I have never seen or heard when John Poythress' 1712 Will was found. I do not know who found it. It is evident that neither Batte nor Smith knew of its existence. It may have been very helpful to them and other early researchers and may have provided us with some benefit if they had known of its existence. Without the benefit of the Will, Batte left us the following: 4. Francis Poythress (Mary ______1) was born ABT 1630 in [(P_1) D] Called "Major", and died ABT 1688 in VA. He married Rebecca Coggin, daughter of John Coggin and ______ Bland. She was born BET 1630 AND 1660, and died in VA. Children of Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin are: 18 i. Francis Poythress was born BEF 1688 in [(P_1) DA], and died AFT 1738 in Lived in Surry County, Virginia. + 19 ii. Anne Poythress was born BEF 1682 in VA [(P_1) DB], and died AFT 1733 in Living 1733. + 20 iii. Rebecca Poythress was born BEF 1683 in VA [(P_1) DD]. 21 iv. Thomas Poythress was born ABT 1683 in VA [(P_1) DE], and died ABT 1750. + 22 v. John Poythress was born BEF 1688 in VA [(P_1) DC], and died ABT 1724. 22. John Poythress (Francis Poythress2, Mary ______1) was born BEF 1688 in VA [(P_1) DC], and died ABT 1724. He married Mary ______. She died AFT 1724. Children of John Poythress and Mary ______ are: 74 i. John Poythress was born BEF 1724 in ~Virginia [(P_1) DCA]. 75 ii. Elizabeth Poythress was born BEF 1724 in VA [(P_1) DCD]. 76 iii. Rebecca Poythress was born BEF 1724 in VA [(P_1) DCE]. 77 iv. Anne Poythress was born BEF 1724 in VA [(P_1) DCF]. + 78 v. Francis Poythress was born 1707 in ~Virginia [(P_1) DCD], and died ABT 1729. 79 vi. William Poythress was born AFT 1717 in VA [(P_1) DCC]. 78. Francis Poythress (John Poythress3, Francis Poythress2, Mary ______1) was born 1707 in ~Virginia [(P_1) DCD], and died ABT 1729. He married Hannah (Georgianna) Ravenscroft in This family section needs more study., daughter of ______ Ravenscroft and Hannah ______. She was born BET 1707 AND 1715. Child of Francis Poythress and Hannah (Georgianna) Ravenscroft is: 195 i. Elizabeth Poythress was born 11 FEB 1729/30. Separating the lives of the Francis Poythress men in the third generation will be a monumental task. These two were first cousins. Both had a brother named John. The brothers were known as Captain John Poythress, Sr., and Captain John Poythress, Jr. In 1704, a Francis Poythress, Sr., was listed in the Prince George rent rolls with over a thousand acres of land. This man would most likely have appeared quite often in the records. In 1712, a Francis Poythress and a Francis Poythress, Sr., were witnesses to a deed in Prince George County. By 1718, a Francis Poythress, the Elder, appeared in his own deeds in Prince George County. By posting the existing records of this period, someone may see the obvious separation in the lives of these two men. In this period, there will appear a grandson of John Poythress of the 1712 Will and a grandson of John Worsham of the 1729 Will, both named Francis. It would appear that the first cousins, Francis Poythress and Francis Poythress, Sr., both had a son that they named Francis. By 1729, it would not seem likely that Francis Poythress, son of Captain John Poythress, Jr., would have been of an age to have a son but he is still a possible candidate to be the father of one of the grandsons mentioned. The Third Generation: Captain Francis Poythress, father of Francis Poythress, Gentleman Dr. Claiborne T. Smith, Jr., on Francis Poythress Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin had issue, of whom there is record: I. Francis Poythress. He was listed on the 1704 Rent Roll in Prince Geo_ as "Francis Poythress, Sen." with 1283 acres of land. Later record uncertain, but he appears to have been the ancestor of a long line of Francis Poythresses. II. Anne Poythress, married Burrell Green. On 11_15_1721, Burrell Green and his wife, Ann, of Surry Co., and Francis Poythress, of Prince George, sold land to Robert Hunnicutt, part of a patent to Rebecca Poythress for 1000 acres of land, "half of which land is in the possession of Littleberry Eppes," 300 acres of said land was given to Rebecca Poythress, a daughter of said Rebecca, and 200 acres to the sd. Anne Green. (P. Geo. D. B. _1713_1728) Burrell Green died intestate in Surry and his widow, Ann, was appointed adm. of his estate 9_19_1733. (Surry B. 8_330). They appear to have lived in what was later Sussex County. III. Rebecca Poythress. Circumstantial evidence is strong that she married Richard Pace, died 1738, and removed with him to N. C. (V.H.G. _168). According to family tradition, this Richard Pace married Rebecca Poythress. In 1715 Francis Poythress, Sen., sold 100 acres to Peter Grammar on Holly Bushes Branch, on the line of Richard Pace. (P. G. B. 1718_1728, 63). On 11_11_1718, Richard Pace and Francis Poythress sold 400 acres on Old Town Run, adjoining the lands of Rosser and Goodrich. (lbid; 271). IV. Thomas Poythress. He is mentioned as brother in the will of John Poythress in 1724. At the time of the 1704 Rent Roll, he owned 616 acres in Prince George. In 1715, he was granted 180 acres in Surry. (P. B. 10_265). There is no further definite record of him and it is not known if he left descendants. He may be the Thomas Poythress who was named "cousin" and executor in the will of Joshua Poythress in 1739. In 1750, Joshua Poythress, second of the name, was executor of a Thomas Poythress. (W&M (2) 15_52). V. John Poythress _ At the time of the 1704 rent roll, he is listed with 916 acres and styled "John Poythress, Jun." On 10_23 _1703, he was granted 609 acres on the south side of the Blackwater, formerly granted to Francis Poy thress 9_28_1681. (Bk. P. B. 9_571). On 12_11_1721, Hubbard Gibson sold to Peter Poythress 200 acres on the Blackwater, part of a tract granted unto Francis Poythress, now deceased, and then granted unto John Poythress, son of the deceased Francis Poythress, which 200 acres sd. John Poythress sold said Gibson 12_11_1704, sd. land borders on land sold Francis Poythress by Hercules Flood. (P.G. Deeds, 1713_1728, p.508). On 11_28_1720, Francis Poythress., the elder, deeded to John Poythress, Jun., a tract of land called Powells, 150 acres bounded on north by Richard Bland, south on lands lately in occupation of Joseph Patterson, easterly on Deep Bottom and on the west by Thomas Poythress. (Ibid: 425). Family Francis married Hannah Ravenscroft. Their daughter, Elizabeth Poythress, was born February 11, 1730, and was baptized April 8, 1730, in Bristol parish. Francis was dead by March, 1738. Court Cases On April 2, 1716, in Prince George County, the suit pending between Francis Mallory and Francis Poythress, executors of Joshua Patterson, deceased, and Thomas Hunsby, neither party appearing, was dismissed. In April, 1716, Francis Mallory and Francis Poythress, executors of Joshua Patterson, deceased, versus Thomas Hunsby; pursuant to an order of the last court exhibited and out, related to the provings on the case while being examined and it was ordered to be filed and the said plaintiffs as aforesaid to have until this February therein mentioned. On January 10, 1717, Francis Mallory and Francis Poythress, executors of Joshua Patterson, deceased, made complaint that Thomas Hunsby stands indebted to them the sum of 1,060 pounds of tobacco due for rent; vis: and set forth that the said Thomas has unlawfully departed this County so that the ordinary proofs at law cannot be served against him whereupon they by virtue of an attachment into the hands of his Majesty's Justice of this County returnable to this court have caused part of the estate of this Thomas to be attached for payment thereof; viz. a ----- of tobacco and the said Thomas being called and failing to appear to replace the land. On the plaintiff's motion, judgement was granted them against the defendant for the aforesaid sum and costs to be levied and paid for out of the said tobacco. It was ordered that the same be duly appraised by John Bonner, William Hudson, etc. On August 11, 1719, in Prince George County, the petition of Francis Poythress, executor, against Elizabeth Mallory, executor of Francis Mallory, deceased, was referred until the next court. The Will of Francis Mallory, deceased, was exhibited by Elizabeth Mallory, John Howard and Edward Goodrich, the executors, and proved by Joshua Irby and Joseph Renn, and recorded, with Francis Poythress security to John Hatch, Edmund Irby, Gilbert Hay and William Harrison, Gentlemen, to appraise the estate. Francis Mallory (-1719) was married to Elizabeth Goodrich. Edward Goodrich (1693-1720) was married to Margaret Wynne, the daughter of Joshua Wynne and Mary Jones. On October 13, 1719, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, surviving executor of the last Will and testament of Joshua Patterson, against Elizabeth Mallory, John Hamlin and Edward Goodrich, executors of the last Will and testament of Francis Mallory, deceased, for 2,061 pounds of tobacco and 16 shillings due by accounts to the estate of the plaintiff, Joseph Patterson, deceased. The defendants move the plaintiff to prove the said account whereupon he makes oath that the same was due and on his motion it was ordered that the defendants pay to the said plaintiff out of the said Mallory's estate £17, 3 shillings, 6 pence, value of the said tobacco and the said sum of 17 shillings amounting in the whole to £18, 6 pence with costs Als: Eceo. Civic Activities On January 6, 1715, in Prince George County, John Cargill and Sarah, his wife, plaintiffs, versus Bryan Farrell, defendant; Francis Poythress was empaneled on the jury. John Cargill was married to Sarah Hamlin, daughter of John Hamlin (c. 1640-) and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1718, in Prince George County, Ann Hamlin, relict of Richard Hamlin, deceased, appeared in court and relinquished her right of administration to John Hamlin, who appeared and indemnified Sampson Meredith, one of the securities of Richard Hamlin, who died without a Will, and was granted administration of the estate. Francis Poythress and Peter Wynne went his security. Richard Hamlin was married to Ann Harnison. John Hamlin was married to Ann Goodrich, the daughter of Charles Goodrich. Richard Hamlin and John Hamlin were the sons of John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor. In early Brunswick County, the nearest minister was Reverend John Cargill, of Southwark parish. In 1724, he wrote that his parish was 20 miles in width and 100 miles in length. It was a frontier parish with 394 families. The Indian school was on the border of his parish. John Cargill was married to Sarah Cargill, daughter of John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor. Personal 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 Westover parish, in Prince George County, all my tract in Westover parish, in Prince George County, known as Odium's, 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 on December 11, 1712. Edward Goodrich (1693-1719/20) was married to Margaret Wynne, the daughter of Joshua Wynne and Mary Jones. Richard Hamlin, son of John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor, was married to Ann Harnison, daughter of Thomas Harnison. Peter Wynne (c. 1690-1738) was the son of Joshua Wynne. On April 20, 1687, Charles Goodrich was granted 550 acres on the south side of the James River, in Westover parish, adjoining Daniel Higdon, William Edmunds, John Williams, Mr. Bates and Major Francis Poythress. On April 20, 1687, Mr. Thomas Wynne was granted 280 acres on the south side of the James River, in Jordan's parish, adjoining his half-brother, Major Francis Poythress, his brother, Mr. Joshua Wynne, Mr. Fountain and Mr. Batt. On April 20, 1689, James Mumford was granted 50 1/4 acres, on the south side of the James River, in Westover parish, in Charles City County, adjoining Mr. John Woodlief and Major Francis Poythress. On April 21, 1690, Hercules Flood was granted 1,254 acres, upon the Blackwater River, on the east side of the Reedy branch, adjoining William Harris, Adam Tapley, Captain Henry Batts and Major Francis Poythress, on the long meadow adjacent to the Ealeroot Level. On April 21, 1690, Adam Tapley and William Harrison were granted 1,078 acres, on the south side of the James River, in Jordan's parish, in Charles City County, adjoining Major Francis Poythress and Nicholas Whitmore. On April 21, 1690, Thomas Wynne was granted 659 acres, on the Blackwater River, adjoining to John Wallace, Hercules Flood, Major Francis Poythress and John Williams, to the mouth of Bland's branch and across Bland's branch. On May 2, 1705, John Hamlin was granted 550 acres, on the south side of the James River, in Westover parish, in Charles City County, adjoining Daniel Higdon, William Edmonds, John Williams, Mr. Bates and Major Francis Poythress. John Hamlin was married to Ann Goodrich, daughter of Charles Goodrich. On November 2, 1705, Richard Bland was granted 1,254 acres, deserted by Hercules Flood, upon the Blackwater River, on the east side of the Reedy branch, on the long meadow adjacent to the Ealeroot Level, adjoining Major Francis Poythress, William Harris, Adam Tapley, and Captain Henry Batts. [Seventeen years after Major Francis Poythress' death, his land was still referred to in adjoining deeds.] On July 12, 1715, Francis Poythress, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, sold to Peter Grammar, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, 100 acres, in Westover parish, in Prince George County, on Holly Bushes Branch, on the line of Richard Pace, and said Poythress. The witnesses were Edward Goodrich and William Hamlin. On July 12, 1715, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress acknowledged a deed for land, executed and sealed, bearing date June 12, 1715, to Peter Grammer, and his heirs, on whose motion the same was committed to record. William Hamlin was the son of John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor (c. 1660-1720). 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 the said Richard Pace now lives, the plantation whereon Joseph Carter, Edward Crossland, Thomas Kirkland, and Michael Rosser, Sr., live, 400 acres, bounded on the lands of 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, in Prince George County, Frances Poythress, of Westover Parish, in Prince George County, to Thomas Goodwyn, of Surry County, 100 acres, in Westover parish, in Prince George County, bounded by 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. Thomas Goodwyn (c. 1660-c. 1731) was married to Martha Jones. On November 11, 1718, Richard Pace, of Prince George County, and Francis Poythress, of Prince George County, sold 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 cornfield 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 and Francis Poythress. The witnesses were Peter Wynne, John Bonner and Thomas Poythress. John Whitmore was most likely the son of Nicholas Whitmore (-1718), the third husband of Mrs. Mary Baker Pace, the widow of Richard Pace. On December 9, 1718, in Prince George County, 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, in Prince George County, Frances Poythress, the Elder's deed of title languishes. On December 9, 1718, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, the Elder's deed of land to Thomas Goodwyn was proved by Peter Wynne, John Bonner and Thomas Poythress, witnesses. On October 11, 1719, in Prince George County, Jenny, a negro girl belonging to Francis Poythress, was judged to be nine years old. On November 8, 1720, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, the Elder, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, sold to John Poythress, Jr., of Westover parish, in Prince George County, land called Powell's, 150 acres, bounded on the north by Richard Bland, on the south on the 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, in Prince George County, 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 March 22, 1721, in Prince George County, Surveyor's Book, to a survey for Captain Francis Poythress on the upper or west side of Butterwood Swamp and Woodlief's branch, 387 acres. Robert Bolling was the surveyor. Robert Bolling (1681-1749), son of Robert Bolling and Anne Stith, was married to Anne Cocke. (refer to 4/20/1689?). On December 12, 1721, in Prince George County, Burrell Green and Ann, his wife, and Francis Poythress, of Surry County, sold to Robert Hunnicut, of Prince George County, shoemaker, 200 acres, in Prince George County, on both sides of the Easterly Run, the same being part of a patent for 1,000 acres of land granted to Rebecca Poythress by an escheat patent bearing the date of April 19, 1692, the moiety or one half of such land is in the possession of Littlebury Eppes and 300 acres more of the said land was given to Rebecca Poythress, the daughter of Rebecca Poythress the grantee, and the residue thereof hereby granted was given to the aforesaid Ann, land bounded by said Rebecca's 300 acres and the other side the courses of said patent and deed of sale from Batts to Ardington. The witnesses were Joseph Simmons, Abraham Odium and James Jones. Burrell Green may have been the son of Lewis Green. Ann Green was the daughter of Charles Bartholomew and possibly Mrs. Rebecca Poythress. Littlebury Epes (1664-1743) was the son of Francis Epes and Elizabeth (Littlebury?). James Jones (-1742) was married to Sarah Edmunds. On July 9, 1724, Captain Francis Poythress, of Prince George County, 387 acres of new land, on the upper or west side of Butterwood Swamp, in Prince George County, beginning at the run upon the rock at the Beaver dam, to a corner upon Woodlief's branch, then down Woodlief's branch as it meanders to Butterwood Swamp. Francis Poythress was the father of Francis Poythress, Gentleman, who recorded this land on September 22, 1739, as part of a 3,887 acre deed, after the death of his father. Adjoining Property On March 3, 1712, Robert Mumford, of Bristol parish, in Prince George County, leased 430 acres, of farm land, to Richard Bland, of the City of Williamsburg. The land was near Jordan's, between Deep Bottom and Cureton's Bottom, and was in the occupation of Thomas Burge. Robert Mumford had inherited 130 of the 430 acres from his father, James Munford, who had bought 100 acres from Mr. Francis Poythress, and got the other 200 acres from Colonel John Hardyman. The witnesses were Michael Wallace, Jane Wallace and Dorothy Hillman. Robert Munford (1675-1735) was married to Martha Kennon, daughter of Richard Kennon and Elizabeth Worsham. Pertinent Property On July 14, 1713, in Prince George County, Francis Mallory, Gentleman, of Westover parish, in Prince George County, to John Hatch, Gentleman, of the same, 150 acres in the same parish, bounded by the mouth of a bottom that joins the land that Richard Baker gave Richard Pace, and Walpole's line, Arthur Biggins and the main run, with all houses, etc. The witnesses were Richard Pigon, Edward Goodrich and George Pasmore. Elizabeth, the wife of Francis Mallory, released her dower. [On September 15, 1717, in Surry County, George Passmore to William Raney, 150 acres on the south side of the Blackwater Swamp and bounded by William Jones and Henry Jones. The witnesses were Robert Wynne, Burrell Green and William Green.] [In Surry County, William Raines or Rainey also owned land near the Greensville County area where John Duke, Henry Duke, and John Taylor Duke settled for several decades. His land was on the south side of Three Creeks and on the north side of Little Creek in Lawnes Creek parish, bounded by land sold by James Washington to Nathaniel Harrison on June 14, 1725, with Sampson Lanier as witness.] [On January 16, 1726, in Surry County, Thomas House, Jr., to William House, 175 acres on the north side of Three Creeks, being part of a tract of 350 acres granted Thomas House on February 22, 1724, bounded by George Passmore. The witnesses were Robert Wynne, Burrell Green and William Green.] [(1) Richard Pace had land on the north side of Three Creeks, in Surry County, and adjacent to George Passmore and George Hamilton. (2) George Hamilton was mentioned in a court case with John Poythress in 1717. (3) George Hamilton was mentioned in a court case with a Francis Poythress in April, 1739. (4) In 1733, Richard Pace sold land to his son-in-law, William Johnson, husband of Mary Pace, in Surry County, adjacent to Nathaniel Harrison. This was part of Richard Pace's 1,220 acres between Three Creeks and the Otterdam swamp in Lawnes Creek parish. (5) Robert Wynne was a first cousin of Rebecca Poythress. (6) Burrell Green was the name of Rebecca Poythress' brother-in-law that married her sister, Anne. (7) I don't have information on William Green's family but Richard and Rebecca Pace had daughters, Amy and Frances, that married men with the last name of Green. (8) I don't have information on Thomas House's family or William House's family, but Richard and Rebecca Pace had a daughter, Sarah, that married a House. (9) I don't know if Burrell Green or William Green are relatives of Lewis Green but Lewis Green lived adjacent to William Rainey at the Woodyard Swamp. (10) Thomas Poythress lived at the Woodyard Swamp. (11) Thomas Poythress' land on the Woodyard Swamp went to Peter Green in 1732. Peter Green was a son of Lewis Green. (12) I'm not sure which Henry Jones this was, but a Henry and Catherine Jones were possibly the parents of Anne Jones that married Peter Poythress, the Indian trader. (13) I'm not sure which William Jones this was, but Peter Jones, the Indian trader, had a son named William Jones. One of Sarah Walpole's husbands was a William Jones. In an April 20, 1680, deed, Francis Poythress was mentioned as a neighbor of John Williams and William Edmonds in Jordan's parish, near Bland's path. Williams and Edmonds received fifty acres for paying Nicholas Whitmore's transportation into the Colony. In an April 21, 1690, deed, Francis Poythress' land and Nicholas Whitmore's land were listed adjacent to the land of Adam Tapley and William Harrison in Jordan's parish. In a deed, February 11, 1660, Richard Pace, the father of Richard that supposedly married Rebecca Poythress, sold his land adjacent to Bland's path to William Wilkins. Richard's widow, Mary Baker Pace, married Nicholas Whitmore in 1692. Richard Bland was involved with Richard Pace, Rebecca Coggin Poythress, Thomas Poythress and others within the two families. Richard Bland II married Anne Poythress, daughter of Peter Poythress and Anne Jones.] On January 5, 1714, in Prince George County, Arthur Biggins versus William Short, a jury was empaneled with Robert Poythress and Edward Epes, among others on the jury. In Prince George County, the Will of Edward Goodrich, dated October 7, 1720, proved January 10, 1721. I give my loving Wife, one third part of this my plantation and one third part of the land thereto belonging, during her natural life, I mean the plantation I now live upon, together with four negroes whose names are Mingo, Mary, Sarah, and Nanny, as also her choice of one featherbed and furniture, three cows and calves, and one riding horse. I give my daughter, Mary, three negroes, Betty, Patty and Beck, and their increase, to her and her heirs forever two cows and calves, one featherbed. I give my daughter, Elizabeth, three negroes, Aggie, Tom and Peter, one featherbed, and two cows and calves, to her and her heirs forever. I give my son Benjamin three negroes, Andrew, Little Mary and Little Andrew, with the plantation I now live upon, and the whole tract of land thereto adjoining, three cows and calves, one featherbed and furniture to him and his heirs forever. I give my son, Edward, all my tract of land and plantation called the High Hills, in Surry County, containing 500 acres or thereabouts to him, and three negroes, Will, Jack and Peter, the son of Sarah, to him and his heirs forever, with three cows and calves, and one featherbed. My desire is that plantation I bought of Cargill lying in Prince George County, and all my land upon the Three Creeks, purchased of Richard Acock and George Hunt, be disposed of by my executor and executrix hereafter named for and toward the payment of all my just debts, and the residue if any to be equally divided amongst my legatees above mentioned. I give my Father and each of my sisters 10 shillings apiece to buy each of them a ring, and to my Brother 10 shillings. Lastly I appoint my Dear and loving Wife and Captain Henry Harrison my executors of this my last Will and testament, hereby disannulling and making void all former Wills and testaments. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal and set my hand, October 7, 1720. The witnesses were Ephraim Vernon, Gilbert Hay, Arthur Biggins. At a court at Merchant's Hope for Prince George County, on the second Tuesday, January, 10, 1721. The above written last Will and testament of Edward Goodrich, deceased, was presented into court by Margaret Goodrich an executrix named in the said Will, who made oath thereto, and it being proved by the oaths of Gilbert Hay, Arthur Biggins, and Ephraim Vernon witnesses thereto, is by order of the court recorded. And on the motion of Margaret Goodrich and her giving Security according to law, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate in due form. On September 20, 1683, Mr. Thomas Anderson, was granted 400 acres, in Westover Parish, Charles City County, on the south side of the James River, adjoining Captain Robert Lucy, crossing the Cattail Maine branch and Mr. Wallise's path. Robert Lucy was married to Sarah Barker, the daughter of William Barker who founded Merchant's Hope plantation. James Wallace owned a plantation at the mouth of Powell's Creek and one south of Thomas Anderson on the Blackwater River and his path connected the two. On February 9, 1722, Margaret Goodrich, the executrix of the last Will and testament of Edward Goodrich, late of Prince George County, deceased, to Abraham Odium, 100 acres, in Prince George County, hath let lease and to term let, unto the said Abraham, land lying Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, bounded westerly on the old Town Run, northerly on Phillip Jane and easterly on Edward Hill, deceased, and southerly on the main woods and Richard Pace, land formerly purchased of and conveyed by John Jane to Thomas Anderson in Charles City County, and by the said Anderson in his last Will and testament given and devised to Mary, his relict, during her natural life, and thereafter to come and descend to his eldest son, James Anderson, and his heirs forever as by the said Will, proved and recorded in the records of Prince George County, and by Cornelius Cargill and Mary, his wife, the aforesaid relict of the said Thomas Anderson, and also by the said James Anderson sold and conveyed to the aforesaid Edward Goodrich, as by deeds for the same. Recorded January 4, 1721, and given to and vested in the aforesaid Margaret, his executrix, to be sold for payment of his debts as by the said Will. The witnesses were Richard Cureton, John Chues and Charles Ryall. At a Court held at Merchants Hope for Prince George County on the second Tuesday, February 13, 1722. On February 1, 1726, Cornelius Cargill, of Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, to Robert Hunicutt, of Martin's Brandon, in Prince George County, 150 acres, in Martin's Brandon parish, in Prince George County, lying on the south side of the Cattail Swamp, on the north side of the Blackwater Swamp, and on both sides of the Reedy Branch of the said Cattail Swamp, formerly in the tenure, holding, and occupation of one Thomas Anderson, now deceased, and by James Anderson and Charles Anderson, two of the sons of the said Thomas Anderson, after his decease, sold and conveyed to the said Cornelius Cargill, and to his heirs forever, that is to say, 150 acres of the aforesaid land was sold and conveyed to the said Cornelius Cargill, by the aforesaid James Anderson, by deed dated the April 14, 1719, and the same day acknowledged and recorded in Prince George County. And the residue of the aforesaid tract of land was sold and conveyed to the said Cargill by the aforesaid Charles Anderson by deed dated the March 10, 1718, and the same day acknowledged, and recorded in the records of Prince George County aforesaid. The witnesses were James Gee, James Fletch and William Hamlin. Memorandum. On February 1, 1726, quiet and peaceable possession and seizin of the houses, lands and premises above mentioned was delivered to Robert Hunnicutt, and his heirs forever, by delivery of a turf and twig of the said land. On June 21, 1787, in Sussex County, Hadden Parham, of Sussex County, and John Biggins, and his wife, Molley, of Prince George County, to James Curaton, of Northampton County, North Carolina. Edward Smith, of Sussex County, and Daniel Gurr, of Prince George County, by their deed of trust July 2, 1784 appointed said Haddon Parham and John Biggins trustees, placing in their trust land, negroes and other articles, including 183 acres on the north side of the Indian Swamp, all to secure the payment of £381, 16 shillings, 2pence specie to the said Jame Cureton. Now the said Cureton has become the purchaser of the said 183 acres for £70 specie. Said 183 acres is where Edward Smith now resides, joining Frederick Smith, the Indian Swamp, Poythress, Branch Mitchell and Thomas Weekes. The witnesses were Abraham Parham Jr., William Niblet, Reaps Mitchell, McDuel Anderson. On November 27, 1788, in Sussex County, James Cureton, of Mecklenburg County, to William Cureton, of Prince George County, 183 acres, which James Cureton had purchased from Haddon Parham and John Biggins June 21, 1787, joining Frederick Smith, the Indian Swamp, Poythress, Branch Mitchell and Thomas Weekes. The witnesses were Peter Williams, Hambleton Burge, John Redding, Thomas Mitchell and Branch Mitchell. As Witness On July 1, 1707, Joshua Wynne, Gentleman, of Prince George County and wife, Mary Wynne, sold to Benjamin Harrison, Esquire, of Charles City County, 150 acres, in Surry County, on the north side of the Nottoway River. Also appeared in court were Francis Mallory and Francis Poythress who made oath that they saw Mary, the wife of Joshua Wynne, relinquish her right of dower. The witnesses were Francis Mallory, Francis Poythress and Thomas Wynne. Francis Mallory (-1719) was the son of Thomas and Mary Mallory and the husband of Elizabeth Goodrich. Thomas Wynne (c. 1657-1717) was the son of Robert Wynne and Mrs. Mary Poythress and the brother of Joshua Wynne. Benjamin Harrison (1645-1712) was the husband of Hannah Churchill and the son of Benjamin Harrison and Mary Stringer. Joshua Wynne (1661-1715) was married to Mary Jones. On March 27, 1712, in Prince George County, Stephen Evans, of Prince George County, to John Evans of Prince George County, grants, and lets to farm, all lands given said Stephen by Will of his father, John Evans, with all houses, etc. The witnesses were Francis Poythress, Francis Poythress, Sr., and John Pool. Family Estates In Prince George County, the Will of John Hamlin, in Prince George County, dated November 11, 1724, proved May 11, 1725. I give my son, John Hamlin, after his mother's decease, or marriage, the plantation I now live on, 500 acres, to him and his heirs for ever; also three slaves, Indian Peter, Matt and Grace, a feather bed and furniture, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, a middling iron pot, a frying pan, six leather or rush chairs, my wearing apparel, my horse warrick, saddle and trooping arms, and the mare he now claims, also I give my son, John, and to his heirs, my plantation on the Three Creeks in Isle of Wight County, 170 acres, with six cows and six sows. I give my son, Peter Hamlin, and his heirs, my plantation, called the Hawksnest, 300 acres, also my negro woman, Amy, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, and a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four sows, and a mare that he now claims. I give my son, Charles Hamlin, and his heirs, the plantation at Merchant's Hope Chapel, 200 acres, 100 formerly held by Robert Abernathy, and the other 100 to be laid off to him by his brother, John, out of my land next thereto adjoining, also my negro woman, Aggy, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows, four sows and a mare that he now claims. I give my two sons, Hubbord and William Hamlin, and their heirs, all my land at the Fork of Nummisseen Creek, to be equally divided between my said two sons, but if either of them chance to depart this life before he attain the age of 21 years, the survivor is to have the whole tract, to him and his heirs forever, I also give my son, Hubbord, and to his heirs, my negro boy, Jack, a young horse or mare, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows and four sows. I give my son, William Hamlin, and to his heirs, my negro boy, named Jamy, a young horse or mare, a featherbed and furniture, six rush bottom chairs, six pewter dishes, a dozen plates, an iron pot, a frying pan, a well fixed gun, four cows, and four sows. I give my daughter, Ann, my two negro children, Robin and Rachell, to her and her heirs, but if my daughter, Ann, chance to depart this life before she attains to the age of 21 years, or marriage, then I give the aforesaid negro, Rachell, to my daughter, Mary, and to her heirs. I direct that (as soon as conveniently may be) £100 current money, be laid out and disposed by my executrix, and therewith bought two or more negro boys, and two or more negro girls, out of which, I give to sons, Peter and Charles, each a boy, and to my sons, Hubbord and William, each a girl, to be severally held by my said sons, and their heirs. I give my daughter, Mary Irby, the wife of John Irby, and to her heirs, the negro girl or woman, now in her possession, which she chose in lieu of the two negro children I first designed to give her. After my debts and funeral expenses are paid and discharged, all the rest and residue of my negroes, goods and chattels, I give to my loving wife during her natural life or widowhood, and, if she does not marry again, at her death it is my Will and desire that the same be equally divided between my five sons, John, Peter, Charles, Hubbord and William, or the survivors of them, but if my wife shall marry again, then I give to my said wife a child's part of my estate, and she to surrender up the residue of my estate, except my daughter, Ann's part, to my brothers, Thomas Ravenscroft and William Hamlin, who I appoint trustees until my son, John, shall be of age. Also, if any of my children should happen to die before they attain to the age of 21 years, or marriage, I direct that the negroes, except the girl, Rachell, goods and chattels herein before given them that shall so die, shall be equally divided between the survivors. Also, if any of my negroes herein before given to my children, that is to say, to John, Peter, Charles, Hubbord, William and Ann, shall happen to die or be taken in execution for the discharge of any debt or claim against my estate, then it is my desire that the same be made good to such child or children out of that part of my estate left in the possession of my wife. I appoint my loving wife, Ann Hamlin, to be executrix of this my last Will and testament hereby revoking and making void all other Wills and testaments by me at any time heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal, November 11, 1724. The witnesses were Peter Wynne, Frances Wynne and H. Poythress. At a court held at Merchant's Hope, for Prince George County, on the second Tuesday, May 11, 1725. The above written last Will and testament of John Hamlin, deceased, was exhibited into court by Ann Hamlin, his executrix, who made oath thereto and it being proved by the oaths of Peter Wynne and Frances Wynne, two of the witnesses thereto, by order of the court is truly recorded. And on the motion of the said Ann Hamlin, and her giving Security according to law, Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate of the said Will in due form. Peter Wynne (1690-1738) and Frances Wynne were witnesses. Peter Wynne was the son of Joshua and Mary Wynne. Hannah Ravenscroft (-1765), wife of Francis Poythress (1683-1738), was the sister or daughter of Thomas Ravenscroft and Elizabeth Hamlin. John Hamlin was the son of John Hamlin and Elizabeth Taylor. His wife, Ann Goodrich was the daughter of Charles Goodrich. [On June 3, 1662, in Charles City County, at a court held at Westover, a deed dated March 13, 1662, Richard Pace with the consent of my wife, Mary Pace sell to Richard Taylor, land upon Powell's Creek, beginning at Buckland's Island so up the creek to the road commonly called the Hawksnest and so butting upon the Reedy Bottom as far as William Wilkin's plantation. The witnesses were Caesar Walpole, John Hobbs, John Floriday and John Daniell.] [On May 10, 1768, Leonard Claiborne, was granted 3,074 acres on the north side of Nammusseen Creek, in Dinwiddie and Amelia counties, adjoining Robert Bolling, ___Reese, ____Hamlin, formerly granted John Fitzgerald, the Elder, by patent, no date for 2,836 acres.] After Francis Poythress' Death In March, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of trespass in the case brought by Francis Poythress against Charles Featherstone, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed. In March, 1738, in Prince George County, in the petition of Joshua Poythress and Francis Poythress against Hannah Poythress, executrix of Francis Poythress, deceased, the case was continued to the next court. In May, 1738, in Prince George County, in the petition of Joshua Poythress and Francis Poythress against Hannah Poythress, executrix of the estate of Francis Poythress, the petitioners failing to prosecute, the case was dismissed. On September 12, 1738, in Prince George County, Hannah Poythress being summoned as evidence for Peter Wynne in the action of trespass brought against him by Robert Moody and making oath that she had attended four days on her motion it was ordered that the said Robert Moody pay her for the same one hundred pounds of tobacco. On September 13, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by Theophilus Field, Gentleman, against Hannah Poythress, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed. On May 9, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit for debt by Elizabeth Ravenscroft, assignee of John Ravenscroft, the executor of Thomas Ravenscroft, deceased, versus Edmond Irby, Peter Robins and Francis Poythress. Court found for the plaintiff. On August 14, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by Elizabeth Ravenscroft assignee of John Ravenscroft, executor of the last Will and testament of Thomas Ravenscroft, deceased, against Edmund Irby, Peter Robins and Francis Poythress for £30 current money due by Bond the defendants being called and failing to appear and the plaintiff making oath to her Bond which is for £28, 14 shillings, and bears date November 11, 1736, on the motion of her attorney and pursuant to the conditional order of the last court's judgements was granted and confirmed to her the said plaintiff against the said defendants and William Eppes, late of this county, for the aforesaid sum of £28, 14 shillings current money the principal sum mentioned in the said Bond and the interest due thereon from November 11, 1736, to the day of payment with the cost of suit and an attorney's fee Als: Exeo. On December 11, 1739, in Prince George County, Ravenscroft assignee of John Ravenscroft, deceased, on judgement obtained against Edmund Irby, Peter Robins, Francis Poythress, and William Eppes; Thomas Eldridge, Jr., one of the under-Sheriffs of this county, made the above return which was recorded. On September 16, 1740, Robert Ravenscroft to Burwell, 1,000 acres, in Brunswick County, on the south side of Finney-Wood, adjoining John Ravenscroft, on Possum Camp branch. 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. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of Hannah Poythress and John Ravenscroft, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, against John Smith for £13/9/11 the summon not being returned on the motion of the petitioners by Clement Read their attorney a new summon was awarded them against the said defendant returnable to the next court. On August 6, 1741, in Brunswick County, the case was discontinued, being agreed by the parties upon the petition of Hannah Poythress and John Ravenscroft, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, against John Smith for £13/9/11 said to be due upon an account. Case was dismissed for want of prosecution. On December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, John Allen, Gentleman, assignee of John Ravenscroft and Hannah Poythress, executors, &c., of Francis Poythress, deceased, plaintiff, against William Battersby, defendant, in debt, was discontinued for want of prosecution. In 1742, Bath parish was created from part of Bristol parish. The early churches of Bath parish were Sapony (1725-26) and Hatcher's Run (1738-1740), both established in Bristol parish, and Butterwood (built before 1762). These served the area that was to become Dinwiddie County. Sapony Church was in the southern part of Bath, Hatcher's Run in the north, and Butterwood in the west. Blanford (1734-1737), now in Petersburg, was a church of Bristol parish. On March 18, 1761, to Robert Hutchings, 16 acres, in Dinwiddie County, adjoining Hanna Poythress, John Grant, Abner Grigg and Richard Taylor. On March 18, 1761, in Dinwiddie County, John Hardy, 96¾ acres, adjoining Hanna Poythress, John Grant, William Featherstone, William Eppes, James Merrymoon and Zachary Overby. On April 20, 1761, in Dinwiddie County, Robert Bolling, 350 acres, on both sides of Bolling Run, in the counties of Dinwiddie and Prince George, on the south side of the Appomattox River, adjoining Ravenscroft and Jones, Lewis Parham, Thomas Goodwin and John Butler's Storehouse. On September 25, 1762, to Robert Hutchings, 16 acres, in Dinwiddie County, adjoining Hannah Poythress, John Grant, Abner Grigg and Richard Taylor.