Biographic Compilation by Mike Tutor, circa 2019

Mr. Joshua Poythress (c. 1688-1740), Gentleman, of Flowerdew Hundred, Prince George County, 3^rd Gen.

R. Bolling Batte regarding Joshua Poythress

[21 Joshua Poythress (-1740), m. ______. The name of the wife of this Joshua has never been proved. The fact that one of his sons was named “Littlebury” suggests that she may have been an Eppes or a Hardyman. In 1725, John Hardyman, whose mother had been Mary Eppes 124, and whose grandmother had been Elizabeth Littlebury, conveyed to “Joseph” Poythress 300 acres, part of the Flowerdew Hundred Tract in Prince George. The consideration expressed was 5 shillings, which means that it was a deed of gift. John Hardyman had actually paid 600 pounds lawful money of England for 150 of the same 300 acres he was now giving away. The “Joseph” named as grantee in the deed was certainly an error in transliteration. Joshua was intended, not “Joseph.” This will be clear later when Joshua’s grandson William (211 2) sells the same land to Peachy 65 years later.

Why should John Hardyman give valuable land away to Joshua Poythress? A most likely answer would be that a Joshua Poythress had married a close relative of John Hardyman, a daughter or a sister. By 1725, John and Henrietta Maria Hardyman would hardly have a daughter old enough to marry. He had sisters, however. Their names do not appear in any known record but their existence is established by the 1726 will of Littlebury Hardeman, brother of John, which leaves one shilling “to each and every one of my brothers and sisters.” These circumstances, plus the existence of a Hardyman Poythress in Prince George, bolster a growing suspicion that the wife of Joshua Poythress was a daughter of John Hardyman, Sr. and Mary Eppes, his wife, and thus a granddaughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Littlebury-Worsham) Epes. Hardyman Poythress, as yet unidentified, in 1809, may have been a grandson of Joshua Poythress.

Joshua left a will dated January 17, 1739 (o.s.) in which he leaves property to his wife (but inconsiderately fails to name her), and to three sons, three daughters, brothers William, Robert, and others. The original will is now in the archives of the Virginia State Library (Accession 23849). 212 Littlebury Poythress d. w/o issue. Mentioned in his father’s 1739/1740 will with an inference that he was incapacitated, either physically or mentally. No further record of him.213 William Poythress 214 Ann Poythress m. John Wall. Numerous descendants are given in the trial chart of the Eppes Society. 215 Elizabeth Poythress (1725 – 1795). She was married three times; (1) to Walter Boyd, who died in the town of Blandford in 1779; (2) to James Mills (1718 -1782) of Middlesex County; and (3) to Thomas Griffin Peachy (1734 – 1810) of Williamsburg, but then the Clerk of the Court in Amelia County.

Elizabeth had no children by any of her three husbands. She died in Petersburg leaving a will on record there. In it she named as beneficiaries her husband, nephews, nieces, and others. The will has been very helpful in establishing with certainty a number of relationships within this branch of the Poythress family. Elizabeth (Poythress-Boyd-Mills) Peachy was buried by her second husband in the churchyard of Christ Church, Middlesex. Thomas G. Peachy died 6 March 1810 in Williamsburg and was buried in the garden of his home where all three of his children by his first marriage, and whom he had outlived, had been buried. In 1911, expansion of Eastern State Hospital necessitated the removal of the remains in the former Peachy garden to nearby Cedar Grove Cemetery. A single large, granite block was then erected as a monument on the lot. It bears ten names, one below the other, with associated years. The first three lines read: “Col. Thomas G. Peachy 1734-1810 /Elizabeth Gilliam Peachy 1741-1781/Elizabeth Beverley Peachy – 1795.” The second line, of course, refers to TGP’s first wife. The third line apparently was intended to refer to his second wife who is not even buried there. While the year of death shown is correct for Elizabeth Poythress, the second wife, the name “Beverley” is an error. The great-grandchildren of TGP who caused the monument to be erected more than 100 years after his death probably had very scant information as to the second wife. They had her confused with the first wife of James Mills who was Elizabeth Beverley. After all, TGP’s second wife was only a step-grandmother to these 20th century Peachys.

The late John McGill, in his very excellent “The Beverley Family of Virginia” was also confused as to the respective marriages of James Mills and Thomas G. Peachy. On page 616, he has Elizabeth Beverley married in 1743 to James Mills, which is correct. Then he shows her as marrying (2) in 1783 to Thomas Griffin Peachy. Actually Elizabeth (Beverley) Mills, who died in 1770, was married but once. It was her husband who married twice as is clearly shown in The Virginia Gazette for Sept. 4, 1771. It was this second wife of James Mills; i.e., his widow, Elizabeth (Poythress) Mills, who married Thomas G. Peachy in 1783, thirteen years after Elizabeth (Beverley) Mills had been buried.216 Mary Poythress m. Peter Epes (1730 – 1807), son of Francis and Sarah (Hamlin) Epes of “Causons,” Prince George County. They lived at “High Peak” in Pr. Geo. and for this reason he was known as “Peter Epes of High Peak.” She died there 25 Jan 1792. Numerous descendants are listed on the Epes chart.[13. Joshua Poythress (John Poythress2, Mary ______1) 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. He married Mary Hardyman, daughter of John Hardyman and Mary Epes. She was born ABT 1700 in Mr. Batte is unsure of this lady. See source note. Children of Joshua Poythress and Mary Hardyman are:+ 38 i. Joshua Poythress was born 1720 in VA [(P_1) BAA], and died BEF 1782 in Prince George Co. VA.39 ii. Littlebury Poythress was born in VA [(P_1) BAB] died without issue.40 iii. Ann Poythress was born ABT 1718 in VA [(P_1) BAD]. She married John Wall. He was born ABT 1722.41 iv. William Poythress was born AFT 1718 in VA [(P_1) BAC] no issue, and died AFT 1779.42 v. Elizabeth Poythress was born 1725 in VA [(P_1) BAE] [no issue], and died 3 OCT 1795 in Petersburg, Virginia. She married Walter Boyd. He was born in VA, and died 18 NOV 1770 in Blandford, Virginia. She married James Mills SEP 1771, son of ______ ______. He was born 4 APR 1718 in VA of Urbanna, Middlesex, earlier of Rappahannock, and died BEF 28 JAN 1782 in Middlesex County. She married Thomas G. Peachy 22 SEP 1783, son of Samuel Peachy and Winifred Griffin. He was born 13 DEC 1734, and died in Williamsburg, VA.+ 43 vi. Mary Poythress was born in VA [(P_1) BAF], and died 25 JAN 1792 in “High Peak” Prince George County, VA.]

Family

Joshua Poythress was born about 1688, in Charles City County, the son of John Poythress and Christian Peebles. He possibly married a Hardyman, and was married by 1720. Their children were: (1) Joshua (c. 1720-1782), who married Mary Short, the daughter of William and Mary Short; (2) Littlebury, who never married and died without heirs; (3) William (aft. 1720-); (4) Anne (c. 1721-), who probably married John Wall, the son of John Wall and Mary Urvine Brown; (5) Elizabeth (c. 1725-), who married (1) Walter Boyd, (2) James Mills and (3) Thomas Griffin Peachy, the son of Samuel Peachy and Winifred Griffin; and (6) Mary (c. 1730-1/25/1792), who married Peter Epes, son of Francis Epes and Sarah Hamlin. Joshua died before April 8, 1741.

Anne Poythress, the Daughter, and John Wall

From the Poythress website and JLP: It has been theorized that John Wall married Ann Poythress about 1740. In Robert Hicks’ Brunswick County Will, dated in early 1739, Ann Poythress was named as a witness. Robert Hicks had been the commander of Christanna Fort, and was a Brunswick County neighbor of the Wall family. From Hicks’ document and the Will of her presumed father, Joshua Poythress, we know that Ann was both an adult and single in 1739. No other records have been found that name her, indicating that she probably married soon afterwards. The land record of John Wall, dated 1747, definitely proves that John Wall had married an Ann by 1747. Narrowing the date down further, John Wall bought and sold a tract of land in 1742 and no wife was named with a right of dower. To have a right of dower, the wife had to have been married when the land was acquired. John Wall would have been married to Ann Poythress about 1742 or 1743.

In the correspondence between Walter Ashe Wall, in 1953, and Mr. Richard Dunn, of Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Dunn wrote that from 1725 to 1949, Joshua Poythress, and his descendants, owned the Flower de Hundred plantation in Prince George County, Virginia. On July 18, 1952, Mr. Dunn gave to the Archives Division, Virginia State Library, a copy of the Will, dated January 17, 1739, of Joshua Poythress, of Flower de Hundred, which he had found among the papers of his late father, Dr. William Wilcox Dunn (1870-1952), who was the last descendant of Joshua Poythress to own Flower de Hundred. The interesting thing about the copy of the Will of Joshua Poythress was that it was introduced as evidence in the suit of Wall against Poythress as was clearly shown by the following wording which was inscribed on the back of the Will, “Will (copy) of Joshua Poythress, Wall vs. Poythress.” Also, the following excerpt from the Will of Joshua Poythress establishes the fact that as of January 17, 1739, he had an unmarried daughter named Ann Poythress; “the remainder of my estate I give and devise to my loving wife and to my sons, Joshua Poythress and William Poythress, and to my daughters, Ann Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress and Mary Poythress, to be equally divided between them when my son, Joshua Poythress, shall come to age.” From the above, it would seem that Ann Poythress, daughter of Joshua Poythress, of Flower de Hundred, married John Wall after the death of her father and being dissatisfied with the division of her father’s estate brought suit against hise xecutors.”

Inheritance

December 11, 1712, the Will of Joshua’s father, John Poythress, Sr., of Prince George County, was proved by John Winningham, Peter Leeth and William Stainback. John Poythress, Sr., had appointed his half-brothers, Thomas Wynne and Joshua Wynne, and his friend, William Stainback, to divide his estate. He appointed Joshua’s mother, Christian, and Joshua’s oldest brother, John Poythress, to be executors of his Will. He gave his son, Joshua, 300 acres of land at Monkasoneck, two negroes, Peter and Beck, and an equal share of his moveable estate.Civic ActivitiesNovember 11, 1719, in Prince George County, to Joshua Poythress, among others, for killing 1 wolf, he received 100 pounds tobacco.

April 14, 1719, in Prince George County, Joshua Poythress, Robert Poythress, John Fitzgerald and Edward Mitchell, were nominated and appointed to appraise the estate of Thomas Harwell, deceased, and were to make a report of their proceedings to the next court when Henry Batte, the administrator, thereof was ordered to return the inventory.

January 11, 1721, Joshua received 400 pounds tobacco for killing four wolves; John Gilliam, Sr., 200 pounds tobacco for killing two wolves; Robert Poythress, John Poythress, John Gilliam, Jr., and Richard Pace received 100 
pounds each for killing one wolf respectively.


May 9, 1738, in Prince George County, William Poythress, Gentleman, swore a Grand Jury composed of William Batte, Joshua Poythress, Robert Poythress, Edward Wyatts, Joseph Thomas, John Holloway, Charles Anderson, William Cureton, John Jones, William Bonner, William Martin, Drury Oliver, Daniel Jackson, Peter Leath, Richard Simpson, John Womack, Thomas Farreld, James Baugh, Bernard Lyke and John Livesay.


August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass for assault and battery brought by Robert Hudson against James Moody, Richard Taylor, Joshua Poythress, Robert Poythress, Thomas Poythress, Charles 
Poythress, John Sturdivant, Joseph Simmons, A. Graham Toney, Joshua Wynne, William Parsons, Timothy Lamar, and William Batte were jurymen.


April 8, 1739, in Prince George County, the Will of Daniel Eelbank, deceased, was exhibited in court. Joshua Poythress, among others, was to appraise the estate.

Court Cases

In May, 1738, in Prince George County, in the petition of Joshua Poythress and Francis Poythress against Hannah Poythress, executrix of the estate of Francis Poythress, the petitioners failing to prosecute, was dismissed.

September 13, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit in Chancery brought by Francis Haddon against Joshua Poythress the respondent by his attorney appeared and on his motion time was granted him until the next court to answer the Complainant’s Bills. On October 19, 1738, January 10, 1739, and, March 13, 1739, in the suit in Chancery brought by Francis Haddon against Joshua Poythress, on the motion of respondent’s attorney, the case was continued until the next court and on the respondent’s cost.

Property: Personal Property and Land

May 12, 1713, Thomas Vincent and Sarah, his mother, sold to Joseph/Joshua Poythress, 100 acres, in Prince George County, on the line of John Ellis and Queen’s land, a deed of lease.

October 13, 1719, in Prince George County, Prince, a negro boy, belonging to Joshua Poythress, was judged to be five years old.


July 12, 1725, in Prince George County, John Hardyman and Henrietta Maria, his wife, sold to Joseph/Joshua Poythress, 1 negro man slave, Frank Mingo, and 1 negro girl slave, Tabbe. The witnesses were Thomas Eldridge and William Poythress. Joshua inherited two slaves from his father in 1712 but had added at least one by 1719 and two more by 1725.

February 10, 1718, James Parham, of Prince George County, sold to Joshua Poythress, of Prince George County, 200 acres, in Prince George County, on Bailey’s Creek known as “High Peak.” The witness was James Cocke. [DB 1713-1728, p. 24]


[June 22, 1722, Joshua Poythress, was granted 333 acres of new land, in Prince George County, on the north side of Moccosoneck Creeke, adjoining Williams Jones, Jr.]

22 Jun 1722 Joshua Poythres (Prince George County, 333 acres, New Land, Joshua Poythress). George &c To all &c Know ye that for diverse causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the importation of seven persons to dwell within this our Colony & Dominion of Virginia whose names are Edward Prince, Tho. Farmer, Wm. Loganes, Christopher Ingolles, Hugh Clarke, John Gourdon & James Robbinson. We have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto Joshua Poythres one certain tract or parcel of land containing three hundred & thirty three acres lying and being in Prince George County and bounded as followeth, to wit, beginning at a live oak on the north side Moccosoneck Creeke thence north forty two degrees east thirty eight poles to a pine thence north thirteen degrees east fifty one poles to a red oak thence north thirty degrees west sixty six poles to a hickory thence north three & a halfe degrees east fifty eight poles to a hickory thence east twenty two degrees north eighty eight and a halfe poles to a red oak thence east thirty six degrees south fifty four & a halfe poles to a pine thence south thirty five degrees west eighty six poles to a red oak thence south thirty three degrees east fifty one poles to a red oak thence east ten degrees north fifty one poles to a red oake thence north twenty six & a halfe east forty two poles to a white oake thence north forty one degrees east thirty three poles to a read oake thence south twenty & a halfe east fifty four poles to a red oake thence south thirty six degrees west forty three poles to a red oake thence west twenty five & a halfe south thirty two poles to a hickory thence west four degrees south twenty nine poles to a red oak thence south thirty nine degrees west forty seven poles to hickory thence east forty one degrees south fifty four poles to a red oak thence east eight & a halfe degrees south forty two poles thence east seven degrees north forty six poles to a black oak thence east ten degrees south one hundred and thirty four poles to a red oak thence east twenty degrees south seventy four poles to a red oak thence east sixteen degrees north sixty poles to a pine in the line of Williams Jones Junr. thence along his line south ten degrees east eighty three poles to a red oak thence west eighteen degrees north ninety eight poles to a red oak thence north forty three & a halfe west fifty eight & a halfe poles to a white oak thence west eighteen degrees south sixty eight poles to a gum on Moccosoneck Creeke thence up the same as it meanders to the beginning with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding & paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty & well beloved Alexander Spotswood our Lt. Governor &c at Williamsburgh under the seal of the said Colony the twenty second day of June one thousand seven hundred and twenty two in the eighth year of our reign. A. Spotswood. Patent Book 11, p. 131.

[July 10, 1725, a deed of lease for 20 years, between John Hardyman, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, and Henrietta, his wife, to Joseph/Joshua Poythress, of the same parish and county, 300 acres, in Prince George County, called Flowerdew Hundred, bounded on the north by the James River, on the east by the land of Robert Wilkins, and on the south by the land called Dutchy Hills and on the west by the land of Elizabeth Duke, it being part of the said Flower de Hundred tract of land which contained 1,000 acres, or thereabouts; 150 of the said 300 acres were devised to the said Henrietta Maria, wife of the said John Hardyman, by the last Will and testament of her father John Taylor, late of said county, deceased, dated April 5, 1700, and the other 150 acres were devised by the said Will unto Sarah, now wife of Francis Hardeman, and one of the daughters of the said John Taylor, and his heirs.]Deed 9 July 1725. John Hardyman of the parish of Martin’s Brandon in the County of Prince George and Henrietta Maria, his wife, of one part and Joshua Poythress of the same parish and County of the other part, for 10 shillings, tract of land, in Martins Brandon Parish, 300 acres, called Flower De Hundred, being part of a tract of 1000 acres, 150 acres were devised to said henrietta Maria, wife of said John Hardyman, by the last will and testament of her father John Taylor 5 April 1707 and other 150 acres devised by said last will and testament unto Sarah, now wife of Francis Hardyman and the said Francis and Sarah Hardyman sold unto the said John Hardyman and his wife. [PG DB 1713-1728, p. 826]

[July 12, 1725, a deed of lease, Joshua Poythress, of Prince George County, to William Poythress, of Prince George County, 100 acres, in Bristol parish, in Prince George County, bounded as mentioned in a deed of sale. The witnesses were James Thweat and John Fitzgerald, at a court at Merchant’s Hope.]
Joshua Poythress leases to William Poythress 100 acres in Bristol Parish in Prince George adj. to William Poythress on Bailey’s Creek. Wits: James Thweatt, John Fitzgerald. [PG DB 1713-1728, p. 830]

March 11, 1728, John Fitzgerald, of Prince George County, sold to Joshua Poythress, of the same, 200 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of White Oak Creek, being the upper half or moiety of 400 acres taken up and patented by John Fitzgerald. The witnesses were John Lewis, William Poythress and Francis Epes. [VA Archives Accession 23423 PG Deed]


October 9, 1732, Elizabeth Duke, of the County of Prince George, Widow, sold to Joshua Poythress, Merchant, of Prince George County, the plantation commonly known by the name of Flower de Hundred, 250 acres, in Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, beginning on the line of the land of Joshua Poythress.


[February 27, 1734, Joshua Poythress, of Prince George County, Gentleman, was granted 382 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Tommahitton Swamp, adjoining his brother, William Poythress, near Batts’ path.]

27 Feb 1734/35 Joshua Poythress (February 27, 1734, 382 acres, Prince George County, Joshua Poythress). George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Know ye that for divers good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of ——— of good and lawful money for our use paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia we have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto Joshua Poythress of Prince George County gent one certain tract or parcel of land three hundred and eighty two acres lying and being in the county aforesaid on the south side of Tommahitton Swamp and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at his brother William’s upper corner gum on the said swamp thence along his line south thirty seven degrees west two hundred and fifty six poles thence north twenty five degrees west two hundred and forty four poles to a corner near Batts’s path thence north thirty seven degrees east two hundred and eighty poles to two corner gums on Tommahitton Swamp thence down the said swamp as it meanders to the first station with all woods underwoods swamps marshes low grounds meadows feedings and his one share of all veins mines and quarries as well discovered and not discovered within the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of three hundred and eighty two acres of land and the rivers waters and water courses therein contained together with the privileges of hunting hawking fishing fowling and all other profits commodities and hereditaments whatsoever to the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining to have hold possess and enjoy the said tract or parcel of land and all other the before granted premises and every part thereof with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Joshua Poythr! ess his heirs and assigns forever to be held of us our heirs and successors to the only use and behoof of him the said Joshua Poythress & his assigns forever to be held of us our heirs and successors as of our manor in the County of Kent in free and common soccage and not in capite or by Knights service yielding and paying unto us our heirs and successors forever fifty acres of land and so proportionably for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty acres the fee rent of one shilling yearly to be paid upon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angel and also cultivating and improving three acres part of every fifty of the tract abovementioned within three years after the date of these presents provided always that if three years of the said fee rent shall at any time be in arrears and unpaid or if the said Joshua Poythress his heirs or assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the date of these presents cultivate and improve three acres part of every fifty!  of the tract above mentioned then the estate hereby granted shall cease and be utterly determined and thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for us our heirs and successors to grant the same Lands and premises with the appurtenances unto such other person or persons as we our heirs and successors shall think fit in witness whereof we have caused these our letters patent to be made witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of our said Colony the twenty fourth day of March one thousand seven hundred and thirty four in the eighth year of our reign. William Gooch. PB 15, p. 437.

Adjoining Property

April 11, 1721, Thomas Vinson, of North Carolina, to William Poythress, of the Colony of Virginia, a three year lease, 100 acres, bounding Joshua Poythress in Bristol parish, precisely described. The witnesses were John Banister and Abraham Cocke.

[June 6, 1727, Charles Leath, 400 acres of new land, in Surry County, on the north side of the Nottoway River, on the north side of the Gum Swamp, adjoining Joshua Poythress.]

6 Jun 1727 Charles Leath 400 acs. (New Land), Surry Co; N. side of Nottoway River; on N. side of the Gum Swamp; adj. Joshua Poythress. [PB 13, p. 141]


[September 28, 1730, Abraham Parham, 150 acres of new land, in Surry County, on the south side of the Nottoway River, by Mockerson Neck Creek, on the northeast side of William Parham, by the Cross Branch, adjoining Joshua Poythress.]

28 Sep 1730 Abraham Parham 150 acs. New Land, Surry Co., on S. side of Nottoway Riv; by Mockerson Neck Cr; on the NE side to William Parham; by the Cross Br; to Joshua Poythress’ line. 15 shill. PB 14, p. 113.


[January 2, 1738, William Cryer was granted 700 acres in the counties of Prince George and Amelia, on both sides of Tommahitton Swamp adjoining Joseph Poythress, upon the head of a small branch on the south side of the swamp, adjoining John Yorke, and crossing the Forke of Batts’s Branch.]

2 Jan 1737/8 William Cryer (January 2, 1737, 700 acres, Prince George County, mentions Joseph Poythress). George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the faith etc. To all to whom these present shall come greeting Know Ye that for a good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of three pounds ten shillings of good and lawful money for our use to be paid to our Receiver General of our Revenues in this our Colony and Dominion of Virginia We have given granted & confirmed and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do give grant and confirm unto William Cryer one certain tract or parcel of land containing seven hundred acres lying and being in the Counties of Prince George and Amelia on both sides of Tommahitton Swamp adjoining Joseph Poythress’s line and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at a corner spanish oak upon the head of a small branch on the south side the swamp thence south thirty degrees we! st forty six poles to a corner pine thence south two degrees east forty two poles to a corner red oak in John Yorke’s line thence east thirty degrees south ten poles along his line to his corner thence east thirty five degrees south three hundred and eight poles crossing the Forke of Batts’s Branch to Joseph Poythress’s line thence north thirty seven degrees east two hundred and thirty seven poles along Poythress’s line to his corner on Tommahitton Swamp thence north ten degrees east one hundred and four poles crossing the swamp to a corner hickory thence north forty degrees west two hundred poles to a faced corner thence south thirty seven degrees west ninety poles to Tommahitton Swamp thence up the said swamp as it meanders to the mouth of the aforesaid small branch and thence up the said branch as it meanders to the beginning with all woods underwoods swamps marshes low grounds meadows feedings and his due share of all veins mines and quarries as well discovered as not di! scovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of seven hundred acres of land and the rivers waters and water courses therein contained together with the privileges of hunting hawking fishing fowling and all other profits commodities and hereditaments whatsoever to the same or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining to have hold possess and enjoy the said tract or parcel of land and all other the before granted premises and every part thereof with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said William Cryer and to his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of him the said William Cryer his heirs and assigns forever to be held of us our heirs and successors as of our Manor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent free and common soccage and not in capite or by Knights service yielding and paying unto us our heirs and successors forever fifty acres of land and so proportionably for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty acres the fee rent of one shilling yearly to be paid upon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angel and also cultivating and improving three acres part of every fifty of the tract abovementioned within three years after the date of these presents provided always that if three years of the said fee rent shall at any time be in arrears and unpaid or if the said William Cryer his heirs or assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the date of these presents cultivate and improve three acres part of every fifty of the tract above mentioned then the estate hereby granted shall cease and be utterly determined and thereafter it shall and may be lawful to and for us our heirs and successors to grant the same lands and premises with the appurtenances unto such other person or persons as we our heirs and successors shall think fit In witness whereof we have caused these our letters Patent to be made witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of our said Colony the second day of January one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven In the eleventh year of our reign. William Gooch. PB 17, p. 431.


[March 26, 1739, Charles Leath, 263 acres, in Surry County, on the east side of Mockerson Creek, adjoining Mr. Joshua Poythress, Mr. Poythress’ cornfield, James Parham and Anthony Rackleigh.]

26 Mar 1739 Charles Leath 263 acs. Surry Co. on the E. side of Mockerson Cr.; adj. Mr. Joshua Poythress, Mr. Poythress’s Cornfield, his own line, James Parham & Anthony Rackleigh. £1.S10 PB 18, p. 230.


[October 15, 1741, John Jackson, 4,440 acres, in Prince George and Amelia Counties, on both sides of the Burchen Swamp, 1,740 acres were granted John Jackson by a patent June 5, 1736, and the residue thereof never before granted; on the north side of the open Beaverpond of Burchen Swamp, on the upper side of the Rambling branch, up the Rocky branch, adjoining Joseph Poythress, William Cryer, fork of Batts’s Branch of Tommahitton, adjoining Thomas Snipes, on the Main Burchen Swamp, the mouth of Buckhorn Branch on the south side of the Swamp, to Jackson’s Branch, adjoining Wood Jones, line of the upper Hurricane Survey, in the fork of the Hurricane Swamp, on the Main Hurricane Swamp, in the head of a fork of the Rocky branch.]

15 Oct 1741 John Jackson 4,440 acs. Pr. Geo. & Amelia Counties on both sides of Burchen Sw., etc. adj. Joseph Poythress, William Cryer & Thomas Snipe. £13.S10. 1,740 acres part formerly Gtd. sd. John Jackson by Pat. 5 Jun 1736 [PB17, p. 109] and the residue never before Gtd. [PB 20, p. 52].

As Witness

July 12, 1725, John Hardyman to John Poythress, 2 acres of land, with a mill, in Prince George County, on Ward’s Run bounded by Sarah Wall and John Wilkins. John Hardyman obliged himself to the title on the penalty of £80. The witnesses, Joshua Poythress and William Poythress at a court at Merchant’s Hope.

Family Estates

Joshua Poythress’ sister, Elizabeth Poythress, married Thomas Epes as her second husband, after the death of her first husband, John Fitzgerald. Elizabeth Poythress Fitzgerald Epes’ and Thomas Epes’ son, Thomas Epes, named Joshua Poythress II’s son, William Poythress (1753-1794), as one of the executors of his 1779 Will and left him two slaves, his plantation and all of his land. [Thomas Eppes and William Poythress were first cousins, once removed.] Joshua Poythress’ daughter, Mary Poythress, married Peter Epes. Peter Epes was named as an executor of Thomas Epes’ 1779 Will also. [Peter Epes and Mary Poythress Epes were uncle and aunt of Thomas Epes.] If William Poythress was to die without an heir, then Peter Epes’ son, Richard Epes, was to inherit Thomas Epes’ plantation and all of his land. Peter Epes, the son of Peter Epes and Mary Poythress, was born in 1767, in Lunenburg County, and died in August, 1826. Mary (c. 1730-1792) was the daughter of Joshua Poythress and daughter [Hardyman?].

Joshua Poythress’ Will

In Prince George County, the Will of Joshua Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, Prince George County, dated January 17, 1739/40, and probated April 8, 1741.The land I live on, bought from Mrs. Elizabeth Duke and Captain John Hardyman, to my sons, Joshua and William, to be equally divided. All of the land on the Nottaway River, in Surry County, likewise to be equally divided.To my granddaughter, Harwood, £50.To my son, Littlebury, 20 shillings, and my other sons are to keep him during his lifetime.All of the rest of the estate to be equally divided between my wife and my five children: Joshua, William, Ann Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress and Mary Poythress.My brothers, William and Robert Poythress, and my friends and relations Richard Bland, Thomas Poythress and John Woodlief, to divide the estate. The executors to be my brother, Robert Poythress, and my cousin, Thomas Poythress. The witnesses were Ann Bland, Christian Poythress, and Richard Bland. [in Archives, not in Will Book]April 8, 1741, in the Prince George County court, the last Will and testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased was exhibited into court by Robert Poythress and Thomas Poythress, his executors, who made oath thereto and it being proved by the oath of Richard Bland, gentleman, and, Ann Bland, two of the witnesses thereto who also made oath that they saw Christian Poythress subscribe the said Will a witness was ordered to be recorded and on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and their giving Bond and Security according to law, certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. Robert Poythress and Thomas Poythress, executors, of the last Will and testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased, with Richard Bland and William Poythress, Gentlemen, their Securities entered into Bond in the sum of £5,000 current money payable to Robert Bolling with condition for their faithful executorship and thereby acknowledge the same in court. It was ordered that Robert Poythress and Thomas Poythress, executors, of the last Will and testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased, present the said deed and its estate to the next court.

[Elizabeth Duke, the daughter of John Taylor (1662-1707), was married to Henry Duke (-1718). John Hardyman (1686-1738) was married to Henrietta Maria Taylor, daughter of John Taylor. She and Elizabeth were sisters. Joshua Poythress’ grandson, William, named one of his sons Thomas Epes Poythress (1785-1847). Joshua’s brothers, William and Robert Poythress, were the appraisers of his estate, and Robert Poythress was an executor. Joshua’s cousin, Thomas Poythress, was an executor as was Joshua’s brother-in-law, John Woodlief (1673-aft. 1741). Richard Bland (1710-1776) was married to Joshua’s niece, Anne Poythress (1712-1758), daughter of Peter Poythress and Anne Jones. Richard Bland was an appraiser and a witness, and his wife, Ann, was a witness. Christian Poythress was Joshua’s sister.]

In Charles City, July 1741, there was a suit by Robert Poythress and Robert and Thomas Poythress, executors of Joshua Poythress versus Benjamin Harrison. Joshua Poythress had been quite wealthy, for his administrators gave bond at £5,000 current money when his Will was presented in court.

Highlights:

Mr. Joshua Poythress, Gentleman (c. 1688-1741) married (daughter) Hardyman

Mr. Joshua Poythress, Gentleman (c. 1688-1740):

– born in Chas. Cty. Co. about 1688

– inherited 300 acres at Monkasoneck from father, John Poythress, 1712

– 100 acres adj. John Ellis and Queen’s land, Pr. Geo. Co., 1713

– 200 acres on Bailey’s cr. known as “High Peak,” Pr. Geo. Co., 1718

– married (daughter) Hardyman about 1718-1720

– children: Joshua m. Mary Short, Littlebury, William, Anne m. John Wall, Elizabeth m. Walter Boyd-Jas. Mills-Thos. Griffin Peachy, Mary m. Peter Epes of High Peak, Pr. Geo. Co.; all born btwn. 1718-1730?

– granted 333 acres n/s Moccosoneck cr. adj. Wm. Jones, Jr., Pr. Geo. Co., 1722

– 300 acres from John Hardyman Flowerdew 100 bounded on n. by Jas. R. on e. by Robt. Wilkins, on s. by Dutchy Hills, on w. by Elizabeth Duke, part of the 1,000 ac. Flowerdew 100 tract, 1725 (grandson, Wm. Poythress, sold same land to Peachy 1790)

– leased 100 acres to bro. Wm. Poythress, in Bristol parish, Pr. Geo. Co., 1725

– Chas. Leath, Surry Co., Nottaway R. n/s Gum sw. adj. Joshua Poythress, 1727

– 200 acres from John Fitzgerald (bro.-in-law) s/s White Oak cr. upper ½ of 400 ac. of Fitzgerald, Pr. Geo. Co., 1728

– Abraham Parham, Surry Co., s/s of Nottaway R. by Mockerson Neck cr. NE side of Wm. Parham by Cross cr., adj. Joshua Poythress, 1730

– 250 ac. of Flowerdew 100 from Eliz. Duke, in Martin’s Brandon parish, Pr. Geo. Co., adj. Joshua Poythress, 1732

– granted 382 acres s/s Tommaheton sw. adj. bro. Wm. Poythress nr. Batte’s path, Pr. Geo. Co., 1734

– Wm. Cryer, Pr. Geo. Co. & Amelia Co., both sides Tommaheton sw. adj. Joshua Poythress, on head of sm. br. s/s of sw. crossing fork of Batte’s br., 1738

– Chas. Leath, Surry Co., e. side Mockerson cr. adj. Joshua Poythress, Poythress cornfield, Jas. Parham, 1739

– deceased 1741 (age ~53)

– Sons, Joshua & Wm. split Flowerdew 100 and Surry Co. properties. Five children & wife divide remainder of estate. Named bros. Wm. & Robt., nephew Thos., sister Christian, niece Anne Poythress and her husband, Richard Bland, sister Mary Poythress’ husband, John Woodlief.

First document: 1713 (age ~25)

Inherited 300 ac. Monkasoneck, 100 ac. adj. Ellis & Queen’s land, Pr. Geo. Co.; 200 ac. “High Peak” Bailey’s cr. Pr. Geo. Co.; 333 ac. Moccosoneck cr. adj. Wm. Jones Pr. Geo. Co.; 300 ac. “Flowerdew 100″ adj. Wilkins, Duke & Dutchy Hills; 200 ac. White Oak cr. Pr. Geo. Co.; 250 ac. “Flowerdew 100″ adj. his land, Pr. Geo. Co.; 382 ac. Tommaheton sw. adj. bro. Wm. Poythress Batte’s path, Pr. Geo. Co. = 2,065 ac. Sold 100 ac. To bro. Wm. = 1,965 ac.

Slaves (4 or 5): inherited (2) Peter & Beck (1712); negro boy, 5 yrs. old (1719); (1) negro man, Frank Mingo (1725); (1) negro girl, Tabbe (1725).

Neighbors: John Ellis, John Hardiman, William Jones, Robert Wilkins, Elizabeth Duke (Flowerdew 100), Charles Leath (n/s Nottaway River), Abraham Parham (s/s Nottaway River, Mockerson Neck), William Parham (s/s Nottaway River), William Poythress (bro.), Batte’s path, William Cryer (both sides Tommaheton sw.), John York, James Parham (“High Peak,” e/s Mockerson cr.), Anthony Rackleigh (e/s Mockerson cr.), Thos. Snipes (Tommaheton sw.), John Jackson (Tommaheton sw.), Wood Jones (Tommaheton sw.), John Fitzgerald (White Oak cr.)

Tommaheton Swamp

781 William Parham Jr. 11 Apr 1725/6 [VPB 14 p437] 200 ac. Pr. Geo./ in the Fork btwn Tomahatton & Birchen

187 William Poythris of Pr Geo 20 Jun 1733 [VPB 15 p39] 1,024 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of Tommaheton Swamp

216 Joshua Poythress of Pr Geo 27 Feb 1734/5 [VPB 15 p437] 382 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of Tommahitton Swamp

223 William Cryer  2 Jan 1737/8 [VPB 17 p431] 700 ac. Pr. Geo. & Amelia/both Sides of Tommohitton Swamp