Who Ran the Tavern After Mr. Surratt's Death

[Susan Higginbotham]

I was able to visit the tavern this weekend and had an excellent tour guide. Unfortunately, after I left I thought of a question: who ran the tavern portion of the business during the period after Mr. Surratt's death and before Lloyd began leasing the premises? Would Mary have been in the tavern serving drinks in addition to her other duties when her son John wasn't home?

[L Verge]

There was a barkeep named Joseph Nott (Knott) working there at the time of the assassination, but we have not found a record of when he began - during the Surratt years or after Lloyd leased the tavern. We really haven't looked that hard either.

I doubt very seriously that Mrs. Surratt or Anna would have been serving drinks in the bar, however. A man by the name of Robey took over the postmaster duties in 1863, when young John decided he wanted some adventure. The post office remained at the tavern until sometime in 1864, I believe. Perhaps Robey had his own staff tending bar?

[Susan Higginbotham]

(12-02-2013 01:36 PM)L Verge Wrote:  There was a barkeep named Joseph Nott (Knott) working there at the time of the assassination, but we have not found a record of when he began - during the Surratt years or after Lloyd leased the tavern. We really haven't looked that hard either.

I doubt very seriously that Mrs. Surratt or Anna would have been serving drinks in the bar, however. A man by the name of Robey took over the postmaster duties in 1863, when young John decided he wanted some adventure. The post office remained at the tavern until sometime in 1864, I believe. Perhaps Robey had his own staff tending bar?

Thanks! I had a hard time envisioning Mary or her daughter filling such a role.