Only two records have been found for George Poythress. No additional records or mention of George has been located. The decision to place George as brother of Thomas Poythress (1729 – 1800) was based upon Batte naming Thomas Poythress (1683-1749) as husband of Elizabeth Pleasants Cocke and George Poythress’ mother being Elizabeth Poythress. Through the process of elimination, by looking for those that were married to an Elizabeth and those that fit the age criteria, and those living in Prince George County, and the naming practices in the Poythress family, George (1711 – aft. 1740) was most likely the son of Thomas Poythress (1683-1749). Additionally, after George’s death, Thomas Poythress (1729-1800), named one of his sons, George. Robert Poythress was ruled out as he named all of his children in his will.

Family
George Poythress, was born circa 1717, is believed to be the son of Thomas Poythress (c. 1729 -1800) and Elizabeth Poythress. George Poythress’ mother, Elizabeth Poythress, named her son executor of her 1740 Will (see below).

Civic Activities
July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in suit by Thomas Eldridge, attorney for our Sovereign Lord the King, against John Jones, on October 4, 1738, on his plantation in Martin’s Brandon parish “failing to hire an overseer as required by the Act of the Assembly and understating tithables,” a jury was empaneled that included, among others, John Gilliam, Jr., and George Poythress. The defendant was found guilty and fined 1,000 pounds of tobacco.

After Elizabeth Poythress’ Death
February 12, 1739/40, in Prince George County, the last Will and testament of Elizabeth Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by her son, George Poythress, her executor who made oath thereto and its being proved by the oath of Richard Bland, gentleman, one of the witnesses thereto, was ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of the said George Poythress certificate was granted him for obtaining Probate of the said Will in due form. Richard Bland, John Woodlief, John Watts and Peter Wynne to appraise the estate of Elizabeth Poythress. [PG records, 1737-1740, p. 384]

Note:

We recognize the names: Richard Bland was Anne Poythress’ husband. Anne was the daughter of Peter Poythress and Anne Jones. Thomas Poythress held land at Woodyard in Surry County. Peter Poythress held land in Surry County.

John Woodlief was probably Mary Poythress’ husband or son. Peter Wynne was Joshua Wynne’s grandson as noted in Peter’s grandmother’s 1751 will (Margaret Wood Jones Cocke). [Once again we see a marriage between the Poythress/Wynne and Cocke family.] John Watts was Mary Batte Poythress administrator for her will. It makes a lot of sense that relatives appraised the estate….