Two Francis Poythress men died within two years of each other at the end of the 1730s. By March, 1738, Hannah Poythress was executrix of one Francis Poythress, her husband. On August 15, 1739, another Francis Poythress made an oath in the Prince George County court. Before the end of 1739, this Francis Poythress had died in St. Andrew's parish, in Brunswick County. This appears to have been father and son. The Fourth Generation: Francis Poythress, Gentl., son of Capt. Francis Poythress and Hannah Ravenscroft Family Francis Poythress was born by 1705. After Francis Poythress' Death (father of Francis Poythress, Gentleman) 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. (The above was likely the estate of Thomas Ravenscroft). 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 western Bristol parish. The early churches of Bath parish were Sapony (1725-26) and Hatcher's Run (1738-1740), both in Bristol parish prior to the creation of Bath, and Butterwood (built before 1762). These served the area that was to become Dinwiddie County. Sapony Church was in southern 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. Professional Life On April 27, 1737, it was ordered that on the Commission of Peace, for Prince George County, Francis Poythress, Isham Epes, John Hall, Reverend Ravenscroft, John Peterson and Anthony Pennington be added to the present Justices. Isham Epes (1700-1760) was married to Amy Goodwyn, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Goodwyn. John Peterson (c. 1694-1773) was the father of Mary Peterson (c. 1734-) who married Francis Poythress, son of Francis Poythress. On September, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by John Turner, Mariner, against Francis Poythress, Gentleman, the defendant by his attorney appeared and on his motion an imparlance was granted him until the next court. On September 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by Francis Poythress, Gentleman, against Robert Haddon for £15 current money due by a personal note dated April 4, 1738, the defendant personally appeared in court and confessed the said note to be due and on the motion of plaintiff's attorney, judgement was awarded against the defendant for the aforesaid sum to be discharged by the payment of seven pounds, ten shillings of like money the principal of indebtedness of the said note and the interest due thereon from the last day in July. On October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action of debts brought by John Turner, Mariner, against Francis Poythress, Gentleman, for £240 lawful money of Great Britain damage in means of defendant's non payment of £210 of the clerk's money due by him the defendant having had time until this court to plead and being now called did not offer anything, in barr or preclusions of the plaintiff's action, therefore on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his damage aforesaid or so much thereof that it shall appear he hath sustained by means of the nonpayment to aforesaid, unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action. On October 26, 1738, in Prince George County, a court held for proof of Public Claims and Certifying Propositions and Grievances to the General Assembly. Present were Francis Poythress, among others, Gentlemen Justices. On October 26, 1738, in Prince George County, at a court held for laying the county levy, present were Robert Bolling, William Stark, Francis Poythress, John Ravenscroft, John Peterson, and Anthony Peniston, Gentleman Justices. On November 27, 1738, in Prince George County, at a court held at Fitzgerald's, present, among others, were William Poythress and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen Justices. On January 9, 1739, in Prince George County, present were Robert Bolling, Francis Poythress and John Ravenscroft, Gentlemen, on the petition of John Wells for an acre of land on the north side of the Nottaway River in this County belonging to Mark Harwell be summoned to appear at the next court to show cause if any he has or knows of why the said Petition may not be granted. On March 2, 1739, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, was a Justice of the Peace. On March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, the court presented Robert Bolling, William Stark, Theophilus Field, Isham Eppes, Francis Poythress, John Ravenscroft, now appointed Gentlemen Justices of the court. On March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, pursuant to the direction of the Acts of Assembly entitled an Act for the better regulation of the Militia: Richard Bland, William Poythress, William Harrison, Peter Jones, Francis Poythress, Isham Eppes, and Joshua Wynne were commissioned officers in the Militia and took the oaths appointed by the said acts and signed the test. On April 8, 1739, in Prince George County, the following cases were presented: Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Robert Green and made oath that £4, 8 shillings and 2 pence half penny the balance is justly due to him from the said Green without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered that it was certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Benjamin Lee and made oath that the 29 shillings, 10 pence the balance justly due to him from the said Lee without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Thomas Frost and made oath that 27 shillings, 11 pence halfpenny the balance is justly due to him from the said Frost without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against George Wilson and made oath that 36 shillings, 11 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Wilson without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Henry Royalls and made oath that £3, 16 shillings and a penny the balance is justly due to him from the said Royalls without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against George Hamilton and made oath that £7, 12 shillings, 9 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Hamilton without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against George Arthur and made oath that £3, 10 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Arthur without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Ann Mallory and made oath that 40 shillings, 6 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Mallory without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Joseph Perry and made oath that £4, 17 shillings, 8 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Perry without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Nicholas Smith and made oath that £3, 7 shillings the balance is justly due to him from the said Smith without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against John Ramsey and made oath that 39 shillings, 3 pence and halfpenny the balance is justly due to him from the said Ramsey without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against James Williams and made oath that £4, 12 shillings, 8 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Williams without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Henry Goodall and made oath that 56 shillings, 5 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Goodall without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against John Slaughter and made oath that £3, 15 shillings, 8 pence the balance is justly due to him from the said Slaughter without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts...Francis Poythress exhibited into court an account against Francis Hardeman and made oath that £3, 10 shillings the balance is justly due to him from the said Hardeman without any discounts that he knows of. Ordered to be certified on the said accounts. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, on the motion of the complaint of Francis Poythress, Gentleman, it was ordered that William Gibbs, Jr., Constable of Bristol parish, be summoned to appear in this court to answer the same. On August 27, 1739, in Prince George County, a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to William Poythress, Francis Poythress, Anthony Peniston, John Ravenscroft, among others, dated 23rd instant, for trial of Nutty, a negro woman slave belonging to Lewis Green, now in jail on suspicion of the murder of Sam, a negro boy, belonging to Burwell Green. Evidence shows that Nutty, on the 13th of August last, at the house of Lewis Green in Bristol parish assaulted said Sam with a brick, giving him a mortal wound on the left side of his head. On November 13, 1739, in Prince George County, Hannah Stroud, executrix of John Stroud, deceased, returned an inventory of the estate. Present were Isham Eppes and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen. On November 13, 1739, present were Isham Eppes and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen, the suit by petition brought by Francis Haddon against William Stuart, the defendant's attorney being absent was continued to the next court and on the defendant's cost. In December, 1739, in the Prince George County court, present were Isham Eppes and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen, the suit by petition brought by Francis Haddon against William Stuart, the defendant's attorney being absent was continued to the next court and on the defendant's cost. Civic Activities Vestrymen of Bristol parish: Many of these persons served for many years. Below, only the date of the accession of the new member, without regard to his colleagues or the duration of his service, is given. 1721 George Archer 1722 John Herbert 1723 Buller Herbert 1724 Drury Bolling 1726 William Poythress On November 10, 1726, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Chapel it was ordered that William Poythress and Richard Herbert be sworn Vestrymen. 1727 William Herbert 1728 Peter Jones 1729 Theophilus Field 1730 James Munford 1731 Robert Bevill 1733 William Starke 1734 Charles Fisher 1735 David Walker, Francis Poythress, John Bannister 1737 William Hamlin (date of first Vestry at Blandford Church) 1740 Theodoric Bland 1742 Thomas Short, Stephen Dewey...etc." On May 9, 1738, in Prince George County, John Hall, Gentleman, was appointed to take the list of tithables below Ward's Creek in Martin's Brandon parish, June 10th next; John Ravenscroft, Gentleman, to do the same for the part between Ward's and Powell's Creeks. Anthony Peniston, Gentleman, for the parish above Powell's Creek; John Peterson, Gentleman, for that part of Bristol parish within Monksneck Creek and below the road that leads from Monksneck Bridge to Appomattox Point; Isham Eppes, Gentleman, for that part without Monksneck Creek and Hatcher's Run, below White Oak and Butterwood Roads; Francis Poythress, Gentleman, for that part of the parish within Monksneck Creek and Hatcher's Run and above the road from Monksneck Bridge to Appomattox Point, and above White Oak and Butterwood Roads, without Hatcher's Run. On May 20, 1738, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that Major James Munford, Captain Francis Poythress, John Banister, Esquire, and William Hamlin, Gentlemen, do view and agree upon a proper place for building a Chapel on Hatcher's Run for the convenience of the upper inhabitants of this parish and to report the proceedings to a Vestry to be held the first Saturday in July next and that the Churchwardens do advertise for workmen to come in to undertake the same. On July 1, 1738, in Bristol parish, on the south side of the James River, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well's Hill, present, among others, were Major William Poythress and Captain Francis Poythress. It was ordered that a Church be built on the north side of Hatcher's Run on the land of Allen Tye. On April 8, 1739, in Prince George County, pursuant to the directions of the Acts of Assembly concerning tithables, one of the various appointments: Francis Poythress, Gentleman, for that part of the said parish within Monksneck Creek and Hatcher's Run and above this the Road that leads from Monksneck to Appomattox Points and above the White Oak and Butterwood Road within to Hatcher's Run. On May, 1739, in Prince George County, pursuant to the directions of the Acts of Assembly concerning tithables, one of the various appointments: Francis Poythress, Gentleman, for that part of the said parish within Monksneck Creek and Hatcher's Run and above this the Road that leads from Monksneck to Appomattox Points and above the White Oak and Butterwood Road within to Hatcher's Run. 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 November 4, 1739, in Prince George County, the county ordered John Banister and Francis Poythress to build a bridge over Hatcher's Run at Peterson's Mill. John Banister accompanied William Byrd on the "Journey to the Land of Eden," in 1733, and Byrd named the Banister River that flows through present day Halifax County for "his kind Companion of my Travels." On November 14, 1739, in Prince George County, John Banister and Francis Poythress, Gentlemen, appointed to agree with workmen to build a bridge over Hatcher's Run near Mr. Peterson's mill. On December 10, 1739, at a Vestry held at the Brick Church on Well's Hill, present, among others, Captain Francis Poythress and Major William Poythress. It was ordered that Colonel Robert Bolling, Major William Poythress and Captain William Eppes do appoint a place for building the new Chapel and that Mr. Ravenscroft undertake to build the same for £134, 10 shillings to be paid in three several payments to be finished by the last of December, 1741. Personal Property On January 4, 1727, in Prince George County, Surveyor's records, to a survey for Francis Poythress, Jr., on the upper side of the Butterwood Swamp. Robert Bolling was the surveyor. (This is not the father of Francis Poythress, the grandson of John Worsham, and this is not Francis Poythress, the grandson of John Worsham. Francis, Jr., is older than the grandson of John Worsham and he re-patents his father's land in 1739.) On September 28, 1728, Francis Poythress, Jr., of Prince George County, 200 acres of new land, on the upper side of Butterwood Swamp, in Prince George County, at the edge of the Beaver Pond below the mouth of the Governor's Quarter Branch, joining his father's upper line to his corner. This land was mentioned in addition to his father's land, that was originally granted on July 9, 1724, in a later deed dated September 22, 1739. On November 1, 1728, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, Jr., 2,000 acres on the Butterwood Swamp adjoining his former land. (Older than Francis in the Worsham Will). On January 10, 1736, Francis Poythress, was granted 400 acres, in Brunswick County, on the -th side of the Nottaway River, adjoining Resis Jones. On December 15, 1736, Francis Poythress, patented 4,000 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of Butterwood Swamp including land already held by him. (The father, not Jr.). In August, 1738, in Prince George County, John Allen acknowledged his deed for land, indented and sealed, to Francis Poythress, Gentleman, on whose motion it was ordered that the said deed be recorded and then also Ruth, the wife of John Allen, came into court and being first privately examined as the law directed freely and voluntarily relinquished to the said Francis Poythress her rights of dower in and to the land and the deed mentioned, which was likewise ordered to 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 22, 1738, in the Virginia Gazette, Francis Poythress advertised his lost horse. "Strayed away from the subscriber, living in Prince George County, a large milk and cider colored horse, with a red head, black mane and tail, branded on the near buttock, WI with a figure 4 at the top, and on the off buttock, WP; and had a very good bell about his neck. Any person that will bring the horse to my house on Appomattox River, or give such intelligence of him, so as he may be had again, shall have a Pistole reward, paid by Francis Poythress." On January 27, 1739, in the Brunswick County court, Francis Poythress, to answer to a Bill of Complaint brought by John Allen. On September 22, 1739, Francis Poythress, Gentleman, 3,887 acres, in Prince George County, on the north side of the Butterwood Swamp and the upper side of Cook's Branch, crossing a branch of White Oak Swamp, to the side of Fitzgerald's Mill Path, crossing Westbrook's Road, and the head of the Governor's Branch, adjoining Mr. William Eaton, 200 acres of the said tract being formerly granted to the said Francis Poythress by patent bearing date September 28, 1728, 387 acres granted unto his father, Francis Poythress, deceased, patent bearing date July 9, 1724, and by mesne conveyances the right and title thereof is become vested in the said Francis Poythress and the residue thereof never before granted. This deed included 200 acres from the deed of September 28, 1728, as Francis Poythress, Jr., and included 387 acres from the deed of his father, Captain Francis Poythress, on July 9, 1724. On September 22, 1739, Francis Poythress, 400 acres, in Prince George County, on the lower side of the Tommaheton Creek between Lawrence Richardson and George Wainwright, on Beaverpond branch. The 400 acres was part of the 3,887 acres of the same date. [September 22, 1739, to Peter Thomas and William Harper, dated June 5, 1765. Whereas by patent dated September 22, 1739, granted Francis Poythress, 400 acres, then in Prince George County, now in Dinwiddie County, on the lower side of Tommaheton Creek between Lawrence Richardson and George Wainwright, on Beaverpond branch, and whereas Tally Allen, in whom the land was vested, has failed to make such cultivation and improvement, Peter Thomas has made humble suit and has obtained a grant for the same which he has assigned to William Harper.] As Witness On February 1, 1728, in Prince George County, Francis Poythress, Jr., was a witness to a deed, between Allan Tye and wife, Mary, to William Anderson. On August 18, 1729, in Henrico County, the Bond of Robert Bolling, Richard Kennon and Richard Herbert, Gentlemen, that they will fairly determine the line in dispute between George Wilson and Thomas Webster, both of Bristol parish. The line is from Old Town Creek up to the 2nd Falls. The witnesses were Ann Bolling and Francis Poythress, Jr. Pertinent Information On February 13, 1739, in Prince George County, John Ravenscroft, Gentleman, was appointed to view the bridge over the Nottaway River, called Rayborn's Bridge and will John Wall, of Brunswick County, Gentleman, to agree with a workman. Family Estates On November 12, 1736, in Amelia County, in the action in the case between William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Charles Clay, etc., last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald. On April 11, 1738, in Prince George County, in the case of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, versus Henry Wilson. After Wilson was given credit for work done for Fitzgerald, he still owed money to the estate. Information was given by William Cryer and Drury Oliver. The audit was examined by J. Munford and Thomas Williams. Plaintiffs were to recover damages. On May 9, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit by Mathew Cabinis and Hannah, his wife, one of the daughters of Thomas Clay, deceased, against William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, who was administrator of Thomas Clay, deceased, for certain legacies devised to the said Hannah. Audited by William Stark, Gentleman, and found that the plaintiff was due £12/14/9. In June, 1738, Prince George County, on the Fieri Facias awarded Robert Poythress on his judgment obtained against William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, Miles Thweatt, one of the under-Sheriffs of this court, made the above return which was recorded. In June, 1738, in Prince George County, on the copies of a satisfaciendum award of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, on their judgement to obtain against Henry Wilson, William Eppes, Sheriff of this county, made the following return. William Eppes, Sheriff, witness recorded. On July 11, 1738, in Prince George County, in the case of Francis Epes versus William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, for debt, found for the plaintiff. In June, 1738, William Cryer, witness for William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, in their suit versus Henry Wilson, to be paid. On October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cause brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, defendants against John Brewer for £6, seven shillings, and eight pence, half penny current money due by accounts and the defendants being arrested and called and not appearing and Peter Daniel being returned Security for him, on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiffs recover against the defendant and his said Security the same aforesaid of so much thereof as it shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action. On October 10, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cases brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against William Floriday for £6, 9 shillings 7 pence current money due by accounts the defendant came into court and being ruled to Special Bails, and failing, on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was ordered that the defendant be taken into custody of the Sheriff and safely kept until he shall give such bail. In November, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cause brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, defendants against John Brewer for £6, seven shillings, and eight pence, half penny current money due by accounts and the defendants being arrested and called and not appearing and Peter Daniel being returned Security for him, on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was considered by the court that the plaintiffs recover against the defendant and his said Security the same aforesaid of so much thereof as it shall appear to be due unless the defendant shall appear at the next court and answer the said action. In November, 1738, in Prince George County, in the action on the cases brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against William Floriday for £6, 9 shillings, 7 pence current money due by accounts the defendant came into court and being ruled to Special Bails, and failing, on the motion of the plaintiff's attorney it was ordered that the defendant be taken into custody of the Sheriff and safely kept until he shall give such bail. On November 14, 1738, in Prince George County, in the suit of William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, found for the plaintiff against William Floriday. [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 February 11, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by a petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against John Hill for £3, 5 shillings, ten pence, half penny current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs made oath. The defendant being summoned, called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion it was considered by the court that they recover against the defendant with costs Als: Ecxo. On March 13, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Honour Whitten, administratrix of the goods and chattel of Richard Whitten, the deceased, for 31 shillings, 3 pence current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs made oath, the defendant being summoned and called and it appearing to the court that she had fully administered the estate of Richard, on the motion of the said Francis it was ordered that the defendant pay to the aforesaid plaintiffs the aforesaid sum out of the said defendant's estates when such thereof shall come to hand. On May 18, 1739, in Amelia County, deed of John Harris and Susanna, his wife. (There were several suits brought by William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald. The Will was not recorded in Amelia County). On July 10, 1739, in Prince George County, in the action on the case brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Littlebury Eppes, the plaintiff failing to prosecute, was dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors of John Fitzgerald, deceased, versus Hannah Stroud, executrix of John Stroud, deceased, dismissed. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit of William and Francis Poythress versus William Stoa, dismissed. [On December 1, 1743, in Brunswick County, Thomas Williams and wife, Rachael, to LeRoy Griffin. From Thomas Williams and Rachel his wife, of Prince George County, all of that tract of 521 acres of land in Brunswick County, the same having been patented to Joseph Boswell on September 28, 1728, and bounded by John Robertson, on the north side of Sturgeon Creek, adjoining Stroud and Henry Moriss. The witnesses were Jonathan Lydell, John Edwards and John Blackman. On February 2, 1744, a release of right of Dower by Rachel Griffin. To William Poythress, Sheriff, Hugh Miller, and Samuel Gordon of Prince George County, Gentlemen, Greeting. Rachel cannot conveniently travel to our County Court or to our General Court to acknowledge the conveyance. You are therefore given the power to receive her acknowledgement by personally going to Rachel. Signed January 7, 1743. Rachel voluntarily relinquished her right of dower to the lands conveyed. Signed February 1, 1744, William Poythress and Samuel Gordon. Brunswick County.] On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Daniel Meadows for 25 shillings and a half penny current money due by accounts to which Francis Poythress one of the plaintiffs makes oath the defendant being summoned and called and not appearing on the plaintiff's motion it was considered by this court that they recover against the defendant the aforesaid sum and costs Als: Exeo. On August 15, 1739, in Prince George County, in the suit by petition brought by William Poythress and Francis Poythress, executors of the last Will and testament of John Fitzgerald, versus Martha Alexander and Robert Munford, executrix and executor of the last Will and testament of John Alexander, deceased. Amount to be recovered £3, 15 shillings, half pence. On June 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole be continued until the next court. Gentlemen judges: John Wall, Richard Burch, Nicholas Lanier, William Hagood. Sheriff: William Martingood. On June 6, 1740, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. On September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the said defendant defends the force and injury and prays judgement of the petitioners wait because he saith that the aforesaid Francis Poythress one of the petitioners in the said writ named after the original writ aforesaid was sued out and before this day to wit on the ----- day of ----- in the year MDCCXXXIX died at the parish of Saint Andrew in the county of Brunswick aforesaid and this he was ready to verify wherefore he prays the judgement of this worshipful court of the said writ and that the said writ may be quashed and so forth and on the motion of the petitioners time is given them until the next court to consider the said plea. On September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, deceased., against Samuel S-- for fo- pounds six shillings and four pence ----------- be due by bill: discontinued; being agreed by the parties. On September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. On September 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, continued until the next court. On September 5, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court. On October 2, 1740, in Brunswick County, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. On the motion of the petitioners by their attorney further time was given them until the next court to consider the said defendant's plea. On October 2, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. On October 2, 1740, in Brunswick County, Francis Poythress, executor of John Fitzgerald, account current of the estate of Joseph Turner, deceased. Debits mentioned include payments to: the executors of William Kinchin, Francis Ealidge, Peter Fairfax, Charles Travers, Francis Poythress executor of John Fitzgerald, etc. Signed by John Wall and Michael Wall. On October 3, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court. On November 6, 1740, in Brunswick County, it was ordered that the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. On November 6, 1740, in Brunswick County, this day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demur generally to the defendant's plea in abatement and on the motion of the defendant. time was given him until the next court to consider the said demurrer. On November 6, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. On April 2, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Philip Gorgette, defendant, in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the said defendant defends the force and injury and prays judgement of the petitioners wait because he saith that the aforesaid Francis Poythress one of the petitioners in the said writ named after the original writ aforesaid was sued out and before this day to wit on the ----- day of ----- in the year 1739 died at the parish of Saint Andrew in the county of Brunswick aforesaid and this he is ready to verify wherefore he prays the judgement of this worshipful court of the said writ and that the said writ may be quashed and so forth and on the motion of the plaintiffs by their attorney time is given them until the next court to reply to the said plea. On April 2, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt. The same plea and order verbatim as next before. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole for debt continued until the next court. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, continued until the next court. On May 7, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, continued until the next court. On December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon petition in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and thereupon the petitioners demurrer to the defendants plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the writ of the petitioner therefore it was considered that the defendant to the said writ do further answer whereupon the said defendant by his attorney for plea saith that he doth not owe to the petitioners as executors of the said John the money in the petition mentioned or any penny thereof and this he prays may be enquired of by the court and on the motion of the petitioners by their attorney time was given them until the next court to consider the said plea. On December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt. On December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, this day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demurrer to the defendants plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the petitioner's writ therefore it was considered that the defendant to the same writ as further answer and thereupon the said defendant prays and has leave to imparte here until the next court. On December 3, 1741, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., plaintiffs, against Philip Gorgette, defendant, in debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the petitioners demurrer to the defendants plea in abatement being argued because it seems to the court here that the said plea and the matter therein contained are not sufficient in lan to quash the petitioner's writ therefore it was considered that the defendant to the same writ do further answer and thereupon the said defendant prays and has leave to imparte here until the next court. On February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, in the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole was continued until the next court at the plaintiff's costs. On February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Moses Dunkley, defendant, in debt, was continued until the next court. On February 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, plaintiffs, against Phillip Gorgette, defendant, in debt. On June 4, 1742, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, against Seth Petty Poole for £2, thirteen shillings and seven pence current money said to be due by Bill this day came the parties by their attorneys and it appearing from the testimony of diverse witnesses that the defendant does not owe the plaintiffs the money in the petition mentioned and in pleading he has alleged therefore it was ordered by the court that the petitioners take nothing by their petition out for their false clamor be in money, &c, and that the defendant go hence without delay and recover against the plaintiffs his costs by him about his defense in his behalf expended. On the motion of Francis Bresin, witness, for of Seth Petty Poole, at the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c, of John Fitzgerald, deceased, it was ordered that the said Seth pay him two hundred and eighty pounds of tobacco for four days attendance for coming and returning 30 miles according to law. On the motion of Thomas Mayo, witness, for Seth Petty Poole, at the suit of William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c, of John Fitzgerald, deceased, it was ordered that the said Seth pay him one hundred pounds of tobacco for four days attendance according to law. John Fitzgerald (-1736) was the husband of Elizabeth Poythress, daughter of John Poythress and Christian Peebles. After Francis Poythress' death On September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, William and Francis Poythress, executors, &c., of John Fitzgerald, deceased, petitioners, against Seth Petty Poole, defendant, upon a petition for debt. This day came the parties by their attorneys and the said defendant defends the force and injury and prays judgement of the petitioners wait because he saith that the aforesaid Francis Poythress one of the petitioners in the said writ named after the original writ aforesaid was sued out and before this day to wit on the ----- day of ----- in the year MDCCXXXIX died at the parish of Saint Andrew in the county of Brunswick aforesaid and this he was ready to verify wherefore he prays the judgement of this worshipful court of the said writ and that the said writ may be quashed and so forth and on the motion of the petitioners time is given them until the next court to consider the said plea. September 4, 1740, in Brunswick County, upon the petition of William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, deceased., against Samuel S-- for fo- pounds six shillings and four pence ----------- be due by bill: discontinued; being agreed by the parties. And, on the same date, William and Francis Poythress, executors &c of John Fitzgerald, plaintiffs, against William Gent, defendant, continued until the next court. On August 28, 1746, Abner Grigg, 300 acres, in Prince George County, on the lower side of the Old Field branch of the Butterwood Swamp, adjoining Poythress, Coleman, John Bain and Fitzgerald. In 1752, Dinwiddie County's present boundaries were established except the City of Petersburg. Dinwiddie County was cut off from Prince George's remaining southwestern end. County court records prior to 1833 were destroyed in 1865. One plat book, one order book, and one judgement book have survived. On September 10, 1754, in Prince George County, the accounts of the estate of Arthur Biggins, Jr., deceased. The debits mention, among others, Joseph Carter, Thomas Weeks, Elizabeth Tilman, Ann Pace, Arthur Biggins, Sr., Francis Poythress, deceased, Lawrence Biggins, Richard Biggins for five years nursing and boarding of Thomas Biggins, an infant. The credits mention William Wilkins. Signed by administrators, John Woodlief and John Watts. 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. Robert Hutchings, Lunenburg County, February, 1763, order to abate suit versus F. Poythress. Leonard Claiborne, Jr., February, 1763, dismissed versus F. Poythress. May, 1763, judgement versus F. Poythress' executors. Francis Poythress, Prince George County, March, 1763, subpoena in Chancellory versus F. Poythress, Jr., docketing, attorney, continuance. June, 1763, continuance. August, 1763, continuance. October, 1763, continuance versus F. Poythress. William Black, March, 1763, subpoena for witnesses versus Poythress. June, 1763, order for attendance, trial, judgement, executive order, &c. July, 1763, executive order, &c., versus F. Poythress. September, 1763, executive order versus Do. February, 1764, executive order, &c. September, 1763, Writ of execution versus L. Claiborne, Jr., Special Bill for Poythress, docketing, attorney, dismissed, file papers. Peter Stainback, May, 1763, capias versus F. Poythress, docketing, attorney, declaration, dismissed, file papers; petition, &c., judgement versus Poythress and Rees, attorney. June, 1763, Capias versus Poythress, docketing, attorney, declaration, order to abate suit, file papers. Francis Poythress and John Evans, Prince George County, May, 1763, recording Jones' and wife's deed to you. Stephen Dance, June, 1763, attorney ads F. Poythress. Thomas Welch, assignee of Francis Poythress, May, 1763, continuance versus Smith's executors. November, 1763, judgement. Peter Bland and Co, Prince George County, order versus F. Poythress, plea. June, 1763, trial versus F. Poythress, judgement. July 2, 1763, executive order. Joseph Williamson, Brunswick County, June, 1763, continuance versus F. Poythress on petition. August, 1763, continuance. Judgement, November, 1763, executive order. Colonel John Jones, September, 1763, executive order, &c., versus F. Poythress. August, 1763, file deponents ads F. Poythress, copy four deponents. Edward Lewis, August, 1763, capias versus F. Poythress, docketing, declaration, dismissed. Francis Poythress, Peter Woodlief and wife, and Leonard Claiborne, Jr., and wife, August, 1763, continuance versus Ruffin.