An interesting aspect of the wealthy Joseph Poythress family is that a great number of their slaves took, or were previously given, the Poythress surname at emancipation. The 1870 and following censuses, along with several cemeteries, list many Poythresses in Troup County with the designation “col.” following their names. One secondary source is used extensively in this event line. It is “People of LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia, Vol. V, Histories of LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia, by Troup County Historical Association. For convenience this source is referred to as “People of…” A primary source used is the F. A. Poythress Bible which is manuscript #20, Special Collections, University of Georgia Library, referred to herein as “F. A. Poythress Bible.” Numerous slight variances in listed dates suggest that the records in this bible may not have been posted contemporaneously. Extrapolation of birth dates from the 1850 and 1860 censuses reveals a constant two year variance for all children. Extrapolated birth years are two years earlier in the 1860 census than the 1850 census. In any case, I have arbitrarily used the 1860 census to calculate dates of birth for first generation following Joseph and Mary Poythress. With only a few exceptions, birth dates are only recorded in event line for first generation children. The adult years of Joseph Poythress and Mary King have not been fully searched. These records are microfilmed and are available in the Georgia Department of Archives and History (hereinafter “GDAH”). When referenced in this paper, “GDAH 100/10” will refer to drawer 100, microfilm roll 10. Not all original documents were indexed and/or assigned page numbers but when they were, that page number is included with the coded reference.

Relatives and Possible Parents – Georgia Lottery

Thomas Poythress (1729-1800) and Francis Poythress (1750-1805) appear to have moved from Virginia to Georgia during the 1782-1784 time frame.

In 1803, Martha, George, Meredith and Edward Poythress registered as did Francis and William Poythress, for the 1805 (1st) Georgia land lottery. The 1805 lottery listed the names of every person who entered. Registration in 1803 for this drawing was a fairly good, although incomplete “proxy” for an 1803 census of Georgia. In the later lotteries, with a few exceptions, only the winners were listed. Land awarded in the 1805 lottery was then Baldwin and Wilkinson County.

Name Reg.# Prize or Blank Registrant’s County Poythress, Edward 47 B B Burke

Poythress, George 65 B Burke Poythress, Martha 50 B B Burke Poythress, Francis 613 B B Hancock Poythress, Meredith 968 B B Screven Poythress, William 967 B B Screven

The children of Meredith Poythress and George Poythress are known. Edward Poythress was too young to have had a son born in 1788. Martha Poythress was the widow of Thomas Poythress (1756-1800).

1807 Lottery – This lottery, together with the one in 1805, completed the opening of the large valley area between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee Rivers. In 1807, the first meeting of the Georgia Legislature took place at the new capital of Milledgeville in Baldwin County, another part of the westward thrust of settlement. Land awarded in the 1807 Lottery was the remaining parts of Baldwin and Wilkinson Counties and Wayne County. The “orphans” of Thomas and the orphans of Francis Poythress were listed in the 1807 lottery in addition to Elizabeth Poythress.

Name County Mil. Dist. Dist./Lot Drew Land

Poythress, Thomas (Orphans of) Burke Sharp’s 22/44 Wilkinson Poythress, Francis (Orphans of) Hancock Coffee’s 24/290 Wilkinson Poythress, Elizabeth Hancock Coffee’s 6/31 Wilkinson

Francis Poythress (c. 1750-bef. 1805) lived on Ogeechee River. In 1822, Joseph Poythress had 400 acres surveyed for himself on Ogeechee River on his own and Family’s Head rights. In 1805, Joseph would have been 16 or 17 years old and would have been listed as one of Francis Poythress’ orphans.

1820. Joseph Poythress drew a winning ticket in the 1820 Georgia Land Lottery for Section 15, Lot 98, Irwin County, Georgia. See 1832 for winning draws in 1832 Georgia Land Lottery. GDAH 286/46 & GDAH 286/43.

The 1832 or “Sixth” Georgia Land Lottery was an umbrella term to cover what was in reality the last “two” lotteries, the Cherokee land lottery and the Gold Lottery. While legislation for these two lotteries was passed in 1830 and 1831, both drawings were held in 1832. In the Cherokee Land Lottery, the lands available in this lottery eventually become the counties of Cass, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Murray, Paulding, and Union. Land lot sizes were 160 acres. The grant fee for registering the land in order to sell it or move to it was $18.00. In the 1832 Gold Lottery, lands available were the remaining part of original Cherokee County but was that area deemed to have a potential to be “gold” land instead of “farm” land. The lot sizes were fixed at 40 acres. The grant fee was the same as the land lottery: $18.

Name County Military District District/Section/Lot Land Drawn Type

Poythress, Joseph (soldier) Troup Tally’s 7/4/14 Cherokee Land Poythress, Joseph (soldier) Troup Tally’s 2/3/7 Cherokee Gold Poythress, Hardimend Greene 143 2/2/752 Cherokee Gold Poythress, Sarah E. (orphan) Screven 34th 6/3/204 Cherokee Land Poythress, Meredith Sr. Screven 36th 16/2/1078 Cobb Gold Poythress, Meredith Jr. Screven 36th 3/3/76 Cobb Gold Poythress, Sarah M. (widow) Chatham 1st 16/2/471 Cobb Gold

Military record

January 20, 1820. Poythress, Joseph, Lieutenant, Warren County, 20 January 1820 to 26 May 1821, Georgia Militia

Records 1808-1829, page 27.

Property

December 1, 1812 Thomas H. Kendall, Sheriff of Warren County to Joseph Poythress of Warren County at the suit of William Heath and others against Henry Jones, did lately sieze eighty two acres of land as the property of said Henry Jones. Joseph Poythress being the highest bidder and was knocked off to him at the price or sum of one hundred and thirty dollars and twenty five cents. Wit: Presley Spinks and Arch. Flewellin. Recorded 14 Aug 1815. Warren County Deed Book “D,” 1813-1817, GDAH.

February 4, 1822. Georgia, M. Culpepper, J. P., Jethro Darden, J. P., Benja. Carr, J. P., Justices. By the Court of Justices of Warren County. To Paul McCormick Surveyor for said County. You are required to admeasure and lay out or cause to be admeasured & laid out unto Joseph Poythress who resides in this State a tract of land which shall contain Four hundred Acres adjoining Heith and Carr on the waters of Ogechee River on his own and Family’s Head rights; taking special care that the same has not heretofore been laid out to any other person or persons; and you are required to record the plat of the same in your office and transmit a copy of the same together with this Warrant to the Surveyor General within the term of two years from the date hereof: Given under our hands as presiding Justices of said Court the 4th day of February 1822. Thomas Libron Clk.

March 28, 1826 “Will be sold at the court-house in the town of Warrenton, Warren County, on the first Tuesday in May next…..100 acres of land…on the waters of Ogechee [sic]….whereon James Rogers, Jr. now lives, levied on as the property of said Rogers, to satisfy three executions in favor of Joseph Poythress for the use of Gerald Camp.” (signed) Solomon Wilder, Sheriff. From: Genealogical Abstracts from the Georgia Journal, Milledgeville, Ga.,

1809-1840, Hartz & Hartz, 1994, GDAH.

August 1, 1826 “Will be sold on the first Tuesday in September next, at the court-house in the town of Warrenton,

Warren County…..the following property, to wit: 200 acres land…on the waters of Long Creek, adjoining Harmon Hulbert, William Brinkley and others, levied on as the property of James Wheeler, to satisfy 2 fi fas in favor of Joseph Poythress vs. James Wheeler and William Brinkley. From: Genealogical Abstracts from the Georgia Journal, Milledgeville, Georgia, 1809-1840, Hartz & Hartz, 1994, GDAH.

February 5, 1830. Deed from James L. and William B. Daniel to Joseph Poythress of Troup County: “this indenture made on this fifth day of February, 1830…between (above)…for and in consideration of the sum of seven thousand dollars to them in hand…that lot or parcel of land situated in being on the South dias of the town of LaGrange in said county and adjoining the lot of land on which the town of LaGrange is situated…” Troup County Superior Court Deeds, Book “B,” GDAH 154/47. The home built by Joseph Poythress on this lot was inherited by Francis Poythress, who married Caroline Ware, and she in turn became the owner of the property after the death of her husband. She married a second time, to John T. Gay, and lived in the house until her death in 1922. The house was moved to Broome Street when the present La Grange post office was built, and was finally razed in 1925. Source in part: History of Troup County, Smith, Clifford L., Atlanta, 1933.

1832. Joseph Poythress, drawing in the 1832 Georgia Land and Gold Lotteries, had a winning draw for 180 acres in Cherokee County, Section 4, District 7, Lot 14. He did not “take up” (pay registration and deed fee) and the land was sold at state auction on 12 Jul 1846 to B. H. Moultrie. Moultrie was likely a land speculator as his name appears with frequency as an auction buyer of grants not taken up. GDAH 286/49. Entitled to a second draw by virtue of military service (see 20 Jan 1920 above) Joseph Poythress had a winning draw for 40 acres of Gold Land in Cherokee County, Section 3, District 2, Lot 7. This land was “taken up” 27 Aug 1834 (deed fee paid and ownership established). GDAH 286/49. Ultimate disposition of this land not yet determined.

Taxes

1817. “An Index to Georgia Tax Records,” 1789 forward….lists Joseph Poythress, Warren County, 1817. Southeast Regional Archives, East Point, Georgia.

1818. Warren County, Ga. Tax Digest, Capt. Hulbert’s District. Joseph Poythress: 2 pleasure wheels, 130 acres Warren County, on the Ogeechy (sic) River.

As Witness

1817. Joseph Poythress….witnessed deed of gift in Warren County 1817 by Thomas Heath to Manuell Harold q. v. card #215, Leon S. Hollingsworth name card index file of Georgia (secondary source).

January 20, 1835. Will of Shearward McFarland. Witness: Joseph Poythress. Troup County Wills Book 1(A), p. 27. Estate Records of Troup County, Georgia 1827-1850, Allen & Knight. Published by Troup County Historical Association.

1852 Joseph Poythress…”deed Troup County, Ga. 1852 for Singleton L. Trawick to Virgil L. Thompson q. v.” Leon

S. Hollingsworth name card index file (Secondary source).

Court records

1823 Joseph Poythress….a commissioner to divide estate of Ezekial Wall, Warren County, Georgia, 1823. Leon S. Hollingsworth name card index file of Georgia (secondary source).

October 11, 1828. J. Poytheress [sic] received note (?). From “Rural Cabinet” a court reporting publication in Warren County from 13 May 1828 to 26 June 1830.

December 26, 1831. Charter granted to LaGrange Female Academy; one of designated trustees: Joseph Poythress. History of Troup County, Clifford L. Smith, 1933.

September 24, 1832. Page 1…”on morning of Monday, September 24, 1832, Joseph Poythress called for jury duty.”

Superior Court Minutes for Troup County, period 1832 to 1844. No index. GDAH 155/18.

1842. Joseph Poythress grantor in deed Troup County in 1842 to Singleton L. Trawick, q. v. Leon S. Hollingsworth name card index file (secondary source).

December 21, 1842. Estate of Robert Freeman, Inventory and appraisement. Appraisers: Henry Long and Joseph Poythress, Willaim C. Cline; Widow: Elizabeth T. Freeman. Legatees: various grandchildren. Of note is that estate contained numerous slaves [ valuing which would presumably be at least one reason to have Joseph Poythress as an appraiser]. Warren County Returns, page 170. Estate Records of Troup County, Georgia 1827-1850, Allen and Knight, pub. Troup County Historical Association.

Census records

Burke County is an original county of Georgia, created February 5, 1777. Greene County was formed on February 3, 1786, from land given by Washington County. Warren County was created in 1793 in the east central part of the state from Burke, Columbia, Washington, and Wilkes counties. Later, parts of Warren County were used to create Glascock County and parts of Jefferson, McDuffie, and Taliaferro counties. Hancock county was created from Greene and Washington, on December 17, 1793. Wilkinson county was created from Indian lands on May 11, 1803. The land for Lee, Muscogee, Troup, Coweta, and Carroll counties was ceded by the Creek Indians to the United States in the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs. The counties’ boundaries were created by the Georgia General Assembly on June 9, 1826, but the counties themselves were not named until December 14, 1826.

1820 Warren Co., GA. Joseph Poythress

1m <10, 1m 16-<26, 1m 26-<45, 1f 16-<26, 4 in agriculture, 1 in commerce, 3m slaves <14, 1m slave 14-<26, 1m slave 26-<45, 1f slave 14-<26. [3 names away from Lewis Zachary]

[Virtual census]

Joseph Poythress 30

Mary “ 22

(male) (16-<26) [b. 1794-1804]

William B. “ 1

1830 Census of Troup County, Georgia:

Joseph Poythress

(2m <5, 1m 10-<15, 1m 30-<40, 1f <5, 1f 5-<10, wife 30-<40. 9m slaves, 6f slaves [Virtual census]

Joseph Poythress	40
Mary “	32
William B. “	10
Mary Ann “	8
Russell K. “	5
John H. “	4
Sarah E. “	2

John H. (5/18/1826-2/24/1846) was the son of Joseph & Mary who died young. 1826. Birth of son John H. (Hardaman) Poythress. This son is otherwise unknown and unmentioned except for instructions to the executors of Mary Poythress’ will: “a suitable Tomb Stone placed over my grave and that of my son John Hardaman.” A search of Troup County cemeteries shows the grave of John H. Poythress (1826-1846) in Hill View Cemetery. Source: Troup County Archives, Results of Cemetery Records Search, http://www.lgc.peachnet.edu/cgi-win/cemsrch.exe#01

Joseph Poythress, 1840 Troup County, Georgia census 6 free w/m, 3 free w/f, 22 b/m slaves, 15 b/f slaves [Virtual census]

Joseph Poythress	52
Mary “	42
William B. “	20
Mary Ann “	18
Russell K. “	15
Sarah E. “	12
Francis R. “	5
(male)
(male)

1850 Troup County, Georgia Census, 8/30/1850

Poythress, Joseph 62 m planter $18M realestate b. Ga. Slaves: 95

, Mary 52 f b. Ga.

, William B. 30 m b. Ga.

, Russell K. 25 m “none” b. Ga.

, Sarah E. 22 f b. Ga. [s/b Sarah J.]

, Francis A. 15 m student b. Ga. Dewberry, John 43 m b. Ga.

Combs, William 35 m overseer b. Ga. Piper, Alexander 26 m overseer b. Ga. Piper, Ellina 23 f b. Ga.

Francis R. Poythress (c. 1835-10/1860) Note: The 1860 Mortality Schedule for LaGrange shows that Francis Poythress, age 24, Merchant, died in October 1859 from “Liquor.” He was shown as being born in Virginia which contradicts the 1850 census with Georgia as his birth place. Also, a 19 year old male, negro servant of Francis Poythress died in September, 1859. Francis was most likely buried in or near the Poythress Lot with his parents. No grave marker. His wife was Caroline Elizabeth Ware Gay (6/4/1835-1/25/1922). They married in 1854. Their daughter was Mary L. Poythress Barnard (9/3/1856-9/10/1887).

1860 Troup County, Georgia Census $rl.est. pers.prop. born slaves Poythress, C. E. 24 f farmer 17.2M 60M Ga. 57

, M. L. 5 f Ga.

Ware, A. C. 30 m medical doctor 7M 8M Ga.

, E. 26 m clerk Ga. Crawford, James 27 m druggist 4M N. C.

, Mary 22 f Ala.

Caroline E. Ware [C. E.] Poythress was the widow of Francis A. Poythress. Caroline E. Ware Poythress m. (2) John Thomas Gay (1/6/1863). Mary Lorane Poythress m. Major John M. Barnard, (b. LaGrange 3/9/1856) on 11/13/1873. Source: Histories of LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia, Vols. 1 & 2, Johnson, Forest Clark, Family Tree, LaGrange, Ga. 1987; also, F. A. Poythress Bible.

1860 census, 6/11/1860, Troup Co., GA., p. 46

Poythress, R. K. 37 m 2M 25M Ga. 31 [Russell King Poythress]

, S. A. 30 f Eng.

, C. E. 8 m Ga.

, Henry 6 m Ga.

, Kate 6 f Ga.

, Joseph 1 m Ga.

Russell King Poythress m. Sarah A. Simpson. Charles E. Poythress (9/27/1852-10/9/1918), m. Martha Elizabeth Evans (4/6/1855-9/24/1926) on 1/6/1881. Charles Poythress was tax collector for LaGrange/Troup County 1913-18.

Catherine (Kate) m. Wesley Thornton 1/4/1868. Source: Histories of LaGrange and Troup County, Georgia, Vols. 1 & 2, Johnson, Forest Clark, Family Tree, LaGrange, Ga. 1987.

1860 census, Troup Co., GA.

Poythress, William 42 m farmer 4M 21M Ga. 17 Broth, W. S. 22 m overseer Ga.

Ware, Daniel 50 m farmer ? Ga. 49

, James 16 m Ga.

, J. R. 12 m Ga.

, F. D. 1 m Ga.

, M. E. 38 f Ga.

, Philogenia 20 f Ga.

, Martha 8 f Ga.

, F. C. 4 f Ga.

Poythress, S. J. 34 f Ga. 30*

(* the thirty slaves of Sarah Jane Poythress were held in trust by Daniel Ware, her brother-in-law. She was marked “Idiot” on census. Was retarded from birth) [MP note: M. E. almost certainly Maryann E. Poythress] [Martha E. Poythress, Hill View Cemetery, LaGrange 1855-1926]

In the 1900 Census entry, in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, with Sarah Ann Simpson Poythress and her son, Joseph, she was listed as “widowed.” There is no indication when Russell King Poythress died or was buried. It is interesting to see that in 1880, Russell identified himself to the Census taker as “widowed.” Bear in mind that divorce, and/or desertion of a spouse, were both very much frowned upon, so it would have been far more acceptable to be identified as a widow or a widower. Interesting that both Russell and his brother, William B., were listed as widowers. No record has been found of a marriage, death or burial of William B.

1880 – Harrisonville, Troup CO., GA.

Russel Poythress 57 w/m, widowed, GA/GA/GA Charley Poythress 26 w/m, son, single, GA/GA/GA William B Poythress 61 w/m brother, widowed, GA/GA/GA

Will of Elizabeth King

1827. Will of Elizabeth King. The mother of Mary Poythress is leaving slaves to her daughter Mary Poythress: “Item 1st it is my Will and desire that the heirs of the body of my daughter Mary Poythress shall have the following negroes; to wit: Delphe and her two children, Tom and Sucky, and their increase and to be equally divided and distributed among them so that each one of them may have an equal share of said negroes.”

Item 2nd wills slaves to daughter Sarah Zachry. Residue of estate to son William Jackson.

Executor James T. Dicken. Witnesses: John B. Harrell, James T. Dicken. Probated 5 Nov 1827. From: Loose Wills of Warren County, page 165, Will Book “B”, GDAH 37/51.

Will of Joseph Poythress

State of Georgia. Troup County) In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Poythress of said County and state being of sound and disposing mind and memory, but calling to mind that it is appointed for all men once to die do make publish and declare my last will and testament in words following to wit

Item 1st To my beloved wife Mary I hereby confirm the land and negroes heretofore given her by deed and agreement. In addition thereto I give to my said Wife the house and lot on which we now live in the town of LaGrange and all the household and Kitchen Furniture of every description and also the negro boy Sandy and also the horses and carriage and James Monk, Peter and James child William and Rachel and her two children and Walt. Item 2nd I give to my son Frank Andrew the sixty shares I own in the capital stock of the Atlanta and LaGrange Rail Road Company.

Item 3rd The ballance (sic) of my Estate of Every description I wish equally divided between my children share and

share alike. In this division that portion heretofore advanced to a portion of children I desire taken into the account so that those to whom I have not made advancements while in life may be ultimately equal; and in order to avoid difficulty on this point I will here specify the advancements made: to my daughter Mary Ann E. Ware, wife of Daniel Ware I now advance and confirm the negroes and land of which she is now in possession by permission being about Eighteen negroes and three hundred and eighty acres of land which heretofore has been a loan and Estimated by me to be of the value of Fourteen thousand dollars and so to be valued in the division. And to my son Russell K. Poythress I have advanced about the sum of Five thousand dollars and at which it is to be valued in the division. The Six thousand dollars Rail Road stock given to my son Frank in the second item of this will is not to be brought into hotchpotch but is a gift extra.

Item 4th That portion of the property falling to my daughter Sarah Jane is to be received and kept [by] my wife Mary in trust for the sole and separate use of the said Sarah Jane. And that portion of property falling to my son William is to be received and managed by his brother Russell K. Poythress as trustee for William.

Item 5th That portion of the property hereby given to my daughter Mary Ann Ware including the land and negroes mentioned in the third item of this will I give to her sole and separate use during her life and after her death to her children in fee.

Item 6th I nominate and appoint my son Russell K. Poythress and my wife Mary Poythress Executor and Executrix of this my last will and testament.

In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal and published and declared this to be my last will and testament, the 21st day of March, 1853.Signed sealed, published and declared the )day and year above written in presence of) J oseph Poythress (seal)

us who attest the same in presence of the testator)

Louis Harris, J. H. H. Colquitt, Jas. Turner, R. A. T. Ridley. (Estate Records, Will Book B, 1848-1888, page 63.)

March 21, 1853. Will of Joseph Poythress, APPENDIX “A” following. Troup County, Ga. Court of the Ordinary, Estate Records, Will Book B, 1848-1888, pg. 63, GDAH 156/4.

April 14, 1853. Death of Joseph Poythress in Troup County, estate valued $150M, Children were:

1. Mary Ann E. Poythress who married Daniel Ware
2. Russell K. Poythress, said to gamble all the time, doesn’t work, but lives on his income.
3. William B. Poythress
4. Francis Andrew Poythress, “Frank”
5. Sarah Jane Poythress, an idiot since birth, Daniel Ware is her guardian.

From “People of…” quoting Superior Court Records of Troup County, 1854-1856, Nov, 1854, pg. 8 and Nov, 1854, pg. 30. GDAH 155/21. Precise death date of Joseph Poythress from F. A. Poythress Bible..

Will of Mary King Poythress

April, 1854. “She (Mary Poythress) was at the home of Lewis & Sarah Zachry in Newton County in April of 1854. There are indications that Sarah Zachry was a sister of Mary.” “People of..” quoting from Superior Court Records of Troup County 1854 GDAH 155/21. [MP note: Mary was sister of Sarah Zachry…see 1827 Will of Elizabeth King]

September 6, 1854. Will of Mary Poythress, APPENDIX “B” following. Troup County, Ga. Court of the Ordinary, Estate Records, Will Book B, 1848-1888, pg. 90, GDAH 156/4.

September 29, 1854. Death of Mary Poythress. This date, in the F. A. Poythress Bible, is accepted instead of 20 Sep as reported by ” People of….”.

November, 1854. Court docket item # 155, November term 1854. Mary Poythress cited in two conditions, one as guardian, one as trustee: (as guardian, vs. William Bradfield, James Bradfield, et al (as trustee for Sarah J. Poythress vs. Swanson & Evans “It appearing to the court that Mary Poythress, plaintiff, as the above mentioned in each of the above causes, having died since the commencement of said credit, it is ordered that said plaintiff’s death is suggested of record. Granted: O. Warner, Judge Source: Superior Court Minutes for Troup County 1854-1862, page 193,

GDAH 155/20.

APPENDIX “B”

Will of Mary Poythress, 6 Sept 1854)

State of Georgia) In the Name of God! Amen!

Troup County) I Mary Poythress of said State and County knowing that is appointed for all mankind to die I being of sound mind and disposing memory to make and

Sconstitute (sic) this my last Will and Testament hereby revokeing [sic]all Wills heretofore by me made                            

Item the 1st I Will my soul to God who gave it me and my body to it’s Mother Earth to be by my Executors desently [sic] buried and a suitable Tomb Stone placed over my grave and that of my son John Hardaman.

Item 2nd It is my Will and desire that my two sons William B. and Francis A. Poythress have my house and lot where I now live in the Town of LaGrange together with all of the furniture household and Kitchen for and during their natural lives and should either of said sons die then said House and Lot together with the furniture to remain with the survivor to dispose of the same to whom he may think proper by Will Item 3rd It is my Will and desire that my son Francis A. shall have all my real estate and that my son William B. shall keep his negroes on the same and have the use thereof or a sufficiency of the same to work his negroes

on               

Item 4th It is my Will and desire that my said son Francis A. have all of my negroes together with their increase also a Girl Lucy claimed by Daniel Ware which I had loaned him heretofore, she is my property and it is my Will that my said son Francis A. shall also have her. It is further my Will should my son Russell K. Poythress or my daughter Sarah Jane Poythress have or meet with any misfortune and become needy it is my Will that my said son Francis A. should make a liberal provision for them out of what I have herein given him

Item 5th It is my Will that my said son Francis A. Poythress have all my mules, horses, carriage, buggy and all my stock on the plantation of every kind whatsoever the same may consist also all my cash on hand as well as my notes accounts and all evidences of debt of whatsoever the same may

consist                   

Item 6th It is my Will and desire that my said son Francis A. Poythress shall have any growing crop of corn, cotton and every thing else also that he shall have the residue of my estate be the same of whatsoever character it may consist, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and declared this to be my last Will and Testament in the presence of———-

Having forgotten to name my Executors to carry into execution this Will it is my Will & desire that my two friends Samuel Cartright & and Henny Long be and they are hereby nominated my Executors to Execute this my last Will & testament. It is further my Will & desire that the property herein before given to my said son Francis A. Poythress be held by him for and during his natural life not to be subject in any manner whatever to be taken from him for the payment of debts nor to be disposed of by him in any manner whatever except by Will, and it is my Will that he have the power over the same to dispose of the same by Will In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal and declared this to be my last Will and Testament this the sixth day of September Eighteen Hundred and fifty four in the presence of Louis Harris, Albert E. Cox, W. A. Pallen. Mary Poythress (seal)

(Note: the extended straight lines following each will “item” are the style of the will writer and are not to imply missing or illegible wording) Georgia Dept. of Archives & History, Microfilm Drawer 156/ roll 4, Troup County Georgia, Court of the Ordinary, Estate Records, Will Book B, 1848-1888, page 90.

May, 1856. Court docket item # 17, Troup County Superior Court, May 1856 term. Mary Poythress, Trustee vs. William Bradfield, principal, James Bradfield, security and James Henning, endorser. Document in contention dated 1854. “It appearing to the court that since the commencement of this cause above and before a trial had thereon, Mary Poythress, plaintiff died and Alexander A. Roberts had been duely appointed guardian of said Francis A. Poythress as the sucessor of said Mary Poythress by will of said County and it further appearing that since the commencement of suit and before the trial thereon that James Herring, one of the defendants, had died intestate, that Thomas H. Grace and James S. Herring have been duely qualified and appointed as administrator upon the estate of said James Herring dced…[portion of document unreadable]…appearing that circa facias had according to law

served on the said defendants as well as said Thomas H. Grace and James S. Herring requiring them to show cause at the present time of this court if any they have why Alexander A. Roberts, guardian aforesaid should not be made a party and plaintiff in the place of said Mary Poythress dced and said cases proceed. And it further appearing that circa facias have been issued in the above cases according to law and duely served upon the said Thomas H. Grace and the same James S. Herring as administrator requiring them to show cause at the present term of this court if any they have why they then said cause of one     . And it further appearing that said parties are present in court and showing no cause but by their counsel consenting and agreeing that said parties be made instant and that said cause proceed thereupon. It is ordered by the court that said Alexander A. Roberts as guardian of Francis A. Poythress be and he is hereby made party plaintiff in said cause in place of Mary Poythress dced and the said Thomas H. Grace and family of Herring as administrators upon estate of James Herring dced by and they are hereby made parties defendants in the place of James Herring dced and that said cause proceed. Signed: P. F. Cameron (?), J. S. C. I. C. Source: Superior Court Minutes for Troup County, May term 1856, GDAH 155/20.

May 26, 1856. Docket item # 189, Superior Court term of May, 1856. Mary Poythress, Guardian and Custodian vs. William Bradfield, principal and James Bradfield, security and James Herring, endorser. We the jury find for the plaintiffs in the sum of two thousand dollars for his principle debts with interest and cost of suits. May 26, 1856 David A. Coker, For. Source: Superior Court Minutes for Troup County, Term of May 1856, page 549, GDAH 155/20.

Children:

Sarah Ann Simpson, came at age 15, from England to America with her family, and married in about 1851 or so, Russell King Poythress in LaGrange, Troup County, Georgia, son of Joseph A Poythress & Mary King.

May, 1854. Russell K. Poythress was partner of Blinn & Poythress, blacksmiths, carriage, and buggy makers, and sales. Troup County Superior Court Records 1854-1856, GDAH 155/21, quoted by “People of….”.

May, 1856. (Russell K. Poythress) “reported to not get along with his mother, called his brother ‘Frank’ a ‘mother’s boy.’” Troup County Superior Court Records 1854-1856, GDAH 155/21, quoted by “People of….”

November, 1857. Court docket item # 223, November term 1857. William B. Poythress vs. Russell K. Poythress. “It appearing to the court that the defendant has been duely served, it is on motion ordered by the court that said

defendant appear and plead, answer, or demur to said bill in demurring above by the first day of the next term of this court and on failure to do so show cause why the bill should not be as certified. Granted: Obidiah Warner, Judge Source: Superior Court Minutes for Troup County for the period 1832 to 1844, November term 1857, pg. 223, GDAH 155/18.

November, 1857. Court docket item # 372, November term 1857.

William B. Poythress vs. Russell K. Poythress, trustee “It appearing to the court that the parties have compromised this case by an agreement that the defendents shall purchase a plantation agreeable to the complaintants with the funds of complaintants and place the negroes of complaintants and suitable farming stock and utensils thereon. And place the complaintants in possession of the same as active     trusts. And it appearing that the plantation has been purchased in pursuance to the agreement and the parties therefore agreeing that the bill be dismissed, it is ordered by the court that said bill be accordingly dismissed and court costs to be paid by the complaintants.

Signed: B. H. Hill (s), Solicitor for complaintants and E. G. Hill & Son, solicitor for the plaintiffs. Source: Superior Court minutes for Troup County, November term, 1857, page 438, GDAH 155/20. [It appears that William B. Poythress had to sue Russell K. Poythress to enforce the terms of Item 4th in will of Joseph Poythress – MP.]

1854. Francis Poythress brings action vs. Henry    . Jury finds for the plaintiff in the sum of one thousand and five dollars for his principle with interest from the 25th of June, 1853 and cost of suit. Signature of judge illegible. Previous action with respect to this case has not been located. Superior Court Records of Troup County 1854-1856, GDAH 155/21.

February 22, 1855. Francis A. Poythress m. Caroline A. Ware. F. A. Poythress Bible.

August, 1860. Francis Poythress brought suit vs. John L. Ruier (?). “We the jury find for the plaintiff one thousand and eighty dollars and 65 cents with cost of Court. Signed A. T. Ridley, For.” (basis of the suit was the dissolution of a partnership account under the final statement for the two parties). Superior Court Records of Troup County, August Term 1860. GDAH 155/21.

October, 1860. Death of Francis Poythress. This is questionable date assignment. F. A. Poythress Bible states “Francis A. Poythress died Oct. 2nd, 1859 aged 23.”

[MP notes: contradicting the 1859 date of the F. A. Poythress bible are:

1. Francis bringing a suit (entry immediately above)in August, 1860,
2. Georgia Mortality Schedule for year 1860:

Name: Poythress, F. County: Troup, Ga. Age: 24 Sex: M Mo./death: Oct. Birth Va. (?) Cause of death: Liquor Occupation: Merchant ……on the other hand, Francis did not appear in the 1860 census of Troup County, normally implying death in a previous year. Given that the bible entries are consistently neither “tidy” nor contemporaneous, I will elect to accept 1860 as year of death. It is possible for the 1860 census to have been taken subsequent to October 4; it would not be possible for Francis to be bringing suit in Superior Court if he had died the year before.]

May, 1856. Philo Ware…cited as daughter of Daniel Ware, granddaughter of Mary K. Poythress. Quoted by “People of…” Superior Court Records of 1854-1855, May, 1856. GDAH 155/21.

September 3, 1856. Mary Lorane Poythress b. “Sept. 3rd, 1856;1856” [sic] F. A Poythress Bible. This individual is undoubtably daughter of Caroline E. Poythress, see 1860 census below.

June 25, 1862. “Lieut. E. S. Ware was killed June 25th, 1862, at the battle near Richmond. F. A. Poythress Bible. “The battle near Richmond” was likely one of the several secondary engagements just prior to The Seven Days’ Campaign which began 26 June at Mechanicsville. This individual is most likely the younger brother of Caroline E. Ware Poythress. E. S. Ware would have been 28 years old at the time of his death based on 1860 census.

January 6, 1863. John T. Gay m. Carrie (Caroline) E. Poythress. F. A. Poythress Bible.

September 25, 1863. Daughter Eugene Ware Gay born to Caroline Ware Poythress Gay and Lieut. John Thomas Gay(1828-1865). Eugene Ware Gay m. William Howell Nix 9 Dec 1880. Source: Troup County Archives, c/o Troup County Historical Association, MSS 004. additional information at:http://www.lgc.peachnet.edu/archives/ms004.htm

April 17, 1865. At the ending of the War for Southern Independence, LaGrange had a formation of armed women for the protection of property and children…styling themselves the “Nancy Harts” in honor of a Georgia revolutionary war heroine. Union forces moving into LaGrange from Selma were met by the “Nancy Harts.” While there is little doubt the Harts could have been overcome, these were women with a serious purpose. They had trained regularly for three years. Union commander Colonel Oscar LaGrange (no connection) responded by promising that if the group would disarm, no homes or peaceful citizens would be harmed. Among the leaders of the Nancy Harts was Caroline Poythress. Since she was in reality Caroline Ware Poythress Gay at the time, perhaps the history of this event was related by a reader of the original muster rolls of the “Nancy Harts”. Eleven days later Caroline Ware Poythress Gay’s husband Lieut. J. T. Gay would receive wounds at Petersburg that would be fatal on 28 Apr 1865. Source in part: Smith, History of Troup County, Atlanta, 1933.

April 28, 1865 “Lieut. J. T. Gay died from wounds received in the battle around Petersburg, was wounded on the 25th of March and died on the 28th of April 1865.” F. A. Poythress Bible. [It is likely that Gay was wounded

in the attack led by Georgia General John B. Gordon on 25 Mar 1865…..out of the Petersburg defense lines and against Fort Stedman on the east side of the Petersburg siege fortifications. MP]

1880. “John Russell Ware, son of Daniel and Mary Poythress Ware was city marshal of LaGrange from 1881 to

1886. In an 1880 photo, he is shown wearing the LaGrange Light Guards Uniform. His maternal grandfather, Joseph Poythress, was one of the original trustees of LaGrange Female Institute and was generally considered to be one of the wealthiest men in Troup County. In fact, the expression ‘rich as Mrs. Poythress’ was mentioned in

pre-Civil War letters, indicating it was a familiar reference to his widow.” Treasures of Troup County, Major & Johnson, Published by Troup County Historical Society, 1993.

Burials

Info regarding the deaths of the 2 Missouri sons of Henry C [or E] Poythress, the 2nd son of Russell K. Poythress, the Missouri nephews of Joe Poythress, of the 1922 Probate record in Tarrant Co., Texas. From the Social Security Death Index: Frank Poythress (12/20/1906-3/27/1997), died in Webster Co., MO. Frank’s brother, Albert (1909- 12/23/1983), died in Laurens Co., Georgia. He was buried in Missouri.

In LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.:

-Joseph Poythress, (-4/14/1853); buried at Hillview Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co, GA.

• Mary Poythress (6/30/1798-9/29/1854) buried at Hillview Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• John H Poythress [4th child of Joseph & Mary above; his middle name was Hardiman or Hardaman], (5/18/1826- 2/24/1846); buried at Hillview
• Mary L. nee Poythress Barnard (9/3/1856-9/10/1887); Wife of J. M. Barnard; [BPN NOTE: Mary Lorena nee Poythress, daughter of Russell’s younger brother Frank, (4/4/1836-10/2/1859) and Frank’s wife, Caroline nee Ware. After Frank died, Caroline married John T. Gay in 1863. Buried at Hillview Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co, GA.
• John M. Barnard (3/2/1848-5/20/1919); buried at Hillview Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co, GA. Major cavalry battalion; cotton mill manager; railroad and express agent.
• Charles E. Poythress [son of Russell K Poythress], (9/27/1852-9/10/1918); buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• Martha E. Poythress [nee Evans; wife of Charles E Poythress], (4/6/1855-9/24/1926); buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• Edward T. Poythress [Sr; son of above Charles E. & Martha E.], (6/5/1881-12/13/1927); buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• Eunice Augusta ‘Gussie’ Poythress [wife of Edward T. Poythress, Sr.], (12/1/1888-2/26/1977); buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• Edward T. Poythress [Jr; son of above Edward T. Poythress, Sr], (1910-1985) died in Panama City, FL., buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.
• Margaret Edith Poythress [probably wife of Edward T. Poythress, Jr.], (12/18/1911-10/2/1893); buried Hillview East Cemetery, LaGrange, Troup Co., GA.In Texas:
• Joe Poythress, (1859-1922); buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Ft. Worth; Tarrant Co., Texas.In Missouri — the bottom 2 females here are mysteries to me; I’m sure they are related somehow, if not to these Poythress folk, then to others, but HOW?
• Henry C Poythress [2nd son of Russell K Poythress], (10/26/1855 GA-1/27/1916 Webster Co., Mo.) buried at Mount Olive Cemetery, Crown, Webster Co., Mo…”death certif info: Henry age 60 years, 3 months. passed away in West Dallas Township. Married. Farmer. Parents R. K. Poythress of Georgia & Sarah Simpson born in England.Informant Joe Poythress of Fort Worth, Texas. Burial Jan. 28, 1916″
• Mary [her gravemarker shows her first name as “May” — This is the wife of Henry C. Poythress] Maniza Poythress, (7/4/1870-4/25/1936); buried at Mount Olive Cemetery, Crown, Webster Co, Mo.
• Frank Poythress [1st son of Henry C. Poythress, who was the 2nd son of Russell K Poythress], (12/20/1906- 3/27/1997); buried at Mount Olive Cemetery, Crown, Webster Co., Mo.
• Albert Poythress [2nd son of Henry C. Poythress, who was the 2nd son of Russell K Poythress], (8/1/1909- 12/23/1983); buried at Marshfield Cemetery, Marshfield, Webster Co., Mo.
• Lottie C. Poythress, (2/9/1908-5/22/1980); buried at Marshfield Cemetery, Marshfield, Webster Co., Mo.
• Hattie Poythress, (-9/1901); buried at Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, Saint Louis City, Mo.

LaGrange College

THE HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY (Georgia), by Clifford L. Smith; printed by Foot and Davies Company of Atlanta in 1933. Joseph Poythress, father of Russell K. and others, was one of the founding trustees, and the president of the trustees, for LaGrange Female Academy, for which the Charter was granted on December 26, 1831. The school later became, and still is, LaGrange College, a regionally well regarded institution. This Charter was granted when Joseph’s eldest daughter was 9.

From the history section of the college’s website, “The oldest private college in Georgia, LaGrange has a rich history spanning 175 years. In 1831, LaGrange began as a women’s academy that was housed in a large white building just across the street from our current campus. A few years later, in 1842, we moved to our present location on “the Hill,” which is the highest geographical point in the city of LaGrange. We changed our name to LaGrange Female College in 1851, then to LaGrange College in 1934. The school officially became coed in 1953. LaGrange has retained Methodist ties throughout its history. Today LaGrange College is part of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.”

1. In 1829-30 the court house was built in La Grange, County Seat. “Among the early citizens who carried on businesses on the square were:” …a list including…Joseph Poythress. (p.49)
2. A list of men who fought in the World War (when there was only one) from Troup Co. includes: Talley Poythress (p.252) {in 1933 when the book was written, they still separated the white soldiers from the “colored” ones. This one was white, or accepted as so.
3. Under the heading: Officials and Old Citizens of Troup County, p. 292: Poythress, Charles E., (9/27/1852- 9/10/1918, md. Martha E. (4/6/1858-9/24/1926); Tax Collector 1913-18; 1920-25 Hillview Annex. (burial place: Hillview Cemetary). Poythress, Joseph (1789-4/14/1853) md. Mary B. (6/30/1798-9/29/1854); Trustee of LaGrange Female Academy, 1831; the old home is {1933} site of the LaGrange Post Office. Hillview Cemetary.
4. Under the heading: Acts of Legislature: LaGrange Female Academy, Dec. 26,1831: an Act to Incorporate Certain Academies and to Appoint Trustees for said Academies: Sec. 4 lists Trustees: Wilson Williams, Julius Alford, Rufus Broome, James Herring, John E. Gage, William A. Redd and Joseph Poythress and their successors in office be they declared to be a body corporate, under the and style of the Trustees of the LaGrange Female Academy, in the county of Troup The said academy was established by the Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal

Church South, {which had split over the issue of letting a bishop’s wife own a slave left to her by her father.

In 1847 the LaGrange Female Institute became the LaGrange Female College with the ability to grant degrees.