The first William, son of John Poythress, Sr., of Deep Bottom, is easy to identify until the 1740s. Colonel William Poythress was born in 1694 and died in 1763. His cousin, William (c. 1720-), son of John Poythress, Jr., first appeared in his father’s 1724 Will when he inherited 150 acres called “Powells,” and was also to receive 400 acres more at the discretion of the executors of the 1724 Will. Looking through the list of Poythress’ deeds, the only transactions involving a possible reference to the 400 acres were the following:

Poythress, William, Gent. 3/24/1735 400 Prince George Co

Sanders, John 7/25/1746 400 Prince George Co

William Poythress Elder, William 9/25/1746 400 Prince George Co

William Poythress [These three transactions may be those of Colonel William Poythress or one of these may have had something to do with his younger cousin. His cousin, William, son of John Poythress, Jr., requested a change of guardian in 1739 from Robert Simpson to Charles Irby.]

Colonel William Poythress also had a nephew, William (aft. 1720-), son of his brother Joshua. This William would have been of legal age in the 1740s also. This William and his brother Joshua were to look out for their brother, Littlebury, as requested by their father, Joshua Poythress (c. 1688-1740). Their father left his property that he bought from Mrs. Elizabeth Duke and Captain John Hardiman to be equally divided between Joshua and William. He also left his property on the Nottaway River in Surry County to be divided between the two brothers.Colonel William Poythress’ oldest son was named William (c. 1728-c. 1769). This son was about 34 years old when he became the executor of his father’s Will.

Finally, Colonel William had another nephew, William (c. 1737-1783), son of his brother, Robert, who would have been of age in the Colonel’s lifetime. This William was evidently in the service of Virginia during the revolutionary war as he has been used by Daughters of the American Revolution. His father, Robert, left him land between Monkoes Neck and the Nottaway River that had been bought by Robert from Captain Thomas Bolling and also left William all of his land in Amelia County adjoining William Stone.

R. Bolling Batte regarding William Poythress

[25 William Poythress (1694-1763), m. c. 1725 Sarah Epes 121 7 (1702-1750), daughter of Francis and Anne (Isham) Epes of Henrico. William Poythress served as a colonel in the militia, a vestryman of Bristol Parish, and a sheriff of Prince George County. Upon the formation of Dinwiddie County, in 1752, his lands fell within that county. Sarah’s tomb in Blandford churchyard is perhaps the earliest in Virginia still in existence for either the Epes or the Poythress families. William’s is next to it. [The raised tomb of William Poythress 25 is directly in front of the front door of Blandford Church, about 20 feet away.]251 Anne Isham Poythress (1726 – 1790), m. Thomas S. Gordon. Anne Isham survived her husband and left a will naming nephews, nieces, and others.253 Sarah Poythress (1731-), d. s. p.254 Elizabeth Poythress (1741-), m. 1760 in Dinwiddie Patrick Ramsay, a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Patrick Ramsay was a merchant in Petersburg until shortly before the Revolution when he removed with his family to Scotland. In 1791, Elizabeth (Poythress) Ramsay, then a widow, returned to Virginia with her children and settled in Alexandria.]

[17. William Poythress (John Poythress2, Mary ______1) was born 1694 in Charles City County, VA [(P_1) BE], and died 18 JAN 1763 in Dinwiddie County, VA. He was buried in Blandford. He married Sarah Epes ABT 1725, daughter of Francis Epes and Anne Isham. She was born 1702 in VA [(E_1) 121 7], and died 1750.Children of William Poythress and Sarah Epes are:56 i. Anne Isham Poythress was born 7 APR 1726 in Prince George Co., VA [(P_1) BEA], and died ABT MAY 1790. She married Thomas S. Gordon. He was born ABT 1726.+ 57 ii. William Poythress was born 14 MAR 1727/28 in VA [(P_1) BEB], and died ABT 1769.58 iii. Sarah Poythress was born 1731 in VA [(P_1) BEC] unmarried.+ 59 iv. Elizabeth Poythress was born 21 SEP 1741 in VA [(P_1) BED}, and died in Alexandria, Virginia [But lived in Scotland during Revolution].]FamilyWilliam Poythress was born in 1694, in Charles City County, Virginia, the son of John Poythress and Christian Peebles. He married Sarah Epes, the daughter of Francis Epes and Anne Isham, about 1725. (1) On April 9, 1726, their first child, Anne Isham Poythress, was born in Bristol parish. She was baptized on June 5, 1726. She married Thomas S. Gordon. (2) On March 14, 1727, their first son, William Poythress, was born in Bristol parish. He was baptized on May 26, 1728. He married (1) Mary Epes and possibly, (2) (Lucy Edwards?). (3) On August 7, 1731, their second daughter, Sarah Poythress, was born in Bristol parish. She was baptized on October 7, 1731. (4) On September 21, 1741, their third daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, was born in Bristol parish. She was baptized on November 22, 1741. She married Patrick Ramsey, the son of Andrew Ramsey and Janet Houston. William Poythress died January 18, 1763, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. His son, Captain William Poythress, was the executor of his Will, which was recorded February, 1763, in Dinwiddie County.Daughter, Anne Isham PoythressJanuary 16, 1790, in Prince George County, the Will of Ann Isham Gordon.

To William Yates, the first son of the late Colonel William Yates, a negro girl, Annika.
To Benjamin Poythress Yates, the second son of Colonel Yates, a negro boy, Peter (Sally’s brother).
To my niece, Mary Muir, my negro woman, Sally, and her child to youngest daughter of said niece.
To William Poythress Muir, eldest son of my said niece, a negro boy, David, etc.

Inheritance
December 11, 1712, the Will of William’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 William’s mother, Christian, and William’s oldest brother, John Poythress, to be executors of his Will. He named his two brothers, Thomas and Joshua Wynne, and William Stainback to divide his estate. He gave his son, William, three negroes, Frank Cook and Amy and Frank Cook at nattuah, and an equal share of his moveable estate. The witnesses of the Will were John Winningham, Peter Leeth, Thomas Leeth and William Stainback.

Professional Life
April 25, 1728, William Poythress was named by the Governor, Sheriff, Prince George County.


May 2, 1729, William Poythress was appointed Sheriff, for Prince George County, for the ensuing year.


In 1729, he was Captain William Poythress.


April 27, 1731, the Governor appointed Daniel Walker, William Poythress and Peter Jones inspectors of tobacco at Appomattox, Munford’s and Powell’s Creek.


October 22, 1732, the Governor appointed William Poythress and Peter Jones as inspectors of the tobacco at Appomattox.

In 1735, he was Major William Poythress.


In 1736, in Henrico County, Debits for Quit rents; Colonel William Kennon, debtor for Quit rents; Peter Jones, for 500 acres; Major Poythress, for 689½ acres. To a last year’s note to James Moore, Bolling Warehouse, paid by Colonel Kennon.


April 11, 1738, in Prince George County, at a court held at Fitzgerald’s, William Poythress, among others, was present as a Gentlemen Justice.


May 9, 1738, in the Prince George County court, William Poythress, gentleman, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Assembly concerning Juries, empaneled and 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 who having received their charge, were sent out, and soon after returned into court, and made their report as follows, viz: We find Ward’s Creek Bridge to be out of repair. William Batte was the foreman.


October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, at a court held at Fitzgerald’s, present, William Poythress, among others, as Gentlemen Justices.


November 27, 1738, in the Prince George County, at a court held at Fitzgerald’s, present, among others, were William Poythress and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen Justices.


March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, pursuant to the Direction of the Acts of Assembly entitled an Act for the better regulation of the Militia: Richard Bland, William Poythress, William Harrison, Peter Jones, Francis Poythress, Isham Eppes, and Joshua Wynne were commissioned officers in the Militia and took the oaths appointed by said acts and signed the Test.


In 1738, William Poythress, was a Justice of the Peace, in Prince George County.


August 14, 1739, in Prince George County, William Poythress and Peter Jones were recommended as tobacco inspectors at Appomattox Point and at the warehouse of John Bolling, Gentleman, in Henrico County, opposite the aforesaid warehouse.


November 14, 1739, in Prince George County, William Poythress was named as a Gentleman Justice for the court.


November 8, 1739, at a court, in Prince George County, a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to William Poythress, Gentleman, among others, for the trial of Martin, a negro boy slave, belonging to William Rives, Jr., now in county jail on suspicion of murder of Pegg, a negro woman slave, also belonging to Rives.


In December, 1739, in Prince George County, William Poythress, Gentleman, ordered that Edward Burchett, Jr., be sworn Constable of Bristol parish instead of John Lewis, Jr.

December 1, 1743, in Brunswick County, Thomas Williams and wife, Rachael, to LeRoy Griffin. From Thomas Williams and Rachel his wife, of Prince George County, all of that tract of 521 acres of land in Brunswick County, the same having been patented to Joseph Boswell on September 28, 1728, and bounded by John Robertson, on the north side of Sturgeon Creek, adjoining Stroud and Henry Moriss. The witnesses were Jonathan Lydell, John Edwards and John Blackman.

February 2, 1744, a release of right of Dower by Rachel Griffin. To William Poythress, Sheriff, Hugh Miller, and Samuel Gordon of Prince George County, Gentlemen, Greeting. Rachel cannot conveniently travel to our County Court or to our General Court to acknowledge the conveyance. You are therefore given the power to receive her acknowledgement by personally going to Rachel. Signed January 7, 1743. Rachel voluntarily relinquished her right of dower to the lands conveyed. Signed February 1, 1744, William Poythress and Samuel Gordon. Brunswick County.


In 1747, he was Colonel William Poythress.


May 29, 1754, the account of John Wall to Brunswick County. Edmund Ruffin, executor. The receipt was signed by William Poythress, sheriff, and proved May 29, 1754.


In May, 1755, Isham Eppes and William Poythress were appointed commissioners for the Proprietors whose tobacco burnt at Bolling’s Point warehouse.


William was appointed trustee for the town of Blandford.
Civic Activities
April 19, 1717, in the Prince George County court, on the petition of John Hobbs, a surveyor of the highways, it was ordered that Captain John Poythress’ tithables, James Bishop, William Hobbes, Peter Poythress and William Poythress assist Hobbs in clearing the highways.


Vestrymen of Bristol parish: Many of these persons served for many years. Below, only the date of the accession of the new member, without regard to his colleagues or the duration of his service, is given.
1721 George Archer
1722 John Herbert
1723 Buller Herbert
1724 Drury Bolling
1726 William Poythress
1727 William Herbert
1728 Peter Jones
1729 Theophilus Field
1730 James Munford
1731 Robert Bevill
1733 William Starke
1734 Charles Fisher
1735 David Walker, Francis Poythress, John Bannister
1737 William Hamilin (date of first Vestry at Blandford Church)
1740 Theodoric Bland
1742 Thomas Short, Stephen Dewey…etc.”


November 10, 1726, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Chapel it was ordered that William Poythress and Richard Herbert be sworn Vestrymen.


February 19, 1727, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress, who was chosen vestryman.


July 4, 1727, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Chapel, Mr. William Poythress took the oath of a vestryman.


July 24, 1727, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, for processioning. Present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress. By virtue of an order of Prince George County, dated July 11th, 1727, for processioning, every particular person’s land in their parish in obedience to the said order the said parish is divided into precincts for processioning and returns made as followeth, viz: the bound of etc., a line between William Poythress and William Crawley…

November 16, 1727, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress.


February 18, 1728, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress.


June 15, 1728, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress.


October 15, 1728, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress. It was ordered by the Vestry and Mr. William Poythress was empowered to collect, receive and recover of the above 1,181 tithables, 34½ pounds tobacco on pole by distress or otherwise and to make good payment as above rendering account to the Vestry and no errors. It was ordered that Mr. William Poythress and Mr. George Wilson be Churchwardens and Collectors for the ensuing year.

February 16, 1729, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Mr. William Poythress.


June 8, 1729, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present among others, was Mr. William Poythress.


October 15, 1729, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Ferry Chapel, for laying the parish levy, viz: present, among others, Captain William Poythress, “To Captain William Poythress for Inconvenient: tobacco, 2,233 pounds.” Captain William Poythress and Mr. George Wilson were appointed Church wardens and Collectors for the ensuing year. It was ordered by the Vestry that Captain William Poythress was empowered to collect, receive and recover of the above, 1,264 tithables, 29 pounds of tobacco pole by distraint or otherwise and to make good payment as above rendering account to the Vestry and no errors.


December 26, 1729, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Captain William Poythress.


July 9, 1730, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Captain William Poythress.


October 30, 1730, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, for laying the parish levy. Present, among others, was Captain William Poythress. To Captain William Poythress for Insolvants, 1,140 pounds tobacco. To Ditto making tobacco convenient with Bread and Wine, 2,022 pounds tobacco. Assessments for 1,730 south side Bristol parish Dr. to Captain Poythress, 3,162 pounds tobacco.

May 30, 1731, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Captain William Poythress. Returns of the Processioning for the year 1731. John 
Fitzgerald and Robert Poythress none attending but John Butler.


October 21, 1731, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, for settling the parish levy. Present, among others, was Captain William Poythress. “To Captain Poythress for Insolvents, 145 pounds tobacco.


February 6, 1732, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, it was ordered that Captain William Poythress and George Wilson be Churchwardens the ensuing year.


In 1732, Brunswick County was cut off the southern portion of Prince George in the area south of Nottaway River. The first pages of a number of its early record books were damaged by time. By 1732, the population had so increased that the Council decided to allow Brunswick to set up its own magisterial system and stand on its own. Pursuant to an Act of the Assembly, a courthouse was built in Brunswick County and a magistrate was named. It was also ordered that a Commission of the Peace be prepared for the County, and that Henry Fox, Henry Embry, John Wall and William Machlin, Gentlemen, be appointed Justices for the County. The St. Andrew’s parish Vestry book, kept in the County Clerk’s Office, began with an entry in July, 1732. A vestry was the elected administrative body of an Episcopal church. The first recorded vestry consisted of Henry Embry and John Wall as Churchwardens. They were all paid 1,000 pounds of tobacco for their services.


June 25, 1732, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Captain William Poythress.


February 6, 1733, at a Vestry, present, among others, was Captain Poythress.


November 12, 1733, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Captain William Poythress. To Captain William Poythress for Balance of Insolvents in 1732, 500 pounds tobacco. It was ordered that Captain William Poythress be paid at the laying of the next parish levy 1,000 pounds of tobacco for his maintaining Mary Barrot and Child the ensuing year. It was ordered that Captain William Poythress and Mr. George Wilson continue as Church Wardens.


March 11, 1734, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was William Poythress.


November 11, 1734, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, William Poythress, Church Warden. It was ordered that Colonel Robert Bolling, Captain William Stark and Major William Poythress agree with workmen for building a new Church according to the former Order made March 11, 1733; that Major William Poythress and Mr. George Wilson be Churchwardens the ensuing year. To Major William Poythress for keeping Mary Barrett and her lame child, 1000 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress, 1,000 pounds tobacco. It was ordered that Major William Poythress, Churchwarden, do receive of every tithable in this parish thirty four pounds of neat tobacco in Inspector’s Notes for their parish levy for this present year and in case of refusal or nonpayment to levy the same by distress and pay the several sums for whom the same was proportioned.


May 27, 1735, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


June 14, 1735, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Major William Poythress. It was ordered that David Walker and Captain Francis 
Poythress be Vestrymen they having taken the Oaths as the law directs.


August 12, 1735, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Major James Mumford be appointed Churchwarden with Major William Poythress.


September 15, 1735, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Colonel Robert Bolling, Captain William Stark and Major William Poythress from time to time inspect the building of the Church on Wells’s Hill and to give such directions as is most agreeable to the agreement.


November 10, 1735, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. To Major William Poythress for Insolvents, 1,633 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress for keeping Mary Barrett, 417 pounds tobacco. It was ordered that Major William Poythress and Major James Munford, Church wardens, do receive of every tithable in this parish forty and a quarter pounds of Neat Tobacco in Inspector’s Notes for their parish levy for this present year and in case of refusal or nonpayment to levy the same by distress and pay the several sums to the creditors for whom the same was proportioned.


February 9, 1736, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Major William Poythress. Returns of Processioning for the year 1735: John Poythress, the same.


March 27, 1736, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


April 18, 1736, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, was Major William Poythress, Churchwarden.


November 15, 1736, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, were Major William Poythress, Churchwarden, and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered To Major William Poythress for keeping Mary Barrett, 1,000 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress for Insolvents, 1,005 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress for paying William Parsons more than what was levy for him, 100 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress, 1,000 pounds tobacco [no reason stated]. To Major William Poythress for Insol., 1,005 pounds tobacco. To Major William Poythress, 104 pounds tobacco [no reason stated]. It was ordered that Major William Poythress and Major James Munford, Churchwardens, do receive of every tithable in this parish forty three pounds of Neat Tobacco in Inspector’s Notes for their parish levy for this present year and in case of refusal or nonpayment to levy the same by distress and pay ye several sums to the creditors for whom the same was proportioned.


Before the institution of Bristol parish, in 1642, the settlers of the south side of the James River were subject to Charles City County and Henrico County. There were on average 430 families in the parish. The congregations quickly exceeded the capacity of each of the original church structures built on Sapponey Creek and John Stith’s land. Next came a brick church at Blandford in 1737 for which Richard Bland was the contractor. In 1739, Messrs. Bolling, Poythress and Eppes were ordered to have a church built on Jones’ Hole creek, in the south part of the parish. “In these proceedings, we have the progress of population, the sites of churches, the names of contractors, supervisors, architects and clerks, the materials in the minutest detail, of which they were made, their dimensions and style of architecture, and other facts, which are instructive and suggestive to the historian.”


August 13, 1737, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the ferry Chapel, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress.


In 1737, the vestry met for the first time at the Brick church. Present, among others, were Colonel Robert Bolling and Major William Poythress. Later, in 1739, Messrs. Bolling, Poythress, and Eppes were instructed to choose a site for a chapel in the lower part of the parish. Mr. John Ravenscroft erected this chapel on Jones Hole creek for £134/10/0.

November 14, 1737, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. To Major Poythress for Mary Barrett, 1,000 pounds tobacco. It was ordered that Major Poythress and Captain Stark be Church wardens for the ensuing year. Balance due to the parish from Major William Poythress in cash, £12, 1shilling, in tobacco 7,000 pounds. To Major William Poythress, 1,000 pounds tobacco.


In March, 1738, in the Prince George County court, in the suit by petition of the Bristol parish by William Poythress and William Stark, Churchwardens of Bristol parish, against Thomas Posey for 480 pounds of tobacco due by account to be paid to the said parish to Thomas Galloway for maintaining Mary the widow of said Thomas the defendant being summoned and not appearing and its bearing made it appear to the court that the said Church’s due on the motion of the plaintiff and it was considered by the court that they secure against the said Thomas Posey the aforesaid costs as executors.


April 11, 1738, in Prince George County, on the complaint of William Stark and William Poythress, Churchwardens of Bristol parish, that Thomas Posey, an inhabitant of said parish, left his habitation and wife without means of subsistence. Since they have obtained a judgement against him and he failed to appear, it was ordered that he be taken into custody and bound into service to pay off the debt that the parish incurred in the care of his wife. Richard Bland, Gentleman, dissented from this order.


May 20, 1738, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Major James Munford, Captain Francis Poythress, John Banister, Esquire, and William Hamlin, Gentlemen: do view and agree upon a proper place for building a Chapel on Hatcher’s Run for the convenience of upper inhabitants of this parish and to report the proceedings to a Vestry to be held the first Saturday in July next and that the Church Wardens do advertise for workmen to come in to undertake the same.

In June, 1738, in the Prince George County court, on the Fieri Facias awarded Robert Poythress on his judgment obtained against William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors, of the last Will and Testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, Miles Thweatt, one of the under-Sheriffs of this court, made the above return which was recorded. In the same month, on the copies of a satisfaciendum award of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased on their judgement to obtain against Henry Wilson, William Eppes, Sheriff of this county, made the following return; viz. Stopped by Superwaka(?). William Eppes, Sheriff, witness recorded.


July 1, 1738, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that a Church be built on the north side of Hatcher’s Run on the land of Allen Tye.


November 13, 1738, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the debt case of William Stark and William Poythress, Churchwardens of Bristol parish, versus George Tillman, the case was not prosecuted.


June 12, 1739, in Prince George County, William Stark and William Poythress, Churchwardens of Bristol parish, were to take into custody as much of the possessions of Joshua Stroud, but not over £10, as he had privately departed the county and left his wife. This money was to insure that his wife did not become a charge on the parish.


August 20, 1739, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Robert Wynne and Joshua Wynne procession from Monkersneck to Stoney Creek between Monkersneck and the Chapel Road, that John Poythress and Thomas Twittey procession between Butterwood and Nottoway River as low as the head of Beaver-pond Creek.


August 27, 1739, in Prince George County, a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to William Poythress, Francis Poythress, Anthony Peniston, John Ravenscroft, among others, dated 23rd instant, for trial of Nutty, a negro woman slave belonging to Lewis Green, now in jail on suspicion of the murder of Sam, a negro boy, belonging to Burwell Green. Evidence showed that Nutty, on the 13th of August last, at the house of Lewis Green in Bristol parish assaulted said Sam with a brick, giving him a mortal wound on the left side of his head.


October 23, 1739, present, among others, were Captain Francis Poythress and Major William Poythress. Tobacco due from Major William Poythress, 4,730 pounds; from Ditto in Cash £21/12/3¾.”


December 10, 1739, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, Captain Francis Poythress and Major William Poythress. It was ordered that Colonel Robert Bolling, Major William Poythress and Captain William Eppes do appoint a place for building the new Chapel and that Mr. Ravenscroft undertake to build the same for £134/10 shillings to be paid in three several payments to be finished by the last of December, 1741…


February 5, 1740, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


February 23, 1740, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


May 26, 1740, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


May 27, 1740, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


October 22, 1740, at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was William Poythress.


December 2, 1740, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, present, among others, was William Poythress.

March 6, 1741, at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was William Poythress.


October 12, 1741, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


December 22, 1741, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


October 14, 1742, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


February 28, 1743, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


July 18, 1743, in Bristol parish, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


October 13, 1743, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


September 9, 1744, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, present, among others, was Major William Poythress.


October 12, 1744, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, present, among others, was Major William Poythress. It was ordered: To Burwell Green for his levy being a patroller, 50 pounds tobacco. That Captain Peter Jones and Theodorick Bland pay the money in their hands to Major William Poythress.


February 27, 1745, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church, on Well’s Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress. It was ordered: To Colonel William Poythress for balance due to him £7/14/6.


September 29, 1746 (sic?), at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress.


March 23, 1747, at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was William Poythress.


April 5, 1747, at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was William Poythress.


July 13, 1747, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, Colonel William Poythress.

August 23, 1747, at a Vestry held for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress.


October 16, 1747, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress. It was ordered that the Church wardens pay of immediately to the executor of Mr. Robert Poythress a Bond for £20 due from this parish with the interest due thereon.


October 16, 1747, in the Bristol parish Vestry Book, payment was ordered to the executors of Robert Poythress.

Saturday, October 31, 1747, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress, Mr. James Boisseau. It was ordered to Colonel Poythress horse blocks and clearing £0/12/0.


August 13, 1748, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress.


November 10, 1748, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, Colonel William Poythress. It was ordered to Colonel William Poythress repairing the Glebe, £2/10/0; to cash paid to Robert Poythress, executors, £22/14/2; to Colonel Poythress, £0/12/0.


July 29, 1749, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress.

November 6, 1749, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, was Colonel William Poythress and Mr. James Boisseau. It was ordered that Colonel William Poythress and Mr. James Murray be Churchwardens for the ensuing year.


March 13, 1750, at a Vestry held at the Courthouse for Bristol parish, present, among others, Colonel William Poythress and Mr. James Bossieau.


March 1, 1751, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, Colonel William Poythress.

August 17, 1751, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, present, among others, William Poythress. It was ordered that William Poythress, Theophilus Field and Anthony Walke be appointed to settle the parish accounts with the administratrix of Charles Fisher, and that they make their return before the laying the next levie.

October 14, 1751, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish the 14th day of October 1751, present, among others, was William Poythress and James Boisseau.


June 22, 1752, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, Mr. Thomas Williams was appointed a Vestryman in the Room of Colonel William Poythress who was moved out of the parish.


November 30, 1752, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church for Bristol parish, Bristol parish for 1752 Dr., to Colonel Poythress, 44 pounds tobacco.


November 15, 1754, at a Vestry held at the Glebe for Bristol parish, it was ordered that Colonel William Poythress have leave granted to enclose a piece of ground as a burying place for his family within the walls of the churchyard, provided, that he enlarged the same, so that the yard should include the same superficial measure (inclusive of said piece of ground) as the present churchyard (to be walled) was to include. Also, Bristol Parish for the year 1754 Dr., to Colonel Poythress, insolvents last year, 1,061 pounds tobacco. It was ordered that Mr. William Poythress [Jr.?] be appointed a vestryman for this Parish in the room of Major William Epps, deceased.

Property: Personal Property and Land
August 1, 1724, in Bristol parish, a negro belonging to Mr. William Poythress was born.


In 1721, in Prince George County, Thomas Vinson, of North Carolina, to William Poythress, of Prince George County, in the Colony of Virginia, a 3 year lease on 100 acres, in Bristol parish, bounding on Joshua Poythress and precisely described. The witnesses were John Banister and Abraham Cocke.


In 1722, in Prince George County, Surveyor’s records, to a survey for William Poythress, on both sides of the Reedy branch of Butterwood Swamp, 206 acres. Robert Bolling was the surveyor.


[July 9, 1724, in Prince George County, William Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 206 acres of new land, on both sides of the Reedy Branch of Butterwood Swamp, in Prince George County, near Major Epes’ corner.] 9 Jul 1724 William Poythris (July 9, 1724, Prince George County, 206 acres, New Land, William Poythress). George &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five shillings 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 William Poythris of Prince George County one certain tract or parcel of land containing two hundred and six acres lying and being on both sides of the Ready Branch of Butterwood Swamp in the County aforesaid and bounded as followeth, to wit, beginning at a corner between several trees chopped inward & near Major Epes’s corner thence south one hundred and fifty poles crossing the Ready branch to a corner white oak thence west two hundred and twenty poles to a corner between several trees chopped inward thence north one hundred and fifty poles crossing the Ready Branch to a corner between several trees chopped inwards thence east two hundred and twenty poles 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 and well beloved Hugh Drysdale Esq. our Lieutenant Governor at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the ninth day of July one thousand seven hundred and twenty four in the tenth year of our reign. Hugh Drysdale, PB 12, p. 68.

January 4, 1727, in Prince George County, Surveyor’s records, 343 acres, to a survey for William Poythress, in the forks of the Reedy branch of Butterwood Swamp. Robert Bolling was the surveyor.


[October 13, 1727, William Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 343 acres of new land, in the forks of the Reedy Branch of Butterwood Swamp adjoining his own and Epes’s lines, in Prince George County.] 13 Oct 1727 William Poythriss (October 13, 1727, Prince George County, 343 acres, New Land, William Poythress). George the Second &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of thirty five shillings 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 William Poythriss of Prince George County one certain tract or parcel of land containing three hundred and forty three acres lying and being in the forks of the Reedy Branch of Butterwood Swamp adjoining his own and Epes’s lines in the County of Prince George aforesaid and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning in Epes’s line thence along the same east twenty four degrees south two hundred and fourteen poles to a corner shrub white oak thence west fifteen degrees south one hundred a! nd sixty seven poles to a corner red oak thence north six degrees west one hundred and eighty six poles to a corner in his old line thence east fifty eight poles along his old line to his old corner shrub white oak thence north seventy four poles to a corner dogwood in his old line thence east thirty two degrees north seventy two poles to the beginning with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the thirteenth day of October one thousand seven hundred twenty seven in the first year of our reign. William Gooch,  PB 13, p. 273.


May 2, 1729, William Poythress, was granted 2,000 acres, in Prince George County, on Tommaheton Creek.


[June 20, 1733, William Poythress, of Prince George County, Gentleman, was granted 1,024 acres of new land, in Prince George County, on the south side of Tommaheton Swamp, at the lower end of the open Beaverpond above the butterwoods.] 20 Jun 1733 William Poythris (June 20, 1733, 1,024 acres, Prince George County, New Land, William Poythris). George the Second &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of five pounds five shillings 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 William Poythris of Prince George County gent one certain tract or parcel of land containing one thousand and twenty four acres lying and being in the County aforesaid on the south side of Tommaheton Swamp and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at an elm at the lower end of the open Beaverpond above the butterwoods thence west twenty degrees south one hundred and sixty four poles to a corner thence west twenty degrees north one hundred and fourteen poles to a corner thence no! rth twenty five degrees west two hundred and twenty nine poles to a corner white oak thence west seven degrees north one hundred and seventy poles to a corner red oak thence north eighty six poles to a corner red oak thence north thirty seven degrees east two hundred and eighty two poles to a corner gum on Tommaheton Swamp thence down the same as it meanders to the first station with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the twentieth day of June one thousand seven hundred and thirty three in the seventh year of our reign. William Gooch. Truly recorded, Matt Kemp. PB 15, p. 39.


[June 20, 1733, William Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 297 acres of new land, in Prince George County, on both sides of the Reedy branch of Butterwood Swamp adjoining his old lands, Eppes and John Clayton.]

20 Jun 1733 William Poythris (June 20, 1733, 297 acres, Prince George County, New Land, William Poythris). George the Second &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of thirty shillings 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 William Poythris of Prince George County one certain tract or parcel of land containing two hundred and ninety seven acres lying and being in the County aforesaid on both sides of the reedy branch of Butterwood Swamp adjoining his old lands and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at his old corner near Eppes thence north one hundred and forty two poles to John Claytons line thence west one hundred and fifty poles adjoining Clayton’s line to a corner thence south ninety poles to a corner red oak thence west eighteen degrees south one hundred and forty poles to a corner pine thence south twenty two degrees west one hundred and ninety nine poles to a corner red oak thence east thirty degrees south one hundred and two poles to a corner hickory thence east twenty seven degrees north ninety two poles to a corner thence north twenty five degrees west thirty seven poles to the old corner thence north along the same one hundred and fifty four poles to the corner thence east two hundred and twenty poles to the first station with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the twentieth day of June one thousand seven hundred and thirty three in the seventh year of our reign. William Gooch. Truly recorded, Matt Kemp. PB 15, p. 47.


[June 20, 1733, William Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 381 acres of new land, in Prince George County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, adjoining John Cleyton and Peter Wynne.] [Peter Wynne (1690-1738) was the son of Joshua and Mary Wynne and was the husband of Frances Anderson.]

20 Jun 1733 William Poythris (June 20, 1733, 381 acres, Prince George County, New Land, William Poythress). George the Second &c To all &c Know ye &c that for diverse good causes and considerations but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of forty shillings 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 William Poythris of Prince George County one certain tract or parcel of land containing three hundred and eighty one acres lying and being in the County aforesaid and on the south side of Butterwood Swamp and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at John Cleyton’s upper corner upon the Creek thence along his line south one hundred and seventy seven poles to a lower gum thence west thirty seven and a half degrees south one hundred and thirty six poles to a corner red oak thence west thirty three degrees north seventy nine poles to a corner hickory thence north forty degrees west ninety eight poles to Peter Wynn’s line thence along the same east ninety eight poles to his corner thence north two hundred and sixty nine poles to the said swamp thence down the same as it meanders to the first station with all &c to have hold &c to be held &c yielding and paying &c provided &c In witness &c witness our trusty and well beloved William Gooch Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburgh under the seal of our said Colony the twentieth day of June one thousand seven hundred and thirty three in the seventh year of our reign. William Gooch. Truly recorded, Matt Kemp. PB 15, p. 61.


24 Mar 1734/5 William Poythress, gent. (March 24, 1734, 400 acres, Prince George County, William Poythress, gent). 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 forty shillings 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 William Poythress gent one certain tract or parcel of land containing four hundred acres lying & being near Sapponi Chappel adjoining Robert Bollings line in the County of Prince George and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at the said Bollings corner white oaks by the side of Nottaway River Road thence east thirty degrees north three hundred and sixty poles to a corner thence south thirty degrees east one hundred and fifty six poles crossing Stephen’s Branch to a corner thence east thirty degrees south four hundred and eighteen poles to Robert Bolling’s line and thence along his line north five degrees east one hundred and sixty nine poles 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 and not discovered within the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of four 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 Willi! am Poythress 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 in free and common soccage and not in capite or 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 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. 461.

[June 1, 1741, William Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 1,572 acres, in Prince George County, on the upper side of Tommaheton Swamp, on the north fork of the long branch, 1,024 acres part of the land formerly granted to William Poythress by a patent bearing date June 20, 1733, and the residue never before granted.] 1 Jun 1741 William Poythress, gentleman  (see 20 Jun 1733) (June 1, 1741, 1,572 acres, Prince George County, William Poythress, gentleman). 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 fifty five 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 Poythress gentleman one certain tract or parcel of land containing one thousand five hundred and seventy two acres lying and being in the County of Prince George upon the upper side of a Tommaheton Swamp and bounded as followeth beginning at his upper corner gum on the said swamp of his one thousand and twenty four acres thence along the old lines thereof south thirty seven degrees west two hundred and eighty two poles to a corner red oak thence south eighty six poles to a red oak thence east seven degrees south one hundred and seventy five poles to a corner white oak thence south twenty five degrees east two hundred and twenty nine poles to a corner between several trees chopped inwards thence east twenty degrees south one hundred and fourteen poles to a corner ditto thence south forty one degrees west twenty nine poles to a corner poplar on the north fork of the long branch thence down the long branch as it meanders to Tommaheton Swamp and thence up the said swamp as it meanders to the beginning; one thousand and twenty four acres part of the said land being formerly granted unto the said William Poythress by our letters Patent bearing date the twentieth day of June one thousand seven hundred and thirty three and the residue thereof never before granted 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 discovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of one thousand five hundred and seventy 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 William Poythress and to his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of him the said William Poythress 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 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 first day of June one thousand seven hundred and forty one in the fourteenth year of our reign. James Blair. Patent Book 19, 1739-1741, p. 950-951.


[June 1, 1741, William Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 200 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, beginning at his own old land and adjoining Eppes.] 1 Jun 1741 Major William Poythress (June 1, 1741, 200 acres, Prince George County, Major William 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 twenty 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 Poythress gent one certain tract or parcel of land containing two hundred acres lying and being in the County of Prince George on the south side of Butterwood Swamp and bounded as followeth (to wit) beginning at his own outward lower corner of his old land thence along his old line north eleven degrees east forty four poles to Eppes’s line thence east seventeen degrees sou! th ninety one poles to Eppes’s corner thence south twenty four degrees west two hundred poles to a corner thence west one hundred and forty four poles to a corner thence north one hundred and sixty four poles to his own line and thence east one hundred and twenty eight poles along his old line 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 discovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of two 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 u! nto the said William Poythress and to his heirs and assigns forever to the only use and behoof of him the said William Poythress 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 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 pa rt 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 first day of June one thousand seven hundred and forty one in the fourteenth year of our reign. James Blair. PB 19, p. 983.


February, 1742, in the Henrico County court, a deed of mortgage from James Thompson to William Poythress.
Petersburg and Blandford were raised to the rank of towns in 1748 but the former has absorbed and overshadowed the latter. The tide of population which flowed up the Appomattox from its mouth was checked by the bluffs of Blandford, and settled upon it’s present site. William Poythress, on whose land it was planted, was a vestryman in 1727 and died in 1763, in his 68th year.

September 6, 1748, Henry Randolph, Sr., of Dale parish, to William Poythress, of Bristol parish, in Prince George County, 447½ acres, in Dale parish, in Henrico County, and bounded by the land of George Cousins, James Franklin and Charles Burton, being one fourth part of a larger tract of land containing 1,790 acres granted to the said Henry Randolph by patent bearing date January 12, 1747/8. The witnesses were Chas. Martin, Field Archer and Drury Ragsdale. [Henrico Co. Deed B 1748-1750, p. 59] [Henry Randolph was married to Tabitha Poythress (1725-1805) who was a niece of William Poythress.]


Dinwiddie County was created in 1752 when its present boundaries were established except for that portion annexed by the City of Petersburg. Dinwiddie County was cut off from Prince George County’s southwestern corner. In 1865, county court records prior to 1833 were destroyed. One plat book, one order book, and one judgement book survived.


[August 3, 1752, to William Poythress, was granted 531 acres, in Dinwiddie County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, 331 acres part granted John Clayton by patent July 9, 1724, the right and title vested in William Poythress, 200 acres the residue also granted William Poythress patent June 1, 1741, along his old line and adjoining Eppes.] 3 Aug 1752 to William Poythress re 531a DNCo. on the S side of Butterwood Sw. 331a Part granted Clayton [Cleaton?] Patent 9 Jul 1724 the Right & Title vested in the sd William Poythress 200a the Residue also granted William Poythress Patent 1Jun1741 loc -21263 -42213 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at an Ash upon the Run of the sd Sw. ln S11W; 156P; pt B) his new Crnr. in his old old l. ln E17S; 91P; pt C) Eppes’s Crnr. ln S25W; 200P; Eppes pt D) Crnr. ln W; 144P; pt E) Crnr. ln N; 164P; pt F) his old l. th. along his old Lines ln W; 112P; pt G) Crnr. bet. several Trees ln N; 117P; pt H) an Elm on the Run of the aforesaid Sw. th. down the Run of the sd Sw. as it Meanders to the Beg. lm; down Butterwood Sw. [VPB 31, p. 171]


August 14, 1759, in Prince George County, William Poythress, of Dinwiddie County, sold to Samuel Gordon, of Prince George County, Merchant, lots #22 and #40 in the Town of Blandford. The witnesses were John Baird, Patrick Ramsey and Robert Mackie. Livery and Seizin of the above lots, August 14, 1759. The witnesses were Jer. Baker, James Clark and Patrick Ramsey. [PG Deeds 1759-1760, p. 104] [Patrick Ramsey was married to William Poythress’ daughter, Elizabeth. John Baird was married to William Poythress’ niece, Jane, daughter of Robert Poythress.]

November 17, 1759, in Chesterfield County, William Poythress of Dinwiddie County, to Thomas Dance of Chesterfield County, 447½ acres, which he purchased of Henry Randolph on September 6, 1740, in Henrico County. The witnesses were Joseph Rowlet, William Worsham and Essex Worsham. [Chesterfield Co. DB 5, p. 168]


December 11, 1759, in Prince George County, Hugh Miller, of Bristol parish, in Prince George County, sold to John Baird, of the same, for 2 lots or half acres in the Town of Blandford in the same parish and county, numbered #8 and #9 on the plat of the town; #8 was purchased from William Poythress and #9 from Lewis and Armistead Burwell. The witnesses were Bolling Stark, John Clark and James Johnson.


January 13, 1760, in Prince George County, William Poythress, of Dinwiddie County, sold to William Brodnax, of the said county, lot #5 in the Town of Blandford, for ? (none stated). The witnesses, John Butler and John Bland. January 30, 1760, William Poythress, of Dinwiddie County, sold to William Brodnax, of the same county, lot #5 in the Town of Blandford, for ? (none stated). The witnesses were John Butler, Peter Bland, Samuel Gordon and William Batte, Jr. [PG Deeds 1759-1760, p. 154]


February 7, 1760, in Prince George County, William Poythress, of Dinwiddie County, to Samuel Gordon, of Prince George County, 105 acres, near the Town of Blandford, in Bristol parish, Prince George County, the outermost corner of Main and Neilson Street, to Hardaway’s corner, John Hood’s line. The witnesses were John Butler, William Black, William Davis, Isham Browder and Henry Batte, Jr. [PG Deeds, 1759-1760, p. 153]


May 2, 1760, in the Chesterfield County records, a bill of sale, William Poythress to Thomas Dance.

Adjoining Property
[February 27, 1735, Joshua Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 382 acres, for good and lawful money, in Prince George County, on the south side of Tommahitton Swamp, adjoining his brother, William Poythress, near Batts’s 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.]


[September 10, 1735, Samuel Moore, of Prince George County, was granted 100 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, adjoining William Poythress and Peter Wynne.]

10 Sep 1735 Samuel Moore ….of Pr. Geo. Co., 100 acs. in sd Co., on S. side of Butterwood Sw., adj. William Poythress & Peter Wynn. 10 shill. [PB 16, p. 234.]


2 Jan 1737/38 James Sturdivant [see Wm. Sturdivant entry following, 15 Mar 1741/2]

620 acs. Amelia Co., in the Fork bet. the main Deep Cr. the Seller fork of Deep Cr.; adj. Vaughan, Edmonds alias Bumpusses, & Daniel Studivant’s old Line; £1.S5. 400 acs. formerly gtd. Daniel Sturdivant dec’d by Pat. 17 Aug 1725 [PB 12, p. 271] & by mesne Conveyances is vested in sd. James Sturdivant. [PB 17, p. 435.]

15 Mar 1741/42 William Sturdivante 327 acs. Pr. Geo. Co. on the S side of Stoney Cr.;  Whereas by Pat. 23 Mar 1733/34 gtd. John Sturdivante [Sturdivant, PB 15, p. 175] And Whereas the sd John Sturdivant hath failed to make Cultiv. and Improv. and William Poythress hath made Humble Suit and Obtained a G. for the same Which he hath relinquished unto William Sturdivant. [PB 20, p. 205.]

[July 25, 1746, to John Sanders [to Jackson], 400 acres, in Prince George County, between the branches of Butterwood Swamp and Turkey Egg Creek, adjoining William Poythress, Bartlet, Peter Thomas and William Elder.]
[25 Jul 1746 John Sanders, 400 acs. Pr. Geo. Co. bet. the Brs. of Butterwood Sw. and Turkey Egg Cr.; adj. William Poythress, Bartle, Peter Thomas & William Elder. £2. [PB 25, p. 144.]

25 Jul 1746 John Sanders (to Jackson) 400 ac. Prince George between the brs. of Butterwood Sw. and Turkey Egg Cr. at William Poythress’s Crnr., etc.  VPB 25 pp. 144-145.

[August 20, 1748, to Thomas Williams, 1,510 acres, in Prince George County, on the head of the Rocky Run, adjoining Hardaway, Cleaton, Poythress, Jackson, Bartlott, Williamson, Booth, Maidlens, Bird, Rany and Peniston.]
20 Aug 1748 to Thomas Williams con œ7.S15 re 1510a PGCo on the Head of the rocky run loc -18927 -37797 F127 L0 P255 pt A) at Hardaway’s Corner Ash on the sd run Th. along his Lines ln N37W; 174P; Hardaway pt B) his Corner Thence ln N18W; 89P; pt C) Cleatons C. Thence along his Lines ln S27.5W; 452P; Cleaton pt D) his Corner Thence ln NW; 136P; pt E) Poythress‘s Line Thence along his Lines ln S37W; 42P; Poythress pt F) his Corner Thence W16S 174P to ln s74w; 174p; pt G) his Corner Thence ln N7W; 192P; pt H) his Corner Thence ln W; 88P; pt I) Jacksons Corner Thence along his Lines ln S10E; 104P; Jackson pt J) his Corner white Oak thence ln S6W; 70P; pt K) his Corner white Oak Thence ln S30W; 73P; pt L) Bartlotts Line Thence along his Lines ln E; 43P; Bartlott pt M) his Corner Thence ln S; 30P; pt N) Williamsons corner Thence along his Line ln E; 140P; Williamson pt O) his Corner Thence along Booths Lines ln N; 43P; Booth pt P) his Corner Thence E3N 137P to ln n87e; 137p; pt Q) his Corner Thence ln S; 108P pt R) his Corner Thence along Maidlens’s Line ln S42E; 140P; Maidlen pt S) Birds Line Thence along his Lines E13N 164P to ln n77e; 164p; Bird pt T) his Corner Thence ln S; 120P; pt U) his Corner Thence E11N 266P to ln n79e; 266p; pt V) Rany’s Line Thence along his Lines ln N38W; 187P; Rany pt W) his Corner Thence E31N 157P to ln n59e; 157p; pt X) Penistons Line Thence N38W 184P along Penistons and Cleatons Lines to ln n38w; 184p; Peniston & Cleaton pt Y) Cleatons Corner Thence along Cleatons Lines E38N 26P to ln n52e; 26p; Cleaton pt Z) his Corner Thence N44P to the beginning lc n; 44p. PB26, p. 618-620.

May 1, 1749, Henry Randolph sold to George Cousens, 447 acres in Dale parish, in Henrico County, adjoining on the land of Field Archer, George Cousens, Gills, the widow Franklin, Colonel Poythress and Isham Randolph and was part of a greater tract of land containing 1,790 acres taken up and patented by Colonel Francis Eppes, grandfather to the said Henry Randolph and given by his last Will and testament unto his daughter, Eliz. Randolph, mother to the said Henry Randolph but for want of being cultivated and improved in due time as the law directs was forfeited to his majesty and granted as lapsed land to the said Henry Randolph by the General Court of the Colony.


[September 5, 1749, John Elder, 200 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Butterwood Swamp, adjoining William Poythress, Thomas Elder, Whitmore, his own old line, Moore and Charles Poythress.]

5 Sep 1749 John Elder 200 acs. Pr. Geo. Co. on the S. side of Butterwood Sw.; adj. William Poythress, Thomas Elder, Whitmore, his own old line, Moore & Charles Poythress. £1. PB 27, p. 343.


[April 18, 1753, in Dinwiddie County, John Williams, 38 acres, on both sides of Reedy Branch adjoining William Poythress, William Cryer, Samuel Gordon and Edward Poythress. This certificate was afterwards altered to the name of Zacharias Penn.]

April 18^th 1753. Survey’d. for John Williams of Dinwiddie County 38 acres of land lying on both sides the Reedy Branch in the said County Beginning at William Poythress’s corner pine stump on William Cryers line at A and Running on the said Cryers line from A to B East 56 poles to his corner white oak, Then still on his line B to C South 20 degrees West 126 poles to his corner at several small trees chop’d inwards, Then on his line from C to D South 67 degrees East 66 poles crossing the Branch to Samuel Gordon’s corner on the said Cryers line. Then on the said Gordons line from D to E South 52 degrees West 17 poles to Edward Poythress’s corner Dogwood Then on the said Edward Poythress’s line from E to A North 5 degrees West 192 poles to the Beginning. Wm. Watkins, Surveyor. NB The above Certificate was afterwards altered to the name of Zacharias Fenn.


[September 26, 1760, Robert West, 100 acres, in Dinwiddie County, on the south side of the White Oak swamp, adjoining William Poythress.]

26 Sep 1760 Robert West 100 ac. Dinwiddie County, on S. side of White Oak Swamp, part along Poythress’s line, etc. VPB 34, p. 776.


October 21, 1761, James Heath sold to Joseph Morton, both of Lunenburg County, 160 acres, in Lunenburg County, where the said Heath now lives, and adjoining the land of William Poythress. The witnesses, Thomas Wren, William Morton and Vincent Wren.

[July 7, 1763, Leonard Claiborne, Jr., 225 acres, in Dinwiddie County, on the south side of the White Oak swamp, adjoining Hugh Reece now Joseph Noble, Stewart, Poythress, Taylor, Reece and Williams.] 7 Jul 1763 Leonard Claiborne Junior w/ 25 shillings, 225 acs. Dinwiddie County on Southside of White Oak Swamp….along Poythress’ line. [PB 35, p. 296].


August 14^th 1772. Surveyed for John Roberts of this County, a small tract of land, bounded by sundry old lines, in the Parish of Bath, and County of Dinwiddie; Beginning at William Vaughn’s faced corner: Thence on his line from A to B N. 11 E. 150 poles to his corner black oak. B to C West 112 poles to a corner in Wm. Pegram’s line. C to A S. 28 E. 168 poles to the Beginning on Poythress his line, containing fifty one acres. By James Greenway, Surveyor of Din. County. Plat and Certificate.

Pertinent Property

March 22, 1721, in the Prince George County Surveyor’s Book, to a survey for John Woodlief on both sides of the upper Rocky Run of Stony Creek, 212 acres; also 172½ acres on the same swamp April 11, 1724, delivered the plat and certified it to Mr. William Poythress, with all rights. Robert Bolling was the surveyor.


March 15, 1742, William Sturdivante, was granted 327 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Stoney Creek, whereas by patent dated March 23, 1734, granted John Sturdivante and whereas the said John Sturdivant has failed to make cultivation and improvements and William Poythress has made humble suit and obtained a grant for the same which he has relinquished unto William Sturdivant.


12 Jan 1747/48 Henry Randolph 1790 acs. Henrico Co. on the S. side of Swift Cr., &c. £9. Whereas by Pat. 22 Jan 1718 gtd. Francis Epps Gentl. since dec’d  [dated 22 Jan 1717/18 in PB 10, p. 346 to Francis Epps]; And Whereas William Kennon & Ann his wife, James Thompson & Mary his wife, William Poythress & Sarah his wife, and Elizabeth Randolph Widow; to which sd. Ann, Mary, Sarah, and Elizabeth the same was devised by their Father the sd Francis Epps dec’d, have failed to pay Quit Rents and to make Cultiv. and Improv. and Henry Randolph having Petitioned our Lieut. Governor and Commander in Chief had obtained a G. for same. [PB 28, p, 305.]

As Witness

July 12, 1725, in Prince George County, a deed of slaves, John Hardyman and Henrietta Maria, his wife, to Joseph/Joshua Poythress, for the sum of £60, 1 negro man slave, Frank Mingo, and 1 negro girl slave, Tabbe. The witnesses, Thomas Eldridge and William Poythress.


July 12, 1725, John Hardyman sold 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 title on the penalty of £80. The witnesses, Joshua Poythress and William Poythress. The court was at Merchant’s Hope.


February 15, 1726, Henry Jones and Katherine, his wife, of Surry County, to Peter Poythress, of Prince George County, 250 acres, on the south side of the Nottaway River, and bounded by Flatt Swamp, in Surry County. The witnesses were William Poythress, William Freeman and William Dennis.


July 12, 1726, in Prince George County, William Poythress witnessed a deed of sale from Francis Patterson and Ann, his wife, to David Barretts.


July 12, 1726, in Prince George County, Littlebury Hardyman, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, to Peter Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon Parish, in Prince George County, a tract or parcel of land lying or being on Harris Run on the south side of the James River [no acreage specified but complete description of bounds]. The witnesses were William Poythress and Nick’o. Hatchs. Memorandum: That livery and seizure of land and possession mentioned by the within named Littlebury Hardyman was delivered by turf and twig to the herein named Peter Poythress with the possession of the same to be held by him, the said Peter Poythress, and his heirs, forever according to the purport of the deed, in the presents of William Poythress and Nick’o. Hatchs, at a court at Merchant’s Hope.

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

Family Estates
November 12, 1736, in Amelia County, in the action upon the case between William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Charles Clay, etc., last Will and Testament of John Fitzgerald. [Amelia OB 1735-1740, p. 14 (12 Nov 1736) and p. 21 (11 Mar 1736/7)] (Author notes there is no such Will in Amelia County). [John Fitzgerald was married to Elizabeth Poythress, William Poythress’ sister.]

April 11, 1738, in Prince George County, in the case of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, versus Henry Wilson. After Wilson was given credit for work done for Fitzgerald, he still owed money to the estate. Information was given by William Cryer and Drury Oliver. Audit examined by J. Munford and Thomas Williams. Plaintiffs were to recover damages.

May 9, 1738, in Prince George County, in a suit by Mathew Cabinis and Hannah, his wife, one of the daughters of Thomas Clay, deceased, against William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, who was administrator of Thomas Clay, deceased., for certain legacies devised to the said Hannah. Audited by William Stark, Gentleman, and found plaintiff was due £12/14/9.

July 11, 1738, in Prince George County, in the case of Francis Epes versus William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, for debt, the court found for the plaintiff.

July 11, 1738, in Prince George County, William Cryer, witness for William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, in their suit versus Henry Wilson, to be paid.

October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cases brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against William Floriday for £6, 9 shillings, 7 pence current money due by accounts the defendant came into court and being ruled to Special Bails, and failing, on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was ordered that the defendant be taken into custody of the Sheriff and safely kept until he shall give such bail. On October 10, 1738, in the action on the cause brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, defendants against John Brewer for £6, seven shillings, and eight pence, half penny current money due by accounts and the defendants being arrested and called and not appearing and Peter Daniel being returned Security for him, on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiffs recover against the defendant and his said Security the same aforesaid of so much thereof as it shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action.

November, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cause brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, defendants against John Brewer for £6, seven shillings, and eight pence, half penny current money due by accounts and the defendants being arrested and called and not appearing and Peter Daniel being returned Security for him, on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiffs recover against the defendant and his said Security the same aforesaid of so much thereof as it shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action.

November, 1738, in the action on the cases brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against William Floriday for £6, 9 shillings, 7 pence Current Money due by accounts the defendant came into Court and being ruled to Special Bails, and failing, on the motion of the plaintiff’s attorney it was ordered that the defendant be taken into custody of the Sheriff and safely kept until he shall give such bail.

November 14, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, found for the plaintiff against William Floriday.

February 11, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by a petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and Testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against John Hill for £3, 5 shillings, ten pence, half penny current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs made oath. The defendant being summoned, called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion it was considered by the court that they recover against the defendant with costs Als: Ecxo.

March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and Testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Honour Whitten, administratrix of the goods and chattel of Richard Whitten, the deceased, for 31 shillings 3 pence current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs made oath, the defendant being summoned and called and it appearing to the court that she had fully administered the estate of Richard, on the motion of the said Francis it was ordered that the defendant pay to the aforesaid plaintiffs the aforesaid sum out of the said defendant’s estates when such thereof shall come to hand.

May 18, 1739, in Amelia County, deed of John Harris and Susanna, his wife —-(Author note: There were several suits brought by William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald. The Will was not recorded in Amelia County).

July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Littlebury Eppes, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, versus Hannah Stroud, executrix of John Stroud, deceased, dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit of William and Francis Poythress versus William Stoa, dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in the suit by petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Daniel Meadows for 25 shillings and a half penny current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs makes oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff’s motion it was considered by this court that they recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo.

August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, versus Martha Alexander and Robert Munford, executrix and executor of the last Will and testament of John Alexander, deceased. Amount to be recovered £3, 15 shillings, half pence.

June 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole be continued until the next court. Gentlemen judges: John Wall, Richard Burch, Nicholas Lanier, William Hagood. Sheriff: William Martingood.

June 6, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. 


September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the said defendant defends the force and injury and prays judgement of the petitioners wait because he saith that the aforesaid Francis Poythress one of the petitioners in the said writ named after the original writ aforesaid was sued out and before this day to wit on the —– day of —– in the year MDCCXXXIX died at the parish of Saint Andrew in the county of Brunswick aforesaid and this he was ready to verify wherefore he prays the judgement of this worshipful court of the said writ and that the said writ may be quashed and so forth and on the motion of the petitioners time is given them until the next court to consider the said plea.

September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased., against Samuel S– for fo- pounds six shillings and four pence ———– be due by bill: discontinued; being agreed by the parties. And, on the same date, William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court.

September 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, continued until the next court.

September 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court.

October 2, 1740, in Brunswick County, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. On the motion of the petitioners by their attorney further time was given them until the next court to consider the said defendant’s plea.

October 2, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court.

October 3, 1740, in the Brunswick County court, William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court.

November 6, 1740, in the Brunswick County court, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demur generally to the defendant’s plea in abatement and on the motion of the defendant. time was given him until the next court to consider the said demurrer. On November 6, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. 


April 2, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Philip Gorgette, defendant, in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the said defendant defends the force and injury and prays judgement of the petitioners wait because he saith that the aforesaid Francis Poythress one of the petitioners in the said writ named after the original writ aforesaid was sued out and before this day to wit on the —– day of —– in the year 1739 died at the parish of Saint Andrew in the county of Brunswick aforesaid and this he is ready to verefie wherefore he prays the judgement of this worshipful court of the said writ and that the said writ may be quashed and so forth and on the motion of the plaintiffs by their attorney time is given them until the next court to reply to the said plea. On the same date, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt. The same plea and order verbatim as next before.

May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole for debt continued until the next court. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, continued until the next court. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court.

December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon petition in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon the petitioners demurrer to the defendants plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the Court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the writ of the petitioner therefore it was considered that the defendant to the said writ do further answer whereupon the said defendant by his attorney for plea saith that he doth not owe to the petitioners as executors of the said John the money in the petition mentioned or any penny thereof and this he prays may be enquired of by the court and on the motion of the petitioners by their attorney time was given them until the next court to consider the said plea.

December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demurrer to the defts. plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the Court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the petitioner’s writ therefore it was considered that the defendant to the same writ as further answer and thereupon the said defendant prays and has leave to imparte here until the next court.

December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Philip Gorgette, defendant, in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demurrer to the defendants plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the petitioner’s writ therefore it was considered that the defendant to the same writ do further answer and thereupon the said defendant prays and has leave to imparte here until the next court.

February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, in the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole was continued until the next court at the plaintiff’s costs.

February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt, was continued until the next court.

February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, in debt.

June 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole for two pounds, thirteen shillings and seven pence current money said to be due by Bill this day came the parties by their attorneys and it appearing from the testimony of diverse witnesses that the defendant does not owe the plaintiffs the money in the petition mentioned and in pleading he has alleged therefore it was ordered by the court that the petitioners take nothing by their petition out for their false clamor be in money, &c., and that the defendant go hence without delay and recover against the plaintiffs his costs by him about his defense in his behalf expended. On the motion of Francis Bresin, witness, for of Seth Petty Poole, at the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c, of John Fitzgerald, deceased, it was ordered that the said Seth pay him two hundred and eighty pounds of tobacco for four days attendance for coming and returning 30 miles according to law. On the motion of Thomas Mayo, witness, for Seth Petty Poole, at the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, it was ordered that the said Seth pay him one hundred pounds of tobacco for four days attendance according to law.

In Prince George County, the Will of Joshua Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon Parish, Prince George County dated January 17, 1740, probated April 8, 1741.
The land I live on, bought from Mrs. Elizabeth Duke and Capt. John Hardyman, to my sons, Joshua and William, to be equally divided. All of my 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 my estate to be equally divided between wife and five children: Joshua, William, Ann Poythress, Elizabeth Poythress and Mary Poythress.
My brothers, William and Robert Poythress, and friends and relations, Richard Bland, Thomas Poythress, and John Woodlief to divide my estate. Executors to be my brother, Robert, and my cousin, Thomas Poythress. The witnesses, Ann Bland, Christian Poythress, and Richard Bland.

In William Byrd’s diary, on July 26, 1741, Byrd noted that the weather was warm and cloudy and that the wind was from the north. Byrd did not go to church but put his things in order and wrote several letters. After church, John Stith and his wife came by and dined. After dinner, John Ravenscroft came by, as did Mr. Miller and his wife and Mrs. Poythress.

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. [Benjamin Harrison (1693-1745) was married to Anne Carter (1700-1745), daughter of Robert Carter and Judith Armistead. Benjamin Harrison and Anne Carter were parents of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and were grandparents of the ninth President of the United States. Benjamin Harrison and two of his young daughters were killed when they were struck by lightning.]

The Will of Robert Poythress, of Prince George County, dated May 24, 1743, recorded September 13, 1743. The original Will was located in the Chesterfield County Dead Papers. Robert Poythress of Martin’s Brandon Parish, Prince George County.
I give my son, Robert Poythress, and his heirs, all of my lands on which I now live, 1,100 acres, and also 291 acres, adjoining the Butterwood Swamp.
I give my son, Peter Poythress, and his heirs, my lands containing 600 acres, lying on the Nottoway River and known by the name of Tanotoro, and 297 acres, lying on Butterwood, which I bought from James Glover.
I give my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, all my lands lying between Monkoes Neck and Nottoway which I bought from Captain Thomas Bolling and all of my lands, in Amelia County, contiguous to William Stone’s land.
I give my wife the use of 12 negroes, Harry, Hunt, Tom, Jamey, George, Nilsy, Sarah, Lucy, Nick, Hannah, Matt, Nan, Penelope and the use of 1/3 of my lands during her life or widowhood and 1/4 of my house furniture and stocks to be divided between my wife and my 3 sons and any of my daughters that are unmarried at the time of her mother’s death and their heirs respectively.
The division is to be made by my brother, William Poythress, Colonel Richard Bland, and Mr. John Gilliam or the

survivors.
I give my son, Robert, and his heirs, 9 negroes, Tom boy, Mingo, Charles, Judy, Bett, Jenny, Sarah, George, and

Boatswin.
I give my son, Peter, and his heirs, 9 negroes, Prince, Sterling, Cimon, Jack, Sarah, Bett, Agnes, Aneky, and Harry.
I give my son, William, and his heirs, 9 negroes, Phillis, Seanah, Gambia, Caesar, Pheby, Kate, Pat, and Pompey.
If either of my sons dies before he comes of age, the whole estate, real and personal, is to be divided equally between the surviving sons or their heirs.
I confirm to my daughter, Elizabeth Gilliam all the negroes already given to her.
I give my grandson, Robert Gilliam, a negro boy, Johnny, and a girl about the same age.
I give my daughter, Mary Anna Minge, negroes, Abbah, Sawney, Jenny to her and her heirs and L30 current money to be laid out in negroes.
I give my daughter, Agness Harwood, 98 pounds, 10 shillings current money which her husband has already received.
I give my granddaughter, Tabitha Harwood, one negro girl, Amy, now in the use of her father.
I give my daughter, Tabitha Poythress, L130 current money and negro girl, Sue.
I give my daughter, Susanna Poythress, and her heirs, 5 negroes, Pheby, Jack, Hannibal, Nan, and Tom.
I give my daughter, Jane Poythress, and her heirs, 5 negroes, Phillis, Nan, Titus, Scot, and Phillis.
All the remainder of my estate I give and devise to be equally divided between my wife and 3 sons.
I appoint my wife and sons, Robert and Peter, to be my executors. Robert Poythress. The witnesses, Richard Bland, William Batte and William Poythress. Recorded at a court held at Fitzgerald’s for Prince George County, September 13, 1743. The widow and executrix, Elizabeth Poythress, exhibited the Will, with Robert Poythress, and qualified as executors. All witnesses proved the Will.

January 12, 1748, Henry Randolph, was granted 1,790 acres, in Henrico County, on the south side of Swift Creek, on a Hunting Path, to a Wolf Pit, on the west side of Youls Branch, on Nottoway Run, adjoining James Frankling, Jr., Captain Jefferson, Thomas Totty, John Gill, Mr. John Archer and Colonel Francis Epes. Whereas by patent dated January 22, 1718, granted Francis Eppes, Gentleman, since deceased, and whereas William Kennon and Ann, his wife, William Poythress and Sarah, his wife, and Elizabeth Randolph, widow; to which said Ann, Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth the same was devised by their Father, the said Francis Eppes, deceased, have failed to pay Quit Rents and to make cultivate and improve and Henry Randolph having petitioned our Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief has obtained a grant for the same.

After William Poythress’ Death

Dinwiddie Co. Clerk’s Fee Book, 1763. The charges are denominated in pounds of tobacco for which it is likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill.                                                                                            Debit

Captain William Poythress Executor of Wm. Poythress dec’d. Pr. Geo.

February, 1763, recording said Poythress’ Will &c.                                                                                    40

David Jameson       York

June, 1763 Sers for Bond you as Assignee of Hutchings vs W. Poythress Executors 5 Copy 20              25


On April 23, 1770, it appearing to the Vestry that an acre of land purchased by the parish of John Lowe, in the year of our Lord 1735 was not entirely included within the Church wall and it being necessary that the boundaries thereof should be ascertained, it was therefore ordered that the Church wardens lay off the surplus of the said acre from the west side of the wall square with the same, giving Lewis Parham the proprietor of the adjoining land notice of the time when the said line was to be run, in addition to the above order the quantity of land included in Colonel Poythress’ burying place was to be laid off over and above the said acre according to the agreement with the said Poythress in the year of our Lord 1754.

”By Act of 1784, the original Town of Petersburg and 3 nearby lands (1) Town of Blanford, traditionally Blanford Farm of Hardiway family from Blanford England, but owned by William Poythress, ca. 1737-48.” 


Highlights:

Col. Wm. Poythress (c. 1694-1763) married Sarah Epes (1702-1750).

– born about 1694

– 100 acre lease adj. bro. Joshua Poythress, Bristol parish, Pr. Geo. Co.

– granted 206 acres both sides of Reedy br. of Butterwood sw., nr. Maj. Epes, Pr. Geo. Co. 1724

– married Sarah Epes about 1725

– children: Anne Isham born 1726, William born 1728, Sarah born 1731, Elizabeth born 1741

– Vestryman of Bristol parish 1726-1752; replaced by Mr. Thos. Williams 1752; Wm. P. Had moved from the parish

– granted 343 acres in forks of Reedy br. of Butterwood sw., adj. his & Maj. Epes, Pr. Geo. Co. 1727

– Sheriff Pr. Geo. Co. 1728, 1729, 1744, 1754

– Captain of militia by 1729

– granted 2,000 acres on Tommaheton cr., Pr. Geo. Co., 1729

– ordered w/ Geo. Wilson to be Church Warden & Collector, Bristol parish 1729-1735, w/ Maj. Jas. Munford 1736-1737, w/ Capt. Stark 1738-1739, w/ James Boisseau 1750

– appointed with Peter Jones inspectors of tobacco at Appomattox, Munford’s and Powell’s Creek 1731

– appointed with Peter Jones inspectors of tobacco at Appomattox 1732

– granted 1,024 acres s/s Tommaheton sw. lower end of open Beaverpond above butterwoods, Pr. Geo. Co., 1733

– granted 297 acres both sides Reedy br. of Butterwood sw. adj. his, Eppes & John Clayton, Pr. Geo. Co., 1733

– granted 381 acres s/s Butterwood sw. adj. John Cleyton & Peter Wynne, Pr. Geo. Co., 1733

– Joshua Poythress (s/s Tommaheton sw. adj. bro. Wm. Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co.) & Peter Wynne (s/s Butterwood sw. adj. Wm. Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co.), 1735

– Major of milita by 1735

– 689½ acres in Henrico Co. 1736

– Court Justice Pr. Geo. Co. 1738, 1739

– Justice of the Peace Pr. Geo. Co. 1738

– granted 1,572 ac. upper side Tommaheton sw. on n. fork of long br. (only 548 ac. of new land) Pr. Geo. Co., 1741

– granted 200 acres on s/s Butterwood sw. adj. his & Eppes, Pr. Geo. Co., 1741

– with Robert Poythress divided Joshua Poythress’ estate, 1741

– witnessed Robert Poythress’ Will, 1743

– Colonel of militia by 1746

– 447½ ac. from Henry Randolph, in Dale parish, Henrico Co., adj. Geo. Cousins, Jas. Franklin, Chas. Burton, 1748

– Cleaton & Peniston (head of Rocky Run adj. Poythress), 1748

– Whitmore & Chas. Poythress (s/s Butterwood sw. adj. Wm. Poythress, Pr. Geo. Co.), 1749

– Sarah Epes, his wife, died in 1750

– Dinwiddie County created 1752 when present boundaries established except for portion annexed by City of Petersburg. Dinwiddie County was cut off from Pr. Geo. County’s SW corner.

– granted 531 acres s/s Butterwood sw., adj. his & Eppes, Dinwiddie Co., 1752

– Wm. Cryer, Sam’l. Gordon, Edward Poythress (both sides Reedy br. adj. Wm. Poythress), 1753

– granted family burying ground at Glebe for Bristol parish within walls of church yard 1754

– his son, William, appointed Vestryman to replace Maj. Wm. Epps 1754

– appointed trustee for the town of Blandford abt. 1759

– sold land and lots for Blanford, 1759-1760

– died 1763 (age 68)

– son, Capt. Wm. Poythress, executor of father’s Will

First document: 1717 (age ~23)


206 ac. Butterwood sw. Pr. Geo.; 343 ac. Butterwood sw. Pr. Geo.; 297 ac. Butterwood sw. Pr. Geo.; 381 ac. Butterwood sw. Pr. Geo; 200 ac. Butterwood sw. Pr. Geo.; 531 ac. Butterwood sw. Dinwiddie Co.; 2,000 ac. Tommaheton cr. Pr. Geo.; 1,024 ac. Tommaheton sw. above butterwoods Pr. Geo.; 548 ac. Tommaheton Pr. Geo.;  689½ ac. Henrico Co.; 447½ ac. Henrico Co. = 1,958 ac. Butterwood sw.; 3,572 ac. Tommaheton; 1,137 ac. Henrico Co. = Total: 6,667 ac.]

Slaves: inherited (3) Frank Cook, Amy & Frank Cook (1712); (1) negro child born, 1724.

Neighbors: Joshua Poythress, Major William Epes, John Clayton, Peter Wynne, George Cousins, James Franklin, Charles Burton, Peniston, Whitmore, Charles Poythress, William Cryer, Samuel Gordon, Edward Poythress

Dinwiddie Co. Butterwood Swamp

712 Peter Wynne Gent. 31 Oct 1716 [PB 10 p309] 355 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of butterwood Swamp

128 William Poythris of Pr Geo 9 Jul 1724 [PB 12 p68] 206 ac. Pr. Geo./both Sides of Ready Br. of Butterwood

129 Capt. Francis Poythris of Pr Geo 9 Jul 1724 [PB 12 p68] 387 a. Pr Geo/upper or W Side of Butterwood Sw

807 Thomas Poythris of Pr Geo 22 Feb 1724/5 [PB 12 p228] 248 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Upper Rockey Run of

711 Robert Poythris of Pr Geo 28 Sep 1728 [PB 13 p377] 291 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Butterwood Swamp

715 William Poythris of Pr Geo 20 Jun 1733 [PB 15 p47] 297 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of reedy Br. of Butterwood

190 William Poythris of Pr Geo 20 Jun 1733 [PB 15 p61] 381 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of Butterwood Swamp

706 Samuel Moore of Pr. Geo. 10 Sep 1735 [PB 16 p234] 100 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of Butterwood Swamp adj Will

103 Francis Poythress, Gent. 22 Sep 1739 [PB 18 p420] 3,887 ac. Pr. Geo./North side of Butterwood Swamp

134 Major William Poythress 1 Jun 1741 [PB 19 p983] 200 ac. Pr. Geo./south side of Butterwood Swamp

406 Charles Poythress 20 Aug 1745 [PB 22 p420] 300 ac./lower side of Oldfield Branch of Butterwood

97   William Eaton 20 Aug 1745 [PB 22 p446] 1,271 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Butterwood Swamp

710 William Elder jr. 28 Aug 1746 [PB 25 p183] 280 ac. Pr. Geo./S side of Butterwood Swamp

705 William Elder 25 Sep 1746 [PB 24 p444] 400 ac. Pr. Geo./both sides of Reedy Br. of Butterwood

146 William Cryer  25 Jun 1747 [PB 28 p110] 773 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Butterwood Swamp

709 Peter Poythress 5 Aug 1751 [PB 29 p509] 324 ac. Pr. Geo./S Side of Butterwood Swamp

135 William Poythress 3 Aug 1752 [PB 31 p171] 531 ac. Dinwiddie/S side of Butterwood Swamp

322 William Cryer  10 Sep 1755 [PB 31 p620] 400 ac. Dinwiddie/on Head of deep Br. of Butterwood Sw

480 Peter Poythress 29 May 1780 [CGB A p328] nearly 13 ac. Dinwiddie/Bath Parish on S side of Butterwood

Tommaheton Swamp

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

189 Thomas Poythris of PG Co 20 Jun 1733 [PB 15 p59] 400 ac. PG Co/lower or N 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

242 Francis Poythress 22 Sep 1739 [PB 18 p366] 400 ac. Pr. Geo./lower side of Tommaheton Creek on Beaver

188 William Poythress, Gent. 1 Jun 1741 [PB 19 p950] 1,572 ac. Pr. Geo./upper side of Tommaheton Swamp

225 John Poythress jr. 20 Sep 1745 [PB 22 p496] 844 ac. Pr. Geo./N side of Tomahitton Swamp