Family
Francis Poythress was born about 1760, in Amelia County, the son of Reverend Francis Poythress & Mary Peterson. Francis died before November 11, 1785, at the age of 24. His sister, Mary Peterson Poythress, was named for their mother, Mary Peterson. Mary married Henry Isham Randolph. He died in Fayette County, Tennessee.

Batte listed Sgt. Francis Poythress as “of Amelia” and died “December 1796 Dinwiddie.” Batte wrote: that Sgt. Francis Poythress was the son of Francis and Mary (Peterson) Poythress, that he died unmarried and that he was a soldier in Capt. William Parson’s Troop, Amelia Cavalry,

Professional Life

Francis Poythress was a horseman (cavalryman) in the Troop of Captain William Parsons during the Revolution and discharged himself in every instance with great merit. He was in several engagements in the South under General William Washington. Soon after the end of the war, he returned to Virginia and died a single man at about twenty-four years of age. His sister, Mary, married a Mr. Randolph, of Amelia County, and died leaving only a single daughter. The youngest sister of Mrs. Mary Peterson Poythress, married James Parsons, the brother of Captain William Parsons.

Note
In Hanover County, Virginia Revolutionary War Public Claims, Thursday, July 4, 1782, claims against the United States by certificates dated August, 1780, to June, 1782: Elisha White, certified by John Pierce for 48 days in executing instructions from the executive of this state in procuring supplies for the use of the army during the siege of York £24; by Francis Poythress, Sergeant, for diet for 4 men, 5 shillings; by Daniel Bates, Ensign, for diets for a sick soldier, 12 days, 15 shillings; by Joseph Harrison, Ensign, for diet, 1 day for 12 men, 15 shillings. 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 —– 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.

Note: As an ordained ministered in the Methodist Church, Francis, the Elder, would have been so titled — an “Elder”. Naming om this claim as “the Elder” affirms that Sergeant Francis and Mary Randolph are the children of Reverend Francis Poythress, Elder in the Methodist Church.

Will of Francis Poythress’ Father
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.

Highlights: Sgt. Francis Poythress (c. 1760-1785), s. of Francis Poythress, the Elder, of Dinwiddie Co., & Mary Peterson, 5^th gen.

– born in Amelia Co. abt. 1760

– Corporal, 1^st Regiment Light Dragoons, 1779

– Sergeant, 1^st Regiment Light Dragoons, 1781

– deceased bef. Nov. 11, 1785 (age ~24)

First document: 1779 (age ~19)