Lt. William Poythress (c. 1737-1783), Continental Army Officer, son of Robert Poythress, 4th Gen.
Biographic Compilation by Mike Tutor, circa 2019
This William Poythress is the only other possibility to be the Lieutenant William Poythress in the line sketch on the Poythress website. This William would have been in his late thirties or early forties at the time of the portrait whereas his cousin, William Poythress, who received land in Kentucky, was in his twenties.
R. Bolling Batte regarding William Poythress
[283 William Poythress. His existence would not have been known except for a statement made in a 1793 Chesterfield deed given by Tabitha (Poythress 285) Randolph to the effect that her father Robert Poythress 28 had by his will left property to his sons Robert, Peter, and William Poythress.]FamilyWilliam Poythress was born about 1737, in Prince George County, the son of Robert Poythress and Elizabeth (Cocke?). He died before April 12, 1787. He married Elizabeth —— (1741-1783) and they were the parents of Elizabeth Poythress (1765-1818) who married Anthony Peniston (1764-1797).
Inheritance
September 13, 1743, the Will of William’s father, Mr. Robert Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, was proved by Richard Bland, William Batte and William Poythress. Robert appointed his brother, William Poythress, Colonel Richard Bland and Mr. John Gilliam to divide his estate. He appointed his wife, Elizabeth, and his sons, Robert and Peter to be executors of his Will. He gave his son, William, all of his lands lying between Monkoes Neck and Nottaway which he bought from Captain Thomas Bolling and all of his lands in Amelia County contiguous to William Stone’s land, and nine negroes, Phillis, Seanah, Gambia, Caesar, Pheby, Kate, Pat and Pompey. His son also received 1/4th of his furniture, a share of the stocks and 1/4th share of the remainder of his estate. The court was held at Fitzgerald’s.
[Robert Poythress (I) received 350 acres at the Indian swamp from his father, John Poythress, in his December 11, 1712, Will. On May 9, 1717, Robert Poythress (I) bought 500 acres, in Prince George County, from Stith Bolling. On September 12, 1721, Robert exchanged 267 acres with William Parham for 100 acres in Martins Brandon, Prince George County. On March 22, 1732, Robert leased 267 acres at the Indian swamp to John Parham. On September 28, 1728, Robert bought 291 acres at the Butterwood swamp, in Prince George County, which he left to his son, Captain Robert Poythress, in his 1743 Will. On July 12, 1735, Robert bought 600 acres from his brother, David Poythress, part of which, Tanotoro, was left by John Poythress to his son, David Poythress, in his 1712 Will. Robert left this land to his son, Colonel Peter Poythress, in his 1743 Will. On September 28, 1728, Robert had land adjacent to the 297 acres bought by Robert Glover, in Prince George County. He left this property to his son, Colonel Peter Poythress, in his 1743 Will. On June 17, 1735, Robert bought 412 acres, in Surry County, from Thomas Bolling, Mariner, which he left to his son, William Poythress, in his 1743 Will. On June 1, 1741, Robert bought 400 acres, in Amelia county, that he left to his son, William, in his 1743 Will.]
Professional Life
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Volume 69, p. 181. Mrs. Nellie Hazen Gough. DAR ID Number: 68491. Born in Newburgh, Indiana, wife of Eugene H. Gough. Descendant of Solomon Hazen and Lieutenant William Poythress. Daughter of Gaines H. Hazen (b. 1847) and Emma J. Beatley (b. 1857), his wife. Granddaughter of Albert Hazen and Eliza Roberts, his wife; James Madison Beatley (1815-1865) and Ann Peniston (1823-1900), his wife, married 1837. Gr-granddaughter of Zavan Hazen and Abigail Patterson, his wife; Francis P. Peniston (1794-1824) and Hannah S. Moore (1796-1823), his wife, married 1815. Gr-gr-granddaughter of Solomon Hazen and Theodora Pease, his wife; Anthony Peniston (1764-1797) and Elizabeth Poythress (b. 1765), his wife, married 1783. Gr-gr-gr-granddaughter of William Poythress and Elizabeth – (1741-1783), his wife, married 1758. Solomon Hazen (1759-1849) enlisted, 1777, in Captain Joshua Hazen’s company, Colonel Peter Olcott’s regiment from Vermont. He was born in Woodbury, Connecticut; died in Hartford, Vermont. William Poythress (1741-1783) served as lieutenant in 1st Continental artillery, Virginia Line. He was born in Virginia.The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Volume 148, p. 93. Mrs. Marguerite AleyStouse.147297. Born in Denver, Colorado, wife of Henry Stouse. Descendant of Lieut. William Poythress, as follows: 1. Theodore Benedict Aley (1859-1895) married 1866 Minnie Wathen (b. 1867). 2. Calvin R. Aley (1833-1894) married 1858 Susan Louise Beatley (b. 1838). 3. James Madison Beatley (1813-1865) married 1837 Ann Peniston (1823-1900). 4. Francis Poythress Peniston (1794-1824) married 1815 Hannah Satterwhite Moore (1796-1823). 5. Anthony Peniston (1764-1797) married 1783 Elizabeth Poythress (1765-1818). 6. William Poythress married 1758 Elizabeth – (1741-1783). William Poythress (1737-1783) was 1st lieutenant of artillery in the Virginia Continental Line. He was born and died in Virginia.Commissions wanted for the Officers in Colonel Charles Harrison’s Regiment of Artillery: Captain Drury Ragsdale. etc. William Poythress, 1st Lieutenant, November 21st, 1777, promoted by the resignation of Lieutenant Dudley.” (Papers of the Continental Congress, M247, r93, 178, v5, p. 167). [This Charles Harrison may have been born in 1738, the son of Benjamin Harrison IV and Anne Carter. Benjamin Harrison IV was killed July 12, 1745, when he was struck by lightning. His son, Benjamin Harrison V, husband of Elizabeth Bassett, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.]Property: LandSeptember 11, 1749, Samuel Jordan, the younger, late of Prince George County, in the Colony of Virginia, to William Poythress, of the same county, 450 acres, in Amelia County, in order to indemnify said William Poythress for having become surety for said Samuel Jordan. [Amelia Deed 3, p. 315]
April 20, 1750, in Amelia County, William Poythress, of Prince George County, to Walter Boyd, of Prince George County, Merchant, 450 acres, in Amelia County, on the south side of the Little Nottaway River, being the same land conveyed to William Poythress by a deed from Samuel Jordan, the younger. [Amelia Deed 3, p. 394] Adjoining Property 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.” [These men were Joshua’s sons, Joshua & William.]
April 21, 1762, Charles Connally and Catherine, his wife, of Nottoway parish, in Amelia County, sold to Robert Williams, of the same, 200 acres, in Nottoway parish, in Amelia County, lying between the lines of George Hill, Poythress and Parrs (alias) Haymes, it being amongst other things devised by William Stone, deceased, to his daughter, Catherine, wife of the said Charles Connally. The witnesses, John Mainere, William Tucker and Samuel
Bentley. As Witness In 1753, in Amelia County, the Will of Major Peter Jones, probated 1759, and named executors, his friends, Richard Jones, Jr., Peter Jones (son of Major Richard Jones) and Edmund Jones, etc. The witnesses were William Poythress, Thomas Williams and Richard Jones, Sr.
Pertinent Information
Will of Nicholas Potter Garrett (Will Book 1, p. 239, Petersburg, VA.)
In the Name of God Amen I Nicholas Potter Garrett of the Town of Petersburg and State of Virginia being weak and low of Body but of perfect mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament renouncing all other by me heretofore made.-
First I Bequeath my Soul to God who gave it, and my Body to the dust from whence it was taken.-
Secondly my will and desire is, that all my just debts be paid out of my Estate by Executors hereafter to be named.-
Thirdly I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Sarah Garrett, all my Estate of what nature or kind soever, both real and personal, to her own proper use and enjoyment during her natural life and after her death to be equally divided among my five children Viz: Mary Ann Potter Garrett, Sarah Gilbert Garrett, Simeon Potter Garrett,
George North Garrett and Elizabeth Tucker Garrett, to them and their Heirs forever.-
I do hereby appoint my Two Friends Anthony Peniston and Samuel Peniston my lawful Executors to transact all my business of what nature or kind soever.-
Signed and acknowledged this Eighteenth day of December Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Five. N. Garrett (Seal). In presence of Geo. Pegram Jr., Thomas Stroud, Jo. Lennox.
At a Hustings Court held for the Town of Petersburg at the Courthouse of the said town monday the fourth day of January 1796. The last Will and Testament of Nicholas Potter Garrett dec’d. was presented in Court by Samuel Peniston one of the Executors Therein named, and was proved by the oaths of George Pegram Jr. and Thomas
Stroud two of the witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.- Attest. J.Grammer. C. H. C.
After William Poythress’ Death
In June, 1794, in Chesterfield County, Tabitha Randolph, of Chesterfield County, daughter of Robert Poythress, late of Prince George County, deceased, a deed to Henry Archer [son-in-law], of Chesterfield County, for £100, 1/5th interest in 8 negroes and their increase devised by her father, Robert Poythress, of Prince George County, in his Will dated May 24, 1743, in which Will said Robert Poythress provided that his wife should have a life interest in the said negroes and their increase should be equally divided between the three sons of the said Robert Poythress, viz. Robert, Peter and William Poythress, and such of the testators daughters as were unmarried at the time of their mother’s death. The said Tabitha and one other daughter being unmarried at the time of her mother’s death conveys this interest.
In 1794, in Chesterfield County, Tabitha Randolph, one of the daughters and legatees of Robert Poythress, deceased, versus William Mayo, acting executor of Peter Poythress, deceased. The court ordered the commissioners to set aside to said plaintiff certain negroes out of the estate of Robert Poythress, deceased, with the increase since his death, and also estimate hire from the death of said Peter Poythress, and make report to this court. Summary Bill of Complaint. Elizabeth Poythress possessed herself of 12 slaves according to the will of Robert Poythress. She died many years after her husband, surviving her sons, Robert and William. The slaves then devolved to their brother, Peter. Until her death, Elizabeth Poythress lived with or near said Peter and he had management of her affairs. He was entitled to 3/5 of the slaves at her death in behalf of himself and his two deceased brothers, William and Robert. At that time, only 2 of the testator’s daughters were unmarried, the oratrix, Tabitha Randolph, and her sister, Elizabeth Gilliam. Peter continued to keep under his care the 8 negroes of which he was 3/5 owner. He died a few years past. William Mayo, Esquire, was the acting executor of the said Peter Poythress and continued to hold possession of the said 8 slaves, though often requested to give the oratrix her share. She desired an accounting of the 8 slaves and their issue and sex be given, then her 1/5 of said slaves and 1/5 of labor since the death of said Peter Poythress to be allotted to her.
Highlights:
Wm. Poythress (c. 1737-1783), m. Elizabeth (Cocke?) (1741-1783), s. of Robt. Poythress, 4th Gen.
– born c. 1737
– inherited all his father’s land lying between Monkoes Neck and Nottaway which he bought from Captain Thomas Bolling and all of his lands in Amelia County contiguous to William Stone’s land, 1743 (June 17, 1735, Robt. bought 412 acres, Surry Co., from Thomas Bolling, Mariner, that he left to his son, Wm. Poythress, in his 1743 Will. June 1, 1741, Robt. bought 400 acres, in Amelia Co., that he left to his son, Wm., in his 1743 Will. = 812 acres) - 450 acres, Amelia Co., 1749
-sold 450 acres s/s Little Nottaway R., that he bought in 1749, Amelia Co., 1750
– married Elizabeth c. 1758
– child: Elizabeth Poythress (1765-1818) m. 1783 Anthony Peniston (1764-1797)
– served as Lieutenant in 1st Continental artillery, Virginia Line; 1st Lieutenant, November 21st, 1777, promoted by resignation of Lt. Dudley
– deceased 1783 (age ~46)
inherited 812 ac., 450 ac. Amelia Co., sold 450 ac. Amelia Co. = 812 ac. = 412 Surry Co. & 400 Amelia Co.
[June 18, 1735, Thos. Bolling, Mariner, sold to Robt. Poythress, of Pr. Geo. Co., 412 acres, n/s Nottaway R. on Gally sw. to Mockerson Neck cr. Witnesses: John Mason & Thomas Edmunds, Surry Co. & June 1, 1741, Robt. Poythress, was granted 400 acres on n/s Nottaway R. adj. Hezekiah Powell, Amelia Co. – August 20, 1745, Wm. Stone on n/s Hurricane sw. adj. Henry Green, Powell, Poythress and Wyatt, Amelia Co. – April 21, 1762, Chas. Connally & wife, Catherine, sold to Robt. Wms., in Nottoway parish, Amelia County, lying btwn. lines of George Hill, Poythress & Parrs (alias) Haymes, devised by William Stone, dec’d., to his dau., Catherine, wife of Chas. Connally. Witnesses: John Mainere, Wm. Tucker & Sam’l. Bentley.]
Neighbors: Capt. Thomas Bolling, William Stone
Anthony Peniston analysis:
Court Justice Anthony Peniston may have been the father of Anthony Peniston (1764-1797) that married Elizabeth Poythress (1765-1818), dau. of Lt. Wm. (c. 1737-1783) & Elizabeth () Poythress. Wm. was the son of Robt. 1738 Pr. Geo. Co. Court justices Robt. Bolling, Wm. Stark, Francis Poythress, John Ravenscroft, John Peterson & Anthony Peniston. Fr. Poythress, father of Fr. Poythress md. Mary Peterson. [Wm. Stark (1691-1755) md. Mary Bolling, dau. of Robt. Bolling & Anne Cocke; Rebecca Stark, dau. of Wm. Stark & Mary Bolling, md. John Ravenscroft; John Peterson, son of John Peterson & Mary Batte md. Martha Thweatt & their dau., Mary Peterson (c. 1734-) md. Francis Poythress.
1738 Pr. Geo. Co. John Hall tithables below Ward’s cr. Martin’s Brandon parish; John Ravenscroft btwn. Ward’s & Powell’s Creeks. Anthony Peniston parish above Powell’s Creek; John Peterson Bristol parish w/in Monksneck cr. & below road from Monksneck Bridge to Appomattox Point; Isham Eppes part w/out Monksneck cr. & Hatcher’s Run, below White Oak & Butterwood Roads; Francis Poythress parish w/in Monksneck cr. & Hatcher’s Run & above road from Monksneck Bridge to Appomattox Point & above White Oak & Butterwood Roads, w/out Hatcher’s Run. Fr. Poythress son of Fr. md. Hannah Ravenscroft.
1739 Pr. Geo. Co. Jury Wm. Poythress, Francis Poythress, Anthony Peniston, John Ravenscroft. Col. Wm. Poythress & Fr. Poythress son of Fr. Poythress md. Hannah Ravenscroft.
1748 Thos. Wms., Pr. Geo. Co. head of Rocky Run adj. Hardaway, Cleaton, Poythress, Jackson, Bartlott, Williamson, Booth, Maidlens, Bird, Rany and Peniston. Col. Wm. Poythress
Appraiser of estate of Mary Batte Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co. – Anthony Penniston, Peter Epes and Nath’l. Raines, 1760.
[Mary Poythress, wife of John Poythress (c. 1681-1724) md. (2) John Abbington after the death of her first husband.]