses, lots, stock, household good and slaves.
At the time of the Revolution, both John Rollinson and his son Hulett took the
oath of allegiance.
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John Rollinson
Character Biography
Name:
John Rollinson (Rawlinson, Rollison)
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
By 1725
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
October 16, 1780
Parents:
Father Unknown
Elizabeth Rollinson (African-American)
Siblings:
Joanna
George
Occupation:
Shoemaker (Free African-American)
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA
Spouse(s):
Elizabeth
Children:
Hulett Rollinson (b. 1759—d. after 1804)
Mary Robinson Rollinson (baptized 1746)
Elizabeth (b. by 1765—d. 1785)
Sarah (Mother: housekeeper Elizabeth Garett)
Samuel (Mother: housekeeper Elizabeth Garett)
Judith (Mother: housekeeper Elizabeth Garett)
Miscellaneous:
John Rollinson had two families, one within marriage and the other
illegitimate. By his wife Elizabeth (maiden name unknown), he had a son
named Hulett Rollinson and a daughter Elizabeth. The daughter married
William Cole, Jr. An older daughter Mary Robinson Rollinson is
mentioned only in a baptismal record dated 1746, so presumably she died
as a child. In 1768 the Bruton Parish Register informs us that Rollinson
was the father of Sarah by “Elizabeth Garrett his housekeeper.” From
Rollinson’s will we learn that he and Garrett had two other children,
Samuel and Judith.
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179
John Rollinson
John Rollinson owned at least one slave and several improved lots in
Williamsburg. His estate appraisement lists “1 old Negro Fellow [valued
at] £10 . . . [and] 8 houses and Lotts [worth] £6000.” the appraisement
totals £11,063.10..0, an impressive figure even given wartime inflation.
John Rollinson and his son Hulett both took the oath of allegiance in
August 1777.
Sources:
York County (VA) Records
Bruton Parish Records
© 2005 Colonial Â
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John Rollinson
Name: Rollison, John
Residence: Bruton Parish
Will Dated: 6 Feb 1780
Probated: 16 Oct 1780
Ref: WI(22)501
Legatees: Elizabeth Garrett, Samuel Garrett, Judith Garrett, Sarah Garrett, Hulett Rollison (son),
Elizabeth Cole (dau)
Witnesses: Isaac Green, John Taylor, Sarah (X) Picket
Exec/Admin: Hulett Rollison (son), William Cole Jr. (son in law)
Rollison, John
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I John Rollison of the parish of Bruton & county of York
being of perfect mind & memory do make & ordain this my last will & testament as follows:
IMPRIMIS. It is my will & desire that my houses lots & negros stock & household goods & all
my estate real & personal of what kind soever be sold at public sale by my exrs. for ready money
arising from such sale (after my just debts are paid) I give & bequeath in manner following:
Item. I give & bequeath unto Elizabeth Garrett the sum of £500 as a gratuity for her services.
Item. I give & bequeath unto Samuel Garrett the sum of £500 when he shall arrive to the age of
21 years.
Item. I give & bequeath unto Judith Garrett & Sarah Garrett the sum of £1000 each when they
shall respectively attain the age of 18 years.
Item. All the rest & residue of my estate I give unto my loving son Hulett Rollison & my loving
daughter Elizabeth Cole to be equally divided between them & Lastly I do hereby constitute &
appoint my son Hulett Rollison & my son in law William Cole Junr. sole exrs. of this my last
will hereby revoking all other wills by me heretofore made & declaring this to be my true will &
testament IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 6th day of
Feb. 1780.
John Rollison L.S.
Signed sealed published & declared by the testator in the presence of us who in his presence & at
his request subscribed our names as witnesses.
Isaac Green
John Taylor
Sarah (X) Picket Her mark
© 2005 Colonial Â
181
John Rollinson
Name: Rollinson, Elizabeth
Ref: WI-20-197
Residence: Bruton Parish
Ref: WI-20-197
Will Dated: 4 Oct 1748
Probated: 17 Dec 1750
Ref: WI-20-198
Legatees: John Rollinson (son), Joanna Inscho, George Rollinson (son)
Witnesses: William Hansford, Wil Timson
Exec/Admin: John Rollinson; became admr (w. William Timson and Fips. Jackson, secs.)
Remarks: All her estate to John Rollinson
To daughter Joanna Inscho – 1 English shilling
To son George Rollinson – 1 do.
© 2005 Colonial Â
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John Rollinson
Shoe Shop*
© 2005 Colonial Â
183
Adam Waterford
Adam Waterford was one of the few free blacks living in eighteenth-century
Williamsburg. He was a cooper, a skilled tradesman. He made and repaired
containers for such important customers as Governor Botetourt, the gaoler,
and the House of Burgesses. This seems to imply that his work was well
known and respected. In 1768 and 1769, James City County taxed Waterford
for two tithables. Waterford paid a tax on himself in addition to either a
family member or an employee.
Note: A tithe was a tax paid to support the church. All men over 16 and all
slave women over 16 were considered tithable. Until 1769, free black women
were tithable too. This law changed after 1769.
© 2005 Colonial Â
184
Adam Waterford
Character Biography
Name:
Adam Waterford
Birth Place:
Unknown
Birth Date:
Unknown
Death Place:
Unknown
Death Date:
Unknown
Parents:
Unknown
Siblings:
Unknown
Occupation:
Cooper (Free African-American)
Residence(s):
Williamsburg, VA (Block 2, Lot 26)
Spouse(s):
Unknown
Children:
Unknown
Sources:
Williamsburg-James City County (VA) Tax Book
© 2005 Colonial Â
185
Adam Waterford
Williamsburg-James City Co. Tax book 1768-1777 f. 19
1768
Adam Watterfoot
2 tithes 10 lb Tobo
By Cash Recd for
f. 20
1769
Adam Waterford
10 lb Tobo
2 tithes 14 lb Tobo
By Natt Bingley
14 lb Tobo
Robert Carter Nicholas Accounts
Lord Botetourt to Adam Waterford Dr
1770
To 1 Large Washing Tub
To Mending a Bushel
To a New Bottom to the Churn
To a New Bottom for the Bucket
To a Hupping Tubs, pails, etc.
£0..6..6
£ 2..6
1..0
2..0
8..6
£1..0..0
Sr
The above is very just
W Marchman
Treasurer’s Office Receipt Book
Oct. 9, 1777 - April 4, 1778, p. 387
6 November 1777
Received 11/3 for making a Bucket &c for the Capitoll Well.
Adam (x) Waterford
Brock Collection
BR 40 No date
Waterford has made a bucket for the use of the public Gaol for which he charges five shillings.
Peter Pelham
© 2005 Colonial Â
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Adam Waterford
Cooper*
© 2005 Colonial Â
187
Images Chart
Name of Individual
James Anderson
Lydia Broadnax
Christiana Campbell
Edmund Dickinson
John Minson Galt
James Geddy, Jr.
John Greenhow
Anthony Hay
Judith
Benjamin Powell
Elizabeth Randolph
Clementina Rind
Jane Hunter Charlton
Eve
Matthew Hubard
William Hunter, Jr.
John Randolph
Frances Tasker Carter
Alexander Craig
Page #
8
9
10
16
17
18
26
32
33
34
39
40
46
47
54
60
61
66
67
68
75
76
77
89
90
91
92
102
109
110
118
118
119
125
133
140
146
147
153
Image
For More Information
James Anderson House
Anderson Blacksmith Shop
James Anderson Blacksmith Shop
Magazine
George Wythe House
George Wythe House and Kitchen
George Wythe Kitchen
Lydia’s Room
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern
Raleigh Tavern and Wetherburn’s
Tavern would be similar in
operation to Campbell’s Tavern
Portrait
Anthony Hay Shop
Chair
Anthony Hay Shop
Apothecary Jar
Galt Apothecary Shop
Galt Apothecary Shop
Botetourt Coffin Plate
James Geddy House and Shop
James Geddy House and Shop
Greenhow Store
Greenhow Store
Anthony Hay Shop
Anthony Hay Shop
Raleigh Tavern
Cowrie shells
Prentis Store
Prentis House
Prentis Store
Benjamin Powell House
Benjamin Powell House
Benjamin Powell House Property
Bruton Parish Church
Portrait (E. Randolph)
Peyton Randolph House
Portrait (P. Randolph)
Coffee Pot
Peyton Randolph House
Ludwell Paradise House
Post Office, Printer, Bindery
Charlton House
Wigmaker
Margaret & Jane Hunter Shop
Margaret & Jane Hunter Shop
Bead necklace
Peyton Randolph House
Bone Handle
Peyton Randolph Kitchen
Courthouse
Courthouse
Printing Office
Post Office, Printer, Bindery
Capitol
Peyton Randolph House
Portrait
Peyton Randolph House (Mrs.
Robert Carter House
Carter would live in a condition
similar to that of the Randolphs)
Alexander Craig House
Harness and Saddlemaker Shop
© 2005 Colonial Â
188
Name of Individual
Dennis
Catherine Rathell
Page #
159
160
164
164
164
165
169
170
177
John Rollinson
Adam Waterford
183
187
Gaby
Gowan Pamphlet
Image
Buttons
Robert Carter House
Tool Fragments
Pipe Stems
Spoon Fragments
Slave Quarter at Carter’s Grove
Earthenware
King’s Arms Tavern
Margaret & Jane Hunter Shop
Shoe Shop
Cooper
© 2005 Colonial Â
189
For More Information
Great Hopes Farm
Peyton Randolph House
Great Hopes Farm
Bruton Parish Church
Wigmaker
Margaret & Jane Hunter Shop
Shoe Shop
Cooper Shop
Rural Trades Site
Governor’s Palace
Image Descriptions
Edmund Dickinson
Portrait, 1770, Watercolor, artist unknown. This is the only known portrayal of Edmund
Dickinson, and it is also a rare portrait of an artisan.
Chair. Made by Edmund Dickinson at the Anthony Hay Shop for the Royal Governor Lord
Dunmore. This chair was one of a set of 16 made for the Palace Supper Room, and was
auctioned along with the rest of the Palace furniture upon Lord Dunmore’s departure from the
Colony in 1775.
Anthony Hay Shop.
Anthony Hay.
Edmund Dickinson opened this shop that was formerly occupied by
John Minson Galt
Apothecary Jar, 1740-1770, London. Made of white tin, glazed in blue with a cherub cartouche.
The pattern is called Delft. The label, “Syrupus Limonum” denotes the material that was kept
within the jar. It was a substance made from lemons. This jar was stored in the Galt-Pasteur
shop in Williamsburg.
James Geddy, Jr.
Lord Botetourt’s Coffin Plate, 1770, made of silver. Another silversmith was largely responsible
for the coffin plate, but Geddy may have been associated in some way with it. It is now
displayed in his shop. The plate was made in 1770 for Lord Botetourt’s coffin, which was laid in
the chapel of the College of William and Mary. During the Civil War, the coffin was vandalized
by Union troops and the plate, including some silver handles, disappeared. In 1889, the plate
was discovered in an antique dealer’s stall in New York, and it was quickly returned to
Williamsburg.
Judith
Cowrie Shells. Shells were used as tokens, clothing decorations, and hair ornaments. Although
these were found at a slave quarters, a slave like Judith, who lived in an urban setting, may have
owned shells like these for reasons of fashion.
© 2005 Colonial Â
190
Elizabeth Randolph
Portrait (E. Randolph), ca. 1770 by John Wallaston, a London-trained artist who painted at least
two hundred portraits in America.
Portrait (P. Randolph), 19th-century copy of original by Charles Willson Peale.
Coffeepot, 1734-1735, made by John Jacob of London. Made of silver and has the arms of the
Randolph family inscribed on the surface. The pot was owned by Sir John Randolph and later
his son Peyton Randolph, who was the husband of Elizabeth Harrison Randolph. It is a
particularly important piece because there are only a small number of French-style London
coffeepots in existence in the colonies.
Clementina Rind
Ludwell Paradise House. William and Clementina Rind lived at this site with their children and
ran their printing office in the small shed addition on the back of the house.
Eve
Bead necklace. Slaves were concerned about their personal appearances as much as anyone else
in the colonial period. They could make jewelry or other decorative items or buy them from a
local merchant. Since Eve lived and worked with a wealthy, prominent family like the
Randolphs, it would have been appropriate for her to have such a necklace as this one.
Bone handle. This was a handle that was probably used as part of a fan. It is made of bone and
has carved into its side some geometric designs that seem to be African in origin. Perhaps Eve,
as a slave of a wealthy family, possessed such an object as this one.
Matthew Hubard
Courthouse. Matthew Hubard’s father may have practiced law in this court.
John Randolph
Capitol. John Randolph spent much of his time at this building as Clerk of the House of
Burgesses, Attorney General, and Burgess representing the College of William and Mary.
Frances Tasker Carter
Portrait, 1750-1760, by John Wollaston, a London-trained artist who painted at least two hundred
portraits in America.
© 2005 Colonial Â
191
Dennis
Collection of Buttons. Many buttons have been found in slave quarters. They were used for a
variety of purpose, such as decorative objects pinned to clothes, or game pieces. Children
sometimes used them as toys.
Livery Button. This was perhaps a button on a uniform, or livery, that Dennis might have worn
in his capacity as an indoor servant. The livery was usually provided by the master and it was of
better quality than the coarse linens worn by outdoor slaves.
Robert Carter House. Dennis was a slave that belonged to Robert Carter, who owned this home
in Williamsburg.
Gaby
Tool Fragments. Tools were provided by the master of the plantation. They were necessary in
carrying out tasks assigned to the slaves. These are some examples of the kinds of tools that
were used. If the master did not supply the tools, the slaves sometimes bought them for
themselves.
Pipe Stems. Pipe stems make up a large part of the archaeological finds in slave quarters. Like
other people of the time, slaves were consumers of tobacco, but they often had to smoke old
pipes rather than new ones.
Spoon Fragments. Utensils were used by slaves along with various ceramics. Some utensil
pieces were found at Carter’s Grove.
Slave Quarter at Carter’s Grove. Gaby Burwell lived at James Burwell’s plantation at King’s
Creek. Although we don’t know what the buildings looked like at King’s Creek Plantation, it is
likely that Gaby lived in similar circumstances to the reconstructed Slave Quarter at Carter’s
Grove.
Gowan Pamphlet
Earthenware. This bowl and broken pot, made of the coarsest kind of ceramic ware, may have
been the kind of vessels owned by Pamphlet, a slave who was eventually freed.
Catherine Rathell
Millinery Shop. Catherine Rathell operated a millinery shop in Williamsburg at the Ayscough
House (on the current site of the Gunsmith Shop) and across the street from the Raleigh Tavern.
Although we don’t know the appearance of these sites, it is likely that she operated a shop
similar to Margaret and Jane Hunter’s Shop.
© 2005 Colonial Â
192
John Rollinson
Shoe Shop. John Rollinson operated a shoe shop in Williamsburg. Although we don’t know
what his home and shop looked like, it is likely that he operated a shop similar to the George
Wilson Shoe Shop.
Adam Waterford
Cooper. Adam Waterford probably had a workshop on his property that looked similar to this
work area of the coopers at Colonial Williamsburg.
© 2005 Colonial Â
193
Bibliography
(All materials may be obtained through interlibrary loan)
James Anderson
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Foundation, 1965
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Stephenson, Mary A. James Anderson Blacksmith Shop Historical Report. Williamsburg: Colonial
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Watson, Aldren A. The Village Blacksmith. New York: Crowell, 1968
Weygers, Alexander G. The Making of Tools. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1973
Lydia Broadnax
Carson, Jane. Plantation Housekeeping in Colonial Virginia. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation, 1974
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William and Mary, 1990
Goodwin, Mary. The George Wythe House. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,
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Lawrence-McIntyre, Charshee Charlotte. Free Blacks. Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms
International, 1986
Tate, Thad W. The Negro in Eighteenth Century Williamsburg. Williamsburg: Colonial
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Christiana Campbell
Chambers, Moreau B. C. Christiana Campbell Tavern Archaeological Lab Report. Williamsburg:
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1955
Gibbs, Patricia, and Stephenson Mary. Christiana Campbell Tavern Historical Report. Williamsburg:
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1952 and 1975
Gibbs, Patricia. Taverns in Tidewater Virginia 1700-1774. Thesis: College of William and Mary, 1968
Rice, Kym. Early American Taverns: For the Entertainment of Friends and Strangers. Chicago:
Regnery Gateway, 1983
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194
Edmund Dickinson
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John Minson Galt
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Medical and Chirurgical Services, as Well as of His Trade Practices as a Chymist.
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Williamsburg Foundation, 1954
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James Geddy
Berg, Sven Dan, and Hassell, George. The Geddy Foundry. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
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Parke Bernet, 1977
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Williamsburg Foundation, 1970
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195
Kauffman, Henry. The Colonial Silversmith: His Techniques and His Products. New York:
Galahad Books, 1974
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Foundation, 1965
John Greenhow
Gill, Harold. The Retail Business in Colonial Virginia. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation, 1984
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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1980
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Williamsburg Foundation, 1947
Anthony Hay
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Foundation, 1959
Gibbs, Patricia. Taverns of Tidewater Virginia 1770-1774. Thesis: College of William and Mary, 1968
Leviner, Betty C. Raleigh Tavern: House History. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
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Judith
Holton, Woody. Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American
Revolution. Chapell Hill, NC: The University Press of North Carolina, 1999
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and Norfolk., 1990
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Foundation, 1957
Benjamin Powell
Briggs, Martin S. A Short History of the Building Crafts. Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1925
Filchen, John. Building Construction Before Mechanization. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1986
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Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1986
Rowe, Linda, and Stephenson, Mary A. Benjamin Powell House Historical Report. Williamsburg:
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1946 (updated 1972)
Elizabeth Randolph
Daniels, Jonathan. The Randolphs of Virginia. Garden City, NJ: Doubleday, 1972
Gibbs, Patricia. Peyton Randolph House Historical Report. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation, 1978
Lebsock, Suzanne, and Scott, Anne Firor. Virginia Women: The First Two Hundred Years.
Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1988
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Academic Press, 1982
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Clementina Rind
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Jane Hunter Charlton
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Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1971
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Garsault, Francois de. The Art of the Wigmaker. London: Hairdressers’ Registration Council,
Reprinted 1961 and translated by J. Stevens Cox
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Eve
Gibbs, Patricia. Peyton Randolph House: Historical Report. Williamsburg: Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation, 1978
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Publishing, 1999
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Matthew Hubard
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