The Wigmaker in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg: An Account of His Barbering, Hair-dressing, & Peruke-Making Services, & Some Remarks on Wigs of Various Styles. — John Shaqi
The Wigmaker in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg: An Account of His Barbering, Hair-dressing, & Peruke-Making Services, & Some Remarks on Wigs of Various Styles.Bullock, Thomas K.
History
The Wigmaker in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg: An Account of His Barbering, Hair-dressing, & Peruke-Making Services, & Some Remarks on Wigs of Various Styles.
Bullock, Thomas K.
Wigmakers; Wigs -- History
_Alexander Finnie_—Seemingly successful as wigmaker, tavernkeeper, and
property-owner. Advertised in 1745 for two or three journeymen,
luring one from Andrew Anderson, and imported more the next year.
Acquired the Raleigh Tavern in 1749 and the new (second) theater
in 1751, actively managing the former until he sold both
properties in 1752. At his death in 1769 also owned Porto Bello
plantation outside Williamsburg.
_Richard Gamble_—From 1743 onward regularly cited in court records for
failing to attend church and to pay debts. In 1752 took Edward
Charlton into partnership to run his shop next to the Raleigh.
Died in 1755 leaving no known family or real property and only £14
worth of barbering and wigmaking articles.
_Anthony Geohegan_—Opened shop next door to Mrs. Vobe’s tavern across
from the Raleigh in 1768. Took Simon Brazier briefly into
partnership the same year. Moved to Richmond sometime between 1770
and 1775, having in the meantime married Martha Lavia,
Williamsburg widow.
_William Godfrey_—Announced in 1766 that he had opened shop between the
Raleigh Tavern and the Capitol. Nothing more is known of his
wigmaking activities, but he figured in several court cases during
the following seven years.
_Thomas Hewitt_—Was an indentured servant of Robert Lyon in 1753 and may
have had his own shop in Williamsburg before moving to Annapolis
about 1762.
_Cuthbert Hubbard_—In 1771 advertised that he was still carrying on his
wigmaking business in addition to offering lodgings. Died in 1779.
His will mentioned only two articles used by wigmakers and the
inventory of his estate listed none.
_George Lafong_—Kept shop in Williamsburg from 1762 to 1783, at one time
selling a pair of curls to Patsy Custis, Washington’s
stepdaughter. Advertised on several occasions for a journeyman to
help him, and in 1777 took Alexander Wiley into partnership.
Nineteen years later Lafong turned up as a beggar on the streets
of Norfolk.
_Walter Lennox_—First appeared in Williamsburg court records in 1759.
From 1768 had his shop at the Sign of the Red Lion, where he also
offered lodgings. His frequent advertisements for a journeyman
indicate that he did a lively business. Lodged and boarded sick
soldiers in the Revolution and supplied provisions to the army.
_Robert Lyon_—In various businesses from 1749 to 1771, first as barber
and wigmaker. Took up tavernkeeping at the Sign of Edinburgh
Castle, near the Capitol, in 1755. Four years later had become a
merchant whose store faced on Market Square.
_Alexander Maitland_—With his partner, John Bryan, advertised wigmaking
services once in 1752. Thereafter Maitland appears to have moved
to Yorktown.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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