Part 3 (2/2)

There is mention of a Cornelius Davies and also of John Wise keeping tavern for short periods. This may have been the same John Wise who later opened a tavern in Alexandria which became the well-known Gadsby's Tavern.

Also there was Christian Boncer, during the Revolution who like John Orme, before him, was likewise running a ferry over the Potomac.

And then in October, 1779, John Beall is referred to as occupying the home where Joseph Belt formerly kept tavern.

In November 1782, Mr. Beall announced that he was moving ”into the large Stone House near the Square, the best calculated house in town for entertaining Gentlemen, Travellers, and Others.”

And then Mr. Ignatius Simpson moved into the ”House formerly occupied by Mr. John Beall,” and the next year, 1783, the Commissioners record meeting at the ”House of Mr. Ignatius Simpson.” And in 1784 Mr. Simpson had no license issued and the Commissioners met ”at the House of Mr.

John Suter.” It would seem that this same house had been a tavern ever since Joseph Belt built a house there.

From then on Suter's Tavern became the best-known meeting place in town and even the birthplace of the District of Columbia for there was signed the agreement with the proprietors of the land for the Federal City.

Christian Hines says in his little book _Early Recollections of Was.h.i.+ngton_ that Suter's Tavern was a one-story frame and stood on High Street, between Bridge and Water Streets, a little east of the ca.n.a.l bridge. Christian Hines as a youth of fifteen was an apprentice living with the Green family just across the street from this building, and although he wrote his Recollections when he was an old man, it is a well-known fact that old people remember happenings of their youth better than those of last month or last week.

It was a rather small building, a story and a half high, according to an old print, and had a large Inn Yard at the side and back for the accommodation of the coaches, wagons and steeds of its patrons.

John Suter was a Scotsman who had been living out in Montgomery County but apparently from 1784 until his death in 1794 his tavern was a very busy place. Here it was that General Was.h.i.+ngton stayed when he was pa.s.sing through.

This notice shows John Suter's standing in the community:

Georgetown, August 21, 1790

All persons having claims against the Estate of John Cornne, deceased, are desired to bring them in legally attested. Those indebted to make speedy payment to

John Suter, Administrator

From the _Times and Potowmack Packet_:

Meeting at Mr. Suter's Tavern in George Town, 14 December, 1790, for erecting a New Warehouse contiguous to the Old Inspection on Col.

Normand Bruce's property in George Town.

Edward Burgess Bernard O'Neill

For Sale. On Monday the 3d of January next will be offered for sale at the House of Mr. John Suter in George Town that Lot or _Acre of Ground_ whereon the _Old_ Warehouse formerly stood.... A good t.i.tle will be given agreeably to the last Will and Testament of Thomas Hamilton deceased of Prince Georges County.

December 11, 1790 Andrew Hamilton

Then there is this little item from the same paper:

The subscriber has for sale, by the Box, a small supply of fresh Lisbon LEMONS, imported in the Potomack Planter.

Capt. James Buchanan George Town Sept. 7, 1790 John Suter

Fresh fruit was evidently an event.

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