John Worsham’s grandson, Francis Poythress (c. 1720-), was named in John Worsham’s 1729 Will. Francis’ father, Francis Poythress (1677-1752), married one of John Worsham’s daughters. John Worsham did not name Francis’ mother in his will. Her son was born between 1709 and 1729. [Her name may have been Hannah Worsham.]

Sister, Martha Poythress Robertson

John Robertson (c. 1715-c. 1765) Amelia Co., md. (1) Martha Poythress, 12/9/1739; md. (2) Mary Poindexter, 12/7/1752; and, md. (3) Sarah Blakely, 10/15/1760. John Robertson witnessed a deed with his father in 1736 and with his brother in 1750. It was possibly this John Robertson who secured a patent to 400 acres in Henrico County 5 June 1746.

Mother, [Hannah] Worsham

John Hamlin (1640-1720) Pr. Geo. Co. m. Elizabeth Taylor (1660-1720). In-laws: Ann Goodrich; Thomas Cocke; John Cargill; Ann Harnison; Thomas Ravenscroft; William Worsham.

Will: In Prince George County, the Will of John Hamlin, in Prince George County, dated November 11, 1724, proved May 11, 1725.

I give my son, John Hamlin, after his mother’s decease, or marriage, the plantation I now live on, 500 acres, to him and his heirs for ever; also three slaves, Indian Peter, Matt and Grace, a feather bed and furniture, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, a middling iron pot, a frying pan, six leather or rush chairs, my wearing apparel, my horse warrick, saddle and trooping arms, and the mare he now claims, also I give my son, John, and to his heirs, my plantation on the Three Creeks in Isle of Wight County, 170 acres, with six cows and six sows.

I give my son, Peter Hamlin, and his heirs, my plantation, called the Hawksnest, 300 acres, also my negro woman, Amy, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, and a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four sows, and a mare that he now claims.

I give my son, Charles Hamlin, and his heirs, the plantation at Merchant’s Hope Chapel, 200 acres, 100 formerly held by Robert Abernathy, and the other 100 to be laid off to him by his brother, John, out of my land next thereto adjoining, also my negro woman, Aggy, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows, four sows and a mare that he now claims.

I give my two sons, Hubbord and William Hamlin, and their heirs, all my land at the Fork of Nummisseen Creek, to be equally divided between my said two sons, but if either of them chance to depart this life before he attain the age of 21 years, the survivor is to have the whole tract, to him and his heirs forever, I also give my son, Hubbord, and to his heirs, my negro boy, Jack, a young horse or mare, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows and four sows.

I give my son, William Hamlin, and to his heirs, my negro boy, named Jamy, a young horse or mare, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows, and four sows.

I give my daughter, Ann, my two negro children, Robin and Rachell, to her and her heirs, but if my daughter, Ann, chance to depart this life before she attains to the age of 21 years, or marriage, then I give the aforesaid negro, Rachell, to my daughter, Mary, and to her heirs.

I direct that (as soon as conveniently may be) £100 current money, be laid out and disposed by my executrix, and therewith bought two or more negro boys, and two or more negro girls, out of which, I give to sons, Peter and Charles, each a boy, and to my sons, Hubbord and William, each a girl, to be severally held by my said sons, and their heirs.

I give my daughter, Mary Irby, the wife of John Irby, and to her heirs, the negro girl or woman, now in her possession, which she chose in lieu of the two negro children I first designed to give her.

After my debts and funeral expenses are paid and discharged, all the rest and residue of my negroes, goods and chattels, I give to my loving wife during her natural life or widowhood, and, if she does not marry again, at her death it is my Will and desire that the same be equally divided between my five sons, John, Peter, Charles, Hubbord and William, or the survivors of them, but if my wife shall marry again, then I give to my said wife a child’s part of my estate, and she to surrender up the residue of my estate, except my daughter, Ann’s part, to my brothers, Thomas Ravenscroft and William Hamlin, who I appoint trustees until my son, John, shall be of age. Also, if any of my children should happen to die before they attain to the age of 21 years, or marriage, I direct that the negroes, except the girl, Rachell, goods and chattels herein before given them that shall so die, shall be equally divided between the survivors. Also, if any of my negroes herein before given to my children, that is to say, to John, Peter, Charles,

Hubbord, William and Ann, shall happen to die or be taken in execution for the discharge of any debt or claim against my estate, then it is my desire that the same be made good to such child or children out of that part of my estate left in the possession of my wife.

I appoint my loving wife, Ann Hamlin, to be executrix of this my last Will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other Wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal, November 11, 1724. The witnesses were Peter Wynne, Frances Wynne and H. Poythress. At a court held at Merchant’s Hope, for Prince George County, on the second Tuesday, May 11, 1725. The above written last Will and testament of John Hamlin, deceased, was exhibited into court by Ann Hamlin, his executrix, who made oath thereto and it being proved by the oaths of Peter Wynne and Frances Wynne, two of the witnesses thereto, by order of the court is truly recorded. And on the motion of the said Ann Hamlin, and her giving Security according to law, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. [Peter Wynne (1690-1738) and Frances Wynne were witnesses. Peter Wynne was the son of

Joshua and Mary Wynne. (Hannah) Worsham Poythress (c. 1688-aft. 1765), wife of Francis Poythress (c. 1677-c. 1754), was a witness. She was the daughter of John Worsham and Phoebe Burton. [Children aged 14 or more could legally witness a deed, will, or contract. For a variety of practical reasons the parties to such acts might prefer to use adults (or at least older children) as witnesses. However, at one time it was common in England to select as a witness a young child who could be counted upon to outlive the parties to the transaction. From “18th Century Virginia Law” written by John P. Alcock. According to the law, at that time, H. Poythress, who could have been Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress, could have been a witness to this will. Her father was Thomas Ravenscroft and she was at the time the will was written about 17 years old. If this was Hannah Ravenscroft, she was married to Francis Poythress, son of John Poythress, Jr., and they were married by November of 1724. This would have been 5 years before their daughter, Elizabeth was born. However, it could have been Francis Poythress’ (1677-1752) wife, (Hannah) Worsham. John Worsham did not name his daughter, the mother of John Worsham’s grandson, Francis Poythress. I had believed that (Hannah) Worsham had died prior to John Worsham’s death but it may be that John Worsham did not mention her as he provided for her son, Francis Poythress. I believe that (Hannah) Worsham Poythress was still living in the 1760s and was mentioned in land deeds and in the 1765 deed of Francis Poythress and John Walke.]

Inheritance

In Henrico County, the Will of John Worsham, dated June 9, 1729, proved October 1, 1729.

To son John, plantation I live on, except a small parcel on head of my son, William Worsham’s plantation, he bought of John Ealam.

To son, William, all the rest of said plantation.

If above sons have no heirs, then all to Daniel Worsham’s eldest daughter, my granddaughter.

To my son, Daniel’s widow, Judith, to live on my plantation at Coldwater Run. [Daniel was the eldest son]. To son, John, silver tobacco box, seal gold ring, etc.

To son, William, items.

To daughters, Elizabeth Marshall, Frances Rowlett, Mary Robertson, Martha Ward and Ann Osborn, each, 10 shillings.

To grandson, Francis Poythress, a negro, etc. when 21.

To grandson, Isham Epes.

To granddaughter, Obediance Worsham, a gold ring.

To son, Daniel’s daughters’ Phoebe, Martha and Elizabeth, a negro man and various items to them and their mother, Judith, the widow of Daniel.

Rest to sons, John and William, and they to be executors. The witnesses were Joseph Royall, James Thompson and Henry Royall. [John Worsham mentioned grandson, Francis Poythress. Worsham did not mention Francis’ mother. His grandson, Francis Poythress’ birth year was 1709 or later.]

Pertinent information

Will: John Robertson (I) named his widow and some of his children and grandchildren in his will. He skipped over his eldest son, John (II), and made his son, George, his executor.

Last Will and Testament of John Robertson, Chesterfield Co., Virginia, Will Book 1, p. 444, dated 1765.

In the name of God, Amen. I, John Robertson of the County of Chesterfield being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.

Imprimus, I give and bequest unto my son John Robertson five shillings to be paid him by my executors hereafter mentioned.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Francis Robertson the land I hold in this tract whereon I now live, beginning where the line crosses John Norris’s spring branch then down that branch with the meanders to the river containing by estimation seven hundred acres to him the said Francis Robertson and to his heirs forever and the remainder or overplus of this tract of land to be sold provided my debts cannot be discharged without and if my debts can be discharged without such sale than give and bequest unto my daughter Martha Robertson the said remainder or overplus of this said tract of land during her natural life and after her decease then to my son Francis Robertson to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Robertson and to his heir forever six hundred acres of land being the upper end of my tract of land in the County of Amelia, five hundred and ninety nine acres of which being in a separate patent.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son George Robertson and to his heirs forever six hundred acres of land in the County of Amelia aforesaid adjoining four hundred acres I hold on the mouth of Flatt Creek (on which John Bullington formerly lived thereon). My will and desire is that if the remaining four hundred acres could be laid off so as to be no prejudice to my son George Robertson’s tract of land my will and desire is that it may be laid off at the mouth of Flatt Creek, the said four hundred acres of land to be laid off in two lotts two hundred in each lott to the best advantage one lot of which four hundred acres I give and bequeath to my grandson John Robertson, son of John and the other lott of two hundred acres I lend unto my daughter Mary Walke during her natural life and after her decease I give and bequeath unto my grandson John Walke the other said lott of two hundred acres of land provided and upon condition if my said grandson John Robertson, John Walke or their father’s should by any ways or means attempt to convey by lease, rent, or deed of sale a property in the said land and promises that then or upon immediate notice thereof it is my will and desire that my executors in behalf of my son William and George Robertson take possession of the same to be equally divided between their heirs and assigns forever.

Item. I give unto my daughter Mary Walke a negro boy named Glouster, a negro wench named Sarah and her child and increases to her own proper use as she may direct during her natural life and after her decease to my grandson John Walke the said negros with their increases to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Robertson three negros named (illegible), a boy named Frank and a girl named Margaret and her increase to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Robertson three negros, young Abram, Duncan, and Sarah and her increase to him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Robertson five negros, Miles, young Sam, Daniel, Grace and Nanny and their increase to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Francis Robertson five negros, Jack, Ned, old Sam, old Abram and Betty with her increases to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ann Robertson five negros, Cesar, Ralph, Jenny, Clitty and young Hannah and their increases to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Martha Robertson five negros, Jimmy, Harry, Lucy, Fanny, and Sue and their increase to her and her heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah Robertson if it be her choice in lieu of her dower six negros to her and her heirs forever and to be her choice out of nine names, Aggy, Rachel, Latt, Doll, Hannah, daughter of Latt, Amey, Phill, young Will and great Will. The other three I lend unto my beloved wife Sarah during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or marriage to be equally divided between my three sons, Francis, William and George Robertson.

Item. My will and desire is that all of my household furniture should be kept together until my son Francis Robertson shall come to the age of twenty one and then to be equally divided by my executors between my wife Sarah Robertson and my children Francis, William, George, Elizabeth, Frances, Ann, and Martha Robertson.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my three sons all of my stock of cattle, horses, four blooded horses, one for each of my daughters.

Item. It is my will and desire that my old negro wench Grace should continue in the family as a cook and I do nominate and appoint my friend John Botte, John Hardin and my son Francis Robertson, when he shall come to the age of twenty one, my executors of this my last will and Testament.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son William Robertson to him and his heirs forever my two lotts of land in the town of Pocahontas in the County of Chesterfield. In Witness I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this

nineteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty five. Entertained on the other side Sarah’s increase to my daughter Mary Walke. Sealed and Signed. John Robertson. Signed, Sealed, delivered in the presence of: Clai. Anderson, Thomas Johnson, John (x) Norris, James Blaikley, John Jones. [John Robertson died in Chesterfield County 21 October 1765 [19 Oct 1765/6 Jun 1766] naming wife, Sarah —. He left a 400-acre tract of land in Amelia County to be shared between his grandsons John Robertson and John Walke, though he allowed his daughter, Mary, to benefit from her son’s land until her death.]

Inheritance and Death of His Father

June 13, 1752, Burnell Claiborne entered a caveat against Edmund Poythress concerning a grant of 400 acres on the Nottoway River, in Lunenburg County, on which the Virginia Council found that a patent should be issued to Francis Poythress (c. 1720-aft. 1765), son and heir of Francis Poythress (1677-1752.

September 10, 1754, in Prince George County, the accounts of the estate of Arthur Biggins, Jr., deceased. The debits mention, among others, Joseph Carter, Thomas Weeks, Elizabeth Tilman, Ann Pace, Arthur Biggins, Sr., Francis Poythress, deceased. Lawrence Biggins, Richard Biggins for five years nursing and boarding of Thomas Biggins, an infant. The credits mention William Wilkins. Signed by administrators, John Woodlief and John Watts.

June 19, 1760, Matthew Ornsby, of Amelia County, to William Glascock, of Dinwiddie County, 400 acres, in Amelia County, on both sides of 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. [Edmund Poythress (1718-1781) was the son of David Poythress (1685-1739).]

[March 18, 1761, to Robert Hutchings, 16 acres, in Dinwiddie County, adjoining Hanna Poythress, John Grant, Abner Grigg and Richard Taylor.] [Abner Grigg (c. 1712-1787). Abner Grigg’s sister, Susanna, md. a William Featherstone.] [Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress married Burnell Claiborne after her husband, Francis Poythress’ death in March, 1737/8. The Hannah Poythress recorded in land deals in 1763 and 1765 is another Francis Poythress’ (1677-c. 1752) wife. It is apparent that the land she lived on was her husband’s land.]

March 18^th 1761. Survey’d. for Robert Hutchings of the County of Dinwiddie 16 acres of land lying in the said County adjoining sundry old lines and bounded as follows viz. Beginning at Hanna Poythress’s corner poplar on John Grant’s line at A and running on Poythress’s line from A to B East 23° South 38 poles to Abner Grigs corner Then on his lines, B to C North 9° East 28 poles to his corner white oak, C to D East 6° South 48 poles to Richard Taylors corner on the said Griggs line, Then on Taylor, D to E North 21° West 54 poles to a small branch at John Grants corner, E to A down the said Branch as it meanders to the Beginning. Wm. Watkins, Surveyor.

[September 25, 1762, to Robert Hutchings, 16 acres, in Dinwiddie County, adjoining Hannah Poythress, John Grant, Abner Grigg and Richard Taylor.]

25 Sep1762 to Robert Hutchings con 5Sh re 16a DNCO (loc -44325 -65295 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at Hannah Poythress corner poplar on John Grants line and running on Poythress’s line (E23S 38P to ln e23s; 38p; Hannah Poythress pt B) Abner Gribbs [Abner Grigg] corner thence on his Line (N9E 28P to ln n9e; 28p; Abner Gribb/Grigg pt C) his Corner white Oak then (E6S 48P to ln e6s; 48p; pt D) Richard Taylor’s corner on the sd Gribbs Line then on Taylor (N21W 54P to ln n21w; 54p; Richard Taylor pt E) a small branch of John Grants line then down the branch as it meanders to the Beginning (lm;) down a branch from John Grants line. [VPB 35, p. 21]

[428 Richard Taylor, Gent. 1 Dec 1740 [PB19 p868] 261a PG Co/lower side of Cookes br. adj Hugh Reeces] [271 Richard Taylor, Gentleman 1 Dec 1740 [PB19 p890] 225a PG Co/on the heads of the second sw. on the lo] [414 Farquahard Grant 15 Mar 1744/5 [PB23 p825] 400 ac./upper side old field br. of Butterwood sw. adj Fra] [466 Abner Grigg 12 Jan 1746/7 [PB25 p346] 200 ac. PG Co/S side of White Oak Swamp adj Cap]

[843 Richard Taylor 10 Sep 1755 [PB31 p713] 400 ac. Dinwiddie/on Cook’s br. of Butterwood sw]

[407 Robert Hutchings 25 Sep 1762 [PB35 p21] 16a Dinwiddie/adj. Hanna Poythress, John Grant, Abner Grigg]

[March 18, 1761, in Dinwiddie County, John Hardy, 96¾ acres, adjoining Hanna Poythress, John Grant, William Featherstone, William Eppes, James Merrymoon and Zachary Overby.]

March 18, 1761. Survey’d. for John Hardy of the County of Dinwiddie 96¾ acres of land lying in the said County adjoining sundry old lines and bounded as follows, viz; Beginning at Hanna Poythress’s corner white oak on John Grant’s line at A and running on her line from A to B South 10° West 65 poles to William Featherstone’s corner pine then on his line B to C North 39° West 211 poles to his corner Lightwood Nott C to D West 9° South 30 poles to a corner pine D to E South 63° West 29 poles to a corner red oak saplin E to F North 7° West 164 poles crossing Cocks Road to William Eppes’s corner white oak on James Merrymoon’s line, then on his line F to G East 4° North 50 poles to Zachy. Overby’s corner, then on Overby’s line G to H South 23° East 230 poles crossing Cocks Road to John Grant’s corner white oak, H to A South 65° East 86 poles along Grant’s line to the Beginning. Wm. Watkins, Surveyor.

[255 William Featherston 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p489] 400 ac. PG Co/lower side of Nammisseen Creek Ad]

[ 94 John Eppes 19 Jun 1740 [PB19 p641] 1,167 ac. PG Co/ in the Forks of George’s Branch of Nammisseen] [354 Francis Merrimoon 20 Mar 1745 [PB24 p197] 400 ac. PG Co/lower side Nammiseen Creek]

[293 William Featherstone Jr. 25 Jul 1746 [PB24 p345] 100 ac PG Co./both sides Georges Branch of Nammiseen] [463 James Overby 12 Jan 1746/7 [PB25 p320] 300 ac. PG Co/lower side of Georges Branch of Namiseen]

[467 William Eppes 12 Jan 1746/7 [PB25 p362] 400 ac. PG Co./both sides the Road on lower side] [471 James Overby 15 Dec 1749 [PB27 p512] 36a PG Co/in the Fork of George’s Branch of Namiseen] [727 John Hardy 7 Jul 1763 [PB35 p304] 96 ac. Dinwiddie/both sides of Cocks Road]

In 1762, in Chesterfield County, Francis Poythress, was listed in the tithables.

Batte wrote that Francis and Hannah Poythress were parents of Francis Poythress in the following deed. Batte wrote: Deed 23 July 1765 from Francis Poythress of Prince George Co. to Thomas Walke: “slaves now in possession of Hannah Poythress, Mary Poythress and Peter Woodlief, which said slaves were devised by my grandfather to be (after death of his relict) equally divided among his children. Recorded 6 Sept. 1765. [Chesterfield DB5 p424] [Chesterfield Co. was formed in 1749 from parts of Henrico Co. (This Hannah Poythress was Francis Poythress’ (1677-1752) wife. Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress was Hannah Ravenscroft Poythress Claiborne long before 1765.]

[July 23, 1765, in Chesterfield County, Francis Poythress, of Prince George County, sold to Thomas Walke, all my right in slaves now in possession of Hannah Poythress, Mary Poythress and Peter Woodlief, which were devised by my grandfather, after the death of his wife, to be divided among his children. Poythress acquits all of his right to said Walke. The witnesses were Peter Warren, Nicholas Sims, Robert Poole and Henry Warren.] Francis Poythress of Prince George Co., for £15, sells to Thomas Walke, all my right in slaves now in possession of Hannah Poythress, Mary Poythress & Peter Woodlief, which were devised by my grandfather (after the death of his wife) to be divided among his children. Poythress acquits all of his right to said Walke. 23 July 1765. Francis Poythress. Wit: Peter Warren, Nicholas Sims, Robert Poole, Henry Warren Rec. 6 Sept 1765. [Chesterfield Co. DB5, 1764-1765, p424] [Compiled & Publ. by Benj. B. Weisiger III, 1990. Reprinted & Republished by Iberian Publ. Company, 1995, p46] [Thomas Walke married Mary Robertson (1744-), dau. of John Robertson (1715-1765) & Martha Poythress (1720- 1739). John Robertson’s grandfather was John Worsham. John Worsham left an inheritance for his grandson, Francis Poythress. Martha Poythress was the daughter of Francis Poythress who married a daughter of John Worsham. John Robertson and his wife, Martha Poythress, were first cousins. John Worsham’s grandson, Francis Poythress, was uncle of Mary Robertson, the wife of Thomas Walke.]

October 20, 1775, in the Virginia Gazette, “to be sold on Monday, 6 November, if fair, otherwise next fair day at the plantation of Mr. John Walton, near Augusta town, in Georgia, several slaves being residue of all those formerly in possession of Mr. Leonard Claiborne which were of the estate of Francis Poythress, deceased, and condemned to the plaintiffs in a suit in chancery October 15, 1764. Six months credit will be allowed the purchasers giving bond with approved security. William Glascock.” [Leonard Claiborne’s wife, Elizabeth, was the the daughter of Francis Poythress (deceased 1738) and Hannah Ravenscroft. Leonard & Elizabeth (Poythress) Claiborne were the parents of Elizabeth Claiborne. Elizabeth Claiborne, the daughter, married John Walton.]

“to be sold…at the plantation of Mr. John Walton…several slaves being residue of all those formerly in possession of Mr. Leonard Claiborne which were of the estate of Francis Poythress, deceased.” Wm. Glascock, Augusta town, GA, 1775 [Leonard Claiborne was the son of Leonard Claiborne & Elizabeth Poythress, dau. of Francis Poythress & Hannah Ravenscroft…The Francis Poythress, deceased, was the son of Francis Poythress (1677-1752).]

Court Cases (Dinwiddie County)

In 1752, Dinwiddie County’s present boundaries were established except the City of Petersburg. Dinwiddie County was cut off from Prince George’s remaining southwestern end. County court records prior to 1833 were destroyed in

1865. One plat book, one order book, and one judgement book have survived.

Francis Poythress  Prince Geo. Co.

February, 1763 Plea ads Richardson 10                                                                                       1 0

Plea ads Bland & Co 10                                                                                                          1 0

Plea ads Black 10                                                                                                                  1 0

March, 1763 Subpoena in Chan vs F. Poythress Jr. 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Continuance 15 June

Continuance 15 August Continuance 15                                                                  6 5

May, 1763 recording Fitz’s Deed to you                                                                                    1 00

June, 1763 Copy Jones answer ads you 25                                                                                   2 5

Subpoena in Chan vs Dance 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Continuance 15 August

Continuance 15 October Continuance 15                                                                 6 5

August, 1763 Attorney vs you on Hutching’s Order for Attendance                                                   1 0

Order to set Cause for hearing vs Jones 15 file Depons 5 Copy 4 Depons 10 each November

Continuance 15                                                                                                   75

October, 1763 Continuance vs F. Poythress 15                                                                             1 5

3 85

Francis Poythress & John Evans Prince George Co.

May, 1763 recording Jones & Wife’s Deed to you                                                                       1 00

[Francis Poythress, Prince George County, March, 1763, subpoena in Chancellory versus F. Poythress, Jr., docketing, attorney, continuance. May, 1763, judgement versus F. Poythress’ executors.]

Adjoining Property

— August 12, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, 120 acres, on the waters of the south fork of Ogeechee, adjoining

Francis Poythress.

— In August, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, 200 acres, on the waters of the South Ogeechee, adjoining

Poythress, Rogers, etc.

— March 10, 1789, in Greene County, Georgia, 250 acres, on the South Fork of Ogeechee River, bounded by

Francis Poythress, etc.

— December 4, 1800, in Greene County, Georgia, 200 acres, adjoining Poythress.

Civic activities

Dorothy, Mary, Hannah, & Frederick Ashfield – Folio 129 – May 22, 1787 of Greene Co., To John Johnson, 350 acres in Richmond Co., being the land whereon Henry, dec’d. formerly lived, granted to him July 3, 1770 and now in the occupation of Benj. Oliver. Test: Thos. Credille, Michl. Rogers, Francis Poythress. [Historical Collections of the GA Chapters DAR, Richmond, Co., GA, p286]

October 4, 1787, in Greene County, Georgia, inventory and appraisement of the estate of Dorothy Ashield, deceased, given in by Francis Poythress, sworn appraisal.

April 17, 1788, in Greene County, Georgia, an account of the sale of the estate of Stephen Parker, late of Greene County, deceased, made by Captain James Alford, administrator, May 3, 1788. Persons sold to included Francis Poythress.

Property: Personal Property

Chesterfield Co. is located just south of Richmond. Its borders are James River to the north and Appomattox River to the south. It was formed in 1749 from parts of Henrico County.

In 1762, in Chesterfield County, Francis Poythress, was listed in the tithables.

In 1785, in Wilkes County, Georgia, Francis Poythress, was taxed for 100 acres in Washington County, Georgia. He lived west of the Ogeechee River, south of South Fork, east of the “temporary line” considered by surveyors and residents of both Washington and Wilkes Counties to be the boundary between the two counties. The area was placed into Greene County on February 3, 1786. MP: This is assumed to be the same Francis Poythress based on location of property. Also, from Early Records of Georgia, Wilkes County, Vols. 1 & 2, is listed “Francis Poythress 1 poll, 100 acres, Capt. Thompson’s District, Benjamin J. Thompson, Esqr.”

July 19, 1792, in Greene County, Georgia, Michael Rogers, of Greene County, planter, to Zachariah Bayes, of Wilkes County, planter; whereas Michael Rogers together with Francis Poythress, by their certain bond, dated February 22 last stand unto the said Bayes in the sum of £1,000 on condition that when Berry Rogers, son of the said Michael, comes of age shall relinquish all right, etc., to the said gift alluding to a deed or will made by said Boyes, as it is said, unto the said Berry of a negro man slave, named Osborn, and a girl, named Phillis, and sundry other articles which deed was made when the said Boyes was deprived of his reason by intoxication; the said Michael Rogers for £1,000 and for better securing the payment thereof in case said Berry Rogers shall neglect or refuse to disclaim all right to said negroes mentioned in the clandestine deed of gift dated October 26, 1791, and for securing the same in case Zachariah Boyes be disturbed by said Berry Rogers, and in consideration of the further sum of 5 shillings paid to Michael paid by Zachariah, 200 acres on the south fork of the Ogeechee whereon the said Rogers now resides adjoining the lands of Henry Peeks, Abraham Lawrance, John Rogers and Thomas Credile, also one negro boy, named Phill, horses and cattle. If the said Berry Rogers, shall within 10 years relinquish all claims to the aforesaid negroes, Osborn and Phillis, etc. The witnesses, John Armor, J. P., and Seaborn Jones.

In 1793, in Greene County, Georgia, taxpayer, Francis Poythress, of Greene County, Georgia, on land adjoining John Johnston, in Captain Whitefield’s District, Green County.

February 11, 1794, in Greene County, Georgia, Michel Rogers and Francis Poythress, of Greene County, promised to pay to Zachariah Bays, or his heirs, the sum of £100. The consideration of the above obligation is such that whereas there was a Deed of Gift on the record of Superior Court from the said Zachariah Bays for two negroes, Osborn and Phillis, to Berry Rogers, son of Michael Rogers, and Frances Porter shall in behalf of Berry Rogers when he shall come of age relinquish and disclaim all right title or demand of said Deed of Gift, then above obligation to be void. The witnesses were William Heard, and Wooton Oneal. And was proved by William Heard who also saw Wooton Oneal.

November 30, 1801, in Greene County, Georgia, 100 acres, on the waters of Shoulderbone Creek, bounded at the time of the survey by Poythress.

In the 1805 Georgia lottery, the names of every person who entered was recorded. In later lotteries, with a few exceptions, only the winners were listed. The land awarded in the 1805 lottery was then Baldwin and Wilkinson County. Given was the name, the registration number and the registrant’s county:

Edward Poythress, number 47, Burke; George Poythress, number 65, Burke; Martha Poythress, number 50, Burke; Francis Poythress, number 613, Hancock;

Meredith Poythress, number 968, Screven; and, William Poythress, number 967, Screven.

After Francis Poythress’ Death

The 1805 lottery and 1807 lotteries completed the opening of the large valley area between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee Rivers. In 1807, the first meeting of the Georgia legislature took place at the new capital of Milledgeville in Baldwin County, another part of the westward thrust of settlement. Land awarded in the 1807 lottery was the remaining parts of Baldwin and Wilkinson Counties and Wayne County. Given was the name, county, military district/lot number drawn:

Thomas Poythress, orphans of, Burke, Sharp’s 22/44 Wilkinson;

Francis Poythress, orphans of, Hancock, Coffee’s 24/290 Wilkinson; and, Elizabeth Poythress, Hancock, Coffee’s 6/31 Wilkinson.

Francis Poythress, orphans of, grant award #278 of 24th District of Wilkinson County. All of District 24 is in present Twiggs County.

Highlights: Francis Poythress (c. 1720-aft. 1765), of Greene Co., GA, 5^th generation

• born about 1720

First document: 1729 will of John Worsham

Nummisseen Creek

78 Robert Bolling Gent. of Pg Co 12 Mar 1721/2 [PB11 p83] 2,664 ac. Pr. Geo./upper side of Nummissen Creek 763 Robert Bolling, Gent. of PG Co 13 Oct 1727 [PB13 p202] 330 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Nummasseen Road

79 Robert Bolling of Pr. Geo. 13 Oct 1727 [PB13 p216] 3,481 ac. Pr. Geo./upper or W side of Nammusseen

80 Robert Bolling of Pr. Geo. 7 Mar 1727/8 [PB13 p229] 3,132 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Nummisseen Creek

84 William Hamlin Gent. of Pr Geo 28 Sep 1728 [PB13 p359] 1,167 a. Pr Geo/E or lower side of Numisseen Cr

81 Robert Bolling 1 Jan 1732/3 [PB15 p6] 9,272 ac. /NL OL both sides Numinsseen Cr. & on upper s

249 William Hamlin, Gent. 26 Mar 1739 [PB18 p290] 386 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Bowens branch of Nammis 399 William Hamlin, Gent. 1 Oct 1747 [PB28 p242] 74 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Nammisseen Creek & White Oak Swamp

736 John Peterson Jr. 5 Sep 1723 [PB11 p217] 242 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of White oak Swamp 424 Roger Reece 16 Jun 1727 [PB13 p121] 300 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of White Oak Swamp

206 Thomas Reece of Pr Geo 1 Aug 1734 [PB15 p250] 150 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of White Oak Swamp 436 Roger Reece Junior 1 Dec 1740 [PB19 p889] 315 ac. Pr. Geo./upper side of White Oak Swamp 728 Thomas Reece 10 Jul 1745 [PB22 p313] 250 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of White Oak Swamp

819 Burnell Claiborne 10 Jul 1745 [PB23 p882] 150 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides the S side of White Oak Swamp 844 Roger Reece Jr. 16 Aug 1756 [PB33 p240] 400 ac. Dinwiddie/Head of white Oak Swamp

427 Leonard Claiborne Junior 7 Jul 1763 [PB35 p296] 225 ac. Dinwiddie/S side of White Oak Swamp 411 John Peterson 10 Jul 1767 [PB37 p23] 24 ac. Dinwiddie/S side white Oak Creek

Tommaheton swamp 182 Anthony Haynes 16 Sep 1740 [PB19 p768] 791 ac. Amelia/N side of Tommahitton