Capt. John Poythress (c. 1705-1760), Gentleman, of Brunswick Co., s. of Capt. John Poythress, Jr., 4^th Generation

Captain John Poythress was the son of Captain John Poythress, Jr., of the 1724 Will. He, Charles and Francis Poythress were involved in a deed of land amongst themselves in 1738. John Poythress evidently did not leave any descendants. He left an inheritance to his sister, Elizabeth Poythress Cocke, and to his first cousin, Thomas Poythress (1729-1800), who lived on adjoining property. Thomas later sold this land.

R. Bolling Batte regarding John Poythress
[74 i. John Poythress was born BEF 1724 in ~Virginia [(P_1) DCA].]

Family
John Poythress was born about 1705, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). He died before June, 1760. Jeremiah White was the administrator of his Will.

Inheritance
In Prince George County, the Will of John Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, proved May 12, 1724.
I give my son John Poythress, and his heirs, my plantation where I now live, containing 100 acres of land, as also 100 acres of land adjoining, called Colebrooks, taking in the Ivey point, so running down Hugh Evans’ Spring Bottom to William Stainbacks corner poplar, and also I give my said son, John Poythress, and to his heirs, my tract of land lying on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp, not debarring his brothers, Francis and William Poythress, from getting timber for their plantations’ use, as also giving them liberty to drive their stocks of hogs and cattle upon the land, if they shall think fit, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he comes to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, Francis Poythress, should possess all of the above said lands as is mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, a tract or parcel of land lying at and about the place called Brick Chimneys, binding upon my son, John Poythress’, and brother, Thomas Poythress’ lands, so round the Deep Bottom, taking in the whole tract or dividend of land, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, William Poythress, should possess all of the above said land mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and their heirs, a tract or parcel of land, containing 280 acres, joining to Thomas Poythress’ land, so running a south course over the horn branch, and so binding upon John Young’s, Dorrel Young’s, and John Winningham’s land, to be equally divided betwixt my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and to their heirs forever.
I give my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, one tract or parcel of land, containing 150 acres, binding upon Thomas Poythress’ and Thomas Lovesay’s land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called Powell’s, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, John Poythress, should possess the above mentioned land, and his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my, son John Poythress, a small featherbed and furniture, six new rush leather chairs, one chest, one gun, and a mare, a young horse, and the increase of her forever, to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, a small feather bed and furniture, one young mare about three years old, and her increase to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my son, William Poythress, a bay mare, and her increase, to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, all of my stock of hogs and cattle, to be equally divided amongst them, only what I shall give hereafter unto my loving wife, Mary Poythress, which is four cows and calves, and a parcel of hogs as uses about Colebrooks, about twenty or thirty of them, and my will further is that as much of the stock be disposed of as will be of value sufficient to enter and survey 400 acres of land in the woods, according to the discretion of my executors, for my son, William Poythress, and to be patented in his name, and then the remaining part of the stock to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and their heirs forever.
I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, my three negroes, Betty, Judy and Grace, and their increase, to be equally divided when my son, William Poythress comes to the age of 18 years, and my will and desire is that my son, John Poythress, should have the aforesaid negroes, with their increase, in his possession, when he shall attain to the age of 21, and there to remain until my son, William, attains to the age of 18 years, then they and their increase to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and to their heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my daughter, Rebecca Poythress, my negro man, Tom, and one featherbed and furniture, to her and her heirs for ever.
I give my daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, my negro boy, Jamy, to her and her heirs for ever.
I give my daughter, Ann Poythress, my negro boy, Will, to her and her heirs for ever.
I give my loving wife, Mary Poythress, my negro man, Seipis(?), one featherbed and furniture, four cows and calves and a parcel of hogs uses about Colebrooks, and all my pewter, brass, and iron, as I am possessed with, and my two working horses, and all the rest of the small matters as is not mentioned in this my last Will and testament, to her and her heirs for ever.
I appoint Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, pastor, my executors, of this my last Will and testament. The witnesses were Francis Epes, Jr., William Stainback and John Winningham. 

At a Court held at Merchant’s Hope for Prince George County, on Tuesday, May 12, 1724, the last Will and testament of John Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, his executors, who made oath thereto, and it was proved by the oaths of Francis Epes, William Stainback and John Winningham. And on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, executors, and their giving Bond and Security according to law, Certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. The Will was recorded, August 11, 1724, at a court at Merchant’s Hope, for Prince George County, with an account of personal property items valued at 209/14/5. John Stainback, John Winningham and William Stainback were the appraisers.

The land that was inherited by John Poythress’ son, John Poythress, was possibly bought by John Poythress on October 23, 1703.

Professional life
October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by William Laws, Jr., against John Poythress for 39 shillings current money due by account to which the plaintiff made oaths the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing by the plaintiff’s motion that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum Als: Exco. 

November, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by William Laws, Jr., against John Poythress for 39 shillings current money due by account to which the plaintiff made oaths the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing by the plaintiff’s motion that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum Als: Exco.

December 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Liddordale, Gentleman, exhibited into court an account against John Poythress for 46 shillings 6 pence and made Oath, that the said sum is justly due him from the said John Poythress, without any discounts that he knows of. It was ordered that it be certified on the said accounts.

December 12, 1738, in the suit by petition brought by William Stark against John Poythress for 95 shillings and 6 pence, half penny current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff makes oaths, the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing, on the plaintiff’s motion it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant aforesaid sums and costs Als: Exeo.

January 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by petition by John Liddordale against John Poythress for 46 shillings 5 pence current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff has made oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was considered that the said plaintiff recovers against the defendant the aforesaid sum of and costs 5 shillings and 6 pence for attorney’s fee Als: 

Exor.

January 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Richard Taylor against John Poythress on the motions of the plaintiff’s attorney was continued until the next court.

February 13, 1739, in Prince George County, on the Fieri Facias awarded Joshua Pritchett, Jr., and John Gilliam, executors of Thomas Nunelly, deceased, on their judgements obtained against John Poythress, William Eppes, Sheriff, of this county, made the above return which was correct.

March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Richard Taylor against John Poythress for 27 shillings 7 pence 3 farthings current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff makes oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion it was ordered that the defendant pay him the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo.

March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass upon the case brought by Thomas Jones against John Poythress the plaintiff failing to prosecute is dismissed.

May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Miles Thweatt against John Poythress for £3, 9 shillings, 5 pence current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff made oath the defendants being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo.

May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress for £17, 10 shillings current money, due by Bills the defendant comes into court being ruled to Special Bail and failing on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was ordered that he be taken into the Custody of the Sheriff, and safely kept until he shall give such Bail whereupon the said defendant appeared in the Custody of the Sheriff, and on the motion of his attorney an Imparlance was granted him until the next court.

May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by George Gordon against John Poythress for £17, 5 shillings, 7 pence farthing current money, due by Bills the defendant comes into court being ruled to Special Bail and failing on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was ordered that he be taken into the custody of the Sheriff, and safely kept until he shall give such Bail whereupon the said defendant appeared in the custody of the Sheriff, and on the motion of his attorney an Imparlance was granted him until the next court.

July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress for 17 pounds 10 shillings current money due by bills and the defendants having had time given him till this court to plead and being now called and not appearing did not offer anything in Barr or Preclusion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum aforesaid or so much thereof as shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action.

July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the case of George Gordon versus John Poythress for debt, the court found for the plaintiff.

August 14, 1739, in Prince George County, the suit of George Gordon versus John Poythress was dismissed.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by John Poythress against Edward Seaye(?) the plaintiff failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action in the case brought by George Gordon against John Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed.

November 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by George Robertson, Clerk, against John Poythress for £1, 14 shillings current money due by Bill dated August 16, 1739, the defendant being summoned in the manner the law directs, and called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion and his making oath to the said Bill it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. 

December, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by George Robertson, Clerk, against John Poythress for one pound 14 shillings current money due by Bill dated August 16, 1739, the defendant being summoned in the manner the law directs, and called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion and his making oath to the said Bill it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo.

Civic Activities
In 1732, Brunswick County was cut off the southern portion of Prince George in the area south of Nottaway River. The first pages of a number of its early record books were damaged by time. By 1732, the population had so increased that the Council decided to allow Brunswick to set up its own magisterial system and stand on its own. Pursuant to an Act of the Assembly, a courthouse was built in Brunswick County and a magistrate was named. It was also ordered that a Commission of the Peace be prepared for the County, and that Henry Fox, Henry Embry, John Wall and William Machlin, Gentlemen, be appointed Justices for the County. The St. Andrew’s parish Vestry book, kept in the County Clerk’s Office, began with an entry in July, 1732. A vestry was the elected administrative body of an Episcopal church. The first recorded vestry consisted of Henry Embry and John Wall as Churchwardens. They were all paid 1,000 pounds of tobacco for their services.

June 7, 1733, in Brunswick County, Henry Cook was appointed Surveyor of a road from Captain Poythress’ plantation on Fountain’s Creek to Henry Wych’s ford over the Meherrin River and [missing] all the male laboring tithes between the Cane branch and the Great Swamp and that James Parham, John Clyburn, John Walker, Thomas Busby, Thomas Burnett and Francis Steed assist in clearing the same.

November 14, 1738, in Prince George County, on the motion of Samuel Jordan, he was permitted to clear the old road from Amelia County line down by Poythress’ plantation to the Butterwood Road. November 14, 1738, William Harrison and John Poythress, Gentlemen, were appointed to agree with the workmen to rebuild Powell’s Creek Bridge.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the case of John Cox versus Henry Fitz for debt, a jury was empaneled as follows: Robert Poythress, John Poythress, Charles Poythress, among others, who found for the plaintiff.

August 20, 1739, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Wells’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Robert Wynne and Joshua Wynne procession from Monkersneck to Stoney Creek between Monkersneck and the Chapel Road, that John Poythress and Thomas Twittey procession between Butterwood and Nottoway River as low as the head of Beaver-pond Creek.

Monday, August 25, 1760, in the Brunswick County court, it was ordered that John Peterson, George Wyche, Thomas Morris and John Liefsay, or any three of them, being first sworn do view the conveniency and inconveniency that may attempt turning the River Road beginning at Smith’s old Fields or thereabouts and running from thence into Poythress’ road near the Great Swamp bridge and make a report thereof to the court.

Court Cases
February 12, 1740, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass upon the case brought by Miles Thweatt against John Poythress the defendant by his attorney appeared and on his motion an Imparlance was granted him until the next court.

Property: Land
[March 17, 1737, John Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 325 acres, in Brunswick County, on the south side of the Maherrin River and on the north side of Fountain’s Creek, by the side of the Great Swamp, by the side of the Cane Branch, adjoining William Duglass, Samuel Clark and John Poythress’ other land.] [This is the same property bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724) on September 5, 1723, and sold by cousin Thomas Poythress (1729-1800) to John Dawson on July 6, 1773.] 

17 Mar 1736/7 John Poythress, Gentl. (March 17, 1736, 325 acres, Brunswick County, John Poythress, Gentl.). George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the faith etc. To all to whom these present shall come greeting Know Ye that for a good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of thirty five shillings of good and lawful money for our use to be paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia We have given granted & confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto John Poythress Gentl. one certain tract or parcel of land containing three hundred and twenty five acres lying and being in the County of Brunswick on the south side of Maherin River and on the North side of Fountain’s Creek and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at a sassafras and holly by the side of Fountain’s Creek aforesaid a corner of James Chappels land thence by Chappels lines north two hundred and thirty six Poles to a black oak and northeast sixty six poles to a maple by the side of the Great Swamp thence up the various courses of the run of the said swamp to a markt live oak a corner of William Duglass’s land thence by Duglasse’s lines north eighty degrees west fifty four poles to a black oak a corner of Samuel Clarks land thence by Clark’s line southwest by west one hundred and sixty poles to a Hiccory thence south twenty eight degrees west sixty two poles pole to a maple by the side of the Cane Branch a corner of the said Poythress’s other land thence by his own old lines northeast by east eighty six poles to a black oak southeast by east one hundred and seventy seven poles to a white oak south by east eighty nine poles to a red oak south seventy five degrees west fifty seven poles to a red oak south eighty five degrees west fifty four poles to a white pak south seventy five degrees west twenty eight poles to a black oak and west by north forty four poles to a gum by the side of Fountain’s Creek just against the mouth of the Cane Branch and down the various courses of the run of the said creek to the beginning with all woods underwoods swamps marshes low grounds meadows feedings and his due share of all veins mines and quarries as well discovered as not discovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of three hundred and twenty five acres of land and the rivers waters and water courses therein contained together with the privileges of hunting hawking fishing fowling and all other profits commodities and hereditaments whatsoever to the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining to have hold possess and enjoy the said tract or parcel of land and all other the before granted premises and every part thereof with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said John Poythress and to his heirs and assigns forever To the only use and behoof of him the said John Poythress his heirs and assigns forever to be held of us our heirs and successors as of our Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent free and common soccage and not in capite or by Knights service yielding and paying unto us our heirs and successors forever fifty acres of land and so proportionably for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty acres the fee rent of one shilling yearly to be paid upon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angel and also cultivating and improving three acres part of every fifty of the tract abovementioned within three years after the date of these presents provided always that if three years of the said fee rent shall at any time be in arrears and unpaid or if the said John Poythress his heirs or assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the date of these presents cultivate and improve three acres part of every fifty of the tract above mentioned then the estate hereby granted shall cease and be utterly determined and!  thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for us our heirs and successors to grant the same lands and premises with the appurtenances unto such other person or persons as we our heirs and successors shall think fit in witness whereof we have caused these our letters patent to be made witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of our said Colony the seventeenth day of March one thousand seven hundred and thirty six in the tenth year of our reign. William Gooch. [Patent Book 17, p. 293-294.]

September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Poythress acknowledged his deed for land, sealed to Charles Poythress on whose motion it was ordered that the said deed be recorded.

September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Poythress and Charles Poythress acknowledged their deed for land, indented and sealed, to Francis Poythress, Gentleman, on whose motion it was ordered that the said deed be recorded.

[September 20, 1745, John Poythress, Jr., was granted 844 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of Tomahitton Swamp, 250 acres part of grant to John Mitchell by patent dated February 9, 1738, and 594 acres the
residue never before granted, adjoining John Mitchel, to the Mouth of the Spring Branch, adjoining Thomas Poythress.] [John Poythress, Jr., son of John Poythress, and nephew of Thomas Poythress (c. 1683-1749), had property adj. his uncle Thomas Poythress.] [John Poythress was listed here as “Jr.” The only other John Poythress that might have been living in Prince George County was Captain John Poythress, Sr., husband of Mary Batte. If John Poythress, Sr., was living, he would have been about 73 years old. He was last mentioned in the records when he was about 54 years old, May 27, 1726. Mary Batte Poythress appears to have died in 1760 at about 84 years old.]

20 Sep 1745 to John Poythress junior con œ3 – re 844a PGC on the N side of Tomahitton Swamp 250a part Granted John Mitchell by Patent 9Feb1737/8 & 594a the Residue never before Granted loc -39525 -42636 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at John Mitchels upper Corner on the sd Swamp ln N35E; 250P; from John Mitchels upper Corner on sd Sw. pt B) faced Corner ln e; 268p; pt C) faced Corner ln s; 144p; pt D) faced Corner ln e; 94p; pt E) faced Corner ln s18e; 208p; pt F) Faced Corner ln w; 70p; pt G) Corner Possimon on a Branch Thence down the same as it Meanders to lm; down a Br. pt H) the Mouth of the Spring Branch Thence up his Spring Branch as it Meanders to lm; up his Spring Br. pt I) Corner Pine thence W9S 244P to ln w9s; 244p; pt J) Thomas Poythress’s upper corner upon Tommahitton Swamp lm n49w; 255p; up Tommahitton Sw. from Thomas Poythress’s. [VPB 22, p. 496-498.]

25 Jul 1746 John Portis 25 acs. Is. of Wight Co. on N side of Long Br; 5 Shill. [PB 24, P. 336.]

Adjoining Property
[September 28, 1732, Joshua Clark, of Isle of Wight County, was granted 50 acres of new land, in Isle of Wight County, on the south side of the Maherrin River, on the north side of the Cane Branch, adjoining John Poythress, Samuel Clark, Joshua Clark, by his own old line.] 

28 Sep 1732 Joshua Clark (September 28, 1732, 50 acres, Isle of Wight County, New Land, mentions John Poythress). George the Second &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings of good and lawful money for our use paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia. We have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto Joshua Clark of Isle of Wight County one certain tract or parcel of land containing fifty acres lying and being on the south side of Maherin River in the County aforesaid & bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at a maple on the north side of the Cane Branch a corner of John Poythres’s land thence by Poythres’s lines north twenty eight degrees east sixty five poles to a hickory a corner of Saml. Clark’s land and by Clark’s line northwest by north one hundred & eighty poles to a red oak a corner of the said Joshua Clark’s land then by his own old line south sixty degrees west thirty six poles to a white oak by the side of the Cane Branch aforesaid & down the various courses of the run of the said branch to the beginning with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the twenty eighth day of September one thousand seven hundred & thirty two in the sixth year of our reign. William Gooch. Truly recorded, Matt Kemp. [PB 14, p. 525.]

[February 9, 1738, John Michell, was granted 250 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of Tommahitton, adjoining John Poythress, at the Beaverponds.] 

9 Feb 1737/8 John Mitchell (February 9, 1737, 250 acres, Prince George County, mentions John Poythress). George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the faith etc. To all to whom these present shall come greeting Know Ye that for a good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five shillings of good and lawful money for our use to be paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia We have given granted & confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto John Michell one certain tract or parcel of land containing two hundred and fifty acres lying and being in the County of Prince George on the north side of Tommahitton adjoining John Poythress’s upper and back lines and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at the said Poythress’s upper corner upon Tommahitton Swamp at the Beaverponds thence along his lines north thirty six degrees east seventy poles to his corner white oak thence east nine degrees north three hundred and eight poles to his corner poplar thence south twenty degrees east forty poles along his head line thence east sixty poles to a corner face inwards thence north one hundred and forty four poles to a corner faced inwards thence west two hundred and sixty eight poles to a corner faced inwards thence south thirty five degrees thence west two hundred and sixty poles to the Beaverpond of Tommahitton Swamp thence down the same as it meanders to the beginning with all woods underwoods swamps marshes low grounds meadows feedings and his due share of all veins mines and quarries as well discovered as not discovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of two hundred and fifty acres of land and the rivers waters and water courses therein contained together with the privileges of hunting hawking fishing fowling and all other profits commodities and hereditaments whatsoever to the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining to have hold possess and enjoy the said tract or parcel of land and all other the before granted premises and every part thereof with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said John Michell and to his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of him the said John Michell his heirs and assigns forever to be held of us our heirs and successors as of our Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent free and common soccage and not in capite or by Knights service yielding and paying unto us our heirs and successors forever fifty acres of land and so proportionably for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty acres the fee rent of one shilling yearly to be paid upon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angel and also cultivating and improving three acres part of every fifty of the tract abovementioned within three years after the date of these presents provided always that if three years of the said fee rent shall at any time be in arrears and unpaid or if the said John Michell his heirs or assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the date of these presents cultivate and improve three acres part of every fifty of the tract above mentioned then the estate hereby granted shall cease and be utterly determined and thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for us our heirs and successors to grant the same lands and premises with the appurtenances unto such other person or persons as we our heirs and successors shall think fit in witness whereof we have caused these our letters patent to be made witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of our said Colony the ninth day of February one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven In the eleventh year of our reign. William Gooch. [PB 17, p. 469.]

In 1741, George Wainwright, of Prince George County, owned property adjacent to property owned by John Poythress and Cleaton.

[July 25, 1749, Lenire Brewer, 150 acres, in Brunswick County, on the Beaver Pond Creek, at a Pond, and the County Line [East], adjoining John Poythress.] 

25 Jul 1749 Lenire Brewer 150 acs. Brunswick Co. on the Beaver Pond Cr., at a Pond, & the Country (sic) Line [East], adj. John Poythress. 15 Shill. PB 27, p. 231.] 25 Jul 1749 Lenire Brewer 150 a Brunswick County on the Beaver Pond Crk….a corner tree of John Poythress’s, etc. [VPB 27, p. 231-232.]

1749 George Wainright, Pr. Geo. Co., n/s Tommahitton sw. adj. Poythress, up Beaver Pond cr. adj. Whitmore, Cleaton & Penniston. [John Poythress, Jr.’s son, John Poythress.]

[September 5, 1749, to Buffington Joseph Darvill, 1,090 acres, in Prince George County, between the head branches of Beaverpond Creek and Butterwood Swamp on both sides of the Road, adjoining Johnson, Glover, John Poythress, Wainright, Cleaton, Whitmore and Elder.] 

5 Sep 1749 to Buffington Joseph Darvill con œ5.S10 re 1090a PGCo. bet. the Head Brs. of Beaverpond Cr. & Butterwood Sw. on both sides the Road loc -35759 -41381 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at Johnsons Crnr. in Glovers Line ln s; 138p; Johnson pt B) his Crnr. ln W; 200P; pt C) John Poythress’s Crnr. ln s18e; 200p; John Poythress pt D) his Crnr. ro ln s8e; 128p; pt E) Wainright’s l. ln e9n; 6p; Wainright pt F) his Crnr. ln n37e; 54p; pt G) his Crnr. ln e20s; 257p; pt H) Cleatons l. ln n28e; 124p; Cleaton pt I) his Crnr. ln e28s; 10p; pt J) Whitmores Crnr. ln n34e; 114p; Whitmore pt K) his Crnr. ln e12s; 75p; pt L) Elders Crnr. ln n15w; 196p; Elder pt M) his Crnr. ln w5s; 40p; pt N) his Crnr. ln nw; 116p; pt O) Poythress’s Crnr. ln n; 110; Poythress pt P) his Crnr. SpO ln w4n; 87p; pt Q) Glovers Crnr. ln s12w; 90p; Glover pt R) his Crnr. lc w6n; 88p. [VPB 27, p. 347-349.]

[September 5, 1749, to George Wainright, 1,000 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of the Tommahitton Swamp, 399 acres part thereof being formerly granted to George Wainright by our letters patent bearing date October 15, 1741, and 601 acres the residue never before granted, adjoining Poythress, up Beaver Pond Creek, adjoining Whitmore, Cleaton and Penniston.] 

5 Sep 1749 George Wainwright 1000 acs. Pr. Geo. Co. on the N side of Tommahitton Sw.; adj. Poythress, Whitmore, Cleaton, his own old Line and Peniston; £3. 399 acs. part formerly gtd. to the said George Wainwright by Pat. 15 Oct 1741 [PB 20, p. 56] and 601 acs. the Residue never bef gtd. [PB 27, p. 423.]

19 Sep 1752 Hugh Miller 350 acs. Isle of Wight on N. side of Meherin River….adjoining Poythres….on Poythresses line.” [VPB 31, p. 203-204.]

7 Jul 1763 John Brewer 200 ac. Brunswick County on S. side of Beaverpond Crk…crossing a pond at Poythress’s white oak, etc. [VPB 35, pp. 202-203.]

1778, William Thompson, 100 ac. in Bath Parish, adj. Poythress line, Penniston line & Wainright land. [Probably Thomas Poythress as John Poythress was deceased.]

As Witness
September 13, 1739, in Amelia County, Joshua Glass, of Prince George County, to Walter Childs, 200 acres. The witnesses were Peter Wynne, John Poythress and Charles Anderson.

June 19, 1760, Matthew Ornsby, of Amelia County, sold to William Glascock, of Dinwiddie County, 400 acres, in Amelia County, on both sides of the Butterwood Creek and bounded by John Lewis, Haynes, North Branch, George Lewis, Steger and Hood. The witnesses were Francis Poythress, John Poythress, James Hinton, John Hightower, Jr., and Edmund Poythress.

After John Poythress’ Death
In June, 1760, in Brunswick County, the inventory of John Poythress, Jr., of Brunswick County, from the original in the office of the clerk in Lawrenceville. An inventory and appraisement of John Portess, Jr.
To 3 shirts, and 3 caps 1″17″0
To Sunday clothes 0″ 0″0
To 1 pair of show buckles and ring 1″ 0″0
To Taylor, tools and handkerchiefs 0″10″0
To 1 shoes and hat 0″10″0
To 1 great coat and Jack coat 0″10″0
To 1 saddle and bridle 0″13″0
To 1 horse 3″10″0
To 1 case razors 0″ 1″0
To 1 pair gloves and bags 0″ 3″9
————–
11″11″9
Excepted: Thomas Morris, Richard Blanks and Jirgens Blanks. The inventory was returned to the Brunswick County court, June, 1760, and ordered to be recorded. In the Brunswick County court, an undated entry, it was ordered that Ingram Blanks, Thomas Morris and Richard Blank being first sworn before a Justice of this county do appraise in current money the slaves, if any, and the personal estate of John Portis, deceased and ____ the appraisement of the 

court.

Dinwiddie Co. Clerk’s Fee Book, 1763. The charges are denominated in pounds of tobacco for which it is likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill.                                                                                            Debit

Jeremiah White

March, 1763 Sers for John Poythress’s Will 5 Copy 30                                                                              35

Jeremiah White Administrator &c of John Poythress, dec’d.

April, 1763 Attorney ads Isham Eppes’s Executor 5 Plea 10                                                                        15

Francis Eppes Executor of Isham Eppes dec’d.

February, 1763 Plea ads Scott 10                                                                                                                  10

March, 1763 Attorney ads Fields & Crall 5 Plea 10                                                                                      15

Dismissed ads Scott 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Papers 10                                                                 46

April, 1763 Capias vs J. Poythress’s Administrator 10 Docketing 5 Atto 5 Declaration 10 Plea 3

                           report 10 Continuance 15                                                                                                   58

June, 1763 Continuance vs Do October Trial 40 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11                   86

                                                                                                                                                                    215

John Lanthrope

December, 1763 recording Poythress’s Deed to you                                                                                100

Highlights: Capt. John Poythress, Gentleman, of Brunswick Co., s. of Capt. John Poythress, Jr., (c. 1681-1724) 

– born about 1705

– inherited 100 acres the plantation where his father lived, 100 acres adj. called Colebrooks taking in Ivey point running down Hugh Evans’ Spring Bottom to William Stainbacks & land on s/s of main Blackwater sw., & half of 280 acres adj. uncle Thomas Poythress’ land running s. course over horn branch & adj. John Young, Dorrel Young, John Winningham (other half to John’s brother, Francis), 1724

– bro. Francis Poythress inherited land from his father lying at & abt. place called Brick Chimneys adj. bro. John Poythress & uncle Thomas Poythress & round the Deep Bottom, 1724 

– Brunswick Co. was cut off the southern portion of Pr. Geo. Co. in area south of Nottaway River, 1732

– Joshua Clark s/s Maherrin R. on n. side Cane br. adj. John Poythress, Sam’l. Clark, Joshua Clark, Isle of Wight Co., 1732

– Henry Cook appointed Surveyor of road from Captain Poythress’ plantation on Fountain’s Creek to Henry Wych’s ford over the Meherrin River, Brunswick Co., 1733

– granted 325 acres s/s Maherrin R. & on n/s Fountain’s cr. by side of Great sw. by side of Cane br. adj. his land, Wm. Duglass, Sam’l. Clark, Brunswick Co., 1737 (same land bought by his father & sold by Thos. Poythress to John Dawson)

– John Mitchell n/s Tommaheton at Beaverponds adj. John Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co., 1738

– Samuel Jordan was permitted to clear old road from Amelia County line down by Poythress’ plantation to the Butterwood Road, Pr. Geo. Co., 1738

– Wm. Harrison & John Poythress, Gentlemen, appointed to agree w/ workmen to rebuild Powell’s Creek Bridge, Pr. Geo. Co., 1738

– he & Thomas Twittey procession between Butterwood and Nottoway River as low as the head of Beaver-pond Creek, 1739

– Geo. Wainwright adj. John Poythress & Cleaton, Pr. Geo. Co., 1741

– granted 844 acres [John Poythress, Jr.] n/s Tommaheton sw. to mouth of Spring br. adj. John Mitchell, Thos. Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co., 1745 (John Poythress, Jr., son of John Poythress & nephew of Thos. Poythress (c. 1683-1749), had property that bounded his uncle Thos. Poythress)  

– Lenire Brewer on Beaver Pond cr. at pond & county line [East] adj. John Poythress, Brunswick Co., 1749

– Buffington Joseph Darvill btwn. head branches of Beaverpond cr. & Butterwood sw. on both sides of Road adj. Johnson, Glover, John Poythress, Wainwright, Cleaton, Whitmore & Elder, Pr. Geo. Co., 1749

– Geo. Wainwright n/s Tommaheton sw. up Beaver Pond cr. adj. Poythress, Whitmore, Cleaton & Penniston, Pr. Geo. Co., 1749

– court ordered John Peterson, etal, to evaluate turning the River Road beginning at Smith’s old Fields or thereabouts and running from thence into Poythress’ road near the Great Swamp bridge, Brunswick Co., 1760 

– deceased 1760 (age ~55)

– Jeremiah White, administrator; Isham Eppes executor, Dinwiddie Co., 1763

First document: 1733 (age ~28)

The land that was inherited by John Poythress’ (c. 1681-1724) son, John Poythress, was possibly bought by John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on October 23, 1703, and on September 5, 1723.

Maj. Fr. Poythress: 450 acres, Chas. Cty. Co., 1665; 609 acres s/s Blackwater R. crossing Nottaway path nr. Line of Capt. Robt. Lucy, Townes’ Quarter adj. Hercules Flood, Chas. Cty. Co.; 750 acres escheated land of Thos. Morgan, dec’d., Chas. Cty. Co.; 1,250 acres s/s Jas. R. adj. Sampson Ellis, Henry Batt, John Woodley, Jas. Mumford, Edward Hill & his land (bordered lands of Roger Tilman, Jas. Binford, Robt. Abernathy & Wallace), Jordan’s parish, Chas. Cty. Co.; = 3,059 acres; + his father’s lands, 750 acres 

[John Poythress left 1,189 ac. to his sons in his 1724 Will. He acquired approx. 1,334 acres but sold 200 acres in 1704 = 1,134 ac. 

He gave son, John: (1) 100 ac. his plantation; (2) 100 ac. “Colebrooks” adj. Ivy point, down Hugh Evans’ spring bottom to Wm. Stainback; (3) (409 ac.) s/s main Blackwater sw., (4) ½ of 280 ac. adj. Thos. Poythress & Youngs’ & Winningham  = 749 ac.

He gave son, Francis: (150 ac.) “Brick Chimneys adj. bro. John & uncle Thos. adj. Deep Bottom, ½ of 280 ac. adj. Thos. Poythress & Youngs’ & Winningham = 290 ac. 

He gave son, Wm.: 150 ac. “Powells” adj. Thos. Poythress, Thos. Lovesay & Joseph Patterson = 150 ac. Total: 1,189 ac.

He gave each son a negro: Betty, Judy & Grace; Rebecca, negro Tom; Elizabeth, negro boy, Jamy; Ann, negro boy Will; wife, Mary, Seipis.

Location of Captain John Poythress’ plantation: road from Captain Poythress’ plantation on Fountain’s Creek to Henry Wych’s ford over the Meherrin River, Brunswick Co. (Brunswick Co. was formed from southern part Pr. Geo. Co. s. of Nottaway R. 1732) & old road from Amelia County line down by Poythress’ plantation to the Butterwood Road, Pr. Geo. Co.

John: (1) 100 ac. his father’s plantation; (2) 100 ac. “Colebrooks” adj. Ivey point, down Hugh Evans’ spring bottom to Wm. Stainback; (3) (409 ac.) s/s main Blackwater sw.; (4) ½ of 280 ac. adj. Thos. Poythress & Youngs’ & Winningham = 749 ac.

325 ac. Maherrin R. Fountain’s cr. Great sw. Cane br. adj. his land, Wm. Duglass, Sam’l. Clark, Brunswick Co. (same land bought by his father & sold by Thos. Poythress to John Dawson); 844 ac. Tommaheton sw. Spring br. adj. John Mitchell & Thos. Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co. = 1,169 ac. + 749 ac. = 1,918 ac.

Slaves (1): inherited one of three slaves: Betty, Judy or Grace (1724)

Neighbors: Thomas Poythress, John Young, Dorrel Young, John Winningham, Hugh Evans, William Stainback, Joshua Clark, Samuel Clark, William Duglass, John Mitchell, George Wainwright, Lenire Brewer, Buffington Joseph Darvil, Johnson, Glover, Clayton, Whitmore, Elder, Peniston