Mr. John Poythress (c. 1640-1712), Sr., of Prince George County, 2^nd generation>

R. Bolling Batte on John Poythress

[2 John Poythress m. Christian Peebles, daughter of David and Elizabeth ( ) Peebles. In 1661, Edward Hill deeded 50 acres in Charles City County, adj. Capt. Robert Wynne, to John Poythress, “son of Captain Francis Poythress, dec’d.”22 Elizabeth Poythress m. (1) John Fitzgerald, who died around 1736. Among her Fitzgerald children were: A- Francis Fitzgerald who married (1) Mary Epes 122 125, and B-Elizabeth Fitzgerald who m. Archibald Robertson and was the mother of the wife of Joshua Poythress 211 1. Elizabeth (Poythress) Fitzgerald m. (2) Thomas Epes 132 3, who died in Pr. Geo. in 1743. There are many descendants of this second marriage, especially through Mary Epes 132 31, who m. Col. David Mason of Sussex.23 Christian Poythress. The only knowledge we have of her existence was her appearance as a witness on the 1740 will of Joshua Poythress 21. Presumably she was his sister. 1740 seems much too late for the signature to be that of Christian (Peebles) Poythress, their mother.][2. John Poythress (Mary ______1) was born BET 1629 AND 1635 in [(P_1) B], and died AFT 1694 in ~ Virginia. He married Christian Peebles, daughter of David Peebles and Elizabeth ______. She was born BET 1628 AND 1650, and died AFT 1694 in Probably Charles City, VA. Children of John Poythress and Christian Peebles are:+ 10 i. John Poythress was born ABT 1664 in VA [(P_1) BF], and died AFT 1726.+ 11 ii. David Poythress was born in VA [(P_1) BD], and died ABT 1739.12 iii. Christian Poythress was born in VA (P_1) [BC].+ 13 iv. Joshua Poythress was born BEF 1689 in VA of “Flower de Hundred” [(P_1) BA] Also of “High Peaks”, and died 1739 in Prince George County VA.+ 14 v. Elizabeth Poythress was born BEF 1690 in ~Virginia.+ 15 vi. Peter Poythress was born ABT 1690 in VA [(P_1) BG][ also 142 C]”Flowerdew Hundred”.+ 16 vii. Robert Poythress was born 1690 in ~Virginia [(P_1) BH], and died ABT 1747 in ~ Virginia, will in 1743.+ 17 viii. William Poythress was born 1694 in Charles City County, VA [(P_1) BE], and died 18 JAN 1763 in Dinwiddie County, VA.][14. Elizabeth Poythress (John Poythress2, Mary ______1) was born BEF 1690 in ~Virginia. She married John Fitzgerald. He was born BEF 1715, and died AFT 1772 in Prince George County. She married Thomas Epes in This marriage is in doubt, but on Chart A and Fitzgerald A, Card 64., son of John Epes and ______. He was born in [(E_1) 132 3] See source notes of question about this marriage, and died 1743 in Prince George Co. VA; Children are given on his card.. He was buried in Elizabeth Erased from his card. Children of Elizabeth Poythress and John Fitzgerald are:+ 44 i. Elizabeth Fitzgerald was born AFT 1715 in Prince George County, VA [(P_1) BBC].+ 45 ii. William Fitzgerald was born ABT 1730 in Prince George County, VA, and died 1771 in “Leinster” Nottoway County (then Amelia), VA.+ 46 iii. Francis Fitzgerald was born BEF 1770 in of “The Castle” at Nottoway, VA [(P_1) BBB].Children of Elizabeth Poythress and Thomas Epes are:47 i. Thomas Epes was born in [Mother given in doubt].+ 48 ii. Mary Epes was born BEF 1736 in [(E_1) 132 31] [Mother given in doubt].]FamilyJohn Poythress was born about 1640, in Charles City County, the son of Captain Francis Poythress and Mary (Sloman?). He married Christian Peebles (c. 1654-bef. 8/13/1717), the daughter of David Peebles and Elizabeth Bishop. Their children were (1) John (c. 1672-aft. 5/27/1726), who married Mary Batte, the daughter of Henry Batte and Mary Lound; (2) Peter (c. 1674-bef. 2/1763), who married Mrs. Anne Jones Baker, possibly the daughter of Henry and Catherine Jones; (3) Francis (c. 1680-1739), (4) Mary (c. 1678-), who married John Woodlief, the son of John Woodlief and Mary Wynne; (5) Christian (c. 1695-), who may have married John Ivey, the son of Adam and Elizabeth Ivey (but does not look likely); (6) David (c. 1685-bef. 4/8/1740); (7) Joshua (c. 1688-bef. 4/8/1740), who probably married a daughter of John Hardyman and Mary Epes; (8) Robert Poythress (1690-bef. 9/13/1743), who married Elizabeth (Cocke?), the daughter of James Cocke and Elizabeth Pleasants; (9) William (1694-1/18/1763), who married Sarah Epes, the daughter of Francis Epes and Anne Isham; (10) Elizabeth (c. 1683-), who married (1) John Fitzgerald and (2) Thomas Epes, the son of John Epes. John Poythress died before December 11, 1712.Civic ActivitiesIn March, 1662, Captain Robert Wynne and Captain John Epes were involved in settling the boundary between Westover parish and Martin’s Brandon parish.

In May, 1665, in Charles City County, John Poythress was a juryman in the case of baby, Katherine Lanier, the daughter of John Lanier. The other jurymen were Thomas Holford, Richard Dodd, Thomas T. Cureton, James Blamore, Thomas T. Chappell, Thomas T. Douglas, Robert Abernathy, Byron Connell, Edward Amas, Thomas Parham, Robert R. Godwin and Parcevall Barton.


September 14, 1677, at Westover court, action was taken against a number of men for trespassing at Captain Arthur Allen’s plantation, as Allen had been removed from his home by the rebels during Bacon’s rebellion. Among the jury, was Mr. John Poythress and Mr. Richard Pace. The action was withdrawn.


February 4, 1689, at Westover court, administration was granted Sarah Wallace, the relict of John Wallace, on his estate. Mr. James Munford, John and —- Woodlief and John Poythress were to value the estate.


August 3, 1691, at Westover court, George Woodlief and John Poythress were assigned to value what goods Mr. John Hardiman had attached belonging to the estate of George Taylor and return to the next court. [John Hardyman (-1711) was the husband of Mary Epes (1666-aft. 1726), the daughter of Francis Epes and Elizabeth (Littlebury).]

June 4, 1694, at Westover court, Joseph Perry brought action against Thomas Harrison for defamatory words, in the amount of £10,000 tobacco damages. A jury was empaneled that included John Poythress. The jury found for the defendant.

August 3, 1694, at Westover court, in the case of William Harrison versus William Wiggins, a jury was sworn that included John Poythress. The parties agreed on a settlement in the presence of the jury. John Hardiman was the foreman of the jury.


November 9, 1694, at Westover court, John Poythress was impaneled on a jury in the case of John King versus William Walker.


Prince George County was formed from the part of Charles City County that lay on the south side of the James River. The Virginia General Assembly authorized the formation of the county in 1702, but it was not completely organized until July, 1703. Queen Anne had ascended to the English throne, in 1702, and the new county was named to honor her husband, Prince George, of Denmark. There were three parishes in the new county, Westover, Weyanoke and Bristol.

Court Cases
June 1677. The action of Jno. Coggan plt„ and Allen Jenkings deft, is dismissed. Peter Field plt, against the estate of Wm. Jenkings, dec’d, attachement upon a horse by order 16 April last, sd. horse appraised by Jas. Wallis, Jno, Poythress & Roger Reese and valued at 1000 lbs tob. But Jenkings was indebted to Field for 1368 lbs. tob. Judgm. granted unto Field on the horse also for 368 lbs. tob.

At Westover Court: p. 191 [September 13, 1677] Jno. Finly aged 21 years deposes that about 16th of Sept, 1666 last he was among a group brought to Nevet Wheeler’s in Martin Brandon. All put in confinement and urged to join the rebels. Refusing he was continued in confinement longer became ill and was dismissed. Referred to a jury, Mr. Thos. Cocke, foreman; Mr. Jas. Gunns Mr. Wa. Randolph; Mr. Sampson Ellis: Mr. Tho. Hamlin; Mr. Jno. Maytons Mr. Jno. Poythress; Mr. Rich. Pace; Mr. Thos. Gregory; Mr. Jno. Marshall; Mr. Henry Burton; Mr. Jno. Hamlin.

April 4, 1689, judgement was granted John Poythress against the estate of Edward Foster, for 902 pounds of tobacco, for “physick administered said Foster.”

Property: Land[In April, 1661, in Charles City County, Colonel Edward Hill, Esquire, a justice of the Charles City County court, gave John Poythress, the son of Frances Poythress, deceased, fifty acres at Jordan’s adjacent to land occupied by Captain Robert Wynne.]

June, 1661. Edward Hill gave and granted unto John, son of Captain Francis Poythress, dec’d. (For a full consideration) 50 acres at Jordan’s, adjacent to Capt. Robert Wynne. Apr Ct. 1662. [Chas. Cty. Records, 1655-65, p. 272]

[“Our Colonial Ancestors” by Bruce Howard”] A Court at Westover, 3 June 1665, p. 552. To all to whom these presents shall come, I Anthony Wyatt aged 60 years or thereabouts do declare upon my oath to the best of my knowledge that the fifty acres of Land which I sold to Captain Poythress was the outside Land of Capt. Woodlief and delivered to me by Mr. Gabrill Hollan then Guardian of Capt. Woodlief’s estate beginning at a great walnut tree then standing near Jenkin Osborne (which then had purchased Jarrets land) and Mr. Hollan to divide the land of Woodlief and Jarretts, and Jarrett was to begin at the tree and so to the Creek. This is to the best of my knowledge nothing but truth As witnesse my hand this 16 of May 1665. Anthony Wyatt.

[The fifty acres of land was the point of controversy and the reason Woodlief assaulted Wyatt, one of His Majesties Justices, for selling John Poythress, his neighbor, land that he, Woodlief, believed belonged to his father’s estate. Mr. Hollan, the administrator of John Woodlief, Sr.’s estate, somehow managed to get this 50 acres separated from the other land, probably with the help of Wyatt, who then delivered it to Wyatt who in turn sold it to Poythress. By the time Woodlief, Jr., found out that he no longer owned that 50 acres and inquired of his friend and neighbor, John Poythress, how he held title and from who, and Poythress disclosing the name of the man he purchased from, sent Woodlief into a rage. Many years had gone by and I suspect that Mr. Hollan was no longer around, but Wyatt was…..The deed was done and the records do not show that the court gave the land back to Woodlief. The matter was probably settled out of court and Woodlief was satisfied.]


June 14, 1665, Mr. John Drayton (Jr.) was granted 150 acres, in Charles City County, lying on Powell’s Creek and Reedy Swamp bounded on the south and the west by Mr. David Peoples, on the east by the woods and on the north by Reedy Swamp, the land having been formerly granted to James Ward by a patent dated June 7, 1651, and by James Ward assigned and set over to Mrs. Elizabeth Peoples January 12, 1658, and now due unto the said Mr. John Drayton as marrying the said Elizabeth. [John Drayton married Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop Peebles, the widow of David Peebles (c. 1610-1657) about 1657. She was the mother of Christian Peebles who married John Poythress about 1672.]

25 Sep 1673 John Portis & Hen. West 900 acs. Is. of Wight Co., upon brs. of the Blackwater, adj. John Sherer. Trans. of 18 persons. [PB 6, p. 466]

21 Sept 1674 Mr. John Portis 376 acs. Is. of Wight Co. [PB 6, p. 521]

February 4, 1678, Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop Peebles Drayton was given administration on John Drayton’s estate. On June 3, 1679, she sold to Adam Tapley land that included at least some of the 150 acre tract. The land adjoining the eastern boundary of this property was patented by Simon Simons, whose granddaughter, Mary, married Thomas Busby.


December 18, 1688, at Westover court, John Poythress “as marrying Christian, daughter of Elizabeth Peebles,” brought a suit against Thomas Busby for infringement on his land. The case was continued to the next court date as James Wallace was sick and could not attend. Robert Bolling and John Taylor were to take Wallace’s oath and report to the next court.

February 4, 1689, the suit of John Poythress, as marrying Christian, the daughter of Elizabeth Peebles, versus Thomas Busby, was continued to the next court date and on April 4, 1689, the case was continued again to the next court date.


August 5, 1689, at Westover court, the case of John Poythress, as marrying the daughter of Elizabeth Peebles, against Thomas Busby, was “let fall in court” and he “avers that the land claimed by him is in a plat drawn by Mr. James Minge called Bonnicord Plat.” It is believed that Bon Accord passed to the Poythress family through John Poythress’ marriage and his possible purchase of additional land.

[August court 1689. “The action of John Poythress as marrying Christian, the daughter of Elizabeth Peebles, against Thomas Busby, is by consent let fall in court, ye plaintiff avers that the land now claimed by him is within a plot sworn by him as the Boniwood plot.”] [Chas. Cty. Order Book, 1687-1695, p. unnumbered]


September 20, 1699, in Surry County, John Poythress claimed 350 acres of land by seating it. It was therefore ordered that the Surveyor of the County survey and lay out the land for him sometime after the sixth day of the next General Court. John was to produce “such rights as shall bee allowed by the Honorable General Court and that the Survey thereof be returned on the first Tuesday in April next.” From the same period of Surry County court records, John Poythress was involved in the following case. William Hunt returned a survey of 4,342 acres which did not agree with a former survey by which he obtained an order from the court for surveying 3,200 acres. He affirmed that he had entered for a greater quantity than the survey now expressed. It was therefore referred to the fourth day of the next meeting, which was to be September 4th, at which time “he may be enabled to produce the said entry which may manifest his right thereto.”


October 24, 1701, in Charles City County, John Poythress, Sr., of Deep Bottom, was granted 350 acres on the north side of the Nottaway River on the upward end of Umatora Old Fields running along the head line of a tract of 950 acres of land taken up and patented by Hugh Lee, Jr., and by him sold to William Jones, Sr., Robert Hix,

Thomas Taylor, Sr., and John Roberts, to a fork of the Myory branch that parts Umatora Old Fields, to the Indian Swamp. [According to Dr. Claiborne T. Smith, Jr., this deed referred to John Poythress, of Deep Bottom, the son of Captain Francis Poythress.]

[John Poythris his patent for 350 acres of land in Charles Citty County. Jenings John Gee, Humphry Hix, N. Standback, Robert Boreman, Hen. Snelgrove, Wm. Lambud, Mary Drin.]

24 Oct 1701 John Poythris (October 24, 1701, 350 acres, Charles City county, John Poythris). To all &c Whereas &c Now Know ye that I the said ffrancis Nicholson Esq. Governor &c do with the advise and consent of the Council of State accordingly give and grant unto John Poythris of deep bottom Senr. a tract of land containing three hundred & fifty acres lying on the north side of Nottaway River on the uppward end of Umatora old fields beginning at an old dead oake by a birch on the riverside and running thence along the head line of a tract of nine hundred and fifty acres of land taken up and patented by Hugh Lee junr. (and by him sold to William Jones Senr. Robert Hix Tho. Taylor Senr. and John Roberts) north one degree west ninety six poles to a white oake in a fork of the Myory branch that parts Umatora old fields and a small ash in the said branch thence northwest an hundred and twenty poles to an heape of marked trees on the top of an hill thence south forty four degrees west three hundred & fifty poles to an heape of marked trees on the Indian Swamp thence down along the Indian Swamp and Nottaway River according to the meanders of the same to the first beginning the said land being due unto the said John Poythris by and for the transportation of seven persons into this Colony whose names are to be in the records mentioned under this patent To have and to hold &c To be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c Given under my hand and the sealeof the Colony this 24th day of October Anno Domini 1701. ffr. Nicholson. [PB 9, 1695-1706, p. 396] [This land was later willed to his son, Robert Poythress, on December 11, 1712.] [From John Poythress’ (1640-1712) will:

To Francis Poythress: all that land and plantation I live on. [Pr. Geo. Co.]
To David Poythress: 300 acres of land at Tunnatorah. [n/s of Nottaway R., Sussex Co.?, Pole br. & Indian sw. area]
To Joshua Poythress: 300 acres of land at Monkasoneck. [s/s Nottaway R., at Monkasoneck, Sussex Co.?]
To Robert Poythress: 300 acres of land at the Indian Swamp and 50 acres of land on the lower side of the Indian Sw. [n/s Nottaway R., upward end of Umatora old fields, fork of Myory branch that parts Umatora old fields, down Indian sw. & Nottaway R., Sussex Co.?]

Dorman: On October 2, 1708, John Woodliffe conveyed to William Stainback 100 acres, part of the tract on which he lived which was “part of a tract of land taken up and patented by my father captain Woodlief deceased; and by my eldest brother Mr. George Woodlief, conveyed and made over to me, ye 15^th September, 1671, bounded on the north side of the running water of the Deep Bottom; west on the dividing bounds between Mr. Poythress’s land and mine; east on the lines it parts my cossen John Woodlief’s land and mine; south to the said Deep Bottom running water, on the line that parts Mr. Bland’s and mine, bearing by patent 100 poles in breadth; by estimation seventy acres more or less. [John Woodliffe was married to Mary Poythress, daughter of John Poythress and Christian Peebles.] [John Woodlief sold William Stainback 100 acres in 1708 that had been patented by John’s father, Captain John Woodlief. This land was bounded by Mr. Poythress on the west side of the property. The father of Mr. Poythress, Captain Francis Poythress (1609-1651), was granted 400 acres in 1637 that bounded Captain John Woodlief on the east side of Poythress’ property. The Mr. Poythress has been presumed to be John Poythress (1640-1712).]


Adjoining and Pertinent Property

5 Oct 1673 Thomas Woodward, Junr. 1600 acs. Is. of Wight Co., at mouth of a br. of the Blackwater adj. John Portis & Henry West. [PB 6, p. 467]

[26 Apr 1688 Thomas Busby & Mary, his wife, dau. & heyre of Simon Simons 539 acs. Chas. City Co., in Winoak & Westover Parishes; on S. side of James Riv. Beg. at head of Reedy Bottom Br. of Powell’s Cr., crossing a br. of Flowerdy Hundred Cr., to lands now, of late, William Harryson’s; John Hobbs; & John Poythres. For trans. 11 pers.]  [April 26, 1688, Thomas Busby was granted 539 acres, in Charles City County, on the south side of the James River, partly in Weyanoke parish, and partly in Westover parish, on a branch of Powell’s Creek called the Reedy Bottom branch, that included the 359 acres that had been possessed by Simon Simons, and the 150 acres, which were the deserted lands of James Ward, deceased, land that had passed to Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop Peebles Drayton. This property adjoined William Harrison, John Hobbs and John Poythress.]

Thomas Busby, 539 acres, Charles City County, April 26, 1688. To all &c whereas &c now know yee that I the said Francis Lord Howard Governor &c do with the advice and consent of the Councill of State accordingly give and grant unto Thomas Busby and Mary his wife daughter and heir of Simon Simons five hundred thirty nine acres of land lying and being on the south side of James River part in Winoak and part in Westover Parish in Charles Citty County bounded as foll: beginning at a corner markt tree near the head of a branch of Powells Creek called Reedy Bottom branch and thence by markt trees south six degrees west where at twenty poles it crosseth a branch of fflowerdy hundred creek runn and thence continuing the same course till it makes upp two hundred eighty seven pole dividing this from the lands now or late of William Harryson thence along the lands now or late of John Hobbs west northwest three degrees and one half north one hundred and four poles thence along one other markt line of the same lands south southwest three degrees & one half west one hundred ninety two thence along John Poythres line north two hundred fifty four poles thence along one other line which divides this from the lands of the said Poythres west one hundred sixty five poles thence north to the Reedy Bottom branch aforesaid one hundred and five poles thence upp the said branch till you come where it first began. The said five hundred thirty nine acres of land being due to the said Thomas and Mary his wife thus viz: three hundred fifty nine acres thereof within the ancient bounds of the land reputed and possessed by Simon Simons the grandfather of the said Mary and one hundred and fifty acres the deserted lands late of James Ward deceased by Order of General Court bearing date at James Citty the seventeenth day of October 1687 and the residue being thirty acres waste land between the aforesaid line of Hobbs & Poythres & of the 359 acres and moreover for importing eleven persons & to have & to hold &c yielding & paying &c dated the 26 day of Aprill 1688. John Rogers, Francis Pett, John Lake, Andrew Cob:, Patrick Johnson, Thomas Leech, Anthony Holder, Robert Cag, Jeffry Conan, Adam Strong, Roger Gras. [PB 7, p. 657]

October 24, 1702, a patent was issued to Thomas Wynne for 200 acres, in Charles City County, on the south side of Jones Hole Swamp and on the north side of the Nottoway River adjoining the land of Hugh Lee, Jr., that was in the possession of William Jones, Robert Hix and John Roberts. [This land may have been close to the land belonging to his half-brother, John Poythress.]

Court Cases
November 2, 1683, in Henrico County, John Poythress and Henry Printall witnessed an indenture between Jeremiah Chaplin and Edward Hatcher, John Milner and Michael Turpin. Hatcher, Milner and Turpin assigned their interest over to Edmund Belsher. When this agreement was registered on February 1, 1686, it was witnessed by Stephen Cocke, Gilbert Elam and Michael Turpin.


In 1694, Indians were still a problem for the colonists. William Hatcher had related to William Puckett and Thomas Jefferson that Mrs. Bannister, the wife of Stephen Cocke, and nine other people were hung to tenter hooks by Indians, and that Jack Come Last, an Indian that belonged to Mr. Peter Jones, was drawn and quartered and thrown among them and Mr. Stephen Cocke and Mr. Jones had gone aboard a vessel in the river. This story proved false and Edward Hatcher was summonsed before the court justices and tried for spreading false alarms.

John Poythress’ Will
In Prince George County, the Will of John Poythress, Sr., of Prince George County, proved December 11, 1712.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, all of that land and plantation I now live on, to him and his heirs forever.
I give my son, David Poythress, 300 acres of land, at Tunnatorah, to him and his heirs forever.
I give my son, Joshua Poythress, 300 acres of land, at Monkasoneck, and to his heirs forever.
I give my son, Robert Poythress, 300 acres of land, at the Indian Swamp, to him and his heirs forever.
I give my son Robert Poythress, 50 acres of land, on the lower side of the Indian Swamp, to him for his own proper use and behoof not to make sale of the said fifty acres of land.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, two negroes, Coffer and Sis.
I give my son, David Poythress, two negroes, Jack and young Mary.
I give my son, Joshua Poythress, two negroes, Peter and Beck.
I give my son, Robert Poythress, two negroes, Tom and young Sarah.
I give my son, William Poythress, three negroes, Frank Cook and Amy and Frank Cook at nattuah.
I give my son, John Poythress, two negroes, Bess and Nanny, and their increase.
 I give my son, Peter Poythress, two negroes, Ben and Nanny, their increase.
I give my loving wife, Christian Poythress, three negroes, Catto, Usse and Sarah, to my loving wife, for her proper use and to be at her own disposing.
I give my daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, two negroes, Pegg, and her son, Tom.
I give my daughter, Christian Poythress, two negroes, Moll and John Cook.
I give my loving wife, Christian Poythress, my servant, John Field, during his time, and at his freedom, to have besides his corn and clothes, a cow and calf and a new gun.
I give my daughter, Mary Woodlief, £40 Sterling.
I give all my moveable estate to be equally divided between my wife and children. My son, John Poythress, and son, Peter Poythress, giving an account of what they have in hand.
I give my grandson, Francis Poythress, son of Francis Poythress, the negro child, Shu, goes with all.
I give my loving wife, Christian Poythress, my two negro wenches, Shu and Jude, as her own proper estate to be
at her own disposing.
I appoint my loving wife and my son, John Poythress, to be executors of this my last will and testament.
I appoint my two brothers, Thomas and Joshua Wynne, and William Stainback to be the dividers of my estate.
Signed by John Poythress, in the presence of John Winningham, Peter Leeth, Thomas Leeth and William Stainback.
At a court held for Prince George County, December, 11, 1712. The written last Will and testament of Mr. John Poythress, deceased, was proved in open court by the oaths of John Winningham, Peter Leigth and William Stainback, the witnesses thereto and the probation thereof granted John Poythress, executor, and Christian Poythress, his relict and executor, named therein and at their motion the same is admitted to record.


In June, 1717, in Prince George County, in the suit in Chancery brought by Charles Anderson against John Poythress and Henry Offley, neither party appearing, the case was dismissed. However, in another entry, Charles Anderson, having filed a Bill in Chancery against John Poythress, executor of John Poythress, deceased, and Henry Offley, late of London, Merchant, it was ordered that a summons be issued against the said John Poythress and Henry Offley to appear at the next court and answer the said charges. Under the date of July 9, 1717, in Prince George County, was an identical entry to the text above, regarding Charles Anderson. (It is speculated that the court took action in July identical to that taken in June, and the clerk, seeing no point in re-composing the entries, simply duplicated them).

August 13, 1717, in Prince George County, the suit in Chancery brought by Charles Anderson against Henry Offley, late of London, Merchant and John Poythress, surviving executor of the last Will and testament of John Poythress, deceased. Thomas Simmons, sub-Sheriff, took oath to the service of the Writ and charged Poythress and he failing to appear, an attachment was granted the complainant against the body of the said Poythress returnable to the next court and it was ordered that the said summons was also against the said Offley returnable to the next court.

September 10, 1717, in Prince George County, in the case of Charles Anderson versus Henry Offley, late of London, Merchant, and John Poythress, executor of John Poythress, deceased, John Poythress appeared and said that he had in his hands money enough of Offley’s to pay the plaintiff £19/1/3, and that he would pay. December 11, 1717, in Prince George County, in the chancery suit of Walter Vernon versus John Poythress, surviving executor of the Will of John Poythress, deceased, the defendant appeared and was granted time to answer. March 11, 1718, in Prince George County, in the suit of chancery of Walter Vernon versus John Poythress, the surviving executor of John Poythress, deceased, the plaintiff had until the next court to file a reply to the defendant’s answer. January 13, 1719, in Prince George County, the entry was identical to the text above regarding Charles Anderson on July 9, 1717. 


Highlights:

Mr. John Poythress (c. 1640-1712), s. of Capt. Fr. Poythress, m. c. 1672 Christian Peebles (c. 1654-bef. 12/11/1717).

– born in Chas. Cty. Co., about 1640

– his father, Capt. Francis Poythress, disappeared from records, 1651

– his inheritance may have been half of 750 acres, the 750 acres split two ways with his brother, Francis Poythress [Capt. Fr. Poythress: 400 acres, bordered on s. by his 350 acres, btwn. Capt. John Woodlief on e. & Bayley’s cr. on w. Woodlief’s land located nr. place called Jordan’s & ran e. towards land called Beggars bush, Chas. Cty. Co., 1673 – located nr. Bayley’s cr., bordered e. on 50 acres of Jenkins Osborne’s orphans, on w. by Thos. Bayley (in possession of John Butler), on n. by mouth of Bayley’s cr., on s. his 350 acres bought from Jenkins Osborne, Mary Osborne & Capt. Edward Hill [In 1658, Mary West, widow of John Butler, sold to Edward Ardington 150 acres Chas. Cty., formerly land of Thomas Baylie, bounded on e. by lands lately in the tenure of Wm. Worsham. Referring to patent of Francis Poythress in 1648, it will be noted that at least part of this grant was in 1658 in the possession of William Worsham.]

– David Peebles died, 1657

– James Ward set over 150 acres, Powell’s creek and Reedy Swamp, to Elizabeth Peebles, future mother-in-law of John  Poythress, 1658

– John Drayton, Jr. married Mrs. Elizabeth Peebles, abt. 1658

– deeded 50 acres, at Jordan’s, Chas. Cty. Co. adj. to Robt. Wynne by Col. Edward Hill, Chas. Cty. Co. Court justice, 1661

– juryman in Chas. Cty. Co., 5/1665

– married Christian Peebles, dau. of David Peebles & Elizabeth Bishop, abt. 1672

– he & Hen. West 900 acs. upon brs. of the Blackwater adj. John Sherer, Isle of Wight Co., 1673

– Thos. Woodward, Jr., at mouth of a br. of the Blackwater adj. John Portis & Henry West, Isle of Wight Co., 1673

– children: (1) John (c. 1672-aft. 1726), who md. Mary Batte, dau. of Henry Batte & Mary Lound; (2) Peter (c. 1674-bef. 2/1763), who md. Mrs. Anne Jones Baker, poss. dau. of Henry & Catherine Jones; (3) Francis (c. 1680-bef. 1739), (4) Mary (c. 1678-), who md. John Woodlief, son of John Woodlief & Mary Wynne; (5) Christian (c. 1695-), who may have md. John Ivey, son of Adam & Elizabeth Ivey; (6) David (c. 1685-1740); (7) Joshua (c. 1688-1741), who prob. md. a dau. of John Hardyman & Mary Epes; (8) Robert Poythress (1690-1743), who poss. md. Elizabeth (Cocke?), dau. of James Cocke and Elizabeth Pleasants; (9) William (1694-1763), who md. Sarah Epes, dau. of Francis Epes & Anne Isham; (10) Elizabeth (c. 1696-), who md. (1) John Fitzgerald & (2) Thomas Epes, s. of John Epes.

– 376 acs., Isle of Wight Co., 1674

– Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop Peebles Drayton administrator of John Drayton’s estate, 1678

– juryman with Richard Pace, Westover ct., trespassing case Capt. Allen’s plantation during Bacon’s rebellion, 1677

– Thos. Busby s/s Jas. R. on br. of Powell’s cr. called Reedy Bottom br. adj. Wm. Harrison, John Hobbs & John Poythress, part Weyanoke parish part Westover parish, Chas. Cty. Co., 1688 (previously belonging to Mrs. Eliz. Bishop Peebles Drayton)

– Thos. Busby & Mary, his wife, dau. & heir of Simon Simons s/s James R. beg. at head of Reedy Bottom br. of Powell’s cr., crossing a br. of Flowerdy Hundred Cr., to Wm. Harryson’s; John Hobbs; & John Poythress, Weyanoke & Westover parishes, Chas. Cty. Co., 1688

– Westover court, to value estate of John Wallace with Munford and Woodlief, 1689

– awarded payment for “physick administered” Edward Foster, 1689

– Bon Accord passed to John Poythress due to his marriage to Christian Peebles, 1689

– Westover court, to value Mr. John Hardiman’s goods belonging to Geo. Taylor estate with Geo. Woodlief, 1691

– juryman Westover court, 1694

– claimed 350 acres in Surry Co. by seating it, 1699

– granted 350 acres n/s Nottaway River on upward end of Umatora Old Fields along head line of 950 ac. of Hugh Lee, Jr., sold to Wm. Jones, Sr., Robt. Hix, Thos. Taylor, Sr. & John Roberts to fork of Myory br. that parts Umatora Old Fields to Indian sw., 1701 (This land willed to his son, Robt. Poythress, in 1712 Will)

– Pr. Geo. Co. formed from parts of Chas. Cty. Co., 1702

– Thos. Wynne s/s Jones Hole sw. on n/s Nottaway R. adj. Wm. Jones, Robt. Hix & John Roberts, Chas. Cty. Co., 1702 (land would have been nr. John Poythress’ land)

– John Woodliffe to Wm. Stainback part of tract n/s Deep Bottom w. on dividing lines Mr. Poythress e. on cousin John Woodliefs to Deep Bottom on line of Bland, 70-100 acres, 1708 (Geo. Woodlief sold to John Woodlief 1671)

– deceased bef. December 11, 1712 (age ~72)

– bros. Thos. Wynne & Joshua Wynne, Wm. Stainback to divide land, estate of John Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co., 1712

– his Will proved 12/11/1712, son, John, wife, Christian, executors, (age ~72)

– Mrs. Christian Peebles Poythress died before 12/11/1717

First document: 1661 (age ~21)

According to the above transactions, John Poythress held 1,676 acres of land. According to his Will, he possessed 300 acres at Tunnatorah that he left to his son, David, and 300 acres at Monkasoneck that he left to his son, Joshua. We know that he left the 350 acres at the Indian Swamp to his son, Robert. He stated, in his Will, that he was leaving the land and plantation that he lived on to his son, Francis. If he left an equivalent amount of land to his son, Francis, it would signify that he owned at least 1,250 acres of land. He had evidently taken care of his sons, John and Peter, and may have left instructions with John and Peter to take care of his youngest son, William. He also named twenty-five slaves and one servant in his Will.

[50 ac. fm. Capt. Hill, 900 ac. Blackwater, 376 ac. Isle of Wight, 350 ac. Umatora old fields = 1,676 ac. This does not include 833 ac. at Bon Accord.

350 ac. Umatora Old Fields to Indian sw. Surry Co. to Robt.; 300 ac. Tunnatorah to David; 300 ac. Monkasoneck to Joshua = 950 ac. + his plantation that he gave son, Francis.]

“It is believed that Captain David Peebles, a Royalist, escaped to Virginia during the Cromwell Rebellion after he and 300-400 other Royalists had been sentenced to the block. He left his wife and children in Scotland. In 1649, he received a grant for 833 acres in Charles City (now Prince George County) Virginia.” David Peebles called his plantation ‘Bon Accord,’ and died there prior to 1 September 1659. Captain Peebles dau., Christian Peebles Poythress, inherited Bon Accord. Bon Accord, locally called ‘Bonniecord’ for 300 years, has been claimed as the original home of the Poythress family, but the patent has never been located. It is clear that Bon Accord passed to the Poythress family through John’s marriage and probable purchase of additional area. Bon Accord today has 631 of the original 833 acres.

Slaves (26) (1712): Frances (2) – Coffer & Sis; David (2) – Jack & young Mary; Joshua (2) – Peter & Beck; Robert (2) – Tom & young Sarah; William (3) – Frank Cook, Amy & Frank Cook; John (2) – Bess & Nanny & their increase; Peter (2) – Ben & Nanny & their increase; my wife, Christian (6) – Catto, Usse & Sarah, my servant – John Field, negro wenches, Shu & Jude; Elizabeth (2) – Pegg & her son, Tom; Christian (2) – Moll & John Cook; my grandson, Francis (1) – negro child, Shu.

Neighbors: Thos. Busby, William Harrison, John Hobbs, Hugh Lee, Jr., Thos. Taylor, Sr., John Roberts, John Woodlief, William Stainback, Bland, David Peebles, Simon Simons, Thos. Wynne, Wm. Jones, Sr., Robt. Hix, John Sherer, Robt. Wynne, Thos. Woodward, Jr.

Chas. Cty. Co.

—- John Poythress Apr 1661 [CCrecs. p272] 50a Chas Cty Co/Jordan’s adj Capt Robt Wynne

—- John Poythress 3 Jun 1665 [CCrecs. P552] 50a Chas Cty Co/adj Jenkin Osborne, John Woodlief, Jr.

—- Mr John Drayton (Jr.) 14 Jun 1665 [  ] 150a Chas Cty Co/Powell’s cr & Reedy sw adj David Peoples [formerly

      Jas Ward’s 7 Jun 1651, set over to Mrs. Eliz. Peoples 12 Jan 1658, now Drayton’s as marrying Mrs. Eliz.

      Peoples]

—- John Portis & Hen. West 25 Sep 1673 [PB6 p466] 900a IOW Co/on brs. Blackwater adj John Sherer

—- Thomas Woodward, Jr. 5 Oct 1673 [PB6 p467] 1,600a IOW Co/mouth of a br. of Blackwater adj John Portis &

      Henry West

—- John Portis 21 Sep 1674 [PB6 p521] 376a IOW Co/

—- Mrs Eliz. Drayton 4 Feb 1678 [  ] unk ac Chas Cty Co/John Drayton’s estate

—- Adam Tapley 3 Jun 1679 [  ] 150a adj Simon Simons [his dau Mary m. Thos Busby]

—- Thomas Busby & Mary, his wife, dau & heir of Simon Simons 26 Apr 1688 [PB7 p657] 539a CCCo/Weyanoke

      & Westover parishes; S side James R at head of Reedy Bottom br. of Powell’s cr crossing a br of Flowerdy

      Hundred cr adj William Harryson, John Hobbs & John Poythres [359a prev. Simon Simons land, 150a deserted

      lands of Jas Ward, dec’d., passed to Mr.s Eliz Bishop Peebles Drayton]

—- John Poythress as Marrying Christian Peebles 5 Aug 1689 [CC OB p.-] 833a Bonnicord Plat [agst Thos Busby]

—- John Poythress 20 Sep 1699 [  ] 350a Surry Co/survey

—- John Poythress 24 Oct 1701 [PB9 p396] 350a CCCo/N side Nottaway R on upward end Umatora Old Fields

      adj Hugh Lee, Jr., Wm Jones, Sr., Robt Hix, Thos Taylor, Sr. & John Roberts, to fork of Myory br that parts

      Umatora Old Fields, to Indian sw [This land was later willed to his son, Robert Poythress, on December 11,

      1712.] [From John Poythress’ (1640-1712) will:

To Francis Poythress: all that land and plantation I live on. [Pr. Geo. Co.]
To David Poythress: 300 acres of land at Tunnatorah. [n/s of Nottaway R., Sussex Co.?, Pole br. & Indian sw. area]
To Joshua Poythress: 300 acres of land at Monkasoneck. [s/s Nottaway R., at Monkasoneck, Sussex Co.?]
To Robert Poythress: 300 acres of land at the Indian Swamp and 50 acres of land on the lower side of the Indian Sw. [N side Nottaway R., upward end of Umatora old fields, fork of Myory br that parts Umatora old fields, down Indian sw & Nottaway R]

—- Thomas Wynne 24 Oct 1702 [  ] 200a CCCo/S side Jones Hole sw on N side Nottaway R adj Hugh Lee, Jr, Wm

      Jones, Robt Hix & John Roberts [This land may have been close to land belonging to half-bro., John Poythress.]

Pr. Geo. Co.

—- William Stainback 2 Oct 1708 [  ] 100a PGCo/N side running water of Deep Bottom adj Mr Poythress, cousin

      John Woodlief to Deep Bottom running water, Mr Bland [fm John Woodlief; John Woodliffe was md. to Mary

      Poythress, dau of John Poythress & Christian Peebles] [The father of Mr Poythress, Capt Francis Poythress

      (1609-1651), was gr. 400a in 1637 adj Capt John Woodlief on E side of Poythress’ property. The Mr. Poythress has been presumed to be John Poythress (1640-1712) but could have been nephew Francis Poythress (1677-1754?).