R. Bolling Batte regarding Joshua Poythress

[211 Joshua Poythress m. Mary Short, daughter of William and Mary ( ) Short of Surry County. William Short’s 1757 will mentions his daughter Mary Poythress, her husband, Joshua Poythress, and three of their children. Joshua Poythress was captain of a packet ship that plied between London, Glasgow and Petersburg. He left a will, now lost, but referred to in a 1790 deed from his son William to Peachy. (See William 211 2).
211 3 Elizabeth Poythress m. 1775 in Middlesex Co. Simon Fraser, a recent immigrant from Scotland to Petersburg where he was engaged as a merchant. It is conjectured that the marriage took place in Middlesex County because she had been at that time living with her aunt Elizabeth Poythress 215, then the wife of James Mills of that county. James Mills and her brothers Joshua and William were sureties on the bond. After their marriage the couple settled in Petersburg. Simon Fraser died there 28 Oct 1792 and was buried in Blandford. Elizabeth was still living in 1795 when she was named in the will of the same aunt who, by that time, was the wife of Thomas Griffin Peachy. It is likely that Elizabeth was buried in Blandford but there is no record to establish that fact. The earliest record of Blandford interments now available begin in 1842.
211 4 Susan Ann Poythress (1766 – 1799), m. 1788 in Pr. Geo. David Maitland (1759 – 1838), a native of Barcaple, Scotland, and son of David and Mary (Currie) Maitland of that place. David and Susan had two daughters born in Petersburg; Mary Currie in 1790 and Elizabeth Agnes in 1793. Tombs may be seen in Blandford churchyard today for Susan Ann, who died in Petersburg on 9 Feb 1799, and for her daughter Mary Currie Maitland, who died there in 1795. Afterward, David Maitland returned to Scotland to live, taking with him their daughter, Elizabeth Agnes. He died in Barcaple 18 May 1838. Elizabeth Agnes was still living there, unmarried, in 1865.]
[38. Joshua Poythress (Joshua Poythress3, John Poythress2, Mary ______1) was born 1720 in VA [(P_1) BAA], and died BEF 1782 in Prince George Co. VA. He married Mary Short in Surry County, Virginia, daughter of William Short and Mary ______. She was born in VA [(P_1) BAA (W)], and died FEB 1788 in Prince George County, VA. Children of Joshua Poythress and Mary Short are:
+ 104 i. Joshua Poythress was born 1751 in VA [(P_1) BAA A] [Spouse is 2nd cousin]], and died ABT 1787 in “Flowerdew Hundred” Prince George County, VA.
+ 105 ii. Elizabeth Poythress was born ABT 1755 in VA [(P_1) BAA C][142 AAB C].
+ 106 iii. William Poythress was born BEF 1765 in VA [(P_1) BAA B], and died ABT 1794.
+ 107 iv. Susan Ann Poythress was born 1766 in VA [(P_1) BAA D], and died 1799 in Blandford, Virginia.]

Family
Joshua Poythress was born about 1720, in Prince George County, the son of Joshua Poythress and (Hardyman). He married Mary Short, the daughter of William and Mary Short, by 1750. Their children were (1) Joshua (c. 1751-1794), who married Elizabeth Robertson, daughter of Archibald Robertson and Elizabeth Fitzgerald; (2) William (c. 1753-10/15/1794), who married Mary Gilliam, the daughter of John Gilliam and Jane Henry; (3) Elizabeth (c. 1755-aft. 1795), who married Simon Fraser; and (4) Susanna (c. 1766-2/9/1799), who married David Maitland, the son of David Maitland and Mary Currie. Joshua was dead by 1782.

Daughter, Susanna Poythress
October 25, 1786, in Prince George County, David Maitland married Susanna Poythress.

Inheritance
April 8, 1741, the Will of Joshua’s father, Joshua Poythress, of Flowerdew Hundred, was proved by Richard Bland and Ann Bland. Joshua (I) appointed his brothers, William and Robert Poythress, and his friends and relations, Richard Bland, Thomas Poythress and John Woodlief, to divide the estate. He appointed his brother, Robert Poythress, and his cousin, Thomas Poythress, to be executors of his Will. He gave to his sons Joshua and William Poythress the land he lived on, that he bought from Mrs. Elizabeth Duke and Captain John Hardyman, to be equally divided. He also gave them his land on the Nottaway River, in Surry County, to be equally divided between them. He gave his son, Littlebury, 20 shillings, and asked his sons, Joshua and William to keep him during his lifetime. All of the rest of his estate was to be equally divided between his wife and five children, Joshua, William, Ann Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress and Mary Poythress.

April 8, 1741, in Prince George County, the last Will and testament of Joshua Poythress (I), 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.

Professional Life
April 24, 1759, in Sussex County, Benjamin Tomlinson, to Brother Tomlinson all the crop on the land of Mr. Joshua Poythress where I am overseer. (and miscellaneous other behests).

June 6, 1771, in the Virginia Gazette, “the subscribers have missing two casks marked WR, No. 1 and 2, containing Shot and Bar Lead, imported last fall in the Bland, Captain Hugh Wylie. Whoever has such casks in possession, and will send a line to us, the charges will be paid, and the favor acknowledged. Boyd and Poythress.” [Walter Boyd (-1770) married Elizabeth Poythress (1725-1795), daughter of Joshua Poythress (c. 1687-1740). Joshua Poythress (1720-1782) married Mary Short (-1788) daughter of William and Mary Short.]

August 12, 1773, in the Virginia Gazette, “Blandford, August 5, 1773. As the partnership of Boyd and Poythress expires the first of September next, it is requested that those indebted to that concern will be speedy in discharging their balances. Those that are not in a capacity of so doing will please to come and settle their balance by Bond, or other specialty, before next October General Court, it being necessary the books should then be closed — The goods on hand will be sold altogether, or in parcels, at a low advance.”

March 7, 1777, in the Virginia Gazette, Joshua Poythress, Sr., advertised at Flower de Hundred, taken up “a small bay mare.” Owner may have her by paying the expense of this advertisement. [Joshua Poythress, Sr.’s son, Joshua Poythress, Jr., was born about 1751 and would have been about 25 or 26 years old.]

January 9, 1787, in Prince George County, the estate of Robert Boyd, deceased, in account with Charles Duncan, executor, 1779 through 1786. Mentions, among many others, Peachy, Poythress, Bates and Co., Joshua Poythress, Peter Poythress.

August 7, 1779, in the Virginia Gazette, “Blandford, July 14, 1779, the partnership of Peachey, Poythress, Bate, and company, being this day dissolved, I request the debtors and creditors to the said company, to apply  immediately for a settlement of their accounts. Richard Bate.”

October 30, 1779, in the Virginia Gazette, “to be sold to the highest bidder, for ready money, or short credit, on Thursday the 23rd of November next, on the premises. That valuable tract of land adjoining the town of Blandford, formerly the property of Sir Peyton Skipwith, containing 125 acres. Richard Bate, for Peachy, Poythress, Bate, and Company. The partners of said company, are hereby informed that the 24th day of November next is appointed for a final settlement of said company’s accounts. R. Bate.”

Civic Activities
July 9, 1754, in the Virginia Gazette, “There is at the Subscriber’s Plantation, at Flower-de-Hundred, Prince-George County, a dapple-grey horse, about 4 feet 6 inches high, and branded on the buttock IL. The owner may have him of me, on paying as the law directs. Joshua Poythress.”

November 30, 1759, in the Virginia Gazette, to be sold to the highest bidders, for ready money or part credit, on Friday the 14th of December next, at the Plantation of Edward Munford, deceased, in Dinwiddie County, ten or 12 valuable Virginia born slaves, chiefly fellows, one of them is an extraordinary good carpenter, about 25 years old. —Likewise some household furniture, being part of the estate of Edward Munford, deceased. Joshua Poythress, George Turnbull, Administrators.

October 17, 1766, in the Virginia Gazette, George Noble and Joshua Poythress, administrators of the estate of Joseph Wilkins, advertised rental of Wilkins’ plantation and ferry. 

September 24, 1767, in the Virginia Gazette, George Noble and Joshua Poythress, administrators of the estate of Joseph Wilkins, again offering Wilkins’ plantation and ferry for rent.

September 17, 1771, in the Virginia Gazette, “it is requested, for the last time, that those who have demands against the estate of the late Mr. Walter Boyd will immediately send them to Joshua Poythress in Blandford, that provision may be made for payment; and it is hoped those that are indebted to the said estate will make immediate payment, that we may be the better enabled to discharge the debts.”

July 30, 1772, in the Virginia Gazette, “Prince George County, July 29, 1772, Wilkin’s Ferry and Plantation, on James River, will be rented to the highest bidder, on Friday the 14th of August, for a year, or a term of years, as can be agreed upon, and may be entered upon the 1st of January next. The Plantation is in good order for cropping, and under a good fence. The Ferry is commonly worth between thirty and forty Pounds per annum. Bond and good Security will be required by George Noble, Joseph Poythress, administrators.”

August 30, 1776, in the Virginia Gazette, “August 24, 1776. On Friday the 27th of September will be rented at Wilkin’s ferry, to the highest bidder, the ferry and plantation belonging to the estate of Joseph Wilkins, for one year, for which bond and security will be required by George Noble and Joshua Poythress, administrators.”

July 28, 1779, in Prince George County, cash paid to Peachy, Poythress, Bates and Company, 3,112 pounds 19 shillings to repay them said sum borrowed by William Boyd to pay John Nicholas for land to pay Robert Turnbo, etc. (numerous others totaling £3,112/19/0.

In the Virginia Gazette, on August 7, 1779, “Blandford, July 14, 1779. The partnership of Peachey, Poythress, Bate, and company, being this day dissolved, I request the debtors and creditors to the said company, to apply immediately for a settlement of their accounts. Richard Bate.”

November 13, 1778, in the Virginia Gazette, “to be let to the highest bidder, for one year, on Saturday the 28th instant (November), the much frequented Ferry and Ordinary on James River known by the name of Wilkin’s with 138 acres of good land belonging thereto. Bond, with approved Security, will be expected of the bidder who rents it. George Noble, Joseph Poythress.

Court Cases
November 3, 1749, in Chesterfield County, Joshua Poythress versus John Fenning was continued.

June 2, 1750, in the Chesterfield County court, Joshua Poythress, plaintiff, against John Fannin, defendant, in case. This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon came also a jury. The jury said the defendant was guilty as to the £3/13/3 part of the debt mentioned in the declaration, and no more, and assessed the damages due to the debt, to be £3/13/3. The defendant, by his attorney, moved that the plaintiff might be non-suited, but plaintiff proved that the defendant, though often requested, always refused to settle accounts with him. The court ruled that the plaintiff recover against defendant £3/13/3 + costs.

In March, 1755, in Sussex County, Joshua Poythress versus David Jackson. The defendant not being arrested on the motion of the plaintiff by his attorney an alias Capias was awarded against returnable here, &c.

May 28, 1762, in Sussex County, administration of the account of the estate of William Tomlinson, deceased, by James Tomlinson and Thomas Tomlinson, executors, showed payments to, among many others, Joshua Poythress.
Property: Personal Property and Land
September 27, 1750, in Brunswick County, Joshua Poythress, of Prince George County, purchased slaves from Matthias Davis, of Brunswick County, for £35, 13 shillings and 2 pence, one negro woman slave, named Judy, and her child, also one negro boy, named Dick. The witnesses were J. Wall, Jr., and John Taylor Duke. In court, the deed was proved by the oath of John Wall, Jr. [John Wall, Jr., (1708-) was the husband of Ann Poythress, the daughter of Joshua Poythress and daughter (Hardyman).]

November 4, 1763, in The Virginia Gazette, an advertisement for a runaway slave, “whoever brings the said runaway to me, at Flower-de-Hundred, shall have £3 reward, if found in Virginia; if in North Carolina, £5, and, if in South Carolina, £15. Any person who harbors him may depend upon being prosecuted to the utmost rigor of the law. Joshua Poythress.”

May 19, 1763, in Sussex County, Joshua Poythress and wife, Mary Poythress, of Prince George County, to Abraham Parham, 20 acres, in Albemarle parish, in Sussex County, on the north side of Monks Neck Creek
and bounded by the Gum Swamp on John Leeth’s line and Abraham Parham. The witnesses were Richard Hackel, John Raines and John Chambliss, Jr. Deed 19 May 1763. [Sussex DB F, p. 327]

November 26, 1763, in Sussex County, Joshua Poythress and wife, Mary Poythress, to William Wilkerson and his wife, Elizabeth Wilkerson, John Adams and his wife, Mary Adams (said Elizabeth and Mary were sisters and coheirs of John Ricks, deceased, late of Sussex County), 595 acres, on Monkoneck Creek (less the land deeded to Abraham Parham, in 1763) and bounded by Abraham Parham, Charles Leath, Sr., Sir William Skipwith and the county line. The witnesses were William Gilliam, Francis Harman, John Poythress, Jr., and William Hamlin.

March 7, 1777, in the Virginia Gazette, “For sale, for ready money, or 12 months credit, an exceeding good plantation blacksmith, who is very well acquainted with many other kinds of work in that branch of business, such as nail making, tiring wheels, &c. The terms may be known by applying to Joshua Poythress, Sr., at Flower de Hundred, in Prince George County, or to William Poythress at York garrison. There may likewise be purchased a complete set of blacksmith tools with the fellow.” [Joshua Poythress, Sr., (1720-1782) had a son, William Poythress (1753-1794), who married Mary Gilliam.]

June 6, 1777, in the Virginia Gazette, “For sale, for ready money, or 12 months credit, an exceeding good plantation blacksmith, who is very well acquainted with many other kinds of work in that branch of business, such as nail making, tiring wheels, &c. The terms may be known by applying to Joshua Poythress, Sr., at Flower de Hundred, in Prince George County, or to William Poythress at York garrison. There may likewise be purchased a complete set of blacksmith tools with the fellow.”

In 1782, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by Mary Poythress, on (293 + 200 + 70 + 18 =) 581 acres.
In 1783, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by Mary Poythress, on (293 + 200 =) 493 acres; less 88 acres from 1782.

October 11, 1784, in Sussex County, Benjamin Hunnicut, Mary Hunnicutt, and Dorothy Hunt, all, of Albemarle parish, in Sussex County, to Mary Poythress, of Bristol parish, in Prince George County, 177 acres, adjoining Thomas Hunt, William Cain, the road, Raine and Lewis. The witnesses, Thomas Hunt, James Lewis and John Hall. 

Biographic Compilation by Mike Tutor, circa 2019

October 5, 1787, in Prince George County, Deed for Lease, Mary Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, to Daniel Sturdivant, of Prince George County, 100 acres, on a 6 year lease. The witnesses were William Birchett, James Sturdivant, John Sturdivant and James Davenport.

In 1788, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres, less 100 acres from 1787.
In 1789, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1790, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1790, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1791, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1792, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1793, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1794, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on (293 + 100 =) 393 acres.
In 1795, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.
In 1796, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.
In 1797, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.
In 1798, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.
In 1799, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.
In 1800, in Prince George County, land taxes were paid by the estate of Mary Poythress, on 200 acres.

Adjoining Property
January 2, 1738, James Sturdivant was granted 620 acres, in Amelia County, in the fork between the main Deep Creek and the Seller fork of Deep Creek, adjoining Vaughan, Edmonds alias Bumpusses, and Daniel Studivant’s old line; 400 acres formerly granted Daniel Sturdivant, deceased, by patent August 17, 1725, and by mesne conveyances is vested in said James Sturdivant.

[August 20, 1745, Charles Leath, of Albemarle parish, in Surry County, planter, gave John Leath, son of the said Charles Leath, of the same county and parish, planter, 400 acres, part of two tracts of land, both on the north side of the Nottoway River, in Albemarle parish, in Surry County, and bounded by the Gum Swamp at the mouth of the Wharreocko Branch, to the thick place of the branch, adjoining Joshua Poythress, being part of two patents granted to said Charles Leath, the one dated June 16, 1727, and the other dated March 26, 1739/40. The witnesses were Edward Pettway and Arthur Freeman.] Surry Co. Deeds, 20 Aug 1745. Charles Leath of Albemarle Parish to his son, John Leath, for love and affection, 400 ac. (part of two tracts on north side of Nottoway River) bounded by the Gum Swamp, Wharrcocks (Warwicks) Branch and Joshua Poythress. The two patents were granted said Charles Leath on 16 jun 1727 and 26 mar 1739. Wits: Edward Pettway and Arthur Freeman.

[August 16, 1756, James Draper, 149 acres, in Amelia County, between Tommahitton and the Burchen Swamps, adjoining Joseph Poythress “his corner” and William Poythress “at the county line.”] 16 Aug 1756 James Draper, 149 acs. Amelia County/ between Tommahitton and the Burchen Swamps….adjoining Joseph Poythress “his corner” and William Poythress “at the county line.” VPB 33, pp. 228-229.

April 23, 1764, William Cryer, Sr., of Dinwiddie County, to William Cryer, Jr., of Amelia County, for 5 shillings, about 570 acres, on the south side of Tommahitton Swamp, in Amelia County, and bounded by John York and Joseph Poythress.

January 24, 1773, in Sussex County, William Black and wife, Frances Black, of King and Queen County, sold to Robert Walker, of Dinwiddie County, 200 acres, on the Nottaway River and bounded by the Hardware Run, Mark Harwell and the Mill Road. The witnesses were William Mc______, Joshua Poythress, Richard Yarbrough, Nathaniel Rains, Frederick Rains and Addison Day.

October 11, 1784, in Sussex County, Benjamin Hunnicut and his wife, Mary, to James Lewis, all, of Sussex County, 100 acres, which had belonged to William Carter, adjoining Mary Poythress, Cane and Straw Meadow. The witnesses, Elisha Wilkerson, William Cain, John Washer and Carol Mishell.
As Witness
May 14, 1760, in Prince George County, an indenture between John Stainback, of Martin’s Hundred, and Edward Darvill, of the same parish, one patented tract. The witness, Joshua Poythress.

Family Estates
May 15, 1750, in the Surry County court, attachment was obtained by Peter and Elizabeth Poythress, executors of Robert Poythress, deceased, and Joshua Poythress, executor of Thomas Poythress, deceased, against the estate of Thomas Sisson. [Joshua Poythress and Thomas Poythress were first cousins, once removed. Peter Poythress was Joshua Poythress’ cousin. Robert Poythress was Joshua’s uncle and Peter’s father.]

In May, 1751, in the Surry County court, Joshua Poythress, assignee of Robert and Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas Eldridge, Gentleman, plaintiffs against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. The defendant being arrested and now called and not appearing it was therefore considered that the plaintiff recover against the said defendant and William Longbottom his Security for his appearance the debt in the declaration mentioned amounting to £___ and his costs by him in this behalf expended unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and plead.

July, 1751, in the Surry County court, Joshua Poythress, assignee of Robert and Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas Eldridge, plaintiff, against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. Discontinued and by consent of the defendant it was ordered that he pay unto the plaintiff his costs. Tobacco costs 107 pounds.

In Surry County, the Will of William Short IV, of Southwark parish, in Surry County, dated December 24, 1756, and recorded March 15, 1758.
I give my daughter, Sara Cocke, all the negroes with their increase that I have already put in her possession, to her and to her heirs forever. 

I give my daughter Sarah’s children, William Cocke, Susannah Cocke, Sarah Cocke and Elizabeth Cocke, to them and their heirs forever, six negroes, viz: Great Amie, Little Amie, Annica, Rose, John and Tim with their increase to be equally divided among those of the said children that shall come of age or marry but my executor shall not be obliged to deliver the said negroes within twelve months after this my Will be proved.
I give to Joshua Poythress all the negroes with their increase that I have already put in his possession, likewise I give my daughter, Mary Poythress’ children, Joshua Poythress, William Poythress and Elizabeth Poythress to them and their heirs forever two likely young negroes men or women to each to be paid to them when they shall arrive at the age of inheritance, but if any of them die not arriving to that age my executor shall not be chargeable for the deceased.
I give my daughter, Martha Reade, one negro woman, Sue, that was given to her by my father, to her and her heirs forever. I likewise give to my daughter, Martha Reade, six more negroes which I have already put in her possession viz: Arthur, Cubee, Pharbee, Poll, Moses, and Aaron during her natural life and after her decrease to be equally divided among such children as shall proceed of her body, to them and their heirs forever but if in case she die leaving no child or children to inherit, then my desire is that the said negroes with their increase be equally divided among my other daughter’s children who shall then be alive to inherit them, and their heirs forever. I also give my daughter, Martha, 1 bed and furniture, one horse, and a half dozen silver spoons and if in case Robert Reade’s father, Gwyn Reade, makes the said Robert Reade a fee simple in £800 value then my executor shall pay my said daughter, Martha, £100 current money otherwise my said executor shall not be accountable for the said £100.
I give my loving Martha Short the labor and profits during her natural life, five negroes, Viz: Toney, Jack, Lidda, Caesar, and Pegg, and what household furniture she thinks proper and after her decease I desire them all with their increase to my son, William Short, to him and his heirs forever. I further give my said wife during her widowhood the liberty of working the said negroes where she shall think proper and on any of the lands I now possess.
I give my nephew, William Harris, one tract of land containing 150 acres according to the possession bounds be the same more or less, it being the land whereon he now lives, the same land my father gave me, I devise to him and his heirs forever.
I give my son, William Short, to him and his heirs forever, all the remainder of my estate with both real and personal who I charge with the payments of all my debts and funeral charges and likewise all the legacies above given and I do likewise here constitute and appoint my son, William Short, my whole and sole executor of this my last Will and testament. I do further desire my estate may not be appraised. As witness my hand this December 24, 1756. William Short. The witnesses were John I. Anson, John Cocke and James Lee. [Surry Records 1754-1768, part 1, p. 85]

Will of the Widow
In Prince George County, the Will of Mary Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, proved February 12, 1788, recorded April 12, 1788.
To my daughter, Wilmuth Harrison, as token of affection for her a plain gold ring and a pair of gold sleeve buttons.
To my daughter, Susanna Poythress, all the residue of and every species of property, etc. that I may die possessed of, home, cattle, sheep, my portion of my devisement from Peter Poythress’ legacy by his Will. 

I constitute and appoint my friends Nicholas Faulcon, Peter Poythress and Joshua Poythress to be my executors. The witnesses were Dorothy Reed, Colin Cocke, Barbary J. Norton, Jos. [Joshua] Poythress and Susanna Cocke. On April 12, 1788, at a court held for Prince George County, at the courthouse, on Friday, February 12, 1788, the foregoing Will was presented into court by Susanna Poythress and being proved by the Oaths of Colin Cocke and Susanna Cocke, two of the witnesses thereto, the same was by Order of court recorded, at the same time Susanna Poythress gave Bond and Security for the faithful administering on the estate of Mary Poythress upon which certificate was granted her for obtaining letters of administration with the said Will annexed. [Susanna Poythress (1766-1799) was the daughter of Joshua Poythress and Mary Short. Susanna married David Maitland. The witness, Joshua Poythress (1751-1794), was Susanna’s brother. He married Elizabeth Robertson. The witness, Susanna Cocke, was a cousin to Susanna Poythress. Mary Poythress bequeathed all of the residue of her estate to her daughter, Susanna Poythress.]

Recorded letter: “Dear Sir – Since writing you yesterday it has occurred to me that Tuesday next is Prince George Court day & being too unwell to give my attendance & at same time imagine it may be necessary for Mrs. Poythress’s will to be proved as soon as possible, shall be much obliged to you to inform Miss Susanna Poythress that I hope she will excuse me from acting as an Executor being well satisfied from my ill state of health, added to the great distance I am from the estate, I shall be found a very improper person to discharge that trust. As you mentioned to me yesterday that I was the only surviving Exor named in the will it may be necesary that the Court should be informed of my resignation which may be done by this letter. Miss Poythress being of lawful age can become an administratrix with the will annexed, or get some friend that she can confide in to administer, which will be as effectual as if the exors named in the will had qualified. I am Sir, etc….Nicholas Faulcon, Monday morning, 11 Feb 1788. [PG Records 1787-1792, p. 111]

Highlights: Captain Joshua Poythress (1720-c. 1782), of Flowerdew 100, married Mary Short

– born in Pr. Geo. Co., about 1720

– Captain of a packet ship that plied btwn. London, Glasgow & Petersburg

– his father, Joshua Poythress’ Will was proved, 1741

– inherited ½ of the land his father lived on that was bought from Mrs. Eliz. Duke & Capt. John Hardyman, also ½ of land on Nottaway R. in Surry Co., 1741

– Chas. Leath on n/s Nottaway R. bounded by Gum sw. at mouth of Wharreocko br. to thick place of br. adj. Joshua Poythress, Albemarle parish, Surry Co., 1745

– executor of Thos. Poythress estate, 1749

– married Mary Short by 1750

– children: Joshua m. Elizabeth Robertson, William m. Mary Gilliam, Elizabeth m. Simon Fraser, Susannah m. David Maitland

– Jas. Draper btwn. Tommaheton sw. & Birchen swamps adj. Joshua Poythress & Wm. Poythress “at the county line,” Amelia Co., 1756

– father-in-law, Wm. Short IV’s Will recorded, Surry Co., 1758

– 20 acres sold to Abraham Parham on n/s Monks Neck cr. bounded by Gum sw. adj. John Leeth & Abraham Parham, Albemarle parish, Sussex Co., 1763

– 595 acres sold to Wm. Wilkerson & John Adams on Monkoneck cr. adj. Abraham Parham, Chas. Leath, Sr., Sir Wm. Skipwith & the county line, Sussex Co., 1763

– Wm. Cryer s/s Tommaheton sw. adj. John York & Joshua Poythress, Amelia Co., 1764 

– deceased, by 1782 (age ~60) [Will 1782, PG Feb 1788? – Batte]

– taxes paid on (293 + 200 + 70 +18 =) 581 acres, Pr. Geo. Co., by Mary Poythress, 1782

– taxes paid on (293 + 200 =) 493 acres, Pr. Geo. Co., by Mary Poythress, 1783

– to Mary Poythress 177 acres adj. the road, Thos. Hunt, Wm. Cain, Raine & Lewis, Sussex Co., 1784

– Benj. Hunnicut to Jas. Lewis, Cane & Straw meadow adj. Mary Poythress (previously Wm. Carter’s land), Sussex Co., 1784

– taxes paid on (293 + 200 =) 493 acres, by Mary Poythress, Wm. Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress, Francis Poythress & Joshua Poythress (estate), Pr. Geo. Co., 1787

– Mary Poythress leased 100 acres to Dan’l. Sturdivant, Pr. Geo. Co., 1787

– Mary Poythress, deceased, Pr. Geo. Co., 1788

– taxes paid on (293 + 100 = ) 393 acres, by [Mary Poythress], Pr. Geo. Co., 1789-1794

– taxes paid on 200 acres, by [Mary Poythress], Pr. Geo. Co., 1795-1800

Joshua Poythress (I) had: 100 ac. Queensland; 200 ac. adj. Fitzgerald; 300 ac. Monksneck; 333 ac. Monksneck; 200 ac. High Peak; 300 ac. Flowerdew; 250 ac. Flowerdew; and 382 ac. Tommaheton = 2,065 ac. Sold 100 ac. to bro. Wm. = 1,965 ac. Joshua Poythress (II) sold 615 ac. Monksneck Sussex Co. (1763); pd. taxes on (293 + 200 + 70 +18 =) 581 ac. Pr. Geo. = 1,196 ac. See brother, Wm. Poythress, for further analysis.]

(1763) sold 615 ac. Monks Neck = 615 ac. + 581 ac. = 1,196 ac.

(1782) 293 + 200 + 70 +18 = 581 ac. 

Slaves: [£35, 13 shillings and 2 pence] (3) negro woman, Judy, and her child, negro boy, Dick (1750). Wife inherited negroes with their increase already in her possession & to Mary Poythress’ children, Joshua Poythress, William Poythress & Elizabeth Poythress (6) two young negroes, men or women, to each.

Neighbors: Charles Leath (n/s Nottaway R.), James Draper (Tommaheton sw.), William Poythress (brother, Tommaheton sw.), Abraham Parham (Monks Neck cr.), John Leath, William Wilkerson (Monks Neck cr.), John Adams, Charles Leath, Sr. (Monks Neck cr.), William Skipwith (Monks Neck cr.), William Cryer (Tommaheton sw.), John York (Tommaheton sw.), Thomas Hunt (Sussex Co.), William Cain (Sussex Co.), Raine (Sussex Co.), James Lewis (Sussex Co.), Benjamin Hunnicut (Sussex Co.), William Carter (Seussex Co.), Daniel Sturdivant (Amelia Co.)

Tommaheton Swamp

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

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

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

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

374 James Draper 16 Aug 1756 [PB 33 p228] 149 ac. Amelia/btwn Tommahitton & the Burchen Swamps