LOCATION:
The property known as "Green Hill" was located between Prince George, Henry, Scotland and Nassau Streets in Williamsburg. The Lots were numbered 319-328 on late 18th century plat of the city. (See: Tyler's adaptation of late 18th century maps of Williamsburg, opposite page.) The house is no longer standing.
HISTORY:
The first record as to these lots appears in the York County court proceedings in May, 1716, when the Feoffees or Trustees of Williamsburg gave a deed to Richard King,1 carpenter, of York county. The lots were designated by numbers as Lots 319-328.
[Feoffees or Trustees Williamsburg
to
Richard King of York County
[May 6, 1716]
Consideration: £6 15 shillings money of England]THIS INDENTURE made ye Sixth day of May in ye Third Year of ye reign of Our Sovereign Lord George...And in ye Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & Sixteen BETWEEN ye ffeoffees or Trustees for ye Land Appropriated for ye building & Erecting ye City of Wmsburgh of ye One part & Richd King of ye County of York of ye Other part WITTNESSETH that Whereas ye sd Richd King by One Lease to him by ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees bearing date ye day before ye date of these Presents is in actuall & peaceable possession of ye Premises herein after granted to ye intent that by Vertue of ye sd Lease & of ye Statute for transferring Uses into possession he may be ye better2Enabled to Accept a Conveyance & Release of ye Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever. ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees for divers good Causes & considerations them thereunto moving but more Especially for & in consideracon of Six pounds fifteen Shillings of good & lawfull money of England to them in hand paid...do hereby Acknowledge have granted, bargained, Sold, remised, released & confirmed & by these Presents for themselves their heirs & Successors as far as in them lyes & under ye limitations & reservations hereafter mentioned they do grant bargain, Sell, remise, release & confirm unto ye sd Richd King Nine certain Lotts of Ground in ye sd City of Wmsburgh designed in ye Plott of ye sd City by these figures 319: 320: 321: 322: 323: 324: 325: 326: 327 & 328 with all wood, thereon growing or being together with all Profits, Comoditys, Emoluments & Advantages whatsoever to ye same belonging or in any wise Appertaining TO HAVE & TO HOLD...unto ye sd Richd King & to his heirs for Ever...that is to Say, that if ye sd Richd King his heirs or Assigns shall not within ye Space of Twenty four Months...begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of ye sd granted Premisses One good Dwelling house or Houses of Such dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at ye Capitol the Twenty Third day of October 1705 Intitutled an Act continueing ye Act directing ye building ye Capitol & City of Wmsburgh...Then it shall & may be lawfull to & for ye sd ffeoffees or Trustees & their Successors...to Enter & ye Same to have again as of their former Estate...
John Clayton Seal
1[Recorded York County Court
Will Robertson Seal
November 18, 1717]
In the above quoted conveyance to King, we learn that King could own the lots provided he would build upon the property one good dwelling house or houses of such dimensions as complied with the Act made the 23rd of October, 1705, relating to the building of the city of Williamsburg. Such buildings had to be erected within twenty-four months or the property would revert to the city.
From subsequent records to follow, we know that King complied with the regulations as laid down by the trustees in the deed of May, 1716. He built a dwelling and other outbuildings thereon and lived at this site until his death in 1727.
3
During his residence in Williamsburg, King worked as carpenter or contractor. He erected buildings and made repairs for prominent citizens of the city such as Thomas Jones, Dr. George Nicholas and others; had accounts with Henry Bowcock, ordinary keeper, for wines, punch &c.; with Thomas Crease for rum and punch; with William Keith, tailor; with Richard Packe for gaming and billiards; with Joanna Archer and John Blair for merchandise.1
King died in 1727 leaving a will:
[Will of Richard King]
[January 3, 1727]
In the name of God Amen I Richard King of the City of Williamsburgh and County of York in the Colony of Virginia Carpenter son of Mark King late of the Village of South Mims in the County of Middlesex in Great Britain Husbandman deceased,...Do make this my last Will and testament in manner and form following Imprimis My Will is and I do hereby order and direct that my lots in the City of Williamsburgh together with my dwelling house Outhouses and all and Singular other the appurtenances be sold in the best manner as soone as conveniently may be after my decease either all together or otherwise as shall be found most conducive to the Interest of my Estate...I give...unto my mother Joan King my Brother Mark King and my Sister Martha to be Equally divided between them But in Case my said Mother be not living at the time of my decease the part and share hereby given her shall descend unto and be Equally divided between my said Brother and Sister and their heirs and in Case my said Brother or Sister shall be dead without lawfull heirs the share of my brother or sister so dying shall descend to the Survivor his or her heirs and begat Representative.
Item I do hereby Constitute and appoint my good Friend Thomas Jones of the City of Williamsburgh Esqr Executor of this my last Will and testament Hereby revoking all former Wills...and I desire him to accept of a Ring of one guiney value I also give to the Wife of Mr Patrick Ferguson one best Suit of the wearing Apparrell of my deceased Wife her black tabby stays and a pair of new Shooes...
Richard King Seal
2[Recorded York County court
William Keith
John Morris
Joseph Davenport
February 19, 1727]
4
An inventory and appraisement of King's estate was recorded in York County court on the 17th of March, 1728.1
From the will quoted above, there is evidence that King had a dwelling house and outhouses on the lots which he owned. These lots are not numbered in the will but subsequent deeds establish beyond doubt that King's property at his death were the same lots which he had purchased in 1716 from the trustees of the city. The will notes that King's wife had predeceased him, and that he, apparently, had no children.
King's inventory, recorded in York county records on March 17, 1728, was totalled as £206.3.1-¾. Listed were "a Parcel of Carpenters & joyners tools" and "2 books architecture & 1 book Surveying." From the number of beds listed in the inventories, one would be led to believe that he had roomers. This is borne out in an account of William Byrd with the estate of King of date December, 1727:
1727 Decr 17th To 6 days Dyet for a Man at 1/3 pr day £-.7.6 To 6 days for feeding & Stabling 2 Horses at 2/6 pr day .15.- December 28 To 3 Months Lodging at £6 pr Annum 1.10.0 £2.12.6 W. Byrd
You will find Enclosed my last account with poor Mr King, by which You will see how much I remained in his Debt. I have sent You a Note on My Tenant Pasteur for that Summ being £2.12.6. I quite forgot this affair when I was last in Town for which I intreat Your pardon, And am with great truth
Westover the 2d of July 1728
Your most humble servantW. BYRD
2
[Addressed: "Coll Thomas Jones at
Williamsburg"
Endorsed: "Cred by Coll Byrd £2.12.6"
5
In 1729 a letter from Thomas Jones [executor of King] headed "Virginia July 1, 1729," to King's relatives in England, contains information about the property:
...Besides the Personal Estate by the Inventory, there is a dwelling House two out houses & Six Lotts containing three Acres of Land in the City of Williamsburgh which has been put up for sale but no Body has yet Offer'd the worth of it...1
Jones refers to six lots of King's. In the original deed there were ten.2 King's property was not sold until March, 1736/37 at which date it was conveyed to Henry Hacker,3 planter and merchant:
[March 19, 1736/37]
[Thomas Jones, executor of Richard King, Williamsburg,
THIS INDENTURE of Four parts...BETWEEN Thomas Jones of the City of Williamsburgh and County of York in the Colony of Virginia Executor of the last Will and Testament of Richard King of the City of Williamsburgh and County of York and Colony of Virginia Carpenter Son of Mark king late of the Village of South Mims in the County of Middlesex in Great Britain Husbandman deceased of the First part Joan King of the parish of South Mims...widow Mother of the said Richard King and Martha King of the parish of henden in the XXX County of Middlesex aforesaid Spinster Sister of the said Richard King of the Second part John Jones of Bridewell precinct in the City of London...Stationer of the third part and henry hacker of the City of Williamsburgh and County of York XXXXX.....XM....XM....XM....in Virginia aforesaid planter of the Fourth part WHEREAS the said Richard King...Did...on or about the third day of January One thousand Seven hundred and Twenty Seven Order and Direct that his Lotts in the City of Williamsburgh together with his Dwelling house Outhouses And all and Singular Other Appurtenances Should be sold as soon as conveniently might be after his Decease either altogether or otherwise as Should be found most Conducive to the Interest of his Estate by his Executor and he did thereby Impower him to make such Sale or Sales and make and Execute good and Sufficient Conveyances in Law for the same and also directed that his Slaves and personal Estate6Should be sold and after all his Just debts Should be duly paid he thereby gives Devises and Bequeaths all the Remainder of the produce arising by the Sale of his whole Estate...and also all money due to him by Bills Bonds and accounts...unto the said Joan King [if living; if not to brother, Mark, and sister, Martha, or their heirs] and did appoint the said Thomas Jones Executor of his said Will...And WHEREAS the said Richard King was at the time of his Death justly Indebted to John Jones party thereto in the Sum of Fifty four pounds...bearing date on or about the First day of September One thousand Seven hundred and ten...remains unsatisfied [Joan King and Martha King have agreed for Thomas Jones to sell Richard King's lots to Henry Hacker for £50 lawful money of Great Britain and to pay John Jones therewith]...ALL THOSE LOTTS late of the said Richard King in the City of Williamsburgh in Virginia Also All That Messuage Tenement or Dwelling house also late of the said Richard King together with all Lands houses Outhouses... TO HAVE AND TO HOLD...to the said henry hacker...forever...
Joan King & Martha King of Middlesex County, England
John Jones, Bridewell, London,
Henry Hacker, planter of Williamsburg,
Consideration: £50 money of Great Britain]Joan King (Seal)>
1
Martha King (Seal)
John Jones (Seal)
[Recorded York County Court
July 18, 1737]
The following notice from Hacker indicates that prior to the sale of the property to Hacker, it had been rented for a year 1736-1737 to Charles Bridges,2 artist; and to Mrs. Webb, relict of Dr. William Webb, 1737-1738:
I do hereby Promise and oblige myself to demand and to do what in me lies to receive of Mr Chas Bridges in the County of Hanover Gentn one Years Rent for the House and Lotts of Richard King formerly of the City of Williamsburgh in behalf of Thomas Jones of the same place Executr to the last Will and Testament of the said King being Ten pounds Currt Mony which Commenced on the 25th of December commonly Called Christmas day in the Year of our Lord 1736 and ended on the 25th day of December 1737. And I do further promise and oblige myself to demand and in the like manner receive of Mrs Webb Relict of Doctr William Webb late of the City aforesaid one Years Rent begining on the first of January 1737 and ending on the first day of Jan: 1738 being seven pounds Currt Mony of Virginia And I do also further promise and oblige myself as Soon after the receipt of either or both the Sums of Money aforesaid as it conveniently can be done to make remittance of the same to the proper Heirs or Legatee's as appointed by the Will of the said Richard King witness my hand this 17th day of July 1738.Henry Hacker
3
[Endorsed: "M Hacker with King's Estate for Mark Cosby & James Wray Rent of the House" Witnesses.]
7
During 1737 and 1739 there were references in the Virginia Gazette which indicate that Hacker was a merchant:
GERMAN SPAW-WATER, Fresh and Good, just imported from London, to be sold at Mr. Hacker's, Merchant, in Williamsburg.1
We do not know the location of Hacker's store.
The above notice relating to Hacker's store in the city is the only one listed in the Virginia Gazette. This seems strange in view of the fact that Hacker was a man of means.
Hacker made his will on October 16, 1740. It was recorded December 20, 1742 in York court records:
[Will of Henry Hacker]
[October 16, 1740]
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. I Henry Hacker of the City of Wmsburgh in Virginia being in good health and of sound Memory but knowing the uncertainty of Life do make & declare this to be my last Will & Testament. First I give & bequeath my soul to Almighty God... I give & bequeath as folls: Vizt I give & bequeath to my loving wife Mary Hacker the use of all my plantations called Bauhus's, Coarsers and Thomas's on Queens Creek and of all my houses in Wmsburg and at the Capitol Landing except my store house and warehouse in Wmsburg. I mean the whole rents & profits arising from my said plantations and houses to her use for her natural Life only I likewise give to my loving wife Mary Hacker the Use of my Negros Cattle horses Sheep hogs with all my household Goods for her support during her Natural Life not to be sold or made away with but to be kept in a proper way of working And for the better enabling my said Wife to Cloath & Maintain James Cock David Long Wm Adams and Moody Buckler My will is that she be paid out of the Store in Mony or Goods as she shall require Fifty pounds a Year til the said David Long shall be Twenty one Years old. Further my desire is that my loving wife shall have one hundred pounds as soon as it can be spared out of Trade to be at her disposal I also give to Peter Richardson of Pembrook hall in Cambridge my wife's Nephew Two hundred pounds sterling four old fashiond Silver Spoons and a Silver Tankard to be paid to him in three Years after my death provided my wife Mary Hacker shall be satisfy'd with and abide by this my will but if she will not abide by it then my will is that the sd Richardson shall have the Spoons and Tankard only and that he shall have no right to the Two hundred pounds or any part thereof I also8give to my Cousin Mary Long now living with Alexander Marshal in Tolliton near Honyton in Devonshire Two hundred pounds sterling to be paid her when she comes to the Age of Twenty one Years or is Marry'd wch shall first happen I give to my Cousin John Long after the death of my Wife my plantations called Bauchus's & Coarsers with the Stock of Cattle hogs & Sheep belonging thereto at that time and these three Negro Men named Sam, Dick & London that is to say I give the said Land & Slaves to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotton. I give to my Cousin David Long to be paid to him when he comes to the Age of Twenty one Years Two hundred pounds Currt Mony of Virginia and after the death of my wife I give to him the said David Long all my Houses and Lotts in Wmsburg and at the Capitol Landing except the house called Kings and the Garden belonging to it with the Smoak house and hen house as it is now laid out by paling Also I give to the said David Long my plantation called Thomas's on Queens Creek wth the Stock thereon and the Slaves that is to say the houses Land & Slaves to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotton I give to James Cock after the death of my wife the house called Kings and the Garden belongg to it with the smokehouse and hen house as it is now laid out by paling to him & the heirs of his body lawfully begotton I also give to the said James Cock one hundred pounds Currt mony to be paid him when he comes to the Age of Twenty one Years. As to William Adams my will is that he be brought up in the store and that at the Age of Twenty two Years he be paid the Sum of one hundred pounds Currt mony. I give to the Son and to each of the Daughters of my Cousin Wm Hacker wh were born at Wilminton in Woodworthy in Devonshire Ten Pounds Sterling to each of them I say that shall be alive at the time of my death. I give to the three Daughters of my Cousin Mary Hacker at Culleton in Devonshire Ten pounds sterling each And in Case they or either of them should die before me My will is that the share or shares be paid to their Mother or if she be dead to the Surviving Sister or Sisters equally. I give to the three Daughters of my Cousin Mary Farrant living in Shute in Devonshire Ten pounds Sterling each and if any of them should be dead the share to be received by her or them that survive. I give to my Cousin Honour Lacey Daughter to Edward Lacey of Shute in Devonshire fifty pounds Sterling desiring her to be dutiful to her parents on which Account this Legacy is Cheifly given. I give to my Cousin Robert Hacker in or near Lime fifty pounds sterling but if he be dead then the Mony is to be divided amongst his Children that are Surviving. I give to my Cousin Katherine Hacker in Stockland Ten Pounds Sterling. I give to be divided amongst the Children of my Cousin Dorothy Tucker of Stockland in Dorsetshire fifty pounds Sterling. These Legacies in Sterling Mony are to be paid by my Extors as Soon as can be with Conveniency after my death. My will is that my Store be continued 'til my Nephew David Long shall come to the Age of Twenty five Years and that then the whole Stock be equally divided between my loving wife Mary Hacker and my sd Nephew David Long desiring my Extors that they will once a Year at least Inspect the Books and store and always from time to time employ such a Bookkeeper as they shall find to be carefull & understanding in his business. My Will is that my Estate shall not be appraised And that my Extors shall not be obliged to account with the Court. My will is that if John Long9shall die without heirs of his body Lawfully begotton that the Estate bequeathed to him shall descend to David Long and the heirs of his body and in Case David Long shall die without heirs of his body Lawfully begotton that then the Estate be divided equally between my extors, James Cock, Wm Adams or their heirs. After a division be made of the Stock my will is that my loving wife shall have the Use of my store house and Ware house during her Life. I give to each of my Extors Twenty pounds Currt mony to be paid two Years after my death Lastly I give to my Cousin David Long after the death of my Wife all my Estate that is not already bequeathed both real & personal in what kind soever in Money Goods Lands Stocks or Slaves or any reversion thereof and I do appoint my beloved wife and my Friends Joshua Fry, Wm Prentis and James Wray Extors of this my last will and Testament who are to charge the Estate what they shall think reasonable for what Trouble they shall be at In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal this 16th day of October 1740.Henry Hacker (LS)
1[Recorded York County court
Mark Cosby
Thos Tibbs
Wm Graves
December 20, 1742]
Hacker's will is long and complicated, as he made so many bequests to relatives in England, nephews and cousins in Virginia, friends and wife. From it, these items stand out concerning his homestead site and storehouse in Williamsburg: (1) James Cocke, following the death of Hacker's wife, was bequeathed the "house called Kings and the Garden belonging to it with the smoke house and hen houses as it is now laid out by paling"; (2) "the Store [to] be continued until my Nephew David Long shall come to the Age of Twenty five years..." (3) David long to have other houses in Williamsburg after the death of Hacker's wife.
The inventory and appraisement-given by rooms-is copied in full in Illustration #4.2 In the "valuation" list by the appraisers, is "The Mansion house." They value, also, kitchen, meal house, smokehouse, dairy,10tailors shop, chaise house, garden, well, and storehouse, warehouse and milk house on adjoining lots. The listing in the long inventory gives: hall, little room, little room closet, shed closet, upstairs little room, upstairs great room, shop, store, parlor, room over the parlor, kitchen, warehouse, smoke house, milk house, &c. ... total £539.18.9.
The appraisers had valued the "Goods in the Store at 30 pCT advance wch amount[ed] to Thirteen hundred Seventy four pounds one Shillings & one penny Currt Mony." [£1374.1.1]1
The widow's dower2 was decided in this manner:
[Feb. 21, 1742/43]
To Thos Hornsby & Mary his wife late the widow of the sd Hacker. We the Commissioners for the purpose aforesd having Viewed the premisses Consisting of plantations, Houses in Town and Twenty four Slaves and Consider'd the Value of each do hereby set apart & allot unto the sd Thos Hornsby & Mary his Wife the Mansion house wth the Kitchen, Meal house, Smoak house, Dary, Taylors Shop, Chaise house, Well & Garden as the third part in Value of all the Lands & houses of the said Estate Except the warehouses at Queens Creek which it is agreed between the parties and accordingly hereby allotted shall remain undivided and that the third part of the Clear profits of them shall be annually accounted for & paid by the Extors to the sd Thomas Hornsby & Mary his Wife. And further We set apart and allot unto the sd Thomas Hornsby and Mary his Wife the following Slaves Vizt Sam, Nan, Margaret, Will, Moll & her Child Cazar & Shute as a third part of the Slaves of the said Estate.3
In August, 1746 court records in a suit: "John Long pltf vs Mary Hacker, widow of Henry Hacker," note that "Mary Hacker (now wife of Thomas Hornsby) is now alive and by her renunciation of Hacker's will...she renounced all benefit & advantage that she might claim by the will of Henry Hacker...[John Long eldest son & heir at large of Mary Long decd who was11Sister of whole blood to Henry...]"1
As she renounced the will, we assume that Mary Hacker Hornsby never occupied "The Mansion" and lots following her renunciation. Sometime around 1749, David Long had come into possession.2
It is not clear to the writer why Long was in possession as Hacker in his will had bequeathed the house called "Kings" after the death of his wife, to James Cocke. Record to follow shows that this was the case:No - this is a deed giving Cocke [illegible] "Fee Simple to property which he h[illegible] "Fee Ta[illegible] up to th[is] point- Cocke was probably [in] possession from time Mrs. Horns[illegible] (Hacker) announced her right in the esta[te] Discussed with EMR today - BB 11/18[illegible]
[December 31, 1750]
[David Long, merchant of Williamsburg
to
James Cocke, merchant of Williamsburg
Consideration: 5 shillings]...All the Estate Right Titles Interest Property Reversion Claim and Demand...in and to the House called Kings and the Garden belonging to it with the Smoke house and Henhouse as it was laid out by Pailing in the Lifetime of Henry Hacker Mercht decd whereof the said James Cocke is seised as Tenant in Fee Tail3 and the said David Long is seised of the fee Simple Estate thereof expectant upon the Dying of the said James Cocke without Heirs of his Body lawfully begotten by Virtue of the last Will of the said Henry Hacker proved and recorded in the Court of York County To have and to hold all and singular the Premises with the Appurts unto the said James Cocke his Heirs and Assigns To the only Use & behoof of him the said James Cocke his Heirs and Assigns forever...
David Long LS
James Cocke LSWitness
4[Recorded York County Court
Henry Browne
Benjamin Cocke
John Camp
Aug. 19, 1751]
12
On June 20, 1751 David Long then living in Surry county, advertised his lot in Williamsburg with buildings thereon, for sale:
[June 20, 1751]
To be SOLD,
A LOT, in the City of Williamsburg, with a good Dwelling-House thereon, a Brick Kitchen, Store, Stable, Coach-House, Smoak-House, Dairy, besides several other convenient Out-Houses: Likewise 500 Acres of Land in King William County...Any Person inclinable to purchase, may know the Terms by applying to Mr. James Cock in Williamsburg, or to the Subscriber in Surry County. David Long.1
In September, 1755 Long's executors advertised Long's houses in Williamsburg for sale thus:
[September 22, 1755]
To be SOLD, on the 25th of OCTOBER, before Mr. DONCASTLE'S Door, THE Houses and Lots belonging to the Estate of Mr. David Long, in Williamsburg.
Credit will be given 'til the 10th Day of June next.Henry BrowneJames Cocke Executors
2
The writer does not think the Long lots with houses advertised in the Virginia Gazette (cited above) was "King's" but other property owned by Hacker and bequeathed to Long after the death of Hacker's wife.3
Cocke seems to have held fee simple ownership of the "King" property (Lots 319-327) from David Long's death (1754) to ca. 1782 when Joseph Prentis4 was the owner. Cocke operated a store in Williamsburg with James Wray, son of the James Wray, carpenter, who died in 1749. The store was in all13probability located on Lot 35.1
In 1782 Joseph Prentis had acquired lots with valuable houses thereon, from Mrs. Frances Hubard:
[July 16, 1782]
[Frances Hubard Williamsburg to
...Her lots or half acres situate in Williamsburg in the neighbourhood of James Wray, and James Carter Gentlemen which said Lots of Land were purchased of Richard Bland and Robert Beverley Gentlemen as may appear by their Deed Recorded in the General Court on the November fourth day of November in the year One thousand seven hundred and sixty two...2
Joseph Prentis Williamsburg
Consideration: 240 pounds]
Research has not discovered the exact situation of the Hubard lots. They may have been a part of the block marked "Prentis" bounded by Boundary, Scotland, Henry and Prince George Streets, for James Carter owned the block to the north and James Wray had been owner of three lots on this block in 1736.3 Frances Hubard, was the widow of James Hubard4 who in 1762 owned in fee simple "several half-acres, or lots of land, to the number of six, with valuable buildings thereon, situate and being in the city of Williamsburg, which were purchased by him of Richard Bland and Robert Beverley...and conveyed by deeds recorded in the general-court..."514
Since the General Court records were destroyed by fire during the Civil War, it is impossible from existing records to make a more detailed statement as to the lots acquired by Joseph Prentis from the Hubard family in 1782. However, the fact that the late eighteenth century plats give "Prentis" on the block described above, and the fact that in 1782 the Land Tax records for Williamsburg give "Joseph Prentis" as holding "12 lots-," seems to make the conclusion reasonable that the Hubard lots adjoined the Prentis lots acquired via Hacker and Long.
The Frenchman's Map (1782) of Williamsburg shows on the block bounded by Henry, Prince George, Nassau and Scotland streets, a large enclosed lot with rectangular house and small dependency near Henry Street with two smaller houses flush to the street at corner of Prince George and Nassau streets. (This section of the map would represent Lots 319-328.) The same map shows a large enclosed area with five houses thereon in the block between Boundary, Prince George, Henry and Scotland Streets (marked "Prentis" on Tyler's map (1791?).1
In 1783 Joseph Prentis was listed with "11 slaves, 2 horses and 2 cattle."2
In the period 1777-1800 there are extant accounts of Prentis Dr to Williamsburg craftsmen: William Waddill, jeweller; John Rowsay, jeweller; John Houston, jeweller and watch repairer; Jane Charlton, milliner; Daniel Fergusson, silversmith; Benjamin Bucktrout, carpenter; John Smith, baker; Thomas Sands and William Piggot, carpenters; James Galt, silversmith;15Humphrey Harwood, brick mason; and others.1
Prentis was interested in flowers and gardening. The original "Joseph Prentis Garden Book 1784-1788" is in the Webb-Prentis Papers, University of Virginia. From March 19, 1784 to February 15, 1788, Prentis records various plantings of vegetables, strawberries, raspberries &c.. Certain locations are designated as: "Border of E. Garden under the North paling," "Square in E. Garden," "large Garden" and "Square next Street."2 "The Monthly Kalender 1775-1779" of Prentis (also in Webb-Prentis Papers) begins in January, 1775. It gives minute and detailed advice about planting and cultivating all kinds of vegetables-common and rare- ways of preserving in winter, and methods of pruning. In the correspondence of the family until 1809, there are references to fruit trees on the lot, rose bushes, jasmine blooms &c..3
Prior to 1790 Prentis had acquired 12 to 15 acres-additional lots (to the north and west).4 In 1790 Prentis advertised his property for sale in the Virginia Independent Chronicle and General Advertiser:
...eight LOTS in the city of Williamsburg, whereon the subscriber at this time resides. On these lots are a dwelling house, a brick stable, and carriage house lately built, and other out houses in very good repair-A considerable part of these lots are well enclosed, being laid off into two gardens; and a sufficiency of good timber provided for enclosing the remaining lots. There are several springs of very good water on these lots. There may be had also of the subscriber 12 or 15 acres of land adjoining these lots, and convenient for pasturage.Joseph Prentis.5
Old House, Cor. Scotland & Henry Sts, formerly owned by D. Cole - on site now occupied by - Brooks Residen[ce] & Bungalows. (Photo from C.G. Reeve)
Green Hill
#N6007
"Photograph of dwelling at "Green Hill", Williamsburg, Va., formerly residence of Judge Joseph Prentis, my paternal great-grandfather. Presented to me by Robt. Armistead, Williamsburg, whose father subsequently owned and resided there. Robert R. Prentis, dec'd 1897.
Judge Joseph Prentis was buried at Green Hill, east of the dwelling in the north-east corner of the lot, as I was informed by Mr. Armistead."
[This note belongs to another view of the same house, (N. 5811). The other picture came from Mrs. Webb. Negative # N 6002 Colonial Williamsburg].
16
This notice brought no sale of the property.
While living on the property, Prentis had repair work done by Humphrey Harwood, local brick mason and carpenter.1
In 1794 Prentis bought "8 stones @ 2/ from the Corporation of Williamsburg." Indorsed: "William Picket for 8 stones from the Capitol ——£-.16.-."2
In 1798, Prentis had extensive building and repair work done by Thomas Sands and William Pigget, local carpenters. From the items, it seems conclusive evidence that this was the year in which Prentis built the west wing.3
By September, 1801 Mrs. Joseph Prentis had died. A list of clothes, china, glass, silver in the house at the time of her decease-, indicated the standards of living of the family. This list is valuable in that the silver and china represents a period from 1778 when Prentis married Eliza Bowdoin, to 1801. Of especial interest in the list in "J.P's [Joseph Prentis] Miniature Picture."4
In 1803 minor repairs were made. A chimney was to be built for a wash house by Mr. Ratcliffe. The Spring House was repaired in 1801.5
In October 1807 Joseph Prentis made his will. It was proved on June 27, 1809.6 He requested that his estate be sold following his death, and the17surplus be applied to the benefit of his four children: John, Joseph, Mary Ann and Eliza Prentis.
In April 1806 William Wirt attended a wedding in the home of the Prentis family in Williamsburg. We include his account of the wedding for the social customs of this period. Unfortunately, the writer has not been able to find the name of the bride. Prentis's daughters were too young to marry and there was no other Prentis family living in Williamsburg at this date. Doubtless, the bride was kin of either Joseph Prentis or his deceased wife. It is reasonable to think that the wedding occurred at "Green Hill." The account follows:
[April, 1806 Williamsburg]
...I went last night to Miss P-'s wedding. The Crowd was great, the room warm, the spirit of dancing was upon them, and the area so small that a man could not lift a foot without the hazard of setting it down upon a neighbour's. But then, by way of balancing the account, there was a group of very gay and pretty girls. Miss P. herself, never looked so lovely before. She was dressed perfectly plain, wore her own hair, without wreath, laurel or other ornament. She had not a flower nor an atom of gold or silver about her: there was a neat pair of pearl pendants in her ears, but without any stone or metallic setting. Her dress a pure white muslin:—but she danced at least a hundred reels, and the roses in her cheeks were blown to their fullest bloom. You know she is a very pretty girl; but Sally C., who was also there seemed to bear off the bell....
But to the wedding. I went with the intention of seeing my friends, merely peeping into the supper-room, and coming home in an hour or two at farthest. But I got there about eight o'clock, and the dancing-room was so thronged as to be impenetrable without an exertion of strength which would have been very inconvenient to me in so warm a room, and much more inconvenient to those whom I might overset in my career. So, I watched the accidental opening of avenues, and it was an hour and a half, at least, before I had kissed the bride—which, by-the-bye, I did under the pretence of delivering a message from you—and made the bows which were due from me. The enquiries after you and your children were many and apparently affectionate.
It was past eleven when the sanctum sanctorum of the supper-room was thrown open—although I don't know but that the designation of the sanctum would be better applied to another apartment in the house—and it was near twelve when it came to my turn to see the show. And a very superb one it was, I assure you. The tree in the centre cake was more simply elegant than any thing of the kind I remember to have seen. It was near four feet high: the cake itself, the pedestal, had a rich—18—very rich—fringe of white paper surrounding it: the leaves, baskets, garlands, &c., &c., were all very naturally done in white paper, not touched with the pencil, and the baskets were rarely ornamented with silver spangles. At the ends of the tables were two lofty pyramids of jellies, syllabubs, ice-creams, &c.—the which pyramids were connected with the tree in the centre cake by pure white paper chains, very prettily cut, hanging in light and delicate festoons, and ornamented with paper bow-knots. Between the centre cake and each pyramid was another large cake made for use: then there was a profusion of meats, cheesecakes, fruits, etc., etc.
But there were two unnatural things at table;—a small silver globe on each side of the tree, which might have passed—if Charlotte, to enhance their value, had not told us that they were a fruit—whose name I don't recollect—between the size of a shaddock and an orange, covered with silver leaf;—which was rather too outlandish for my palate. All the grandees of the place were there...1
In July, 1809 an inventory of the estate was taken by Joseph Prentis Jr, executor.2 The rooms in the dwelling are listed separately: chamber, small chamber, study, passage between dining room and chamber, dining room, large passage, parlor, west room upstairs, physic closet and a long list of silver plate and books, and slaves are included.
The appraised value was $3743.72: A number of flagstones were sold to Robert Saunders for $22.70; another lot of stones to Saunders for $7.73; 5 stones (circular) to James Wright $3.58 and some to Mr. Tazewell $3.58.3
19
The date of sale was set:
[July 1809]
On Monday, the 31st of July,
WILL BE SOLD,
At the Dwelling-House of the late Joseph Prentis, in the
City of Williamsburg,
THE PERSONAL ESTATE OF
the said deceased,
The Sale will be continued from day to day until the whole, or a greater part of the Personal Estate is Sold. There will be some valuable Household and Kitchen furniture and Plate for Sale; and it is probable several House Servants will also be Sold. There are several Milch Cows, two Horses, and a neat single Phaeton and Harness quite new.
The Sale will be made on a credit of nine months, to bear interest from the date and if the payment is punctually made, the interest will be remitted Bond and approved security will be required from the purchasers before any article which may be sold is delivered.
JOSEPH PRENTIS, Exe'r
Williamsburg, July 1, [no year]1
A letter from St. George Tucker, Williamsburg, to Fulwar Skipwith on [month not given] 14, 1809 gave this information about the Prentis house, gardens and outhouses:
[Letter from St. George Tucker
Williamsburg, [no month] 14, 1809.
to
Fulwar Skipwith2]
...What do you propose as to your future plan of life?... where could you fix yourself and family so comfortable and live as cheaply as in Williamsburg?...I am thus early in my enquiries because in consequence of the death of Mr. Prentis his establishment20in this place is or will be for sale. It consists of a small but convenient house, with all necessary out houses, Garden and lot which including the Garden contains about 4 acres on which there is a very good spring and spring house all in excellent and neat repair. The house contains two rooms below about 16 by 20 feet and two small rooms over them with dormant[sic] windows in the common style in Virginia, but Mr. Prentis has added to the west an apartment containing a large Bed-Chamber about 24 by 21 or 22 feet on the north side of which there is a small room about 12 by 10 and an Ante-chamber of nearly the same size. This is a most convenient with small Children. Under the same roof with the kitchen is a small room which he occupied as a study; and in a different part of the yard is another small house with I believe two rooms below and one above. There is a good stable etc. This property is valued at $2000. It will not be sold for less and is worth much more...1
Here we have in detail a description: a "convenient house, with all necessary out houses, Garden and lot which including the Garden contains about 4 acres, on which there is a very good spring and spring house... house contains two rooms below about 16 by 20 feet and two rooms over them with dormant windows...to the west an apartment containing a large Bed-Chamber about 24 by 21 or 22 feet on the north side of which there is a small room about 12 by 10 and an Ante-chamber of nearly the same size.... Under the same roof with the kitchen is a small room which he occupied as a study...in yard is another small house with I believe two rooms below and one above. There is a good stable etc..."
In 1811 Joseph Prentis Jr. attached a Memorandum to his father's will (copy) in which he stated that "my brother and self have accordingly sold Green Hill, and the Gardener Ellick to Henry Skipwith, for the sum of £___which was, adjudged by everybody a most advantagious sale-The price of Ellick £75 is credited on my account of administration-The proceeds of the Sale of G.H. has been disposed of in the following manner, ¼ I have paid21to My brother John; ¼ to my sister Eliza, and have taken their discharges-1/4 credited on my guardian's account with my sister Mary Ann, and which will be ready for her when she has the legal ability to demand the same and the remaining ¼ belonging to Myself, I have retained."1
The deed from the executors of the estate of Joseph Prentis to Henry Skipwith representing Mrs. Fulwar Skipwith follows:
[1810]
[Executors of Estate of Joseph Prentis]
This Indenture made and executed the day of in the year one thousand eight hundred & ten, Between Joseph Prentis and John B: Prentis, Sons and Executors, & Trustees under the Will of Joseph Prentis esquire late of the City of Williamsburg deceased, of the one part and Henry Skipwith esquire of the same place, of the other part Witnesseth: that whereas the said Joseph Prentis esquire deceased by a testamentary paper bearing date the seventh day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seven, which has been received, and proved, and recorded in the Court of Hustings for the City of Williamsburg as his last will and Testament, did devise to them the said Joseph Prentis & John B. Prentis, in Trust, all his estate of every kind, and gave them authority therein to act as his Executors, with power to sell such part of his Estate as they might chuse for the purpose of paying his debts, and other purposes therein stated; And whereas the said Joseph and John B. Prentis under the Authority aforesaid have sold all those Lots of Land with the Houses and improvements thereon, in the City of Williamsburg, whereof the said Joseph Prentis their Father died seized and possessed, unto the said Henry Skipwith esquire in Trust for the sole and separate use and Benefit of Mrs Evelina Barbe Skipwith, now the wife of Fulwar Skipwith esquire late Consul of the United States at Paris,...as if she the said Mrs Evelina Louisa Barbe Skipwith, wife of the said Fulwar Skipwith Esqr were a feme sole, for the Consideration of nine hundred & twenty five pounds current money of Virginia, to them in hand paid by the said Henry Skipwith esquire, in behalf of the said Mrs Evelina Louisa Skipwith, and for her separate Account...All those Lots or parcels of Land situate lying & being within the sai nCity of Williamsburg, or adjacent & joining thereto, whereof the said Joseph Prentis esquire their Father died seized...to wit, the Lot and Lots with the dwelling house, Kitchen, Stable, and all other houses, thereon, with the Appurtenances, including the Gardens both on the east & west side of the yard, where on the said Joseph Prentis Esquire dwelt22at the time of his decease; together with the Lot or Lots enclosed on the south front of the dwelling house, with new railing, (except a Lot of Land on the south-east corner of that enclosure, belonging to Mrs Elizabeth Cocke, and enclosed by the said Joseph Prentis esquire deceased by her Consent, which is likewise enclosed within the railing aforesaid) which he the said Joseph Prentis esquire decd purchased from —— Also, that other Lot to the Westward of the said dwelling house called Wrays Lot, containing three acres of Land more or less, being the Lot of ground sold & conveyed to the said Joseph Prentis esquire deceased by James Wray, and Ann his Wife, by their Deed bearing date the eleventh day of June one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and recorded in the General Court; and also, that other Lot or parcell of Land lying on the north side of the dwelling house, containing thirteen Acres more or less, being the Lots of Land sold & conveyed to the said Joseph Prentis Esquire deceased by Edmund Randolph & Elizabeth his Wife, by their Deed bearing date the eleventh day of June one thousand seven hundred and ninety six, and proved and recorded in the general Court, and all ways, waters, gardens, Conveniences, and Appurtenances thereunto in any wise belonging, (saving Nevertheless, the square of ground in the north East Corner of the Eastermost Garden, enclosed and used as a grave yard, which is to remain to the use of the Family of the said Joseph Prentis esquire deceased forever)...
to
Henry Skipwith representing Mrs. Fulwar Skipwith
Consideration: £925 current money of Virginia]
...In Witness whereof the said Joseph Prentis and John B. Prentis have to their Presents set their hands the day and year first above written [no signature]1
In April, 1812 an indemnification bond of Fulwar Skipwith, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, reiterates data in the above deed.2
According to the Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1810 Fulwar Skipwith was owner of "23 lots" with tax valuation "$100 via Prentis."3
In 1813 the lots are charged to John Goodall4 with valuation at $120.5
23
In 1818 Goodall had sold the property to Robert B. Randolph1 who held it until ca. 1829 according to land tax records.
Randolph advertised in November, 1828 sale of his Williamsburg property:
[November 5, 1828]
FOR SALE
The HOUSE and LOT in Williamsburg commonly called
"GREEN HILL"At present in the occupancy of Mr Dabney Browne:2 the situation of this property is doubtless the most eligible and agreeable in the old city; it has a delightful and never failing spring of water upon the lot, protected by a spring house, excellent stable of brick, and a very large kitchen & flower garden. The premisses are believed to be in good repair, the rents having been generally appropriated for that purpose. A more particular description of it cannot be given at this time, the subscriber having been long absent from the country.
For terms, application may be made by letter (post paid) to the subscriber, in Richmond.
[repeated in November 12 issue]
R. B. RANDOLPH3
By 1837 John B. Gregory4 had come into ownership of "Green Hill." At this time it was valued at $1720 for lot and buildings; $1500 buildings "via John Goodall." Gregory was a lawyer and at the time that he bought "Green Hill" he was a member of the House of Delegates representing James City county. He held it until his election as Lt. Governor of Virginia when he removed to Richmond.
24
Another lawyer, Robert H. Armistead,1 acquired "Green Hill" from Gregory in 1841.2 The property was valued at $2500 for lot with buildings. In 1861 it was valued at $3000 for lot with buildings.
Mr. John S. Charles, an old citizen of Williamsburg, described the city as he remembered it during the Civil War period:
The square bounded by Prince George, Scotland, Boundary and Henry Streets had no house on it, and for many years subsequent to the War. It had no signs of ever having had a building thereon. It was known as the "Four acre lot" and belonged to Colonel R. H. Armistead.
…
The only house except one on the entire block, enclosed by Henry, Scotland, Prince George, and Nassau Streets, was the residence of Col. R. H. Armistead. This house removed just a few years ago, was a one and a half story frame building with dormer windows and attached to the western end was a large single story annex. In the rear, on what is now known as Scotland Street, were stables, barns, dairy, and negro quarters. In front of this Old Colonial Home (which faced the south) was a spacious lawn, on one side of which was an attractive flower plot. Shade was afforded by several huge mahogany trees and a row of fine apricot trees on the east.A vegetable garden containing at least an acre was on the east side. The southern half of the square contained an orchard and the spring lot. In the latter was a large spring flowing from under a marl bank that furnished fine drinking water, and a short distance away was another spring with house over it in which women did the family washing.
Entrance to front yard of the Armistead home was on Henry Street; and as you entered the yard to the left was a small house- one room down and one room up, with dormer windows, used at one time as an office. This house was recently sold and is now down in the spring lot going to wreck. On the East side of this lot was Col. Armistead's stables, built of brick and opening on Nassau Street, which was burned during the Civil War.3
Mrs. Victoria M. Lee gave her recollections also of Williamsburg around 1861-65:25
Father east [from "Wheatland"] was old Colonel Armistead's home, in the middle of the lot; this lot is now a block surrounded by Prince George Street in front, Scotland in the rear, Henry to the west, and Nassau to the east. This house, facing south, was a very long, a very beautiful, story and a half, building. The house is gone now; I suppose to make room for the present residential section, it was wrecked.
On the far southeastern corner of this lot stood and still stands a tiny, frame story and a half cottage which looks now as it did then.1
Eliza Baker, an old negro of Williamsburg, was asked in 1938 to give her recollections of the city around the Civil War period. She remembers "Green Hill" in this way:
...Lawyer Bowden2 he lived on Green Hill, over near where the new school is. Afterwards he moved to the brick house where Lawyer Armistead lives. Lawyer Bowden wouldn't take the oath against the North and he went away and got employment in the White House in Washington and never came back no more.3
Obviously, Eliza Baker was referring to the period in Williamsburg following the Civil War known as "the Reconstruction."
It may be that Eliza Baker was confused about "Lawyer Bowden" living on "Green Hill". Sources available indicate that he had lived in the Chiswell-Bucktrout House on Francis street, that in August, 1856, he advertised the property for sale, and that in September, 1858 his "Edifice" on land which he bought from Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester street, was "nearly finished." R. H. Armistead occupied "Green Hill" until 1887.
A check into the Armistead Papers at William and Mary College produced nothing of value relating to "Green Hill".
There are no insurance records with the Mutual Assurance Society covering "Green Hill".
26
In the R. F. Cole Papers, William and Mary College, there is a promissory note which states that in May, 1884, Robert F. Cole and Henry D. Cole "promise to pay the 1st instalment of purchase money, $368.33-? for the house and lot in the City of Williamsburg upon which Colonel R. H. Armistead resides…"1 An inventory of the estate of the late R. F. Cole, (1887) listed fifteen lots in Williamsburg owned by him. One, the "Armistead Residence," was valued at $2200 which was the same valuation put upon his residence on Duke of Gloucester Street.2 (Cole's will had left the property to his two sons jointly, Edward P. and Robert R. Cole.) Edward P. Cole released the property to his brother, Robert R. Cole with Special Warranty:..." Lot known as Armistead four acre lot bounded by Henry, Scotland, Prince George & city boundary line west. Also Bunting house and lot...Also Buttermilk Hill house and lot...Prince George and Nassau Street..."3
Records as to ownerships from 1890 to the present time are on record at Williamsburg and James City County courthouse in Williamsburg.