Colonial Williamsburg

Yarrow was another common herb to use for common problems. This herb also aided in childbirth. Yarrow  can relieve fevers, shorten the duration of the cold and flu, help improve relaxation during illnesses, and relieve cramps. If it is applied to your skin it is helpful with itching, rashes, etc.

The palace was starting to be built in 1706, and was finished in 1722. It all started when governor Edward Nott persuaded the General Assembly to approve the construction on October 23, 1705. After the palace was built, it held many balls in spirit of special events. The Governor’s Palace was home to many important people, too. Seven royal governors, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson all lived in the house at one point. Although, the building was destroyed in a fire in December, 1781.

This was the capitol in Williamsburg, it was built by Henry Cary. It burnt down three times before, too. This place was extremely important, it held ceremonies and meetings there. Once a year they would hold a naturalization ceremony at the capitol.

Barbara “Barbry” Hoy was the wife of Alexander Hoy. She gave birth to two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. Barbry and her family went into debt by the late 1760s, and her husband joined the army in the 1770s to help with the debt. She struggled financially, and soon enough needed government assistance. Once the family was reunited in 1780, she widowed around 1782.

This was we would call a pharmacist in modern times. Although, they did much more than that and practiced as doctors. They would provide medical treatment, prescribe medicine, train apprentices, perform surgery, and serve as man-midwives. Some would even sell cooking spices, candles, salad oil, anchovies, toothbrushes, and tobacco.