R. Bolling Batte on Francis Poythress

Family

Francis Poythress was born about 1707, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). Batte calculated Francis Poythress’ birth year as 1707, son of John and Mary (?) Poythress. He estimated a marriage in 1728 to Hannah and gave Francis Poythress’ death in 1738. Batte noted that Francis Poythress was not 21 in 1724 as per his father’s Will. Batte wrote: Elizabeth Poythress, daughter of Francis and Hannah Poythress, born 11 Feb. 1729 (o.s. would be 11 Feb. 1730), baptized 8 April 1730. [Bristol Register] As to Francis Poythress’ death, Batte referred to PG Order Book, Suit in 1738, Joshua and Francis Poythress vs. Hannah Poythress, executrix of Francis Poythress, deceased.

Batte estimated Hannah Poythress’ marriage to Francis Poythress in 1728. He proved that she was married to a Francis Poythress and that they had a daughter named Elizabeth. He proved that she was the executrix of her husband’s estate.

Francis Poythress died by March, 1738. Hannah Poythress was his executor. Francis’ cousin, Francis Poythress (c. 1705-c.1760), bought land on September 22, 1739. This land was adjacent to his father, Captain Francis Poythress (c. 1680-1739). Captain Francis Poythress died between August 15, 1739 and September 22, 1739. On August 15, 1739, Francis Poythress (c. 1680-1739) made an oath in the Prince George County court. Between August 15, 1739, and September 22, 1739, this Francis Poythress had died in St. Andrew’s parish, in Brunswick County.

John Hamlin mentioned his brothers, Thomas Ravenscroft and William Hamlin in his 1724 Will. Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress was John Hamlin’s niece. In his Will, John Hamlin gave his plantation called Hawksnest to his son, Peter Hamlin. (Seventy-six years previously, Richard & Mary Pace had sold to Richard Taylor land on Powell’s Creek, from Buckland’s Island up the creek to a road commonly called the Hawksnest that butted up to Reedy Bottom as far as William Wilkin’s plantation).

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 Stainback’s 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 my brother, Thomas Poythress, 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 20 or 30 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 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.

Family

Francis Poythress married Hannah Ravenscroft. Their daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, was born February 11, 1729/30, and was baptized April 8, 1730, in Bristol parish. She married Leonard Claiborne (1723-1771) and their daughter, Elizabeth Claiborne (1750-1791), married John Walton. Elizabeth Claiborne & John Walton were married in 1769 in Augusta, Georgia. Francis Poythress was dead by March, 1738. Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress married as

her second husband, Burnell Claiborne. Their children were Martha Claiborne (1745-1825) who married Jarratt Devereux (1733-1801), and Thomas B. Claiborne (1747-1811) who married Mary Clayton (1755-1802).

Thomas Ravenscroft was sheriff of James City county in 1722. Pr. Geo. Co. (1) March 12, 1722 from Peter Jones [Jr.] to Thomas Ravenscroft, of Wilmington Parish, James City County, conveyed a tract of land near the falls of Appromattox. (2) November 1, 1723 from John Hamlin, of Prince George, to Thomas Ravenscroft, of Wilmington parish, James City, a tract of 250 acres called Maycox. Captain Thomas Ravenscroft lived in Bristol parish, Pr. Geo. Co., in 1723. The Virginia Gazette, in January, 1736, announced the death of Col. Thomas Ravenscroft, lately Burgess for Pr. Geo. Co. – Believed to be the father of Hannah Poythress.

[June 3, 1662, in Charles City County, at a court held at Westover, a deed dated March 13, 1662, Richard Pace with the consent of my wife, Mary Pace sell to Richard Taylor, land upon Powell’s Creek, beginning at Buckland’s Island so up the creek to the road commonly called the Hawksnest and so butting upon the Reedy Bottom as far as William Wilkin’s plantation. The witnesses were Caesar Walpole, John Hobbs, John Floriday and John Daniell.]

1776. Will of Richard Claiborne, Lunenburg Co., dated 5 February 1776, recorded 9 May 1776. Richard Claiborne’s Will was probated in Lunenburg County in 1776. He wrote that the tract where he lately lived called Roberts old place was to be sold and his rite to the land Samuel Harris lived on, the land being his at said Harrises death, but in case money was wanting he gave above land to son John Claiborne. His riding chair was to be sold. Edward Dudley of Amelia County was to pay his debts and divide the rest between his three sons, John Claiborne, Richard Henry Claiborne and Leonard Claiborne. When Richard Henry was 20, he was to have money from plantation sale of place he lived near Winningham’s, it being north of the River; he gave slaves to his daughter Molly Warwick; to son Leonard the land he lived on that lay south of the Meherrin River; none of his sons was of age; Leonard was to be under management of Edward Dudley; John and Richard Henry were to be under care of Charles Hamlin, Sr., and William Warwick of North Carolina; Reverend James Craig was to educate Leonard if Dudley should die; also Charles Hamlin would manage his plantations and negroes in this case; Ann Dudley was given a negro girl; nephew Leonard Claiborne, son of Thomas Claiborne, deceased, was left money; he was at law with Philip Whitehead Claiborne about a sale of negroes Col. Phil Johnston claimed as his property; Dudley of Amelia Co. and Warwick of

N. C. his executors; Witnesses were Henry Pamplin, William Claiborne, Elizabeth Pamplin and John Salmon. [Lunenburg Co., WB 2, 1760-1778, p. 428.]

Property: Land

Brunswick County was created in 1720, and its lands were taken from parts of Prince George, Surry and Isle of Wight counties.

John Poythress (1681-1724), in his will, left son, Francis, the following land: “I give my son, Francis Poythress, land lying at and about the place called Brick Chimneys, binding upon my son, John Poythress, and my brother, Thomas Poythress, so round the Deep Bottom, taking in the whole tract or dividend of land…and…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 if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years…”

[January 10, 1735/6, Francis Poythress, was granted 400 acres, in Brunswick County, on the south side of the Nottaway River, adjoining Resis Jones.]

10 Jan 1735/36 Francis Poythress (400 acres, Brunswick County). 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 forty shillings of good and lawful Money for our the 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 Francis Poythress one certain tract or parcel of land containing four hundred acres lying and being in the County of Brunswick on the south side of Nottaway River and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at the mouth of a branch thence up the said branch as it meanders Resis Jones’s line thence along his line east twenty degrees north one hundred & fifty two poles to Jones’s corner shrub white oak thence along his line

south twenty nine degrees east one hundred and one poles to a small red oak thence east twenty degrees north one hundred & fifty two poles to a shrub white oak thence north twenty five degrees east one hundred and eighty two poles to Nottaway River and thence up 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 four hundred 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 Francis Poythress and to his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of him the said Francis 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 Francis 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 premisses 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 tenth day of January one thousand seven hundred & thirty five in the ninth year of our reign.

William Gooch. [PB16 p429-431]

Pertinent Information

In 1742, Bath parish was created from part of Bristol parish. Early churches of Bath parish were Sapony (1725-26) and Hatcher’s Run (1738-1740), both established in Bristol parish, and Butterwood (built before 1762). These served the area that became Dinwiddie County. Sapony Church was in the southern part of Bath, Hatcher’s Run in the north, and Butterwood in the west. Blanford (1734-1737), now in Petersburg, was a church of Bristol parish.

Richard Claiborne, son of Leonard Claiborne, Sr., md. Apr 1735, (1) Mary Hamlin dau. of Charles & Martha (Mallory) Hamlin; and (2) a dau. of Edward Dudley. [Adventurers of Purse & Person Virginia 1607-1624/5, 4^th Edition, by John Frederick Dorman (2004) p619-620]

Leonard Claiborne (1700-1785) died 8 May 1785 in his 84^th year [Virginia Gazette, Richmond, 27 May 1785]…He later moved to the portion of Pr. Geo. Co. which became Dinwiddie County. He married (1) Martha Burnell (1701- 1720) dau. of Francis Burnell, who died 3 Apr 1720, aged 19 years, 3mths., 2 days, and (2) Elizabeth Barber, dau. of William and Ann (Archer) Barber of York County. Children: (by 1) Burnell; (by 2) Leonard; Richard; Thomas; prob. Wm; prob. Barbar. [Adventurers of Purse & Person Virginia 1607-1624/5, 4^th Edition, by John Frederick Dorman (2004) p603]

Burnell Claiborne (1720-), of Dinwiddie Co., was granted a license to keep an ordinary in Amelia Co., 25 Mar 1751. He md. after Sep 1738, Hannah (Ravenscroft) Poythress, widow of Francis Poythress, who died after Mar 1777 when she was godmother of Thomas Augustine Claiborne. Children: (1) Martha, born 19 Feb 1744/5, died 9 Feb 1825 in Dinwiddie Co., md. Rev. Devereux Jarrett, born 6 Jan 1732/3 in New Kent Co., died 29 Jan 1801, minister of Bath parish from Aug 1763 until his death. (2) Thomas B., born 1 Feb 1746/7 at “Fox Castle” in Dinwiddie Co., died 1811 at Suffolk, captain of Brunswick Co. Militia, 1777…md. 19 Jan 1772, in Dinwiddie Co., (1) Mary Clayton, born 11 Nov 1755, died 4 Jun 1802 in Brunswick Co.; and (2) 18 Aug 1805, Ann (?) Driver, who died abt. 1819; (3) Sallie. [Ibid p619-620] That Burnell Claiborne md. Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress as her second husband is cited by Dorman as: 304 Prince George Co. Minute Bk. 1737-40, p. 178. That Hannah Claiborne was the godmother of Thomas Augustine Claiborne in Mar 1777 is cited by Dorman as: 305 Albemarle Parish Register.

—- 1 Jun 1741. Tract of 2,836 ac. patented to Fitzgerald, also part of tract conveyed to Leonard Claiborne on 11 Jul

1743. Witness: Samuel Jordan, Jr., Leonard Claiborne, Jr., Burnell Claiborne, Samuel Tarry, Wood Jones, James Munford. [Bk. 2 p. 370]

—-14 Jan 1745. John Fitzgerald, of Pr. Geo., to Leonard Claiborne, of Pr. Geo., 133 ac. on Numiseen Crk, part of tract of 2,836 ac. patented to Fitzgerald on 1 Jun 1741, also part of tract conveyed to Leonard Claiborne on 11 Jul 1743. Witness: Samuel Jordan, Jr., Leonard Claiborne, Jr., Burnell Claiborne, Samuel Tarry, Wood Jones, James Munford. [Bk2 p370]

—- March 1745 – Virginia Gazette: A piece of land about 200 acres lying 4 miles above Bolling’s Point, on Appomattax River, with a good Dwelling house, store house and all other convenient buildings…for Merchant or Plantation…is to be sold. Enquire of the subscriber living on premises. Burnell Claiborne.

—- 10 July 1745 – PG Co. land patent, Burnell Claiborne, 150 ac. in PG Co. both sides of White Oak Swamp and bounded by Capt. Francis Poythress, Fitzgeralds Mill path, Stewarts’ line. [LP #23 @LVA, p882-883]

—-10 July 1745. Pr. Geo. Co. land patent – Burnell Claiborne, 150 ac. in Pr. Geo. Co. both sides of White Oak Swamp and bounded by Capt. Francis Poythress, Fitzgeralds Mill path, Stewarts’ line. [Land Patents #23 @LVA p882-883]

[103 Francis Poythress, Gent. 22 Sep 1739 [PB 18 p420-421] 3,887 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of Butterwood Swamp upper side Cook’s br crossing br of White Oak sw side of Fitzgerald’s Mill Path crossing Westbrook’s Road head of Governor’s br adj Wm Eaton, 200a formerly gr. Fr. Poythress 28 Sep 1728, 387a gr. his father, Fr. Poythress, dec’d., 9 July 1724, the remainder never before granted]

[819 Burnell Claiborne 10 Jul 1745 [PB23 p882] 150a PGCo/both sides S side of White Oak sw]

[426 Ann Stewart 12 Jan 1746/7 [PB25 p339] 100a PGCo/S side of White Oak sw]

425 John Fitzgerrald of Pr Geo 22 Jun 1722 [PB11 p115] 182 ac. Pr. Geo./ S side of White Oak Swamp 721 John Fitzgerrald of Pr Geo 22 Jun 1722 [PB11 p216] [?400 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of White oak Swamp

129 Capt. Francis Poythris of PG Co 9 Jul 1724 [PB12 p68] 387 ac. PG Co/upper or W Side of Butterwood Sw 159 Laughlan Flyn of PG Co. 13 Oct 1727 [PB13 p278] 300 ac. PG Co./both sides of Leadbiters Creek

—- ffrancis Poythris, Jr. 28 Sep 1728 [PB13 p439] 200a PGCo/upper side Butterwood sw edge of Beaver Pond below mouth of Governor’s Quarter br adj his father’s upper corner

—- Francis Poythress, Jr. 1 Nov 1728 [ ] 2,000a PGCo/Butterwood sw adj his former land 198 Henry Allen 28 Jan 1733 [PB15 p138] 250 ac. PG Co/btwn Reedy run & Nedums Quarter

—- Francis Poythress 15 Dec 1736 [ ] 400a PGCo/N side Butterwood sw incl. land already held by him 242 Francis Poythress 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p366] 400 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Tommaheton Creek btwn Lawrence Richardson & Geo Wainwright on Beaverpond br [the 400a part of the 3,887a of same date]

246 Laurence Richardson 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p376] 400 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Tommohiton Swamp

103 Francis Poythress, Gent. 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p420-421] 3,887a PGCo/N side of Butterwood Swamp upper side Cook’s br crossing br of White Oak sw side of Fitzgerald’s Mill Path crossing Westbrook’s Road head of Governor’s br adj Wm Eaton, 200a formerly gr. Fr. Poythress 28 Sep 1728, 387a gr. his father, Francis Poythress, dec’d., 9 July 1724, the remainder never before granted

[819 Burnell Claiborne 10 Jul 1745 [PB23 p882] 150a PGCo/both sides the S side of White Oak swamp]

—-16 Aug 1756 Abraham Cock, Lunenburg County, w/ 40 shillings, 400a S. Side of Nottaway River Brunswick County pt A) at Poythress’ lower corner on the river, along his line, etc. [PB33 p128]

—- 28 March 1757. John Hickey, county of Halifax, merchant, against Samuel Girdon, surviving partner of James Boyd, in the town of Blandford in the county of Prince George, merchant, suit to recover losses by Boyd. Witnesses: James Fowles, L. Claiborne, Jr., Will Eppes, Francis Poythress.

—- 6 Jan 1763. Leonard Claiborne, Jr. of Dinwiddie Co. to Leonard Claiborne, Sr., of same, for 5 shil 649 ac. on Stony Creek, bounded by Green, Caudle, Mason, Garrott; also 34 ac. adj. thereto and bounded by a patent dated 25 March 1762. Witness: Thomas Claiborne, Burnell Claiborne, Martha Claiborne, Gray Briggs, Robert Munford, Charles Hamlin, Richard Claiborne.

—- [427 Leonard Claiborne Jr. 7 Jul 1763 [PB35 p296] 225a Dinwiddie/S side of White Oak swamp]

July 7, 1763, Leonard Claiborne, Jr., 225 acres, in Dinwiddie County, on the south side of the White Oak swamp, adjoining Hugh Reece now Joseph Noble, Stewart, Poythress, Taylor, Reece and Williams.

[103 Francis Poythress, Gent. 22 Sep 1739 [PB 18 p420-421] 3,887 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of Butterwood Swamp upper side Cook’s br crossing br of White Oak sw side of Fitzgerald’s Mill Path crossing Westbrook’s Road

head of Governor’s br adj Wm Eaton, 200a formerly gr. Fr. Poythress 28 Sep 1728, 387a gr. his father, Fr. Poythress, dec’d., 9 July 1724, the remainder never before granted]

[428 Richard Taylor, Gent. 1 Dec 1740 [PB19 p868] 261a PGCo/lower side of Cookes br adj Hugh Reeces] [416 Hugh Reece 30 Aug 1743 [PB21 p481] 323a PGCo/lower side of Cooks br]

[419 Mary Hawkins & Francis Wyatt 20 Aug 1747 [PB28 p208] 100a PGCo/lower side of Cooks br of Butterwood] [843 Richard Taylor 10 Sep 1755 [PB 31 p713] 400a Dinwiddie/Cook’s br of Butterwood sw]

[427 Leonard Claiborne Jr 7 Jul 1763 [PB35 p296] 225a Dinwiddie/S side of White Oak sw]

—- [2 Feb 1764 – Leonard Claiborne, of Dinwiddie Co., to Richard Claiborne & William Claiborne, deed of memorandum (trust) secured by Claiborne 92s, 615 + 20 + 34 acres. Lunenburg Co., branches of Stony Creek, by patent of Leonard Claiborne, Jr. and by him conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr., adj. Green, Caudle, new lines, Mason, Jarrett, Gee; also 34 ac. adj. above land by patent Leo. Claiborne, Jr. & conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr.. Wit: Charles Hamlin, Barber Claiborne, Thomas Poythress, Peter Corbin, Geo. Lewis. Recorded 13 Sept. 1764. (Dinwiddie Ct Docs. fm. Wm & Mary Quarterly)] 2 Feb. 1764. From Leonard Claiborne of Dinwiddie County, to Richard Claiborne, for 22 pounds and 10 shillings, 1) a tract of land of 615 acres in Lunenburg County on the branches of Stony Creek which land was patented to Leonard Claiborne, Jr. & by him conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr. by Lunenburg deed. The tract is bounded by Green, Caudle, Mason, Jarrett, Gee, and 2) 35 acres adjoining the above land granted to Leonard Claiborne, Jr. & by him conveyed to Leonard Claiborne, Sr. as by Lunenburg records will appear. Signed Leonard Claiborne. Witnesses: Charles Hamlin, Barbar Claiborne, George Lewis, Thomas Poythress, Peter Corbin. Recorded 13 September, 1764. [Lunenburg Co. DB8, 1761-1764, p288]

May 10, 1768, in Dinwiddie County, Leonard Claiborne, 3,074 acres on the north side of Nammusseen Creek, in Dinwiddie and Amelia Counties, adjoining Robert Bolling, —— Reese,————————————————————————– Hamlin, formerly granted to John

Fitzgerald, the Elder, by patent, no date, for 2,836 acres.

(From Norma Jean): Leonard Claiborne received grants for land in Georgia as did many earlier Poythress family members prior to 1803 via a headright system, which entitled each head of a family to 200 acres and 50 acres for each additional member of his family up to 1,000 acres. The land had to be surveyed and certified and a grant had to be issued and registered by a certain time frame. Records show that he was there in March, 1769, and was granted land in St. Paul’s parish in September, 1769, for 850 acres (meaning 200 for him and 13 family members). By 1769, he had completed the grant procedure. Obtaining land in Georgia was changed to a lottery system after 1803.

Georgia had operated a bit differently from Virginia’s early land acquisitions. Those 13 family members may have included relatives living with Leonard. Besides his wife, and perhaps a child or two, there seems to be no evidence that he had enough children to account for that number. Regarding Georgia County locations, Georgia began in the Savannah area much like Virginia began in Jamestown. We gradually conquered and obtained lands and moved west and north. Eight parishes were formed in 1735, that included St. Paul’s’ between what is now Savannah and Augusta. By 1765, four more parishes were formed and eventually counties such as Greene, in 1786, from Washington County, was formed in 1784 from ceded land from the Creek Indians. These “counties” were all close enough for these people to travel and settle and still be related. Poythress families arriving in Georgia could have come from Virginia with Leonard and his Poythress wife, who appears to have been the daughter of Francis Poythress (deceased 1738) and Hannah Ravenscroft.

Leonard Claiborne (Jr.) Died before July 1775.. Moved to Georgia where he took the oaths as an attorney, 18 Dec

1766. He married a Poythress dau. of Francis and Hannah (Ravenscroft) Poythress. Children: Elizabeth, md. 1769 at Augusta, Ga. (1) John Walton who left Will dated 11 Jun 1778 & died before 1 Aug 1783; and (2) David Douglas, merchant of Augusta, Chatham & Burke counties & died by 1791. [Adventurers of Purse & Person Virginia 1607- 1624/5, 4^th Edition, by John Frederick Dorman (2004) p619-620]

Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress Claiborne died about 1777.

After Francis Poythress’ Death

In March, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass in the case brought by Francis Poythress against Charles Featherstone, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed.

In March, 1738, in Prince George County, in the petition of Joshua Poythress and Francis Poythress against Hannah Poythress, executrix of Francis Poythress, deceased, the case was continued to the next court.

In May, 1738, in Prince George County, in the petition of Joshua Poythress and Francis Poythress against Hannah Poythress, executrix of the estate of Francis Poythress, the petitioners failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed.

September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, Hannah Poythress being summoned as evidence for Peter Wynne in the action of trespass brought against him by Robert Moody and making oath that she had attended four days on her motion it was ordered that the said Robert Moody pay her for the same one hundred pounds of tobacco.

September 13, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by Theophilus Field, Gentleman, against Hannah Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed.

January 27, 1739, in the Brunswick County court, Francis Poythress, to answer to a Bill of Complaint brought by John Allen.

May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit for debt by Elizabeth Ravenscroft, assignee of John Ravenscroft, the executor of Thomas Ravenscroft, deceased, versus Edmond Irby, Peter Robins and Francis Poythress. Court found for the plaintiff.

August 14, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by Elizabeth Ravenscroft assignee of John Ravenscroft, executor of the last Will and testament of Thomas Ravenscroft, deceased, against Edmund Irby, Peter Robins and Francis Poythress for £30 current money due by Bond the defendants being called and failing to appear and the plaintiff making oath to her Bond which is for £28, 14 shillings, and bears date November 11, 1736, on the motion of her attorney and pursuant to the conditional order of the last court’s judgements was granted and confirmed to her the said plaintiff against the said defendants and William Eppes, late of this county, for the aforesaid sum of

£28, 14 shillings current money the principal sum mentioned in the said Bond and the interest due thereon from November 11, 1736, to the day of payment with the cost of suit and an attorney’s fee Als: Exeo.

December 11, 1739, in Prince George County, Ravenscroft assignee of John Ravenscroft, deceased, on judgement obtained against Edmund Irby, Peter Robins, Francis Poythress, and William Eppes; Thomas Eldridge, Jr., one of the under-Sheriffs of this county, made the above return which was recorded. (The above was likely the estate of Thomas Ravenscroft).

September 16, 1740, Robert Ravenscroft to Burwell, 1,000 acres, in Brunswick County, on the south side of Finney- Wood, adjoining John Ravenscroft, on Possum Camp branch.

[16 Sep 1740 to Robert Ravenscroft (to Burwell) con œ5 – re 1000a BRCo. on the S side of Finney-Wood (loc

-56323 -21585 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at John Ravenscroft’s Cnr. (Spo ln S21E; 450P; John Ravenscroft pt B) poplar on Possom Camp br. (ln E; 400P; from Possom Camp br. pt C) Scaley bark Hicc. (ln N; 400P; pt D) Finney Wood Cr. (lm;) up Finney Wood Cr.] [PB19 p802-803]

In William Byrd’s diary, on July 26, 1741, Byrd noted that the weather was warm and cloudy and that the wind was from the north. Byrd did not go to church but put his things in order and wrote several letters. After church, John Stith and his wife came by and dined. After dinner, John Ravenscroft came by, as did Mr. Miller and his wife and Mrs. Poythress.

In Charles City, July 1741, there was a suit by Robert Poythress and Robert and Thomas Poythress, executors of Joshua Poythress versus Benjamin Harrison. Joshua Poythress had been quite wealthy, for his administrators gave bond at £5,000 current money when his Will was presented in court.

May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of Hannah Poythress and John Ravenscroft, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, against John Smith for £13/9/11 the summon not being returned on the motion of the petitioners by Clement Read their attorney a new summon was awarded them against the said defendant returnable to the next court.

August 6, 1741, in Brunswick County, the case was discontinued, being agreed by the parties upon the petition of Hannah Poythress and John Ravenscroft, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, against John Smith for

£13/9/11 said to be due upon an account. Case was dismissed for want of prosecution.

December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, John Allen, Gentleman, assignee of John Ravenscroft and Hannah Poythress, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, plaintiff, against William Battersby, defendant, in debt, was discontinued for want of prosecution.

Neighbors: brother John Poythress, uncle Thomas Poythress, John Young, Dorell Young, John Winningham

Dinwiddie Co. Butterwood Swamp/White Oak Swamp/Nummisseen Creek

717 Thos. Epes & Wm. Epes both 24 Mar 1725/6 [PB12 p413] 385 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Butterwood swamp 406 Charles Poythress 20 Aug 1745 [PB 22 p420] 300a/lower side of Oldfield Branch of Butterwood swamp

405 Abner Grigg 28 Aug 1746 [PB24 p359] 300 ac./lower side of Oldfield Branch of Butterwood swamp 843 Richard Taylor 10 Sep 1755 [PB31 p713] 400 ac. Dinwiddie/Cook’s br. of Butterwood swamp

253 William Featherstone 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p380] 200 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Bear swamp

258 William Featherstone 12 Mar 1739/40 [PB19 p580] 321 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of White Oak Swamp adj 466 Abner Grigg 12 Jan 1746/7 [PB25 p346] 200 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of White Oak Swamp adj Cap [William Featherstone and Abner Grigg were brothers-in-law.]

293 William Featherstone Jr. 25 Jul 1746 [PB24 p345] 100 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of George’s br. of Nammiseen 463 James Overby 12 Jan 1746/47 [PB25 p320] 300 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of George’s br. of Nammiseen Creek 471 James Overby 15 Dec 1749 [PB27 p512] 36 ac. Pr. Geo./in the Fork of George’s br. of Nammiseen Creek

82 Thomas Ravenscroft, William Ham 18 Apr 1722 [PB11 p83] 2,593a PGCo/lower side of Nummisseen Creek

83 Thomas Ravenscraft of Jas. Cit. 2 Nov 1726 [PB13 p12] 2,418a PGCo/lower side of Nummisseen Creek

20 John Evans [to Ravenscroft] 20 Apr 1690 [PB 8 p75] 818a Chas. Cty./ Bristol Par adj 557a of other land gra

Brunswick Co.

—- Thomas Ravenscroft, Gent. 27 Sep 1734 [PB15 p300] 2,000a NL BrunsCo/S side Maherin R. adj Wm Robertson, John Hixe —- Abraham Cock 16 Aug 1756 [PB33 p128] 400a BrunsCo/S. side Nottaway R adj Poythress, on