[79 vi. William Poythress was born AFT 1717 in VA [(P_1) DCC].]
Family
William Poythress was born about 1720, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). He married Sarah and they were known to be of Bertie County, North Carolina, by 1756. His mother, Mary, married John Abington after the death of his father, John Poythress, Jr.

Inheritance
In Prince George County, the Will of John Poythress, of Martin’s Brandon parish, in Prince George County, proved May 12, 1724.
I give my son, John Poythress, and his heirs, my plantation where I now live, 100 acres of land, as also 100 acres of land adjoining, called Colebrooks, taking in the Ivy point, so running down Hugh Evans’ Spring
Bottom to William Stainback’s corner poplar, and also I give my said son, John Poythress, and to his heirs, my tract of land lying on the south side of the main Blackwater Swamp, not debarring his brothers, Francis and William Poythress, from getting timber for their plantations’ use, as also giving them liberty to drive their stocks of hogs and cattle upon the land, if they shall think fit, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he comes to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, Francis Poythress, should possess all the above said lands as is mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, land lying at and about the place called Brick Chimneys, binding upon my son, John Poythress’, and brother, Thomas Poythress’ lands, so round the Deep Bottom, taking in the whole tract or dividend of land, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, William Poythress, should possess all the above said land mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and their heirs, 280 acres, joining to Thomas Poythress’ land, so running a south course over the horn branch, and so binding upon John Young’s, Dorrel Young’s, and John Winningham’s land, to be equally divided betwixt my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and to their heirs forever.
I give my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, 150 acres, binding upon Thomas Poythress’ and Thomas Lovesay’s land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called Powell’s, and if it should please God to take him out of the world before he arrives to the age of 21 years, or without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then my will and pleasure is that my son, John Poythress, should possess the above mentioned land, and his heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my son, John Poythress, a small featherbed and furniture, six new rush leather chairs, one chest, one gun, and a mare, a young horse, and the increase of her forever, to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my son, Francis Poythress, a small feather bed and furniture, one young mare about three years old, and her increase to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my son, William Poythress, a bay mare, and her increase, to him and his heirs for ever.
I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, all my stock of hogs and cattle, to be equally divided amongst them, only what I shall give hereafter unto my loving wife, Mary Poythress, which is four cows and calves, and a parcel of hogs as uses about Colebrooks, about twenty or thirty of them, and my will further is that as much of the stock be disposed of as will be of value sufficient to enter and survey 400 acres of land in the woods, according to the discretion of my executors, for my son, William Poythress, and to be patented in his name, and then the remaining part of the stock to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and their heirs forever.
I give my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, my three negroes, Betty, Judy and Grace, and their increase, to be equally divided when my son, William Poythress comes to the age of 18 years, and my will and desire is that my son, John Poythress, should have the aforesaid negroes, with their increase, in his possession, when he shall attain to the age of 21, and there to remain till my son, William, attains to the age of 18 years, then they and their increase to be equally divided between my three sons, John, Francis and William Poythress, and to their heirs lawfully begotten forever.
I give my daughter, Rebecca Poythress, my negro man, Tom, and one featherbed and furniture, to her and her heirs for ever.
I give my daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, my negro boy, Jamy, to her and her heirs for ever.I give my daughter, Ann Poythress, my negro boy, Will, to her and her heirs for ever.
I give my loving wife, Mary Poythress, my negro man, Seipis(?), one featherbed and furniture, four cows and calves and a parcel of hogs uses about Colebrooks, and all my pewter, brass, and iron, as I am possessed
with, and my two working horses, and all the rest of the small matters as is not mentioned in this my last Will and Testament, to her and her heirs for ever.
I appoint Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, pastor, my executors of this my last Will and Testament. The witnesses, Francis Epes, Jr., William Stainback and John Winningham. 

At a Court held at Merchant’s Hope for Prince George County, on Tuesday, May 12, 1724, the last Will and testament of John Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, his executors, who made oath thereto, and it was proved by the oaths of Francis Epes, William Stainback and John Winningham. And on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, executors, and their giving Bond and Security according to law, Certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. The Will was recorded, August 11, 1724, at a court at Merchant’s Hope, for Prince George County, with an account of personal property items valued at £209/14/5. John Stainback, John Winningham and William Stainback were the appraisers.

The 150 acres called Powell’s, left to William Poythress, was bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on November 8, 1720, from his uncle Francis Poythress. The land that was inherited by John Poythress’ son, John Poythress, was possibly bought by John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on October 23, 1703, and on September 5, 1723.

December 13, 1726, in the Prince George County court, the inventory of the estate of Captain John Poythress, deceased, was valued at £130/12/8. The executors of the Will were Robert Poythress and John Woodlief. The legatees were Mary, his wife, Rebecca, his daughter, Elizabeth, his daughter, Colonel William Randolph, Captain Richard Randolph and John Fitzgerald, among others.

Guardian of William Poythress
March 13, 1739, in the Prince George County court, on the complaints of William Poythress, one of the orphans of John Poythress, of Jordan’s, deceased, who was bound as apprentice to Robert Simpson, of this county, for misusage and which complaints appeared to be just the said William was discharged from the apprenticeship and chose Charles Irby, his guardian, who had time until the next court to appear and give bond and security. [PG Order Bk. 1737-1740, p. 244] [Charles Irby was married to Susannah Hardyman, daughter of John Hardyman and Mary Epes. Charles Irby and Susannah Hardiman may have been William Poythress’ uncle and aunt. Susannah Hardiman Irby may have been the sister of William’s mother.]

Property: Land & Property

March 24, 1735, William Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 400 acres near Sapponi Chappel, in Prince George County, adjoining Robert Bolling, by the side of the Nottaway River Road, crossing Stephen’s Branch. [Possibly William Poythress, son of John Poythress, Jr., (c. 1681-1724), as he was to have 400 acres bought for him as per his father’s Will.]

[September 25, 1746, John Wagnon, 576 acres, in Prince George County, on the south side of Stoney Creek, adjoining Robert Bolling, the land purchased of William Poythress, by the side of the Nottoway River Road, 400 acres part thereof being formerly granted unto William Poythress by our letters patent bearing date March 24, 1734, the right and title of which the 400 acres has become vested in John Wagnon, and 176 acres the residue never before granted.] [note: Poythress appears frequently hereafter in the Wagnon family as a middle name; even into Burke and Green Counties, Georgia.] 

25 Sep 1746 John Wagnon. George the second by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King defender of the faith ye. To All To Whom these presents shall come greeting, Know Ye that for divers good causes and consideration but more especially for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty 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 by these presents for us our heirs do give, grant and confirm unto John Wagnon one certain tract or parcel of land containing five hundred and seventy six acres lying and being in the County of Prince George on the south side of Stoney Creek and bounded as followeth to wit: Beginning at his old corner white oak in Bollings line thence along Robert Bollings line south twenty degrees east ninety six poles to his corner red oak near three pines thence along another of his lines west thirty two poles to a corner in the same between pointers thence south thirty degrees east fifty six poles to a corner white oak thence east thirty degrees north two hundred and forty poles to a faced corner thence north thirty degrees west one hundred and thirty three poles to the land purchased of William Poythress thence along the old lines east thirty degrees north two hundred and forty four poles to a corner thence north ninety degrees west one hundred and fifty six poles thence west thirty degrees south thence a hundred and thirty four poles to Robert Bollings two corner white oak by the side of the Nottoway River Road and corner of the said Wagnon fence thence along the said Bollings line south five degrees west one hundred and sixty nine and an half poles to the beginning four hundred acres part thereof being formerly granted unto William Poythress by our Setters Patent bearing date the twenty fourth day of March one thousand seven hundred and thirty four [24 Mar 1734]the right and title of which said four hundred acres by Mesne Conveyances is since become vested in the said John Wagnon  and one hundred and seventy six acres the residue never before granted. With all woods, underwoods, swamps, marshes, low grounds, meadow feedings and his due share all veins, mines, and quarries as well discovered as not discovered within the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of five hundred and seventy six acres of land and the river waters and water courses therein contained together with the privileges of hunting, hawking, fishing, fowling and all other profit commodities and hereditament whatsoever to the same or any or any part thereof belonging or in any wise appertaining To Have Hold possess and enjoy the said tract or parcel of land appurtenances unto the said John Wagnon and to his heirs and assigns for ever To Be Held of us our heirs and successors as of our Mannor of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in free and common seccage and not in capite or by Knight Service Yielding and Paying unto us our heirs and successors for every fifty acres of land and so proportionally for a lesser or greater quantity than fifty acres the rent fee of one shilling yearly to be paid uon the Feast of Saint Michael the Arch Angel and also cultivating and improving three acres part of every fifty of the tract above mentioned within three years after the date of these presents of excepting for so much of the land as hath already been cultivated and improved according to the condition of the said former patent Provided always that if three years of the said fee shall at any time be in arrear and unpaid of if the said John Wagnon his heirs or assigns do not within the space of three years next coming after the sale of these presents cultivate and improve three acres part of any fifty acres of the tract abovementioned (except as before is excepted) then the estate hereby granted shall cease and utterly determines and thereafter is shall and may be lawful to us and for our heirs and successors to grant the same lands and premises with the apurtenances unto such other person or persons as we our heirs and successors shal think fit In Witness whereof we have caused these our Setters Patent to be made Witness our truly and well beloved William Gooch Esquire our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg under the seal of said colony the twenty fifth day of September one thousand seven hundred and forty six in the twentieth year of our reign. William Gooch. PB 24, p. 448.

September 8, 1753, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress, of Bertie County, purchased 100 acres on Jumping Run adjacent to John Harrell.

December 8, 1755, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Peter Hays and wife, Bether [Butrice?], sold 100 acres to Thomas Hays for £10 on the south side of Cashy Swamp. The witnesses were William Poythress, George Vann and John Bryan.

October 21, 1756, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress, of Bertie County, in North Carolina, and wife, Sarah, sold 100 acres to Matthew Turner, of Bertie County, in North Carolina, adjoining Gristock, over Jumping Run in the fork, adjoining John Harrell, to the first station, it being out of a deed granted to Thomas Page, the said deed bearing date 1753. Sarah Poythress, the wife of William Poythress, freely surrendered all her right of dower. The witnesses were Henry Averet and George House. 

December 16, 1756, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Edward Boyd and wife, Abigale, of Society Parish, sold 200 acres to Samuel Jobe for £16, land granted Barnaby Bryant, December 13, 1755. The witnesses were William Poythress and James Abington. [After the death of William Poythress’ father, John Poythress, Jr., his mother married John Abington.]

In February, 1764, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress was ordered to serve on the grand jury. The same court allowed him to keep a tavern at his dwelling house.

October 9, 1764, William Poythress, of Hertford County, sold 140 acres, in Bertie County, between the lines of William and Thomas Outlaw.

In June, 1765, in Bertie County, North Carolina, William Poythress won a judgement for £6, 5 shillings, against William Bryan in the Bertie County court.

In December, 1768, William Poythress made a Northampton County deed of gift of household goods to Richard Outlaw for affection he had for Rachel Outlaw.

In 1779, William Poythress appeared in Hertford County, North Carolina.

In 1779, William Poythress was taxed on 150 acres in the 4th District of Hertford County, North Carolina. (Hertford County was formed in 1759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan and Northampton Counties).

In 1782, William Poythress was taxed on 200 acres in the 4th District of Hertford County, North Carolina.

This may be the son of William and Sarah Poythress, and the grandson of John Poythress, Jr., and Mary [Hardiman?]: Bertie County, North Carolina, Marriage Bond: September 27, 1785. William Poythress and Anna Lewis. Henry Averett. 

In 1787, William Poythress appeared in Freemans District, Bertie County, North Carolina. [possibly the son]

Highlights:

Wm. Poythress, of Bertie Co., N. C., s. of John Poythress, Jr. of Martin’s Brandon parish, 4^th Gen.

– born abt. 1720

– inheritance from father, John Poythress, Jr.: 150 acres, binding upon Thomas Poythress’ and Thomas Lovesay’s land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called Powell’s & enter and survey 400 acres of land in the woods, according to the discretion of my executors, for my son, William Poythress, and to be patented in his name, 1724

– 400 acres nr. Saponi Chappel by the side of Nottaway River Road crossing Stephen’s br. adj. Robt. Bolling (as per father’s Will), Pr. Geo. Co., 1735

– complaint regarding Robt. Simpson and his apprenticeship; Chas. Irby was chosen by him as his guardian, Pr. Geo. Co., 1739

– sold 400 acres to John Wagnon by the side of Nottaway River Road, Pr. Geo. Co., 1746

– married Sarah abt. 1750

– 100 acres on Jumping Run adj. John Harrell, Bertie Co., N. C., 1753

– Wm. & wife, Sarah, sold 100 acres to Matthew Turner adj. Gristock over Jumping Run in the fork adj. John Harrell, Bertie Co., N. C., 1756

– he & Jas. Abington witnessed sell of land, Edward & Abigale Boyd to Sam’l. Jobe, land granted Barnaby Bryant, Bertie Co., N. C., 1756 [After the death of William Poythress’ father, John Poythress, Jr., his mother married John Abington.]

– Wm., of Hertford Co., N. C., sold 140 acres btwn. Lines of Wm. & Thos. Outlaw, Bertie Co., N. C., 1764

– deed of gift to Richard Outlaw for affection he had for Rachel Outlaw, Northampton Co., N. C., 1768

– taxes paid on 150 acres 4^th District of Hertford Co., N. C., 1779 (Hertford County was formed in 1759 from parts of Bertie, Chowan and Northampton Counties).
– taxes paid on 200 acres 4^th District of Hertford Co., N. C., 1782

– possible son, William Poythress, married Anna Lewis, Bertie Co., N. C., 1785

– appeared in Freemans District, Bertie Co., N. C., 1787 [possibly the son]

The 150 acres called Powell’s, left to William Poythress, was bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724), on November 8, 1720, from his uncle Francis Poythress.

Maj. Fr. Poythress: 450 acres, Chas. Cty. Co., 1665; 609 acres s/s Blackwater R. crossing Nottaway path nr. Line of Capt. Robt. Lucy, Townes’ Quarter adj. Hercules Flood, Chas. Cty. Co.; 750 acres escheated land of Thos. Morgan, dec’d., Chas. Cty. Co.; 1,250 acres s/s Jas. R. adj. Sampson Ellis, Henry Batt, John Woodley, Jas. Mumford, Edward Hill & his land (bordered lands of Roger Tilman, Jas. Binford, Robt. Abernathy & Wallace), Jordan’s parish, Chas. Cty. Co.; = 3,059 acres; + his father’s lands, 750 acres 

[John Poythress left 1,189 ac. to his sons in his 1724 Will. He acquired approx. 1,334 acres but sold 200 acres in 1704 = 1,134 ac. 

He gave son, John: (1) 100 ac. his plantation; (2) 100 ac. “Colebrooks” adj. Ivy point, down Hugh Evans’ spring bottom to Wm. Stainback; (3) (409 ac.) s/s main Blackwater sw., (4) ½ of 280 ac. adj. Thos. Poythress & Youngs’ & Winningham  = 749 ac.

He gave son, Francis: (150 ac.) “Brick Chimneys adj. bro. John & uncle Thos. adj. Deep Bottom, ½ of 280 ac. adj. Thos. Poythress & Youngs’ & Winningham = 290 ac. 

He gave son, Wm.: 150 ac. “Powells” adj. Thos. Poythress, Thos. Lovesay & Joseph Patterson = 150 ac. Total: 1,189 ac.

He gave each son a negro: Betty, Judy & Grace; Rebecca, negro Tom; Elizabeth, negro boy, Jamy; Ann, negro boy Will; wife, Mary, Seipis.

William: 150 + 400 = 550 ac.; sold 400 = 150 ac. Pr. Geo. Co.

100 Bertie Co.; sold 100 Bertie Co.; sold 140 Bertie Co. = had 240 ac. Bertie Co.

200 ac. Hertford Co., N. C. = 200 ac. Hertford Co.

Slaves: inherited one of three slaves, Betty Judy or Grace (1724)

Neighbors: Thomas Poythress, Thomas Lovesay, Joseph Patterson, John Wagnon, John Harrell, William Outlaw, Thomas Outlaw, Robert Bolling