Transcriptions of Poythress Virginia Land Grants Patents & Deed

SEQ #YearPDF LinkTranscription and Notes
11723http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/John-Poythress-1723.pdfJohn Poythress 5 September 1723
Virginia Patent Book 11, pages 258-259


George &c To all &c Know Ye that for divers good Causes and Consideraceones but more especially for and in Consideracon of the Sum of Twenty Shillings of good and lawful money for our use and 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 John Poythres of Prince George County One certain Tract or parcel of Land containing Two hundred acres lying and being on the South Side of Maherin River in the County of Isle of Wight and bounded as followeth to Wit Begining at a Gum on the East Side of the Cane Branch Thence East by South forty four poles to a Black Oak Thence North Seventy five Degrees East Twenty Eight pole to a White Oak Then North Eighty five Degrees East fifty four pole to a red Oak Thence North Seventy five Degrees East fifty Seven pole to a red Oak Then North by West Eighty Nine Pole to a White Oak Then North West by West one hundred and Seventy Seven pole to a black Oak Then South West by West Eighty Six pole to a Maple by the Side of the Cane Branch aforesaid and down the various Courses of the run of the said Branch to the Begining With all &c To have & hold &c To be held &c Yielding &c paying &c provided &c In Witness &c Witness our Trusty and Wellbeloved Hugh Drysdale Esqr. our Lieut Gover. &c at Williamsburgh and &c the seal of Our said Colony the fifth day of September one Thousand Seven hundred and Twenty Three in the Tenth Year of our Reign.
Hugh Drysdale
21736http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/John-Poythress-1736.pdfJohn Poythress, Gentl. 17 March 1736
Virginia Patent Book 17, pages 293-294


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 Present shall come Greeting Know Ye that for a 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 the 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 John Poythress Gentl. one certain Tract or Parcel of Land containing Three hundred and twenty five Acres lying and being in the County of Brunswick on the South Side of Maherin River and on the North side of Fountain's Creek and bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning at a sassafras and Holly by the Side of Fountain's Creek aforesaid a Corner of James Chappels Land Thence by Chappels Lines North two hundred and thirty six Poles to a black Oak and North East sixty six Poles to a Maple by the Side of the Great Swamp Thence up the various Courses of the Run of the said Swamp to a mark't live Oak a Corner of William Duglass's Land Thence by Duglasse's Lines North eighty Degrees West fifty four Poles to a black Oak a Corner of Samuel Clarks Land Thence by Clark's Line South West by West one hundred and sixty Poles to a Hiccory Thence South twenty eight Degrees West sixty two Poles pole to a Maple by the Side of the Cane Branch a Corner of the said poythress's other Land Thence by his own old Lines North East by East eighty six Poles to a black Oak South East by East one hundred and seventy seven Poles to a white Oak South by East eighty nine Poles to a red Oak South seventy five Degrees West fifty seven Poles to a red Oak South eighty five Degrees West fifty four Poles to a white Oak South seventy five Degrees West twenty eight Poles to a black Oak and West by North forty four Poles to a Gum by the Side of Fountain's Creek just against the mouth of the Cane Branch and down the various Courses of the Run of the said Creek to the beginning With all Woods Underwoods Swamps Marshes Lowgrounds Meadows Feedings and his dues There of all Veins Mines and Quarries as well discovered as not discovered with the bounds aforesaid and being part of the said quantity of three hundred and twenty veins 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 Appurts unto the said John Poythress and to his Heirs and Assigns forever To the only Use and Behoof of him the said John Poythress his Heirs and Assigns forever To be held of us our Heirs and Successors as of our Mannor of East Greenwhich 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 proportionabley 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 John Poythress heir 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 abovementioned 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 Premisses with the Appurts 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 Trustey and Wellbeloved William Gooch Esqr. our Lieut Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Colony and Dominion at Williamsburg Under the Seal of our said Colony the Seventeenth day of March one thousand seven hundred and thirty six In the Tenth Year of our Reign.
31773http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Thomas-Poythress-1773.pdfThomas Poythress of Prince George County to John Dawson
6 July 1773

Deed Book 11, pages 239-241, Brunswick County, Virginia



This Indenture made the Sixth Day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and
seventy three Between Thomas Poythress of Prince George County Virginia and John Dawson of
Brunswick County Virginia Witnesseth that the said Thomas Poythress for and in Consideration of
the sum of Four Hundred Pounds Current Money as aforesaid to him in Hand paid as aforesaid by
the said, John Dawson at and before the sealing and Delivery of these Presents the Receipt hereof
the said Thomas Poythress Doth Hereby Acknowledge and thereof Doth acquit the said John
Dawson his Heirs Extors and Administrators Hath granted Bargained sold aliened Enfeoffed
Confirmed and made over and by these Presents Do Grant Bargain sell alien Enfeoff & Confirm and
make over unto the said John Dawson his Heirs and assigns forever Two Certain Tracts, Parcels or
Dividends of Land Containing by Estamation five hundred and Twenty five Acres be the same more
or Less, to wit, Begining at a Gum on the East side of the Cane Branch thence East by south forty
four Poles to a black oak thence north seventy five Degrees East Twenty eight Poles to a White Oak
thence North Eighty five Degrees East fifty four Pole to a Red oak thence North seventy five
Degrees East fifty seven Pole to a Red Oak thence North by West Eight Nine Pole to a White Oak
Thence North west by West One Hundred and seventy seven Pole to a Black Oak thence south west
by west Eighty Six Pole to a Maple by the side of the Cane Branch aforesaid and Down the Various
Courses of the Run of the said Branch to the Begining Containing Two Hundred acres more or Less
part of the above Mentioned five Hundred and Twenty five Acres also one other Tract or Parcle of
Land Containing by Estamation three Hundred and Twenty five Acres Bounded by the above
Mention'd Tract of Two Hundred acres of Land to wit Begining at a Sassafrass and Holly by the
sides of fountains Creek a Corner of James Chapples Land Thence by Chappell's Land line North
Two Hundred and thirty six powls to a Black Oak and North East Sixty Six Poles, to a Mapel by the
side of Great swamp thence up the Various Courses of the said swamp to a Marked Live Oake a
Corner of William Doughlass's Land thence by Doughlass's Line North Eighty Degrees West fifty
four Pole to a Black a Corner of Samuel Clark's Land thence by Clark's Line south west by west one
Hundred and sixty Poles to a Hickory, thence south Twenty Eight Degrees West Sixty two Poles to a
Maple by the side of the Cane Branch a Corner of the above tract of Two Hundred acres of Land
thence along the said Land North East by East Eighty Six Poles to a Black oak, south East by East
one Hundred and seventy seven Poles to a White Oak south By East, Eighty Nine Poles to a Red Oak
south seventy five Degrees West fifty seven Poles to a Red Oak, south Eighty five Degrees West fifty
four Poles to a White Oak south seventy five Degrees west Twenty Eight Degrees poles to a Black
Oak and west by North forty four Poles to a Gum by the side of Fountain's Creek Just against the
Mouth of the Cane Branch and Down the varias Courses of the Run of the said Creek to the
Begining and the Revertion and Revertions Remainder & Remainders of and singular the Premises
with the appertenances and all the Estate Right Title, Possession Claim and Demand whatsoever of
him the said Thomas Poythress to the said Land and
Premisses on of in or unto any Part thereof To have and to hold, the said Land and Premisses with
the appertenances unto the said John Dawson his Heirs and assigns forever and to no other use
intent or Meaning Whatsoever and the said Thomas Poythress Doth hereby Promise for himself his
Heirs and assigns that he and every of them shall and will warrent and forever Defend by these
Presents the above Mentioned Premises with their and every of their appertenances unto the said
John Dawson his Heirs and assigns forever In Witness whereof the I said Have Hereunto set my
Hand and affixed my seal the Day and year first above Written.
Sealed and Delivered
In the presence of Thomas Poythress (LS)
David Edmunds
Howell Edmunds
David Edmunds Jr.
Memorandom that on the sixth Day of July 1773 the within Named Thomas Poythress Did Deliver
to the within Named John Dawson Quiet and Peaceble Possion and seison of the within Mentioned
Tract or parcle of Land and Premisses with the appertenances thereunto Belonging to Hold to him
the said John Dawson His Heirs and assigns forever According to the true intent & Meaning of the
within Written Deed
In the presence of Thomas Poythress (LS)
David Edmunds
Howell Edmunds
David Edmunds Jr.
July 6th 1773 then Received of John Dawson the sum of Four Hundred Pounds Current Money of
Virginia it being in full for the Consideration Money within Mentioned
Received P me Thomas Poythress
At a Court held for Brunswick County the 24th Day of January 1774
This Indenture of Bargain and sale and Memorandum from Thomas Poythress to John Dawson was
proved by the Oaths of David Edmunds and David Edmunds Junr. two of the Witnesses Hereto and
Ordered to be Certified and At a Court held for the said County the 28th Day of February following
the same was proved by the Oath of Howell Edmunds and ordered to be Recorded.
Test
Peter Pelham Junr. Clk.
41773http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Thomas-Poythress-Rives-1773.pdfThomas Poythress of Prince George County to William Rives
13 May 1773
Deed Book 13, page 1, Brunswick County, Virginia


This Indenture made this thirteenth Day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and seventy three Between Thomas Poythress of Martin’s Brandon Parish in Prince George County of the one part and William Rives Son of George Rives deceased in Meherrin Parish and the County of Brunswick of the other Part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Poythress for and in Consideration of the Sum of One Hundred and fifty Pounds Current Money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said William Rives the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge hath granted Bargained and Sold Alien’d and Confirmed and by these Presents doth Grant Bargain and Sell Alien and Confirm unto the said William Rives his Heirs and Assigns forever one Tract or parcel of Land situate lying and being in the said Parish of Maherrin and aforesaid County of Brunswick adjoining the Lands of Benjamin Rives and Richard Woodroof lying upon the Beaver pond Creek containing two hundred and seventy five Acres be the same more or less with all and singular its appurtenances thereunto belonging and also the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders thereof and all the Estate right Title Claim Interest and Demand whatsoever of him the said Thomas Poythress of in and to the said Two hundred and seventy five Acres of Land and every part and parcel thereof To have and to hold the said Two Hundred and seventy five Acres of Land be the same more or less with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Rives his Heirs and Assigns forever And the said Thomas Poythress for himself and his Heirs the said Two hundred and Seventy five Acres of Land with its Appurtenances against him and his Heirs and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever to the said William Rives his Heirs and Assigns shall and will Warrant and forever defend by these Presents In Witness whereof the said Thomas Poythress hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his Seal the Day and Year above Written.
Signed Sealed and Delivered Thos. Poythress (L.S.)
in presence of
James Young
William Rives
Benjamin Rives
At a Court held for Brunswick County the 22d Day of November 1773. This Indenture was partly proved by the Oaths of James Young and William Rives two of the Witnesses thereto.
Test
Peter Pelham Jr. Ct. Cur.
51783http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Morris-to-Meridith-Poythress-1783.pdfJohn Morris of Brunswick County to Meridith Poythress 2
2 September 1783
Order Book 2, page 506-507, Brunswick County, Virginia

This Indenture made this 22d Day of September one thousand seven hundred and eighty three
between John Morris of the County of Brunswick in the state of Virginia of the one part and
Meridith Poythress of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Morris for
and in consideration of the sum of forty pounds current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by
the said Meridith Poythress the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself therewith
fully and entirely satisfyed hath granted bargained sold released and Confirmed and for himself
and his heirs doth grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto said Meridith Poythress his
heirs and assigns forever one certain tract or parcel of land lying in the said County and
Containing by estimation fifty acres of Land be the same more or less and bounded as followeth
(to wit) Beginning at a red oak on Eatons road on James Upchurches line, thence along the said line
to a corner white oak thence along John Morris's line to a corner hickory thence along Zachariah
Simns line to a corner red oak on Eatons road, and from thence along the said road to the
beginning with all houses orchards gardens fences wood and underwoods water and water courses
thereon standing growing and being with all profits commodities advantages and appurtenances
also the reversion and reversion remainder and remainders and every part and parcel thereof To
have and to hold the said granted land and premises unto the said Meridith Poythress his heirs and
assigns forever and the said John Morris for himself and his heirs shall and will warrant and forever
defend the same unto the said Meridith Poythress his heirs or assigns Clear from all former sale
gifts mortgages rights of dower and every other incumberance whatsoever In Witness whereof the
assigned John Morris hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above
written.
his
signed sealed and delivered John + Morris (LS)
mark
in presence of us . . . . . . .
Brunswick County Court 22d September 1783
This Indenture was Acknowledged in Court by John Morris a partie thereto and ordered to be
recorded.
Teste
Drury Stith Ct. C
61786http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Poythress-to-Cleaton-1786.pdfMeredith Poythress to William Cleaton
1786 
Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 7, p.52 

Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,876 or 32,535 Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 7, p.52. 



Bpn notes: 

(1) I thank Maynard Poythress, who on 11 Apr 1997 provided his transcription of this document to our Poythress List; while that transcription was missing some words that this transcription provides/corrects, Maynard identified for us the additional information that "firken" (spelled "furkin" below) was a small pail for clabber, butter, etc.) 

(2) The below-named witness Alexander Pointer was husband of William Cleaton's daughter, Nancy (sister of Edith and Jeane), by the time Cleaton made his will in 1791. So in 1786 Pointer may have already been Meredith Poythress' brother-in-law. 

(3) On 1 March 1786 in this document Meredith Poythress refers to (his father-in-law) William Cleaton having paid the tax that Meredith owed for two years of taxes on 375 acres of land. NO location is mentioned for the land. We need to see if that land could have been in Brunswick Co, VA or perhaps Warren Co, NC (across the state line where many Mecklenburg County residents had numerous family connections). It appears that Meredith did NOT own 375 acres in Mecklenburg Co, VA, unless perhaps he only owned it from 1783 through 1786: the Mecklenburg Co, VA Land Tax records I've previously reviewed began in 1782, in which year no Poythress was taxed in either the Upper or Lower District. The Lower District lists were missing for 1783 through 1786 on the films I examined, so perhaps those lists could be found in a more thorough examination of tax records. No Poythress was taxed for land in either District in 1787 through 1792. After 1792, a Peter Poythress began being taxed on land; in 1797 Lewis Poythress began being taxed as well as Peter. Later other Poythress mens' names appeared, but in all the years of 1787 through 1850 Meredith was never taxed by Mecklenburg for land. 
(4) Yet we know that Meredith lived in Mecklenburg Co, VA beginning in 1786. Arriving in Mecklenburg in 1786 is another indication that his 375 acres of land (for which his father-in-law had paid the 2 years of tax) was likely in some other county. We know he arrived in Mecklenburg in 1786 because he began being listed on Mecklenburg Co's Personal Property Tax List beginning in 1786 and his listing there continued every year through 1801. Meredith's "son Peter" was added to Meredith's own listing for both 1800 and 1801, but after that neither of them were on Mecklenburg's Personal Property Tax List, so apparently both had gone (to Georgia, for both?). 

(5) One further indication that perhaps the 375-acre tract was in a very near county comes from the posting I made to our Poythress List on 17 Feb Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,876 or 32,535 Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 7, p.52 1 2009, in a posting captioned "1789 Wm Cleaton Deed of Trust re land where Meredith Poythress then lived." That Deed of Trust by Meredith's father-in-law William Cleaton (who owed money to George Nicholson of Warren Co, NC) was secured by "One hundred and fifty Acres of Land, lying on the Waters of Parham's Creek Adjoining William Taylor, Isham Epps and from thence to Crawleys Line, it being part of a Tract of Land that Meredith Poythress now lives on." 

(6) This March 1786 document was not listed in the Mecklenburg Deeds Grantors Index. Even though this document is not labelled in the margin as being a "Deed of Trust" (that is, a document securing a loan) I am convinced that is what it is, even though it does not give a certain date when Wm Cleaton could sell these personal items if the debt was not yet repaid, as we have seen in other Deeds of Trust I've recently transcribed. (Not all documents are properly labelled in the margin of the Deed Book.) 

(7) I am of the opinion, based on the above, that Meredith was simply sheltering all of his assets, by moving them into his father-in-law's name to protect them from creditors. I don't think his father-in-law actually took possession of the items. Meredith and his wife Edith Cleaton (who was still alive when her father wrote his will in 1791) and their children would have needed use of these personal items. 

(8) That conclusion is reinforced by the fact that just 3 years later, Merodith [sic] Poythress was listed as an Insolvent owing tax on 1 Horse for the year 1789, in a list returned to the Nov 1790 Court in Mecklenburg Co, VA by John Wilson Junr, D. Shff. This info is in a serialized article in The Virginia Genealogist, contributed by Robert Y. Clay; Poythress appears in Vol.22 (1978), p.49. 

(9) I've added punctuation, in square brackets, to aid in reading the list of items. _____________



Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 7
p.52
Poythress
to
Cleaton
Know all men by these presents that I Merideth Poythress of the County
of Mecklenburg have Bargained and sold unto William Cleaton of the same
County two feather Beds and furniture[,] one Iron Pott[,] one Dutch Oven[,]
one Iron skillet; one frying pan[,] one Desk[,] half Dozen house Chaers[,]
one chest[,] one Sow and Six piggs[,] one heifer Yearling[,] one Woollings
wheel and Cards[,] one flax wheel[,] one Table[,] two pewter Dishes[,] five
plates[,] two Basons[,] three punch Boles[,] half Dozen knives and forks[,]
Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,876 or 32,535 Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 7, p.52 2
one Looking Glass[,] one Mare filley[,] one water pale[,] one piging[,] one
washing Tub[,] two Small axes[,] Two plow hoes[,] three weeding hoes[,] one
Coffee pot[,] Two Small Juggs[,] one Grid Iron[,] one Chees Toster[,] one
Rost meet Spit[,] two flatt Irons[,] one pare of fire Tongs and Shovel[,]
one hocake hoe[,] half Dozen Spoons[,] Two Small Casks[,] one Churn[,] one
furkin[,] one Candle Stand[,] one Reel[,] two Geese[,] forteen pottrey[,]
one Canteen[,] two Sugar Boxes[,] two Slays[,] three Bottles[,] one Raw Cow
hide[,] one fiddle[,] and all the Rest of my Goods and Chattels for the Sum
of five hundred and fifty weight of Inspected Petersburg Tobacco and
thirteen pounds Eighteen Shillings[,] and the tax of three hundred and
Seventy five Acres of Land for two years paid in hand[.] I the said
Poythress do warrant these Said articles to him the Said Cleaton Clean from
all persons whatsoever as Witness my hand and Seal
Merideth Poythress (L.S.)
Signed Sealed and Delivered
in presence of
Test
Isham Eppes
Alexander (his + mark) Pointer March 1st day, 1786
Henry Wartman
=
At a Court held for Mecklenburg County the 10th day of July 1786
This Bill sale was acknowledged by Merideth Poythress a party thereto and
Ordered to be recorded -
Teste John Brown Ck Curt
Examined
William Cleaton to George Nicholson, Mecklenburg Co, VA, February 14th, 1789

Note: This Deed of Trust secured a pre-existing debt that William Cleaton of
Mecklenburg Co, VA owed to a man in Warren Co, NC. By this Deed of Trust the
debt was secured by land owned by William Cleaton, which was part of the
tract of land on which Meredith Poythress was then living (while married to
William Cleaton's daughter Edith). What is curious to me, is that the
document does not say in what county or state the land is located;
presumably in Mecklenburg Co, VA since that's where the Deed of Trust was
recorded
71789http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Cleaton-to-Nicholson-1789.pdfWilliam Cleaton to George Nicholson
Mecklenburg Co, VA,
14 Feb, 1789

Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,876 & 32,535 Mecklenburg Co, VA
Deed Book 7, pp.482-483:

Bpn note: This Deed of Trust secured a pre-existing debt that William Cleaton of
Mecklenburg Co, VA owed to a man in Warren Co, NC. By this Deed of Trust the
debt was secured by land owned by William Cleaton, which was part of the
tract of land on which Meredith Poythress was then living (while married to
William Cleaton’s daughter Edith). What is curious to me, is that the
document does not say in what county or state the land is located;
presumably in Mecklenburg Co, VA since that’s where the Deed of Trust was
recorded.
= =
p.482
Cleaton
to Nicholson
This Indenture made this 14th day of February in the year of Our Lord one
Thousand seven hundred and Eighty Nine Between William Cleaton of the County
of Mecklenburg and state of Virginia of the one part and George Nicholson of
The County of Warren and State of North Carolina of The Other part,
Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of the Sum of Fourteen pounds
Eighteen Shillings and ten pence Current Money of Virginia which I the Said
William Cleaton are Justly Indebted to the Said George Nicholson and
honestly desire to Secure and pay to the Said George Nicholson and for and
in in [sic] the farther consideration of the Sum of five Shillings like
money to the Said William Cleaton in hand paid by the Said George Nicholson
at or before the Sealing and Delivering of this, the receipt whereof I
hereby Acknowledge, and Thereof, and of every part thereof Exonerate and
discharge the Said William Cleaton his heirs Executors and Administrators he
the Said William Clleaton hath granted bargained Sold and Confirm’d to the
Said George Nicholson his heirs and Assigns forever, One hundred and fifty
Acres of Land, lying on the Waters of Parham’s Creek Adjoining William
Taylor, Isham Epps and from thence to Crawleys Line, it being part of a
Tract of Land that Meredith Poythress now lives on. To have and to hold the
Said Land and premises unto the Said George Nicholson his heirs and Assigns
forever, to the only proper Use and Behoof of the Said George Nicholson his
heirs and Assigns forever, and the Said William Cleaton doth hereby grant
for him Self and his heirs. The Said William Cleaton and his heirs and
every of them Shall and will Warrant and forever defend the Said Land and
premises and every part and Article There of and Singular and every part and
Article thereof, with all and Singular the rights and Appurtenances unto the
Said Nicholson his heirs and Assigns forever, against the Said William
Cleaton and his heirs and every of them, and against every other Person
whatsoever upon
= =p.483
upon Trust, Nevertheless that the Said George Nicholson his Heirs Executors,
Administrators or Assigns shall at any time after the first day of December
next (ensuing this date) sell for the best price that can be gotten after
giving Ten days Notice, and out of the money arising from such Sale
discharge, Pay and Satisfy to the Said Nicholson the above mentioned Sum –
with Lawful Interest from the date hereof 1789 until the Same shall be fully
discharged and the Expence attending the Sale aforesaid, and The other
necessary Expences that shall attend the Securing and obtaining the Above
Money or performing any thing that is or shall be necessary relative to the
intent of This Indenture and that the Said George Nicholson his heirs
Executors Administrators or Assigns shall pay or cause to be paid the
overplus if any remain from Such Sale to the said William Cleaton his heirs
Executors or to his Order – In witness whereof The said William Cleaton
hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written.
William (his W mark) Cleaton (L.S.)
Sealed and Delivered
in presence of
Marriott Davis
Thomas Goodwyn Taylor
Coleman (his x mark) Young
=
At a court held for Mecklenburg County the 13th day of April 1789
This Indenture of trust was proven by the Oath of Marriott Davis a witness
Thereto, and at a Court held for the Same County the 12th day of October
following The Said Indenture was further proven by the Oaths of Thomas
Goodwyn Taylor and Coleman Young two witnesses thereto and Ordered to be
recorded.
Teste John Brown Ck Curt
81793http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Tabatha-Randolph-1793.pdfDeed of Tabitha (Poythress) Randolph
recorded June 1793

Chesterfield County
Deed Book 12, p. 396 – abstracted
The Edwards Pleasants Valentine Papers

Note: actual death year for Tabitha Randolph is 1805
Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,883 & 32,544 Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 27, pp.331-332:

Tabitha Randolph, of the Co. of Chesterfield, daughter of Robert Poythress, late of the Co. of Prince George, decd. Deed to Henry Archer of Chesterfield Co. L100. 1/5 interest in 8 negroes and their increase devised by her father Robert Poythress of Prince George Co., in his will dated May 24,1743, In which sd. Robert Poythress provided that his wife should have a life interest in the said negroes and their increase and that at her death sd. negroes and their increase should be equally divided between three sons of sd. Robert Poythress viz. Robert, Peter, and William Poythress and such of the testators daughters as were married at the time of their mother’s death. The said Tabitha being married at the time of her mother’s death conveys this interest.
= =
p.331
91797https://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1796-deed-John-Cleaton-to-Lewis-Poythress.pdfJohn Cleaton to Lewis Poythress
FHL film 32,536 Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 10, p.62 and p.96
10 Apr 1797

This transcription was posted to the Poythress Rootsweb Mailing List on
2/06/2009 by Barbara Poythress Neal

Note: In the original recording of the deed on
p.62 of DB 10, in Apr of 1797, there is no mention of the name of John
Cleaton's wife, Martha Cleaton, and no dower release recorded right then
(which is not unusual). However, 34 pages further, on p.96 of DB 10, her
name appears when it was ordered on 9 Apr 1799 to go and examine her since
she could not conveniently appear. She was examined that same day, and
released her dower right, and the document was recorded in Court on 10 June
1799.
= =
Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 10, p.62:
Cleaton Snr
to
Poythress
This Indenture made this Second day of March in the year of our Lord
Christ one thousand Seven hundred and ninety Six between John Cleaton and
[blank space] Cleaton his wife of the County of Mecklenburg of the one part
and Lewis Poythress of the Same County of the other part Witnesseth that
the John Cleton [sic] and [blank space] his wife for and in consideration of
the Sum of one hundred and ninety Six dollars Current money of Virginia to
Him in hand paid or so provided for that they do hereby acknowledge
themselves to be fully and entirely Satisfied therewith hath granted
Bargained Sold aliened released and Confirmed and by these presents doth for
themselves and their heirs grant bargain Sell alien release and Confirm unto
the said Lewis Poythress and to his heirs or assigns forever one Certain
tract or parcel of land lying and being in the lower end of Mecklenburg
County on the waters of Great Creek Containing ninety eight acres be it the
Same more or less, and bounded as follows to wit, Beginning at a Sweet gum
on Giles's line on the great Creek, thence along his line to a poplar ash
and maple chopt inwards on the the [sic] long branch, Thence up the Said
branch and meander to a Sweet gum on the Same on the branch, thence a new
line to a Sweet gum on great Creek on John Webb's line, thence up the
meander of the Said Creek to the beginning - To have and to hold the
aforesaid tract or parcel of land with all the improvements, woods, under
woods, waters, and water courses thereon Standing growing and being with all
profits Comodities [sic] advantages and appurtenances whatsoever to the Same
belonging or any ways appurtaining and also the reversion and reversions
remainder and remainders thereof and every part and parcel thereof with
their and every of their appurtenances unto the Said Lewis Poythress his
heirs executors administrators or assigns to the only proper use and behoof
of them the Said Lewis Poythress and his heirs executors, administrators or
assigns forever and they the Said John Cleton [sic] and [blank space] his
wife for themselves and their heirs doth Covenant grant and agree to and
with the Said Lewis Poythress his heirs and assigns that he and They may at
all times hereafter peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy the the [sic] Said
granted land and premises free from all incumberences [sic] whatever from
all former Sales gifts mortgages rights of dower or any other incumberance
[sic] whatever and they the Said John Cleaton and [blank space] his wife and
their heirs Shall and will warrant and forever Defend the title of the Said
granted land and premises - In witness whereof we have hereunto Set our
hands and affixed our Seals day and date above Written
Signed Seal'd and Delivered John Cleaton (LS)
In the presence of
Thomas Watson
John Giles
Edward Giles junr
Isham Nance
Wm Blanton
= =
At a Court held for Mecklenburg County the 10th day of April 1797
This Indenture was proved by the oath of Isham Nance and William Blanton
witnesses thereto and at a Court held for the Same County the 8th [sic] day
of April following the Said Indenture was further proved by the oath of
Thomas Watson another witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Examined Teste William Baskervill Clk Crt
= =
Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 10, p.96:
Cleaton
to
Poythress
The Commonwealth of Virginia to William Davis and James Harwell Gentlemen
Greeting Whereas John Cleaton and Martha Cleaton by their Certain Indenture
of Bargain and Sale bearing date the 2nd day of March 1796 have Sold and
Conveyed unto Lewis Poythress the fee simple estate of and in ninety eight
acres of land be the Same more or less lying and being in the County of
Mecklenburg & Whereas the Said Martha Cleaton cannot conveniently travel to
the Court of the Said County to make acknowledgement of the Said Conveyance
therefore power is given unto you or any two or more of you to receive the
acknowledgement which the Said Martha Cleaton Shall be willing to make
before you of the Conveyance aforesaid Contained in the Said Indenture which
is hereunto annexed and you are therefore commanded that you do personally
go the Said Martha Cleaton and receive her acknowledgment of the Same and
examine her privially [sic] and apart from the Said John Cleaton her husband
whether she doth the Same freely and Voluntarily without his persuasiveness
or threats and whether she be willing that the same Should be received in
the County Court aforesaid and when you have received her acknowledgment and
examined her as aforesaid that you distinctly and openly Certify the Said
Court thereof under your Seals Sending then there this writ Witness William
Baskervill Clerk of our Said Court the 9th day of April 1799 in the 23rd
year of the Commonwealth.
WBaskervill
In Compliance with the within we have this day made application to the
within named Martha Cleaton as herein required and She hath relinquished her
right of dower to the land Contained in the hereunto annexed deed. Given
under our hands and Seals this 9th day of April 1799 and of the Commonwealth
the 23rd.
William Davis (LS)
Jas Horwath (LS)
At a Court held for Mecklenburg County the 10th day of June 1799
This Commission and the Certificate of the causation thereof being
returned into Court were ordered to be recorded.
Tests William Baskervill Clk Crt
101801https://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Thomas-Watson-to-Lewis-Poythress-1801.pdfThomas Watson to Lewis Poythress
Mecklenburg Co, VA
Deed Book 11, pp.47-48
4 Nov, 1801

Originally Posted to Rootsweb Poythress Mailing List: 02/13/2009

Note: The maiden name of Thomas Watson's wife Susannah relinquishing dower
for this sale of land to Lewis Poythress, was Susannah Taylor. She was
daughter of Amey Malone & the elder Goodwyn Taylor; Susannah's 8 siblings
were:
- Sally/Sarah who married Abel Dortch;
- Martha Taylor who married John Cleaton (John was one of the children of
William Cleaton & Jane Poole; his siblings included Edith Cleaton who
married Meredith Poythress and Jeane Cleaton who married Edward Giles);
- Polly Jones Taylor who married James Watson;
- Betsy/Elizabeth Taylor who married David Dortch (the younger David, who
was Executor of his father David Dortch. The younger David Dortch was
sibling of Rebecca Dortch who married David Taylor, with Rebecca & David
Taylor being parents of Rebecca B Taylor)
- Nancy Taylor
- Goodwyn Taylor Jr
- John Taylor
- Penelope Taylor who married Herbert Cook
= =

Transcribed by Bpn from FHL film 1,870,878 (or 32,537) Mecklenburg Co, VA
Deed Book 11, pp.47-48:
= =
p.47
Watson
to
Poythress
This Indenture made this fourth day of November in the Year our Lord
Christ one thousand Eight hundred and one - Between Thomas Watson of the
County of Mecklenburg of the one part and Lewis Poythress of the other part
Witnesseth that the said Thomas Watson for and in Consideration of the Sum
of Twenty five pounds lawful Money of Virginia to him in hand paid the
Receipt whereof he doth hereby Acknowledge have bargained & Sold and by
these presents doth bargain and Sell unto the said Lewis Poythress his Heirs
and Assigns one Certain Tract or Parcel of Land Containing one Hundred and
four Acres be the same more or less lying and being on the long Branch in
the County aforesaid and bounded as followeth Beginning at a Black Jack on
Joseph Walkers line thence along his line to an Ash on the long Branch
thence up the said Branch as it Meanders to an Ash at the Mouth of [blank
space] Branch thence up Prettest Branch to a Post Oak in Nances line thence
along his line to the Beginning To have and to hold the said Granted Land
with Tenements Hereditaments and all and Singular the Premises thereunto
belonging or any ways Appertaining with their and Every of their
Appurtinences unto the said Lewis Poythress his Heirs and Assigns to the
only proper use and Behoof of the said Lewis Poythress and his Heirs and
Assigns forever and the said Thomas Watson will and doth Warrant and
forever defend the title of the said granted Land and Premises unto the said
Lewis Poythress his Heirs and Assigns forever free from the Claim of
themselves or any other Person or Persons whatsoever and the said Thomas
Watson and his Heirs doth hereby warrant and forever defend the title of the
said Granted Land and Premises. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my Seal this day and Year above Written.
Thomas Watson (L.S.)
Signed and Sealed
In presence of
John Nance
Isham Nance
Peter (his x mark) Tammas [sic]
Isham Nance Jr
Thoms Nance
=
same
to
same
&
Comm
The Commonwealth of Virginia To Lewis Parham, James Harwell, Hutchins
Ferrell and Samuel Holmes Gentlemen greeting whereas Thomas Watson By his
Certain Indenture of bargain and Sale bearing date the 4th day of November
1801 has Sold and Conveyed unto Lewis Poythress the fee simple Estate of and
in of one hundred and one Acres of land be the same more or less lying and
being in the
County
==p.48
County of Mecklenburg and whereas Susanna Watson the wife of the said Thomas
Cannot Conveniently travel to the Court of the said County to relinquish her
right of dower in the said Lands therefore Power is given unto you or any
two of you to receive the Relinquishment which the said Susannah shall be
willing to make before you of her right of dower in the Estate Conveyed by
the said Indenture which is hereunto Annexed and you are therefore Commanded
that you do personally go to the said Susanna and receive her relinquishment
of the same and Examine her privily and apart from the said Thomas her
Husband whither she doth the same freely and Voluntarily without his
Pursuasions or threats and whither she be willing the same should be
Recorded in the County Court aforesaid and when you have received her
Relinquishment & Examined her as aforesaid that you distinctly and openly
Certifie the said Court thereof under your Seals sending then there the said
Indenture and this Writ witness William Baskervill Clerk of our said Court
the 20th day of November 1801 In the 26th year of the Commonwealth
John Dortch D. Ck.
=
Mecklenburg County, to wit,
We do hereby Certifie that we have this day made Application to the
within named Susanna at the house of Lewis Parham in this County and have
Examined her as herein Required and that she doth freely and willingly
without the threats or Persuasians of her said Husband Relinquish her right
of dower to the Land Contained in the hereto Annexed Deed and Consents that
same shall be recorded- Given under our hands and Seals this Eightht day of
December 1801
Samuel Holms (L.S.)
Lewis Parham (L.S.)
=
At a Court held for Mecklenburg County the 14th day of December 1801
This Indenture was Acknowledged by Thomas Watson a party thereto and
together with the Commissian Annexed and the Certificate of the Execution
therof ordered to be Recorded.
Teste William Baskervill Ck. Cur.
111837http://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/Perkins-to-David-Poythress-1837.pdfJohn Perkinson & wife to David Poythress
14 September, 1837

Mecklenburg County Clerks Office 25th September 1837

This Indenture made and entered into this the 14th day of September 1837
Between John M. Perkinson and Lucy Carolina [or Caroline] his wife of the
first part and David Poythress of the other part all of the county of
Mecklenburg & state of Virginia. Witnesseth, that whereas the said John M.
Perkinson and Lucy Carolina his wife for and in consideration of the sum of
Two Hundred and fifty Dollars to them in hand paid by the Said David
Poythress at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the
receipt whereoff is hereby acknowledged Have bargained and sold and by
these presents doth bargain and sell to the Said David Poythress, his heirs
& assigns, a certain tract or parcel of Land (on which he now resides)
containing one hundred acres, and bounded as follows on the South and West
by the Land of Williamson Rainey Senr on the north by the land of Lewis
Poythress and on the East by the Land of Leonard Thomas. To have and to
hold the Said Tract or parcel of Land together with all and every part or
parcel intended to be Sold, free from the claim or claims of all and every
person or persons, unto him the Said David Poythress his heirs or assigns
forever. In Testimony whereoff he the Said John M. Perkinson and Lucy
Caroline (his wife) have hereunto set their hands and affixed their Seals
this the day and year above written.
John M. Perkinson (seal)
Lucy C. Perkinson (seal)
=
Mecklenburg County towit:
We Drury Penington and Thomas Wartman Justices of the peace in the county
aforesaid do hereby certify that John M. Perkinson and Lucy C his wife
parties to the the annexed and bearing date 14th September 1837 personally
appeared before us in our county aforesaid and acknowledged the same to be
their act and deed and desired us to certify the Said acknowledgement to the
Clerk of our county court in order that the Said deed may be recorded.
Given under our hands and seals this 14th September 1837.
Drury Penington J.P.(seal)
Thomas Wartman J.P.(seal)
=
Mecklenburg County towit,
We Drury Penington and Thomas Wartman Justices of the peace in the county
aforesaid do hereby certify that Lucy C the wife of John M. Perkinson
parties to the annexed and bearing date 14th September 1837 personally
appeared before us in our county aforesaid and being examined by us privily
and apart from her husband and having the deed aforesaid fully explained
when she the said Lucy C. acknowledged the same to be her act and deed and
declared she had willingly signed sealed and delivered the same and that she
wished not to retract it. Given under our hands and seals this 14th day of
September 1837.
Drury Penington J.P.(seal)
Thomas Wartman J.P.(seal)
==p.332
Mecklenburg County Clerks Office 25th September 1837
The foregoing indenture of Bargain and sale together with the
certificates of acknowledgement and relinquishment of dower Thereon endorsed
was received in the Clerks Office aforesaid [illegible, possibly “in
vocation”] and pursuant to an act of assembly is admitted to record-
Teste Richard B. Baptist C.C.
121845https://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lewis-Poythress-to-Lewis-Y-1.pdfLewis Poythress to Lewis Y. Poythress and Thomas M. Poythress
Mecklenburg County, Deed Book 31, 1843-1845
Reel 15, p. 605 Recorded 18 October 1845
September 14, 1845

Know all men by these presents that I Lewis Poythress, Sr. for and consideration of my natural estimation and love for my two youngest sons Lewis and Thomas Poythress and in the further consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by them the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do give unto my sons above named one tract of land containing by estimation one hundred and forty acres bounded as follows (virg) by the land of Charles D. Cleaton, and John Giles and David Poythress, Williamson Rainey Sr. together with one yoke of oxen, one cow and calf, oxcart, one box of furniture, forever free from the claim or claims of all and any person whatsoever upon the condition however that my said sons Lewis and Thomas do bond themselves to keep me the said Lewis Poythress and my wife Rebecca Poythress free from want the remainder of our lives from the adversity of the above named land and other property. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 14th day of September 1845.

Lewis Poythress
Lewis Y. Poythress
Thomas M. Poythress
Mecklenburg County

Mr. James M. Harwell and Benj H. Rogers Justices of the peace in the county aforesaid in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Lewis Poythress, Lewis Y. Poythress and Thomas M. Poythress parties to a certain deed bearing date on the 14th day of September 1844 and hereto ____personally appears before ____our county aforesaid and acknowledges the same to be their act and deed and ______to certify the sum acknowledge to the Clerk of the Court of Mecklenburg in order that the new deed may be recorded. Witness our hand and seals this 14th day of Sept. 1845.
James M. Harwell JP
Benj H. Rogers JP
Mecklenburg County Clerks Office 18th October 1845

The foregoing bill of sale together with the certificate of acknowledgment thereon endorsed was this day received in the clerks office aforesaid and admitted to record.
131848https://poythress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Lewis-Poythress-Pearson-Poythress-1848-Deed.pdfLewis Poythress, Williamsson Pearson and David Poythress
17 July, 1848
Transcribed from photocopies of Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed Book 32, pp.
537-538, beginning near the bottom of p. 537

This transcription and related notes were posted to the Poythress Rootsweb Mailing List 12 Aug, 1998
by Barbara Poythress Neal

We have previously known that Lewis Poythress (father of Thomas, Lewis Y,
and we think of David and James E) died sometime after he made a deed on 14
Sep 1845, in Mecklenburg Co, VA, in which he gave (and his wife Rebecca
Poythress released) to "my two youngest sons" Lewis Y. Poythress and Thomas
M. Poythress, sale of land (140 acres), stock, and furniture for one dollar
upon condition that said sons "do bond themselves to keep me . . . and my
wife . . . free from want the remainder of our lives . . .", Deed Book 31:
p.605.

Now I have obtained a copy of a Mecklenburg Co, VA Deed of Trust which
shows that father Lewis Poythress died before 12 July 1848, thus giving us
a somewhat narrower view of when he died. Below is a transcription of the
1848 document.

Three months ago, on 5/31/98, I sent a letter and a check to the
Mecklenburg Co, VA Clerk of Court, in hopes of obtaining copies of two
Deeds of Trust that I obviously had seen some reference to, in some message
or in some volume or in some periodical regarding Mecklenburg County, VA
Court Quarterly Sessions around 1840 to 1848. Folks, I'm absolutely lost
on recalling how I knew to request this document (and another document,
which I still don't have). If any of this rings a familiar bell with any
of you, I sure would appreciate being reminded. Lyn, was this (or were
these) something you had found listed in your earlier visit to the Court
House, perhaps?

Unfortunately, they could not locate the first item I requested, " A Deed
of Trust by James E. Poytress to Isaac Taylor, personal estate, which was
acknowledged in Office on 13 February 1843. (I do not know the page
number; I think this would probably be in Deed Book 30, though possibly in
either DB 29 or 31. The reference to this Deed of Trust is found on p.326
of Court Quarterly Sessions No. 3, 1840-1843.)" [Note, I am including
verbatim quotes for both items I requested, from my letter, since I have no
recollection of ANYTHING further about these documents.] Isaac Taylor
would have been the person close enough to take the Deed of Trust, ensuring
that someone would be repaid by James E, similar to what you see below on
the 2nd document. This could be very important, since it could well be
that Isaac Taylor is a kinsman of Rebecca B. Taylor, wife of Lewis
Poythress. Perhaps her brother (and thus James E's uncle) or possibly her
father (and thus James E's grandfather)?? This is the first I recall of
seeing Isaac Taylor's name anywhere; does anyone know anything about him?

The 2nd item was "A Deed of Trust by Lewis Y. Poythress to Williamson M.
Pearson, which is recorded in Deed Book 32, pp. 537-538. (The reference to
this Deed of Trust is found on p.452 of Court Quarterly Sessions No. 4,
1844-1848.)" This is the item that I received photocopies of now, 150
years & 1 month after this Deed of Trust was made, and which I've
transcribed below. It mentions both Lewis Y. Poythress and David
Poythress, and introduces (I think for the first time?), another name of
someone close enough to them to be willing to provide the Deed of Trust
that would ensure a legal way for David to be repaid in the event that
Lewis Y were to die before repaying him for a loan of $45. That someone is
Williamson M. Pearson. Does anyone know anything about him?

: [Note that in the original,
Williamsson M. Pearson's name is abbreviated as "Wmsson" with the "m" being
up high, near the top of the "W" and the double-s-set letter which looked
like a modern script lowercase "p." All spellings and punctuation here are
as in the original, including the variations in spelling of David's and
Lewis' last name.]
* * *
537
Poythress To Poythress
This indenture made this the 12th day of July 1848 between Lewis Y.
Poythress of the first part, Wmsson M. Pearson of the second part, and
David Poytress of the third part: Whereas the said Lewis Y. Poythress is
justly indebted to the said David Poythress in the sum of forty five
dollars, as will more fully appear by bond bearing date the 25th day of
Decr., last, which the sd Lewis Y. Poythress is willing and desirous to
secure:: Now this Indenture witnesseth, that for and in consideration of
the premises and also for the further sum of one dollar lawful money of Va
to the sd L.Y. Poytress in hand paid by the said Wmsson M. Pearson at and
before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is
hereby acknowledged, he the sd L.Y. Poythress hath sold released &
confirmed by these presents to Wmsson M. Pearson his heirs &c forever all
his interest in the
538
tract of land whereon the sd Poythress now resides containing 100 acres
more or less to gether with his interest in one youke of oxen (being the
land &c conveyed by Lewis Poythress decd to sd L.Y. & Thomas Poythress)
lying & being in the county of Mecklenburg & state of Virginia, with all
the appertenances thereunto belonging: to have and to hold the same forever
and the said Lewis Y. Poytress further on his part doth agree to warrant &
defend forever the said land &c to sd Wmsson M. Pearson his heirs &c; upon
trust nevertheless that the said Pearson his heirs &c shall permit the sd
L.Y. Poythress to remain in possession of the sd Land &c & take the
profits thereof, until default be made of the payment aforesaid sum of
forty five dollars or any part thereof and then upon further trust that he
or his legal representatives shall and will so soon after the happening of
such default of payment as he or they may think proper or the sd D.
Poytress his heirs &c may direct sell the said lands &c for ready money at
publick auction after having fixed the time and place of sale at his or
their own discretion and given ten days notice thereof at the most publick
places in the county aforesaid, and out of the monies arising from such
sale shall after satisfying the charges thereof and all other expenses
attending this deed, pay to the said David Poytress the said sum of forty
five dollars with the legal interest thereon and the balance if any shall
pay to the said Lewis Y. Poythress, his heirs &c: but if the whole of the
said sum of forty five dollars with interest &c shall be fully paid of by
the sd L.Y. Poythress his heirs &c when demand of payment shall be made so
that no default of payt be made then this indenture to be void or else to
remain in full force and virtue:
In witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their
hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written
Lewis Y. Poythress (seal)
Wmsson M. Pearson (seal)
Mecklenburg County court 17th July 1848
The foregoing deed Trust was acknowledged by Lewis Y. Poy-
tress a party thereto to be his act and and [sic] ordered to be recorded
Teste Richd B. Baptist Clk