> It would seem that Thomas Poythress has a monopoly on the DNA testing on > the website. I would not be surprised if every participant in the DNA > study was descended from Thomas. According to R. Bolling Batte, the > surname Poythress seems to have become extinct in the John Poythress, Sr., > of Deep Bottom, line. > > The Third Generation: Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County > R. Bolling Batte on Thomas Poythress > [21 iv. Thomas Poythress was born ABT 1683 in VA [(P_1) DE], and died ABT > 1750.] > > Family > Thomas Poythress was born about 1683, in Charles City County, Virginia, > the son of Major Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin. He died before May > 16, 1749, in Prince George County, Virginia. > > Civic Activities > On January 12, 1720, in Prince George County, in the case of detinue of > William Cook and Rebecca, his wife, against James Jones, the jury at the > last court failed to return a verdict, and having been called, Thomas > Poythress, one of the jurors, not appearing, the cause was deferred until > the next court, and he was to be summoned to attend. On March 8, 1720, in > the case of detinue of William Cook and Rebecca, his wife, versus James > Jones, the jury appeared and declared they could not agree on a verdict, > and they were discharged, and another jury was to be impaneled to try the > issue. On March 11, 1720, in the action of detinue of William Cook and > Rebecca, his wife, versus James Jones for £40, a jury was impaneled: John > Thweatt (foreman), Henry Thweatt, Thomas Poythress, Richard Cureton, John > Lessenby, Chichester Sturdivant and James Moody and they were to deliver > to the sheriff when they agreed. > In July, 1738, in the Prince George County court, Elizabeth Tidmarsh, > deceased, one of the orphans of Richard Tidmarsh chose Thomas Poythress, > as her guardian, who with Richard Bland his security entered into bond in > the sum of £50 current money payable to Robert Bolling, Gentleman, with > his condition of faithful guardianship of the said orphan and acknowledged > the same in court. Richard Bland (1710-1776) was married to Anne Poythress > (1712-1758), daughter of Peter Poythress and Anne Jones. Thomas Poythress > was a first cousin of Anne Poythress Bland. > In 1738, in Prince George County, a Grand Jury was empaneled, consisting > of, among others, Thomas Poythress. > On May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, the Will of William Stainback, > deceased, was exhibited in court. Thomas Poythress, among others, was to > appraise the estate. > On August 15, 1739, in the Prince George County court, in the action of > trespass for assault and battery brought by Robert Hudson against James > Moody for £10 current money damages by means of the defendant's beating, > wounding and evilly treating the plaintiff at the parish of Bristol in > this county on January 9, 1738, and other enormities to the said plaintiff > with force and arms; then and there doing against the peace; as in the > declaration set forth. The defendant by his attorney appeared and by his > attorney pleaded not guilty and for trial put himself upon the county and > the plaintiff in like manner, whereupon a jury was empaneled and labored > to try the matter in issue, by name Richard Taylor, Joshua Poythress, > Robert Poythress, Thomas Poythress, Charles Poythress, John Sturdivant, > Joseph Simmons, A. Graham Toney, Joshua Wynne, William Parsons, Timothy > Lamar, and William Batte who, having heard the evidence and allegations of > the attorneys, received their charge, were sent out, and soon afterward > returned into court and brought in their verdict "We find for the > plaintiff forty shillings current money" which verdict makes motion of the > plaintiff's attorney recorded and it is considered by the court that the > plaintiff recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum of forty > shillings being his damages by the jurors aforesaid in names aforesaid > assessed together with costs and an attorney's fee Als: Exeo. William > Parsons was married to Mary Batty. William Batte (1701-1762) was married > to Agnes Birchett and was a cousin to Thomas Poythress. Joshua and Robert > Poythress were uncles of Thomas Poythress (1683-1749). Joshua Wynne was a > second cousin of Thomas Poythress (1683-1749). > On March 11, 1741, at a court held at Fitzgerald's, for Prince George > County, on Wednesday, March 11, 1740, William Stark, Sheriff of this > County, returned the above written report of the jury ordered to lay out, > and procession the land of William Batte and Samuel Jordan. A member of > the jury, among others, was Thomas Poythress. William Batte (1701-1762) > was the son of William Batte (1678-1754) and Mary Stratton, and was > married to Agnes Birchett. William Batte (1678-1754) was the brother of > Mary Batte Poythress, wife of Captain John Poythress, Sr., and was first > cousin of Thomas Poythress. > On March 5, 1742, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of Richard Bland > against John Duke, Gentleman, this day came as well the plaintiffs by > Clement Read his attorney as the defendant in his proper person and were > heard and it being the opinion of the court that the defendant doth owe to > the plaintiff the money in the petition mentioned therefore it was > considered that the plaintiff recover against the said defendant four > pounds, twelve shillings and three pence current money and his costs by > him in this behalf expended including seven shillings and six pence for an > attorney's fee. It was ordered that Richard Bland pay Richard Bland, > Gentleman, two hundred and five pounds of tobacco for one day's attendance > at this Court and for coming and returning 60 miles as a witness for the > said Richard Bland against John Duke, Gentleman. It was ordered that > Richard Bland pay Thomas Poythress two hundred and five pounds of tobacco > for one days attendance at this court and for coming and returning 60 > miles as a witness for the said Richard against John Duke, Gentleman. > > Property > In the 1704 Quit Rents Roll, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, > Sr., paid taxes on 1,283 acres; John Poythress, Jr., paid taxes on 916 > acres; and, Thomas Poythress, paid taxes on 616 acres. > On December 9, 1712, Francis Poythress, of Westover parish, in Prince > George County, to Thomas Poythress, of the same, all my tract in the above > parish, known as "Odiums," 100 acres, bounded by John Winningham, said > Thomas Poythress, Deep Bottom Run, the dividing line of Francis and John > Poythress, with all houses, etc. The witnesses were Edward Goodrich, > Richard Hamlin and Peter Wynne. Recorded December 11, 1712. > On March 23, 1716, Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County, 180 acres of > new land, on the north side of the Nottaway River, in Surry County, on the > north side of the Woodyard Swamp, a little above the fork. This land seems > to have been bequeathed by John Poythress' daughter, Elizabeth Poythress > Cocke, to her daughter Elizabeth Cocke, in 1801. In her will, Elizabeth > said that she had received the property from her brother, John Poythress. > See September 28, 1732. John Poythress was Thomas' nephew. Thomas' "aunt" > Jane Poythress Rolfe and her husband, Thomas Rolfe, had owned property > near the Devil's Woodyard Swamp in Surry County. > On December 12, 1722, in Prince George County, Surveyor's Records, 248 > acres, to a survey for Thomas Poythress on both sides of the upper Rocky > Run on Stony Creek. Robert Bolling was the surveyor. On February 22, 1725, > Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted 248 acres of new > land, on both sides of the upper Rocky Run of Stoney Creek, in Prince > George County. > On August 25, 1731, Thomas Eldings and Peter Leath, were granted 248 acres > of lapsed land, in Prince George County, on both sides of the Rocky Run of > Stoney Creek, granted to Thomas Poythress, February 22, 1724, upon > condition of seating. Thomas Poythress seems to have let this 248 acres of > land go after seven years of ownership. > On September 28, 1732, Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County, 180 > acres, on the north side of the Nottaway River, in Surry County, beginning > at a line on the north side of the Woodyard Swamp a little below the fork, > granted on condition of seating and planting as in the said patent > expressed and since Thomas Poythress failed to make such seating and > planting and Peter Green, of Surry County, made humble suit and obtained a > grant for the same, he was granted the 180 acres. Thomas Poythress, of > Prince George County, was granted this property as new land on March 23, > 1716. After seventeen years, he lost this land or let it go and it was > taken up by Peter Green. This land was by the Woodyard Swamp. The land > seems to have been bequeathed by John Poythress' daughter, Elizabeth > Poythress Cocke, to her daughter Elizabeth Cocke, in 1801. In her will, > Elizabeth said that she had received the property from her brother, John > Poythress. See March 23, 1716. In a period of thirteen months, Thomas > Poythress seems to have lost or let go 428 acres of land, 248 acres in > Prince George County and 180 acres in Surry County. He was granted 400 > acres the following year in Prince George County on Tommaheton Swamp. > Peter Green (c. 1690-1745) was the son of Lewis Green (-aft. 1730), and > was married to Mary -----. On January 28, 1734, Peter Green, of Surry > County, 180 acres of lapsed land, in Surry County, on the north side of > the Nottoway River and the north side of Woodyard Swamp, a little below > the Fork, first granted by patent dated March 23, 1716, to Thomas > Poythress, of Prince George County, who failed to make seating and > planting, and Peter Green made humble suit and obtained a grant for the > same. > 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 > the county's early record books have been 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. > On June 20, 1733, Thomas Poythress, of Prince George County, 400 acres of > new land, in Prince George County, on the lower or north side of > Tommaheton Swamp, below the Indian Quarter. > In 1704, Thomas paid taxes on 616 acres. By 1722, he had added 528 acres, > 180 acres being in Surry County. By 1732, he had let 428 of the 528 acres > go by not seating them. In 1733, he added another 400 acres. He may have > owned as much as 1,116 acres by 1733, in Prince George County. > > Adjoining Property > On November 8, 1720, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, the > Elder, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, to John Poythress, > Jr., of the same parish and county, a parcel of land called by the name of > Powell's, containing 150 acres, bounded on the north by Richard Bland, on > the south by lands lately in the occupation of Joseph Patterson, bounded > easterly on the Deep Bottom and westerly on the land of Thomas Poythress. > The witnesses were Edward Goodrich, Thomas Binford and Margaret Goodrich. > On December 13, 1720, Francis Poythress, in open court, acknowledged his > deed for land, indented and sealed, with livery of seizure, endorsed > thereon to John Poythress on whose motion the same was ordered to be > recorded. > On July 15, 1741, George Wainwright, was granted 399 acres, in Prince > George County, on the lower side of Tommaheton Swamp adjoining his old > land purchased of John Yorke, and adjoining Thomas Poythress, to the Wolf > Pit Branch, and to Beaverpond Branch. > On September 20, 1745, in Prince George County, John Poythress, Jr., was > granted 844 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of > Tomahitton Swamp, 250 acres part of the grant to John Mitchell by patent > dated February 9, 1738, and 594 acres the residue never before granted, > adjoining John Mitchel, to the Mouth of the Spring Branch, adjoining > Thomas Poythress. John Poythress, Jr., son of John Poythress, and nephew > of Thomas Poythress (c. 1683-1749), had property that bounded his uncle > Thomas Poythress. > > Pertinent property > On September 5, 1723, John Poythress, of Prince George County, was granted > 200 acres of new land, on the south side of the Maherrin River, in Isle of > Wight County, on the east side of the Cane Branch. This was the same > property sold by Thomas Poythress (c. 1729-c. 1790s?) to John Dawson on > July 6, 1773. John Dawson (c. 1731-) was the son of William Dawson > (1704-1752) and Mary Randolph Stith (1711-). > On October 13, 1727, Captain John Poythress, of Prince George County, was > granted 275 acres of new land, on the south side of the Maherrin River, in > the County of Brunswick, on the south side of the Reedy Branch on the > Beaver Pond Creek. This was the same property sold by Thomas Poythress (c. > 1729-1800), of Martin's Brandon parish, to William Rives on May 13, 1773. > On September 28, 1732, Joshua Clarke, of Isle of Wight County, was granted > 50 acres of new land in Isle of Wight County, on the south side of the > Maherrin River, on the north side of the Cane Branch, on a corner of John > Poythress' land, to a corner of Samuel Clark's land, to a corner of Joshua > Clark's land by his own old line. > On March 17, 1737, John Poythress, Gentleman, was granted 325 acres, in > Brunswick County, on the south side of the Maherrin River and on the north > side of Fountain's Creek, by the side of the Great Swamp, by the side of > the Cane Branch, adjoining William Duglass, Samuel Clark and John > Poythress' other land. This was the same property sold by Thomas Poythress > (c. 1729-1790s?) to John Dawson on July 6, 1773. > On February 8, 1745, lease and release, Henry Dawson and Lucy, his wife, > in Amelia County, sell William Meredith of Straton Major parish, in King > and Queen County, 1,350 acres in Amelia County, on both sides of Stooks > Creek? adjoining Paulin Anderson, a branch of Sandy Creek, David Crawford, > etc. The witnesses were James Loving and Larance Smith. > On January 10, 1749, to David Dorch, 160 acres, Lunenburg County, on the > north side of Miles Creek, to Collier's corner. > > As Witness > On November 11, 1718, in Prince George County, Frances Poythress, the > Elder, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, sold to Richard Pace, > of the same, the land whereon Richard Pace lived, the plantation whereon > Joseph Carter, Edward Crossland, Thomas Kirkland, and Michael Rosser, Sr., > lived, being about 400 acres bounded on the lands of the said Francis > Poythress according to several lines of marked trees lately made between > the said Francis and the said Richard." The witnesses were Peter Wynne, > John Bonner and Thomas Poythress. > On November 11, 1718, Frances Poythress, of Westover parish, in Prince > George County, sold to Thomas Goodwyn, of Surry County, to Thomas Goodwynn > (not mentioning any amount of money), 100 acres, in Westover parish, in > Prince George County, bounded by the lands of Peter Grammar and the lands > lately purchased of Richard Pace by the said Francis Poythress. The > witnesses were Peter Wynne, John Bonner and Thomas Poythress. On the back > of the deed was an endorsement in the following -----. Viz: That livery > and seisin of the land and premises within mentioned was by the therein > named Francis Poythress delivered in due form of law unto the therein > named Thomas Goodwynn with quiet and peaceable possession and seisure of > the same on the day and year within mentioned. > On November 11, 1718, in Prince George County, Richard Pace, of Prince > George County, and Francis Poythress, of Prince George County, 400 acres, > in Westover parish, in Prince George County, to Thomas Goodwyn, of Surry > County, beginning at the path on the Old Town run, where it crosses the > same, leading from Old Michael Rosser's plantation to Edward Goodrich's > plantation, and running thence westwardly as the path leads along the said > Rosser's corn field fence to the upper end of the same and from thence > west nineteen degrees north along a line of marked trees to a corner oak > in the head of a bottom thence down that bottom by a line of mark trees to > the run between Richard Pace's plantation where he now lives, and the > plantation whereon John Whitmore more lately lived, and so down that run > to the path at the beginning, together with 200 acres of land at the head > of the said Richard Pace's dividend, beginning at his southern corner tree > and running east fifty chains to a red oak, thence north one hundred and > sixty chains to the line dividing this land from lands which did belong to > Mr. Charles Anderson, deceased, thence west fifty chains, thence south one > hundred and sixty chains to the beginning. Richard Pace, Francis > Poythress. The witnesses, Peter Wynne, John Bonner and Thomas Poythress. > On December 9, 1718, in the Prince George County court, Francis Poythress, > the Elder's deed of land to Richard Pace was proved by Peter Wynne, John > Bonner and Thomas Poythress, witnesses. > On December 9, 1718, Frances Poythress, the Elder's deed of title > languishes. > On December 9, 1718, Francis Poythress, the Elder's deed of land to Thomas > Goodwyn was proved by Peter Wynne, John Bonner and Thomas Poythress, > witnesses. Peter Wynne (-c. 1738) was the husband of Frances Anderson > (-1725) and grandson of Robert Wynne and Mary Frances Poythress. > > Family Estates > At Merchant's Hope, 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 live, > containing 100 acres of land, as also 100 acres of land adjoining, called > Colebrooks, taking in the Ivey 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, a tract > or parcel of land containing 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, land containing 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 appoint Robert Poythress and John Woodlief, pastor, my executors of this > my last Will and testament. The witnesses were 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 land called Powell's, 150 acres, that was left to William Poythress > was bought by his father, John Poythress, on November 8, 1720, from > Francis Poythress. The land that was inherited by John Poythress' son, > John Poythress, was possibly bought by John on October 23, 1703, and on > September 5, 1723. Excerpts from the above Will: "I give and bequeath unto > my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, a tract or parcel of land lying > at and about the place called Brick Chimney's, 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." "I give and bequeath unto > my two sons, John and Francis Poythress, and their heirs, a tract or > parcel of land containing 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 Winingham's land." "I give and bequeath > unto my son, William Poythress, and his heirs, one tract or parcel of land > containing 150 acres, more or less, binding upon Thomas Poythress' and > Thomas Lovesay's land, formerly belonging to Joseph Patterson, called > Powell's." Thomas Poythress lived adjacent to the Deep Bottom and adjacent > to his nephews, John, Francis and William, the sons of his brother, John > Poythress, Jr. > > In March, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit by Fieri Facias > brought by Lewis Green, Thomas Poythress and Peter Wynne, executors of > Peter Wynne, deceased, against Robert Mumford the defendant by his > attorney appeared and on his motion was granted until the next court to > answer. In May, 1738, the order that Peter Wynne, Thomas Poythress and > Lewis Green, executors of the last Will and Testament of Peter Wynne, > deceased, returned an inventory of the said decedent's estate, was > continued until the next court. In July, 1738, the order that Peter Wynne, > Thomas Poythress and Lewis Green, executors of the last Will and Testament > of Peter Wynne, deceased, returned an inventory of the said decedent's > estate was continued until the next court. In August, 1738, in the Prince > George County court, in the suit of Fieri Facias brought by Lewis Green, > Thomas Poythress, and Peter Wynne, executors of the last Will and > Testament of Peter Wynne, deceased, against Robert Mumford, the plaintiffs > set forth that at a court held for this County March 8, 1736, in an action > of trespass upon the case by them brought against John Freeman, the said > Robert Mumford personally appeared in court and because Special Bail for > the said Freeman in which action the said plaintiff afterward, to wit on > September 13, 1737, obtained judgement for £18 current money and costs of > suits amounting to 234 pounds of tobacco and an attorney's fee, as by the > record of said court appears in which judgement executions have since > issued against the body of the said John Freeman who absconded so that the > said executions could not be served on him for recovery of this debt and > costs aforesaid therefore the said Robert Mumford Bails on aforesaid was > summoned to appear before this court to show cause if any he has or knows > why execution may not issue against him for the debts and costs aforesaid > according to the force, forms and efforts on the judgement aforesaid to > said Robert Mumford by his attorney appearing and pleaded payment and the > plaintiff by their attorney plead in the issue, a jury was empaneled and > sworn to try the same, by name, Joshua Poythress, etc., who having heard > the accounts of the attorneys and received their charge, were sent out, > and soon after returned and brought in their verdict "We find for the > plaintiffs £18, 15 shillings, current money and 187 pounds of tobacco. > Joshua Poythress, foreman," which verdict on the motion of the plaintiffs > attorney was recorded and it was considered by the court that the > plaintiff recovered against the defendant the aforesaid sum of £18, 15 > shillings, and 187 pounds of tobacco, and costs, and an attorney's fee > Als: Exeo. Joshua Poythress was Thomas Poythress' uncle. Lewis Green (c. > 1680-) was the son of Lewis Green (-aft. 1730) and was the brother of > Peter Green (c. 1690-1744/5), and was married to Frances Gilliam. Peter > Wynne, one of the executors, was the son of Peter Wynne (c. 1690-c. 1738), > the deceased, and Frances Anderson (-1727). Peter Wynne's (c. 1690-c. > 1738) son, Peter Wynne, was a third cousin to Thomas Poythress. Peter > Wynne (c. 1639-1738), the deceased, was the son of Joshua Wynne > (1661-1715). Robert Munford (1711-1745) was married to Anne Bland > (1710/1-1771), the daughter of Richard Bland (1665-1720) and Elizabeth > Randolph (1680-1719/20). > > On October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of accounts > rendered brought by Benjamin Goodrich versus Lewis Green, Thomas Poythress > and Peter Wynne, executors of Peter Wynne, deceased, because of the > defendants denying to account for and pay the rents of two plantations of > 500 acres of land belonging to the plaintiff, lying in the parish of > Martin's Brandon, in this county, of which the said testator in his > lifetime was receiver from August 10, 1731 to February 21, 1736. The > defendants appeared, and by consent, plaintiff was to recover what > appeared to be due. William Stark and Francis Epes, Gentlemen, were to > hear the accounts and report to the next court. On November 14, 1738, in > the Prince George County court, Thomas Lister was appointed in place of > Francis Epes, to examine, with William Stark, the accounts in the case of > Benjamin Goodrich versus Lewis Green, Thomas Poythress, and Peter Wynne, > executors of Peter Wynne, deceased. On January 10, 1739, in the Prince > George County court, in the actions of accounts brought by Benjamin > Goodrich against Lewis Green, Thomas Poythress, and Peter Wynne executors > of the last Will and Testament of Peter Wynne, deceased, for £20 damage by > means of the defendants denying to accounts for and pay the rents of two > plantations and 500 acres of land belonging to the plaintiff and lying in > the parish of Martin's Brandon in this county, of which the said Testator > in his lifetime was receiver from August 10, 1731 to February 21, 1736, > the gentlemen appointed to hear and take the accounts made their reports, > which on the motion of the plaintiffs was recorded as follows pursuant to > an Order of Prince George County court, date of the 12th of December last > we the subjurors have examined the accounts of Benjamin Goodrich, > plaintiff and Lewis Green, Thomas Poythress, Peter Wynne, executors and > defendants find that there was a balance due to the plaintiff of 24 > shillings, 9 pence, halfpenny. Witness our hand this January 10, 1739, > William Stark and Thomas Lister whereupon it was ordered that the > defendants pay to the plaintiff the aforesaid sum of 24 shillings, 9 > pence, halfpenny, out of the said decedent's estate, with costs Als: Exco. > Benjamin Goodrich (c. 1715-) was the son of Edward Goodrich (1693-1720) > and Margaret Wynne (1694-1729), and was the grandson of Joshua Wynne and > Mary Jones. William Stark (1691-1755) was married to Mary Bolling > (1708-aft. 1760), daughter of Robert Bolling and Anne Cocke. Francis Epes > (-1739), son of William Epes and Sarah Walpole, was married to Susannah > Moore. Peter Wynne, the son of the deceased Peter Wynne (1690-1738), was > also a grandson of Joshua Wynne (1661-1715). > > 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 Captain 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 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 my 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 are to divide the > estate. My executors to be my brother, Robert, and my cousin, Thomas > Poythress. The witnesses were Ann Bland, Christian Poythress, and Richard > Bland. > Elizabeth Duke, daughter of John Taylor (1662-1707), was married to Henry > Duke (-1718). John Hardyman (1686-1738) was married to Henrietta Maria > Taylor, daughter of John Taylor. She and Elizabeth were sisters. Joshua > Poythress' grandson, William, named one of his sons Thomas Epes Poythress > (1785-1847). Joshua's brothers, William and Robert Poythress, were > appraisers of his estate and Robert Poythress was also an executor. > Joshua's cousin, Thomas Poythress, was an executor as was Joshua's > brother-in-law, John Woodlief (1673-aft. 1741). Richard Bland (1710-1776) > was married to Joshua's niece, Anne Poythress (1712-1758), daughter of > Peter Poythress and Anne Jones. Richard Bland was an appraiser and a > witness and his wife, Ann, was a witness. Christian Poythress was either > Joshua's mother or his sister. > > On April 8, 1740, in the Prince George County court, the last Will and > Testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased, was exhibited into court by > Robert Poythress and Thomas Poythress, his executors, who made oath > thereto and it being proved by the oath of Richard Bland, Gentleman, and > Ann Bland, two of the witnesses thereto who also made oath that they saw > Christian Poythress subscribe the said Will a witness was ordered to be > recorded and on the motion of the said Robert Poythress and their giving > Bond and Security according to law, Certificate was granted them for > obtaining a Probate of the said Will in due form. Robert Poythress and > Thomas Poythress, executors of the last Will and Testament of Joshua > Poythress, deceased, with Richard Bland and William Poythress, Gentlemen, > their Securities entered into Bond in the sum of 5,000 pounds current > money payable to Robert Bolling with condition for their faithful > executorship and thereby acknowledge the same in court. It was ordered > that Robert Poythress and Thomas Poythress, executors of the last Will and > Testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased, present the said deed and its > estate to the next court. Richard Bland (1710-1776) was married to Anne > Poythress (1712-1758). Anne Poythress was cousin to Thomas Poythress and > niece to Joshua and Robert Poythress. William Poythress was brother to > Robert and Joshua Poythress and cousin to Thomas Poythress. > > In July, 1741, in the Charles City County court, a suit, by Robert > Poythress, and Robert and Thomas Poythress, executors of the last Will and > Testament of Joshua Poythress, deceased, versus Benjamin Harrison, > Gentleman, was continued, and later dismissed. > > 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. > > Court Cases > On September 13, 1738, in Prince George County, the action of debts > brought by Thomas Poythress against Robert Acock, the plaintiff failing to > prosecute, is dismissed. > On July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, the action on the case brought > by Thomas Poythress against Thomas Gibson, the plaintiff failing to > prosecute is dismissed. > On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, the action on the case > brought by Thomas Poythress against Thomas Gibson the plaintiff failing to > prosecute is dismissed. > > After Thomas Poythress' Death > On May 16, 1749, in Surry County, upon the attachment obtained by Peter > Poythress and Elizabeth Poythress, executors, &c., of Robert Poythress, > deceased, and Joshua Poythress, executor of Thomas Poythress, deceased, > against the estate of Thomas Sessom who has privately removed himself or > so absconded that the ordinary process of law cannot be served on him for > a debt of £62/1/4 current money due to the plaintiff from the said > defendants. This day came the plaintiff by their attorney and the Sheriff > having made return that he had executed the said Writ in the hands of > Richard Hill and had summoned him to appear whereupon he the aforesaid > Hill being solemnly called but made default and it appearing to the court > that there is due to the plaintiff £10/11/8½ from the said defendant. > Therefore it was that the plaintiff recover the aforesaid sum of £10/11/8½ > against the said Richard Hill together with interest for the same after > the rate of five Centum per annum to be computed from May 4, 1749, to the > time of payment and their costs by them expended and the said defendant in > mercy &c. Joshua Poythress, son of Joshua Poythress, and cousin of Thomas > Poythress, was the executor of Thomas Poythress' (1683-1749) Will. Peter > Poythress and his mother, Elizabeth, were the executors of Robert > Poythress' Will. Peter Poythress was a son of Robert Poythress. > > On May 15, 1750, in Surry County, attachment was obtained by Peter and > Elizabeth Poythress, executors of Robert Poythress, deceased, and Joshua > Poythress, executor of Thomas Poythress, deceased, against the estate of > Thomas Sisson. Thomas Sisson may have been a relative of Elizabeth Sisson > (c. 1700-1773) who married Thomas Raines (1695-bef. 1757). > > In May, 1751, in Surry County, Joshua Poythress, assignee of Robert and > Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas Eldridge, Gentleman, > plaintiffs against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. The defendant > being arrested and now called and not appearing it was therefore > considered that the plaintiff recover against the said defendant and > William Longbottom his Security for his appearance the debt in the > declaration mentioned amounting to £__ and his costs by him in this behalf > expended unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and plead. > Thomas Eldridge was married to Judith Kennon (1692-1759), the daughter of > Richard Kennon and Elizabeth Worsham. In July, 1751, Joshua Poythress, > assignee of Robert and Thomas Poythress, who were assignees of Thomas > Eldridge, plaintiff, against Francis Hutchings, defendant in debt. The > case was discontinued and by consent of the defendant it was ordered that > he pay unto the plaintiff his costs, issued August 27, 1752, tobacco costs > 107 pounds.