Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

COKE-GARRETT HOUSE 1931

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

COKE-GARRETT HOUSE
Block 27 Colonial Lots 279, 280, 281, 282 and 361

A SUMMARY OF THE REPORT

COKE-GARRETT HOUSE
Block 27 Colonial Lots 279, 280, 281, 282 and 361

LOTS 279 & 280

William Sharman, baker, was the first known owner on record of lots 279 & 280. In a deed of lease from Sharman to Joseph Chermeson dated June, 1708, we learn that Sharman had "taken up" those lots though the date of issue is not mentioned.

[June 18, 1708]

[Sharman, William - Baker of Williamsburgh
to
Chermeson, Joseph - of James City County
Consideration: 5 shillings]

... ALL that his TWO LOTTS or one ACRE of LAND LYING & being Scituate in the City of Williamsburgh near her Ma^ties Queen Annes Royall Capitol with all the said ACRE or Two Lotts of Land being nombred as followeth with all houses outhouses Kitchens Barnes Stables & Erections of what KIND or ffashion SOEVER... Lying & being Scituate in the said City and known or taken up by the SAID Sharman for or by Nomber (279) and (280) Lotts together with all priveledges & Appertenances... unto the said Joseph Chermeson... from the day NEXT before the day of the date of these presents unto the End & Terme for & during the term of one Whole Year from thence Next Ensuing To the Intent that by Virtue thereof and of the Statute for Transferring Uses into Possession the Said Joseph may be in Actuall possession of the Said Land houses & premises... & be Enabled to take & Accept of a Grant & Release of the same premises to him & his heires & Assignes for ever ...
William Sharman (Seal)
Sealed & Delivered in the presence of
Hen^r Holdcraft
Stephen ffurnew
Ann Rogers. ¹

[Recorded in York County Court August 24, 1708.]

On June 19, 1708 a deed of release was given from Sharman to Chermeson for lots 279 & 280 in "fee simple" and the amount paid was "50 pounds Sterl^g2 of Lawfull Money of England."¹ A clause in the release read:

...NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the SAID William Sharman for & in Consideration of the Sum of ffifty pounds Ster^g of Lawfull Money of England in hand paid by the Said Joseph Chermeson to the Said William Sharman and to the Severall persons by him Appointed for the Dischargeing & paying some of the Just Debts whereinth the Said Sharman Stood Lawfully Charged Whereof he the Said William Sharman doth Acknowledge the receipt hereby & of every part & Parcell thereof doth hereby Clearly Acquitt Exonerate and Discharge the said Joseph Chermeson his Heires Ex^rs & Admin^rs for ever... [Recorded August 24, 1708]

The above indenture refers to the debt which Sharman owed Chermeson:

At a Court held on February 25^th 1708 In the Action of Debt between Joseph Chermeson p^lt & W^m Sherman Def^t for Two Hundred & Tenn pounds Ster^g by bill obligatory under the Df^ts hand & Seale at the Pl^ts Mocon the Attachment in the Cause formerly Granted is Continued till the next Court. ²

When Sharman owned the property we note that there were houses of some kind thereon. Sharman had died before August 24, 1708/9 as his inventory is recorded of that date. See: Illustration #2, appendix for complete inventory.

Chermeson was granted a license for an ordinary in Williamsburg in March 1708/9.⁴ By 1709/10 the lots had reverted to the trustees of the city and were again granted to Chermeson: 3

[January 23, 1709/10]

[Feoffees of Williamsburgh
to
Joseph Chermeson of James City County
5 shillings]

... HATH Granted Bargained... unto the said Joseph Chermeson his heires or Assignes Two Certain Lotts of Ground in the said City of Williamsburgh designed in the Plott of the said City by these figures (279) & (280) with all pasturage Woods & Waters & all Manner of Profits... whatsoever belonging...
Mongo Ingles (Seal)
Hugh Norvell (Seal) [Recorded York County Court Feb. 24, 1709/10.]¹

[January 24, 1709/10]

[Feoffees of Williamsburgh
to
Joseph Chermeson of James City County
Consideration: £ 1 10 shillings]

... Two Certain Lotts of Ground in the said City of Williamsburgh designed in the plott of the said City by the figures 279 & 280 with all Woods thereon Growing or being together with all profits Comoditys Emoluments & Advantages whatsoever to the Same belonging forever... That if the said Joseph his heires or Assignes Shall Not in the Space of Twenty four Months next Ensueing the Date of these presents begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of the said Granted premises One Good Dwelling house of Such Dimensions & to be placed in Such Manner as by One Act of Assembly made... the 23^d day of October 1705... [the lot will revert to the trustees]
Mongo Ingles (Seal)
Hugh Norvell (Seal) [Recorded York County Court Feb. 24, 1709/10.]²

Houses were mentioned in the deed from Sharman to Chermeson in June, 1708 but there is no mention of houses in the deed from the Feoffees to Chermeson in January 1709. Eighteen months had elapsed. Sharman's house must have burned or been destroyed prior to January 24, 1709. If there were houses already on the lots, why was a building clause put into the release deed in January, 1709?

We have found no record of Chermeson owning other property in Williamsburg.

At the time of Chermeson's death, in 1712, he was living on his York County plantation. Provision was made for this property and for the Williamsburg lots in the will which follows:

[April 30, 1712]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN this thirtieth day of Aprill in y^e Year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven hundred & Twelve I Joseph Chermeson of y^e Parish of Bruton in y^e County of York in Virginia... do make Ordain, Publish & declare this my last Will & Testament... And First I bequeath my Soul to God... And now for y^e Settling of & disposing of all my worldly Estate Goodes & Chatles Rights & Credits, Landes & other Estates of what kind or quality soever now belonging to me in Virginia or in England or elsewhere I give & dispose of as followeth (Viz:) I will that all my just Debts be well & truly discharged & paid out of my Estate after my decease as soon as conveniently may be by my Exor^s hereafter named. Secondly I give to my loveing wife Elizabeth Chermeson & to my daughter Elizabeth Chermeson my Dwelling house & Plantations I now live upon with all Lands houses & appurtenances thereunto belonging being One hundred & fifty Acres to be equally divided between them & to be Used & Possessed as followeth (That is to say) My s^d Wife to have y^e benefit & use of y^e s^d Plantation untill my s^d daughter attains to Age or Marriage, & then my daughter to have one Moiety of y^e s^d Land, Plantation & houses & appurtenances to her use & 5 after my s^d Wifes decease, Then I give y^e s^d mentioned Plantation & Tracts of Land w^th Appurtenances to my s^d daughter Elizabeth Chermeson & her heirs for ever, if She shall have issue of her body lawfully begotten or lives to come to lawfull Age, And I also give to my s^d Wife & my said daughter Elizabeth all y^e Stock of Cattle, horses, mares, Sheep, & Swine Young & old of all Sorts w^th all household Goodes & utensils as Bedding, Brass, Pewter Iron & all other Necessaries w^ch now are on y^e s^d Plantation... To be Equally dived between my s^d Wife & Child & also One Servant Woman named Elizabeth Skimshaw w^ch I give for y^e time she hath to Serve to my s^d Wife & daughter... but in case my s^d daughter should dye before she attains to Age & without lawfull issue, then I give my fores^d Plantation w^th y^e Lands & Appurtenances to my loveing Countryman Claude Rouviere, if he be then alive but if he be dead at that time, then I give y^e s^d Plantation & Land &^c befores^d to my friend Richard Kendall & his heirs for ever— Thirdly my Will is & I do request & impower my Exor^s hereafter named to Sell & Convey my houses and y^e Two Lotts of Land w^ch I have in y^e City of W^msburgh by way of Outcry for Money towards payment of my debts as soon as conveniently can be after my decease & I also desire & impower my Exor^s or either of them in case of y^e death of y^e other to Sell & dispose of my Lands & Plantations called Hotwater (held for One hundred & fifty Acres more or less) And also I do will & desire my Exo^rs to Sell all my Stock of Cattle, horses, hoggs, & household Goodes & Necessaryes whatsoever belonging to y^e s^d Plantation for Money as soon as conveniently they can after my decease & y^e money arising to be made up of for payment of my debts: And Likewise I will & hereby impower my s^d Ex^rs to Sell my Land & Plantation in y^e Maine w^ch I bought of M^r Broadribbs Exor^s & all y^e Stock of Cattle... towards payment of my just debts... I desire my wife after my decease may release her right of Dower to y^e s^d Three Tracts or Plantations hereby directed & appointed to be sold for payment of my s^d Debts as afores^d & y^e remainder of y^e Money ariseing by y^e Sales of y^e s^d Lands after all my just debts are paid... for y^e use of my s^d wife & Child Equally... Fourthly I will y^t my Plantation & houses call New Ordinary be Lett or Leased out w^th y^e Plantation w^ch was Henry Thomsons... untill my s^d daughter Elizabeth attaine to lawfull Age or Marriage & then to fall to her & her heirs for Ever but in case my s^d daughter should dye before she comes at Age & without lawfull issue Then... I give y^e s^d Lands & appurtenances called New Ordinary & 6 Thompsons Plantation after my wifes decease to my Countryman Claude Rouviere if he be then alive but in case of his death... to my loveing friend Richard Kendall... Fifthly after all my just debts are paid... I desire y^e Rents & Profits of my Two Plantations last mentioned... be employed for bringing up my s^d daughter, untill she come of Age or Marry & then I give both of y^e s^d Plantations to her in ffee Simple: And I give all y^e residue & remainder of my s^d Estate not before hereby disposed of or bequeathed Two thirds parts to my sd daughter & one Third part to my s^d Wife for Ever. Lastly I do hereby make Ordain & appoint my loving friend & Countryman Claude Rouviere & my loving wife Elizabeth Chermeson my Exo^r & Exor^x of this my last Will & Testem^t in testimony whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand & affixed my Seall this day & Year above s^d
Joseph Chermeson Seale

Signed, Sealed & Delivered Published & Declared in y^e presence of US
Hugh Norvell
Jn^o Steward
Florance Macarte
Henry Holdcraft

At a Court held for York County y^e 16^th June 1712 This last Will & Testament of Joseph Chermeson dece^d was presented in Court by Claude Rouviere & Elizabeth Chermeson Exo^rs therein named... Admitted to Record.
Phi: Lightfoot Cl Cur

¹

The widow of Chermeson and Rouviere, executors, brought an inventory and appraisement into court on November 17, 1712.² Among the items were: "By the sale of 2 Lotts & houses in Wmsburgh as by the will ordered ——£ 40." Also, "To paid W^m Kaidyce for Glaising windows—£ 1.10.1" and "By Sundry Acct^s due to the Estate Bills Notes & Ordinary Acct^s—— £ 5491." From the last item we know that Chermeson had operated an ordinary and that he charged accounts of customers.

In May, 1713, Chermeson's executors conveyed the property to David Cuningham, a barber, in Williamsburg:

[Release deed]

[May 8, 1713]

[Rouviere, Claude
Chermeson, Elizabeth
(Executors of the last will &
testament of the late Joseph Chermeson of York County)
to
Cuningham, David-barber of Williamsburg
Consideration: 45 pounds Current Money of Virgini^a]

... Whereas y^e s^d Claude & Eliz^a Exe^rs by Indenture bearing date y^e Seventh day of this instant Month of May for y^e Consideration therein expressed did bargain demise & Sell unto y^e s^d David Cuningham all those two Lotts of Land with Dwelling house & Out houses which was the s^d Testators at y^e time of his death lying & being scituate in y^e City of Williamsburgh in y^e County of York on y^e back side of y^e Capitall near y^e Publick Goal for y^e full term & time of One whole Year beginning y^e day next before y^e date of y^e s^d recited Indenture, with all houses, Orchards, Meadows whatsoever to y^e s^d houses & Two Lotts of Land belonging or any wayes appurtaining in as large & Ample Manner as y^e Same was granted by M^r Mongo Ingles & M^r Hugh Norvell two of y^e feofees...being designed in y^e platt of y^e s^d City by these figures 279 & 280... NOW THIS INDENTURE WITTNESSETH that y^e s^d Claude Rouviere & Eliz^a Chermeson Ex^rs of y^e last Will of y^e s^d Joseph Chermeson dec^d by Virtue of y^e Power & authority to them given by y^e s^d Testator in his s^d last Will (wherein One Clause or Paragraph thereof if is thus Expressed (viz^t) My Will is & I do hereby request & impower my Ex^rs hereafter named to Sell & Convey my houses & my Two Lotts of Land which I have in y^e City of Williamsburgh by way of Outcry for Money toward payment of my just debts &c.) And in compliance with y^e s^d Testators request; y^e s^d Ex^rs for & in consideration of y^e Sum of forty five pounds in Curr^t Money of Virginia paid & Secured to be paid by y^e s^d David to y^e s^d Ex^rs for payment of their Testators debts as by y^e s^d Will in directed...TO HAVE & TO HOLD y^e s^d Two Lotts of Land with houses... unto y^e s^d David his heirs & Assigns for Ever ...
Claude Rouviere (Seale
Elizabeth Chermeson Seale

Signed Sealed & Delivered in the presence of
Francis Sharp
Hen: Holdcraft
Jn^o Jarrett
J^ean Pasteur

[Recorded in York County Court on May 18, 1713 at which time Elizabeth Chermeson relinquished her right of dower in the property.]¹

Up to this point, the lots have been described by numbers. In the lease deed from Chermeson's executors to Cuningham (May 7, 1713) the lots are described by numbers and a location given as: "near the Capitol." In the release deed (May 8, 1713) the numbers are given and location: "on y^e back side of y^e Capitol near y^e Public Goal."

Cuningham, though noted in the deed as being a barber, was also an ordinary keeper. He was operating an ordinary in the city prior to his acquisition of lots 279 and 280. An ordinary license was granted him on January 19, 1712/13 "at his now Dwelling house in Williamsburgh."¹ Other licenses granted him were March 15, 1713; and Sept. 17, 1716.² It is possible that Cuningham rented Chermeson's property in the city prior to his ownership, and soon after the death of Chermeson. In June, 1713, Cuningham was appointed Constable of Williamsburg.³ In July, 1717, Cuningham bought two other lots in Williamsburg.⁴

Cuningham's will was written on January 13, 1719/20:

[Will of David Cuningham - Barber of Williamsburg]

[January 13, 1719/20]

IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN I David Cuningham of the City of Williamsburgh Barber being very sick...Imprimis my Will & desire is that my Lotts & houses lying & being in the City of Williamsburgh be Sold by Auction or Otherwise by my Executors hereafter named for the Satisfaction of my Just Debts & funeral Charges and that my Negroe Woman named Mary Aggy & my Two white Servants named James Minnis and James Spense, together with all my Shop Tools belonging to my Occupation of Barbar & peruke maker be also Sold by Auction for the purposes afores^d; and that the Residue of the money which Shall arrise by the Sale of the s^d Lotts & houses 9 & of the s^d Negroe woman, white Servants & tools, after payment of my s^d Debts & funeral Charges afores^d be equally divided between my Son David & my Daughter Jane Cuningham to be paid to them Respectively at the time hereafter Mentioned that is to Say the Share of the s^d David at his attaining the age of twenty one years, & the share of the s^d Jane at the age of eighteen years or day of marriage which Shall happen first And in the meantime that the money herein afore bequeathed to my s^d son David and daughter Jane be lodged in the hands of Susanna Allen of Williamsburgh to be employed by her in the best manner for the Education and maintenance of my s^d Children Item I Give & bequeath unto my S^d Son David Cuningham my Negroes named Slip & Charles together with my watch, my Snuff box, & my Ring with Cypher thereon, to be delivered to him at his attaining the age of Twenty One years Item I Give & bequeath unto my Daughter Jane Cuningham All the Rest of my Rings & one pair of Gold Bobbs: ... all the Rest of my personal Estate not herein before disposed on, I Give & bequeath unto my Loving friend Susanna Allen And lastly I do hereby Nominate, and Appoint my loving friends William Robertson & Samuel Cobbs of Williamsburgh Gent & the s^d Susanna Allen Executors of this my last Will & Testament... IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my Hand & Seale this 13th day of January, 1719/20.
David Cuningham Seal

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of
Lewis Delony
James Memzies
Joseph Davenport

[Presented at York County Court on February 15, 1719/20 and ordered recorded.]¹

Cuningham's inventory and appraisement was offered by the administrators to record on February 20, 1719/20. It amounted to £ 311.19.8. Only the personal property was recorded.²

It was not until February court of 1723 that a final settlement of Cuningham's estate was put on record. This seems very significant as it gives the amount at which his houses and lots were sold: 10

[February 15, 1723]

Estate of David Cuningham

Dr	Cr
...	By inventory & appraisement returned to York County Court	£ 311.19.8
	…
	By his houses & Lots sold for	£ 150.- .-
		£ 467.10.7

Recorded at York County Court Feb. 17, 1723.¹

This credit, £ 150, for his "houses and lots" — undoubtedly refers to the Williamsburg property. On December 17, 1720, the executors of Cuningham conveyed lot 279 to Nathaniel Newton for £ 75; and lot 280 unto George Newton for £ 75-, making a total of £ 150 for both lots. The deeds of release follow:

[December 17, 1720]

[Robertson, William Execrs David Cuningham Barber, dec^d
Williamsburgh
Cobbs, Samuel
to
Newton, George of the County of Norfolk
Consideration: 75 pounds current money of Virginia]

. . .All that Lott of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh near the Capitol in the County of York designed in the platt of the s^d city by the figures 280 and all houses, buildings, Gardens, Orchards, & fences. . .
Wil Robertson (Seal)
Sam^l Cobbs (Seal) Recorded December 17, 1720.²

[December 17, 1720]

[Robertson, William
Cobbs, Samuel Exec^rs David Cuningham Barber, dec^d,
Williamsburgh
to
Newton, Nathaniel of the County of Norfolk
Consideration: 75 pounds current money of Virginia]

... All that Lott of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh near the Capitol in the County of York designed in the platt of the s^d city by the figures 279 & all the Gardens, Yards, fences & other improvements...
Wil Robertson (Seal)
Sam^l Cobbs (Seal) Recorded December 17, 1720.¹

It is not known whether the Newtons ever lived in Williamsburg. They were prominent in the life of Norfolk. George was one of the eight first aldermen appointed by Governor Gooch and was Norfolk's first mayor. He served as a Burgess in 1711, 1714, and 1723-1726. It is possible that in the 1723-26 period while in Williamsburg for the sessions of the Burgesses, he lived or stayed on lot 280. Nathaniel was a justice, sheriff, coroner, and vestryman of Norfolk. We know nothing further about the Newtons until 1742 at which date George Newton conveyed his lot in Williamsburg to John Mundell, gaoler, for £ 6.

George Newton had bought lot 280 for £ 75 in 1720 and in 1742 he sold it for £ 6. What caused this change in value?

Very little is known about Mundell. He may have been the John Mundell who was imported from Liverpool to Yorktown in January, 1716, along with 108 other prisoners who had been followers of the Pretender. If so, Mundell is listed among those who were not indentures.² In 1728, a John Mundell was paid 40 shillings for providing wood for fires during the session of the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg.³ By 1737 John Mundell was definitely living in Williamsburg. The Virginia Gazette of June 24, 1737, carried a 12 notice: "Stol'n or Stray'd away, from Mr. Mundel's Pasture, at Williamsburg, on Monday the 20th of June, in the Night, Two Dapple Grey Horses, of New-York Breed—..." On July 8, 1737, "WILLIAM DUBBERLEY, Hatter, [announced in the Gazette that he] HAS lately set up the Trade of Hat-making, in Williamsburg; ... Enquire for the said William Dubberley, at M^r. John Mundell's, in Williamsburg."

Prior to Mundell's acquiring lot 280 via George Newton, he had come into lots 281, 282 and 361 via William Brodnax. Further treatment of these lots will be taken up later in this report.

Newton's deed of conveyance to John Mundell follows:

[November 15, 1742]

Newton, George-Gent of the Borough of Norfolk
to
Mundell, John-Goaler of Williamsburgh

Consideration: 6 pounds current money of Virginia
... All that Lott of Land lying and being in the City of W^msburg near the Capitol in the County of York designed in the platt of the said City by the figures 280 together with all appurtenances thereunto belonging and all papers, deeds & Minuments belonging to the same...
Geo: Newton (LS)

Sealed & delivered in the presence of
Bed. Davenport
Ken. McKenzie
Richard Gamble
James Lavie

Recorded February 21, 1742/43.¹

Mundell also acquired lot 279. However, the deed of conveyance has never been located. Subsequent records indicate that Mundell was in possession of both lots at the time of his death.

Mundell died in July, 1745. His will indicates the disposition of his Williamsburg property: 13

[July 3, 1745]

[Will of John Mundell]

...
Item. I Give and Devise all my Houses and Lots of Land in the City of Williamsburgh and my Negro Wench Venus and her Daughter Bess to my good friend John Blair... to be sold by him and the money arising from such sale to be applied to the payment of my bond due him first and then towards the payment of a debt due to the widow Woodings estate...
John Mundell (LS)

Witnesses
Thomas Penman
James Lavie
James Spence

Recorded York County Court on July 15, 1745, by Thomas Penman & James Spence. At Court of August 18, 1745 John Coke was named administrator.¹

From May, 1742, to his death (July, 1745), Mundell had been keeper of the Public Gaol in Williamsburg which was located on the adjoining lot to Mundell's property.²

The personal property inventory and appraisement of the estate of John Mundell was recorded on August 21, 1749, by John Coke, administrator. The total amount was £ 235.16.0.³ In the "Settlement—The Estate of John Mundell with John Coke Administrator", certain items paid out by the estate seem of consequence though not understood and are given below:

	Dr The Estate of John Mundell with John Coke4 Administrator 1745
	…
Settlmt	To John Blair Esqr for 2 Bonds Interest & as pr Acct	£ 136.16.4
	…
14
	To Cash paid a Judgment Mark Cosby paid to Andrew Anderson	8.13.1
	…
	To Do paid Mrs Keith for Rent	2. 5.0
	To Do paid Colo Bray for Rent	14.10.0
	…
	To Cash paid more to Colo Bray for Rent than I could Lease the place for	2. 0.0
		£ 386. 6.11

Recorded August 17, 1749.
York Court

After Mundell's death the lots were sold at a public sale in December, 1745, to Joseph Cocke. It never became a legal transaction because the deed was not recorded and Cocke did not pay the price asked (60 pounds).

In 1748, Andrew Anderson bought the property. Let us notice that Mundell had paid £ 6 for lot 280 and possibly £ 6 for lot 279 but sold both lots for £ 60 and 5 shillings after holding them six years. The situation is explained below:

[August 11, 1748]

Blair, John-Hon^bl Exor John Mundell
Cocke, Joseph-Joiner & Anne, his wife
to
Anderson, Andrew-Barber
Consideration: 60 pounds to John Blair & 5
shillings to Joseph Cocke

...WHEREAS John Mundell late of the same City dec^d was in his Lifetime Seised in fee Simple of and in two certain Lotts or half Acres of Land lying and being on the North side of Nicholson Street adjoining to the East on the Lotts of John Coke and on the West to the Lotts whereon the Public Goal is Erected and to the North by the extream bounds of the said City and are denoted in the Plan of the said City by the Numbers 279, 280 and so being Seised by his last Will and Testament in writing recorded in the Court of York County did devise the same in fee Simple unto the said John Blair in Trust to sell the same and to apply by the Money arising by such Sale towards the Payment of his Debts as by the said Will... AND WHEREAS since the death of the said John Mundell at a Public Sale of the said Lotts the said Joseph Cocke was the Highest Bidder for the Sum of Sixty Pounds John Blair together with Frances Mundell, widow, who was entitled to dower 15 in Lotts by Deed dated Dec. 10, 1745, did convey said Lotts and Appurtenances to Joseph Cocke but 60 pounds was not paid nor a deed recorded according to law. Now John Blair, Joseph Cocke and Anne his Wife for the sum of 60 pounds paid to John Blair and 5 shillings to Joseph Cocke do release to Andrew Anderson the above Lotts and all Houses Outhouses Edifices Woods...
John Blair (LS)
Joseph Cocke (LS)
Anne Cocke (LS) Recorded August 15, 1748.¹

In this deed the property is described for the first time as being on the "North side of Nicholson Street." The east and west bounds are also given.

William Waller's Map of Williamsburg (1749) does not show the lots. But "Jn^o Cokes 2 lots" to the east are indicated.²

Anderson died in November, 1752.³ Anderson — twice in 1752 — advertised the property for sale in the Virginia Gazette:

[June 5, 1752]

To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 10^th Instant, to the Highest Bidder, A HOUSE, situate on the main Street in Williamsburg, where the Subscriber now keeps Shop; also two Lots of Land near the Capitol, adjoining to Mr. John Coke's. Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Buyer giving Security, as usual, to
Andrew Anderson...⁴

[September 29, 1752]

…
N. B. He also has Two Lots of Land, adjoining to Mr. John Coke's, in Williamsburg, to be sold to the highest Bidder. Six Month's Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bonds, as usual to
Andrew Anderson.⁵

During Anderson's lifetime the property was not sold. In 1754 a purchaser was found. This was in keeping with Anderson's will that "All my estate both real and personal shall be sold at the discretion of my executors hereafter mentioned to the best advantage towards the payment of all my just debts..."¹ Christopher Ford, Junior, purchased Anderson's Nicholson Street property in December, 1754:

[December 1, 1754]

Webb, John Pearson - only executor of
Anderson, Andrew, dec^d - Barber & peruke maker
Williamsburg
to
Ford, Christopher J^r - Carpenter of the same City Consideration: [38 pounds current money]

...WHEREAS the said Andrew Anderson in his Lifetime and at the time of his death was seised of Two certain Lotts or half Acres of Land lying and being in the City aforesaid on the North side of Nicholson Street bounded on the East by the Lotts of John Coke on the West by the Lotts whereon the Public Goal is Erected and to the North by the Extreme bounds of said City... and denoted in the Plan of the said City by the Numbers 279 280 and the said Andrew Anderson being so Seised on the twenty sixth day of March 1751 made his last Will & Testament in Writing and thereby devised as followeth that is to say "My Will and Desire is that all my Estate both real & personal should be Sold at the discretion of my Exo^rs here after mentioned to the best advantage toward the Payment of all my Just Debts and the Reversion and Remainder... to be equally divided betwixt my Wife Mary and two Children" and of his said Will Appointed the said John Pearson Webb John Coke and Mark Cosby Executors... And WHEREAS after making the said Will sometime in the Year 1752 the said Andrew Anderson died greatly indebted and Mark Cosby one of the Executors... having died before the said Andrew and John Coke another Executor... refused to take upon him the execution the above named John Pearson Webb the other Executor in the said Will at once proved the same and took upon him the Execution thereof AND WHEREAS the said John Pearson Webb after having for several Weeks 17 advertised his intention of Selling the said premises set the said Lotts up at Public Sale and the said Christopher Ford being the highest Bidder purchased the same for the Sum [illegible] Pounds Current Money...
John Pearson Webb (LS)

Tho^s Everard
J Palmer
Frederick Bryan

Received on December 1, 1754 of the above mentioned
Christopher Ford the Sum of thirty eight Pounds Current
Money the Consideration above Mentioned.
John Pearson Webb (LS)

Recorded in York County Court Records
March 17, 1755.¹

In less than a year Ford conveyed the property to John Coke at a price of £ 6 less than he paid for it:

[February 5, 1755]

Ford, Christopher, J^r carpenter of Williamsburgh
to
Coke, John²- Tavern Keeper of the same City
Consideration: 32 pounds Current Money of Virginia

…
All those two Lotts or half Acres of Land lying and being in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid on the North side of Nicholson Street bounded on the East by the lotts of the said John Coke and on the West by the Lotts whereon the Public Goal is erected on the North by the Extreme bounds of the said City which said two Lotts are denoted in the Plan of the said City by the Numbers 279 and 280 and were Sold and Conveyed unto the said Christopher Ford by John Pearson Webb, acting Executor of the last Will and Testament of Andrew Anderson, dec^d by indenture bearing date December 1, 18 past...
Christo^r Ford Jun^r (LS)

Tho^s Everard
J Palmer
Frederick Bryan

Recorded Feb [illegible] 1755.¹

Let us notice that Coke is called a "tavern keeper" in the above conveyance. Just when he began his tavern-keeping career is not known, possibly, in 1740 when he acquired lots 281, 282 and 361. (A study of these lots follows.) It is assumed that he continued his business as silversmith or goldsmith until his death in 1767.

LOTS 281, 282 and 361

The history of these lots, naturally, should begin with a grant from the Feoffees of Williamsburg to some individual. A page by page search through the York County Court Records has failed to reveal the first lot owner. The only explanation of this is that some deeds were never recorded. However, we know from subsequent records to follow in the report, that John Brodnax, goldsmith, was the owner prior to 1719 (at the time of his death). It is possible that Brodnax was the first owner of this property.

John and William Brodnax, two brothers, settled in Virginia the latter part of the seventeenth century. John went to Henri County and William to Jamestown. They were the sons of Robert Brodnax, a goldsmith of London. John was born in 1668 according to his deposition recorded in Henri County Court. About 1694 John moved to Middle Plantation (later known as Williamsburg), where he carried on his work as a goldsmith. In 1705, the rent rolls of Henri County indicate that John Brodnax of James City County held 725 acres. In 1711, Brodnax sold his Henri County holdings to William Byrd.²

In Williamsburg, the first source records we have located note that John Brodnax was appointed keeper of the Capitol and Public Gaol — in September, 1709.¹ Other references in 1711, 1712, 1718 and 1720 show that Brodnax continued as keeper of the Gaol and at times as keeper of the Capitol until his death.² Brodnax made his will in July, 1719, and it was recorded in August, 1719:

[July 2, 1719]

[Will of John Brodnax of Williamsburg]

In the Name of God, Amen. I John Brodnax of the city of Williamsburgh County of York... Goldsmith... Imprimis. As to my Lotts in Williamsburgh and all erections & buildings thereon & all other Improvements that shall be thereon at the time of my decease, also all my Negroes which I shall leave at the time of my death, I bequeath the same to my loving brother William Brodnax, his heirs and assigns forever upon this special trust and confidence that so soon after my decease as conveniently may sell and dispose thereof for the most money as can be got for the same, and the money arising from such sale (after my debts and funeral expenses have been paid) to be equally divided into seven parts or shares. One part of share I give to my Son Robert Brodnax to be paid him when he attains the age of 21 years. One other part of share I give to my Son William Brodnax to be paid him when he shall attain the age of 21 years. One other part or share thereof I give and bequeath to my Son Winfield Brodnax to be paid him at the age of 21 years. One other part of share thereof I give to my Daughter Mary Brodnax when she shall attain the age of 21 years or the day of marriage which shall first happen. One other share or part thereof I give to my Daughter Ann Brodnax to be paid her when she shall attain the age of 21 years or day of marriage which shall first happen. One other share or part thereof I give unto my Daughter Sarah Brodnax to be paid her when she shall attain the age of 21 years or day of marriage which shall first happen. And whereas my Kinsman Alexander Bolton is in a destitute condition and his sold dependance upon me, I do give and bequeath 20 the other remaining part or share to be paid him when he shall attain the age of 21 years. And my mind further is that in case any of my legatees above mentioned shall happen to die before their legacys become due, then the share or shares of him then so dying shall be equally divided amongst the surviving legatees. And my will further is that my Son William Brodnax and my Son Winfield Brodnax shall be sent to England be bound out to such trades as my executors hereafter named, shall adjudge fitting for them as soon as convenient may be had.

I do hereby appoint my brother William Brodnax and my son Robert Brodnax as executors to this my last Will and Testament...
John Brodnax (Seal)

Witnesses
Benj Weldon Mich^l Archer
W^m Broadrib Rich^d Hickman

Recorded on August 17, 1719 York County Court.¹

Brodnax's inventory was taken and sold on September 2, 1719, and admitted to record on November 16, 1719.² Only personal property is listed in this inventory. It was signed by William Brodnax and Robert Brodnax as executors. A final settlement was not made until January, 1724.³ This settlement is signed by William Brodnax as executor. He stated that the inventory of goods sold at the outcry was £ 891.15.1. Other credits made the total amount as £ 1068.5.8. The administrators swore before the Court that the balance due to the estate to be divided amongst the legatees was £ 706.19.1 ½. See: Illustration #2 for accounts of settlement.

Both the inventory and the settlement have items of the goldsmith, such as "2 porringers of silver, 1 set of silver castors, 1 soup spoon, pr small salvers, 6 spoons, 1 soup spoon, broken silver solder filing, coarse silver and plate —£ 180.1.0, broken gold. & gold solder & filings, old silver lace, silver smiths tools & materials belonging ...£ 15.-.-, silver 21 scimiter, silver snuff box with a fancy sett in gold on the head, three pair of christal buttons set in gold, one large gold ring with death graved thereon & a [illegible] itted black with a Table Diamond set in silver in the middle, one pair of silver buckles,..." The inventory is of especial interest as it frequently gives the names of the purchasers of the various items sold at the outcry.

Mr. Cutten states in his book, Silversmiths of Virginia, that John Brodnax was as far as is known - the first silversmith in Virginia.

The inventory also seems to indicate that Brodnax may have operated an ordinary. There are 59 chairs listed with 8 tables.

So far as we know, John Brodnax held no other property in Williamsburg which would mean that he had his shop at his dwelling house.

The lots were not sold by William Brodnax,¹ executor, until May, 1733. Evidently, some of John Brodnax's children had not reached the age of maturity until around this date. John Mundell of Williamsburg became the purchaser:

[May 21, 1723]

Broadnax, William of the County of James City Gent
to
Mundell, John of the City of Williamsburg
Consideration £ 50 Current Money of Virginia

… WHEREAS John Broadnax late of the said City deceased did by his last Will and Testament bearing date the second day of July in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & Nineteen devise and bequeath Unto his Brother W^m Broadnax (father of the aforesaid William) also deceased all his Lotts of Land in W^msburgh aforesaid in Trust to be by him his Heirs or Assigns sold and 22 disposed of for the purpose in the said Will Mentioned NOW THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH that the said William Broadnax in pursuance of the aforesaid Will for an in Consideration of the Sum of Fifty pounds Cur^t money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said John Mundell... Whereof the said William doth hereby acknowledge and thereof doth Charly Acquit and discharge the said John Mundell his Exec^re and Assigns by these presents HATH Given Granted Bargained Sold Aliened & Confirmed and by these presents doth give grant Bargain Sell & Confirm ALL those three Lotts & Dividends of Land Situate lying and being in the City of W^msburgh aforesaid and County of York containing by Estimation one Acre & a half denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures (361. 281. 282) Unto the said John Mundell... with all Houses buildings Gardens orchards…
W. Broadnax E^xr

Sealed & Delivered in presence of
Simon Koltur
John Eaton
Rob^t Lorton

Recorded on May 21, 1733, York Court.¹

This was the same John Mundell who purchased lots 279 and 280 in 1742 from George and Nathaniel Newton. Mundell held these lots until 1740 when he conveyed to John Coke for £ 105 current money of Virginia.

It looks as though Mundell had borrowed money from Brodnax or Brodnax had taken a deed of trust on the property. At the November, 1734, session of York Court it was ordered that in the "Action of Debt between William Broadnax plt^f vs John Mundell def^t, that defendant pay the total sum of £ 100 and that one half or £ 50 be paid by May 1, 1735 to the plaintiff."²

In 1740, Mundell conveyed to John Coke: 23

[September 11, 1740]

Mundell, John of the City of W^msburgh Grazier [glazier?]
to
Coke, John of the same City Goldsmith
Consideration: 105 pounds current money of Virginia

… All those three Lotts or half Acres of Land with the appurtenances lying & being in the City of W^msburgh afores^d in York County and Numbered 361 281 282 which said Lotts or half Acres of Land the said John Mundell purchased of W^m Brodnax Gent by Deed acknowledged & recorded in York County Court and all Houses Out Houses... thereunto belonging... also a parcel of Shingles and Boards now lying & being on the said Lotts …
John Mundell (Seal)

Sealed & delivered in the presence of
Ben Waller
John Coulthard
Jn^o Patterson

Recorded York Court on September 11, 1740. Frances Mundell, widow, relinquished dower on September 15, 1740. ¹

From the above deed we see that John Coke had become the owner of three lots formerly the property of the Brodnax estate. Also, there were shingles and boards on the lots which he bought. To include this purchase in the deed, would seem to indicate that there were quite a quantity and that Mundell, probably, had intended making repairs or erecting a new building or addition.

The Waller Map of the eastern part of Williamsburg (1749) shows "M^r John Cokes 2 Lots" on what appears to be lots 282 and 361. See: copy of map in Illustration #1. Actually, Coke was the owner of 3 lots but Waller indicated only 2 lots.

Coke, evidently, became a tavern keeper soon after his acquisition of this property. Rev. Robert Rose, an Episcopal clergyman, while on a visit to Williamsburg in April, 1750, wrote in his Diary: "24^th Windy Weather, 24 got over w^t Difficulty [from Gloucester town] went to W^msburg lodged at M^r Cokes the Silversmith..."¹ In 1759, the estate of Mr. Thomas Penman paid Anthony Hay's estate: "Dec. 5 To paid John Coke for Punch and wine at the funeral 0/17/3."²

Coke died sometime between May,1764 and November, 1767. The will written in 1764 was recorded in 1767:

[May 18, 1764]

[Will of John Coke of the County of York]

…
ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Son Samuel Coke my Plantation containing 200 acres more or less lying on both sides of the Main Road which leads from the City of Williamsburgh down to the Capitol landing commonly called Queen Mary's Port to him and his Heirs forever... ITEM. I give and bequeath to my Son Robey Coke all the houses and five Lotts or half Acres of Ground whereon I now live in the City of Williamsburg facing the Capitol and joining the Public Goal and on the other side to the Main Road which leads to the Capitol Landing to him and his Heirs forever... Also... [illegible] silver Spoons with Two Feather Beds Walnut Chairs and a Walnut Table... ITEM. I give to my loving Wife after my just Debts and funeral charges are all paid the remaining part of my Estate both Real and Personal during her natural life... then to be equally divided between my two sons Samuel Coke and Robey Coke... I do appoint my loving Wife & my Son Samuel Coke Executors of this my Last Will and Testament...
Jn^o Coke (LS) Presented into York County Court on November 16, 1767³, by Samuel and Sarah Coke, Executors.

Coke's inventory and appraisement was presented to court on February 13, 1768, by Alexander Craig, Blovet Pasteur and Peter Powell and ordered recorded on February 15, 1768.⁴ Robey Coke, the son, had inherited the property in Williamsburg.

Sarah Coke, the widow, continued to carry on the tavern keeping business after her husband's death. She advertised thus:

[October 15, 1767]

SARAH COKE
BEGS leave to inform those Gentlemen who were so kind as to favour her deceased husband with their custom that they may depend on receiving the same entertainment as formerly. ¹

By 1769 the executors were endeavoring a final settlement of John Coke's estate. They advertised that his household things, slaves, &c. would be sold at public auction and the houses would be offered for rent:

[January 12, 1769]

To be SOLD by publick auction, on Thursday the 2^d of FEBRUARY next, at the late dwelling-house of JOHN COKE, deceased, in Williamsburg, ALL his HOUSEHOLD & KITCHEN FURNITURE, several valuable SLAVES, with the stocks of CATTLE, HORSES, and SHEEP; also a quantity of CORN and FODDER. At the same time will be sold, or rented, a plantation lying on both sides of the road to the Capitol landing, containing upwards of 200 acres; it is exceeding good land, and in order for cropping. Credit will be allowed for all sums above five pounds until the 20th of October next, the purchasers giving bond and security to
SARAH COKE, Executrix.
SAMUEL COKE, Executor.

The HOUSES in Williamsburg will be rented at the same time, on reasonable terms.²

The inventory showed that Coke's estate amounted to £ 772.18.1, not including the real estate.³

Within a month Richard Hunt Singleton had moved into the tavern once run by John Coke: 26

[February 9, 1769]

RICHARD HUNT^H. SINGLETON
BEGS leave to acquaint the publick that he intends immediately to open TAVERN in the house lately occupied by Mrs. Sarah Coke, opposite the north side of the Capitol, in Williamsburg; where those Gentlemen who formerly resorted that house, and others who please to favour him with their custom, may depend on having genteel lodgings and good entertainment, he being determined to do every thing in his power to give satisfaction, and ensure their future favours.

*** He likewise proposes boarding young Gentlemen, by the year.¹

Robey Coke had heired the property by will from his father, John Coke. In January, 1771, Robey Coke offered the houses and lots for sale through an agent:

[January 31, 1771]

To be SOLD at publick Auction. on Tuesday the 19^th of next Month, pursuant to a Deed of Trust from Robey Coke to the Subscriber, ALL the HOUSES, and five LOTS of LAND, whereon the late John Coke, deceased, lived, in the City of Williamsburg, at present occupied by Mr. Richard Hunt Singleton. The Terms will be agreed on at the Sale, which will be on the Premises.
RICHARD BROWN.²

NORFOLK, January 26.

Evidently, Brown did not sell the property. However, five weeks later (February 7, 1771) found Singleton at Colonel Philip Johnson's house behind the home of Mr. Waller.³ And, the Cokes, (Robey and Sarah), evidently moved into the tavern. At least, we know that Sarah rented her house to the American army during the Revolution, and Robey repaired waggons and made rammers: 27

Williamsburg, February 7, 1776
[A Warr't] to Robey Coke for £ 8.11.9—Do.— for Repairing Waggons and making Rammers.¹

Williamsburg, July 4, 1776
A Warrant to Robey Coke for £ 16.14.4 for mounting cannon, &c.; also for use Sarah Coke £ 2, for house rent to army.²

In 1777, Sarah Coke petitioned the House of Delegates for damages done to her property by the soldiers and also for rent:

[May 14, 1777]

Ordered...
A petition of Sarah Coke was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that on the 18th of November 1775, her dwelling house was appropriated as barracks for a company of soldiers, for which she was to be allowed after the rate of 45 £ per annum during their continuance therein; that she has sustained considerable damage in her said house from the troops being stationed therein, and praying to be reimbursed for the same, and to be paid the rent aforesaid.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee of Public Claims; and that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House. …³

In June, 1777, Virginia Militia payments indicate: "Coke, Robey, for helving Axes for the use of the Militia in Williamsburg.... [UNK]£ -.14.-."⁴

The information is scant about Robey Coke. The writer has had to resort to collecting scattered information from various sources. In 28 1780, Robey Coke is cited in a York County Record as a "House Joiner of Williamsburgh."¹ In 1782, Coke had "3 lots in Williamsburg with a valuation of £ 3."² Also, in 1782 Coke is listed as "head of a family of 8 whites and 10 blacks."³ Robey Coke held the 3 lots with the same tax valuation from 1782 through 1784. In 1785, the 3 lots had come into the ownership of a John Coke with the same tax valuation. John Coke held the 3 lots from 1786 to ca. 1805/6.⁴

The writer has not been able to determine how a division was made of John Coke's (will 1767) 5 lots. Robey Coke, his son, had inherited the Williamsburg lots. A study of the court records of York County has brought forth no will of Robey Coke. His brother, Samuel, died in 1773 leaving several children — the eldest, John Coke, under ten years old. Samuel's wife, Judith, had died in 1772. It is probable that Robey Coke made John Coke, the nephew, his heir and allowed him to purchase 3 of the Williamsburg lots. At least we know that Robey Coke held 3 lots valued at £ 3 in 1782-1784; and John Coke held 3 lots valued at £ 3 in 1785. Robey Coke probably continued to live on the other two lots until his death ca. 1791.⁵

In 1782, John Coke was the head of a family of 4 whites and 3 blacks. He held personal property from 1783-1810. The Land Tax valuations on his 3 lots vary from £ 3 (1782-4); £ 11.10 (1787); £ 8 (1789); £ 20 (1794-97); $66.67 (1798-1803) and $40 (1804).¹

In 1789-90, Humphrey Harwood, Williamsburg carpenter and brick mason, made certain changes to Coke's property such as "To 6 bushels of lime at 1/ & mending Oven 7/6——£ -.13.6" and "To 2 bush: of lime a 9^d & 3/4 of a days work 3/ ——£ -.4.6."²

In 1805, a land tax transfer shows that Francis Pierce acquired "5 lots Via Coke, valuation $70." Pierce, evidently, did not come into the property in fee simple, for in 1806 Charles Abrahams is listed as owner of "5 lots via Coke——$70." "In 1810, Richard Garrett is listed as owner of 5 lots———$80."³ No transfer records are available to prove that Garrett obtained the lots via Abrahams. However, subsequent records indicate that they were the same 5 lots formerly the property of John Coke.

MAPS:

The Frenchman's Map (1782) shows two large houses facing south and northeast of the Capitol, with three small outbuildings directly behind and three outbuildings east: one nearby; one near the corner of the road leading to the Capitol Landing, and a larger building, probably a stable, to the northeast near an enclosed area. Also, an enclosed area is indicated west of one of the main houses. See: Illustration #1 for copy from Frenchman's Map.

The College Map (1791?) & the Bucktrout Map (1803) have "Coke" on the five lots.

Richard Garrett held the property from 1810 to his death in 1823. His estate held the property until 1838 when his son, Robert M. Garrett, became the owner. In 1820, the Land Tax Records listed "the lot and buildings thereon at $1200 and $1000 sum added on account of buildings." In 1837, Garrett made some changes. The lot and buildings were listed at $2400, and buildings at $2200. "Two new buildings erected and assessed by the commissioner at $1200."¹ Archaeological and architectural reports on the property will aid in knowing which two buildings on the lot were built about this date.

Among the papers found in Tazewell Hall in 1945 is one with the heading, "A Memory of Williamsburg", in the handwriting of Mrs. Peyton Randolph Nelson (Susan Garrett, a granddaughter of Richard Garrett). We give in quotes:

"When I can first remember, we were living in the Garrett House on Nichson [sic] St in old Williamsburg. Our grandfather had lived there before us [her father's family] with his wife; he was Richard Garrett of Williamsburg son of Richard Garrett of York County. His wife, our grandmother was Anne Timson Major, (the daughter of Anne Thornton Timson), who we were taught to love for her Christian Character. My father's father died when he was young, and he did not know any thing about the Garrett family beyond his grandfather, and his sons- Our grandfather who lived in the Garrett house had six sons..."

Mrs. Ann Garrett, made certain repairs to the property in 1825-1828. Richard Booker, Williamsburg carpenter, did the work. Obviously, new fences were put up, plastering and whitewashing inside of the house and other items made up the work done. See: Illustration #4 for complete copy of Booker's work. Mrs. Garrett rented out a certain lot in 1825-1827 to Richard Booker 31 at a yearly rent of $40. In 1834, she rented to Benjamin Bishop: "To rent of lot belonging to the estate of Rich Garrett dec^d for the year 1834—$40," by Ann Garrett Adx.¹

As there were several houses on the Coke-Garrett property, it is impossible from the meagre sources to establish the lot rented by Booker or Bishop. The land records have no lots in the name of Mrs. Ann Garrett. However, we know that she was the administrator of Richard Garrett, her husband. We know, also, that she was not living in 1854 when her house and lot were offered for sale.² (Account will follow chronologically in the report).

In 1838, Robert M. Garrett had come into the property with the same tax valuation as that charged to his father, Richard Garrett's estate in 1837. Robert M. Garrett continued to own the property from 1838 until his death in 1885.³

The Mutual Assurance Society insured many homes in Williamsburg from 1796 to the Civil War period. However, there is no policy in this company for any Coke or Garrett.

In 1854, Dr. Robert M. Garrett of Williamsburg, advertised the house and lot of Mrs. Ann Garrett for sale:

June 1, 1854

HOUSE AND LOT FOR SALE.— The house and lot formerly occupied by Mrs. ANN GARRETT late of this City, are for sale. The house has a basement large enough to 32 hold wood or other fuel, 4 rooms on the lower and three on the upper floor. The lot contains little more than an acre and has on it, besides the dwelling, a good kitchen, smoke house and poultry house, and a well enclosed yard and garden, the garden being very rich. Any person having daughters to educate would do well to purchase, as the Female Academy is only 200 yards distant...
Dr. Robert M. Garrett, in this city.¹

The Female Academy was on the Capitol grounds. The Capitol had burned in 1832.

From the description of the house advertised for sale in June, 1854, we would assume that the house was the main part of the present Coke-Garrett house. It was not sold. In 1858, a letter of Samuel S. Griffin to James L. C. Griffin indicates what use the house was put to at this time:

Williamsburg Sept. 15, 1858
...Pryor, your old friend, has rented M^rs Garretts old domicile for his residence....²

Dr. Robert M. Garrett in 1860 was the owner of five lots in Williamsburg. They were designated thus in the Land Tax records:

In 1865, the Williamsburg Land Tax Book makes this notation concerning the property of Robert M. Garrett:

on line 21
1 lot assessed at $300 known as the Wade Monford lot-notation that the buildings were entirely destroyed.
on line 22
Robert Garrott is assessed $500 for property designated as "formerly Mrs. Ann Garrott" with a notation that the buildings were entirely destroyed. 33 on line 23
Robert Garrott is charged with property assessed at $200 known as Augustin Hubbard lot.
on line 24
Robert Garrott is charged with a residence, the buildings being assessed at $2200 and the land & buildings at $2800 with a notation "alteration for damages assessed."
on line 25
Robert Garrott is charged with 8 acres in rear of residence, the assessment being $800.¹

Mr. John Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg in 1928, wrote his "Recollections" of Williamsburg as he remembered it during the Civil War period. He has this to say about the Coke-Garrett property:

The premises now occupied by Dr. Garrett were almost identical in appearance to what they were at the beginning of the Civil War, except that there has been a modern addition to the rear of the dwelling, and the old "ice house" that was at north east corner of the lot has disappeared. ²

Eliza Baker, a former slave, was questioned in 1933 about Williamsburg in the old days. She recalled the Garretts in this way:

At old Dr. Garrett's house, the slaves lived over the kitchen. After the War they only hired people through the day and not so many. They had to do their own work.
…
Old Dr. Garrett has been there [the Garrett House] ever since I can remember. After young Dr. Garrett (Dr. Van F. Garrett), married Miss Nichols he moved to Mr. Thompson's place.³

Mrs. Victoria M. Lee in her "Williamsburg in 1861" described the Garrett house thus:

The Garrett house, a long frame house, with the exception of the front porch, which has been slightly changed since its restoration, looks very much today as it did then. The Garretts owned and lived in this 34 house. Beautiful gardens surrounded this estate, as they do now.¹

Mrs. Martha Vandegrift writing of "Williamsburg in 1844", came when a child to visit friends in the city. She remembers the Garrett house in this way:

The Lottie Garrett house was not the inherited home of the Garretts. The Garretts were county people. Old Dr. Garrett married a Miss Winder from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, an unusually sweet woman.²

Another interesting reference to the Garrett house was reported by David E. Cronin, Provost Marshal of Williamsburg in 1864:

... McClellan says he found the Town [Williamsburg] "filled with Confederate Wounded. "... As usual, immediately after a heavy Battle, there was a great Dearth of Army Surgeons and Nurses. There were but few local Surgeons to lend Aid, but one of them, Doctor R. M. Garrett, a Graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, did noble Work in caring for and treating the Wounded of both Sides, impartially, as they were brought to him, on the Lawn of his handsome colonial Residence not far from the Vest House...³

In 1885, by will, Robert M. Garrett devised the property in this way:

Item III
I give and bequeath to my son, Van F. Garrett, the farm of land attached to my present dwelling house in the City of Williamsburg, containing about three hundred acres of land, be the same, more or less, except about seven acres as below and an equal share ("prorata") with my three daughters, Charlotte, Mary and Susan, in my present dwelling house, brick office and out-houses with the lot of land adjoining, as bounded on the North by the C. & O. Railroad, on the East by the street leading to the Captol Landing Road to Queen's Creek on the Wist by the lot of land belonging to W. W. Vest, and 35 the jail lot and Dawson's lot and on the South by the Street in front of my dwelling house, the whole is estimated to contain about seven acres more or less to the said Van F. Garrett, Charlotte, Mary and Susan Garrett, to them and their heirs forever together in like propotions all of my household and kitchen furniture, hoping that they will continue to live as now in one family until they change this arrangement by marriage or for other causes.¹

By deed of November 9, 1910, Van F. Garrett and wife and Susan Garrett Nelson and husband, conveyed the property to Lottie C. Garrett and Mary W. Garrett.²

In 1927, the Williamsburg Land Book shows that Misses Lottie and Mary Garrett are charged in fee with a house and four acres of land on East Nicholson Street, the land being assessed at $1700 and buildings at $2200 making a total assessment of $3900.³

The same year Lottie C. Garrett and Mary W. Garrett conveyed the property to William A. R. Goodwin.⁴ Further title to the property, now under the ownership of Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated, can be found in the Accounting Department, Colonial Williamsburg.

Illustration #1

William Waller Map
(1749)

FROM FRENCHMANS MAP 1782? SCALE-1"=100'

Illustration #2
Coke-Garrett

Illustration #3
Coke-Garrett

Illustration #4
Coke-Garrett

[Mrs. Ann Garrett's Account with Richard Booker]

1825

Received payment Ann Garrett.

[Endorsed on back]

…

1828

M^r Richard Booker

Receive payment. Ann Garrett

Illustration #5
Coke-Garrett

In reply to your inquiry re "Anthony Hay's Estate" noted in Coke-Garrett House History, page 24-, I think I can understand the reason it is so recorded.

Thomas Penman whose will was made August 12, 1759; recorded September 17, 1759 (York County records, Wills & Inventories 21, pp. 527-528) mentions his grandson, Thomas Hay, and his father-in-law, Anthony Hay. Anthony Hay was one of the executors of Penman's will. In the settlement of Hay's estate in 1771, it appears that he had never fully settled Penman's estate; for, on pages 36-37 there appears under the caption: "Penman's Settlem^t D^r The Estate of M^r Thomas Penman to Anthony Hays Estate." A long list of bills paid to various Williamsburg people follow and a shorter list under contra. These items run from August 18, 1759 to May 21, 1771. As Hay died in the latter part of 1770, it seems clear that it was legally necessary to settle Penman's estate following Hay's decease. Penman's settlement was recorded June 15, 1771 under order of York County Court. Hay owed Penman's estate £263.12.9.

Attached herewith is a report on the Coke-Garrett House (Block 27, Lots 279, 280, 281, 282, 361), prepared by Miss Mary Stephenson.