Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

I am attaching hereto a report on the Kerr House (block 9, colonial lot 27 north), prepared by Mary Stephenson.

LOCATION:

Colonial lot 27, on which the Kerr house is located, lies on the south side of Duke of Gloucester Street near the Capitol Square. (See Tyler's adaptation of the College Map in Illustration #1.)

HISTORY:

The history of the northern part of lot 27 (on which the Kerr house is located) begins in 1718 when William Robertson sold this section of the lot to John Brown. Robertson had been granted lots 26 and 27 by the feoffees or trustees of the city.of Williamsburg in January 1707. (York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, 11, 268.) In the deed to Cohn Brown (quoted below), it is to be noted that Duke of Gloucester Street is mentioned as a boundary line as is the Capitol Square:

November 10, 1718.

Robertson, William to
Brown, John
Consideration: 50 Pounds current money

All that parcel of ground: lying and being in the City of Williamsburg (being part of the said Robertsons lot whereon he now lives,) Beginning at that corner of Lot 27, which joins on Duke of Gloucester Street and the Capitol Square and running thence West ¼ South 2 poles 6 links to a stake standing about 4 foot from the corner of the said Robertsons milk house thence North 12 degrees 5 minutes West 8 poles to the third post of the garden pales a little above the upper corner of the Barbers shop Thence West a ¼ South 3 poles 22 links thence North 1 ¼ West along Sullivants pales to his corner post on the Main Street 4 poles and thence along the street to the place where it began.
With all houses.York County Records, Deeds, Bonds, III, 267)

From the architect's plat (see Illustration #1) one can see that the above deed included the entire lot 27 with portions of lot 26.

John Brown, in his will dated September 8, 1726, probated in York 2 countys, stated that his executors should sell within three years after his decease his land and houses in Williamsburg. At this period in the city's development most houses were of wood.

In December 1752 the heirs of John Brown conveyed to Alexander Kerr for the sum of one hundred pounds current money of Virginia property described thus:

All that Messuage or Dwelling House with the Garden or Piece of Ground thereto belonging lying and being in the mid City of Williamsburgh and bounded on the North by Duke of Gloucester Street on the East by the Capitol Square on the South by part of the Lots of John Grymes, Esqr¹ and on the Went by the Lotts of the said John Grymes and that Piece of Ground lately Sold by the Execurs to a John Stott of the said City Watchmaker with all Houses, outhouses Gardens Profits Easments & Hereditaments… (York County Records, Deeds, IV, 150-51)

From the above quoted deed it is obvious that a dwelling house was situated on the lot recently acquired. On September 21, 1736, there was a complaint from the Burgesses about certain encroachments which Kerr had made on the Capitol Square:

The House was informed, That Mr. Alexander Ker² has made several Encroachments upon the Capitol Square, particularly in setting a Brick-Kiln upon the Capitol Bounds. Ordered That the Directors of the City of Williamsburg, take Care to remove the Nusance of the said Brick-Kiln that is preparing to be burnt near the Capitol (Journal of the House of Burgesses, 1727-1740, 312)

In July 1737, Kerr advertised in the Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed.) that a lottery would be held during the next October General Court "at My House or Store in Williamsburg…" This is the first mention of Kerr's store.

Kerr's death¹ is reported in the Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed.) of October 20, 1738: "Mr. Alexander Kerr Jeweller and Silversmith… a good Proficient in his Business, and well respected, died on Sunday last in this City…" Following this notice, Kerr's estate was advertised for sale on November 17, 1738:

ON Monday the 27th of November and the following Days, will be exposed to Sale, to the best Bidder, on 12 Months Credit, or 5 per Cent Discount for prompt Payment, the Estate of Mr. Alexander Kerr, deceas'd, late Jeweller in Williamsburg; consisting of a large Parcel of very saleable Store-Goods, Diamond and other Rings, Gold, Silver, and other Snuff-Boxes, Gold, and other Tooth-pick Cases, and other Silver Work; together with the Furniture of his House... There is also to be sold, in the same Manner, a well finished Brick House, in good Repair, together with a convenient Store, Coach-House, Stables, and other Office-Houses, and a large Garden fronting the Main Street, next the Capitol. (Virginia Gazette, Parks, ed.)

On January 19, 1739, John Graeme,² executor of Alexander Kerr's will, put a notice in the Virginia Gazette (Parks, ed.) stating that "ALL Persons that are indebted to the Estate of Mr. Alexander Kerr, deceas'd, are desird forthwith to settle their Accounts, and pay their respective Debts, to the Subscriber, at Williamsburg…"

From January 1739 to 1749, there is a gap in the history of the lot. John Palmer³ had come into possession of the property before 1749. (See: deed 4 from William Prentis, merchant, and Peter Scott, cabinet maker, executors of John Stott,¹ to Lewis Burwell, May 13, 1749, (York County Records, Deeds, V, 288-90.) This deed gives John Palmer as one of the boundaries of Stott.

John Palmer was a lawyer in Williamsburg. His petition to practice law in the courts was certified to by Edward Barradall, Attorney General to his Majesty in 1740. Barradall stated at the time that Palmer had "lived for several years past with his Majesties Attorney General as his Clerk & thereby gained some knowledge of the Law" in that time. (Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, XVII, 266.)

On August 3, 1750, "the store of Mr. John Palmer" is noted as opposite to a storehouse of Nathaniel Walthoe,² then located on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street (York County Records, Deeds, V, 388)

During Palmer's occupancy and ownership of the lot, the store or shop was burned. George Fisher described the fire which occurred on April 24, 1754:

… about 8 in the Evening, I being just got to bed my Daughter alarmed me with the cry of Fire at a neighbor's house, one Mr. Palmer, an atty; there was our good friend Mr. Walthoe's house only between which and us; the apartment where the fire began was a back room or counting house joining to a store next Mr. Walthoe's which was let to a merchant (Mr. Osborn) who was gone to England to fetch over his Family, and by the neglect of his Brother-in-Law who kept the Store in his absence, in leaving a fire too carelessly in the said room, while he staid longer than he intended at a Public House, the 5 floor first catched and then the window curtains. With any tolerable management, the fire might easily been extinguished, but nothing was sure for a great while but uproar, confusion and disorder. Some persons, whether with a good or bad intention was never known, gave the word that there was a large quantity of Gun Powder in the store, which struck a general terror for a considerable time,… Mr. Palmer's well indeed was close by the room where the fire kindled, but the Cry of Gun Powder hindered that from being used till it grew too hot to stand at all in that place… at the last a Negro of Mr. Walthoe it is said, got up (it being kept just over the store or shop) and tumbled one of the barrels into the street, but the flames having then burst into that room also, the man was obliged to jump down himself to save his life. This was a little less than an hour after the fire was discovered. When the Powder Catched, the whole roof (covered with Shingles, indeed was have no other) was in a blaze…"

In January 1753, George Wythe gave a deed of release to John Palmer for five pounds consideration on the property recognized as Palmer's house and lots. Such deed (quoted below) indicates that Palmer had given at some time previously a deed of trust or mortgage on the property:¹

January 3, 1753.

Wythe, George -- Atty.
to
Palmer, John -- Atty.
Consideration: 5 Pounds.

All that messuage or dwelling house and storehouse thereto adjoining with the lot of ground thereto belonging where the said John Palmer now liveth, and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street and adjoining to the capitol square.

Palmer was owner of the property at this death in 1760^* (York County Records, Deeds, VI, 187-88). It is known (from subsequent deeds in 1782) that Palmer left three daughters: Elizabeth, who married Richard Booker; 6 Catherine, who married Joseph Fuqua; and Mary Barradall Palmer, who married Peter Stubbs. The last named married her first cousin, Lewis Tyler, the first time.¹

It seems that after Palmer's death, his executors leased the property to several tenants. One of them, Benjamin Bucktrout, advertised in the Virginia Gazette (Rind, ed.) in February 1769 that "there are 4 years of the lease unexpired." He was looking for a lessee to take up the lease. Bucktrout described the property thus:

To be RENTED, and may be entered on the 15th of May next, The lease of the large and commodious BRICK HOUSE, opposite to the Coffee-House and nigh the Capitol. It has every necessary convenience, and is very fit for a tavern.. or taking in private lodgers; and has been long used by many Gentlemen, in assembly and court times...

Bucktrout's lease may have been taken up by John Minson Galt. On September 21, 1769, Galt² published the following notice:

…the subscriber intends opening shop at the brick house opposite the coffee house,³ as soon as he gets his utensils fixed, which will be in a fortnight at farthest… (Virginia Gazette, Purdie and Dixon, eds.)

In December 1770, Beverley Dickson probably rented a part of the brick house for a store: 7

"B. Dickson and mother are returning to Va. after a visit to London. Have purchased goods from a haberdasher and a jeweler …" (Savage-Norton Letters, Brock Boxes 18 & 19, Huntington Library)

"She [Mrs. Dickson] is setting her son up in the haberdashery business - has taken two rooms in the Brick House and ordered goods from Norton." (Letter to Norton, Dec. 29, 1770, Savage-Norton Letters, Brock Boxes 18 & 19, Huntingdon Library)

"Just IMPORTED, in the Virginia, Captain Robertson, and to be SOLD at the Subscriber's Store, next the Capitol, on the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money. Superfine Broadcloths, Bath Coating, Frieze….
BEVERLEY DICKSON" (Virginia Gazette Purdie & Dixon, eds., Aug. 29, 1771)

On November 11, 1773, the property under lease for several years was offered for sale:

THE LOTS near the Capitol in Williamsburg held in Coparcenary by the Orphans of the late John Palmer, whereon is an exceeding good Brick House two stories high, also a small wooden One, very convenient for a Gentleman's Study, with two Rooms, all other necessary Outhouses, and a Garden. The Payments shall be made easy to the Purchaser, and a good Title when Possession is given, which will be on the 11th of January.
LEWIS TYLER. (Virginia Gazette, Purdie & Dixon, eds.)

Though the Palmer property had been advertised in November 1773 by Lewis Tyler, a sale was not consummated. On April 20, 1775, John Tyler advertised that Palmer's property was for sale:

THE BRICKHOUSE, and its APPURTENANCES, near the capitol, in Williamsburg, belonging to the daughters of the late John Palmer. For terms apply to me, in Charles City.
JOHN TYLER (Virginia Gazette, Pinkney, ed.)

On March 15, 1780, William Page and Elizabeth, his wife, purchased the lot and house from Palmer's daughters.¹ (See: York County Records, 8 Deeds VI, 128-29, William Page and wife to Jean Lewis Rey and Peter Dela Croix, August 16, 1782; Deeds VI, 134, Peter Dela Croix to John Drewitz, September 7, 1782; and Deeds VI, 243, John Lewis Rey and Peter Dela Croix to John Drewitz, September 7, 1784.) The conveyance of the property by Page to merchants Jean Rey and Peter Dela Croix on August 16, 1782, follows:

Page, William--merchant
Elizabeth, his wife
to
Rey, Jean Lewis¹
Croix, Peter Dela, merchant²
Consideration: 760 Pounds Apiece

All that lot or parcel of land situate lying and being on the South side of the Duke of Gloucester Street in the City of Williamsburg, bounded on the North by the Duke of Gloucester Street, on the West by the Lotts of William Goodson, dec'd, on the South by the Lots of the Hon. Thomas Nelson, esquire and on the East by the Capitol Square, it being the same Lott or parcel of Land that belonged to John Panner [Palmer] deceased, and at his death descended to his children Elizabeth, Catharine and Mary Barradall and by the said children sold and conveyed to the aforesaid William Page.
All houses, buildings…

Three days later (August 19, 1782) Jean Lewis Rey gave mortgage for his moiety of the lot recently acquired to James Galt, silversmith, of Williamsburg (Ibid., 132). A short time later (September 7, 1782) Peter Dela Croix conveyed to John Drewidz his moiety in the property formerly John Palmer's. The lot was bounded and described as follows:

On the North by said Duke of Gloucester Street, on West by the lots of William Goodson, dec'd, on the South by the lot of Thomas Nelson, Esq., and on the East by the Capitol Square, being the lot or parcel of 9 land purchased by the said Peter Dela Croix and Jean Louis Rey of William Page and Elizabeth, his wife, late of the city of Williamsburg, and by the said Page purchased of Richard Booker and Elizabeth, his wife, Joseph Fuqua, Junior, and Catherine, his wife, and Peter Stubbs and Mazy Barradall his wife, by their joint conveyance March 15, 1780.
All houses, etc.

Recorded 17 September 1782.

(York County Records, Deeds, VI, 134)

After coming into the property Drewidz made extensive repairs, such as whitewashing 6 rooms and 2 passages with stairway; plastering; and repairing cellar wall and steps. The bill amounted £26.19.9. (Harwood's Ledger, B, p. 45.) Also, in 1784, Harwood made repairs to the sink in the kitchen. In 1785, there is an item of 5372 bricks which were used on Drewidz's houses. A store room, store shed, back room to store, and outhouses are noted in the accounts. (Ibid, p. 47 - See Illustration #2.)

Among Harwood's accounts, one is charged to "Messrs Hunt and Dreuidz." The account ran from July 1785 through October 1785, amounting to £33.17.3. It included such items as underpinning addition, building chimney to outhouses, lathing and plastering and whitewashing in Mr. Brown's room, digging and bricking a well in the cellar. Also, there were changes made to the snuff factory: "Underpining addition to Snuff Ml House," "Building a wall under Shaft," "Building a Foundation for Cuting Machine," "Building a piller to Support the Girder (in Mill Room)." (See Illustration #2.)

From the above account, one would assume that some business relationship existed between Hunt and Drewidz. It would indicate, perhaps, that Hunt either rented from Drewidz or furnished money for Drewidz to purchase the property, thereby holding a trust deed.

MAPS

The maps of Williamsburg give certain Information as to the owners during the eighteenth century. The Frenchman's Map (1782) indicates a large 10 square house situated on the lot, with two smaller dependencies to the rear. (See Illustration #1 for architect's drawing of property as seen on the Frenchman's Map.) The College Map (1791?) denotes the name "Hunt" on the lot. (See Tyler's adaptation of the College Map, Illustration #1.) A nineteenth-century map, the Bucktrout-Lively Map (1803;1867), names Hunt thereon.

HISTORY (cont.):

In the tax transfers of the Williamsburg Land Tax Accounts of 1786, John Drewitz is noted as transferring one lot to Charles Hunt. (See Illustration #4.) It is not clear as to what lot Drewitz sold to Hunt in 1786, as on March 15, 1787, Drewidz advertised his house and lot for sale:

For Sales Or to be rented and possession given on the first of June next (or sooner if convenient)
MY HOUSE & LOT IN THIS CITY
As this lot is so completely fixed either for a private, gentleman's family or a Merchant, having thereon proper store houses, I think a more particular description unnecessary, presuming any person inclinable to rent or purchase will first view it. For farther particulars enquire of Messrs. HUNT & ADAMS, or the subscriber.
JOHN DREWIDZ (Virginia Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Nicholson, ed.)

The same year (August 30, 1787), Drewidz advertised again that his house and lot in the city would be sold at public auction. He described the house as "a large brick building, and so completely fixed either for a private Gentleman's family or a merchant, having thereon proper storehouses... Mess. HUNT & ADAMS will attend the sale and make a title." (Ibid.)

Not until September 1788 were the house and lots of a John Drewidz sold in order to satisfy Messrs. Hunt and Adams.¹ The property was described 11 as "in the city of Williamsburg, whereon the said Drewidz formerly lived... The sale will be on the premises near the Captiol." (Virginia Independent Chronicle, Davis, ed.) Tax transfers for Williamsburg record that in 1789 Drewidz transferred his two lots to Hunt and Adams.

Hunt and Adams operated snuff mills in Williamsburg. The Gazette for 1786-1791 carried two notices of this manufactory. One for August 2, 1786, noted: "Last Sunday night the house of Messrs. Hunt and Adams, at Williamsburg, was struck with lightening, destroying the chimney, and entering a lower room, melted a number of buckles, with a quantity of other hardware." (Virginia Gazette or American Advertiser, Hayes, ed.)

An account of Humphrey Harwood, carpenter and brick mason of Williamsburg., indicates that he made repairs for Hunt and Adams from March through December 1789 on the snuff factory and on their house. There were such items as repairs to cellar steps, well and porch, setting up a grate and "mending a Hearth & grate in Mrs Hunt's Chamber." (Harwood Ledger, C, 9 .) Harwood made further repairs for Charles Hunt in 1790, 1791 and 1792, amounting to £22.10.9½. (Ibid., C, 30.). The repairs to a house were for whitewashing two rooms, passage and stairway, building cellar steps, etc.¹ (see Illustration #2.)

Nothing further is known about Charles Hunt's ownership of the property until 1810, when the Williamsburg Land Tax Records list John Smith with two lots, valued at $150, "via Hunt." (See Illustration #4.)

The property was held by Smith only a short time. In 1815 Carter Burwell had come into possession of two lots, valued at $140, "via John H. Smith & Mary C. Smith his wife a certain House & Lots on the South side of the Main Street." (See Illustration #4 for Williamsburg Land Tax Records.)

According to the tax records Carter Burwell or his estate continued to own property until 1835. However, an insurance policy, #8059, written in 1834 by the Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia, indicates that William W. Vest had come into property, the description of which fits the location of the property of this report. It may be that the tax transfer was somewhat tardy in being recorded and that therefore the change did not show in the tax accounts for 1835. In 1835 the tax valuation given on the Burwell property was $2100 for lot and buildings and in 1836 the Vest property was assessed at the same figure. Unfortunately records for Williamsburg at this period were largely destroyed during the Civil War, hence a complete chain of title is not available. Vest described his possession, insured in the above policy, as "my buildings on my own land now occupied by myself and situated between Galt's lot on the South, Powells lot on the west, the main street in Williamsburg on the north, and the Capitol square on the East…" The house was of brick, two stories high, 36 by 40 feet, with a kitchen of wood, two stories high, 18 by 24 feet, and a smoke house of wood. The total valuation was given as $32000 (See Illustration #3 for copy of policy.)

Vest continued as owner of the property for many years. In 1839 he again insured his house under policy #11,021, a revaluation of #8059. the building is noted as situated "on my own land between the lands of Alexander Galt on the south, the lot of the late Peter Powell west, the main street north and the Capitol Square East…" The diagram for the policy shows a brick dwelling, two stories high, 36 by 40 feet, with kitchen and laundry in the rear yard. (See Illustration #3.)

Another policy of Vest's of 1858, #809A, situates the place as "between the Capitol square on the East, the land of A. D. Galts estate South, of William Blassingame West, and the main street north..." The new addition 13 to the dwelling is valued at $3000. It is 24 by 36 feet with a hall dividing it from the old dwelling part of the house which is 42 by 36 feet. A kitchen 24 by 18 feet, laundry 18 by 16 feet with shed, and a smoke house and gardens are indicated on the diagram of the property. (See Illustration #3.) The addition to the house is noted in a letter written on September 15, 1858, in which the correspondent states: "… Vest had made a brick addition to his dwelling House. It is now a large building with the old passage now in the middle, the addition being equal in length to the old part." (William and Mary College Uncataloged Ms., Folder 123B, Letters 1835-1860 - Letter of Dr. Samuel S. Griffin to son James L. C. Griffin in Philadelphia.)

During the War Between the States the house served as military headquarters, first for Johnston, and then for McClellan.¹ Provost Marshal Campbell for the Union Army occupied this house. On September 9, 1862, General Henry Wise led an, attack on Williamsburg, at which time Wise had an encounter with Colonel Campbell. The story is related by David Cronin,² another provost marshal of the Union army:

Leading the extreme advance in the charge, was an instructed officer with a few men, who halted at the Vest Mansion. The Colonel, asleep in the -bedroom in rear of his office, was not awakened by the distant firing and was first aroused by the presence of a Confederate officer who in imperative tones, with pointed revolver, ordered him to surrender and get up and dress. Taken at such disadvantage, he of course, complied, but leisurely and without remark, after the silent manner of the Scotch, in embarrassing situation. Just as he reached the front door with his captors, the General himself arrived and ordered him back for an interview which was brief, and held with the General in 14 the usual official chair at the table, the prisoner sitting in the chair opposite to which he had been invited by one of the guards, or by the General, for there was much confusion.' The General's first question was singular but explainable when it is remembered that Wise had near relatives in Philadelphia and the social consequence of the prisoner might be considered in the importance of his capture. 'To what family of the Campbell's in Philadelphia, do you belong?' he asked. 'To no family on the face of the earth, just now,' was the Colonell's bitter response.

Similar queries relating to the personal equation of the captive were repeated and remained unanswered but no questions bearing upon the military situation, were asked. The interview was interrupted by the arrival of welcoming townspeople and the Colonel was suavely committed to the custody of his guards and taken away. For a few weeks he was confined in Libby prison and then exchanged. He resigned from the service Oct. 16th.

The present house, doubtless, includes the small, old portion that was Kerr's dwelling but around that nucleus so many repairs, additions and changes have been made that the house is decidedly the house of the prosperous merchant, William W. Vest. Its character is that of an early Republic house.

Cronin's description of the "Vest Mansion" follows:

The Vest Mansion was a large brick building of three stories, if the attic floor be included, comparatively new, with modern improvements, situated at the southern end of the main street of Williamsburg. It was owned and inhabited as a residence by W. W. Vest, a prominent merchant of the place. Though outwardly a rather plain substantial structure, its size and situation made it imposing. It was divided into two wings by a central front door and wide hallway leading to a garden, coach house, and stables in the rear. The first floor of the eastern wing, consisted of a spacious drawing room with a rear room converted into a bed-room, and these were the apartments occupied as official headquarters. They were tastefully and richly furnished... But the principal feature of the official apartment was a long and broad mahogany table standing near the centre. It was covered with green baize cloth… This was the official desk around which, on formal occasions, sat the General with members of his staff. ("The Vest Mansion Its Historical and Romantic Associations as Confederate and Union Headquarters," Ms. by David Cronin.)

Mr. John S. Charles, in his "Recollections of Williamsburg before 15 the Civil War," describes the brick house as follows:

…These houses were there when the Union hosts marched east the bands playing 'Yankee Doodle' and 'On to Richmond' and when General McClellan made his headquarters in the Vest house, which presented then the same appearance on the exterior as it does today. On this Vest lot there were in 1861 no other buildings except a kitchen, and a stable and a barn in the rear part of the lot.

A court record of 1882 seems to indicate that Vest encroached on the public land to the east of his lot:

June 19, 1882

John A. Henley, Mayor
For City of Williamsburg
to
William W. Vest. Consideration $150

In accordance with an order of the Common Council of the City of Williamsburg made and entered as of record May 15, 1882. All that lot or parcel of land within the enclosure of the premises of the party of the second part and bounded as follows: North by Duke of Gloucester Street, on South by lot owned by the Corporation, on the West by the party of the second part and on the east by a cross street running S. E. from D. G. Street to Francis Street. (Williamsburg and James City County Deeds, Book 1, 612.)

At the death of William W. Vest in 1893 the property passed to his daughter, Willie W. Vest, who conveyed it to Arthur Denmead in 1896. (See chain of title, Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.) A history of the property from 1896 to the present time in the Accounting Department of Colonial Williamsburg, or at the Court House for Williamsburg James City County.

^{Denmead to Chandler P. Chapman 1903.
C.B. Chapman to trustee for Estelle H. Christian, 1913.
Estelle H. & Charles Christian to Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin for restoration in 1927. MG}

IN SUMMARY

Earliest records of the northern part of colonial lot 27 (on which the present Kerr house is located) begin in 1718 when William Robertson conveyed this section of the lot to John Brown. In 1732 the heirs of John Brown conveyed to Alexander Kerr, Jeweller, "…a Dwelling House with the Garden…" Kerr evidently conducted a store on the lot, as well as living thereon, as his advertisement in 1737 indicated that his house and store apparently 16 were on the same lot. In 1738 (after Kerr's death) his estate was offered for sale. Among the possessions were "a well finished Brick House, in good Repair, together with a convenient Store, Coach-House, Stables, and other Office-Houses, and a large Garden fronting the Main Street, next the Capitol." After a gap in the chain of title for ten years, John Palmer, lawyer of Williamsburg, was the owner. In 1750 "the store of Mr. John Palmer" is noted as opposite to a storehouse of Nathaniel Walthoe on the north side of Duke of Gloucester Street. During Palmer's occupancy the store or shop burned. For some years after Palmer's death (1760) the property was rented. In 1769 the property was described as "the large and commodious BRICK HOUSE, opposite to the Coffee-House and nigh the Capitol…", Other renters refer to the "brick house." In 1773 the heirs offered for sale the lots "whereon is an exceeding good Brick House two stories high, also a small wooden One, very convenient for a Gentleman's Study, with two Rooms, all other necessary Outhouses, and a Garden…" In 1780 William Page purchased the Palmer property. Page held it until 1782 when he conveyed it to Jean Lewis Rey and Peter Dela Croix, merchants. Within a few weeks John Drewidz had come into the property and soon made extensive repairs thereon. At this period the Frenchman's Map of Williamsburg indicates a large square house situated on the lot with two smaller dependencies to the rear. The College Map (1791?) denotes the name "Hunt" on the lot. Hunt and Drewidz evidently were in partnership, having a snuff manufactory on the lot. In 1788 Drewidz sold the property in order to satisfy Hunt and Adams. While Hunt and Adams were in possession many repairs were made to the houses. In 1810, according to the Williamsburg Land Tax Records, John H. Smith bought two lots "via Hunt," valued at $150. Smith's ownership was followed in 1815 by Carter Burwell. Except for the tax records which show Carter Burwell or his estate as owner of two lots, the history of the property is not known from 1815 to 1834. An 17 insurance policy of 1834, written in the name of William W. Vest, indicates that the latter had come into possession of this property. The house was described in the policy as of brick, two stories high, 36 by 40 feet, with a kitchen of wood, two stories high, 18 by 24 feet, and a smokehouse of wood, total valuation being $3200. The property was insured several times during Vest's long ownership (1834 through 1893). In 1839 the house was described, as of brick, two stories high, 36 by 40 feet, with kitchen and laundry in the rear yard. Another policy in 1858 notes a new addition to the dwelling, which is valued at $3000. It is 24 by 36 feet, with a hall dividing it from the old dwelling part of the house, which is 42 by 36 feet. A kitchen, laundry with shed, smokehouse and gardens complete the lay-out of the property as shown on the diagram of the policy. During the Civil War the house was used as military headquarters for both northern and southern troops. At the death of Vest in 1893 the property passed to his daughter, who conveyed it to Arthur Denmead in 1896. At the present time it is the property of Colonial Williamsburg.

PHOTOSTAT COPY OF THE WILLIAMSBURG PLAT IN "WILLIAMSBURG THE OLD COLONIAL CAPITOL" BY LYON G. TYLER

Illustration #2

Illustration #3
Kerr House
Block 9

Mutual Assurance Policy #8059 William W. Vest 1834, March 3, "I the underwritten William W. Vest residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance … my buildings on my own land now occupied [by] myself and situated between Galt's lot on the South, Powells lot on the west, the main street in Williamsburg on the north, and the Capitol square on the East…

The Dwelling marked A at	$3000
The Kitchen marked B at	200
	$3200

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #11,021 Revaluation of Buildings formerly declared for Assurance by William W. Vest per Declaration #8059
1839, May 3, " I the underwritten William W. Vest residing at Williamsburg in the county of York do hereby declare for assurance… my building on my own land situated between the lands of Alexander Galt on the south, the lot of the late Peter Powell west, the main street north and the Capitol Square East in the County of York…

The Dwelling marked A at	44000
	$4000

Mutual Assurance Society Policy #809A.
1858, August 24, " I the underwritten William W. Vest residing At Williamsburg in the of York do hereby declare … my buildings on my own land in the city of Williamsburg now occupied by Myself situated between the Capitol square on the East, the land of A.D. Galts estate South, of William Blassingame West, and the main street north in the Couty of York…

The new addition to Dwelling... marked A at	$3000
	$3000"

Illustration #4