Biographic Compilation by Mike Tutor, circa 2019
Rev. Francis Poythress (c. 1732 – 1818), of VA, later KY, son of Gentleman Francis Poythress, 5husband of Mary Peterson, 5th Generation
The Reverend Francis Poythress was born in Virginia of a wealthy family and later inherited a large estate. He appears to have lived in Virginia until 1787 when he was designated the presiding Elder of the Kentucky circuit. Francis Poythress had a mental breakdown in 1800. He had two sisters living in Kentucky. One of those sisters was Susannah Poythress Prior. We know that this Kentucky branch of the family continued to have ties to family and land in Virginia. The other sister was Elizabeth Poythress Peniston.
Personal description
Foster Ockerman, Jr., in his First United Methodist Church History,” gave a short biography of the Preacher, Francis Poythress, the Elder. Francis Poythress was about five feet, eight inches tall and heavily built, even powerful. His muscles were large, and in the prime of life, he was a man of more than ordinary muscular strength. Although he had a wild youth, he soon began seeking spiritual comfort.
Reverend Francis Poythress was regarded by his colleagues as having been well-educated, gentlemanly in his manner and a gifted administrator worthy of consideration of appointment to high office. He “had the bearing of one who had been well raised, his deportment being very gentlemanly; but he appeared to be somewhat melancholy in disposition.”
Family
Reverend Francis Poythress’ father, Gentleman Francis Poythress, died in 1760. Francis was only in his twenties at his father’s death.
Francis Poythress (c. 1732-aft. 1818) was a second cousin, once removed, of Francis Poythress (c. 1707-1738) who married Hannah Ravenscroft. He was a half third cousin to Elizabeth Poythress Claiborne who was married to Leonard Claiborne. He was not related by blood to Hannah Ravenscroft’s daughter, Martha Claiborne, who married Devereux Jarratt (1733-1801). The Reverend Devereux Jarratt came to Bath Parish in August, 1763, according to Jarratt’s autobiography.
Sister, Susanna Poythess Prior
The 1810 Jessamine County, Kentucky, census:
1810 Jessamine Co., KY
m<10 m10<16 m16<26 m26<45 f26<45 Slaves
John Peniston 3 1 1 1 1 3
m<10 m10<16 m16<26 f16<26 f=45> Slaves Susanne Prior 1 1 1 1 2 23
[abt. 62]
m<10 m26<45 f<10 f16<26 Slaves Thomas Peniston 1 1 2 1 13
Will of Susanna Poythress Prior: Susanna Prior bequeathed a 150 acre plantation to brother Francis Poythress and sister Elizabeth Peniston. After their deaths, the plantation was to go to Robert Poythress Peniston. To her nephew, John Peniston. and nephew, Samuel Peniston, 146½ acres of land in Montgomery County, Kentucky……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Nephew
Thomas Peniston, nephew Francis Peniston and niece Anne Peniston Metcalfe. I have a negro boy George in
Lynchburg, Virginia, to go to Samuel Mitchell of Botetourt County, Virginia. My sister, Elizabeth Peniston, Samuel Peniston, Thomas Peniston and Robert Poythress Peniston to be my executors. Her will was written June 21, 1809, and probated in February, 1817. The witnesses were R. Underwood, John Metcalf and Stephen Conley.
Newspaper report of Susanna Pryor’s death, January 25, 1817: Pryor, Susannah: Mrs. Susannah Pryor, of Jessamine County. Died Saturday, January 25, 1817 aged almost 70 years. [born about 1748].
Sister, Elizabeth Poythress Peniston
“While in charge of Bethel Academy, (John) Metcalf married in 1795 a niece of his presiding elder, Rev. Francis
Poythress. She was Ann (Nancy), daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Poythress) Peniston, who lived near Lexington, Kentucky. Together they managed Bethel Academy until 1798.” [John Metcalf married Nancy Ann Peniston, dau. of Thos. Anthony Peniston & Elizabeth Poythress.]
Son, Francis Poythress
Francis Poythress, the Elder, of Dinwiddie County, had one son, Sergeant Francis Poythress who died in 1785. Francis Poythress, the Elder, had a daughter, Mary Peterson Poythress Randolph, who moved to Fayette County, Tennessee, with her husband, Henry Isham Randolph. Henry Isham Randolph died in Fayette County, Tennessee.
Sergeant Francis Poythress, Army. Certificate, (1) John Watts, Captain, (2) Edward Bland and Peter Epes as to heir. Order to deliver bounty warrant, Henry Randolph. Voucher 1786, Prince George County. We do hereby certify that Mary Randolph is the only surviving child of Francis Poythress, the Elder, and sister to the within named Sergeant Francis Poythress. Given under our hands this November 11, 1785. Edward Bland and Peter Epes. Francis Poythress was appointed a corporal in the 1st Regiment Light [Dragoons] in August, 1779, and promoted to a Sergeant in April, 1781, and continued as such to the end of the War. John Watts, Captain, 1st Regiment, L. Dragoons. Certified that the above certificate was in Captain Watts’ own hand. Blanford, February 4, 1784. Edmund B. Lucy. June 22, 1786, Sir, Be pleased to deliver to Mr the land Warrant which Francis Poythress is entitled to. To Henry
Randolph, the Commissioner of the Land Office. [John Watts was the administrator of the estate of Mary Batte Poythress in 1760. John Woodlief and John Watts were the administrators of Arthur Biggins in 1754. Captain John Watts, Edward Bland and Peter Epes were Sergeant Francis Poythress’ heirs. Research may prove that all three of the heirs were cousins to Sgt. Poythress.]
Daughter, Mary Peterson Poythress, AKA Polly Peterson Poythress
Mary Randolph was the only surviving child of Francis Poythress, the Elder, and was the only sister to Sergeant Francis Poythress.
In the Reverend Mr. Slaughter’s History of Bristol Parish (p. 206), there is this record: “Mary, daughter of Francis Poythress and Mary Peterson, married Randolph of Amelia County.” According to family tradition, Henry Isham Randolph’s wife was commonly called Polly Peterson Poythress and in her stockings she knitted her initials “P. P. P.” She had been reared in the family of the Rev. Devereux Jarratt and she was about 13 years of age when she married, her fiancee being about 10 years her elder. She was quite wealthy as wealth was estimated at that time, owning 160 slaves, 80 of which she had inherited from her brother on his death unmarried (p. 81).” [In Randolph,
W. (1952). Henry Randolph I, 1623-1773 [sic] of Henrico County, Virginia, and his descendants: Preceded by short review of the Randolph family in early England and elsewhere. Memphis: Distributed by Cossitt Library.][The daughter, Mary “Polly” Peterson Poythress was born in 1763 and married Henry Randolph in 1777.]
Court Cases
Dinwiddie Co. Clerk’s Fee Book, 1763. The charges are denominated in pounds of tobacco for which it is likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill. Deb it
Peter Bland & Co. [Prince George]
February, 1763 Judgement vs Rees Executive order 23 2 3
Order vs Williamson 15 June Order 15 Copy Plea 3 repl 10 4 3
Order vs Mayes 15 June Order 15 Copy Plea 3 repl 10 4 3
Dismissed vs Claiborne junior 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 file Papers 10 4 6
Order vs F. Poythress 15 Copy Plea 3 repl 10 2 8
Attorney &c Rigby 20 Attorney 5 Serving Garnishment 10 Continuance 15 October Dismissed 15 file
Papers 10 75
June, 1763 Trial vs F. Poythress 40 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 July 2d Executive
order &c 23 9 4
September, 1763 Executive order &c S. [T?] Rees 23 2 3
Judgement vs Williamson 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 paper 10 Executive order &c 23 64
The same fees vs Mayes 6 4
5 03
Robert Hutchings Lunenburg Co.
February, 1763 Order vs Howell 15 June Order 15 Copy Plea 8 rept 10 [ ]
| Order to abate Suit vs F. Poythress 15 file papers 10 | 2 5 |
| Judgement vs H. Featherstone 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Papers 10 Executive order &c 23 | 64 |
| Order vs L. Claiborne Jr. 15 Copy Plea 3 report 10 | 2 8 |
| Order vs Claiborne 15 Copy Plea 3 report 10 | 2 8 |
| Dismissed ads Hare 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 | 3 6 |
| Judgement vs Wagnon & Executive order &c 23 | 2 3 |
| Judgement vs Traylor & Executive order &c 23 | 2 3 |
| Judgement vs Mills & Executive order 23 April Executive order &c 23 | 4 6 |
| March, 1763 Petition &c & Dismissed vs Coleman 50 Attorney 5 | 5 5 |
| Attorney ads Gray 5 Order for Imparlance 15 Copy Wy & returned 8 Declaration 10 June Plea 10 | 48 |
| April, 1763 Executive order &c vs Thweatt 23 August Executive order &c vs Do 23 | 46 |
| May, 1763 Petition &c & Judgement vs Worsham 50 Attorney 5 Executive order &c 23 July | |
| Executive order &c 23 | 1 01 |
| June, 1763 Subpoena for Witnesses ads Clack 10 | 1 0 |
| August, 1763 Capias vs Pearcy 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10 | |
| Conditional Order 15 Continuance vs W. Claiborne 15 November Continuance | 30 |
| September, 1763 Judgement vs Howell 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Papers 10 Executive order &c 23 64 | |
| October, 1763 recording Freemans Deed to you | 1 00 |
| Dismissed ads Gray 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 filing Papers 10 | 4 6 |
| Order vs Pearcy 15 Special Bill 10 Copy Plea 3 report 10 | 3 8 |
| November, 1763 For Administrator on Thomas Sturdivants Estate 40 | 4 0 |
| 4 49 | |
| Peter Eppes Prince George Co. |
February, 1763 Capias vs Morgin & Mason 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10
Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 file Papers 190 April 5th Executive order &c 23 104 May, 1763 recording Lease & release & Bond from Poythress & Claiborne 1 50
2 54
Peter Woodleiff & other
February, 1763 Order [vs F. Poy(erased)] [b lank]
Leonard Claiborne junior See more folio 75
February, 1763 Dismissed vs F. Poythress 15 file Papers 10 2 5
Plea ads Hutchings 10 1 0
Plea ads Lew Williamson 10 1 0
March, 1763 Subpoena to prove a Deed from T. Claiborne to you 10 Order for Attendance 10 Copy 10 30
April, 1763 Ser for two Orders vs Marable 5 Copys 10 each Copy Judgement 10 40
Appearance ads Langley 5 Order for Imparlance 15 2 0
Appearance ads Jones &c 5 Order for Imparlance 15 June Plea 10 3 0
Petition &c vs Gibson 50 Attorney 5 May Dismissed 5 5
May, 1763 Judgement vs F. Poythress’s Executors 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 file Papers 10 41
Continuance vs Fitz 15 November Continuance 15 3 0
June, 1763 Capias vs Hardeas[?] 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10
Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Order to stay Executive order 10 file Papers 10 90
Executive order &c vs Wades 23 2 3
4 10
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 Joseph Williamson Brunswick Co. Brot from Folio 5 3 85 [ ] [ ] Judgement vs Hamlin 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Order to discharge Goods Attached 15 Papers 10 Executive order &c 23 7 9 Attorney ads James Hardaway 5 June Dismissed 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Executive order & May, 1763 Executive order &c vs Hamlin 23 June Executive order 23 c 23 6 4 6 Capias vs Chamless 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Declaration 10 Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 55 June, 1763 Continuance vs F. Poythress on Petition August Continuance 15 Judgement November Executive order &c 23 5 3 August 12, 1673 Executive order &c vs. W. Claiborne 23 September Executive order &c 23 November Executive order &c 23 6 9 August 17, 1673 Executive order &c vs. F. Hamlin 23 2 3 August, 1673 Petition &c & Judgement vs. Wall 50 Attorney 5 Executive order &c 23 78 |
4
Petition & Judgement vs. Coats 50 Attorney 5 Executive order &c 23 December Executive order &c 23 101 Capias vs. Hardaway 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 returned 10 Declaration 10 Continuance 15 October
Order 15 Copy Plea 3 report 10 8 3
Attorney &c vs. Perry 20 Attorney 5 Swearing Garnishment 10 Continuance 15 October Continuance 15
Copy Plea 3 report 10 85
September, 1763 Capias vs Mays 10 Docketing 5 Attorney bill returned 10 Declaration 10 Conditional
Order 15 55
October, 1763 Judgement vs. Do 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Papers 10 4 1
December, 1763 Subpoena vs Perry 10 1 0
8 42
Colonel John Jones
February, 1763 Attached vs you on Davison’s Order for Attendance 1 0
April, 1763 Subpoena in Chan vs Allen 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Continuance 15 June Continuance 15
August Continuance 15 6 5
September, 1763 Executive order &c vs F. Poythress 23 2 3
August, 1763 Attorney ads Coleman 5 Order Imparlance 15 Copy Wt & returned 8 Declaration 10
October Plea 10 4 8
file Depons ads Jones 5 Copy seven Depons 10 ea 7 5
file Depons ads F. Poythress 5 Copy four Depons 10 each 4 5
October, 1763 Continuance vs Allen 15 1 5
December, 1763 file Petition about Mill 10 Order 15 Copy 10 3 5
3 16
Peter Stainback See more folio 100
March, 1763 file Papers vs Puckett 1 0
May, 1763 Capias vs F. Poythress 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Declaration 10 Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 55
Petition &c Judgement vs Poythress & Rees 50 Attorney 5 5 5
June, 1763 Capias vs Poythress 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Decl 10 Order to abate suit 15 file Papers 10 55
Order for Imparlance ads Clark 15 Copy Wt & returned 8 Declaration 10 3 3
July, 1763 Executive order &c Rees 23 September Executive order &c 23 4 6
August, 1763 Petition &c Judgement vs Burge 50 Attorney 5 Subpoena 10 Executive order &c 23 88
3 42
William Black See more portfolio 97
March, 1763 Dismissed vs Sandefur 15 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 file Papers 10 46
Subpoena for Witnesses vs Poythress 10 June Order for Attendance 10 Copy 10 Trial 40 Judgement 10
Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 10 Executive order &c 23 1 24
May, 1763 Capias vs Barrett 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Decl 10 Order 15 Copy 10 Attached 15
recording returned 15 8 5
June, 1763 Order vs Coats 15 Copy Plea 3 report 10 Subpoena 10 3 8
Order vs Barrett 15 Wt Enqr 10 October Continuance 15 4 0
July, 1763 Executive order &c vs F. Poythress 23 September Executive order vs Do 23 1764 Feb
Executive order &c 23 1 24
August, 1763 Petition &c Dismissed 10 Goodwyn 50 Attorney 5 5 5
September, 1763 Order for Attendance vs Coats 10 Copy 10 Trial 40 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge
Costs 11 Executive order &c 23 1 14
Writ of Execution vs L. Claiborne Jr. Special Bill for Poythress 23 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Dismissed 15
file Papers 10 Copy Dismissed 10 Copy Costs 7 9
6 50
Francis Poythress & John Evans Prince George Co.
May, 1763 recording Jones & Wife’s Deed to you 1 00
Stephen Dance See more folio 95
May, 1763 Capias vs Sandefur 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Declaration 10 Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 55
June, 1763 Attorney ads F. Poythress 5 5
July, 1763 Executive order &c vs Vaughan 23 2 3
September, 1763 Petition &c Dismissed 10 Warren 50 Attorney 5 5 5
Capias vs Harris 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10 Special Bill 10 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Order to stay Executive order 15 file Papers 10 106
Capias vs McClouds 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10 Judgement 10 Copy 10
Tax charge Costs 11 Order to stay Executive order 10 Papers 10 96
Petition &c vs E. Traylor 50 Attorney 5 Continuance 15 7 0
Petition &c Judgement vs W. Traylor 50 Attorney Executive order &c 23 7 8
4 88
Thomas Welch Assignee of Francis Poythress
May, 1763 Continuance vs Smiths Executors 15 November Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11
Papers 10 5 6
Edward Lewis Cumberland See more folio 78
February, 1763 Executive order &c vs Tucker 23 April Executive order &c 23 4 6
March, 1763 Capias vs Poythress 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 decl 10 Order to abate Suit 15 file
Papers 10 55
June, 1763 The same fees vs Do 5 5
The same fees vs Do in another Suit 5 5
2 11
Edward Lewis Brot from folio 20 2 11
August, 1763 Petition &c Judgement vs Williams 50 Attorney 5 Executive order &c 23 78
Capias vs F. Poythress 10 Docketing 5 Declaration 10 Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 55
The same Fees vs the same on another suit 5 5
3 99
Stephen Dance See more folio 95
May, 1763 Capias vs Sandefur 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Declaration 10 Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 55
June, 1763 Attorney ads F. Poythress 5 5
July, 1763 Executive order &c vs Vaughan 23 2 3
September, 1763 Petition &c Dismissed 10 Warren 50 Attorney 5 5 5
Capias vs Harris 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10 Special Bill 10 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Order to stay Executive order 15 file Papers 10 106
Capias vs McClouds 10 Docketing 5 Attorney 5 Bill returned 10 Declaration 10 Judgement 10 Copy 10
Tax charge Costs 11 Order to stay Executive order 10 Papers 10 96
Petition &c vs E. Traylor 50 Attorney 5 Continuance 15 7 0
Petition &c Judgement vs W. Traylor 50 Attorney Executive order &c 23 7 8
4 88
Lawrence Richardson
June, 1763 Trial vs Poythress 40 Judgement 10 Copy 10 Tax charge Costs 11 Executive order &c 23 94
September, 1763 Executive order &c 23 2 3
Writ of execution &c vs L. Claiborne Jr. Special Bill for Poythress 23 Docketing 5 Attorney 5
Dismissed 15 file Papers 10 Copy Dismissed 10 Copy Costs 11 79
1 96
Francis Poythress, Peter Woodleif & Wife & Leonard Claiborne junior & Wife
August, 1763 Continuance vs Ruffin 15
November Continuance 15
3 0
Ecclesiastical Career
—-The Reverend Poythress “was led to repentance by the conversation and reproof of a lady of elevated position in society. He began to read the Bible and to pray in secret. He sought a religious guide, but, such was the character of the clergy in Virginia at that day, he found none. He heard of the Rev. Deveraux Jarratt and obtained his counsel.”
—-Although he had a wild youth, he soon began seeking spiritual comfort. He first joined the Church of England, the dominant church in his part of Virginia, eventually traveling as an assistant to an evangelical preacher. On one journey, he rode in the company of a traveling Methodist preacher who gave Poythress a copy of the Methodist discipline and doctrines. Shortly thereafter, he converted to the Methodism, being admitted as a preacher during the Revolution.
—-In 1777, in Hartford County, Maryland, and in 1778, in Leesburg, Virginia, the following preachers met to determine the future of their work: Isham Tatum, Charles Hopkins, Nelson Reed, Reuben Ellis, Philip Gatch, Thomas Morris, James Morris, James Foster, John Major, Andrew Yeargin, Henry Willis, Francis Poythress, John Sigman, Leroy Cole, Carter Cole, James O’Kelly, William Monroe (or Moore, Lednum), Samuel Roe.
—-Tuesday July 11, 1780, in North Carolina, the preacher, Francis Poythress, was working the circuit.
—-Tuesday, July 18, 1780, in North Carolina, the preacher, Francis Poythress, was on the New Hope Circuit west of the Tar River Circuit.
—-In 1783, Francis Poythress and Benjamin Roberts were assigned the Allegheny Circuit, in the Greenbrier District of the Virginia Conference.
—-After serving several circuits, he was made an Elder in 1786.
—-lived in VA until 1787
—-In 1787, the Lexington and Danville circuits were created out of the Kentucky circuit and Francis Poythress was appointed the presiding elder. “The father of the little church at Lexington was the unfortunate Francis Poythress, who went from station to station, preaching and toiling and suffering in silence…As a preacher, few in those days, excelled him. His voice was clear and musical, his knowledge of the scripture vast and accurate, and his sermons fell as the dew of life upon the hearts of his congregation.” Francis Poythress was the presiding elder of the Kentucky area for nine years.
—-In 1788, Thomas Williamson, Peter Massie and Benjamin Snelling were sent to the Lexington, Kentucky Circuit with Francis Poythress as the presiding elder. This circuit included the counties of Fayette, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin, Scott and Harrison. Of Francis Poythress, it was said that he “had the bearing of one who had been well raised, his deportment being very gentlemanly; but he appeared to be somewhat melancholy in disposition.”
– presiding Elder of Kentucky area for nine years, 1788-1797. As Elder and with Asbury’s confidence, Poythress played a strong leadership role in Kentucky, presiding at Conferences in Asbury’s absence and stationing preachers. As such, Poythress had great influence over which preacher was assigned to Lexington. He was also influential in the establishment of Bethel Academy. Arnold reports that when Poythress arrived in Kentucky, the district held just over 500 Methodists; but when his administration as Elder ended, there were almost 2,500 members of the church. “It was he who directed the forces in this formative period of Methodism in Kentucky.” After a year’s assignment elsewhere, Poythress served one more year, 1799, as Elder in Kentucky before being moved outside the state. By 1800, however, the stress and strain of frontier work had broken his health. He retired to his sister’s home. [Foster Ockerman, Jr., in his First United Methodist Church History,” gives a short biography of the Preacher, Francis Poythress, the Elder.]
—-In 1793, presiding elders of the Greenbrier Circuit were assisted by the itinerant preachers, John Tunnell, James O’Kelly and Francis Poythress.
—-Before 1800, Benjamin Ogden, James Haw, “the great and noble” Francis Poythress, Peter Massie, Barnabas McHenry, John Page, William Burke, Wilson Lee, Jacob Lurton, Moses Speer and Aquilla Sugg were the preachers that traveled the circuit from Nashville, Tennessee, to Russellville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and to Evansville, Indiana, preaching the Bible as Methodists.
By 1800, Francis Poythress was unable to continue his work and became seriously deranged in intellect and remained in that condition for years.
Property: Personal Property and Land
In 1752, Dinwiddie County’s present boundaries were established except for the portion annexed by the City of Petersburg. Dinwiddie County was cut off from Prince George County’s southwestern end. The county court records prior to 1833 were destroyed in 1865. One plat book, one order book, and one judgement book survive.
5 Jun 1765 To Peter Thomas/William Harper. Whereas by patent 22 Sep 1739 Granted Francis Poythress con 40 Sh. re 400 acres then PGCO now DNCO on the lower side of Tommaheton Creek between Lawrence Richardson’s and George Wainwrights Lines (loc -36079 -29797 F127 L0 P255 pt A) Lawrence Richardsons upper corner Gum upon Beaverpond branch (ln W3S; 276P; along Richardsons upper line pt B) his upper corner white Oak upon Tommaheton thence up Tomaheton swamp as it meanders to (lm n; 225p; pt C) George Wainwright’s lower Corner white Oak thence along his line (E9N 145P to ln e9n; 145p; George Wainwright pt D) his corner thence (E138P to ln e; 138p; pt E) Beaver Pond branch thence down the said Branch as it Meanders to the Beginning (lm;) down Beaver Pond branch And whereas Tally Allen in whom the Right and title of the said Land is since become vested hath failed to make such Cultivation and Improvement and Peter Thomas hath made humble suit and hath obtained a Grant for the same which he hath assigned to William Harper. [VPB36 p762-763]
[243 Peter Thos./Wm. Harper 5 Jun 1765 [VPB 36 p762] 400 ac. then PG now Dinwiddie/lower side Tommaheton]
[341 George Wainright 15 Oct 1741 [VPB 20 p56] 399 ac. PG/lower side of Tommaheton Swamp] [343 George Wainright 5 Sep 1749 [VPB 27 p423] 1,000 ac. PG Co/N Side of Tommahitton sw] [246 Laurence Richardson 22 Sep 1739 [VPB 18 p376] 400 ac. PG Co/lower side of Tommohiton sw
[July 20, 1768, to Elias Wills, whereas by a patent dated September 20, 1745, there was granted unto John Paterson 204 acres, in Amelia County, on both sides of the head of the dry or lower fork of Winticomaick Creek and whereas John Paterson hath failed to pay such Quit rents and Francis Poythress has made humble suit and has obtained a grant for the same which he has assigned unto Elias Wills, adjoining Thomas Hood, Matthew Tucker and Tesdale.] 20 Jul 1768 To Elias Wills Con 20 Shill. 204 acres George the Third &C To all of &C Whereas by one patent under the seal of this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia bearing date the twentieth day of September one Thousand seven hundred and forty five there was granted unto John Paterson one certain Tract or parcel of Land containing two hundred and four acres lying and being in the County of Amelia on both sides of the head of the dry or lower fork of Winticomaick Creek and bounded as followeth, to wit, Beginning at Thomas Hoods corner crooked pine thence along Matthew Tuckers line West nineteen degrees North twenty seven poles to Tisdales corner white oak thence South twenty nine degrees West one hundred and fourteen poles along his line to his corner thence South eight degrees West one hundred and ninety seven poles to a corner pine thence East ten degrees South one hundred poles to a corner white oak thence North seventeen degrees East two hundred and forty three poles to Thomas Hoods line thence North forty degrees West ninety nine poles along Hoods line to the beginning. Which said Tract or parcel of Land was granted on condition of paying our Quitrents and cultivating and Improving as in the said patent is expressed and whereas the said John Paterson hath failed to pay such Quitrents and Francis Poythress hath made humble suit to our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in chief of our said Colony and Dominion and hath obtained a grant for the same which he hath assigned unto Elias Wills Therefore know ye that for divers good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty shillings of good and lawful money for our use paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our said Colony and Dominion, We have given granted & confirmed and by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors Do give grant and confirm unto the said Elias Wills and to his Heirs and assigns forever all the Tract or parcel of Land and every part and parcel thereof. With all &C To had hold &C To be held &C Yielding and Paying &C Provided &C In Witness &C Witness our Trusty and wellbeloved John Blair esquire President of our Council and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of said Colony the twentieth day of July one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight In the eighth year of our Reign. Examd. John Blair. (Amelia) [VPB 37, p. 316]
List of Tithes & Taxable People taken by Danl Rose, Gent., Apr. 10, 1782, Dinwiddie Co., for Francis Poythress (p. 12): D. G. Meanly, Dick; Free male tithes 2; Negro tithes 1; Negroes under age 0; No. horses 0; No. cattle 0; Wheels 0.
In 1787, in Prince George County, taxes were paid by Francis Poythress, William Poythress, Mary Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress, and Joshua Poythress (estate). [Joshua Poythress (1720-1782), husband of Mary Short and son of Joshua Poythress (I).]
April 1, 1789, in Prince George County, account of the estate of Joel Sturdivant by John Sturdivant, Sr., executor. Names, among many, Francis Poythress and Joseph Poythress.
William Glascock, Nov. 7, 1792. To Robert Walton, both of Richmond Co., 1500 acres in Dinwiddie Co. Va. on Butterwood Creek adj. Wm. Stembridge, Peter Eppes, David Jones, Harwood Goodwin and Richard Burnett, the same being the lands purchased by Wm. Glascock of Francis Poythress, Leonard and Burwell Claiborne. Test: Adam Boyd, Thos. Watkins, J. P. [Historical Collections of the GA Chapters DAR, p266]
[379 Harwood Goodwin 10 Aug 1759 [PB34 p435] 400a Dinwiddie/S side Butterwood sw]
In 1795, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress, on 100 acres, conveyed by William Cross. [Francis Poythress, 1795-1806 taxed on 100 acres conveyed by William Cross]
[247 William Cross 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 p465] 200 ac. PG Co./]
[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)]
[103 Francis Poythress, Gent. 22 Sep 1739 [PB18 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]
[296 William Cross 5 Jun 1746 [PB25 p93] 300a PGCo/upper side of Stells br of Bear] In 1796, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1797, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1798, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres.
1799 Land B (Tax List) Dinwiddie Co. p. 10: Francis Poythress 100 6/8 33-6-8 -50
1800, Dinwiddie Co., Personal Property Taxes: Francis Poythress, No. horses: 3; No. slaves >16: 3; No. slaves 12- 16: 1. (List of Joseph Boisseau).
In 1801, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1802, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1803, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1805, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1806, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres. In 1807, in Dinwiddie County, land taxes were paid by Francis Poythress on 100 acres.
Pertinent Information
John Peterson, second of the name, only surviving issue of John Peterson and his wife, Elizabeth Soane, appears on the Charles City Jury list in 1694 and was born at least prior to 1673. He died in Isle of Wight Co. in 1731. The name of his wife or wives is not known. Since he had a son named Batte, it has been assumed that he married into the Batte family; however, this cannot be confirmed by existing records. It is probable that John Peterson named son Batte out of gratitude to Capt. Henry Batte who became his guardian and saved his estate. It appears from John Peterson’s will that he married a widow named Brown, the mother of Jeremiah and Burrell Brown, mentioned in his will. John Peterson was a Justice of the County Court for Prince George County (1714-1720). (1) On Jan 10, 1723, John Peterson, Sr., of Isle of Wight Co., deeded to his son, John Peterson, Jr., of Prince George Co., two tracts of land, 100 acres at the head of Froghole Millpond, Bristol Parish, and a tract on west run. (2) John Peterson, Sr., built another mill on Bailey’s Creek and this property continued in possession of his descendants until about 1870.
November 12, 1723, in Prince George County, John Peterson, of Bristol parish, to John Fitzgerald, of the same parish, all that water grist or corn mill, called Froghole Mill, on Bailey’s Creek, 118 acres and is bounded as by deed dated January 26, 1677, from Francis Whittington to John Peterson, Sr., deceased, which descended to said John Peterson, as heir at law, on part of which land the Mill stands. Another tract of land adjoins and contains 60 acres as in a deed dated October 11, 1703, from Henry Batts to John Peterson, the said tract of land had descended to Henry Batts from his father, Henry Batts, Sr. The other tract of land of 95 acres, was purchased by John Peterson from William Bobbitt, Jr., by deed on May 12, 1703, it being land on which the said Bobbitt then lived, and was granted to William Bobbitt, Sr., father of the said William Bobbitt, Jr., by patent on October 27, 1673, and descended to William Bobbitt, Jr., as heir at law. The witnesses were Henry Wood, Joshua Irby and Francis Poythress. [John Peterson (c. 1667-1732) was married to Mary [Batte?], and they were the grandparents of Mary Peterson who
married Francis Poythress. William Bobbitt, Jr., (1675-1738), was married to Mary Green, the daughter of William Green and Sarah Pritchett.]
Fitzgerald’s on Froghole Millpond was the site of Prince George County courthouse for many years. From 1715 until his death in 1731, John Peterson acquired several thousand acres of land in Isle of Wight County, later Brunswick, on both sides of the Meherrin River and moved to that section to live about 1723. He seems to have resided in what is now Greensville Co. His Will, dated Mar 1, 1731, probated Jan 24, 1731/2, Isle of Wight [Bk. 3, page 292] mentioned sons, John and Batte; daughters Mary Spain, Judith Thweatt and Ann Thweatt; grandson John Eppes; Jeremiah Brown, Burrell Brown, John Smith and Matthew Parham. The last four persons were devised tracts of land in the will but their relationship to John Peterson, is not confirmed.
[Boddie] p. 113. Will of John Peterson, Isle of Wight Co., Va., Made 1 Mar 1731; proved & recorded January 24, 1732, Isle of Wight County, Va.
To Burrell Brown 400 acres being plantation whereon I now live and two other tracts adjoining and four slaves and in default of issue then said land to my son Batt Peterson.
To Jeremiah Brown of Sumter SC 200 acres being plantation whereon Joseph Perry formerly lived, and in default of issue to said Brown, said plantation to my son John Peterson.
Son Batt Peterson 100 acres adjoining John Smith; to Matthew Parham of Isle of Wight, 100 acres out of said tract on Fox Branch and next adj. to his land;
Grandson John Eppes 100 acres. Jonathan Carter lives there. plus 100 acres where Robert Ellis lives and 400 acres bought of Edmond Mecarty on Meherrin River and Jenitol Creek. And for default of issue said land to my sons Batt, John.
Son John Peterson all my land in Isle of Wight binding on south side of Meherrin River; son Batt Peterson, plantation whereon said Batt now liveth containing 400 acres,
Son John Peterson 333 acres on Meherrin River which I bought of John Smith;
Son Batt Peterson 500 acres on Meherrin River which I purchased of Edward Maccarty.
To Jeremiah Brown 4 negros under same conditions as the negroes to Burwell Brown (to sons John and Batt for default of issue)
Grandson John Eppes when 21 years old 4 negros under same conditions as negroes to Burrel and Jeremiah Brown. Dtr. Mary Spain, Dtr JudithThweatt, Dtr Ann Thweatt one negro each.
to Burrell Brown, Jeremiah Brown and grandson John Eppes, stock and personal effects:
Residue of estate to sons John and Batt Peterson, and all debts due and demands in England, Virginia or elsewhere. Wit. Wm Thweattt, Miles Thweatt, John Sturdivant. Justice of County Court for Pr. Geo. Order Bk.
The inventory and appraisal of the estate of Charles Hix, taken by Batt Peterson, John Wall, Jr., and Michael Wall, Jr. Errors excepted by George Hicks, administrator. Returned to court on June 6, 1745. [John Wall (1708-), husband of Anne Poythress (1721-), was one of the appraisers as was his brother, Michael Wall. Batte Peterson (c. 1700- 1758) was an uncle of the Mary Peterson who married Francis Poythress.]
As Witness
March 28, 1757, in Halifax County, John Hickey, of Halifax County, to Samuel Gordon, of the town of Blandford,
£597/7/7, various tracts, cattle, etc. The witness was Francis Poythress.
Francis Poythress’ Will and Death
In Dinwiddie County, the Will of Francis Poythress, dated December 10, 1796.
In the name of God Amen. I Francis Poythress being in health of [illegible] and of a sound disposing mind but calling to mind the mortality of my body do make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following in primis I give devise and bequeath unto my loving wife all my estate of every kind that I do possess Reserving unto my Daughter Mary Peterson Randolph which I give five shillings which said sum I give unto my daughter to her and her heirs forever.
Item. Whereas there was a marriage contract between my wife and myself and whereas the true intent and meaning of the said writing was that my said wife was to enjoy and have the full and free disposal of all the Estate of every kind that came by her without the let or hindrance of me and my Heirs. Now if there should be any deficiencies in the said writing so as to entitle my Heirs to any of the property the [illegible] my wife my will and desire is and I do hereby revoke all such claim and desire that my wife and her Heirs should enjoy all the Estate that came by her without the hindrance or molestation of my Heirs. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th Day of December Anno Dommini 1796. Francis Poythress. Signed sealed Published and declared in presence of Reuben Wilkinson, Robert Reese.
“A few years ago – I think it was in 1818 – Brother Poythress died, insane in Jessamine county, Kentucky, about twelve miles from Lexington, at the house of his sister, Mrs. Susanna Pryor, with whom he had lived, in a state of derangement for a considerable time. [The History of Methodism in Kentucky by the Rev. A. H. Redford, Nashville: Southern Methodist Publishing House, 1868-70, p97].
Highlights:
Fr. Poythress, the Elder, of Dinwiddie Co., husb. of Mary Peterson, father of Sgt. Fr. Poythress, 5th gen.
- born abt. 1732
- Francis Poythress, Isham Epes, John Hall, Reverend Ravenscroft, John Peterson & Anthony Peniston were added to the number of Court Justices, 1737 [Francis Poythress (c. 1705-1760) was the father of this Francis Poythress (c.
- 1732-1818) and John Peterson was the father of Mary Peterson]
- married Mary Peterson, dau. of John Peterson & Martha Thweatt
- children (1760-1763): Francis Poythress & Mary Peterson Poythress m. Henry Isham Randolph
- In 1777, in Hartford County, Maryland, and in 1778, in Leesburg, Virginia, the following preachers met to determine the future of their work: Isham Tatum, Charles Hopkins, Nelson Reed, Reuben Ellis, Philip Gatch, Thomas Morris, James Morris, James Foster, John Major, Andrew Yeargin, Henry Willis, Francis Poythress, John Sigman, Leroy Cole, Carter Cole, James O’Kelly, William Monroe (or Moore, Lednum), Samuel Roe.
- Tuesday July 11, 1780, in North Carolina, the preacher, Francis Poythress, was working the circuit.
- Tuesday, July 18, 1780, in North Carolina, the preacher, Francis Poythress, was on the New Hope Circuit west of the Tar River Circuit.
- Tithes & Taxable People for Francis Poythress: D. G. Meanly, Dick; Free male tithes 2; Negro tithes 1; Negroes under age 0. Dinwiddie Co., 1782
- In 1783, Francis Poythress and Benjamin Roberts were assigned the Allegheny Circuit, in the Greenbrier District of the Virginia Conference.
- his son, Sgt. Francis Poythress died, 1785
- After serving several circuits, he was made an Elder in 1786.
- paid taxes in Pr. Geo. Co., 1787
- lived in VA until 1787
- In 1787, the Lexington and Danville circuits were created out of the Kentucky circuit and Francis Poythress was appointed the presiding elder. “The father of the little church at Lexington was the unfortunate Francis Poythress, who went from station to station, preaching and toiling and suffering in silence…As a preacher, few in those days, excelled him. His voice was clear and musical, his knowledge of the scripture vast and accurate, and his sermons fell as the dew of life upon the hearts of his congregation.” Francis Poythress was the presiding elder of the Kentucky area for nine years.
- In 1788, Thomas Williamson, Peter Massie and Benjamin Snelling were sent to the Lexington, Kentucky Circuit with Francis Poythress as the presiding elder. This circuit included the counties of Fayette, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin, Scott and Harrison. Of Francis Poythress, it was said that he “had the bearing of one who had been well raised, his deportment being very gentlemanly; but he appeared to be somewhat melancholy in disposition.”
- presiding Elder of Kentucky area for nine years, 1788-1797. As Elder and with Asbury’s confidence, Poythress played a strong leadership role in Kentucky, presiding at Conferences in Asbury’s absence and stationing preachers. As such, Poythress had great influence over which preacher was assigned to Lexington. He was also influential in the establishment of Bethel Academy. Arnold reports that when Poythress arrived in Kentucky, the district held just over 500 Methodists; but when his administration as Elder ended, there were almost 2,500 members of the church. “It was he who directed the forces in this formative period of Methodism in Kentucky.” After a year’s assignment elsewhere, Poythress served one more year, 1799, as Elder in Kentucky before being moved outside the state. By 1800, however, the stress and strain of frontier work had broken his health. He retired to his sister’s home. [Foster Ockerman, Jr., in his First United Methodist Church History,” gives a short biography of the Preacher, Francis Poythress, the Elder.]
- estate of Joel Sturdivant, Francis & Joshua Poythress were named among many, 1789
- In 1793, presiding elders of the Greenbrier Circuit were assisted by the itinerant preachers, John Tunnell, James O’Kelly and Francis Poythress.
- [Francis Poythress, 1795-1806 taxed on 100 acres conv by William Cross]
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1795
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1796
- Francis’ Will was written, Dinwiddie Co., 1796
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1797
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1798B
- Before 1800, Benjamin Ogden, James Haw, “the great and noble” Francis Poythress, Peter Massie, Barnabas McHenry, John Page, William Burke, Wilson Lee, Jacob Lurton, Moses Speer and Aquilla Sugg were the preachers that traveled the circuit from Nashville, Tennessee, to Russellville and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and to Evansville, Indiana, preaching the Bible as Methodists.
- By 1800, Francis Poythress was unable to continue his work and became seriously deranged in intellect and remained in that condition for years.
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1801
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1802
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1803
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1805
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1806
- taxes paid on 100 acres in Dinwiddie Co. by Francis Poythress, 1807
- died in 1818
- Slaves (1): Dick (1782)