John H. Poythress’ father was most likely Hardiman Poythress, 6th generation. John (Hardiman?) probably lived with his cousin’s wife, Betty, and his siblings and other young cousins after the death of his parent(s). Betty (1770-aft.

1810), was the wife of William Poythress (1765-1810). John H. apparently had two brothers, one of which was Benjamin (1808-1865). In the 1810 census, three young boys under ten years old were living with Betty. Hardiman Poythress left a will and his administrator, Nathaniel Marks, “was to pay Elizabeth Poythress for the benefit of the infant children of said Hardiman Poythress.” Apparently Hardiman Poythress’ wife was deceased. The three orphans were cared for as long as Betty Poythress lived. Hardiman was a young man when he died at approximately thirty years of age.

After Benjamin Poythress’ death

According to the Court in 1789, the Commissioners were “to audit and settle the accounts of the Administration of the Estate of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and to divide his Estate and set apart to each of the claimants their proportion thereof. It appears that Benjamin’s sisters, Lucy, Ann Isham and Mary were to have their inheritance set apart from Benjamin’s estate. Apparently Benjamin’s sister, Lucy Gordon, was deceased by 1789 and her daughter, Lucy Gordon, became an heir for her mother’s portion.

After William Poythress’ (1728-1768) Death

William Poythress’ (1728-1768) son, Benjamin (1756-1789), appears to be the father of Hardiman Poythress (1779- 1810). Hardiman named a son, Benjamin (1808-1865).

September 12, 1771, the Virginia Gazette announced an auction, on Butterwood Creek, in Dinwiddie County, at the plantation where Nathaniel Hobbs was overseer. Thirty Virginia born slaves, belonging to the estate of William Poythress were to be sold.

August 11, 1774, the Virginia Gazette announced the rental of William Poythress’ plantation, where he had lived in Prince George County, about four miles from Blandford, containing 500 acres, a house, necessary outhouses, barns and orchards. Anyone interested in the property was to contact Major Peter Poythress.

In July, 1775, in Prince George County, the division of the estate of William Poythress, of Prince George County: The division of slaves of William Poythress, deceased, by decree of the Prince George County court, July, 1775, we have divided the slaves William Poythress died possessed of, between the plaintiffs, John Gordon and Lucy, his wife, Ann Isham Poythress and Mary Poythress and the defendant, Benjamin Poythress, and allotted to each of the legatees their share. The value of those allotted to John and Lucy Gordon was unequal to the value of those given to the others, and Benjamin is to pay the other legatees: to Ann Isham Poythress, £3/13/4; to Mary Poythress, £11/3/4; to Benjamin Poythress £1/13/4; to Benjamin Poythress as heir of William Poythress, Jr., £8/13/4; to Benjamin Poythress as heir of Sally Poythress, £1/13/4. All names of slaves were listed, but no last names, except for Andrew Miller, Jack Vaughan, Lucy Cook and Frank Cook. [William Poythress, Jr., Benjamin Poythress, Lucy Poythress Gordon, Ann Isham Poythress, Mary Poythress and Sally Poythress were children of William Poythress and (Lucy Edwards?).]

In July, 1775, the division of William’s slaves was ordered by the Prince George County court. His son, William, and his daughter, Sally, had already died, leaving his son, Benjamin, and his daughters; Lucy, who married John Gordon, Anne Isham Poythress, and Mary Poythress.

December 23, 1775, in the Virginia Gazette, the executors of William’s estate, announced auctions at his plantation on Little Roanoke, in Charlotte County, also at his Butterwood Quarter, in Dinwiddie County, and at his Tombeaton Quarter. At the Butterwood Quarter, there was to be an auction of a large number of slaves. In 1777, Peter Poythress, of Branchester, the executor of William’s estate, announced final plans to deliver the estate to the beneficiaries.

November Quarterly Sessions 1789, Dinwiddie County, p. 126. William Yates Complainant against Francis Muir Administrator of John Gordon dec’d. Francis Muir & Mary his wife, Francis Muir Administrator “de Bonis non” of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and Lucy Gordon Infant, Issue of the said John Gordon by the said Francis Muir her guardian Defendant Upon an Injunction in Chancery. By consent of the parties this cause was this day heard upon the Bill, answers and exhibits filed and the arguments of counsel on all sides on consideration whereof it is ordered and decreed by the Court that the judgment at Law obtained by the Defendant Francis Muir as Administrator of the said John Gordon dec’d. against the Complainant be enjoined perpetually and that Kennon Jones, John Jones, David Walker and John Edmondson Gent. or any three of them be appointed Commissioners to audit and settle the accounts of the Administration of the Estate of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and to divide his Estate and set apart to each of the claimants their proportion thereof and make report of their proceedings therein to the Court in order to a final decree.

Hardiman Poythress’ Will and living with cousin Betty Poythress

1810 – Prince George County, VA – Betey Poythress (1770-aft. 1810), wife of William Poythress (1765-1810).Poythress, Betey – pg. 542, 3 M under 10, 1 M 10-15, 2 M 16-25, 1 F 10-15, 1 F 16-25, 1 F 26-44 [This “Betty” Poythress was the recent widow of William Poythress (1765-1810).]

[Virtual census]

Betty Poythress 40 William Poythress’ wife

Elizabeth Bland Poythress 13 Wm. & Betty Poythress’ daughter Joshua Poythress 25 Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son Thomas Eppes Poythress 24 Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son William Poythress 15 Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son

Mary Poythress 16 Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ daughter John H. Poythress 6 Hardiman Poythress’ son

(male) Poythress (under 10) Hardiman Poythress’ son [b. btwn. 1800-1810] Benjamin F. Poythress 2 Hardiman Poythress’ son

May 15, 1810, in the Prince George County Surveyor’s record of 863 acre tract on Simmons branch for estate of William Poythress, Pursuant to an Order of the court and by direction of John Batte, John H. Peterson and Peter Epes, I surveyed the estate of William Poythress, deceased, on Old Courthouse Road. William Poythress’ land was called “Branchester” and Simmons branch. The Plat shows 200 acres to Patrick Poythress, 313 acres to William Poythress, 50 acres to Joshua Poythress and 300 acres to Thomas Poythress. Robert Turnbull was the County Surveyor. [Batte originally showed this to be William Poythress (1753-1794) instead of William Poythress (1765- 1810).]

In August, 1811, in the Prince George County court, the Will of William Poythress, of Branchester, was proved.

In November, 1811, in the Prince George County Court, Nathaniel Marks, Administrator of Hardiman Poythress, deceased, was to pay Elizabeth Poythress for the benefit of the infant children of said Hardiman Poythress.

Based upon the above, it looks like Betty Poythress became responsible for the children of William Poythress and Mary Gilliam. Betty’s husband, William Poythress, of Branchester, seems to have provided for his cousin’s children through the division of his property. Patrick Henry Poythress, the oldest son and child of William Poythress and Mary Gilliam was most likely living on his own plantation and married to Mary Epes. Elizabeth Poythress, daughter of William Poythress and Elizabeth Bland, married Richard Marks and lived at Branchester. [Patrick H. Poythress: 1813-1815 taxed on 94 3/4a.; 1816-1817 taxed on Archer Coleman live 94 3/4a.; 1818-1819 taxed on 44 3/4a conv 50a to Charles C1~; 1820 taxed on 94 3/4a (improperly chg. last year) on Br. of Namozene Cr. 18 N CH.]

The three youngest males were most likely the orphans of Hardiman Poythress as Betty Poythress was taking care of his infant children. John H. (1804-aft. 1836) and Benjamin F. (1808-1865) appear to be the most likely candidates to be two of those children.

From the Richmond Enquirer, Richmond, Virginia, page 4, March 3, 1836. By the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. A Proclamation. Whereas, John H. Poythress, who was confined in the Jail of Prince George county, charged with larceny and murder, has made his escape therefrom and is now going at large: – Now, therefore, I, Littleton Waller Tazewell, Governor of the said Commonwealth, have thought proper to offer a reward of One Hundred Dollars, to any person or persons who will apprehend the said Poythress and convey him to the jail of Prince George county: – And I do, moreover, require all officers, both civil and military, and request the good people of this Commonwealth to use their best exertions to apprehend and secure the said fugitive, in order that he may be dealt with according to law. Given under my hand as Governor, and under the lesser seal of the Commonwealth, at Richmond, this 9th day of February, 1836. Littleton W. Tazewell (Seal).

“Poythress is about 5 feet inches high, very fair complexion, small features, has a scar on his left cheek, sharp face, blue eyes and dark hair.” February 18.

In the 1880 census from Henrico County, Virginia, is the following entry: 1880 – Henrico County, VA

Convicts in State Pen./Richmond/1st Prec. Monroe Ward, page 55A., ED 79, 1 June Poythress, John D., white, male, age 66, laborer, born VA

The only document that has been found for an individual named John Poythress who was in trouble with the law was John H. Poythress (c. 1804-aft. 1836) who was wanted for larceny and murder. The inmate in the 1880 census was named John D. Poythress. His age appears a little young to have been John H. Poythress but that is not an unusual occurrence for people and records at that time. If this John Poythress was married to Elizabeth Demoble, then William Demoble Poythress (1834-1919) would have been his son. In 1850, William Demoble Poythress was living with J. M. H. Bonnet, a news editor in Petersburg, Virginia.

1850 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 464 – of J. M. H. Bonnet, news editor, Petersburg City, page 417, 2 Oct. Poythress, William, age 14, male, born VA, attends school

William Demoble Poythress (1834-1919), possible son of John H. Poythress (c. 1804-aft. 1836), 8th generation William Demoble Poythress (7/11/1834-1/29/1919) was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and died in Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He was the son of Elizabeth Demoble, his father unknown. He married, 2/21/1856, Louisa O. Traylor (probably Taylor). Their daughter was Mollie Poythress (1857-1859). The informant on William’s death certificate was Lena Hutney. William lived his entire life in Petersburg, Virginia.

The inscription on his tombstone reads: “In loving remembrance of our Beloved Brother and uncle. To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die.” No immediate family or tie has been located for William despite the words on his tombstone. However, he actually was a brother to someone: adopted sister, Lena Hutney, and was an uncle to someone: Ann J. Taylor, his wife’s niece. Lena Hutney and Ann Taylor lived with William in the 1900 and 1910 census.

Who was his father? In 1850, William, who was 14 years old, lived with J. M. H. Bonnet, a news editor in Petersburg. With no mother or father around, William may have found the one person he needed to survive. The news editor may have known or at least had access to old newspapers wherein he found the Virginia Governor, in 1836, asking law enforcement and the public to find John H. Poythress who was wanted for larceny and murder.

Was John H. Poythress not only Hardiman’s son and Benjamin’s brother but also the father of William Demoble Poythress?

1850 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 464 – of J. M. H. Bonnet, news editor, Petersburg City, page 417, 2 Oct. Poythress, William, age 14, male, born VA, attends school

1860 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 322 – Petersburg South Ward, page 35, 15 June

Poythuss, William D., age 23, male, grocer, $500 real est., $100 personal est., born VA

, Louisa, age 25, female, born VA

1870 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 266 – Petersburg/6 th Ward/1st Dist., page 380, 16 Aug. Porthess, William, age 34, male, white, laborer, born VA

, Louisa, age 33, female, white, born VA

1880 – Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, VA., June 4, 1880, p. 16, #153 William D. Poythress 43 w/m, florist, VA/VA/VA

Louisa O. Poythress 45 w/f, wife, keeping house, VA/VA/VA

1900 – Petersburg City, Dinwiddie County, VA. June 6, 1900, p. 7

William D. Poythress 64 w/m, July 1835, md. 44 yrs., VA/VA/VA poultry raiser, owned farm, mortgaged

Louisa Poythress 66 w/f, wife, Oct 1833, md. 44 yrs., mother of 1 not living, VA/VA/VA Annie J. Taylor 13 w/f, adopted daughter, Sept 1886, single, VA/VA/VA

Lena V. Hutney 40 w/f, adopted sister, Mar 1860, single, VA/VA/VA, seamstress

1910 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 200 – Petersburg City, sheet 10A, ED 90, 15 Apr.

Poytress, William B., male, white, age 73, widowed, VA, VA, VA, rents house, survivor of Confederate Army Taylor, Ann J., wife’s niece, female, white, age 23, VA, VA, VA, cigar factory, wage

Hutney, Lena V., adopted sister, female, white, age 50, VA, VA, VA Wray, James H., boarder, w/m, 66, VA/VA/VA, house carpenter

Benjamin F. Poythress (1808-1865), son of Hardiman Poythress (1779-1810), 7th generation

Benjamin’s father, Hardiman Poythress, was 6th generation. Benjamin lived with his cousin’s wife, Betty, and his siblings and other young cousins after the death of his parent(s). Betty (1770-aft. 1810), was the wife of William Poythress (1765-1810). Benjamin F. Poythress (1808-1865) married Susan Mary Williams (1825-1877). Their children were: George Alexander (1849-1906) who married Ella Mae Davis, John Williamson (1851-1852), Virginia Alice (1854-), Mary Ellen (1856-), Benjamin (1858-1859), Susan Frances (1861-1887) and Laura Magnolia (1864-). John Williamson (1851-1852) and Benjamin (1858-1859) died very young and were never listed in a census.

Benjamin grew up in Prince George County and he and his wife, Susan, lived most of their lives in Dinwiddie County.

In the 1810 census, three young boys under ten years old were living with Betty. Hardiman Poythress left a will and his administrator, Nathaniel Marks, “was to pay Elizabeth Poythress for the benefit of the infant children of said Hardiman Poythress.” Apparently Hardiman Poythress’ wife was deceased. The three orphans were cared for as long as Betty Poythress lived. Hardiman was a young man when he died at approximately thirty years of age.

Hardiman Poythress’ father

According to the Court in 1789, the Commissioners were “to audit and settle the accounts of the Administration of the Estate of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and to divide his Estate and set apart to each of the claimants their proportion thereof. It appears that Benjamin’s sisters, Lucy, Ann Isham and Mary were to have their inheritance set apart from Benjamin’s estate. Apparently Benjamin’s sister, Lucy Gordon, was deceased by 1789 and her daughter, Lucy Gordon, became an heir for her mother’s portion.

After William Poythress’ (1728-1768) Death

William Poythress’ (1728-1768) son, Benjamin (1756-1789), appears to be the father of Hardiman Poythress (1779- 1810). Hardiman named a son, Benjamin (1808-1865).

September 12, 1771, the Virginia Gazette announced an auction, on Butterwood Creek, in Dinwiddie County, at the plantation where Nathaniel Hobbs was overseer. Thirty Virginia born slaves, belonging to the estate of William Poythress were to be sold.

August 11, 1774, the Virginia Gazette announced the rental of William Poythress’ plantation, where he had lived in Prince George County, about four miles from Blandford, containing 500 acres, a house, necessary outhouses, barns and orchards. Anyone interested in the property was to contact Major Peter Poythress.

In July, 1775, in Prince George County, the division of the estate of William Poythress, of Prince George County: The division of slaves of William Poythress, deceased, by decree of the Prince George County court, July, 1775, we have divided the slaves William Poythress died possessed of, between the plaintiffs, John Gordon and Lucy, his wife, Ann Isham Poythress and Mary Poythress and the defendant, Benjamin Poythress, and allotted to each of the legatees their share. The value of those allotted to John and Lucy Gordon was unequal to the value of those given to the others, and Benjamin is to pay the other legatees: to Ann Isham Poythress, £3/13/4; to Mary Poythress, £11/3/4; to Benjamin Poythress £1/13/4; to Benjamin Poythress as heir of William Poythress, Jr., £8/13/4; to Benjamin Poythress as heir of Sally Poythress, £1/13/4. All names of slaves were listed, but no last names, except for Andrew Miller, Jack Vaughan, Lucy Cook and Frank Cook. [William Poythress, Jr., Benjamin Poythress, Lucy Poythress

Gordon, Ann Isham Poythress, Mary Poythress and Sally Poythress were children of William Poythress and (Lucy Edwards?).]

In July, 1775, the division of William’s slaves was ordered by the Prince George County court. His son, William, and his daughter, Sally, had already died, leaving his son, Benjamin, and his daughters; Lucy, who married John Gordon, Anne Isham Poythress, and Mary Poythress.

December 23, 1775, in the Virginia Gazette, the executors of William’s estate, announced auctions at his plantation on Little Roanoke, in Charlotte County, also at his Butterwood Quarter, in Dinwiddie County, and at his Tombeaton Quarter. At the Butterwood Quarter, there was to be an auction of a large number of slaves. In 1777, Peter Poythress, of Branchester, the executor of William’s estate, announced final plans to deliver the estate to the beneficiaries.

November Quarterly Sessions 1789, Dinwiddie County, p. 126. William Yates Complainant against Francis Muir Administrator of John Gordon dec’d. Francis Muir & Mary his wife, Francis Muir Administrator “de Bonis non” of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and Lucy Gordon Infant, Issue of the said John Gordon by the said Francis Muir her guardian Defendant Upon an Injunction in Chancery. By consent of the parties this cause was this day heard upon the Bill, answers and exhibits filed and the arguments of counsel on all sides on consideration whereof it is ordered and decreed by the Court that the judgment at Law obtained by the Defendant Francis Muir as Administrator of the said John Gordon dec’d. against the Complainant be enjoined perpetually and that Kennon Jones, John Jones, David Walker and John Edmondson Gent. or any three of them be appointed Commissioners to audit and settle the accounts of the Administration of the Estate of Benjamin Poythress dec’d. and to divide his Estate and set apart to each of the claimants their proportion thereof and make report of their proceedings therein to the Court in order to a final decree.

Hardiman Poythress will and his children living with cousin Betty Poythress

1810 – Prince George County, VA – Betey Poythress (1770-aft. 1810), wife of William Poythress (1765-1810).Poythress, Betey – pg. 542, 3 M under 10, 1 M 10-15, 2 M 16-25, 1 F 10-15, 1 F 16-25, 1 F 26-44 [This “Betty” Poythress was the recent widow of William Poythress (1765-1810).]

[Virtual census]

Betty Poythress	40	William Poythress’ wife
Elizabeth Bland Poythress	13	Wm. & Betty Poythress’ daughter
Joshua Poythress	25	Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son
Thomas Eppes Poythress	24	Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son
William Poythress	15	Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ son
Mary Poythress	16	Wm. & Mary Gilliam Poythress’ daughter
John H. Poythress	6	Hardiman Poythress’ son
(male) Poythress	(under 10)	Hardiman Poythress’ son	[b. btwn. 1800-1810]
Benjamin Poythress	2	Hardiman Poythress’ son

May 15, 1810, in the Prince George County Surveyor’s record of 863 acre tract on Simmons branch for estate of William Poythress, Pursuant to an Order of the court and by direction of John Batte, John H. Peterson and Peter Epes, I surveyed the estate of William Poythress, deceased, on Old Courthouse Road. William Poythress’ land was called “Branchester” and Simmons branch. The Plat shows 200 acres to Patrick Poythress, 313 acres to William Poythress, 50 acres to Joshua Poythress and 300 acres to Thomas Poythress. Robert Turnbull was the County Surveyor. [Batte originally showed this to be William Poythress (1753-1794) instead of William Poythress (1765- 1810).]

In August, 1811, in the Prince George County court, the Will of William Poythress, of Branchester, was proved.

In November, 1811, in the Prince George County Court, Nathaniel Marks, Administrator of Hardiman Poythress, deceased, was to pay Elizabeth Poythress for the benefit of the infant children of said Hardiman Poythress.

Based upon the above, it looks like Betty Poythress became responsible for the children of William Poythress and Mary Gilliam. Betty’s husband, William Poythress, of Branchester, seems to have provided for his cousin’s children

through the division of his property. Patrick Henry Poythress, the oldest son and child of William Poythress and Mary Gilliam was most likely living on his own plantation and married to Mary Epes. Elizabeth Poythress, daughter of William Poythress and Elizabeth Bland, married Richard Marks and lived at Branchester. [Patrick H. Poythress: 1813-1815 taxed on 94 3/4a.; 1816-1817 taxed on Archer Coleman live 94 3/4a.; 1818-1819 taxed on 44 3/4a conv 50a to Charles C1~; 1820 taxed on 94 3/4a (improperly chg. last year) on Br. of Namozene Cr. 18 N CH.]

The three youngest males were most likely the orphans of Hardiman Poythress as Betty Poythress was taking care of his infant children. John H. (1804-aft. 1836) and Benjamin F. (1808-1865) appear to be the most likely candidates to be two of those children.

It is interesting to note the surnames of Hardiman Poythress’ administrator, Nathaniel Marks, and Elizabeth Poythress’ husband Richard Marks. An Edward Marks appeared in a few documents with the Poythress family.

1850 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 509 – Petersburg City, page 421, 4 Oct. Potress, Benjamin, age 42, male, huxter, born VA

, Mary, age 26, female, born VA

, George, age 1, female, born VA

Day, Mariah, age 31, female, black, born VA Johnson, Elizabeth, age 50, female, born VA

, Levy, age 35, male, taylor, born VA

1860 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 2755 – Petersburg Centre Ward, page 129, 1 Aug. Poythress – Virginia Census Records Page 7 of 28 Poythinss, Benjamin, age 50, male, huckster, $100 personal est., born VA

, Susan, age 36, female, born VA

, George, age 10, male, born VA, attends school

, Virginia, age 6, female, born VA, attends school

, Mary E., age 4, female, born VA

1870 – Dinwiddie County, VA

HH 5 – Petersburg/6 th Ward, page 34, 12 Aug. Poythress, Susan, age 45, female, white, born VA

, George A., age 21, male, white, musician, born VA

, Virginia, age 16, female, white, dress maker, born VA

, Mary E., age 14, female, white, born VA

, Susan, age 9, female, white, born VA

, Laura, age 6, female, white, born VA

1920 – Roanoke County, VA

HH 149 – Roanoke Independent City, sheet 7B, ED 36, 19 Jan. Poythress – Virginia Census Records Page 23 of 28 Boley, Clara , rents, female, white, age 41, widowed, VA, VA, OH, hairdresser/Dept. store, wage

, May L., daughter, female, white, age 11, attends school, VA, VA, VA Poythress, Ella M., mother, female, white, age 63, widowed, OK, US, US

1930 – Norfolk County, VA

HH 96 – of Conroy & Connie Jackson, Norfolk City, sheet 6A, ED 109, 4 Apr. Poythress, Ella M., mother-in-law, female, white, age 73, widowed, OH, VA, OH