The Fifth Generation: Frances Poythress, Sergeant, son of Francis Poythress and Mary Peterson Family Francis Poythress was born about 1760, in Amelia County, the son of Francis Poythress and Mary Peterson. Francis died before November 11, 1785, at the age of 24. His sister, Mary Peterson Poythress, was named after their mother, Mary Peterson. Mary married Henry Isham Randolph who died in Fayette County, Tennessee. Francis' father, in the claim below, was addressed as Francis Poythress, the Elder, possibly indicating that there were at least three Francis Poythresses known in the area. Professional Life In Hanover County, Virginia Revolutionary War Public Claims, Thursday, July 4, 1782, claims against the United States by certificates dated August, 1780, to June, 1782: Elisha White, certified by John Pierce for 48 days in executing instructions from the executive of this state in procuring supplies for the use of the army during the siege of York £24; by Francis Poythress, Sergeant, for diet for 4 men, 5 shillings; by Daniel Bates, Ensign, for diets for a sick soldier, 12 days, 15 shillings; by Joseph Harrison, Ensign, for diet, 1 day for 12 men, 15 shillings. Sergeant Francis Poythress, Army. Certificate, (1) John Watts, Captain, (2) Edward Bland and Peter Epes as to heir. Order to deliver bounty warrant, Henry Randolph, Voucher 1786, Prince George County. We do hereby certify that Mary Randolph is the only surviving child of Francis Poythress, the Elder, and sister to the within named Sergeant Francis Poythress. Given under our hands this November 11, 1785. Edward Bland and Peter Epes. Francis Poythress was appointed a corporal in the 1st Regiment Light ----- in August, 1779, and promoted to a Sergeant in April, 1781, and continued as such to the end of the War. John Watts, Captain, 1st Regiment, L. Dragoons. Certified that the above certificate was in Captain Watts' own hand. Blanford, February 4, 1784. Edmund B. Lucy. June 22, 1786, Sir, Be pleased to deliver to Mr. ------- the land Warrant which Francis Poythress is entitled to. To Henry Randolph, the Commissioner of the Land Office. Will of Francis Poythress' Father In Dinwiddie County, the Will of Francis Poythress, dated December 10, 1796. I give my loving wife all my estate of every kind that I do possess reserving unto my daughter, Mary Peterson Randolph, which I give five shillings which said sum I give unto my daughter to her and her heirs forever. Whereas there was a marriage contract between my wife and myself and whereas the true intent and meaning of the said writing was that my said wife was to enjoy and have the full and free disposal of all the estate of every kind that came by her without the let or hindrance of me and my heirs. Now if there should be any deficiencies in the said writing so as to entitle my heirs to any of the property. The ------- my wife, my will and desires and I do hereby revoke all such claim and desire that my wife and her heirs should enjoy all the estate that came by her without the --- ------- --- or molestation of my heirs in witness where so I have hence unto set my hand and seal this December 10, 1796. Francis Poythress. The witnesses were Reubin Wilkinson and Robert Reese.