Although I have not posted the two John Poythresses from the third generation, I am posting the John Poythress, of the fourth generation, who was the son of the John Poythress of the 1724 Will. He, Charles and Francis Poythress were involved in a deed of land amongst themselves in 1738. John Poythress evidently did not leave any descendants. He left an inheritance to his sister, Elizabeth Poythress Cocke, and possibly to his first cousin, Thomas Poythress (1729-1790s?), who lived on adjoining property. Thomas later sold this land. The Fourth Generation: John Poythress, Gentleman, of Brunswick County R. Bolling Batte on John Poythress [74 i. John Poythress was born BEF 1724 in ~Virginia [(P_1) DCA].] Family John Poythress was born about 1711, the son of John Poythress and Mary (Hardyman?). He died before June, 1760. Jeremiah White was the administrator of his Will. 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, 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 Stainbacks 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 of the above said lands as is mentioned, and to his heirs lawfully begotten forever. I give my son, Francis Poythress, and his heirs, a tract or parcel of 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 of 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, one tract or parcel of 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 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 of 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 until 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 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 Poythress on October 23, 1703. Professional life On October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by William Laws, Jr., against John Poythress for 39 shillings current money due by account to which the plaintiff made oaths the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing by the plaintiff's motion that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum Als: Exco. On November, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by William Laws, Jr., against John Poythress for 39 shillings current money due by account to which the plaintiff made oaths the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing by the plaintiff's motion that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum Als: Exco. On December 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Liddordale, Gentleman, exhibited into court an account against John Poythress for 46 shillings 6 pence and made Oath, that the said sum is justly due him from the said John Poythress, without any discounts that he knows of. It was ordered that it be certified on the said accounts. On December 12, 1738, in the suit by petition brought by William Stark against John Poythress for 95 shillings and 6 pence, half penny current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff makes oaths, the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing, on the plaintiff's motion it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant aforesaid sums and costs Als: Exeo. On January 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by petition by John Liddordale against John Poythress for 46 shillings 5 pence current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff has made oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was considered that the said plaintiff recovers against the defendant the aforesaid sum of and costs 5 shillings and 6 pence for attorney's fee Als: Exor. On January 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Richard Taylor against John Poythress on the motions of the plaintiff's attorney was continued until the next court. On February 13, 1739, in Prince George County, on the Fieri Facias awarded Joshua Pritchett, Jr., and John Gilliam, executors of Thomas Nunelly, deceased, on their judgements obtained against John Poythress, William Eppes, Sheriff, of this county, made the above return which was correct. On March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Richard Taylor against John Poythress for 27 shillings 7 pence 3 farthings current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff makes oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion it was ordered that the defendant pay him the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. On March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass upon the case brought by Thomas Jones against John Poythress the plaintiff failing to prosecute is dismissed. On May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by Miles Thweatt against John Poythress for £3, 9 shillings, 5 pence current money due by accounts to which the plaintiff made oath the defendants being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. On May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress for £17, 10 shillings current money, due by Bills the defendant comes into court being ruled to Special Bail and failing on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was ordered that he be taken into the Custody of the Sheriff, and safely kept until he shall give such Bail whereupon the said defendant appeared in the Custody of the Sheriff, and on the motion of his attorney an Imparlance was granted him until the next court. On May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by George Gordon against John Poythress for £17, 5 shillings, 7 pence farthing current money, due by Bills the defendant comes into court being ruled to Special Bail and failing on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was ordered that he be taken into the custody of the Sheriff, and safely kept until he shall give such Bail whereupon the said defendant appeared in the custody of the Sheriff, and on the motion of his attorney an Imparlance was granted him until the next court. On July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debt brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress for 17 pounds 10 shillings current money due by bills and the defendants having had time given him till this court to plead and being now called and not appearing did not offer anything in Barr or Preclusion of the plaintiff's attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum aforesaid or so much thereof as shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action. On July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the case of George Gordon versus John Poythress for debt, the court found for the plaintiff. On August 14, 1739, in Prince George County, the suit of George Gordon versus John Poythress was dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit brought by John Poythress against Edward Seaye(?) the plaintiff failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action in the case brought by George Gordon against John Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed. August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by Isham Eppes against John Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed. On November 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by George Robertson, Clerk, against John Poythress for £1, 14 shillings current money due by Bill dated August 16, 1739, the defendant being summoned in the manner the law directs, and called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion and his making oath to the said Bill it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. On December, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by George Robertson, Clerk, against John Poythress for one pound 14 shillings current money due by Bill dated August 16, 1739, the defendant being summoned in the manner the law directs, and called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion and his making oath to the said Bill it was considered by the court that he recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. Civic Activities In 1732, Brunswick County was cut off the southern portion of Prince George in the area south of Nottaway River. The first pages of a number of its early record books were damaged by time. By 1732, the population had so increased that the Council decided to allow Brunswick to set up its own magisterial system and stand on its own. Pursuant to an Act of the Assembly, a courthouse was built in Brunswick County and a magistrate was named. It was also ordered that a Commission of the Peace be prepared for the County, and that Henry Fox, Henry Embry, John Wall and William Machlin, Gentlemen, be appointed Justices for the County. The St. Andrew's parish Vestry book, kept in the County Clerk's Office, began with an entry in July, 1732. A vestry was the elected administrative body of an Episcopal church. The first recorded vestry consisted of Henry Embry and John Wall as Churchwardens. They were all paid 1,000 pounds of tobacco for their services. On June 7, 1733, in Brunswick County, Henry Cook was appointed Surveyor of a road from Captain Poythress' plantation on Fountain's Creek to Henry Wych's ford over the Meherrin River and [missing] all the male laboring tithes between the Cane branch and the Great Swamp and that James Parham, John Clyburn, John Walker, Thomas Busby, Thomas Burnett and Francis Steed assist in clearing the same. On November 14, 1738, in Prince George County, on the motion of Samuel Jordan, he was permitted to clear the old road from Amelia County line down by Poythress' plantation to the Butterwood Road. November 14, 1738, William Harrison and John Poythress, Gentlemen, were appointed to agree with the workmen to rebuild Powell's Creek Bridge. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the case of John Cox versus Henry Fitz for debt, a jury was empaneled as follows: Robert Poythress, John Poythress, Charles Poythress, among others, who found for the plaintiff. On August 20, 1739, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Wells's Hill, present, among others, was Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Robert Wynne and Joshua Wynne procession from Monkersneck to Stoney Creek between Monkersneck and the Chapel Road, that John Poythress and Thomas Twittey procession between Butterwood and Nottoway River as low as the head of Beaver-pond Creek. On Monday, August 25, 1760, in the Brunswick County court, it was ordered that John Peterson, George Wyche, Thomas Morris and John Liefsay, or any three of them, being first sworn do view the conveniency and inconveniency that may attempt turning the River Road beginning at Smith's old Fields or thereabouts and running from thence into Poythress' road near the Great Swamp bridge and make a report thereof to the court. Court Cases On February 12, 1740, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass upon the case brought by Miles Thweatt against John Poythress the defendant by his attorney appeared and on his motion an Imparlance was granted him until the next court. Property: Land 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 is the same property bought by his father, John Poythress (c. 1681-1724) on September 5, 1723, and sold by Thomas Poythress to John Dawson on July 6, 1773. On September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Poythress acknowledged his deed for land, sealed to Charles Poythress on whose motion it was ordered that the said deed be recorded. On September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, John Poythress and Charles Poythress acknowledged their deed for land, indented and sealed, to Francis Poythress, Gentleman, on whose motion it was ordered that the said deed be recorded. On September 20, 1745, John Poythress, Jr., was granted 844 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of Tomahitton Swamp, 250 acres part of 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. Adjoining Property On September 28, 1732, Joshua Clark, 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, adjoining John Poythress, Samuel Clark, Joshua Clark, by his own old line. On February 9, 1738, John Michell, was granted 250 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of Tommahitton, adjoining John Poythress, at the Beaverponds. In 1741, George Wainwright, of Prince George County, owned property adjacent to property owned by John Poythress and Cleaton. On August 28, 1746, Abner Grigg, for £1/10/0, 300 acres, in Prince George County, on the lower side of the old field Branch of Butterwood Swamp, adjoining Poythress, Coleman, John Bain and Fitzgerald. On August 20, 1747, Robert Ferguson, was granted 840 acres, in Prince George County, on the upper side of the Oldfield Branch of Butterwood Swamp, in a Valley; adjoining Coleman, Woodlief, Mills, Poythress, Fitzgerald and Anne Andrews, 400 acres part formerly granted Ferguhard, grant by patent March 15, 1745, and by him sold and conveyed unto Robert Ferguson and 440 acres the residue never before granted. On July 25, 1749, Lenire Brewer, 150 acres, in Brunswick County, on the Beaver Pond Creek, at a Pond, and the County Line [East], adjoining John Poythress. On September 5, 1749, to Buffington Joseph Darvill, 1,090 acres, in Prince George County, between the head branches of Beaverpond Creek and Butterwood Swamp on both sides of the Road, adjoining Johnson, Glover, John Poythress, Wainright, Cleaton, Whitmore and Elder. On September 5, 1749, to George Wainright, 1,000 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of the Tommahitton Swamp, 399 acres part thereof being formerly granted to George Wainright by our letters patent bearing date October 15, 1741, and 601 acres the residue never before granted, adjoining Poythress, up Beaver Pond Creek, adjoining Whitmore, Cleaton and Penniston. As Witness On September 13, 1739, in Amelia County, Joshua Glass, of Prince George County, to Walter Childs, 200 acres. The witnesses were Peter Wynne, John Poythress and Charles Anderson. On June 19, 1760, Matthew Ornsby, of Amelia County, sold to William Glascock, of Dinwiddie County, 400 acres, in Amelia County, on both sides of the Butterwood Creek and bounded by John Lewis, Haynes, North Branch, George Lewis, Steger and Hood. The witnesses were Francis Poythress, John Poythress, James Hinton, John Hightower, Jr., and Edmund Poythress. After John Poythress' Death In June, 1760, in Brunswick County, the inventory of John Poythress, Jr., of Brunswick County, from the original in the office of the clerk in Lawrenceville. An inventory and appraisement of John Portess, Jr. To 3 shirts, and 3 caps 1"17"0 To Sunday clothes 0" 0"0 To 1 pair of show buckles and ring 1" 0"0 To Taylor, tools and handkerchiefs 0"10"0 To 1 shoes and hat 0"10"0 To 1 great coat and Jack coat 0"10"0 To 1 saddle and bridle 0"13"0 To 1 horse 3"10"0 To 1 case razors 0" 1"0 To 1 pair gloves and bags 0" 3"9 -------------- 11"11"9 Excepted: Thomas Morris, Richard Blanks and Jirgens Blanks. The inventory was returned to the Brunswick County court, June, 1760, and ordered to be recorded. In the Brunswick County court, an undated entry, it was ordered that Ingram Blanks, Thomas Morris and Richard Blank being first sworn before a Justice of this county do appraise in current money the slaves, if any, and the personal estate of John Portis, deceased and ____ the appraisement of the court. In 1763, in Dinwiddie County, the charges were denominated in pounds of tobacco, for which it was likely warehouse receipts were used to pay the bill. Jeremiah White, March, 1763, Ser for John Poythress' Will, copy. Jeremiah White, administrator, &c., of John Poythress, deceased, April, 1763, attorney ads Isham Eppes' executor, plea. Francis Eppes, executor of Isham Eppes, deceased, April, 1763, Capias versus J. Poythress' administrator, docketing, attorney, declaration, plea, report, continuance.