Unwritten History

The Last will and Testament of Peter Epes of High Peaks, deceased

2026-05-29T17:07:21.910-07:00

In the name of God Amen. I Peter Epes of the county of Prince George and Parish of Martins Brandon being in good health and of sound diposing mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God for his mercies, do make and ordain this writing to be my last will and testament in manner and form following.

Imptimis I give and bequeath unto my son William Epes all the money or monies that I paid for him, for the tract of land he at present lives on, called and known by the name of Nobles or for any other thing or purpose whatever, also all the negroes that I let him have that he hath in possession & their increase, also all that tract of land lying in Dinwiddie county on Namozeen creek with this proviso that his three unmarried sisters, to wit, Martha Epes, Sarah Epes and Susanna Epes, have a right which I do hereby give them and every of them to work any part of their negroes with his on the said tract of land, until they are married, and finish the crop they or either of them may have begun that they or either of them shall have no further right to work their negroes on the said land without the consent of their Brother William. I also give to my said son William one half of the crop of corn & fodder and one half the plantation utensils and one half of the stock of cattle, horses and hogs that may be on the plantation, and one gold watch to him & his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son Francis Epes all the money I paid for him for the tract of land he now hath possession of, in Lunenburg county, also all the negroes and their increase that he has in possession, also all that tract of land in Prince George County, also all the negroes and their increase that he has in possession, also all that tract of land in Prince George County, which I purchased of Freeman Epes called and known by the name of Causons, also one half of my household and kitchen furniture, that may be on the plantation whereon I at present reside also one bed & furniture half a dozen silver table spoons, one large soup spoon half a dozen silver tea spoons, two silver salts and one silver tankard with proviso that he pay his Brother Richard Epes, one sixth part of the value of the said household and kitchen furniture and plate, and one gold neck buckle to him and his heirs and assigns forever

Item I give and bequeath to my son Peter Epes all the money I paid for him for the tract of land he is in possession of in Lunenburg County and the negroes and their increase which he is in possession of, also the tract of land and plantation whereon I at present reside in Prince George County, also one other tract or parcel of land lying and being in the said county which I purchased of Edward Doswell and Richard Harrison with this proviso, that he suffer his three unmarried sisters to live with him and take care of them if they think proper until they are married, I also give unto my said son Peter all the stock of cattle, sheep, horses hogs and the crop of corn fodder and wheat and all the plantation utensils that may be on my home plantation, one feather bed and furniture, one dozen silver table spoons, one dozen silver tea spoons, one silver soup spoon, one pair silver sugar tongs, two silver salts, two silver waiters one silver punch table one silver cross with this proviso that he pay his Brother Richard Epes the value of one sixth part of the household and kitchen furniture, also one pair of gold buttons to him and his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Richard Epes all that tract of land in Nottaway county on the Cellar Creek and all the negroes and their increase on the said land all the stock of horse cattle and hogs and all the plantation utensils and the money his Brothers Francis & Peter are to pay him for his proportion of the household & kitchen furniture and plate, one feather bed and furniture, one walnut desk, one pair of gold buttons and two thousand pounds specie to him and his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Martha Epes the following negroes to with, Abba, Leander, Letty, Daniel, Viney, Clary, Frederick, Charles, Henry and Almind, one feather bed and furniture one dressing table & drawers and one thousand pounds specie to her and her heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Doswell all the negroes and their increase that she hath now in her possession, one feather bed and furniture and one thousand pounds specie to her and her heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Ann Conner all the negroes and their increase that she hath now in her possession one feather bed & furniture and one thousand pounds specie to her and her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Epes the following negroes to wit Lilly, Phoeby, Robin, Charles and Maria and their increase one feather bed & furniture and one thousand pounds specie to her & her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Susanna Epes the following negroes to wit [------?], Cato?, Fanny, George, Joham and Minor, Ben and Harriett with their increase one feather bed & furniture and one thousand pounds in specie to her & her heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my grandson William Morison Epes the following negroes to wit Annica, [------?], Sam, Davie, Olive, York and Dolly and their increase and one thousand pounds in specie to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Mary Elizabeth Poythress Doswell and grand son Peter Epes Doswell the following negroes viz. Charlotte and Mille and their increase and their present children & increase to them and their heirs forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Francis Epes one thousand pounds specie to him his heirs and assigns forever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son Peter Epes one thousand pounds specie to him his heirs & assigns forever.

Item All the rest and residue of my negroes not heretofore devised I leave to be equally divided between my three daughters to wit, Martha Epes, Sarah Epes, and Susanna Epes. The division to be made by their four Brothers to wit William Epes Francis Epes Peter Epes & Richard Epes each dividend I give them respectively and their heirs forever.

Lastly all the rest and residue of my Estate both real and personal I leave to be sold and equally divided between all my sons and daughters to wit, William Epes, Francis Epes Peter Epes Richard Epes, Martha Epes Mary Doswell Ann Conner Susanna Epes and Sarah Epes to them & their heirs forever.

My will and desire is that my Estate be not appraised. I do hereby nominate and appoint my four sons William Epes, Francis Epes, Peter Epes, and Richard Epes Executors to this my last (will) and testament hereby revoking all wills heretofore by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 17th day of November 1803. Signed sealed published & declared in presence of Wm. Cole, Drury A. Proctor. Peter Epes (sealed with a wafer)

At a court held for Prince George County at the courthouse on Tuesday the 8th day of December 1807. This last will and testament of Peter Epes (Colo.) Dec’d. was exhibited into court and proved by the oath of Drury A. Proctor a witness thereto who also made oath that he saw William Cole now deceased subscribe his name as a witness thereto and ordered by order of the court it is truly recorded. Teste Jno. Jas. Thweatt, Clk. Acknowledged teste N. B. Sturdivant C. C.

052926

Richard Pace - Rebecca Poythress' Marriage

2026-05-17T15:55:07.916-07:00

----No direct marriage record survives for most seventeenth-century Virginia couples; kinship reconstruction often depends on cumulative circumstantial evidence.

----A single record rarely proves a colonial Virginia marriage; convergence of independent records is what matters.

----The evidence for Richard Pace and Rebecca Poythress is not based on one document, but on decades of interconnected records.

----The Pace and Poythress families repeatedly appear in the same geographic, legal, social, and landholding network.

----Richard Pace and John Poythress served together in court proceedings, demonstrating direct association between the families.

----The same allied families recur continuously around both the Pace and Poythress families: Hardyman, Epes, Wynne, Green, Taylor, Hamlin, Farrell, Bartholomew, and others.

----Land adjacency in colonial Virginia frequently reflected kinship and marriage alliances.

----The Poythress family appears embedded within the Pace land network across multiple generations.

----Pace descendants and Poythress descendants continued land transactions and associations long after the presumed marriage generation.

----The evidence shows continuity, not coincidence.

----Tax records, deeds, witnesses, probate patterns, and neighborhood reconstruction all point toward the same conclusion independently.

----Each additional record that aligns with the same conclusion increases the probability that the conclusion is correct.

----Strong genealogical conclusions are built not only from positive evidence, but also from the elimination of plausible alternatives.

----Exhaustive reconstruction of the neighborhood and kinship network has failed to identify another credible candidate for Richard Pace’s wife.

----Multiple women named Rebecca were identified and accounted for separately; none fit the documentary footprint surrounding Richard Pace as well as Rebecca Poythress.

----If Richard Pace’s wife had belonged to another prominent family, traces of that family would be expected to appear repeatedly in the same records.

----Instead, the Poythress family repeatedly appears wherever the records surrounding Richard Pace are examined.

----The 1738 John Barlow estate sale functions as a social and kinship snapshot linking Pace family members, in-laws, neighbors, former associates, and Poythress-connected families.

----The cumulative evidence forms a coherent and contradiction-free pattern.

----At some point, cumulative circumstantial evidence becomes so consistent that alternative explanations become increasingly implausible.

----The absence of a surviving marriage record does not negate a conclusion supported by a large, interlocking body of evidence.

----In colonial Virginia genealogy, some relationships can reach the level of “virtual proof” through exhaustive indirect evidence even without a direct statement of marriage.

----The question is not whether a modern-style marriage certificate exists; the question is which explanation best fits the totality of the surviving evidence.

----Rebecca Poythress consistently fits the geography, associations, inheritance environment, and multi-generational kinship network surrounding Richard Pace.

----No competing explanation currently accounts for the totality of the evidence as well as the conclusion that Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace.

Pace, Poythress, Epes, Flowerdew Hundred, High Peaks, Maycocks and Easterly Run

2026-05-17T14:47:14.804-07:00

This narrative involves George Pace, his son, Richard Pace, Sr., and his grandson, Richard, Thomas Drew and his daughter, Dorothy Drew, her husband, Hubert Farrell, and his son, Hubert Farrell. It also involves Joshua Poythress, his son, Joshua, and his grandson, William, and his father, John Poythress.

In 1617, Virginia Governor Sir George Yeardley was given land by the king of the Weyanoke Indians. The main town or village of the Weyanoke was at the head of a creek known as Merchant’s Hope Creek and later as Powell's Creek. In 1618, Yeardley patented 1,000 acres on the west side of a creek that he named Flowerdieu after his wife's maiden name. On October 5, 1624, Yeardley sold Flowerdiew to Captain Abraham Piersey, a merchant and member of the Council. Piersey died in 1627. He had two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth was married first to Captain Richard Stephens and second to Sir John Harvey. Mary was married first to Captain Thomas Hill and second to Thomas Bushrod. On October 15, 1636, Elizabeth Stephens repatented 1,000 acres in Chas. Cty. Co., called Flowerdiew Hundred. She sold part of this grant to William Barker. On May 11, 1639, Barker acquired 1,300 adjacent acres. This became the home of William Barker and his family. After the deaths of William Barker and his son, John, Flowerdew passed to John’s sisters, Sarah Lucy and Elizabeth Limbrey.

When Flowerdew Hundred was divided between Sarah and Robert Lucy and Elizabeth and Phillip Limbrey, Colonel Robert Wynne and Lieutenant Colonel George Jordan were empowered by the court to lay out the boundary between the two halves of the property. The north half of Flowerdew Hundred bordered the James River and Maycock’s land that belonged to Dorothy Drew (1649-1673), the wife of Hubert Farrell (1649-1676). The south half of Flowerdew Hundred bordered the James River on the east side by Flowerdew Hundred Creek and by Maycock’s land. The witnesses to the division were Robert Wynne, Thomas Ligon, James Minge and Thomas Blayton. This document most definitely identified Samuel Maycock’s property as being adjacent to Flowerdew Hundred plantation.

On August 5, 1650, George Pace (1609-c. 1655) was granted 1,700 acres of land on the south side of the James River commonly called Matocks [Maycocks], that began at the mouth of a little swamp by the river side adjacent to Peirce’s Hundred that ran south into the woods 10,560 feet, west 13,200 feet, south 5,280 feet, west 9,636 feet to a swamp that led to Powell’s Creek, then along the Creek to the river and along the river east to the beginning. The land was due for the transportation of thirty-four people into the Colony. George Pace sold Thomas Drew 800 to 900 acres on October 12, 1650.

On April 25, 1659, Richard Pace (1638-1678), the son of George Pace, of Chas. Cty. at Mount March, confirmed the sale of 800 or 900 acres of land near Peirce’s Hundred, alias Flowerdew Hundred, that was sold by his deceased father to Thomas Drew as per the bill of sale dated October 12, 1650, the confirmation dated February 25, 1658/9. The witnesses were Anthony Wyatt and Thomas Stegge. The confirmation was recorded May 19, 1659.

On February 11, 1659/60, Richard Pace, “of Powell’s Creek,” planter, sold to William Wilkins, a certain neck of land between the branch commonly called the Westown branch of Flower de Hundred Creek and the bottom commonly called by the name of Reedy bottom, that ran up to Bland’s path at the head and contained by estimation 200 acres of land. The witnesses were Thomas Bigge and Thomas Parrham. These 200 acres in addition to the 800 or 900 acres that Richard’s father sold to Thomas Drew totaled 1,000 to 1,100 acres near Flowerdew Hundred.

Richard Pace was a planter along Powell’s creek in Chas. Cty. Co. on February 28, 1659/60 when he sold Thomas Madder land described as “beginning where Thomas Biggs left off and bounding out in the woods upon Thomas Biggs line and so the full breadth of three hundred acres upon the said creek.” The witnesses were Thomas Biggs and John Daniel. The additional 300 acres combined with the previously sold 1,000 to 1,100 acres totaled 1,300 to 1,400 acres.

At court at Westover on June 3, 1662, Richard and his wife, Mary, sold Richard Taylor “land upon Powell’s Creek, beginning at Bucklands Island so up the creek to the road commonly called the hawksnest and so butting upon the reedy botteme as far as Wm Wilkins plantation.” The witnesses were Caesar Walpole, John Hobbs, John Floriday and John Daniel. If the Hawk’s Nest property contained 300 acres, Richard sold 1,600 to 1,700 acres

On November 24, 1662, John Barker, of Flowerdew Hundred, gave Thomas Drew, his step-father and merchant, of Flowerdew Hundred, 30,000 pounds of tobacco to guarantee him against all trouble for maintaining Hannah Pett, the daughter of John Barker’s wife. The witnesses were Richard Taylor and Richard Pace.

In the Westover Court on February 3, 1664/5, a deed of gift dated January 21, 1664/5, Richard Baker gave to Richard Pace a parcel of land on the other side of the bottom on the west side of Richard Baker’s plantation containing 140 acres in breadth from the bottom and so holding the same breadth down to the Great Swamp beginning on the line of Richard Baker at the head of the bottom. The witnesses were William Harris, Patrick Jackson and Caesar Walpole.

Captain Hubbard Farrell, of Chas. Cty. Co., was an attorney and appeared often in records from 1671 to 1676. In February, 1676, as Captain in the Colonial Militia, he was in charge of the James River Fort during Bacon's rebellion. Sir William Berkeley, Governor of Virginia, sent a party of men under Captain Hubbard Farrell to attack Major Whaley and his guard at Colonel Bacon's house in York. In August, 1676, Whaley and his men put up a great fight against Farrell and not only held them back but also killed Farrell, the leader. In a letter written by Nathaniel Bacon to friends in 1676, he said that Hubert Farrell was shot in the belly, Hartwell in the leg, and Smith in the head. When Bacon marched against Jamestown a second time in September, 1676, he captured the city and burned it down. The following month, Bacon died suddenly from illness and his rebellion collapsed. Dorothy Farrell was the daughter of Col. Thomas Drew of Chas. Cty. Co. and wife of Captain Hubert Farrell.

At a Court at Westover on Monday, September 13, 1677, Judges Col. Edward Hill, Maj. John Stith, Mr. John Drayton, Sr., and Capt. Daniel Lewellin were present. There was an action for trespass between Capt. Arthur Allen, plaintiff, and Mr. Nevet Wheeler, the defendant. Claims were made that during "the late most horrid rebellion" that the defendant, took John Finley, one of Allen's servants and locked him up to persuade him to join the rebels. He refused to comply and when released, he was weak and sick. It was 4 months before Finley could work and Capt. Allen suffered monetary loss. The plaintiff prayed 10,000 pounds of tobacco damage. Richard Jackson, aged about 23 years, deposed that he was held prisoner with Finley for about 11 weeks and heard Nevet Wheeler try to persuade Finley to join the rebels. John Finley, aged 24 years, deposed that about September 16, 1667, last that he was among a group brought to Nevet Wheeler's in Martin Brandon. All of them were put in confinement and urged to join the rebels. Refusing, he was continued in confinement longer, became ill and was dismissed. The case was referred to a jury composed of Mr. Thomas Cocke, foreman; Mr. James Gunns, Mr. William Randolph, Mr. Sampson Ellis, Mr. Thomas Hamlin, Mr. John Mayton, Mr. John Poythress (1640-1712), Mr. Richard Pace, Mr. Thomas Gregory, Mr. John Marshall, Mr. Henry Burton and Mr. John Hamlin. [Order Bk p.191] Nevet Wheeler was eventually pardoned by Gov Berkeley, along with John Sturdivant.

The following day, the 14th, the judges were Col. Edward Hill, Major John Stith, Capt. Thomas Mallory and Mr. John Drayton. On the action for trespass depending between Capt. Arthur Allen, the plaintiff, against James Mumford, William Tompkins, Arthur Havyland, John Tate, Richard Heller, James Barnet, Robert Rowse, John Harrison, William Cooke, Edward Norwood, William Sandbourne and Henry Browne, all defendants, in the action, was referred to a Jury with Mr. William Randolph, foreman, Mr. Henry Burton, Mr. John Poythress, Mr. Sampson Ellis, Mr. Thomas Gregory, Mr. John Mayton, Mr. John Marshall, Mr. Richard Pace, Mr, John Hamlin and Mr. Henry Blanks, The action was withdrawn. [Order Bk p.196.]

On the 14th of the following February, 1677/8, Mary Pace applied for and was granted administration on the estate of her deceased husband, Richard Pace, Sr. (1638-1678). [Order Bk p.270]

Sometime before Richard Pace’s death, he acquired land about a mile SW of his 140 acres. In a deed for Daniel Higdon & Roger Reese, dated April 16, 1683, they held land with the description “beginning att a corner dogwood bush standing on the lower Kings field Branch, & runneth thence west along the line of Richard Pace, crossing the upper Kings field Branch, and the long poynt Branch three hundred thirty seven poles, to the line of John Williams to a corner black oake...” Also, John Williams, in a deed dated November 20, 1683, held land with the description “Richard Paces corner, thence along Pace’s line west ninety three poles to Richard Pace’s corner...” This southern border line of Richard’s measured 7,095 feet and may have included as much as 600 acres. This land evidently became his son, George’s land and passed to George’s son, Richard Pace. This land was referenced in several deeds including the 1718 deeds of this Richard Pace and Rebecca Poythress’ [Pace] brother, Francis Poythress.

In October of 1712, James Pace was listed among others that the estate of Colonel John Hardyman, a wealthy planter and tobacco factor, owed money.

On March 3, 1712, in Prince George Co., Robert Mumford, of Bristol parish, Prince George Co., to Richard Bland, of the City of Williamsburg, a lease to farm, land near Jordan's, between Deep Bottom and Cureton's Bottom, in occupation of Thomas Burge, 430 acres, 130 thereof formerly belonging to James Munford, father of said Robert, and given to him by inheritance, part thereof from Colonel John Hardyman (1682-1739) and the other 100 by purchase from Mr. Francis Poythress (c. 1677-c. 1754), all of which appears by James Munford's will. The deed was witnessed by Michael Wallace, Jane Wallace, Dorothy Hillman. This land was adjacent to John Poythress‘ land." (http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com /th/read/POYTHRESS/2006-01/1137183925). These were Rebecca Poythress’ [Pace] brothers.

On November 7, 1715, William Epes and Sarah, his wife, of Parish of Westopher, Prince George Co., to James Pace of same Parish and county of Charles City, 100 acres in Westopher Parish, Prince George Co., it being the one moiety of one certain tract formerly belonging to Caesar Walpool [Walpole], and by his will given to his son and daughter Richard and Sarah Walpool [Walpole] to be equally divided, containing 201 acres by which devise it became vested in said William Epes and Sarah his wife. Bounded by Richard Walpool [Walpole], Richard Bird, Doodd’s, Arthur Biggins, Edward Goodrich, John Hardyman (1682-1739)...William Epes, Sarah Epes. Wit: Peter Wynne, Shands Raines, Rachel Walpool [Walpole]. [PG Co., Wills & Deeds, p. 94.]

In this deed of sale of 100 acres from William Epes to James Pace, one will recognize that: William Epes was the son of Mary Green Epes who was the sister of Burrell Green and sister-in-law to his wife, Anne Bartholomew Green, who received 200 acres from her mother, Mrs. Rebecca Poythress in 1711 near Lewis Green and Ephraim Parham‘s mill on Easterly Run. James Pace was Richard Pace Jr.‘s brother and brother-in-law to Rebecca Poythress [Pace]. Edward Goodrich was married to Margaret Wynne, the daughter of Joshua Wynne, Rebecca Poythress’ [Pace] uncle. Margaret had land next to James Pace. John Hardyman had land adjacent to James Pace. John Hardyman’s estate owed money to James Pace at Hardyman’s death. John Hardiman’s mother, Mary Epes Hardyman, was the sister of Littlebury Epes who lived adjacent to Rebecca Poythress [Pace] and Anne Bartholomew Green on Easterly Run. John Hardyman’s sisters, according to John Frederick Dorman’s “Adventurers of Purse and Person” were probably: Mary Hardyman who married John Poythress, Rebecca Poythress’ [Pace] brother; an unknown daughter Hardyman who married Joshua Poythress; an unknown daughter Hardyman who married William Irby; and, Susannah Hardyman who married Charles Irby, who became John Poythress’ son, William Poythress‘ guardian at John’s death. This 100 acres that James Pace bought was very near his mother, Mary Pace Whitmore, who lived on the 140 acres that Richard Baker gave to his father, Richard Pace, Sr. Both properties were on the great swamp and separated by the cross swamp and Mrs. Rebecca Poythress’ half-sister, Elizabeth Tye Jane. Mrs. Rebecca Poythress’ father, John Coggin, owned land on Elizabeth Jane’s and Richard Pace’s southern boundaries and Mrs. Rebecca Poythress’ half-brother, Thomas Boyce, owned land on Richard Pace’s western boundary and John Coggin’s northern boundary. On James Pace’s eastern boundary, lived David Peebles, the father-in-law of John Poythress who married Christian Peebles, David’s daughter. This deed provides an interesting perspective.

On February 10, 1718, James Parham, of Prince George Co., sold Joshua Poythress, of Prince George Co., 200 acres, in Prince George Co., on Bailey’s Creek known as “High Peak.” The witness was James Cocke. [DB 1713-1728, p. 24] This land was about a mile and a quarter west of the land that Mrs. Rebecca Poythress, widow of Major Francis Poythress, was granted 1,000 acres, that she gifted to her daughters in 1711, 300 acres to Rebecca Poythress [Pace] and 200 acres to Anne Bartholomew Green. Rebecca sold 500 acres to Joshua Wynne, her brother-in-law, who in turn, sold it to Littlebury Epes. Littlebury’s grandson, Thomas Epes, left this land to his cousin, William Poythress (1753-1794), the grandson of Joshua Poythress (1688-1739), by will in 1790. [James Parham was married to Rachel Batte, daughter of Henry Batte and Mary Lound, and, he was a brother-in-law to John Poythress(3), the brother of Joshua Poythress(3). John Poythress(3) was married to Rachel Batte’s sister, Mary Batte.]

In 1725, John Hardyman (1682-1739), whose mother was Mary Eppes, sister of Littlebury Epes, and whose grandmother was Elizabeth Littlebury, conveyed to “Joseph” [Joshua] Poythress (1688-1739) 300 acres, part of the Flowerdew Hundred tract in Prince George Co. The consideration expressed was 10 shillings, meaning that it was a deed of gift. John Hardyman had actually paid 600 pounds lawful money of England for 150 of the same 300 acres he gave away.

In July of 1725, in a deed from John Hardyman of Martin’s Brandon parish, Prince George Co., and Henrietta Maria, his wife, he sold Joshua Poythress (1688-1739), of the same place, for 10 shillings, a tract of land, in Martins Brandon Parish, 300 acres, called Flower De Hundred, part of a tract of 1,000 acres, 150 acres devised to Henrietta Maria, wife of John Hardyman, by the will of her father, John Taylor, April 5, 1707, and the other 150 acres devised by John Taylor‘s will to daughter, Sarah, the wife of Francis Hardyman. Francis and Sarah Hardyman sold the land to John Hardyman and his wife. [PG DB 1713-1728, p. 826] Flowerdew Hundred was bounded on the north by the James River, on the east by the land of Robert Wilkins, and on the south by the land called Dutchy Hills and on the west by the land of Elizabeth Duke.

Joshua Poythress’ grandson, William Poythress (1753-1794), married Mary Gilliam, the daughter of John and Jane (Henry) Gilliam, of Prince George Co. William Poythress was a captain in the Continental Army during the Revolution. He was the principle beneficiary of the 1779 will of Thomas Epes (-1779). In 1790, William Poythress deeded to William S. Peachy the same 300 acres of Flowerdew Hundred, previously mentioned, that John Hardyman had conveyed by deed of gift to the first Joshua Poythress (1688-1739) and had by the latter been devised to the second Joshua (1720-1782), who had, in turn, devised the same to his son William, the present grantor.

John Hardyman's son, John Hardyman, Jr., married a granddaughter of Richard Taylor. Thomas Ravenscroft also married a granddaughter of Richard Taylor. Thomas Ravenscroft stood security for James Pace when he renewed his ordinary license in 1733. Thomas Ravenscroft (1688-1739) married Elizabeth Hamlin (-bef. 1720), daughter of John Hamlin (c. 1640-bef. 1720) and Elizabeth Taylor (c. 1660-1720). Their daughter, Hannah Ravenscroft (c. 1710-1765), married Francis Poythress (c. 1707-1738), son of John Poythress and Mary [Hardyman]. This Francis Poythress was a nephew of Rebecca Poythress [Pace].

By 1733, Richard Pace, Jr. (c. 1663-1739), was “of Bertie Precinct,” in NC. In June, 8½ years after Richard bought his 1,220 acres in Surry Co., he sold his son-in-law, William Johnson, 300 acres and Hubert Farrell (1673-1749) 240 acres of this land. He sold son-in-law, John Bradford, 680 acres, the balance of his 1,220 acres.

On August 18, 1738, in Surry Co., in the estate sale for John Barlow, deceased, Richard (c. 1663-1739) and probably Rebecca Pace and many of their children, relatives and friends were in attendance. Richard and Rebecca were there with Richard, Jr., and William Pace, their sons; William Acock, Charles Stewart, John Green, William Johnson and Lawrence House, their sons-in-law; Thomas and William House, their son-in-law’s brothers; and, William Johnson, Jr., possibly their grandson. Joseph Lane, husband of Patience McKinnie, parents of Jesse Lane, who married Winifred Aycock, was there. Winifred Aycock was the daughter of Rebecca Pace Bradford Aycock. John Bartholomew, Rebecca Poythress’ nephew, was there. John Denton, who witnessed Rebecca Poythress’ deed of gift from her mother, was there. Robert Hicks, the famous Indian trader of Fort Christanna, and his sons, Daniel, Robert, Jr., and George were there and his son, John, who married Rebecca Rives, and her brother, William Rives was there. Other Indian traders in attendance included Robert Lang, Thomas Whitmell, George Smith, William Kimball and Arthur Kavenaugh. Epaphroditus Benton was there. He was mentioned by William Byrd as a famous woodsman. William Gower, a mixed blood Saponi Indian, and John Cumbo, a mulatto, were there. Previous neighbors of Richard’s were there: Thomas Jackson, who lived in the vicinity of Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres; James Vaughan, who sold land to Rebecca Poythress’ first cousin, Robert Wynne, on the south side of Three Creek; and, Thomas Avent, who with Richard witnessed John Barlow’s will, and Thomas’ sons, John and William were present. Other men who had married a woman named Rebecca were there: George Ezell, who married Rebecca Delk, and Francis Myrick who married Rebecca Middleton. Hubert Farrell, who bought some of Richard’s 1,220 acres was there. Francis and Edward Young, members of the Young family who had lived adjacent to John, Francis and Thomas Poythress and Charles and Rebecca Bartholomew on Deep Bottom, were there.

051726

Rebecca Poythress' [Pace] 300 Acres on Easterly Run

2026-05-17T12:29:26.355-07:00

Rebecca Poythress [Pace] owned her 300 acres, gifted to her by her mother, Mrs. Rebecca Poythress Bartholomew, from September 11, 1711, through December 12, 1721, when her sister, Anne Bartholomew Green sold her 200 acres to Robert Hunnicutt. Rebecca’s land was not recorded as being sold by May 14, 1728, when the Prince George Co. records cease to exist until June 12, 1759, with only the period from the March term 1737/8 to April, 1740, of the minutes of the court still in existence. Littlebury Epes died in 1743. His son, Littlebury Epes, Jr., died in 1737. On June 12, 1759, Thomas Epes purchased a tract adjoining land he already owned which places Thomas Epes’ land as that earlier held by Littlebury Epes, his grandfather. In 1779 Thomas Epes conveyed his land and plantation to his cousin, William Poythress (1753-1794), by will. The 1782 tax records reveal that Thomas was charged with 850 acres in the tax records. Thomas’ widow, Elizabeth, died by 1783 when William Poythress was listed as paying taxes on 850 acres. Rebecca Poythress’ 300 acres appears to have become part of Littlebury Epes’ property, on Easterly Run, after May 1728 and before Littlebury’s death in 1743, a period of about 15 years. In 1807, a survey was completed for the heirs of William Poythress that resulted in 863 acres divided among his four sons. The 1815 tax records recognize the 863 acres as being located three miles northeast of the courthouse, on Easterly Run, adjacent to Thomas Hunnicutt’s 200 acres that his ancestor bought from Anne Bartholomew Green. By 1720, the 863 acres was consolidated and the taxes were charged to Peter Epes, Jr., the son of Peter Epes of High Peaks located about a mile and a quarter west of Rebecca’s 300 acres.

Prince George Co., VA, Tax Records:
Name Acreage taxed Year

Thomas Epes estate 850 1782 p. 10 of 554 [Thomas Epes died in late 1779. According to John Frederick Dorman, on “June 12, 1759, ... Thomas purchased a tract adjoining land he already owned which places Thomas Epes’ land as that earlier held by Littlebury Epes.” (Pr. Geo. Co. Wills, Deeds, &c, 1759-60, p. 87)] [Littlebury Epes, Jr., son of Littlebury Epes, married abt. 1704 Elizabeth Poythress Fitzgerald (probable according to Dorman). A daughter of John Hardyman, a niece of Littlebury Epes, married abt. 1723 Joshua Poythress (probable according to Dorman).
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1782 p. 12
William Poythress 184, 120 1782 p. 13
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1783 p. 21 of 554
William Poythress 852, 184, 120 1783 p. 23 [William Poythress appears to have taken possession of the land he inherited by will from Thomas Epes after the death of Thomas’ wife, Elizabeth.]
William Poythress 852 acres 1786 p. 31
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1787 p. 38
William Poythress 850, 184, 120 1787 p. 40 [The tax assessor listed William Poythress, Joshua Poythress estate (1720-1782) and William Poythress, Jr., all on the same day May 8, 1787.]
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1788 p. 50
William Poythress 850, 184, 120 1788 p. 52
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1789 p. 63
William Poythress 850, 184, 120 1789 p. 64
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1790 p. 73
William Poythress 850, 184, 120 1790 p. 75
[In 1790, William Poythress (1753-1794) deeded to William S. Peachy the same 300 acres of Flowerdew Hundred that John Hardyman had conveyed by deed of gift to the first Joshua Poythress and had by the latter been devised to the second Joshua Poythress, who had, in turn, devised the same to his son William Poythress (1753-1794), the present grantor. William Poythress also owned a tract of 863 acres on Simmons Branch upon which he had been living at the time he died.] [The tax assessor listed William Poythress - John Lovsey and William Poythress - William McCarty on the same day - May 4, 1790. The tax assessor listed Joshua Poythress estate (1720-1782) - Wm. Harwood on the same day July 13, 1790, as Burwell Lovsey and Peter Epes. Joshua Poythress was William Poythress’ (1753-1794) father.]
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1791 p. 86
William Poythress 850 1791 p. 87 [304 acres less than 1790.]
William Poythress (1756-1810) 296 1791 p. 87
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1792 p. 99
Robert Hunnicutt 138 1792 p. 99
William Poythress 750 1792 p. 101
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1793 p. 115
Robert Hunnicutt 138 1793 p. 115
William Poythress 750 1793 p. 118
Robert Hunnicutt 200 1794 p. 133
Robert Hunnicutt 138 1794 p. 133
William Poythress 750 1794 p. 135 [William Poythress (1753-1794) died in late 1794.]
Thomas Hunnicutt to Robt. Hunnicutt 200 1795 p. 152
Elizabeth Hunnicutt to Robt. Hunnicutt 138 1795 p. 152
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1795 p. 154
William Poythress (1765-1810): Peter Poythress est. (1730-1787) 100 + 905 + 400 + 225 + 100 = 1,730 acres 1795 p. 154. William Poythress was the son of Peter Poythress, of Branchester, who served Prince George Co. in the Virginia conventions of 1775 and 1776. [Land Tax Books for year 1796 and thereafter showed William Poythress receiving all lands formerly taxed to Peter Poythress’ Estate.] [Peter Poythress’ will left all real property, except some lots in the town of Blandford, to his son William Poythress (1765-1810).
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1796 p. 165
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 138 1796 p. 165
William Poythress (1765-1810) 100 + 905 + 400 + 225 = 1,630 acres 1796 p. 166
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1796 p. 167
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1797 p. 179
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 138 1797 p. 179
William Poythress (1765-1810) 100 + 387 + 400 + 225 = 1,112 acres 1797 p. 181
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1797 p. 181
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1798 p. 193
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 138 1798 p. 193
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1798 p. 195
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1798 p. 195
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1799 p. 208
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 138 1799 p. 208
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1799 p. 210
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1799 p. 211
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1800 p. 222
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 138 1800 p. 222
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1800 p. 224 [On September 6, 1800, Surveyor’s record, surveyed for William Poythress (1765-1810), 212 acres, being part of the Branchester tract, and sold by him to Captain Nathaniel Colley, next to James Cureton, on old Court House Road, near Bland’s Swamp. Robert Turnbull was the County Surveyor.] [Elizabeth “Betty” Bland Poythress was the granddaughter of Anne Poythress and Richard Bland of Jordans. Richard Bland represented Prince George Co. in VA conventions of 1775 and 1776.]
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1800 p. 225
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1801 p. 235
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1801 p. 235
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1801 p. 237
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1801 p. 238
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1802 p. 250
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1802 p. 250
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1802 p. 252
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1802 p. 253
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1803 p. 265
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1803 p. 265
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1803 p. 267
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1803 p. 267
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1804 p. 280
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1804 p. 280
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1804 p. 282
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1804 p. 283
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1805 p. 320
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1805 p. 320
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1805 p. 322
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1805 p. 323
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1806 p. 334
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1806 p. 334
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1806 p. 337
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1806 p. 337
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1807 p. 349
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1807 p. 349
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1807 p. 351
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1807 p. 351 [A Survey in 1807 divided the lands of William Poythress (1753-1794) into shares for his sons William, Jr., Joshua, Thomas and Patrick Poythress.]
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1809 p. 366
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1809 p. 366
Thomas Mattox 150 1809 p. 368
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1809 p. 368
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1809 p. 368
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1810 p. 380
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1810 p. 380
Thomas Mattox 150 1810 p. 382
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1810 p. 382
William Poythress est. 750, 99 1810 p. 383 No entry for Peter Epes Jr.
William Poythress (1753-1794) owned a tract of 863 acres on Simmons Branch upon which he had been living at the time he died. Of the 863 acre Simmons branch property that William Poythress (1753-1794) possessed, 313 acres went to son William Poythress, 300 acres went to son Thomas Poythress, 200 acres went to son Patrick Poythress, and 50 acres went to son Joshua Poythress. [William Poythress’ (1753-1794) wife, Mary Gilliam, died before 1810. It appears that four of her children, Joshua, William, Thomas and Mary, went to live with second cousin William Poythress’ (1765-1810) wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Bland Poythress, and were enumerated with her in the 1810 census. The oldest son, Patrick Henry Poythress (1778-1822) had married Mary Elizabeth Epes by 1809 and had a son, William Peterson Poythress, born in 1810.] [“Betty” evidently had three underage sons of Hardiman Poythress also living with her in 1810. Hardiman Poythress was also a second cousin to her husband.]
Peter Epes Jr. 663 1811 p. 391* [See 1815 entry.] [Peter Epes Jr. was in possession of the lands of Joshua, Thomas and William Poythress.]
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1811 p. 392
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1811 p. 392
Thomas Mattox 100 1811 p. 395
William Poythress (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1811 p. 395
Peter Epes Jr. 663 1812 p. 407 on Eastward Run [In the November term of court in 1812, a deed from Patrick H. Poythress and Elizabeth, his wife, to Peter Epes, was recorded. (PG Order Bk. 1811-1814.)] [Land Tax Books for year 1812 and thereafter showed lands of William Poythress (1765-1810) taxed to his Estate.]
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1812 p. 411 on the N of Eastward Run
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1812 p. 411 on the N of Eastward Run
Thomas Mattox est. 100 1812 p. 415 on Bland Swamp
William Poythress est. (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1812 p. 417 on Bayleys Creek
Peter Epes, Jr. 663 1813 p. 434 on Eastward Run
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1813 p. 438 on the N of Eastward Run
Elizabeth Hunnicutt 183 1813 p. 438 on the N of Eastward Run
Thomas Mattox 100 1813 p. 443 on Blands Swamp
William Poythress est. (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1813 p. 445 on Bayleys Creek
Peter Epes Jr. 663 1814 p. 467 on Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1814 p. 471 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Mattox 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt est. 183 1814 p. 471 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Thomas Mattox est. 100 1814 p. 475 on Blands Swamp adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
William Poythress est. (1765-1810) 400 + 387 + 225 + 100 = 1,112 acres 1814 p. 477 on Bayleys Creek adj. Jno. Batte & others 2N (2 miles North of courthouse)
Peter Epes Jr. 663 1815 p. 497 on Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Peter Epes Jr. 200 1815 p. 497 on Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE [Part of William Poythress’ estate by deed.* Peter Epes Jr. was in possession of all of the land William Poythress (1753-1790) left to his sons by will.]
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1815 p. 501 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Mattox 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt est. 183 1815 p. 501 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Thomas Mattox est. 100 1815 p. 506 on Blands Swamp adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Peter Epes Jr. 663 1816 p. 530 on Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Peter Epes Jr. 200 1816 p. 530 on Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Thomas Hunnicutt 200 1816 p. 535 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Mattox 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt est. 183 1816 p. 535 N of Eastward Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Thos. Mattox est. 100 1816 p. 540 on Blackwater adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
1817. 15 of 315.
Thos. Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. N of Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Eliza Hunnicutt est. fee simple 183 ac. N of Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 663 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. on Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
1818.
James Eppes 274 of 439 1818 53 of 315. Peter Eppes, Jr.
Thos. Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. N Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Eliza Hunnicutt est. fee simple 183 ac. N Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 663 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. on Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
1819.
James Epes 300 of 439 1819 90 of 315. Peter Eppes, Jr.
Thomas Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. N Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Eliza Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. N Eastward (Easterly) Run adjoining Thos. Mattox 3E
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 663 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE
Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. on Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
1820.
James Eppes 324 of 439 1820 117 of 315. Peter Eppes, Jr.
Thos. Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Peter Eppes Jr. 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 863 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3NE
Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. N of Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
[By 1811, Peter Epes, Jr., (1767-1822) had acquired approximately 663 acres of William Poythress’ (1753-1794) land, representing the combined shares of William Poythress, Jr., Thomas Poythress, and Joshua Poythress; the specific deeds for these transfers are not identified in the abstracts and should appear in Prince George Co. deed books, 1807–1811. At the November term of court in 1812, Patrick Henry Poythress and wife Elizabeth conveyed his 200-acre share to Peter Epes, Jr., (Prince George County Order Book, 1811–1814). By 1815, land tax records show Peter Epes, Jr., charged with both 663 acres and an additional 200 acres identified as part of William Poythress’ estate. By 1815, Peter Epes, Jr., had acquired all portions of the 863-acre tract, which by 1820 was carried in the land tax books consolidating all portions of the original property.] [Peter Epes, Jr.’s parents were Peter Epes (1727-1807) and Mary Poythress (1730-1792). His mother was the daughter of Joshua Poythress (1688-1740) and a daughter (1702-aft. 1740) of John Hardiman, a niece of Littlebury Epes.]
1821.
James Eppes 351 of 439 1821 144 of 315. Peter Eppes, Jr.
Thos. Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Peter Eppes Jr. 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Peter Epes Jr. fee simple 863 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3NE
Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. N of Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Ambrose Wilkins est., life estate, 196 ac., W of Poythress’ mill, adjoining Peter Eppes, 4N
1822.
James Eppes 379 of 439. 176 of 315. 1822, conveyed to Susannah Epes by Peter Eppes by will
Thos. Hunnicutt fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Peter Eppes Jr. 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Susannah Epes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 2NE conveyed by Peter Eppes by will
Thos. Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. N Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
John Titmash est. fee simple 160 ac. W of Blands swamp adjoining Fras. Eppes 3E
Ambrose Wilkins est., life estate, 196 ac., W of Poythress’ mill, adjoining Peter Eppes, 4N
1823. 210 of 315.
Thos. Hunnicutt est. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining S. Eppes 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est. 3E
Thos. Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. N Black Water adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Susanna Eppes life est. 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Thos. Hunnicutt 3NE (13 slaves over 16, 3 slaves >12 & <16)
John Titmash est. fee simple 160 ac. W of Blands swamp adjoining Fras. Eppes 3E
Ambrose Wilkins est., life estate, 196 ac., W of Poythress’ mill, adjoining S. Epes 4N

Mary Green Eppes (1665-1749) dau. of Lewis Green (1645-bef. 1739); sister of Burrell Green (1681-1733) md. Anne Bartholomew; md. Edward Eppes (1650-1730) son of John Eppes; Son: Francis Eppes, Sr. (1698-1775) md. Phoebe Morris. Susannah Epes was a daughter of Peter Epes of High Peaks. She married John Eppes.

1824. 247 of 315.
Thos. Hunnicutt est. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining S. Eppes 3E
Elizabeth Hunnicutt fee simple 183 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est. 3E
Thos. Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. N of Blands swamp adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3E
Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt 3NE
Ambrose Wilkins est., life estate, 196 ac., W of Poythress’ mill, adjoining S. Epes, 4N
1825 taxes. 284 of 315.
p. 284 Francis Epes fee simple 204 1/4 ac. W of Blands swamp Thos. B. Bryant 4E
p. 303 John Titmash est. fee simple 160 ac. W of Blands swamp adjoining Francis Eppes 3E
p. 280 George Beckley, fee simple, 100 ac., on Easterly run, adjoining Elizabeth Lacey, 5E
p. 284 Henry Fisher, fee simple, 50 ac., N of Easterly run, adjoining George Beckley, 5E
p. 286 Wm. Galt, life estate, 76½ ac., N of Easterly run, adjoining Geo. Beckley, 5NE
p. 306 Ambrose Wilkins est., life estate, 196 ac., W of Poythress’ mill, adjoining S. Epes, 4E
p. 284 Susanna Epes, life estate, 863 ac., on Easterly run, adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est., 3NE
p. 288 Thomas Hunnicutt est., fee simple, 200 ac., on Easterly run, adjoining S. Epes, 3E
p. 288 Elizabeth Hunnicutt, fee simple, 183 ac., on Easterly run, adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est., 3E
p. 294 Thomas Mattox est., fee simple, 100 ac., N Blands swp., adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est., 3E
p. 297 Wm. Pace, life estate, 97½ ac., on Fox branch, adjoining Jas. Gilliam est., 12W
p. 297 Francis Pace, Dinwiddie co., fee simple, 184 ac., on Butlers br., adjoining John Chappell, 10SE
p. 297 Francis Pace, fee simple, 73 ac., on Butlers branch, 10SE
p. 297 Francis Pace, fee simple, 14½ ac., on Butlers branch, 10SE
p. 297 Francis Pace, fee simple, 2 ac., on Butlers branch, 10SE

Distance and bearing from the courthouse. May 28, 1825.
Susanna Epes = 3 miles northeast of Prince George, VA, courthouse
Thomas Hunnicutt = 3 miles east of courthouse
Elizabeth Hunnicutt = 3 miles east of courthouse
Thomas Mattox = 3 miles east of courthouse
Ambrose Wilkins = 4 miles east of courthouse

1826.
p.17 Susanna Eppes PG life estate – 863 on Easterly Run - adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est. 3NE
p.22 Thomas Hunnicutt est. PG fee simple- 200 on Easterly Run - adjoining S. Eppes 3E
p.22 Elizabeth Hunnicutt PG fee simple - 183 on Easterly Run - adjoining T. Hunnicutt 3E
p.11 George Beckley PG fee simple – 100 on Easterly Run - adjoining Elizabeth Lacey 5E
p.18 Henry Fisher PG fee simple – 50 N. of Easterly Run - adjoining George Beckley 5E
p.20 William T. Galt PG life estate – 76½ N. of Easterly Run - adjoining George Beckley 5NE
p.30 Thomas Mattox est. PG fee simple – 100 Blands swp. adjoining Thomas Hunnicutt’s est. 3E
1827.
p.58 Susanna Eppes PG life estate – 863 on Easterly Run - adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est. 3NE
p.62 Thomas Hunnicutt est. PG fee simple - 200 on Easterly Run - adjoining S. Eppes 3E
p.62 Elizabeth Hunnicutt PG fee simple - 183 on Easterly Run - adjoining T. Hunnicutt est. 3E
p.69 Thomas Mattox est. PG fee simple - 100 Blands swamp — adjoining Thos. Hunnicutt est. 3E

p.61 Elizabeth Galt, fee simple 76½ ac., N of Easterly run, adjoining Geo. Beckley, 5NE conveyed by Wm. T. Galt
1828.
p.95 Susanna Eppes fee simple 138 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robt. Mattox 3NE conveyed from Thos. Hunnicutt est.
p.95 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adjoining Robert Mattox 3NE
p.105 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Eppes 3E conveyed from Thos. Hunnicutt est.
p.105 Thomas Mattox estate fee simple 100 ac. Blands swamp adj. Robert Mattox 3E
1829.
p.131 Susanna Eppes fee simple 138 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.131 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.141 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Eppes 3E
p.142 Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. on Blands Swp. adj. Robert Mattox 3E
1830.
p.167 Susanna Eppes life estate 138 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.168 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.178 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Eppes 3E
p.178 Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. Blands Swp. adj. Robert Mattox 3E

1830 census. neighbors (not all): Thomas Cocke, Edmund Ruffin, David Simmons, Robt. F. Eppes, Philip B. Thweatt, James S. Gee, Elizabeth E. Stainback, Elizabeth Wilkins, Sally Harrison, Wm. M. Rives, John Poythress, Sally Mattox, Robt. Mattox, [Edmund Wilkins] Jesse Wamack, James Hunnicutt, Joseph Wamack, Wm.son W. Wamack, Henry Simmons, Rich’d. Titmash, James Fuqua, Simmons Hite, Elizabeth Fuqua, Wm. Fuqua, Ann H. Thweatt, Wm. Bryant, Thos. A. Oliver.

1831.
p.203 Susanna Eppes life estate 138 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.204 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.214 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Susan Eppes 3E
p.214 Thomas Mattox est. fee simple 100 ac. Blands Swp. adj. Robert Mattox 3E
1832.
p.241 Susanna Eppes life estate 138 ac. on Easterly Run 3NE
p.242 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Robert Mattox 3NE
p.252 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. Susan Eppes 3E
p.252 Robert Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. S. Eppes 3E from Thos. Mattox est.
p.252 John Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. S. Eppes 3E from Thos. Mattox est.
p.252 Randolph Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. S. Eppes 3E from Thos. Mattox est.
1833.
p.276 Susanna Eppes life estate 138 ac. on Easterly Run 3NE
p.276 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox 3NE
p.286 Robert Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. Jno. Mattox 3E
p.286 Robert Mattox fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Epes 3E
p.286 John Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. R. Mattox 3E
p.286 Randolph Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. R. Mattox 3E
1834.
p.313 Susanna Eppes life estate 138 ac. on Easterly Run 3NE [same acreage as Edm. Wilkins]
p.313 Susanna Eppes life estate 863 ac. on Easterly Run 3NE [same acreage as Edm. Wilkins]
p.323 Robert Mattox est. fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. J. Mattox 3E
p.323 Robert Mattox est. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Epes 3E
p.323 Randolph Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. J. Mattox est. 3E
p.377 Edmund Wilkins fee simple 140 ac. Piny Slash 6SE
p.377 Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. on Easterly Run 3NE conveyed by Danl. & Peter Epes by deed
p.377 Edmund Wilkins fee “ 863 ac. on Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox 3NE conveyed by Danl. & Peter Epes by deed
p.349 Peter Epes (Lunenburg) fee simple 695 ac. on Bailey’s Creek 4NE
p.349 Peter Epes “ fee simple 540 ac. W of Old Courthouse 6NE
p.349 Daniel Epes (PG Co.) fee simple 254 ac. Cedar Level adj. J. Poythress 6N
p.349 Daniel Epes “ life estate 60 ac. W of Bailey’s Creek 8NE
p.350 Daniel Epes life estate 20ac. James River adj. R. Moody’s est. 8NE conveyed from Robt. Moody’s est.
1835.
p.323 Robert Mattox est. fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. Jno. Mattox 3E
p.323 Robert Mattox est. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Epes 3E
p.323 Randolph Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands swp. adj. J. Mattox 3E
1836. 360 of 380.
Robert Mattox est. fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. J. Mattox 3E
Robert Mattox est. fee simple 200 ac. on Easterly Run adj. S. Epes 3E
Randolph Mattox fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. adj. J. Mattox est. 3E
John S. Epes fee simple 56 2/3 Bland’s swamp adj. R. Mattox est. 3E conveyed by John Mattox by deed
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. Robt. Mattox est. 3NE
1837.
John B. Bland fee simple 87 ac. W of Easterly Run 8SE
George Beckley fee simple 100ac. on Easterly Run 5E
Nancy Fisher life estate 50 ac. Easterly Run adj. Lemuel Hunnicutt 5E
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE
1838.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3 NE
Edmund Withers fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE
1839.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3 NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE
1840.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE

1840 census, Pr. Geo.
Edmund Wilkins 1-1-2-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-etc. Neighbors: John Stainback, David Simmons, Edmund Ruffin Jr., Watkins Fenn, Robert Hall – Edmund Wilkins – Sarah Mattox, John Hite Sr., Peter Birchett, Wm. G. Birchett, Chas. Carter, Wm. Bryant, Daniel Eppes, Wm. Wilkins, Sam’l. Hunnicutt, Theodorick Bland, Wm. H. Harrison, Wm. W. Rives. 1m<5, 1m5-<10, 2m10-<15, 1m40-<50, 1f5-<10, 10-<15, 1f30-<40, 1fslave-55-<100, 1mfcp55-<100...

1841.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE
1842.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run adj. R. Mattox est. 3NE
1843.
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Easterly Run 3NE
Edmund Wilkins fee simple 256 2/3 ac. Easterly Run 3NE from Robt. Mattox est. by deed by commissioner 1842
Randolph Mattox est. fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. 3E
John S. Epes fee simple 56 2/3 Bland’s swamp adj. R. Mattox est. 3E
1844. 359 of 380.
Randolph Mattox est. fee simple 56 2/3 ac. Blands Swp. 3E
Elizabeth Wilkins life estate 200 ac. on Fox branch 5E
Edmond Wilkins fee simple 140 ac. Piney slash 6SE
Edmond Wilkins fee simple 138 ac. Estherly run 3 NE
Edmond Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Edmond Wilkins fee simple 256 2/3 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1842
1845. 37 of 273.
William M. Wilkins life estate 200 ac. on Fox branch 5E 1845 from Edmund Wilkins by will
Mary P. Wilkins life estate 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845 from Edmund Wilkins by will
Mary P. Wilkins life estate 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845 from Edmund Wilkins by will
George Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845 from Edmund Wilkins by will
Wm. M. Wilkins, Geo. A & T. G. Fenner fee simple 140 ac. Piny slash 4SE 1845 from E. Wilkins est.
1846. 78-79 of 273.
William B. Wilkins fee simple 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. on Fox branch 5E 1846 = 7½ ac. Robt. Hall by (deed?)
Mary P. Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Mary P. Wilkins fee simple 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
George Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Wm. M. Wilkins, Geo. A & T.G. Fenner fee simple 140 ac. Piny slash 6SE 1846 from Thos. N. Whitmore of by heir
1847. 129-130 of 273.
William B. Wilkins fee simple 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. on Fox branch 5E
Mary P. Wilkins life estate 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Mary P. Wilkins life estate 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Wm. M. Wilkins, Geo. A. & Thos. G. Fenner fee simple 140 ac. Piney slash 6SE
1848. 177 of 273.
William B. Wilkins fee simple 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins fee simple 19 ac. S. Baileys cr. 9N 1848 from John B. Bland by deed
William M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. on Fox branch 5E 1846
Mary P. Wilkins fee simple 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Mary P. Wilkins est fee simple 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Wm. M. Wilkins, Geo. A. & Thos. G. Fenner fee simple 140 ac. Piney slash 6SE 1845
1849. 219 of 273.
William B. Wilkins fee simple 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins fee simple 19 ac. S. Baileys cr. 9N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. on Fox branch 5E 1849 improvements added
Mary P. Wilkins est. life estate 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Mary P. Wilkins est. fee simple 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
1850. 268 of 273.
William B. Wilkins fee simple 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins fee simple 19 ac. Branchester mill 5N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. on Fox branch 5E 1849
Mary P. Wilkins est. life estate 863 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845 [Mary P. Eppes Wilkins (-1847)]
Mary P. Wilkins est. life estate 190 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845

1850 Pr. Geo. Co., July 31, 1850, census
#44 Wm. M. Wilkins (1824-) 26 w/m VA farmer $1,930, G. Wilkins (1818-) 32 w/f VA W. Warthen 15 w/m VA att. school m. 2nd Ann E. Wilkins (1833-)
#47 George A. Wilkins (1827-) 23 w/m VA farmer $1,600 [Virginia E. Wilkins wf (1829-)]
#48 Peter E. Wilkins (1830-) 20 w/m VA farmer $6,000, A. Matthews 25 overseer VA
#49 Wm. Rives 61 w/m farmer $150 VA
#50 Sarah Hunnicutt 50 w/f $1,790 VA
#51 Jno. B. Bland 52 w/m farmer $10,000 VA
#52 Wm. B. Wilkins (1810-) 40 w/m VA farmer $3,000
#53 Thos. Bland 45 w/m farmer $30,000 VA
From LDS site: Peter Epps’ (1778-1822) children: (1) Daniel Eppes (1813-1852) md. Mary E. Dunn, (2) Peter Eppes (1814-1876) md. Susan Bott, (3) Virginia A. M. Epes (1818-1843) md. Daniel S. McCormick, (3) Mary Eppes md. Edmund Wilkins (1810-1845).
1850 census, PG Co. Aug. 21, 1850.
#215 Peter Eppes 37 w/m physician 1,680 VA, Mary 4 w/f VA, Peter 3 w/m VA [neighbor: #214 J. F. Moody, overseer.] p. 25 of 76.
1850 census, PG Co. Aug. 22, 1850.
#225 Daniel Eppes 38 w/m farmer $5,000 VA, Mary 24 w/f VA, Susannah 2 w/f VA [Mary E. Dunn]. Oct 29, 1824 marriage Daniel Epps and Nancy Dun.

1851. 27-28 of 148.
William B. Wilkins life estate 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins life estate 19 ac. N Branchester mill 5N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins life estate 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851 by inheritance & commissioner
Edmond D. Wilkins life estate 352 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851 by inheritance & commissioner
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1851 by inheritance & commissioner
Edmond H. Wilkins fee simple 376 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1851 by inheritance & commissioner
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3E
1852. 56-57 of 148.
William B. Wilkins life estate 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins life estate 19 ac. N Branchester mill 5N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins life estate 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851
Edmond D. Wilkins life estate 352 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1851
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1845
1853. 89 of 148.
William B. Wilkins life estate 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins life estate 19 ac. N Branchester mill 5N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins life estate 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851
Edmond D. Wilkins fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1851
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1845
Peter E. Wilkins life estate 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851
1854. 115-116 of 148.
William B. Wilkins life estate 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins life estate 19 ac. N Branchester mill 5N 1848
William M. Wilkins life estate 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins life estate 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1851
Edmond D. Wilkins fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE 1845
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1851
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1845
1855. 144 of 148.
William B. Wilkins life estate 196 ac. W Branchester mill 4N
William B. Wilkins life estate 19 ac. N Branchester mill 5N 1848
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1851
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1851
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1845
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1845
1856. 25 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E 1849
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1851
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1851
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1845
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE 1845
1857. 46 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
1858. 65 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E
John S. Hobbs fee simple 219 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1858 from Wm. Bryant by deed
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
1859. 85 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E
John S. Hobbs fee simple 219 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3E 1858
Robert Hall fee simple 27 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 4N from John B. Bland by deed
Giles Johnson fee simple 50 ac. Estherly Run 5NE
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
1860. 96 of 167
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox branch 5E
Robert Hall fee simple 27 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 4N
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE
George A. Wilkins fee simple 200 ac. Estherly run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly run 3NE

1860 census
#32 W. M. Wilkins 37 w/m farmer $2,000 - $3,000 VA
A. E. Wilkins 27 w/f VA
E. C. Wilkins 7 w/f VA
E. W. Wilkins 5 w/m VA
S. E. Wilkins 2 w/f VA
#674 G. A. Wilkins 33 w/m wood merchant xxxx–$10,000 VA
V. E. Wilkins 31 VA
B. C. Wilkins 6 w/m VA
G. N. Wilkins 5 w/m VA
W. Wilkins 2 w/m VA

1861. 124 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox Branch 5E
Robert Hall fee simple 27 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 4N
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
1862. 143 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox Branch 5E
Robert Hall fee simple 27 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 4N
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
1863. 162 of 167.
Wm. M. Wilkins fee simple 192½ ac. Fox Branch 5E
Robert Hall fee simple 27 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 4N
Peter E. Wilkins fee simple 105 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Susan E. Wilkins fee simple 332 3/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE
Edmond D. Wilkins Estherly run fee simple 332 1/4 ac. Estherly Run 3NE

[The 1863 CSA military map is the first map to show the properties of Littlebury Epes (500 acres), Rebecca Poythress [Pace] (300 acres) and Anne Bartholomew [Green] (200 acres) all consolidated in one presentation. By the time that William Poythress died, he had 863 acres of the land and Hunnicutt had Green's 200 acres. By 1843, Edmund Wilkins had the 863 acres and Green's 200 acres all consolidated with some of the Mattox property. In 1863, 797 3/4 acres are represented on the map in the Wilkins family.]

(1) ----Rebecca Coggin Poythress, widow of Major Francis Poythress; owned 1,000 acres on Easterly Run, (owned 1692-1711), sold 500 acres to Joshua Wynne; gifted daughter Rebecca Poythress [Pace] 300 acres and daughter Anne Green Bartholomew 200 acres.

(2) ----Joshua Wynne, half-brother of Major Francis Poythress, uncle of Rebecca Poythress [Pace]; 500 acres on Easterly Run, (owned 1692-1694), sold 500 acres to Littlebury Epes, father-in-law of [Elizabeth Poythress Fitzgerald].

----Rebecca Poythress [Pace], daughter of Mrs. Rebecca Poythress (Bartholomew); 300 ac. on Easterly Run, (owned 1711-between 1728-1759).

----Anne Bartholomew Green, daughter of Mrs. Rebecca Poythress Bartholomew; 200 ac. Easterly Run (owned 1711-1721), sold 200 acres to Robert Hunnicutt.

(3) ----Littlebury Epes, father-in-law of [Elizabeth Poythress Fitzgerald]; 500 acres on Easterly Run (owned 1694-1743).

----Robert Hunnicutt, 200 acres on Easterly Run, (owned 1721-1743).

(4) ----Thomas Epes, grandson of Littlebury Epes and son of [Elizabeth Poythress Fitzgerald], sister of Joshua Poythress, 1st cousins of Rebecca Poythress [Pace]; 852 acres, (owned 1743-1779), wife had life estate (until 1782), conveyed 863 acres by will to cousin William Poythress (1753-1794).

----Robert Hunnicutt, 200 acres on Easterly Run, (owned before 1782-1795).

(5) ----William Poythress (1753-1794) grandson of Joshua Poythress of High Peaks, 1st cousin twice removed from Rebecca Poythress [Pace]; owned 863 acres on Simmons branch (owned 1782-1794); 863 ac. surveyed 1807 for sons, estate paid taxes to 1810, conveyed to sons by will.

----Thomas Hunnicutt, 200 ac. & Elizabeth Peebles Hunnicutt 138 to 183 ac. (owned 1795-1828). Conveyed to Thomas Mattox.

(6) ----Patrick Poythress 200 ac. (owned 1810-1815), 50 ac. Joshua Poythress (owned 1810-1812), Thos. Poythress 300 ac. (owned 1810-1812) and Wm. Poythress 313 ac. (owned 1810-1812), sons of Wm. Poythress. Conveyed their inheritance to Peter Epes Jr.

----Thomas Mattox 200 ac. on Easterly Run (owned 1828-1836), conveyed to Edmund Wilkins.

(7) ----Peter Epes Jr., son of Peter Epes of High Peaks & Mary Poythress the daughter of Joshua Poythress; 863 acres on Easterly Run (owned 1812-1822), conveyed life estate to Susannah Epes by will.

(8) ----Susannah Epes, daughter of Peter Epes of High Peaks, wife of John Eppes; 863 to 1,001 acres on Easterly Run (owned 1822-1836).

(9) ----Edmond Wilkins, 863 + 138 acres on Easterly Run (owned 1836-1845), conveyed property by will to wife Mary P. Epes Wilkins and his children. Their property was shown on 1863 CSA map east of Dr. Shands, immediately north of RR tracks and SW of intersection of Ruffin Rd. and Sandy Ridge Rd. Edmond Wilkins was married to Peter Epes Jr.’s daughter Mary Epes Wilkins.

051726

Timothy Truelove and Martha Jones - Not a Daughter of Owen Tutor

2026-03-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

Owen Tutor (1772-1850) and Lucinda Senter had ten children, five boys and five girls. Their names were: Samuel, Henry, Frances, William, Mary, Lilly, Lucy, Owen, Harris and Louisa.

Martha Jones Truelove was not one of their children. Timothy Truelove (1825-1862/5) married Martha Lane Jones (1828-1895) on 3 September 1845 according to their marriage license. He and his wife, Martha Jones, lived with Owen Tutor in 1850.

The death certificate for D. H. (David Henry) Truelove states that D. H. Truelove was born October 11, 1846, and died October 7, 1930, at age 83. His father was Tim Truelove (born 1824/5) and his mother was Martha Jones. The informant for the death certificate was Susan Truelove, wife of D. H. Truelove.

. 1850 Census
1850 census, Northern Div., Cumberland Co., North Carolina, p. 133, family #485, August 24, 1850
Owen Tutor 78 W/M NC 1772 NC farmer, unable to read or write
Timothy Truelove 25 W/M NC 1825 NC farmer, unable to read or write
Martha Truelove 22 W/F NC 1827 NC unable to read or write
Sarah J. Truelove 4 W/F NC 1844 NC
James M. Truelove 8/12 W/M NC 1849 NC

. 1860 Census
1860, Summerville P. O., Harnett Co., North Carolina, p. 10, family #66, June 16, 1860
Timothy Trulove W/M 35 NC farmer, cannot read or write
Martha Trulove W/F 33 NC domestic
Sarah J. Trulove W/F 14 NC idiot
James Trulove W/M 11 NC
D. H. Trulove W/M 6 NC (David Henry Truelove)
M. L. Trulove W/F 3 NC
M. E. Trulove W/F 3 NC

3/6/26

Owen Tutor 1772-1850 of Cumberland Co., N. C. Wasn't a Son of Owen Tudor 1742-1800 of Sussex Co., VA

2026-03-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

Owen Tutor (1772-1850 – Cumberland Co., NC) is part of an old Tudor paternal line but is not a son of Owen Tudor (1742–1800), the son of Henry Tudor (1714-1771 – Sussex Co., VA), as some online trees claim. Y-DNA testing shows his line branched off earlier, making him a separate branch from Henry Tudor’s descendants. He is also distinct from the John Tudor (c.1690-1721 – Surry Co., VA) line, though all three share a common Tudor ancestor further back. His DNA points to Western Wales, specifically Penmynydd on Anglesey, where many Tudors lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Descendants across different states, unaware of each other, still pronounce the surname “Tew-tor” (with “Tew” rhyming with “few”), reflecting a Welsh linguistic influence preserved across generations. Historian William Manning Moore (1909–1979), a descendant of Owen Tutor, reported that Owen arrived in the colonies on a privateering vessel around 1790 in the James River and always spoke with a Welsh accent. By 1792, he was in North Carolina. Today, almost anyone with the surname Tutor descends from Owen Tutor. Combined, the DNA, linguistic, and historical evidence confirm Owen Tutor’s Welsh origins and clarify his separate lineage from Henry Tudor’s descendants.

3/5/26

The William Madison Tutor cemetery

2026-02-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

According to Hal Tutor, of Harnett Co., NC, two old aunts were buried in the William Madison Tutor cemetery. It is unknown who Owen Tutor’s daughters, Frances Samantha Tutor (b. c. 1805) and Mary Tutor (b. c. 1810) married. However, William Manning Moore stated that Frances Samantha Tutor married a Baker and Mary Tutor married a Spence. A Susan Baker was listed in the 1850, 1860 and 1870 censuses. She lived with William Tutor at the time of the 1870 census. Might Susan Baker have been the daughter that William Manning Moore gave as Frances Samantha Tutor? A Mary Spence was listed in the 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 censuses. Might she have been the other daughter? Hal Tutor did say that the two old aunts were spinsters. The definition of a spinster is “an unmarried woman, typically an older woman beyond the usual age for marriage.”

Bride: Ann Roberson; Groom: Bryant Baker; Bond Date: 19 Dec 1847; County: Cumberland; Record #: 03 002; Bondsman: William Tutor; Witness: G. W. Pegram; Bond #: 000036074.

1850, Northern Div., Cumberland Co., NC, p. 128, family #417, August 21, 1850
Mary Spence 42 W/F NC
Martha Spence 21 W/F NC
John A. Spence 14 W/M NC attended school
Mary Spence 11 W/F NC attended school
Lydia A. Spence 7 W/F NC

1850, Northern Div., Cumberland Co., NC, p. 130, family #435, August 22, 1850
William Tutor 48 W/M NC 1807, farmer, real estate value $200
Harriet Tutor 30 W/F NC 1822, cannot read or write
William Tutor 13 W/M NC 1837, attended school during year
Darcus Tutor 11 W/F NC April 5, 1840, attended school during year
Hixie Tutor 9 W/F NC April 30, 1842, attended school during year
James Tutor 8 W/M NC March 13, 1844
Reuben Tutor 6 W/M NC September, 1845
Jesse Tutor 4 W/M NC September, 1847
Samuel Tutor 1/12 W/M NC June, 1850

1850, Northern Div., Cumberland Co., NC, p. 136, family #540, August 27, 1850
Rebecca Baker 52 W/F NC cannot read or write
Mary Baker 20 W/F NC
Janet Baker 18 W/F NC attended school
Esther A. Baker 12 W/F NC attended school
Susan Baker 50 W/F NC cannot read or write

1860, Summerville, Harnett Co., NC, p. 14, family #101, June 18, 1860
Polly Spence 52 W/F NC Labr.
Mary Spence 21 W/F NC Dom., cannot read or write
L. A. Spence 18 W/F NC Dom.

1860, Summerville P.O., Harnett Co., NC, p. 46, family #346, July 13, 1860

William Tutor 54 W/M NC farmer

Harriet Tutor 40 W/F NC domestic, cannot read or write

William O. Tutor 21 W/M NC carpenter

Hixey E. Tutor 17 W/F NC domestic
James A. Tutor 16 W/M NC laborer
Reuben S. Tutor 15 W/M NC laborer
Jesse H. Tutor 12 W/M NC
Samuel G. Tutor 10 W/M NC
Alfred Y. Tutor 7 W/M NC
H. C. Tutor 5 W/F NC

1860, Summerville, Harnett Co., NC, p. 53, family #395, July 17, 1860
Tabitha Pegram 83 W/F NC Domestic
Susan Baker 75 W/F NC Domestic cannot read or write

1870, Buckhorn Twp., Chalk Level, Harnett Co., NC, p. 6, family #44, September 13, 1870
James Sanderford 35 W/M NC farm hand, cannot read or write
Martha Sanderford 41 W/F NC keeping house, cannot read or write
Jas. A. Sanderford 14 W/M NC cannot read or write
John D. Sanderford 6 W/M NC
Jennet I. Sanderford 3 W/F NC
Joanna Sanderford 1/12 W/F NC
Mary Spence 62 W/F NC

1870, Buckhorn Tw., Chalk Level, Harnett Co., NC, p. 27, family #198, September 16, 1870
William Tutor 63 W/M NC farmer, real estate value $340, personal estate value $500
Harriet Tutor 48 W/F NC keeping house
Hixey E. Tutor 29 W/F NC cannot read or write
Jesse H. Tutor 23 W/M NC farm hand
Sam G. Tutor 20 W/M NC farm hand
Alfred Y. Tutor 18 W/M NC farm hand
Susan Baker 68 W/F NC

1880, Hectors Creek, Harnett Co., NC, p. 26, family #---, June 27, 1880
J. L. Sandford 46 W/M NC NC NC laborer, cannot read or write
Martha Sandford 51 W/F NC NC NC wife, keeping house, cannot read or write
John D. Sandford 16 W/M NC NC NC son, laborer, cannot read or write
Jennie Sandford 12 W/F NC NC NC daughter, laborer, cannot read or write
Joana Sandford 10 W/F NC NC NC daughter, laborer, cannot read or write
Polly Spence 73 W/F NC NC NC widowed, servant, cannot read or write

1880, Buckhorn Twp., Harnett Co., NC, p. 3, family #30, June 19-21, 1880

William Tutor 73 W/M NC NC NC farmer
Harriet Tutor 62 W/F NC NC NC wife, keeping house

William Madison Tutor Family Cemetery - Harnett County, NC. Contributed by M. R. Tutor, April 18, 2004. The William Madison Tutor family cemetery can be accessed by driving through or walking through Gertrude Johnson's fields. The stones are located within a tree line across a field from the remains of several buildings, including William Tutor's old house. All that remains of the house are the stone porch and fireplace. The property is located south of Duncan, North Carolina. There are eight people known to be buried in the cemetery but there are most likely others:

1. William Madison Tutor, b. 1807 - d. 8/2/1892
2. Harriet Ligon Tutor, b. 1822 - d. c. 1890; 2nd wife of William Madison Tutor
3. Alfred "Ap" Young Tutor, b. 7/16/1853 - d. 9/3/1940; youngest son of William and Harriet Tutor
4. Lottie Honeycutt Tutor, b. 7/1857 - d. 1909; wife of Alfred "Ap" Young Tutor
5. John Tutor, b. 6/6/1887 - d.1887; son of Alfred and Lottie Tutor
6. Glover Tutor, b. 1898 - d. 1898; son of Alfred and Lottie Tutor
7. an old aunt is buried here, her name unknown at present [possibly Susan Baker]
8. an old aunt is buried here, her name unknown at present [possibly Mary Spence]

Stones 1, 2, 7, and 8 rise six feet out of the ground and are of sandstone construction. Stones 3, 4, 5, and 6 rise only three feet out of the ground. Very little can now be read on the stones but otherwise the stones seem to be in good condition.

2/21/26

Owen Tutor (1772-1850) of Cumberland Co., NC, and the three Owen Tudors

2026-02-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Owen Tutor, (1772-1850), of Cumberland Co., NC

1. Owen Tutor (1772-1850) arrived in Virginia in the summer of 1790. By 1792, he was in North Carolina where he spent his whole life. About November or December of 1799, he married. He lived in Cumberland Co., NC, for over 50 years.
2. He arrived in the United States alone. He had no family living around him until he had grown children.
3. His descendant’s YDNA showed that he did not have close relatives or parents in the U. S. but did have distant cousins from a common ancestor back in the United Kingdom in the 17th century.

Owen Tudor (1742-1800), of Sussex Co., VA., & Orange Co., NC, and son, Owen Tudor (1787-aft. 1821), of Orange Co., NC

1. Owen Tudor (1742-1800), son of Henry Tudor, of Sussex Co., VA., lived in Sussex Co. until at least 1771.
2. By 1780, he was in Northampton Co., NC., and by 1785, in Granville Co., NC.
3. In 1790, he was in Anson Co., NC, where he was enumerated with three boys under 16 and four females, one of which was his wife, Lucy. His son, Owen, was born February 14, 1787.
4. By 1798, he was in Orange Co., NC, where he died in 1800. He was insolvent at his death and left his widow, Lucy, who was unable to care for their son, Owen (1787-aft. 1821). The court required Owen to live with William Crutchfield until he was 21 years old and to learn the blacksmith trade.
5. The last records for son, Owen Tudor (1787-aft. 1821), appear in 1813 and 1821 in Orange Co., NC.

Owen Tudor (1794-1871), of Orange Co., NC, & Ashe Co., NC

1. Owen Tudor (1794-1871) appears to be the son of Harris Tutor (1768-1839), the son of Owen Tudor (1742-1800). He married Elizabeth Frances “Fanny” McClain in 1816 after serving in the War of 1812. He appears to have died in Ashe Co., NC.

2/21/26

Owen Tutor (1772-1850) of Cumberland Co., NC

2026-02-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

Most of the earliest material regarding Owen Tutor came from William Manning Moore by telephone and by correspondence. Mr. Moore was born in 1909 and died in 1979. He was the grandson of Mary Eva Tutor who married Sidney Daniel Churchill. Mary Eva Tutor was the granddaughter of Owen Tutor, the progenitor of the Tutor family.

Mary Eva Tutor’s parents were Owen Young Tutor and Lucinda Dennis. Lucinda Dennis died about 1860 or 1861 when Mary was two years old. About 1862, Owen Young Tutor, after the decease of his wife, the mother of his seven children, took his two daughters, Nancy and Mary Eva, to Cumberland Co., NC. The girls stayed with their aunt Lucy Jane Tutor Hobby, the daughter of their grandfather, Owen Tutor. Mary Eva was born in 1859 and died in 1934. Lucy Jane was married to Alex Hobby. Alex Hobby had two daughters, Ann and Susan, who also lived with them. Lucy Jane Tutor Hobby was born in 1816 and died in 1900. Owen Young Tutor died at Drewry’s Bluff, VA, during the War between the States, on May 16, 1864. This left all of his children orphaned.

William Manning Moore was a history teacher and a family researcher. He stated that most of his information came from his grandmother, Mary Eva Tutor Churchill. Mr. Moore was 25 years old when his grandmother died. He stated that his grandmother had been raised by her aunt Lucy Jane Tutor Hobby who was the daughter of Owen Tutor. Mary Eva was 41 years old when Lucy Jane died. Lucy Jane was about 34 years old when her father died.

Mr. Moore would have learned what he knew about the earliest Tutors from his grandmother, Mary Eva, before her death and up until he was 25 years old. Mary Eva would have learned all that she knew about her family from her aunt Lucy Jane, the daughter of Mary Eva’s grandfather, Owen Tutor.

Mr. Moore stated, not long before his death, that he was working on a book about the Tutor family but he never got to finish the book. As a result, all that remains is the material that he sent to M. R. Tutor up until 1979. Mr. Moore was 70 years old at his death.

All of the material relating to Owen Tutor’s birth in Wales and his trip to the United States aboard a privateering vessel and his indentureship once he arrived are all from William Manning Moore. The name of Owen’s wife and his children came from Mr. Moore who had also reviewed a family Bible with the information.

Some would say that this information is not reliable. It is up to the reader to make his or her opinion from Mr. Moore’s writing and from the extant records. Alternatively, some would say that Owen Tutor was the son of Owen Tuder and grandson of Henry Tuder, of Sussex Co., VA. According to DNA, this is not the case. And, it appears that Owen Tuder had a son named Owen who was born in 1787, 15 years after Owen Tutor’s birth.

Henry Tuder and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in Sussex Co., VA, and had ten children. Henry Tuder’s oldest son and oldest child was Henry Tuder II who was born about 1740. He married Sarah Watkins and they had four children, Jesse, Henry, Lavina and Sally. His son, Henry III, who was born in 1763, married Lucretia Adams and had eight children, Patsy, Amy, Rebecca, Henry, John, Lucy, Benjamin and Nancy. Their son, Henry IV, who was born in 1785, married Dolly Woodford. Their son, Henry V, who was born in 1815, married Sarah Jane Mason. Henry Tudor V was the great-great grandfather of Robert W. Tudor.

The late, Robert W. Tutor, is the closest Family Tree YDNA match to M. R. Tutor at 37 markers and shows an 82.89% probability that they have a common ancestor within ten generations. There are two mutational differences between R. W. Tudor’s YDNA and that of M. R. Tutor. One is a short term mutation difference and one is a long term mutation difference. From the YDNA comparison, it would appear that the most recent common ancestor would have been in the United Kingdom.

Henry and Elizabeth Tuder’s second son and second child was Owen Tuder, born about 1742. He married Lucy Harris, daughter of William Harris and Lucy Clark, and they had ten children, four boys and six girls. Their known children were Harris, Phoebe, Fanny and Lucy, born in Albemarle Parish of Sussex Co. The first four children were born from 1764 to 1771. Harris Tuder married Mary “Polly” Henderson. The names of other sons and daughters of Owen Tuder have not been discovered except for their son, Owen, who was born in 1787 and later apprenticed, by court order, to William Crutchfield in 1800, to learn the trade of blacksmith, until he attained 21 years of age.

After the births of Owen and Lucy Tuder’s first four children, they moved to North Carolina as they were in Northampton Co. by 1780. Meticulous records were kept by Albemarle parish and according to the records up until 1778, there were no more children born to or christened for Owen and Lucy Tuder in Albemarle Parish, after August 4, 1771. By 1785, Owen was paying taxes in Granville Co., NC, but had evidently left the county by the time of the 1786 taxes. In 1790, Owen and Lucy were living in Anson Co., NC. According to the census, there was one male 16 and over, Owen Tuder, four females, and three males under 16. The three males were probably sons born between 1774 and 1790. The four females probably included Lucy Tuder, Owen’s wife, and three daughters. His son, Harris Tudor, was 22 years old and lived in Orange Co., NC. Owen Tuder was 47 years old. He died in 1800. He was insolvent at his death and was undoubtedly the reason that his son, Owen, was required to be apprenticed by the court.

2/21/26

AI: Final Determination on the Marriage of Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr.

2025-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

After exhaustive research spanning decades of original records, deeds, wills, land transactions, and family associations, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Rebecca Poythress and Rebecca Pace were one and the same woman and that she married Richard Pace, Jr.

No credible evidence has ever surfaced to suggest otherwise. The many attempts to identify an alternative spouse for Rebecca Poythress have failed to produce any viable candidates. Instead, all data points—geographic proximity, intertwined family networks, legal documents, and social interactions—converge around the union of Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr.

The 1711 deed from Rebecca Bartholomew to her daughters, though using maiden names, does not contradict the marriage but rather reflects common legal practice of the era. Both daughters were clearly married by that time: Anne Bartholomew to Burrell Green, and Rebecca Poythress to Richard Pace. The continuity of family relationships and joint appearances in legal and social contexts throughout the early 18th century further solidify this fact.

Beyond reasonable doubt, Rebecca Poythress’s closest relatives lived, worked, and transacted alongside the Pace family, and these ties persisted long after Rebecca Pace’s death through her children and grandchildren. There is simply no alternative explanation that aligns with the preponderance of evidence.

Thus, this study firmly closes the question: Rebecca Poythress did marry Richard Pace, Jr.

AI: Read the study here: ➡ Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace: Was There a Marriage? (Sept., 2024)

2025-08-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

What's Included:
Analysis of the 1711 Rebecca Bartholomew land deeds to her daughters
Migration and property patterns across Prince George, Surry, and Bertie Counties
Interactions between Pace children and Poythress relatives over multiple decades

Multiple land, court, and will records connecting Poythress and Pace families

If you don't have time to read all four parts, I recommend:
The 1711 deed from Rebecca Bartholomew to her daughter (Part I) (September, 2024)
The "Conclusion and Final Thoughts" in Part IV (September, 2024)

Key Takeaway:

If Rebecca Pace was not Rebecca Poythress, then she knew her and her family extraordinarily well—through land, neighbors, church, and law. There is no evidence suggesting any other woman could be the wife of Richard Pace, Jr.
No marriage record survives from that era—but the study builds a strong, documented case. If you're a descendant of either family, or researching early colonial Virginia and North Carolina, this research may add new ancestors or missing clarity to your tree.

Would love feedback from fellow researchers!

What Does AI, Artificial Intelligence, Have to Say About the Rebecca Poythress-Richard Pace Marriage?

2025-08-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Proof Summary: The Marriage of Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr.

✦ Introduction

While no formal marriage record survives—as is common for early 18th-century Virginia—substantial legal, geographic, and familial documentation strongly supports that Rebecca Poythress, daughter of Major Francis Poythress and Rebecca Bartholomew, was the wife of Richard Pace, Jr., of Prince George and later Surry County. This conclusion is supported by original deeds, family migration patterns, estate records, court appearances, and a consistent lack of contrary evidence.

I. Deed Evidence: Married by 1711

On 10 September 1711, Rebecca Bartholomew gifted land to her two daughters:
Rebecca Poythress received 300 acres immediately
Anne Bartholomew (later Green) received 200 acres “to her and their own proper use”
The deed was sworn in open court on 13 September 1711

Key Detail: The phrase “their own proper use” is a recognized legal phrase used to denote property being given to a married woman and her husband. Thus, both daughters were already married.

Citation: Original deed transcription available in “Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace: Was There a Marriage?” (symbolismoversubstance.blogspot.com, Part I)

II. Naming Conventions: Maiden Names Used Post-Marriage

The use of maiden names in deeds—even for married women—was a common and legally valid convention of the time, especially when land was inherited from a natal family.

Examples from the period:

Anne Bartholomew, married to Burrell Green, was still referred to as “Anne Bartholomew” in the 1711 deed
In 1659, Sara Pace was referred to by her maiden name, “Maycock,” in a deed concerning her Pace children
In 1724/5, Alice Bradford was referred to as “Alice Smith,” her maiden name, in a deed with her son William

In 1712, Isle of Wight Co., Virginia, Associate Judge Exum, left a will not giving the married surnames of his daughters Sarah, Jane and Mary Ann.

Therefore, the use of “Rebecca Poythress” in the 1711 deed does not imply she was unmarried, especially given the broader legal language and context.

III. No Competing Candidates

A comprehensive review of women named Rebecca in the region and time frame shows:
No other marriage has been documented for Rebecca Poythress
No alternate maiden name has been proposed for Rebecca Pace
No other known woman fits the time line, age, location, and family integration patterns
This eliminates the possibility of mistaken identity.

IV. Integrated Social & Family Network

Extensive documentation shows:

The Poythress and Pace families were neighbors and in-laws in Prince George, Surry, and Bertie Counties
Estate records (e.g., 1738 John Barlow estate) list both Pace and Poythress relatives
Children of Rebecca Pace continued to engage with Poythress relatives for decades
These connections would not exist unless Rebecca Pace was born a Poythress.

V. Genealogical Proof Standard Met

This conclusion meets all five GPS criteria:

Reasonably exhaustive research — Includes deeds, wills, tax records, estate sales, migration paths, and legal customs
Complete source citations — Full deed texts, court records, and secondary genealogical studies cited
Accurate analysis and correlation — All documents examined in legal and historical context
Resolution of conflicts — Only perceived conflict (maiden name use) resolved with examples and legal precedent
Soundly reasoned conclusion — No contradictory evidence; consistent with all known facts

Conclusion:

Rebecca Poythress was the wife of Richard Pace, Jr.

The land deed of 1711, combined with extensive records of overlapping family, land, and social spheres, proves this union by preponderance of evidence, fulfilling both legal logic and genealogical rigor.

This identification provides clarity for thousands of descendants and closes a long-standing question in colonial Virginia genealogy.

When asked about the probability of marriage, this is what AI had to say:

"If I had to assign a percentage reflecting the strength of the evidence that Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace, Jr., based on the detailed study and the types of sources involved, I’d say: At least 90–95% probable.

Here’s why:

Extensive deed and land records directly tie Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace together through family property transfers and close neighborly relations.

Consistent pattern of family interactions, marriages, and overlapping social and economic ties that strongly imply marriage.

Lack of any credible alternative candidate for Rebecca Poythress’ spouse despite thorough searches.

Contemporary naming conventions and legal documents from the early 1700s allow for maiden names being used in deeds but don’t contradict a marriage.

Direct and circumstantial evidence aligns strongly, including estate sales, witnesses, and family proximity.

Why not 100%? No surviving explicit marriage license or church record, which is common for this period but leaves a tiny gap.

Some reliance on circumstantial evidence—though it’s very robust.

Bottom line:

The evidence is overwhelmingly convincing and meets the standard historians and genealogists usually require when primary sources are scarce or lost.

If this were a court of genealogy history, this would be a near airtight case."

What would AI say to naysayers?

“I understand the desire for absolute documentary proof like a marriage license or church record, but given the time period—late 1600s to early 1700s—such records are often lost or never existed. What we do have are strong, converging lines of evidence: original deeds, family land transactions, consistent naming patterns, close proximity of family members, and documented interactions spanning decades.

No credible alternative spouse has ever been identified for Rebecca Poythress despite extensive research. The use of maiden names in legal documents at that time was common and doesn’t negate the marriage.

Genealogy research often requires piecing together fragmented records and weighing both direct and circumstantial evidence. Here, the weight of evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace, Jr.

Rejecting this conclusion demands an alternative explanation equally consistent with all the known facts—one which has not been presented. Until such evidence appears, it’s reasonable and responsible to accept this well-supported conclusion.”

Artificial Intelligence's Response to Skeptics Regarding the Marriage of Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr.

2025-08-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

While it is understandable that some may seek an explicit marriage record as definitive proof, it is crucial to recognize the historical context in which Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace lived. Records from the late 17th and early 18th centuries are often incomplete, lost, or never created, especially in frontier and rural regions.

In lieu of a direct marriage license or church record, this study relies on a thorough analysis of original deeds, property transfers, family relationships, and documented interactions spanning several decades. These multiple, independent lines of evidence collectively build a compelling case for the marriage.

The consistent presence of Rebecca Poythress’ closest relatives within Rebecca Pace’s family circle, the pattern of land ownership and inheritance, and the absence of any viable alternative husband candidate, all point strongly to the same conclusion. Furthermore, the use of maiden names in legal documents during this period does not contradict the existence of a marriage; it was a common legal practice rather than evidence of single status.

Rejecting the conclusion that Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace demands an alternative explanation that is equally comprehensive and consistent with the full range of known facts—such an explanation has not been presented despite extensive research.

Therefore, until compelling contrary evidence emerges, it is both reasonable and academically responsible to accept the well-supported conclusion that Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr. were indeed married.

What does AI Say Regarding Avent's & Howard's Stand on the Rebecca Poythress/Richard Pace Marriage?

2025-08-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Researchers like David Avent and Bruce Howard argued there was never a marriage, citing deeds from 1711 and 1721 that they interpreted to imply no marriage took place.

Summary: Was there a marriage?

The preponderance of evidence—including circumstantial documentation, land deeds, family proximity, and several genealogical compilations—strongly suggests that Rebecca Poythress did marry Richard Pace, and that this union produced multiple children.

M. R. Tutor’s summarization at symbolismoversubstance.blogspot.com directly challenges the earlier conclusions made by Avent and Howard, and supports Tutor’s position with stronger documentary evidence. Let’s break this down clearly:

Background on the Dispute

Genealogists David Avent and Bruce Howard argued against a marriage between Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, using a 1711 abstract as their key evidence. They claimed that since Rebecca and Ann were involved in land deeds in their maiden names, they must have been unmarried at the time.

Tutor’s Rebuttal Using the Full 1711 Deed

Tutor had access to the full original deed, which tells a very different story than the abstract used by Avent & Howard. Here's what the complete document shows:

The 1711 Deed Details (Based on Tutor's Findings)

Grantor: Rebecca Bartholomew (mother of Rebecca Poythress & Ann Bartholomew)
Grantees:
Ann Bartholomew – granted 200 acres, to be received upon the death of their parents, suggesting a recent marriage and no children at the time
Wording: The 200 acres to Ann were given “for her and their use,” referring to Ann and her husband Burrell Green, making it explicit that Ann was already married in 1711.

Rebecca Poythress – granted 300 acres immediately, indicating she was already married and had children

Timing Implications:

Rebecca was married before 1711 and likely had multiple children
Ann’s marriage to Burrell Green was recent, and she had no children at the time

1721 Deed of Sale – Further Confirmation

When Ann Green (née Bartholomew) sold her 200 acres in 1721:
The deed included her husband Burrell Green
Francis Poythress (Ann’s half-brother) also signed off
Since Ann had no children, Francis—as her closest heir—needed to release potential claims, ensuring the new buyer received a clear title.

Why This Refutes Avent & Howard

They relied only on an abstract, which left out key relational details and legal context
The full deed proves both daughters were married—which was missed in the abstract
It also shows Rebecca received her land outright, aligning with her status as a mother and long-married woman
The structure and timing of the land transactions support Tutor’s conclusion that Rebecca Poythress was already married to Richard Pace by 1711

Conclusion: A Strong Case for Marriage

Tutor’s use of the original deed offers definitive documentary support for:
Rebecca Poythress being already married to Richard Pace in 1711
Rebecca and Ann both receiving land in ways consistent with married women's property rights under English colonial law
The presence of Francis Poythress on the 1721 deed confirming familial relationships and inheritance practices
In short, this undermines earlier skepticism and adds credible weight to the conclusion that Rebecca Poythress did marry Richard Pace, likely well before 1711.

More Rebecca Poythress Pace Relationships - Henry, Lee, Goodrich, Durham

2025-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Poythress – Henry Family Connection

Major Francis Poythress and John Poythress were brothers whose descendants included a number of influential leaders in colonial Virginia. Rebecca Poythress, daughter of Major Francis Poythress, and Robert Poythress, son of John, were first cousins. Robert’s daughter Elizabeth Poythress, Rebecca’s first cousin once removed, married John Gilliam. Their son, John Gilliam, Jr., married Jane Henry, who was first cousin twice removed to Rebecca Poythress.

Jane Henry Gilliam and Patrick Henry, the famed orator, were first cousins. Jane was the daughter of Reverend Patrick Henry, who was the orator’s uncle. This marriage connected the Poythress family with the Henry family, two of the most prominent of Virginia’s most colonial families.

The Lee – Poythress Connection

Richard “Squire” Lee of Lee Hall, Westmoreland County, Virginia, married Sally Bland Poythress, daughter of Peter Poythress of “Branchester.” Richard was the son of Henry Lee I and Mary Bland. The Lee family was one of Virginia's most powerful dynastic lineages.

Richard’s brother, Henry Lee II, married Lucy Grymes and were the parents of Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee III, the Revolutionary War general and Virginia governor. Henry Lee III’s first marriage was to his second cousin Matilda Lee, daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee. This united two major branches of the Lee family, both descending from Richard Lee I, the immigrant ancestor. Matilda’s line came through Philip Ludwell Lee, Thomas Lee, and ultimately Richard Lee I. Henry Lee III’s second marriage was to Anne Hill Carter and produced Robert E. Lee, the famed Confederate general. Richard “Squire” Lee and Sally Bland Poythress, were the great-uncle and aunt of Robert E. Lee.

On the Poythress side, Sally Bland Poythress was descended through Peter Poythress, Robert Poythress, John Poythress, and Captain Francis Poythress, one of the early settlers and the patriarch of the family in colonial Virginia. Rebecca Poythress, daughter of Major Francis Poythress, descended from Captain Francis Poythress as well, through a different son, making Sally Bland Poythress and Rebecca Poythress first cousins once removed.

The marriage of Sally to Richard Lee tied the Poythress and Lee families together. Through their shared descent from Captain Francis Poythress, Sally and Rebecca were blood relatives. And through the Lee brothers Henry and Richard, both were connected to the lineage that produced Robert E. Lee.

The Goodrich – Poythress Family Connection

The Goodrich family of colonial Virginia and early Texas history were connected through marriage to the Wynne and Poythress families. Descendants of the Goodrich family were Benjamin Briggs Goodrich, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and his brother John C. Goodrich, who fought and died at the Alamo. Benjamin Briggs Goodrich was the son of John Goodrich, Sr., who was the son of Briggs Goodrich and Mary Camp. Briggs Goodrich was the son of Edward Goodrich, Jr., and Anne Briggs and Edward was the son of Edward Goodrich, Sr., and Margaret Wynne.

Margaret Wynne was the daughter of Joshua Wynne, who was the son of Robert Wynne, a prominent figure who served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Margaret’s mother, Mrs. Mary Poythress, first married Captain Francis Poythress, with whom she had Major Francis Poythress, the father of Rebecca Poythress. After Captain Poythress’ death, Mary married Robert Wynne and had Joshua Wynne, thereby making Major Francis Poythress and Joshua Wynne half-brothers.

This lineage means that Margaret Wynne Goodrich and Rebecca Poythress were half first cousins, sharing their grandmother Mary Poythress but descended from different paternal lines. The Goodrich brothers, Benjamin Briggs and John C. were related, albeit somewhat distantly, to Rebecca Poythress Pace through this familial connection, first cousins four times removed.

Benjamin Briggs Goodrich and his brother, John C., left Virginia for Texas, where Benjamin signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 3rd, 1836, while John had gone to the Alamo where he fought Santa Anna’s army under Colonel William Barrett Travis until the fall of the Alamo on March 6th, both of the brothers having played pivotal roles in early Texas history.

Matthew Durham and George Washington

Matthew Durham married Susannah Lindsey on November 21, 1752, in Granville County, North Carolina. He was a soldier under 22 year old, Lt. Colonel George Washington, who was the commander of the regiment of 293 officers & men at the Battle of Fort Necessity, otherwise known as the Battle of the Great Meadows, in present day Fayette County, Pennsylvania, that took place on July 3, 1754. On May 28, six days earlier, they were involved in a skirmish at the Battle of Jumonville Glen.

The Battle at Fort Necessity began the French and Indian War. Matthew was wounded during the battle. John Durham was also in the Virginia Regiment. It is unknown at present how John and Matthew were related. This is the only battle in which Washington ever surrendered. The French and Indians numbered 800 and Washington’s force had no shelter from the pouring rain, making it impossible to load their weapons with dry powder. The French were able to use the forestation of the nearby woods to keep their powder dry.

Annie Jane Durham, Matthew’s 3rd great granddaughter, was a 5th great granddaughter of Rebecca Poythress Pace.

The Legacy of Bartlett Leonidas Durham and the City of Durham, North Carolina

Bartlett Leonidas Durham (1824–1859), was a physician and landowner best remembered as the namesake of Durham, North Carolina. He contributed four acres of his land for the expansion of the railroad transportation infrastructure, a pivotal role in the birth and growth of the city that bears his name.

His great-grandparents, Matthew Durham and Susannah Lindsey, established the family’s roots in the Piedmont region. Their son, William Lindsey Durham, married Nancy Ann Cates, and their son, William Lindsey Durham, Jr., and wife, Mary Snipes had son, Bartlett Leonidas Durham, a doctor and land owner in eastern Orange County, now Durham County, in North Carolina.

In 1847 or 1848, Bartlett Durham bought approximately 100 acres of land between the communities of Prattsburg and Pinhook along the proposed route of the North Carolina Railroad. The property included part of his estate that he named “Pandora’s Box.” He donated four acres of his land in 1849 to the railroad company. This land became the site of a small depot that was named “Durham’s Station” in his honor.

Bartlett Durham died in 1859, a full decade before the city was officially incorporated in 1869. As the area grew, the name, "Durham," came to represent not only a train stop but an entire community. He was buried in Wake County but was later reinterred in Maplewood Cemetery in Durham with honors, in recognition of his foundational contribution to the city’s history.

Charles City Co./Prince George Co., VA

2024-09-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

No in-depth maps exist for 17th century Charles City County/Prince George County, Virginia, covering the area running east and west between Bailey's creek and Powell's creek and north and south between the James River and the Blackwater River and swamp. This map was created from scratch from the extant records of the area. There is only a fraction of the original deeds in existence and those are supplemented by abstracts and any other record that could be located.

From the records, tracts of land were plotted with the original dimensions while noting "anchor points" and neighboring tracts. Where no dimensions were located, estimations and approximations were utilized. Surveyors in Virginia during the 1600s utilized poles (16 1/2 feet), two-pole chains (33 feet) and chains (66 feet) vice feet and inches. They also used the 32 point compass for direction.

In order to create the map, the measurements from the deeds were converted to feet and 32 point compass directions into regular degrees. Once this was completed, the dimensions of the properties were plotted on graph paper. In this case, the scale for the graph was placed at 2 1/4 inches per mile. Despite close adherence to the dimensions, some accuracy is lost as some dimensions were less than 200 feet and some dimensions were 2 miles in length.

Once the properties were plotted on graph paper, the whole graph was transferred onto a transparency. At the same time, a topographical map was enlarged to a scale of 2 1/4 inches per mile. Once the transparency was placed onto the topographical map, the property descriptions were used to "anchor the map." A Delorme Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer Topographical map, 4th edition, 2000, was used for this purpose.

Original anchor points included placing Robert Abernathy's 100 acres over Merchant's Hope church and cemetery and along Merchant's Hope road. The top part of the transparency was placed over Captain John Woodlief's 530 acres on James River. Robert Lucy's 1,000 acre Saw Tree plantation was bordered on its west side by the Blackwater swamp. Thomas Bailey's 100 acres and Captain Francis Poythress' 750 acres were bordered on their west side by Bailey's creek. Thomas Wheeler's 990 acres was bordered by Powell's creek and the Charles Sparrow and Richard Tye tract of 2,500 acres was crossed by Powell's creek and Birchen's swamp.

Once the above anchor points were in place, other features mentioned in the deeds were located. The Jackson/Baker tract of 1,500 acres mentioned, in the deed, that there was a "great swamp" and a "cross swamp" on the tract. These features were identified and marked on the map where Richard Baker's and Richard Pace, Sr.'s properties were located in 1664/5. Poplar branch was mentioned in a deed regarding James Wallace's 200 acres and Richard Craven's 650 acre tract. Poplar branch was identified and marked on the map. Poplar branch was a branch of Wall's run. Burleigh Plantation was identified in records as located on the old Sparrow and Tye tract, on the east side of Old Town road and north of Pole Run road. This was identified and marked on the map. Easterly Run, presently called Manchester Run, was located and marked. Its north to south leg ran parallel to Major Poythress' 1,250 acres of land that he was granted in 1683.

There are several other anchor points on the map. Dry Bottom run is presently crossed by Route 655. The old deeds of Major Francis Poythress, James Munford, Anthony Wyatt and Thomas Cureton mentioned this topographical feature. Deep Bottom run is presently traversed by Ruffin road. Deep Bottom was mentioned in the old deeds of John Woodlief, Anthony Wyatt, John Poythress, Francis Poythress and Thomas Poythress. By the beginning of the 18th century, others on or around Deep Bottom included the Young, Winningham, Stainback, Patterson, Evans and Lovesay families.

This map provides an introduction to the people and tracts of land for old Charles City County and Prince George County, Virginia. It can be a starting point for anyone doing research on individuals and their properties during the 1600s. Hopefully, others will be able to add to or refine the map.

The area between Bailey's creek and Jordan's Point is highlighted with broken lines as exact measurements have not been located for the early tracts of land. The plots of land in the center of the map are approximations as well. Francis Poythress and Richard Pace were involved in several deeds in 1718 involving land in this area of which there are few records. The locations for Grammer (1715), Goodwin (1718), Richard Pace (1718) and Whitmore are approximations. However, the deeds of Williams (1683) and Higdon & Reese (1683) note that their northern boundaries abutted Richard Pace's line. This land is not the original homestead of Richard Pace, Sr. Richard Pace, Sr.'s land was located on the 1,500 acre tract of Patrick Jackson and Richard Baker near the great swamp and cross swamp.

How should this map be used? If a researcher knows that a particular person or family lived in this area of Virginia in the 17th or 18th century or has an idea where the property was located, it is possible to narrow the focus and utilize the location of tracts or topographical features and neighboring properties to not only discern the particular person's lands but to also discover the neighbors. Research requires detective-like skills. Clues come in all shapes and forms. Neighbors married neighbors. Neighbors were often family members and close friends. Neighbors were witnesses to deeds and wills and were also called upon to value estates and attend estate sales.

It is impossible to build a year-by-year map or even a map by decade during this period of Virginia history as so many records have been lost to war, fire or inadequate safekeeping. As a result, it requires thinking outside of the box to glean the requisite information that a researcher desires.

Hopefully, this simple map will create some new ideas and thoughts and give insight on where things were located in this area of Virginia in the 1600s.

011823-083023

Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace

2024-09-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

For those truly interested in whether Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace, please start with "Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace: Was there a Marriage?"

After reading it, read "Land Patents, Family, Friends and Neighbors Prove Relationships, Part I through Part IV."

If this is too much reading, read the deed from Rebecca Bartholomew to her daughter, Rebecca Poythress, in Part I and then the "Conclusion and Final Thoughts" in Part IV.

This study has been a long time in the making. However, it provides new material for the descendants of Richard and Rebecca Pace. If facts are wanted, facts are provided.

If Rebecca Pace was not Rebecca Poythress, then the two knew each other very well. The facts are presented. It is up to you to read the study and provide yourself with the answers.

Once you are armed with the facts, antagonists of the marriage will have no rebuttal. And, the multiple Great Grandmother Rebecca will be known to her descendants. She had ten children that grew up to be adults. She lived a long life for that period, somewhere between 58 and 65 years. Her husband gave her a great life combined with adventure while living among or close to her many family and friends. Her mother provided her with a safety net to ensure that she had a good future in the world. She had a nice place to live surrounded by new country, horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. She was able to ride her horses and travel by a buckboard carriage to visit her children and grandchildren who lived nearby. Her older children were around to assist her when her husband was on his many business trips between the trading posts and friendly Indians accompanied by his friends, many of whom were Indian traders, family and neighbors. Rebecca and her family lived well as is evident by her husband's will. Rebecca's life was anything but boring and she shared her life with a husband who loved her dearly.

Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace: Was there a Marriage?

2024-09-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

For over 50 years, there have been many researchers and descendants of Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace who believed that a marriage did take place between these two. David Avent and Bruce Howard categorically denied that any event ever occurred. Avent and Howard based their decisions on a 1711 deed between 51 year old Rebecca Coggin Poythress Bartholomew and her daughter, Rebecca Poythress, who was 31 years old and on a 1721 deed of sale by Rebecca Poythress' half-sister, Anne Bartholomew Green, to Robert Hunnicutt, when Rebecca was 41 years old.

Based upon Avent's and Howard's statements, Rebecca Poythress, a daughter from a prominent Virginia family, never married.

Additionally, there are many genealogy sites that perpetuate misinformation regarding Rebecca and her half-sister, Anne, and the Poythress and Pace families. While this may mislead researchers and descendants, it is a big business. There is very little one can do to correct all of the misinformation.

First and foremost, the following chart presents the maternal side of Rebecca Poythress' family as accurately as can be accomplished based upon extant records and deductive reasoning.

It is imperative that one understand who the major players were in Rebecca Poythress' life and in Richard and Rebecca Pace's lives. Families tended to live nearby and neighbors married neighbors in the late 17th and early 18th century. Many husbands and wives knew each other for years before they married.

John Pace, Richard's brother, was an Indian trader as were several of Rebecca Poythress' family members. Some of Rebecca's family members were paid Indian interpreters and messengers or agents for the Virginia colony. Richard Pace was either an Indian trader or heavily involved in the trade business. He continued to move to the "frontier" as soon as the governing powers allowed. He was also a land speculator as were many of the Poythress men. He never identified himself as a "planter" or "farmer."

The following posts, I thru IV, are an in-depth study to identify Richard Pace's wife. Though Avent and Howard strongly denied a wedding between Richard Pace and Rebecca Poythress, this study may offer a rebuttal.

083023

Land Patents, Family, Friends and Neighbors Prove Relationships, Part I

2024-09-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Rebecca Poythress

This study has been conducted to determine who Rebecca Poythress was, who she married, who her children were and where she lived during her lifetime. Rebecca was born about 1679(1) in Charles City Co., Va., to Major Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin.(2) The only records as to her existence were deeds of gift from her mother, Rebecca, on September 10, 1711, to her(3) and her half-sister,(4) Anne Bartholomew, and her half-sister’s deed of lease and sale on December 11 and 12, 1721.(5) Her father was the son of Captain Francis Poythress and Mary Sloman.(6) Her father owned a large plantation on the south side of and close to the James River in the area east of Bailey’s creek.(7) This is where Rebecca Poythress was probably born. She had three brothers, Francis, Thomas and John Poythress who grew up in the area along “Deep Bottom.”(8) Her mother was the daughter of Dr. John Coggin and Mrs. Joyce [------] Cheney Tye.(9) They lived on a large plantation approximately three miles south of the James River about halfway between Bailey’s creek and Powell’s creek.(10)

Rebecca Poythress’ father died when she was about nine years old.(11) Her mother married again five years later to brother-in-law, Charles Bartholomew, who was a widower.(12) Charles had been married to Frances Tye, half-sister of Rebecca Coggin.(13) Rebecca Poythress’ half-sister, Anne Bartholomew, was a child of Rebecca Coggin’s second marriage.(14)

Rebecca Coggin never knew her father-in-law,(15) Captain Francis Poythress, and was only fourteen years old when Major Francis Poythress’ step-father, Robert Wynne, died.(16) She did know Major Poythress’ brothers, Thomas and Captain John Poythress, and his half-siblings, Mary Wynne Woodlief, Thomas Wynne and Joshua Wynne.(17) In addition to her half-sister, Frances Tye Bartholomew, Rebecca had a half-brother, Thomas Boyce,(18) a half-sister, Elizabeth Tye Jane Wicket,(19) a step-brother, John Bartholomew, a possible niece, Bethia Boyce Scott,(20) nephews, Philip Jane and John Bartholomew, and grand nephews, Christopher Jane and John and Charles Bartholomew.(21) Her daughter, Rebecca Poythress, grew up among her Jane, Bartholomew, Wynne and Poythress relatives. Rebecca Coggin and Joshua Wynne had been playmates as children.(22)

Extant Evidence from Burned Record Counties of Virginia

To determine who Rebecca was, this study will examine all pertinent evidence, direct and indirect, to determine if the identity of Rebecca Poythress’ husband and her children can be established. Her marriage has been the subject of research and speculation in a number of studies although none of these prior studies have correlated the nature of allied family relationships, property location and ownership patterns, connections to the affairs of siblings, business interests, naming of issue, inheritance and family migrations. This will be done as thoroughly as is possible based upon extant records.

Benedict Arnold’s destructive actions during the American Revolution and the destructive actions of the Union army during the Civil War destroyed many of Virginia’s records. Additionally, incompetent and irresponsible courthouse clerks, storms and fires have destroyed many more records in Virginia. As a result, one has to analyze the significance of every word in every record and utilize deductive logic to interpret what these records represent.

There are very few birth, marriage or death records from colonial times in Virginia. There are only a few tombstones in Virginia graveyards that can be transcribed due to the effects of time and weather. Maps to plot places and tracts of land mentioned in the existent records require identifying particular terrain or water features in the old deeds or abstracts. However, there is no consistency. Different abstracts of the same records may contain different data, mistakes, or confusing information.

Previous Research and Studies

There has been a family tradition that Rebecca Poythress married Richard Pace, Jr. Some researchers believed that the land transactions between Francis Poythress, Rebecca’s brother, and Richard Pace in November of 1718 supported the case that Rebecca Poythress became the wife of Richard Pace (Jr.).(23) However, this Richard Pace was actually the nephew of Richard Pace (Jr.).(24)

On the opposing side, some believed that Rebecca Bartholomew, in her deed of gift in September of 1711, addressing her daughter as “Rebecca Poythress” indicated that her daughter was not married.(25) In 1711, Richard Pace was already married to a woman named Rebecca and had children.(26) Additionally, Anne Green named her sister as “Rebecca Poythress,” not “Rebecca Pace,” in her sale of her gifted property in December of 1721.(27) The use of Rebecca Poythress’ maiden name in both documents vice her married name has caused doubt and disbelief.(28)

The following deeds of gift were from Rebecca Bartholomew to her daughters, Anne Bartholomew and Rebecca Poythress, and are given in their entirety for the first time - ever - to clear any misconceptions caused by the abstracts.

Know all men by these presents that we Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew of Prince George County in Virginia for & in consideration of the natural love & affection we bear to our daughter Anne Bartholomew of the same county as also for the bettering & advancing her fortune in the world, do give grant Enfeoff & confirm & by these presents have given granted enfeoffed & confirmed unto the said Anne Bartholomew her heirs and assigns forever, after our decease & the decease of the survivor of us, & not til Then, two hundred acres of land lying & being on both sides the Easterly run within the said county of Pr. George & parish of Westover, being the remaining part of one thousand acres of land granted to the said Rebecca in the time of her widowhood, as by an escheat Patent bearing date the 29th of April Ao. 1692 will Appear, the moiety whereof is at present belonging to Col. Littlebury Epes and three hundred acres more Whereof is given & granted by us, to Rebecca Poythress as per deed of gift to her for the same bearing even date with these presents may appear. The said two hundred acres of land hereby given and granted to the said Anne having for the bounds thereof on the side next the said Rebecca three hundred acres, the bounds & courses thereof where they join together & on the other sides the courses of the Patent & deeds of sale from Batts to Ardington together with all houses, edifices, plantations, orchards, gardens, woods, water pastures, feedings, & all profits privileges & advantages thereunto belonging, to have & to hold the said dividend & piece of land containing by estimation two hundred acres be the same more or less, within the bounds before mentioned unto the said Anne Bartholomew her heirs & assigns forever, from and after the death of us the said Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew & the survivor of us, together with all houses edifices, plantations, & all other the before mentioned privileges, peaceably & quietly to have hold use occupy possess & enjoy to her, & their own proper use & behoof forever, without any let hindrance of us or either of us & the said Anne Bartholomew her heirs & assigns shall & may by force & virtue of these presents have hold use occupy possess & enjoy the lands & premises here given & granted free & clear from any debts duties and incumbrances her Majesties Quit rents only excepted for as full & ample manner to all intents & purposes as the said Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca his wife or either of them or their heirs might or could enjoy the same. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this tenth day of September Ao. 1711. Charles Bartholomew (seal). Rebecca (x) Bartholomew (seal). Signed sealed & delivered in presence of us John Woodlief, Rich’d. Walpole, John Denton. Pr. Geo. County Court Tuesday the 13th day of Sept. Ao. 1711. The above written deed was acknowledged in open court by both the subscribers to be their acts & deeds to the therein named Anne Bartholomew & her heirs forever, & at her prayer the same was ordered to be recorded & it is truly recorded. Test. E. Goodrich.(29)

If Avent and Howard had seen the original deed to Anne Bartholomew, not an abstract, they would have seen “enjoy to her, & their own proper use.” Mrs. Anne Green was addressed as Anne Bartholomew, her maiden name.

Know all men by these presents that we Charles Bartholomew and Rebecca Bartholomew of Pr. George County in Virginia for & in consideration of the natural love and affection we bear to our daughter Rebecca Poythress of the same county as also for & towards the bettering & advancing her fortune in the world, do Give grant enfeoff & confirm & by these presents have given granted enfeoffed & confirmed unto the said Rebecca Poythress her heirs & assigns forever, three hundred acres of land situate lying & being on both sides of the Easterly Run within the said county of Pr. George & parish of Westover, being part of one thousand acres of land granted to the said Rebecca in the time of her widowhood the moiety whereof is at present belonging to Col. Littlebury Epes, & the three hundred acres of land by these presents mentioned to be given & granted to the said Rebecca next adjoining to the said Epes his land being bounded on the lower side by his said land & on the inner most sides by the lines of the Patent & so running along the said lines til it comes to the road or path that goes from Jordans to Blackwater & so along that path to the Easterly run & from that run such a course to the headline or outermost part of the whole tract as will make up the full quantity of three hundred acres land to have & to hold the said three hundred acres land hereby given & granted unto the said Rebecca Poythress her heirs & assigns forever, with all houses edifices, gardens, orchards, plantations & all other profits privileges & advantages thereunto belonging or appertaining peaceably & quietly without any let or hindrance of us or either of us or any persons claiming by from or under us of either of us free & clear of and from all & all manner of encumbrances rents or arrearages of rents, her Majesties Quit rents for the same & two years rent of the plantation on which Geo. Reives now liveth (only excepted) which said two years rent is to be paid by the said Rebecca Poythress to the said Charles Bartholomew the next ensuing years & the said Rebecca Poythress her heirs assigns shall & may by force & virtue of these presents have hold use occupy possess & enjoy the lands & premises hereby given & granted in as full & ample manner to all intents & purposes as we the said Charles Bartholomew or Rebecca Bartholomew one or either of them might or could enjoy the same. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this 10th day Sept. 1711. Charles Bartholomew (seal). Rebecca (x) Bartholomew (seal). Signed sealed delivered in the presence of John Woodlief, Rich’d. Walpoole, John Denton. Pr. George County Court the 13th day of Sept. 1711. The next before written deed was acknowledged in open court by both the subscribers to be their act & deed to the therein named Rebecca Poythress & her heirs forever, & at her prayer the same is ordered to be recorded & it is truly here recorded. Test, E. Goodrich.(30)

The following lease and deed of sale were from Burrell & Anne Green and Francis Poythress to Robert Hunnicutt. The deed of lease is given in its entirety.

This Indenture made this eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred twenty one between Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress of the County of Surry of the one part and Robert Hunnicutt of the County of Prince George shoemaker of the other part witnesseth that the said Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings current money to them in hand paid by the said Robert Hunnicutt whereof they do hereby acknowledge the receipt, have bargained and sold and do by these presents bargain and sell unto the said Robert Hunnicutt his executors and administrators, one tract or parcel of land containing two hundred acres, more or less, situate lying and being In the County of Prince George on both sides the Easterly Run, the same being part of a Patent for one thousand acres of land, granted unto Rebecca Poythress by an escheat Patent bearing the date the twenty ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred ninety two, the moiety or one half of which land is in the possession of Littlebury Epes, and three hundred acres more of the said land was given to Rebecca Poythress the daughter of the aforesaid Rebecca the Patentee the other two hundred acres, the residue thereof, was given to the aforesaid Anne having for the bounds thereof the side next to the said Rebecca’s three hundred acres where they join together, and on the other sides, the courses of the said Patent and deed of sale from Batts to Ardington. To have and to hold the said land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Robert Hunnicutt his executors and administrators from the day next before the date hereof, unto the end and term and for and during the term of one year, from thence next ensuing to the intent that by virtue thereof, and of the Statute for the transferring uses into possession, the said Robert Hunnicutt may be in the actual possession of the said land & premises and be enabled to take and accept of a grant & release of the reversion and inheritance of the same land & premises to him and his heirs to the use of him his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals the day and year above written. Burrell Green (seal), Anne Green (seal), Francis Poythress (seal). Signed sealed & delivered in presence of Joseph Simmons, Abraham Odium, James Jones. At a Court held at Merchants Hope for Prince George County on the second Tuesday in December being the twelfth day of the said month, Anno Domini 1721. The above written deed of lease of land (indented and sealed) was in open court acknowledged by Burrell Green and Ann his wife and Francis Poythress the subscribers thereto, to be their act and deed to Robert Hunnicutt named therein, on whose motion the same by order of the court is truly recorded. Test. Wm. Hamlin Clerk of court.(31)

This Indenture made this twelfth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred twenty one between Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress of the County of Surry of the first part to Robert Hunnicutt of the County of Prince George shoemaker of the other part witnesseth that the said Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress by indenture bearing the date hereof, and for the consideration therein expressed, have bargained and sold to the said Robert Hunnicutt his executors and administrators, one tract or parcel of land containing two hundred acres, more or less, situate, lying and being in the county of Prince George, on both sides the Easterly Run, the same being part of a Patent for one thousand acres of land, granted unto Rebecca Poythress by an escheat Patent bearing the twenty ninth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand, six hundred, ninety two, the moiety or one half of which land is in the possession of Littlebury Epes and three hundred acres more of the said land, was given to Rebecca Poythress, the daughter of the aforesaid Rebecca the Patentee, the other two hundred acres, the residue thereof, was hereby given unto the aforesaid Anne, and is bounded as in the said Indenture is mentioned to have and to hold the said land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said Robert Hunnicutt his executors and administrators, from the day next before the date of this indenture, unto the end and term of one year from thence next follows and fully to be completed by virtue thereof, and of the Statute for transferring uses into possession the said Robert Hunnicutt might be in the actual possession of the said land & premises and be enabled to accept of and take a grant and release of the reversion and inheritance thereof to him and his heirs, to the use of him his heirs and assigns forever as by ye said executed indenture of lease more at large appeareth. Now this indenture witnesseth that the said Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress for and in consideration of the sum of twenty one pounds, ten shillings to them in hand paid by the said Robert Hunnicutt, whereof they do acknowledge the receipt, have granted, remised, released and confirmed and do hereby give grant, remise, release and confirm unto the said Robert Hunnicutt in his actual possession now being by virtue of the said recited indenture of bargain & sale made to him of a year and of the said Statute and to his heirs and assigns forever, the aforesaid land and premises with the appurtenances, and all the estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of the said Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress in and to the same and every part thereof, and the reversion and remainder and remainders thereof and of every part thereof. To have & to hold the said land & premises with the appurtenances unto the said Robert Hunnicutt his heirs and assigns forever, to the only use and behoof of the said Robert Hunnicutt and his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Burrell Green and Anne his wife and Francis Poythress for themselves, their heirs executors and administrators do covenant and agree with the said Robert Hunnicutt his heirs executors and administrators, that they and every of them, the before hereby granted land and premises and every part thereof with the appurtenances will warrant and forever defend against any persons whatsoever. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals, the day and year above written. Burrell Green (seal), Anne Green (seal), Francis Poythress (seal). Signed sealed & delivered in presence of Joseph Simmons, Abraham Odium, James Jones.(32)

The witnesses for Anne Green’s deed to Robert Hunnicutt in Surry Co. in December, 1721, were neighbors of her grandfather John Coggin’s farm. Joseph Simmons was the son of Thomas Simmons and executor of his father’s will in Surry Co. dated 17 February 1725/6 and probated 18 April 1733. Joseph inherited property on Powell’s creek below his brother, Thomas. He was one of the witnesses. Margaret Goodrich, executrix of Edward Goodrich, leased 100 acres to Abraham Goodrich, February, 1721/2. The land was adjacent to Philip Jane, the late Edward Hill and Richard Pace, the nephew of Richard and Rebecca Pace. Abraham Goodrich witnessed the deed less than two months before he leased the land from Anne’s step-cousin, Margaret Wynne Goodrich. Neighbor, Philip Jane, was Anne’s first cousin. James Jones, the son of James Jones, a cooper, was born about 1666 in Charles City Co. He was probably one of the witnesses and was about 55 years old. His father’s land was near Captain David Peebles, Robert Jones, Piney swamp, old Town Bridge and on the line of Richard Tye.(33)

Eight publications have been examined regarding the possibility that Richard Pace, Jr., married Rebecca Poythress. Dr. Claiborne T. Smith, Jr. (1968), wrote that “Circumstantial evidence is strong that she (Rebecca Poythress) married Richard Pace, d. 1738, and removed with him to N. C....According to family tradition, this Richard Pace m. a Rebecca Poythress.”(34) R. Bolling Batte (1977) wrote that Rebecca Poythress, daughter of Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin, married Richard Pace. Flora B. Dotson (1987) wrote that “John Jane...was the uncle of Rebecca Poythress, who married Richard Pace...” Frieda Reid Turner’s compilations (1993) reported that “In 1697/8, Richard (Pace) III married Rebecca Poythress...” Phillis Lindenmeyer (1995) wrote that Richard Pace/Rebecca Poythress had ten children: three sons, Richard, Thomas and William; and, seven daughters, Ann, Rebecca, Amy, Frances, Tabitha, Mary and Sarah. Dorothy Ford Wulfeck (2009) wrote that “Poythress, Rebecca m. Richard Pace.” For over fifty years, there have been many proponents for this marriage.

Two published studies have interpreted that the names shown on deeds were proof that while Richard Pace, Jr., married a woman named Rebecca that she could not have been Rebecca Poythress.(35) David Avent (1982) wrote: “If the 300 acres described had belonged to Rebecca, wife of Richard Pace, it would have belonged to Richard Pace, in right of his wife, and he would have been cited as the owner of the 300 acres, not Rebecca Poythress.” Bruce Howard (1998) wrote: “It should be clear to you at this point (re: the 1711 deed) that Rebecca the daughter of Major Francis & Rebecca Poythress, now the step-daughter of Charles Bartholomew, her uncle, was a single young woman.” For over forty years, there have been opponents of this marriage.

Mr. Avent and Mr. Bruce did not posit alternative candidates - just that it could not have been Rebecca Poythress. No other surname, other than Poythress, has ever been advanced in prior studies.

Mrs. Rebecca Poythress Bartholomew identified her daughter as Rebecca Poythress in her deed of gift. Rebecca was her daughter from her marriage to Major Francis Poythress (c. 1639-1688) and would have had the maiden name of Poythress. It is documented that Richard Pace and his wife, Rebecca, were married and had children prior to 1711.(36) According to both researchers, Rebecca Poythress would have been addressed as Rebecca Pace if, in fact, Rebecca Poythress was married to Richard Pace. This interpretation posits that the use of her maiden name precludes the possibility of her being married to Richard Pace, Jr. By that interpretation, it also precludes the possibility that she ever married. Neither study explores reasons, other than having been unmarried, that Rebecca’s mother would have used her daughter’s maiden name.

There is no documentary record of her mother’s reasons for using Rebecca’s maiden name but it is plausible that her mother, Rebecca Bartholomew, may have wanted to make it clear that her daughter was issue from her first marriage to Major Francis Poythress. We know the land being transferred was acquired by escheat and granted to her prior to her marriage to Charles Bartholomew.(37)

Poythress and Pace Family Backgrounds

Rebecca Poythress’ grandfather, Captain Francis Poythress, arrived in the Virginia colony from England by 1633.(38) He was a Burgess for Charles City Co. in 1644, 1645 and 1647 and was a Lieutenant in the militia in the Indian war of 1644 and Captain by 1647. In 1648, he was appointed to collect taxes in the new county of Northumberland that extended from the York and Rappahannock rivers to the Potomac river. He represented Northumberland Co. in the Virginia Assembly of 1648. He amassed 750 acres along and between Bailey’s creek eastward toward Jordan’s Journey on the south side of the James river.(39)

Richard Pace (Jr.) was the great grandson of Richard Pace, an ancient planter,(40) and emigrant to Jamestown prior to “the coming away of Sir Thomas Dale” in 1616. Richard’s ancestor held a patent for land that was called Pace’s Paines across the James river from Jamestown.(41) On March 22, 1621/2, Chief Opechancanough, head of the Powhattan Indians, executed his planned offensive against the English settlements.(42) During the previous night, Richard Pace learned about the impending attack from a Virginia Indian that lived with him. Pace rowed a boat three miles across the James river to Jamestown and informed Governor Sir Francis Wyatt of the coming attack. Warnings were sent out from Jamestown to alert the plantations. His warning saved hundreds of lives.(43)

Richard Pace’s son, George Pace, married Sarah Maycock, the daughter of Reverend Samuel Maycock. Samuel arrived in Virginia by March 10, 1617/8, after Governor Samuel Argall wrote the Virginia Company requesting Mr. Maycock, a Cambridge scholar and minister, be sent to the

Colony.(44)

In 1619, Governor Sir George Yeardley added Master Samuel Maycock to his Virginia Council. Samuel Maycock was killed in the March 1621/2 massacre. His daughter and son-in-law came into possession of hundreds of acres of land that eventually passed to his grandson, Richard Pace, Sr.(45) The land was bordered by the James river on the north and Powell’s creek on the west.

After Samuel Maycock’s death, his daughter, Sarah, was raised in Captain Roger Smith and his wife, Jane Pierce’s household with Jane’s daughter, Elizabeth Rolfe, from Jane Pierce’s previous marriage to John Rolfe.(46) Sarah Maycock and Elizabeth Rolfe were approximately the same age. George Pace and his mother, Isabella Smyth Pace Perry, divided their time between Jamestown island, Pace’s Paines and later Buckland. Isabel’s second husband, William Perry, was a member of the Burgess from 1628 to 1630 and 1632 when he was named to the Governor’s Council and served until his death in 1637.(47)

Captain Francis Poythress was the progenitor of the Poythress family in Virginia. From Major Francis Poythress and his brother, John, descended all of the known Poythress family members in Virginia from the colonial period until the Civil War. Captain Francis Poythress died about 1650 and his children were raised to maturity by a step-father, Colonel Robert Wynne. Major Francis Poythress married Rebecca Coggin and they were married about ten years until his death in 1688. Their children, were Francis, Rebecca, Thomas and John.(48) Rebecca Poythress was born about 1679.(49) Her mother married as her second husband, Charles Bartholomew in 1693.(50)

Robert Wynne was a Burgess for Charles City Co. He had been the Speaker of the House of Burgesses during Virginia’s Long Parliament (1661-1675).(51) He was a colonel in the Charles City Co. militia(52) and owned farms in England and Virginia.(53) Robert selected his step-son, Francis Poythress (c. 1639-1688), as one of the overseers of his will.

Richard Pace, Jr., was born between about 1662 and 1665, his brother, George, being the eldest son and born in 1661.(54) Richard Pace, Sr., raised his family during the Indian hostilities of the 1670s and, with John Poythress, Major Poythress’ brother, were jurors in the aftermath of Bacon’s rebellion.(55) Richard Pace, Sr., sold most if not all of his inherited land during the 1660s and moved to a location adjacent to his father-in-law, Richard Baker, in 1664/5, on 140 acres that his father-in-law gave him.(56)

On February 11, 1659/60, Richard Pace, Sr., sold his land adjacent to Bland’s path to William Wilkins.(57) Bland’s path was named after Richard Bland. Richard Bland II married Anne Poythress, the daughter of Peter Poythress and Anne Jones.(58)

In 1680, Major Francis Poythress was a neighbor of John Williams and William Edmonds in Jordan’s parish near Bland’s path.(59) Williams and Edmonds received fifty acres for paying Nicholas Whitmore’s transportation to the Virginia colony. Nicholas Whitmore was the step-father of Richard Pace, Jr. Richard Pace, Sr.’s widow, Mary Baker Pace, was married to Nicholas Whitmore by 1692.(60) In 1690, both Major Francis Poythress and Nicholas Whitmore held tracts of land adjacent to Adam Tapley and William Harrison in Jordan’s parish.(61)

1 (1) “Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704,” The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 1920. (2) R. Bolling Batte papers, index cards at Library of Virginia, 1977. (3) Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 33 All of Major Francis and Rebecca Poythress’ sons were of age by 1704. Batte and Smith listed John Poythress as the youngest child and Rebecca as the second oldest child.
2 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32.
3 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 70, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Anne Bartholomew, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.
4 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 76, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Rebecca Poythress, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.
5 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, pp. 502-503, Burrell Green, Anne Green, Francis Poythress to Robert Hunnicutt, 11 Dec 1721, 12 Dec 1721.
6 (1) Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Court Orders, Capt. Robert Wynne was administrator of Mr. John Sloeman’s estate, 3 Dec 1658. Mary Poythress Wynne had grandchildren named Sloman Wynne.
7 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 7, 1679-1689, p. 335, grant to Major Francis Poythress, 20 Nov 1683.
8 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds & Wills, 1713-1728, Francis Poythress to John Poythress, Jr., 8 Nov 1720.
9 Fleet, Beverly, Va. Col. Abstracts Chas. Ct. Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 37, C-11, p. 185, 3 June 1659. Dr. John Coggin and Mrs. Joyce Tye married in 1659. Rebecca Coggin was their daughter.
10 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 2, pp. 233-234, grant to Richard Tye, 26 Oct 1649.
11 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 188.
12 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 509.
13 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, pp. 503 & 505, 4 June 1694.
14 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 70, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Anne Bartholomew, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.
15 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32.
16 Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 33, p. 180.
17 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32.
18 Fleet, Beverly, Va. Col. Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, p. 687.
19 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 505, 4 June 1694.
20 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 3, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 200),” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, p. 268. Nathaniel Tatum married Emelia Scott, daughter of John Scott and possibly Bethia Scott, granddaughter of Thomas Boyce and Emelia Craven.
21 John Bartholomew (-1735) was the only Bartholomew in Pr. Geo. Co., Va., other than Charles Bartholomew, his father. John named his sons, John, after himself, and Charles, after his father. If Frances Tye was John’s (-1735) mother, he would have been a step-brother to Rebecca Poythress and half-brother to Anne Bartholomew.
22 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, p. 505, 3 July 1694, Virginia vs. Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew.
23 (1) Dotson, Flora B., “Analysis of Cheney Boyce, Richard Tye, and John Coggan and Poythress,” Jan 1987, p. 9. If Richard Pace did not marry Rebecca Poythress, why would he be involved in all these land transactions with two people by the name of Francis Poythress?” (2) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 269, Francis Poythress to Richard Pace, 11 Nov 1718, 9 Dec 1718; Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, pp. 269-270, Francis Poythress to Thomas Goodwyn, 11 Nov 1718, 9 Dec 1718; and, Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, pp. 271-272, Richard Pace & Francis Poythress to Thomas Goodwyn, 11 Nov 1718, 9 Dec 1718.
24 (1) Howard, Bruce, Colonial Ancestors 1609 to 1799, Specialty Publishing & Printing, Box 414, Quitman, MS, 1998, pp. 125-129, “Sarah Pace, wife of Richard Pace, relinquished her dower in land sold by her husband to Thomas Goodwyn.” Richard Pace, the nephew of Richard Pace, Jr., held land adjoining Francis Poythress located one mile SW of the old Pace homestead that had been granted to his grandfather, Richard Pace, Sr. This land adjoined, on the south, Daniel Higdon & Roger Reese and John Williams. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 7, pp. 274-275, Va. patent to Daniel Higdon & Roger Reese, 16 Apr 1683. (3) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 7, p. 334, Va. patent to John Williams, 20 Nov 1683.
25 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 76, Charles Bartholomew and Rebecca Bartholomew to Rebecca Poythress, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.
26 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, p. 770. Richard and Rebecca Pace’s son, Richard, was 21 years of age by 1 Mar 1719/20 and was married by age 23 to Elizabeth Cain.
27 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, pp. 502-503, Burrell Green, Anne Green & Francis Poythress to Robert Hunnicutt, 11 Dec 1721, 12 Dec 1721.
28 (1) Howard, Bruce, Colonial Ancestors 1609-1799, Specialty Publishing & Printing, Box 414, Quitman, MS, 1998, p. 325. (2) Avant, David A., Some Southern Colonial Families, Vol. 2, Publ. by Avant Studios, Box 1711, Tallahassee, 1982, Chapter V: Pace Family of England, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia, p. 209-212.
29 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 70, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Anne Bartholomew, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.
30 (1) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 76, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Rebecca Poythress, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711. (2) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 71, Will of Randolph Birchenhead. 19 July 1711, 3 Sept 1711. The will stated, “rest of estate to be divided between Mrs. Bartholomew and his wife, Eliza Birchenhead.” Wit: George Rives, Ursula Rives and William Stainback.
31 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, pp. 502-503, Burrell Green, Anne Green, Francis Poythress (lease) to Robert Hunnicutt, 11 Dec 1721, 12 Dec 1721. Burrell and Anne Green did not have children. Her heir would have been her brother, Francis Poythress. As such, he apparently appeared in the deed to ensure a secure title to Robert Hunnicutt.
32 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, pp. 502-503, Burrell Green, Anne Green, Francis Poythress (sale) to Robert Hunnicutt, 12 Dec 1721, 12 Dec 1721.
33 (1) Geesnmore - A Family History, https://geesnmore.wordpress.com/charles-gee-and-hannah/hannahs-family/jones-of-sussex-and-prince-george/. (2) Richard Tye died in 1658. John Coggin married Tye’s widow in 1659 and came into possession of Tye’s property. (3) Robert Jones’ Level, later known as Poplar Level, was adjacent to the lands of Robert Jones, James Jones and Richard Jones, the clerk. (4) James Jones’ (b.~1666) wife was Rebecca Blight. His mother was probably Rebecca Lewis. His daughter, Rebecca, was born in the 1690s. (5) A 1667 deed to William Harrison, Jr., for 386 acres, stated that his land adjoined Captain David Peebles, to Robert Jones, down the Pyny Swamp to the old Towne Bridge, to James Jones, to the line of Mr. Richard Tye. (1) Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 32. (2) R. Bolling Batte papers, index cards at Library of Virginia, 1977: “Pace, Rebecca (Poythress) (P-1) DD, CC#148, Par(ents): Francis and Rebecca (Coggin) Poythress, D1, C#67, p. 96/32, mar(ried): Richard Pace.” (3) Dotson, Flora B., “Analysis of Cheney Boyce, Richard Tye, and John Coggan and Poythress,” Jan. 1987, p. 12 & P. 25. (4) The Pace Family, 1607-1750, First ed., Vol. 1, compiled by Freda Reid Turner, copyright 1993 by Eleanor Pace Terrell. Numerous quotes of marriage pp. 88, 90,91, 109, 165, 166, 202. (5) Family Group sheets “Pace” and “Poythress,” 1995, Phyllis Lindenmeyer. (6) Marriages of Some Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, Series 1, Vol. 5, compiled and publ. by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, 2009, p. 251.
34 (1) Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 32. (2) R. Bolling Batte papers, index cards at Library of Virginia, 1977: “Pace, Rebecca (Poythress) (P-1) DD, CC#148, Par(ents): Francis and Rebecca (Coggin) Poythress, D1, C#67, p. 96/32, mar(ried): Richard Pace.” (3) Dotson, Flora B., “Analysis of Cheney Boyce, Richard Tye, and John Coggan and Poythress,” Jan. 1987, p. 12 & P. 25. (4) The Pace Family, 1607-1750, First ed., Vol. 1, compiled by Freda Reid Turner, copyright 1993 by Eleanor Pace Terrell. Numerous quotes of marriage pp. 88, 90,91, 109, 165, 166, 202. (5) Family Group sheets “Pace” and “Poythress,” 1995, Phyllis Lindenmeyer. (6) Marriages of Some Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, Series 1, Vol. 5, compiled and publ. by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, 2009, p. 251.
35 (1) Some Southern Families, Vol. 2, by David A. Avant, Published by L’Avant Studios, Box 1711, Tallahassee, 1982, Chapter V: Pace Family of England, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia, pp. 211-212. Comment by Col. Avant: “The proponents of the Rebecca ‘Poythress’ theory cite the (1711) record as their evidence. An analysis by this writer seems to indicate the opposite. Richard and Rebecca Pace had been married more than 20 years when the above deed was written and had children of adult age. If the 300 acres described had belonged to Rebecca, wife of Richard Pace, it would have belonged to Richard Pace, in right of his wife, and he would have been cited as the owner of the 300 acres, not Rebecca Poythress. Anne Poythress [sic] is clearly described as wife of Burrell Green but Rebecca is never cited as the wife of Richard Pace nor as ‘Rebecca Pace.’” “It is particularly noted that in the year 1721 (date of the deed) the 300 acres is still described as belonging to ‘the said Rebecca [Poythress],’ not Rebecca, wife of Richard Pace (who) would have been the legal owner if Rebecca Poythress had been his wife.” (2) Howard, Bruce, Colonial Ancestors 1609 to 1799, Specialty Publishing & Printing, Box 414, Quitman, MS, 1998, p 321 & p. 325. “There have been so many attempts by others to try and marry Richard Pace to Rebecca Poythress, the daughter of Rebecca Poythress of Charles City County. This reasoning was, of course, based on the usual guesswork without consulting the proper record sources or doing an in-depth search into all possibilities before making the assumption that would stick in everyone’s mind. What you are about to discover is that Richard did not marry Rebecca Poythress, pure and simple...It should be clear to you by this point (re: the 1711 deed) that Rebecca the daughter of Major Francis & Rebecca Poythress, now the step-daughter of Charles Bartholomew, her uncle, was a single young woman.”
36 (1) Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, 13 Mar 1736, Feb 1738, Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~pace/richpacewill.htm. (2) Letter of Barnabas Pace letter, written 1844-1850, in Freda Reid Turner, History of the Pace Family from Manuscripts of Miss Annie Jones (1873-1951), Barnabas Pace (1789-). Maud McClure Kelly (1887-1973) (n. p. 1995) p. 163.
37 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 8, 1689-1695, p. 241, Va. patent to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress, 29 Apr 1693; (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 509, record of marriage of Charles Bartholomew to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress.
38 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 32.
39 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 30.
40 Ancient Planters were early emigrants to the Va. Colony who stayed at least three years before the “coming away” of Sir Thomas Dale in 1616. Colonists who paid their own passage received 100 acres for their own personal adventure to the colony. Richard Pace and his wife, Isabel Smyth, both received 100 acres for their personal adventure to the colony.
41 Corporation of James City, Pat. Bk. 1, pp. 64-65, grant to George Pace, 1 Sept 1628.
42 Pace, David Edmund, The Man Who Foiled A Jamestown Massacre, Paragon Publishing, 2016.
43 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 764-768.
44 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 501-502.
45 A “headright” system was devised to populate the colony. Every shareholder, in the Virginia company, who transported an emigrant or “headright” to the Colony acquired a claim to 50 acres if the person remained in Va. for three years. The headright was to be furnished with the necessities of life plus a small tract of land at the end of his contract. Once the indentured servant or headright became free, he could acquire his own land. The shareholder gained 50 acres for every passage he paid, a very lucrative prospect.
46 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 3, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, p. 216.
47 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 764-765, pp. 815-817.
48 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32.
49 (1) “Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704,” The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 07/01/1920. (2) R. Bolling Batte papers, index cards at Library of Virginia, 1977. (3) Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince George County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, p. 33 All of Major Francis and Rebecca Poythress’ sons were of age by 1704. Batte and Smith listed John Poythress as the youngest child and Rebecca as the second oldest child.
50 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 509.
51 Kukla, Jon, “Speakers and clerks of the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1643-1776,” 1981.
52 Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 20, p. 28.
53 Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 33, p. 180.
54 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 7, p. 176, Va. Patent to George Peas [sic] & Nicholas Whitmore, 22 Sept 1682. George Pace patented his first land in 1682 when he was 21 years old.
55 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Order Bk. 1676-1679, p. 196, Capt. Arthur Allen vs. James Mumford, et al.
56 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 766-767.
57 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Court Orders, 1658-1661, p. 249, Richard Pace to William Wilkins, 1 Feb 1659/60, 16 Nov 1660.
58 R. Bolling Batte papers, Library of Virginia, Chart of Poythress Family in America, Section A of Two Sections, 1977.
59 Chas. City. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 7, p. 124, Va. Patent to Wm. Edmonds & John Williams, 20 Apr 1680.
60 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Court Orders, 1687-1695, p. 409, Acct. of Hugh Kirkland vs. Nicholas Whitmore and Mary, his wife.
61 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 8, p. 78, 21 Apr 1690, grant to Adam Tapley & William Harrison.

083123

Land Patents, Family, Friends and Neighbors Prove Relationships, Part II

2024-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Neighbors Married Neighbors

Elizabeth Tye Wicket, the half-sister of Rebecca Coggin was born to Captain Richard Tye,(62) a court justice, and his wife, Joyce [-----]. Richard and Joyce Tye had daughters, Elizabeth and Frances. Sometime after Richard Baker’s death in 1665,(63) Elizabeth Tye and her first husband, John Jane, gained possession of 300 acres of Richard Baker’s land adjoining her step-father, Dr. Coggin’s land,(64) and Richard Pace, Sr.’s land.(65) Elizabeth and John Jane sold the 300 acres to William Wilkins on January 10, 1673. On April 14, 1711, Elizabeth and her second husband, John Wicket, signed a quit claim to the same property.

“I, John Wicket and Eliza, my wife, of Westover Parish, Prince George Co., Planter, for 1000 lbs. Tobacco, paid by John Wilkins of the same county, 300 acres on the south side of the Great Swamp, bounded by Mr. Cogan, land of Capt. Tye, line of Richard Pace, given to him by Richard Baker; said land being a part of the land that belonged to Richard Baker, and conveyed to John Jane and wife Eliza (now wife of said John Wicket) to William Wilkins, dec’d, on 10 Jan. 1673. John (x) Wicket, Eliza (x) Wicket. Wit: William Harrison, Jr., Anne (x) Brewer.” 14 Apr 1711. Recorded 8 May 1711.(66)

Richard Tye died between August and December of 1658.(67) His widow, Mrs. Joyce Tye, married her third husband, Dr. John Coggin, a practicing physician and surgeon. They married between December of 1658 and June of 1659.(68) Based upon the time frame of their marriage, their daughter, Rebecca Coggin, was probably born in the latter part of 1659 or early 1660.

Elizabeth’s sisters, Frances Tye and Rebecca Coggin, lived on adjoining property with their parents, Dr. John and Joyce Coggin. In 1673, Elizabeth was married to John Jane and was about 23 years old.(69) Her half-sister, Rebecca Coggin, was living at home and was 13 or 14 years old.(70) Frances Tye, sister of Elizabeth Tye and half-sister to Rebecca Coggin, was about 19 years old and was either living at home or was married to Charles Bartholomew.(71) George and Richard Pace, Jr., sons of Richard Pace, Sr., were toddlers when the family moved onto the adjoining farm by 1664/5. Richard Pace, Jr., was 8 to 10 years old when Elizabeth and John Jane sold their land to William Wilkins.

Rebecca Coggin and Francis Poythress lived in close proximity to each other. Francis Poythress’ father, Captain Poythress, provided for Thomas Boyce,(72) the half-brother of Rebecca Coggin, Frances Tye and Elizabeth Tye after the death of Thomas’ father. Thomas was the son of Joyce [-----] and her first husband, Cheney Boyce, who died in 1647. Thomas Boyce and Francis Poythress were approximately the same age.(73)

Neighbors married neighbors in the 1660s in rural Virginia. Rebecca Coggin’s brother, Thomas Boyce, married neighbor Richard Craven’s granddaughter, Emelia Craven.(74) Rebecca Coggin married her neighbor, Major Francis Poythress. John Poythress, Major Poythress’ brother, married Christian Peebles who lived on the east bank of Powell’s creek across from Dr. John Coggin who lived on the west bank of Powell’s creek.(75) Rebecca Poythress’ brother, Francis Poythress, married a granddaughter of William Worsham who lived on Captain Poythress’ land in 1658.(76)

In 1673, Robert Wynne and his wife, Mrs. Mary Poythress, widow of Captain Poythress, lived on Captain Poythress’ land adjacent to the fifty acres that Colonel Edward Hill gave to John Poythress.(77)

To get to the Coggin farm from the Poythress farm, one had to travel southeast a little over two miles and cross James Warrendine’s property. Rebecca was married to Francis for about 10 years when he died about 1688. She was 28 or 29 years old and had four young children. As Mrs. Rebecca Coggin Poythress, she qualified as administratrix of her husband’s estate and guardian of her own children.(78)

Colonel Edward Hill acquired James Warrendine’s property in 1683 on the same day that Major Francis Poythress was granted 1,250 acres on Hill’s western boundary.(79) From Major Poythress’ new property, it was over a mile ESE to Rebecca’s parent’s property.(80) Richard Pace, Sr., would have known the Poythress, Wynne, Coggin and Tye family members that lived adjacent to or in very close proximity to his farm. Richard Pace, Sr.’s land was adjacent to Dr. Coggin’s land, Elizabeth Tye Jane’s land and Thomas Boyce’s land.(81) To get to Captain Poythress’ land from Richard’s land, one had to cross John Coggin’s land and James Warrendine’s land. It is not conjecture to say that Richard Pace, Sr., and his son, Richard, Jr., knew Rebecca Coggin, her mother, Joyce; her father, Dr. Coggin; her half-sister, Elizabeth Tye Jane; her half-sister, Frances Tye; her half-brother, Thomas Boyce; and, of course, Rebecca Poythress. Richard Pace, Sr., and his family also appeared in the records with other Poythress family members.

Maiden Names used for Identification

Very few things in genealogical research are straightforward. “Son-in-law” in the old vernacular actually meant “step-son.” “Uncle” or “Aunt” was sometimes used by a younger cousin to respectfully address an older cousin. A “brother-in-law” was addressed in records as “brother.” A cousin might actually be a niece or nephew. The appendage, Senior and Junior, did not necessarily mean that one man was the father of the other. In county records, Senior and Junior were used to differentiate two individuals with the same name. The older man became Senior and the younger man became Junior in county and church records. Men with the appendage, Senior or Junior, could have been cousins, uncle and nephew, or actually father and son. One needs to recognize the language, equity laws, common law and the customs of the time.

Studies of women’s maiden names present unique challenges due to inconsistent usage in old court records. The examples below involve the use of a maiden name rather than a married name:

William Bradford (c. 1663-), gave a quit claim in 1724/5 to Andrew Steward and Robert Watson for 500 Acres in Accomack County “near the head of Occohannock Creek...it being the land given to my mother Alice Smith by my grandfather Richard Smith and sold by my father Nathaniel Bradford unto John Fawsett and Dorman Sullivant...”(82)

The following is another use of a maiden surname in a land transaction involving a married woman:

At a Court held at Merchants Hope, Chas. Citty County, April 25, 1659. Know all men by these presents, and witnesse that I Rich’d Pace sonne and heire apparent of Mr. Geo. Pace of the Com: of Charles Citty att Mount March in Virginia, and sonn and heire as the first issue of my mother Mrs. Sara Maycocke wife unto my aforesd father (being both dec’d) do hereby by these presents ffor my selfe my heires ex’ors adm’rs and assn’s for ever absolutely confirme and allow of the sale of eight or nine hundred acres of land being neere unto Pierces hundred, als fflowrday hundred, sold by my dec’d father Mr. George Pace unto Mr. Thomas Drewes as per bill of sale bareing date the 12th day of October Ao 1650 as may more large’l appe’e...dated 25 February 1658/9. Richard Pace. Wit: Anthony Wyatt, Thomas Stegge, Hoel Pryse Cl. Recorded 19 May 1659.(83)

In the previous deed, Sara Pace was addressed as Mrs. Sara Maycocke. George Pace married Sarah Maycock and subsequently patented the Samuel Maycock holdings. This conclusion has been accepted, supported and confirmed through documentation by John Frederick Dorman in his “Adventurers of Purse and Person."(84)

Associate Judge of Isle of Wight Co., Va., Jeremiah Exum, did not name his daughters by their married names in his 1712 will that was proved in 1720.(85) His daughter, Mary Exum, had been married three times beginning with her first marriage in 1699. Her third and last marriage was to Barnaby McKinnie whom she married in 1719. Judge Exum mentioned his “Daughters Elizabeth, Christian, Mourning, Sarah, Mary and Jane, granddaughter Catherine Scott, and cousin Jane Exum.”

Instances where a husband’s surname were paramount and consequential included cases of administration of an estate, testimony in court and guardianship. There are many examples of this:

A Court Held for Orphans at Westover 15 September 1692. Capt. Peter Perry and Mr. Richard Bland to

administer oath to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress, relict and Adm’x. with will annexed of Francis Poythress, late dec’d. to make inventory.(86)

Court held at Westover. Deposition of John Jane that he knew Frances, late wife of Charles Bartholomew, and knows Rebecca, relict of Francis Poythress, and says the two were sisters, being daughters of the same mother. John Bishop swears the same. Joshua Wynn says he knew both women from childhood and they were always taken as sisters by one mother. Because of absence of Mr. George Robinson, Clerk, who joined them in marriage, case is referred to next ct.(87)

It is noteworthy that an associate Judge would know how to write a legal will. His daughters, Sarah, Jane and Mary Ann, were all married when he wrote his will in 1712. The effect of not identifying women by their married surnames in documents conveys that practices did vary from always mentioning the husband’s name. This example and others make this a useful point of reference. This is evidence that a parent could file a document without mention of the head of the household.

Mrs. Rebecca Poythress and her Thousand Acre Grant

An examination of the original land grant that Mrs. Rebecca Poythress received and later gifted to her daughters, and the subsequent sale of this land reveals who possible neighbors were and where the land was located that her daughters and Littlebury Epes possessed. Littlebury Epes acquired 500 of the 1,000 acres.(88) Anne Bartholomew’s sale of land can be found in the records but no clue has been found regarding the disposition of Rebecca Poythress’ land.(89)

To all etc. Whereas etc. Now know you that I the said Fra. Nicholson Esq. etc. Their Majesties Lt. Governor etc. give and grant unto Mrs. Rebecca Poythres, one thousand acres of land situate lying & being in the County of Charles Citty according (to) long most ancient and rightful bounds thereof be the quantity either more or less than is herein expressed she to land being late in the tenure of Edw. Ardington deceased by virtue of his own right & fee therein, & was lately found to escheat to their most sacred Majesty from the said Edw. Ardington of the said County of Charles Citty as by an Inquisition recorded in the secretarys office under the hands and seales of Peter Perry Deputy of the honorable Christopher Wormeley Esq. Escheator of the said County & a jury sworn before him for this purpose dated the 19th day of November Anno 1690 may appear, & is since granted unto the Mrs. Rebeccah Poythres who hath made her composition according to law. To have & to hold etc. To be held etc. yielding & paying etc. dated the 29th day of April Anno 1692.(90)

At the time of his death, Edward Ardington owned land on Bailey’s creek adjoining land patented August 5, 1648, by Captain Poythress. John Burge proved the will of Edward Ardington in November of 1677. According to the grant to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress, the land “was lately found to escheat.” A jury was empaneled on November 19, 1690, to hear the case and on April 29, 1692, the land was granted to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress. John Burge’s son, Thomas, was a neighbor of John Poythress. John Burge was deceased by April 13, 1693. Charles Bartholomew attended the estate sale of John Burge conducted by Richard Bland. John Burge was the grandfather of Sarah Burge who married John Pace (c. 1725-1780) about 1753, the son of Richard Pace and Sarah Woodlief.

Widower, Charles Bartholomew, married the widow Poythress, on February 2, 1693,(91) in Charles City Co., about a year and nine months after the above land was granted to her. Their daughter, Anne, was not a Poythress. Anne was addressed as Anne Bartholomew when she received her deed of gift in 1711 and as Anne Green in her deed of sale in 1721.

When Rebecca Bartholomew gave land on Easterly Run to her daughter Anne, Anne was about 17 years old and was married to Burrell Green at the time. “(To) Anne Bartholomew her heirs & assigns forever...with all houses edifices, plantation...to have hold use occupy possess & enjoy to her, & their own Proper use & behoof forever..”(92) Anne Bartholomew’s land was bounded by her half-sister, Rebecca’s land and the “other side the courses of said patent and deed of sale from Batts to Ardington.” In 1694, Col. Littlebury Epes bought 500 of the 1,000 acres “bounded by innermost sides” of the patent and paid taxes on 833½ acres in 1704 in Prince George Co. that included the 500 acres.

Lewis Green and his son-in-law, Ephraim Parham, husband of Frances Green, owned a mill on a tributary of Bailey’s creek called Easterly Run.(93) Lewis Green’s son, Burrell Green, married Anne Bartholomew. Possible nephews or cousins of Lewis Green, John and William Green, who were brothers, married Richard and Rebecca Pace’s daughters, Amy and Frances.

Daniel Meadows knew Burrell Green. He brought a suit against Burrell on February 10, 1718, in Prince George Co. court.(94) The land where Meadows lived was originally patented to Henry Batte and James Thweatt in Charles City Co. on April 20, 1682.(95) The land of Batte and Thweatt was bordered on the north by Edward Ardington’s land. On June 3, 1693, Batte and Thweatt sold Robert Birchett land that was in the occupation of Birchett in Westover parish on Bland’s swamp crossing Blackwater road.(96) Birchett’s purchase was on the southern border of Batte’s and Thweatt’s land that was adjacent to the land “Batts sold Ardington” on its northern border. Mrs. Rebecca Coggin Poythress’ 1,000 acres was on its western border.

On June 7, 1717, Robert Birchett sold land to Douglas Irby adjacent to Daniel Meadows, Mathew Smart, Jr., William Mattock and Littlebury Epes.(97) On October 7, 1717, Meadows bought land, adjacent to his land, from James Lundy, land that Lundy had purchased from Peter Fairfax.(98) At some point prior to 1717, Daniel Meadows bought some or all of Batte’s and Thweatt’s land adjacent to Anne Green’s and Rebecca Poythress’ 500 acres.

Rebecca Poythress’ 300 acres possessed a “road or path from Jordans to Blackwater...with all houses, edifices, gardens, orchards, plantations,” etc. Rebecca, who was a grown woman over 31 years old, may have been married with children. In 1711, Richard and Rebecca Pace had been married abut 14 years and most of their children were born by then. Richard Pace, Jr., married Rebecca, about 1697. Their first born child, Richard Pace, was born about 1698.(99) Rebecca Poythress would have been about 19 years old at the birth of Richard and Rebecca’s son.

Rebecca Coggin married Major Poythress when she was about 18 years old based upon the year of her birth, 1659 or 1660, and the approximate date of her marriage about 1677 or 1678. Her daughter, Rebecca, was probably born within a couple of years of her marriage. Rebecca’s fourth and last child was born by 1683 in order to be 21 years old by the time of the 1704 Prince George Co. Quit Rent Roll. If Rebecca Poythress was born about 1679, she would have been approximately 18 years old by 1697, the same age as her mother when she married.

Though Rebecca Bartholomew gave the gift to her daughter, Rebecca, Rebecca Poythress’ land would have been a joint tenancy between herself and her husband if there was no prenuptial. Her husband could have sold the land if he wanted with Rebecca’s consent but he could not leave it to anyone in his will. At her husband’s death, the land would have reverted back to Rebecca.(100) At her death, her land would have gone to her heirs. A record of the sale of Rebecca Poythress’ 300 acres remains lost and cannot be used to verify her husband’s name or her married name.

Prior to 1720, Rebecca and Charles Bartholomew lived adjacent to Rebecca Bartholomew’s son, John Poythress.(101) All three of Rebecca’s sons, John, Francis and Thomas, lived adjacent to Deep Bottom.(102) The land that Rebecca Bartholomew gave her daughters was located on the western boundary of the land “Batts sold Ardington” that was adjacent on its eastern boundary to her deceased husband, Major Poythress’ 1,250 acres that he acquired in 1683. The Richard Pace, Sr., homestead was about two miles east of Rebecca Poythress’ land. No record has been located wherein any of Rebecca Poythress’ brothers or anyone else gained possession of her land. By September 15, 1717, Anne and Burrell Green(103) were living in Surry Co. as were Richard and Rebecca Pace who were living in Surry Co. by 1718.

There was no reason to cause any confusion at the sale of Anne Bartholomew’s 200 acres in 1721 by changing “Rebecca Poythress” to Rebecca’s married name or her husband’s name on the deed of sale. Rebecca Poythress’ maiden name would never change. If anything, Rebecca Poythress’ name aided with identification purposes. Additionally, Rebecca Poythress’ brother, Francis Poythress, was there to affirm the process and ensure a full and free title to the property as he would have been his sister’s heir as she had no children.(104) He would have been able to confirm that Anne Bartholomew was Anne Green, that Rebecca Poythress was Anne’s half-sister and his full sister. He would have been able to confirm that Mrs. Rebecca Poythress and Rebecca Bartholomew were the same person and the mother of Anne, Rebecca and himself and that Anne and Burrell Green were the rightful owners of the land. Francis would have been well known at the courthouse. There were three witnesses to this deed who would be able to confirm in future court proceedings what had occurred during the sale of this land and be able to confirm the identities of those involved. Notice that Burrell Green did not sell the land with Anne acknowledging release of her dower in the land. She was the owner of the land in joint tenancy with her husband, Burrell Green.

Rebecca Bartholomew’s deeds to her daughter were witnessed by John Woodlief. John Woodlief (1643-c. 1716), was the husband of Mary Wynne (1665-aft. 1707), the daughter of Robert Wynne and Mrs. Mary Poythress.(105) John and Mary were the brother- and sister-in-law of Rebecca Bartholomew.

The second witness, Richard Walpole, was the son of Caesar Walpole. Caesar Walpole bought land adjacent to Elizabeth Tye Jane and Dr. John Coggin in 1664.(106) Caesar Walpole also had a daughter, Sarah, who married William Epes. In his will, Caesar left his land to his daughter and son. His daughter, Sarah, and her husband, William Epes, sold her inheritance of 100 acres to James Pace, the brother of Richard Pace, Jr. When James Pace bought the Epes’ farm in 1715, he had to cross Elizabeth Jane’s old farm to get to the Richard Pace, Sr., homestead to visit his mother, Mary Whitmore.

The third witness, John Denton, appeared with Richard Pace, Jr., and most of Richard’s family at the estate sale for John Barlow in 1738 in Surry County.(107)

When comparing the two deeds, Anne Bartholomew and Rebecca Poythress both received land “with all houses, edifices, gardens, orchards, plantations,” etc. Their mother prefaced her deeds by writing that “in consideration of the natural love and affection we bear to our daughter(s)...and...“for & towards the bettering & advancing” of their “fortune(s) in the world, do give grant enfeoff & confirm & by these presents have given granted enfeoffed & confirmed unto the said” daughters and their “heirs & assigns forever...” Anne appears to have been a newlywed in 1711 and would have been approximately the same age as her mother when her mother married. Her sister, Rebecca, was 32 years old in 1711 and 42 years old in 1721. Rebecca would not have received a gift of land from her mother if she had been mentally challenged and there was no mention in the 1721 deed description that Rebecca was deceased.

Rebecca Bartholomew gifted the land to her daughters on Monday, September 10, 1711, perhaps as a result of the increasing tension with the Indians and the possibility of inevitable hostilities. When colonial Governor Alexander Spotswood was sworn into office in June of 1710, he discovered the colony was anticipating an Indian war. On or about September 10th or 11th, 1711, Tuscarora Indians captured John Lawson, Baron Christopher de Graffenreidt and two servants while they were on the Neuse river in North Carolina.(108) A few days later, Lawson and one servant were killed and de Graffenreidt and the second servant were kept as prisoners. By September 21, the Tuscarora were scouting and making preparations to attack homesteads and settlements along the Roanoke, Neuse and Trent rivers and the City of Bath. At dawn on September 22, Chief Hancock and his band of Tuscaroras and their allies made their attack. They continued the massacre for three days, butchering, impaling and scalping their victims, men, women and infants and took a number of prisoners. In Bath, more than 130 people were killed.

“After the Tuscarora and other border Indians massacred the white settlers in eastern North Carolina, Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood sent some of the militia out to prevent the Virginia Indians from joining them. He made arrangements to meet with the heads of the Tuscarora Indians who had not been involved in the war. He and 1,600 militiamen from Prince George, Surry and Isle of Wight counties, 900 foot soldiers and 700 cavalrymen, went to Nottaway Town.”(109)

From William Byrd’s diary for October 8, 1711: “...After dinner we sat in council concerning the Indians and some of the Tributaries came before us who promised to be very faithful to us. It was agreed to send Peter Poythress to the Tuscaroras to treat (with) them and to demand the Baron Graffenriedt who was a prisoner among the Indians. It was also resolved that the militia of Prince George, Surry, and Isle of Wight should rendezvous at Nottaway town on Wednesday next and the Governor [Spotswood] be there with them to show some part of our strength to the Indians. In the evening came several gentlemen and Mr. Bland among them with letters from the Governor of Carolina which told him how backward the people of that country were to (advantage) themselves...”(110)

From Byrd’s diary for October 9, 1711: “...About 3 o’clock the Tuscarora Indians came with their guard and Mr. Poythress was with them. He told the Governor that the Baron was alive but that Mr. Lawson was killed because he had been so foolish as to threaten the Indian who had taken him...[The Indians were ‘treated with’ and dispersed].”(111)

The call to arms for the militia required all able-bodied men, citizens of the three counties, from 16 to 60 years of age to respond and would have included Rebecca Bartholomew’s sons; Captain John Poythress, Francis Poythress and Thomas Poythress; Charles Bartholomew’s son, John Bartholomew; Jane Tye Wicket’s son, Philip Jane; Lewis Green’s sons, including Burrell Green; and many of the Pace family members, Richard, Jr., James, John and Richard, Jr.’s nephew, Richard Pace. Charles Bartholomew was exempted from the call due to his age. He and others of advanced age remained at home on alert as a home guard. It was not until 1713 that the settlers regained control of their lives and not until February 11, 1715, that the Tuscarora signed a treaty that formally ended the war.

Rebecca Coggin Poythress Bartholomew

Any real property that Rebecca Coggin Poythress brought to her marriage to Charles Bartholomew automatically became her husband’s property unless a prenuptial agreement was signed before the marriage took place.(112) By law, while Rebecca was a widow, she could act as an executrix or administratrix for her late husband’s estate - which she did; be officially designated as the guardian of her children - which she did as she had the means; and, buy and sell land - which she did when she was granted a thousand acres and subsequently split the tract and sold half to her brother-in-law, Joshua Wynne, who later sold the land to Littlebury Epes.

Unless Rebecca made legal arrangements in advance of her marriage to Charles, he gained a life interest in her land - a joint tenancy. Without the prenuptial, Charles could have sold her land if he wanted but it would have required Rebecca’s consent. Charles could not devise Rebecca’s land in a will. If Charles died first, the land reverted back to Rebecca because the title never transferred. If Rebecca died first, her land went to her heirs.

When Rebecca gave her gifts in 1711, she expressly stated that the gifts were for her daughters, Anne and Rebecca. Rebecca had already administered her husband’s estate and her sons, Francis, Thomas and John Poythress, had already received their inheritances. Daughter, Rebecca, would have received whatever personal property that her father bequeathed to her, and wife, Rebecca, would have received her dower interest. By 1704, Francis was paying taxes on 1,283 acres, John on 916 acres and Thomas on 616 acres.(113) Rebecca’s husband, Charles, paid taxes on 600 acres including Rebecca’s 500 acres.

The gift to daughter, Rebecca Poythress, would not necessarily have had her daughter’s husband’s name as the owner of the 300 acres. Rebecca Bartholomew specifically gave the land to her daughter, not her son-in-law. It is noteworthy that in Anne’s deed, it read, “enjoy to her, & their own proper use,” but in Rebecca Poythress’ deed, it read, “enjoy the lands & premises hereby given and granted.” Rebecca Poythress’ husband, if she was married, would have automatically acquired a life interest in the land. At her husband’s death, the land would have reverted back to Rebecca. It did not matter whether Rebecca Poythress acquired the land before her marriage or during her marriage. As a widow, Rebecca would have owned her own property. The deed to daughter, Anne, functioned as a will as a married woman did not have the right to make a will.

62 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 506, step-sisters 3 Aug 1694. (2) Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 55, C-11, p. 259, Elizabeth Tye, daughter of Richard Tye, 7 July 1659.

63 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, death of Richard Baker, 26 June 1665.

64 (1) Fleet, Beverly, Va. Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 37, C-11, p. 185, John Coggin married Mrs. Joyce Tye, 3 June 1659. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, deed of partition dated 4 Feb 1664/5, 7 Feb 1664/5. (3) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1664-1696, p. 592, 3 Oct 1665.

65 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., p. 530, Richard Baker to Richard Pace, 3 Feb 1664/5, 7 Feb 1664/5.

66 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1710-1713, p. 51, John Wicket and wife, Eliza to John Wilkins, 14 Apr 1711, 8 May 1711.

67 (1) Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 7, C-11, p. 145, Capt. Richard Tye present as judge, 3 June 1658. (2) Fleet, Beverly, Va. Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 23, C-11, p. 164, LW&T of Capt. Richard Tye, 3 Dec 1658.

68 (1) Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Col. Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 23, C-11, p. 164, probate granted Mrs. Joyce Tye, 3 Dec 1658. (2) Fleet, Beverly, Va. Col. Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 37, C-11, p. 185, Mr. John Cogan married relict of Capt. Richard Tye, 3 June1659.

69 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 2, pp. 233-234, grant to Richard Tye, 26 Oct 1649. (2) Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 55, C-11, p. 259, 7 July 1659, Richard Tye and Mrs. Joyce Cheney married about 1649. Elizabeth Tye was their oldest daughter. (3) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1664-1696, p. 443, James Ward released as security with John Cogan for estate of Capt. Rich’d. Tye’s orphans.

70 Fleet, Beverly, Va. Col. Abstracts, Ct. Orders, Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 37, C-11, p. 185, 3 June 1659, Dr. John Coggin and Mrs. Joyce Tye married in 1659, Rebecca Coggin was their daughter.

71 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 2, pp. 233-234, grant to Richard Tye, 26 Oct 1649. (2) Fleet, Beverly, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, Vol. 1, 1658-1661, p. 55, C-11, p. 259, 7 July 1659, Richard Tye and Mrs. Joyce Cheney married about 1649. Frances Tye was younger than her sister Elizabeth Tye.

72 Fleet, Beverly, Va. Col. Abstracts, Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Vol. 1, p. 687, Frances Poythress bound to Thomas Boyce, 30 June 1648, 9 Nov 1657.

73 Petition of Jno. Cogan, who having paid Thos. Boyce, asking for discharge acknowledged in Court by Boyce. Boyce asks “full satisfaction of all his estate and person from Capt. Richd Tye dec’d.” [Fleet, Beverly Virginia Col. Abstracts Chas. Ct. Volume 1, 1658-61, p. 84, C-11, p. 239, December 3, 1660.]

74 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. 5, p. 511, Emelia, wife of Thomas Boyce, 12 Oct 1665.

75 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., pat. 2, p. 297, grant to David Peebles, 5 Aug 1650. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 180, John Poythress married Christian Peebles, 18 Dec 1688.

76 (1) Dotson, Flora B., “Analysis of Cheney Boyce, Richard Tye, and John Coggan and Poythress,” Jan 1987, pp. 5-6, Henric Co., Va. (2) Will of John Worsham, dated 9 June 1729, proved 1 Oct 1729. Colonial Wills of Henrico Co., Va., Part One 1677-1737. Abstracted by Benjamin Weisiger III. Henrico Wills & Deeds, 1725-1737, p. 248.

77 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., 1655-1665, p. 272, Col. Edward Hill to John Poythress, Apr 1661.

78 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 188.

79 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 7, 1679-1689, p. 335, grant to Major Francis Poythress, 20 Nov 1683. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 7, 1679-1689, pp. 338-339, grant to Col. Edward Hill, 20 Nov 1683.

80 To place 1,250 acres into perspective, 640 acres is one mile squared.

81 Howard, Bruce, Colonial Ancestors 1609-1799, Specialty Publishing & Printing, Box 414, Quitman, MS, 1998, pp. 72-82. Richard Pace, Sr., moved his family from his plantation about 1667 to live in Surry Co., Va. About 1677, he returned home and bought additional land one mile SW of his homestead. After Richard’s death before Feb 1677/8, his family’s neighbors continued to be the Coggins, Janes, Poythress, Goodrich and Whitmore families. The homestead remained in the family as is evident from records citing the property in 1710 (Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds 1710-1713, p. 51, John & Eliza Wicket to John Wilkins, 14 Apr 1710-8 May 1711), 1711 (Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 92, William Barlow to John Wilkinson, 11 Jan 1711-11Jan 1711), 1713 (Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1710-1713, p. 246, Francis Mallory to John Hatch, 14 July 1713-13 Oct 1713), and 1715 (Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 94, William & Sarah Epes to James Pace, 7 Nov 1715). James Pace purchased land near the Pace homestead.

82 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 3, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 196 & 198.

83 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Order Bk., 1655-1665, p. 179, mother, Mrs. Sara Maycocke, 25 Apr 1659, 19 May 1659.

84 Dorman, John Frederick, (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 2, “Adventurers of Purse and Person,” Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, pp. 766. Mr. Dorman cited “Patent Bk. 2, p. 252. For description of ‘Macocks’ see W(1) XIII, p. 89; Massachusetts Historical Society, Collections, 3rd ser., III (Boston, 1810), p. 90.” Sara Maycock was addressed as Mrs. Sara Maycocke in this document and any misunderstanding as to her identity was clarified by Mr. Dorman’s research.

85 Boddie, John Bennett, Historical Southern Families, Vol. 1, pp. 182, 322-323, Will of Jeremiah Exum, 3 Sept 1712, 28 Mar 1720.

86 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Court Orders, 1687-1695, Mrs. Rebecca Poythress took oath as administratrix of her late husband’s estate, 15 Sept 1692.

87 Chas. Cty. Co.,.Va., Court Orders, 1697-1695, p. 506, Court testimony re: Charles Bartholomew and Rebecca Poythress, 3 Aug 1694.

88 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Order Bk., p. 150, Rebecca Poythress to Joshua Wynne (first part missing), 2 Feb 1692(/3), 3 Feb 1692(/3). (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Order Bk., p. 150, 3 Feb 1692(/3), 3 Feb 1692(/3). Power of attorney from Rebecca Poythress to Charles Bartholomew to convey above land.(3) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Order Bk. 1694-1700, p. 206, Joshua Wynne to Littlebury Epes, 4 June 1694. Joshua Wynne sold Littlebury Epes 500 acres “lying near the head of Bayley’s Creek on the South side of James river in the afforesd County Charles Citty...with all houses orchards pastures fences Woods Waters privileges profitts and emoluments whatsoever.” Joshua’s wife, Mary, relinquished her right of dower.

89 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Records, The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 4, No. 3, Jan 1897, pp. 272-292. The oldest book in the PG Co. Courthouse is the deeds, wills, inventories and misc. instruments, 9 Feb 1713/14 to 14 May 1728, with a few records back to 1711, 1,116 pages of records. The second oldest book contains minutes of county court Mar term 1737/8 to Apr 1740 and a single court of Sessions and two or three courts of Oyer and Terminer by special writ to local justices, 87 to 400 pages. The third book covers the clerkship of Theodorick Bland with contents similar to book 1, 12 June 1759 to 10 June 1760, fragments of 75 to 196 pages. The fourth book contains instruments of earlier dates, 13 Feb 1787 to 8 Nov 1792. These are the only extant original volumes remaining for PG Co. prior to 1800. If Rebecca sold her 300 acres after 14 May 1728, there would be no record of it. There is possibly no extant record of Rebecca Poythress’ land transferring after her death.

90 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat. Bk. 8, 1689-1695, p. 241, grant to Mrs. Rebecca Poythress, 29 Apr 1692.

91 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 70, Charles Bartholomew & Rebecca Bartholomew to Anne Bartholomew, 10 Sept 1711, 13 Sept 1711.

92 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 1687-1695, p. 509.

93 Easterly Run is now known as Manchester Creek in present Pr. Geo. Co., Va. Others that lived on or very near Easterly Run included Henry Batte, Robert Birchett, Douglas Irby, Daniel Meadows, Mathew Smart, Sr., William Mattock, James Lundy and Peter Fairfax, but very few records have been located revealing the details of their tracts of land. Littlebury Epes’ 500 acres was on the western boundary of Rebecca Poythress’ land. Adjacent to Epes was William Mattock, Mathew Smart, Sr., and Daniel Meadows.

94 Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, “Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Ct. Orders & Returns of Executions 1714-1720,” Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, Vol. 24, #2, May 1986, p. 61.

95 Nell Marion Nugent, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Vol. II, p. 235.

96 Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, Charles City Co., Va., Records 1737-1774 with Several 17th Century Fragments, p. 68, Fragment of Will & Deed Book 1692-1694, p. 160.

97 Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, Prince George County, Virginia Wills & Deeds 1713-1728, 1973, p. 22. Prince George Co. Records 1713-1728, Part II, p. 171, Robert Burchet to Duglas Irby, 7 June 1717. Birchett Estates presently exists on the south side of Manchester Run (Easterly Run).

98 Benjamin B. Weisiger, III, Prince George County, Virginia Wills & Deeds 1713-1728, 1973, p. 24. Prince George Co. Records 1713-1728, Part II, p. 188, James Lundy to Daniel Meadows, 7 Oct 1717..

99 (1) Chowan Co., NC, Deed Bk. 8, pp. 174 & 195, grant to Richard Pace, Jr., 1 Mar 1719/20. Richard Pace, Jr., the son, was 21 when he acquired this land in 1719/20. (2) The Pace Family, 1607-1750, First ed., Vol. 1, compiled by Freda Reid Turner, copyright 1993 by Eleanor Pace Terrell, p. 109.

100 “What Genealogists should know about 18th Century Virginia Law” by Mr. John P. Alcock, President, Friends of the Virginia State Archives. Presented November 17, 1999, at the Library of VA, sponsored by the Friends of the Virginia State Archives. https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jcat2/genealogy/18centvalaw.html. “Women’s rights: In Colonial Virginia a married woman became ‘one body’ with her husband (Matthew 19, verses 5-6). Together with ‘wives be subject to your husbands’ (Ephesians 5, verses 22-24), these dictums were the basis of English law and continued as American law well into the 19th century. The result was that the rights of a married woman were severely restricted with certain exceptions, she was not allowed to own land in her own right nor to make a will. Any real property that she brought to a marriage automatically became her husbands unless she had insisted on a prenuptial agreement signed before the marriage took place.”

101 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds & Wills, 1713-1728, John Roberts & Thomas Winningham to Dorrell Young, Jr., 8 Apr 1718.

102 (1) Pr. Geo. Co., VA., Deeds & Wills, 1713-1728, Francis Poythress to John Poythress, Jr., 8 Nov 1720. (2) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Pat Bk 9, p. 571, grant to John Poythress, 21 Apr 1703, 23 Oct 1703. John Poythress, Jr., was granted 609 acres on April 21, 1703, on the south side of the Blackwater for paying the transportation of Charles Bartholomew, Elizabeth Smith, Elizabeth Brumfield, Joyce Bibrek, Richard Wilkinson and Robert Lloyd. This land was previously granted to his father, Francis Poythress on September 28, 1681.

103 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, Bk. 7, p. 76, 15, George Pasmore to William Raney, 15 Sept 1717, 18 Sept 1717.

104 If Anne Bartholomew did not have children, her heir would have been her half-brother Francis Poythress.

105 Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 33, p. 180.

106 (1) Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Abstract, Deed, p. 476, James Wallace to Caesar Walpole, 19 May 1664, 10 June 1664. (2) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, p. 94, Wm. Epes & Sarah Walpole to James Pace, 7 Nov 1715.

107 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

108 La Vere, David, The Tuscarora War, Indians, Settlers, and the Fight for the Carolina Colonies, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2013.

109 Brown, Douglas Summers, “Historical and Biographical Sketches of Greensville County, Virginia, 1650-1967, Riparian Woman’s Club, Emporia, Va., 1968, pp. 31-38.

110 Byrd, William (1674-1744), The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-1712, p. 418, 1941, edited by Louis B. Wright & Marion Tinling.

111 Byrd, William (1674-1744), The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-1712, p. 424, 1941, edited by Louis B. Wright & Marion Tinline.

112 “What Genealogists should know about 18th Century Virginia Law” by Mr. John P. Alcock, President, Friends of the Virginia State Archives. Presented November 17, 1999, at the Library of VA, sponsored by the Friends of the Virginia State Archives. https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jcat2/genealogy/18centvalaw.html. “Women’s rights: In Colonial Virginia a married woman became ‘one body’ with her husband (Matthew 19, verses 5-6). Together with ‘wives be subject to your husbands’ (Ephesians 5, verses 22-24), these dictums were the basis of English law and continued as American law well into the 19th century. The results was that the rights of a married woman were severely restricted with certain exceptions, she was not allowed to own land in her own right nor to make a will. Any real property that she brought to a marriage automatically became her husbands unless she had insisted on a prenuptial agreement signed before the marriage took place. Even after she was widowed and had received a life interest in a specific third of her late husband’s land following a division of the estate made by court-appointed commissioners, she had no say as to whom it would pass after she was gone. She could not sue in a court of law other than by the same “next friend” procedure provided for minors and the mentally incompetent. Only if a woman was an adult and unmarried, either as a widow or never a bride, could she sue in court, act as an executrix or administratrix, be officially designated as the guardian of her children, enter into contracts including indenture of servants, own slaves, sell or buy land, or obtain an ordinary license.”

113 “Virginia Quit Rent Rolls, 1704,” The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 07/01/1920.

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Land Patents, Family, Friends and Neighbors Prove Relationships, Part III

2024-09-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

Life in Surry County Among Family

In 1706, Richard Pace, Jr., was granted 640 acres in Chowan Co., NC, on the north side of Moratoke river, now Roanoke river, upon which he and his family never lived.(114) At that time, Richard and his family were living in the newly formed Prince George Co. on the south side of James river.(115) Not until 1718 in Surry Co. was there a record of Richard being granted any land other than the land in Chowan Co. His brother, John, was living in Surry Co. by 1703(116) and was granted two tracts of land, one of 640 acres along the Roanoke river below Occaneechee Neck and 300 acres above Occaneechee Neck in 1713 in North Carolina.(117) A 1775 map showed “Pace’s Mill" where John’s land was located.

In August of 1711, Richard appeared in court in Surry Co. to prosecute a case against John Edmunds,(118) one month before Rebecca Bartholomew gave her gift to her daughters.

On July 18, 1716, at Southwark court in Surry Co., Richard Pace brought suit against Charles Kimball, an Indian trader, for 502 pounds of tobacco.(119) Kimball denied owing the debt and court was continued until the next court date for trial. On August 15, Kimball requested a further continuance at his own cost.(120) On September 19, neither party appeared indicating that a settlement had been reached.(121) On November 21, Richard received 300 pounds of tobacco for killing three wolves.(122) On June 18, 1718, a case between Richard Pace and John Scott was dismissed as neither party appeared.(123) John Scott was married to Bethia Boyce the daughter of Thomas Boyce and Emelia Craven. Bethia was first cousin of Rebecca Poythress. On January 18, 1718, Robert Rainwater was to be awarded 300 pounds of tobacco plus court costs against Richard unless he appeared to answer the charges.(124) In the springtime after a postponement, the judgement was set aside. On February 18, 1718, in a suit between Hugh Golitely against the estate of Thomas Watson, Richard, Thomas Avent, Richard Moore, and James Odyam were assigned to value the estate.(125) These cases show that Richard had established himself in Surry Co.

George Pasmore (1651-1751) sold William Rainey 150 acres of land on September 15, 1717, on the south side of Blackwater swamp that was bounded by Indian traders, William Jones and Henry Jones.(126) Henry Jones and wife, Katherine, of Surry Co., sold Peter Poythress, of Prince George Co., 250 acres(127) on the south side of Nottaway river bounded by Flatt swamp on February 15, 1725/6. The witnesses included Peter’s brother, William Poythress,(128) and neighbor William Freeman. Peter Poythress’ kin, Robert, John and Sloman Wynne, held land near Freeman’s road. Henry and William Jones, Sr. and Jr., held land immediately north of Peter Poythress’ land. The land that Pasmore sold Rainey was in the same area as the Jones’ families. Henry and Katherine Jones were probably relatives of Peter Poythress’ wife.

The witnesses to George Pasmore’s deed to Rainey were Robert Wynne, first cousin of Rebecca Poythress; Burrell Green, husband of Rebecca Poythress’ half-sister, Anne; and, William Green, who appears to have been Burrell Green’s brother who lived near Robert Wynne and a tract of land belonging to his father, Lewis Green. Frances Pace, Richard and Rebecca Pace’s daughter, married a William Green,(129) about 1722. William Green’s brother, John, married, before 1725, Amy Pace, the sister of Frances Pace.

George Pasmore is recorded as having lived to be 100 years old. By 1717, he was “of Surry Co.”(130) and held a tract of land adjacent to George Hamilton’s land and by June 18, 1718, adjacent to Richard Pace’s newly acquired 285 acre tract. Richard Pace’s land was on the north side of Three Creek and was adjacent to not only the land of George Pasmore but also George Hamilton and Captain John Gaddes. Pasmore held tracts adjacent to Richard Pace and John Roberts, and along Courthouse road among Robert Wynne and William Green.

William Rainey, of Surry Co., lived on the south side of Three Creek bounded by land sold by James Washington to Nathaniel Harrison on June 14, 1725. John Roberts’ land separated William Rainey’s land from Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres. William Rainey also owned land near the present Greensville Co. area where John Duke, Henry Duke and John Taylor Duke settled for several decades. John Duke, son of Henry Duke and Elizabeth Taylor, married Lucy House, daughter of Thomas and Katherine House. Thomas House(131) was the father-in-law of Richard Pace’s daughter, Sarah.

On July 12, 1718, Richard Pace, “of Surry Co.,” was granted 285 acres on the north side of Three Creek in Surry Co. on the creek side of Captain John Gaddes’ land, then along Gaddes’ line to George Hamilton’s line, along Hamilton’s line to George Pasmore’s lines and along Pasmore’s line to Three Creek.(132) On January 18, 1718, at Southwark court in Surry Co., Richard Pace petitioned the court to register his livestock mark, “a half moon, over and under in the right ear & a crop & a hole & an underheel in the left.”(133) He had moved his livestock to Surry Co. from Prince George Co. By 1718, three years after the peace treaty with the Tuscarora Indians, Richard and Rebecca were living in Surry Co. as were Burrell and Anne Green. Burrell appears to have been a younger, if not the youngest son of Lewis Green. As there is no record where he acquired land, he evidently lived on one of his father’s properties possibly near Robert Wynne, William Green, his brother, and land belonging to George Pasmore.

On June 16, 1719, Chichester Sturdivant and Elizabeth, his wife, of Prince George Co., sold John Denton, of Surry Co., 230 acres on Three Creek. The witnesses were Edward Goodrich and Peter Simmons.(134) John Denton was one of the witnesses to Rebecca Bartholomew’s gifts to her daughters. Margaret Wynne Goodrich, wife of Edward, was Rebecca Poythress’ first cousin.

In September of 1719, nephew Richard Pace, Thomas Kirkland and William Reese made an appraisement of the Estate of Phillip Jane, deceased. This was sworn before John Poythress. Elizabeth Jane was administratrix of her husband’s estate.(135)

On February 25, 1719/20, after a year and a half of ownership, Richard Pace sold his 285 acres on Three Creek to John Bradford, the husband of Rebecca Pace, the daughter of Richard and Rebecca Pace. On February 19, 1722/3, after three years, John and Rebecca sold the 285 acre tract to Nicholas Hatch, of Prince George Co.(136)

Thomas House was granted 120 acres on February 20, 1719/20, on the north side of Three Creek that adjoined George Hamilton on the south side of the creek.(137) The House family lived close to the Pace family in Surry Co. and later in NC. Richard Hay was granted 200 acres on May 25, 1734, on the north side of Three Creek on the west side of Odium’s branch in Surry Co. adjacent to a line tree of George Hamilton, of Prince George Co., and a line tree of Peter Poythress’ land.(138) Abraham Odium was a witness to Anne and Burrell Green’s sale of 200 acres on Easterly Run in 1721. Peter Poythress was an Indian trader and first cousin of Rebecca Poythress. Richard Pace’s brother, John Pace, was also an Indian trader. Peter Poythress, of Prince George Co., bought 92 acres on the north side of Three Creek in Surry Co. in February of 1720/1 from William Moore.

On August 22, 1720, Richard Pace sold his 640 acres that he bought in 1706 in Chowan pct., in Albemarle Co. On March 1, 1720/1, Richard Pace and his son, Richard, received patents for land in Albemarle Co., near the Roanoke river and Yourah swamp. Richard and Rebecca Pace lived in Surry Co. at the time but Richard was buying land over the boundary line in North Carolina for his use and eventually for his sons’ use.(139) It was not unusual for landowners with several tracts to have a manor house built on separate properties and Richard appears to have done this.

On October 11, 1721, James Vaughan sold Robert Wynne 50 acres on the south side of Three Creek being part of a patent for 250 acres granted James Vaughan in 1719. The witnesses were John Scott, Jr., and William Short, Jr.(140) This land was close to the Kimballs, Charles and William, and not far from the 285 acres Richard Pace sold John Bradford. This Robert Wynne (-1727) may have been Margaret’s brother, both being children of Joshua Wynne.(141) John Scott, Jr.,(142) was a cousin of Rebecca Poythress. William Short’s daughter, Mary, married Joshua Poythress.

On January 15, 1723/4, in Surry Co., Thomas House, Sr., sold Isaac House 60 acres on the south side of the Nottaway river. The witnesses were James Washington, Lawrence House and John Bartholomew. John Bartholomew(143) was the son of Charles Bartholomew and half-brother of Anne Green and step-brother to Rebecca Poythress. Lawrence House was married, by 1732, to Sarah Pace. Charles Bartholomew, son of John and Elizabeth Bartholomew, married Tabitha House.(144) Isaac House was Thomas’ brother.

On September 5, 1723, John Poythress, of Prince George Co., was granted 200 acres of new land in Isle of Wight Co., now Greensville Co., on the south side of the Meherrin river on the east side of the Cane branch. This was the same property repatented by his son, John Poythress, in 1737 and sold by his nephew, Thomas Poythress, to John Dawson in 1773.(145) John Poythress was Rebecca Poythress’ brother. This land was located south of Richard and Rebecca Pace’s 1,220 acres.

John Poythress’ will was proved in Court on May 20, 1724,(146) in Prince George Co. He mentioned his neighbors, John Young, Dorrell Young and Thomas Lovesay. His neighbor, John Woodlief, “of the pasture,” and first cousin, Robert Poythress, were the executors of his will. Thomas Lovesay was the son of John Lovesay and the brother of William Lovesay who married Mary Woodlief, the sister of Sarah Woodlief Pace. John Poythress’ daughters, Rebecca and Anne, were named after his sisters. In 1718, John Roberts, “of Surry Co.” and Edward Winningham, of Prince George Co., sold John Woodlief “of the pasture,” land in Prince George Co. adjacent to Dorrell Young, John Young and John Poythress.(147) The witnesses were Gilbert Hay and Henry Batte. Henry Batte was the brother-in-law of John Poythress, Sr., a first cousin of John and sister, Rebecca Poythress.(148)

On November 5, 1724, Richard Pace, “of Surry Co.” was granted 1,220 acres in Surry Co.(148) between Three Creek and Otterdam swamp in the parish of Lawne’s creek, on the west side of Otterdam swamp, by the side of Ryar’s branch,(151) a corner of John Roberts’ land then by Roberts’ line, a corner of John Barlow’s land then by Barlow’s line. On the same day, Charles Stewart bought 530 acres on the east side of Otterdam swamp in Surry Co. Charles Stewart was married, by 1724, to Richard and Rebecca Pace’s daughter, Ann Pace, who was the first daughter named in Richard’s will. The area where Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres was located became Brunswick Co. in 1732 and is today in two counties, Greensville and Sussex counties. Richard sold this land in 1733 to two of his sons-in-law, John Bradford and William Johnson, and Hubert Farrell. William Johnson was married, by 1732, to Richard and Rebecca Pace’s daughter, Mary.

On February 22, 1724/5, John Davis was granted 270 acres(151) on the east side of Three Creek that adjoined “a corner of his other land,” and “a lightwood post in a line of Thomas House’s land then by House’s line.” John Davis, the son of Christopher Davis, was the nephew of Elizabeth Davis and Philip Jane. John Davis, Jr.’s children, Lucy, Mathew, James and Johanna, were listed in the Albemarle Parish register in Surry Co., later Sussex Co., from 1730 to 1740.(152)

Thomas House, Jr., sold 175 acres on the north side of Three Creek to William House in 1726.(153) This land was part of a tract of 350 acres that was granted Thomas House on February 22, 1724, bounded by George Pasmore whose land adjoined Richard Pace’s land. The witnesses to this deed were the same witnesses to George Pasmore’s deed to William Rainey in 1717, nine years earlier. Robert Wynne and Burrell Green were family members of Rebecca Poythress and William Green appears to have been Burrell Green’s brother. On February 16, 1729, Lawrence House sold 70 acres to Charles Dickings(154) on the north side of Otterdam swamp adjoining William Melton(155) and the main swamp. Thomas House, Jr., William House and brother, Lawrence House (1686-1751), of Lawne’s creek parish, were sons of Thomas House, Sr. Lawrence was married to Sarah Pace.

On October 16, 1728, the will of John Barlow was proved in Surry Co. Richard Pace, Richard Moore and Thomas Avent were the witnesses to Barlow’s will dated July 7, 1727.(156) John Barlow bequeathed to his son, William, the “plantation where I live including Land between the Otterdam Swamp and a small branch that runs into Ryar’s Branch, then down the branch to Richard Pace’s corner, to the Three Creek.” Richard Moore was a brother-in-law of Tabitha Pace, the daughter of Richard and Rebecca Pace.

Records show that Richard and Rebecca Pace were residents in Surry Co. before January 18, 1718, and lived in the county until after November 5, 1724, the date when Richard was granted 1,220 acres in Surry Co.

George Pasmore, who held land in the area of David Poythress, Lewis Green, John Roberts, William Jones, Sr., and Robert Wynne, also owned land around Three Creek adjacent to George Hamilton, Thomas House, John Davis and Richard Pace and in close proximity of Captain John Gaddes, These men owned several properties in different locations and were neighbors of one another.

Richard and Rebecca Pace Moved to North Carolina(157)

Richard Pace appeared on a jury list in 1723 in Bertie Pct. He was still recorded as “of Surry Co.” in November of 1724. The dividing line between VA/NC was not determined by a survey until 1728 under William Byrd. In 1727, Richard Pace was appointed a Vestryman of the Northwest Parish of Bertie Pct., an area that later became Northampton Co., NC.(158) He and Rebecca had evidently begun the transition from Surry Co. to Northampton Co., but maintained property in both VA and NC.

Col. Thomas Avent was granted 1,200 acres of land on Otterdam swamp adjoining Richard Pace, John Davis, Richard Moore and Charles Stewart in Surry Co. in March of 1729.(159) John Davis, of Surry Co., was Elizabeth and Philip Jane’s nephew and first cousin of Rebecca Poythress. Charles Stewart was married to Ann Pace.

On May 13, 1729, John Green and Ralph Mason, an Indian trader, sold Richard Pace 290 acres in Bertie Pct. on the Roanoke river and Yaweuhoke swamp.(160) John Green married Amy Pace. His father, John Green, Sr.,(161) had bought land on Occoneechee Neck shortly after Henry Jones, Sr. Richard Pace left this land, in his will, to his son, Thomas Pace.(162)

On November 1, 1730, Richard Pace, Jr., sold his father, Richard Pace, Sr., husband of Rebecca, 300 acres, less the 30 acres given to Cullen Pollock,(163) on the north side of Roanoke river, and on Urahaw swamp, part of a tract granted to Richard Pace, Jr., for 640 acres on March 1, 1719/20.(164) The witnesses were William Cain and Thomas Pace. Richard, Sr., bought another 40 acres from his son, Richard, on May 14, 1735.(165) Richard, Jr., married Elizabeth Cain.(166) The land that Richard bought from his son appears to be where he and Rebecca were living at their deaths. Richard gave his son, Thomas, the 320 acre Plantation where Richard and his “Dearly beloved wife,” Rebecca, lived, and reserved the property for her “sole use and benefit” during her lifetime.(167)

By 1733, Richard was “of Bertie Precinct,” in NC. In June, 8½ years after Richard bought his 1,220 acres in Surry Co., he sold his son-in-law, William Johnson,(168) 300 acres and Hubert Farrell 240 acres of this land. He sold son-in-law, John Bradford, 680 acres, the balance of his 1,220 acres.(169) William Johnson was married to Mary Pace and John Bradford was married to Rebecca Pace.

Anne and Burrell Green continued to live in Surry Co. where Burrell died intestate in 1733. Anne was appointed administratrix of his estate on September 19, 1733, with Henry Mitchell, John Weaver and Christopher Tatum appointed to appraise the estate. Burrell and Anne appear to have lived in what was later Sussex Co.(170)

On March 7, 1734/5, in Bertie Co., Alexander Bane, of Edgecombe Pct., sold Richard Pace, Sr., of Bertie Pct., 190 acres that adjoined John Green’s line.(171) In Richard’s will of March 1736/7, he left the 190 acres to his son,(172) William, describing it as the plantation where William lived.

On August 18, 1738, in Surry Co., in the estate sale for John Barlow, deceased,(173) Richard and Rebecca Pace and many of their children, relatives and friends were in attendance. Richard and Rebecca were there with Richard, Jr., and William Pace, their sons; William Acock, Charles Stewart, John Green, William Johnson and Lawrence House, their sons-in-law; Thomas and William House, their son-in-law’s brothers; and, William Johnson, Jr., possibly their grandson. Joseph Lane, husband of Patience McKinnie, parents of Jesse Lane, who married Winifred Aycock, was there. Winifred Aycock was the daughter of Rebecca Pace Bradford Aycock. John Bartholomew, Rebecca Poythress’ nephew, was there. John Denton, who witnessed Rebecca Poythress’ deed of gift from her mother, was there. Robert Hicks, the famous Indian trader of Fort Christanna, and his sons, Daniel, Robert, Jr., and George were there and his son, John, who married Rebecca Rives,(174) and her brother, William Rives was there. Other Indian traders in attendance included Robert Lang, Thomas Whitmell, George Smith, William Kimball and Arthur Kavenaugh. Epaphroditus Benton was there. He was mentioned by William Byrd as a famous woodsman. William Gower, a mixed blood Saponi Indian, and John Cumbo, a mulatto, were there. Previous neighbors of Richard’s were there: Thomas Jackson, who lived in the vicinity of Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres; James Vaughan, who sold land to Rebecca Poythress’ first cousin, Robert Wynne, on the south side of Three Creek; and, Thomas Avent, who with Richard witnessed John Barlow’s will, and Thomas’ sons, John and William were present. Other men who had married a woman named Rebecca were there: George Ezell, who married Rebecca Delk, and Francis Myrick who married Rebecca Middleton. Hubert Farrell, who bought some of Richard’s 1,220 acres was there. Francis and Edward Young,(175) members of the Young family who had lived adjacent to John, Francis and Thomas Poythress and Charles and Rebecca Bartholomew on Deep Bottom, were there.

In Richard’s will, he named his wife, Rebecca, and his children, Richard, William, Thomas, Ann Stewart, Rebecca Bradford, Amy Green, Frances Green, Tabitha Moore, Mary Johnson and Sarah House.(176) Richard died between August 18, 1738, and February (~14), 1738/9. Rebecca died after March 13, 1736.

In both the Poythress families and the Pace families, children were named after their relatives. Richard and Rebecca Pace named their children with traditional family names. They named their first son, Richard, after Richard’s father. They named their first daughter Ann and their second daughter Rebecca. Rebecca Poythress’ sister was named Anne and her mother was named Rebecca.

114 (1) Chowan Co., NC, Deed Bk. C-1, p. 75, grant to Richard Pace, 22 Nov 1706. Chowan Co. became Bertie Pct. in 1722. (2) Morgan, Frances Cullom, “The Jones & Woodward connection & the road from Spann’s Mill to Luke White’s ferry in Chowan Co.,” 2018, (https://freepages. rootsweb.com /~fcharper /genealog /JonesandWoodwards. html) “The Indian traders were always the first to acquire Indian land when it had been opened up for patents. Treaties with the Indians prevented patents beyond certain lines. The traders wanted to be as close to the Indian lands as possible and also as close to a navigable river as possible to ship their goods down the river. Once new land was available, land that was previously Indian territory, the traders were the first to obtain grants. However, they did NOT move their wives and children onto that land. It was far too dangerous. They left their families ‘at home’ where they would be safe and ‘commuted’ to work their new land. The early deeds of Chowan County and Bertie County, North Carolina, are full of power-of-attorney deeds by wives living in Surry County or Isle of Wight County, Virginia, or some other location, releasing their right to land their husbands were selling. Ex. Henry Jones, Sr., acquired his land in North Carolina in 1711/12 but didn’t move his family to their land until 1725.” Richard Pace, Jr., acquired land in North Carolina in 1706 and possibly worked with his brother, John Pace, the Indian trader, and other traders. Richard’s property was on the Roanoke river, a transportation medium for transporting themselves and their merchandise. Powers-of-attorney and deeds were especially important for men during this period as the Tuscarora Indians were a threat.

115 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Ct. Orders, 15 Nov 1695. Richard Pace received a bounty of 200 lbs. of tobacco for killing a wolf in Chas. Cty. Co. This part of Chas. Cty. Co. became Pr. Geo. Co., Va., in 1703.

116 Howard, Bruce, Colonial Ancestors 1609 to 1799, Specialty Publishing & Printing, Box 414, Quitman, MS, 1998, p. 112.

117 (1) Chowan Pct., Albemarle Co., NC, Deeds. John Pace registered two tracts of land, 1 Apr 1713. (2) Morgan, Frances Cullom https :// freepages.rootsweb.com/~fcharper/genealogy/Jonesand Woodwardshtml, “The Jones & Woodward Connection & the Road that Ran from Spann’s Mill to Luke White’s Ferry in Chowan County,” 2018. Indian traders often worked together in groups. Henry Jones, Sr., and his nephews, Philip and William Jones, and neighbors, Matthew Sturdivant and John Hawthorne, of Surry Co., were all granted land around Occaneechee Neck on the same date in 1711/2. Henry did not move his family to the area until 1725.

118 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk. 1691-1713, p. 374, Richard Pace vs. John Edmonds, 15 Aug 1711.

119 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk, 1713-1718, p. 88, Richard Pace vs. Charles Kimball, 18 July 1716.

120 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk, 1713-1718, pp. 89-90, Richard Pace vs. Charles Kimball, 15 Aug 1716.

121 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk, 1713-1718, p. 91, Richard Pace vs. Charles Kimball, 19 Sept 1716.

122 Surry Co., Va., to Richard Pace for killing three wolves, 21 Nov 1716.

123 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk, 1713-1718, p. 145, Richard Pace vs. John Scott, 18 June 1718.

124 Surry Co., Va., Court records, Vol. VII, 1712-1718, Weynette Parks Haun, Robert Rainwater vs. Richard Pace, 18 Jan 1718. (Virginia court records after this date were postponed.)

125 Hopkins, William Lindsay, Surry County Virginia Deeds, 1684-1733, Iberian Publishing Co., 1991, p. 106, Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, etc., Bk 7, 1715-1730, p. 179, estate valuation of Thomas Watson, 18 Feb 1718.

126 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, Bk 7, p. 76, George Pasmore to Wm. Rainey, 15 Sept 1711, 18 Sept 1711.

127 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds & Wills, Bk 7, p. 622, Henry & Katherine Jones to Peter Poythress, 15 Feb 1725/6.

128 William Poythress was an Indian trader from a large family of Indian traders. His wife, Sarah Eppes, was the sister of Anne Eppes, the wife of Major William Kennon, https://nativeamerican

roots.wordpress.com/tag/robert-hicks/.

129 Morgan, Frances Cullom, Executive Journals of the Council of Colonial Virginia, Vol. 3, 2018, p. 164. William, John and Robert Green were the sons of John Green, Sr. (-1727). Henry Jones, Sr., a neighbor of George Pasmore, was closely associated with all three of John Green, Sr.’s sons. John Green, Sr.’s daughter, Sarah, married John Bobbitt who was a witness to John Pace’s will, Bertie Pct., NC, dated 21 Mar 1726/7, probated Aug 1727. Bobbitt and Pace were neighbors on the bend in the Roanoke river called Occoneechee Neck. Both were Indian traders. Amy and Frances Pace Green were sisters-in-law of Sarah Green Bobbitt. James and Philip Jones, sons of Henry Jones, Sr., and Catherine Judkins, were married to Frances and Rebecca Bradford, daughters of Rebecca Pace Bradford Aycock.

130 Surry Co., Va., Pat. Bk 10, p. 351, grant to George Pasmore (312 acres), 22 Jan 1717/8.

131 Brunswick Co., Va., Will of Thomas House, Sr., 16 Feb 1734, 5 Dec 1734.

132 Surry Co., Va., Pat. Bk, 10, p. 389, grant to Richard Pace, 12 July 1718. This land was later in Brunswick Co., Va.

133 Surry Co., Va., Order Bk, 1713-1718, p. 145, Richard Pace registered his livestock mark, 18 Jan 1718.

134 Surry Co., Va., Bk 7, 1715-1730, p. 193, Chichester & Elizabeth Sturdivant to John Denton, 16 June 1719.

135 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds Part 2, p. 351, appraisal of estate of Philip Jane, 8 Sept 1719.

136 (1) Surry Co., Va., Bk 7, 1715-1730,p. 437, John Bradford to Nicholas Hatch, 19 Feb 1722, 20 Feb 1722. (2) Brunswick Co., Va., Pat. Bk 18, pp. 190-191, to Richard Cocke, 1 Feb 1738/9. Cocke registered 488 acres incl. 284 acres part of tract granted Richard Pace, 12 July 1718, adj. to John Duke, Hamilton, Tapley, Macklin, on both sides of Cattail branch on north side of Three Creek.

137 Surry Co., Va., Pat. Bk 10, 1710-1719, p. 389, grant to Thomas House, 20 Feb 1719.

138 (1) Surry Co., Va., Pat. Bk 15, p. 223, grant to Richard Hay, 24 May 1734. Richard Hay, “of Surry Co.,” 200 acres on the north side of Three Creek, beginning at a maple on the west side of Odiums Branch, a line tree of Peter Poythress land thence by Poythress line W96p to a hickory then N50W 67p to a red oak a line tree of George Hamilton’s land then N30E 184p to a white oak then N70E 88p to a white oak sapling by the side of Odiums Branch aforesaid and down the various courses of the run of the said branch to the beginning. This was in the extreme southern part of Surry Co. almost on the Isle of Wight (later Southampton) county line. A 1747 patent to Richard Bland (renewed to David Mason in 1760) for 1,167 acres that bordered Richard Hay, William Solomon, Lewis Solomon as well as Odiums Branch, was partly in Sussex Co. and partly in Southampton Co. (2) Surry Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1715-1730, p. 302, William Moore to Peter Poythress, 14 Feb 1720, 15 Feb 1720.

139 A joint commission surveyed the state boundary in 1728 due to a dispute over the line between Virginia and North Carolina. William Byrd was tasked with surveying the line for the Virginia colony.

140 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Bk 7, p. 380, as abstracted in William Lindsay Hopkins, Surry C., Va., Deeds, 1684-1733. John Scott, Jr., was the son of John Scott and Bethia Boyce, the daughter of Thomas Boyce, half-brother of Rebecca Coggin.

141 Robert Wynne’s first cousin, Robert Wynne (1688-1754), was the son of Thomas Wynne and was married to Martha Jefferson, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Branch.

142 (1) Weisiger, Benjamin E., III, “Prince George County, Virginia, Wills and Deeds, 1713-1728, Iberian Publishing Co., 1973, p. 71. Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, part 3, p. 459, Thomas Goodwin to John Scott, Jr., 8 May 1721. (2) Weisiger, Benjamin E., III, “Prince George County, Virginia, Wills and Deeds, 1713-1728, Iberian Publishing Co., 1973, pp. 100-101. Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, part 3, p. 700, Inventory of estate of John Scott, Jr., 12 May 1724. John Scott, Jr., son of John Scott and Bethia Boyce, married Amy Goodwin, daughter of Thomas Goodwin. At his death, John Ledbetter, Richard Carlile and Hugh Golightly inventoried his estate.

143 (1) Brunswick Co., Va., Court Orders, 1732-1746, 7 Nov 1734, p. 72. “Richard Ledbetter is appointed Overseer of a bridle Way from Quarrel Swa(m)p at Henry Ledbetters old path to the old Westward ford on Maherrin River, & from thence the Straitest way into (Peter?) Tatum(‘)s Road and that all the Male Labouring Tyths between the great Creek & Matt Edwards he being included William Kymball Thomas Bailes Richard Bryan & John Bartholomew assist in Clearing the Same.” (2) Surry Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, Pt. Bk 12, pp. 179-180, 22 Feb 1724, grant to William Kymball adj. James Vaughan, 325 acres on the south side of Little Creek, of the Three Creek, beginning and by the side of the Little Creek, a corner of James Vaughans land, adj. to Charles Kymball of Surry Co. By 1723, John Bartholomew was living in the area of James Washington and Lawrence House and probably the Kymballs, William and Charles. (3) Brunswick Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, etc., Bk 1, pp. 234-235, inventory & appraisal, recorded 2 Oct 1735. William Duke’s second wife was Elizabeth Bartholomew, widow of John Bartholomew, who died in 1735. John Bartholomew had sons, John and Charles. The Bartholomews were from Pr. Geo. Co., Va., as listings for an earlier Charles Bartholomew, John’s father, shows. (4) 25 May 1734, William Vaughan, of Surry Co., Va., was granted 400 acres, in Surry Co., Va., on the south side of Nottaway river, and on the north side of Three Creek that adjoined land of Charles Kimball. (5) 7 Aug 1735. At the Brunswick Co. Ct., Elizabeth Bartholomew was granted administration of the estate of John Bartholomew, deceased. Charles Kimball and William Kimball were her securities. Joseph Kimball, Edward Tatum, Ralph Jackson, and Peter Tatum were appointed to appraise the estate, and the Administratrix was also ordered to return an Inventory to the next Court. (6) 2 Oct 1735, At the Brunswick Co. Ct., an inventory of the estate of John Bartholomew was returned by Elizabeth Bartholomew the Administratrix who made oath thereto which is ordered to be recorded. [An Isaac House married Mary Jane Mattox, daughter of William Mattox and Mary Pauline Baker about 1745 in Brunswick Co., Va.]

144 The Duke Family South of the James River. https://genealogy.ztlcox.com./~ztlcox/duke/LynnTeague/Virginia/S%20James.htm.

145 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Pat. Bk 11, p. 258, new land grant to John Poythress, 5 Sept 1723.

146 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds, 1713-1728, p. 706, Will of John Poythress, probated 20 May 1724.

147 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Deeds, 1713-1728, John Roberts & Edward Winningham to John Woodlief, 8 Apr 1718.

148 (1) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Records, Orders, 1714-1720, p. 331, Will of Henry Batte (the father), 9 Aug 1720. (2) Pr. Geo. Co., Va., p. 1042. Will of Henry Batte (the son), 4 Oct 1727. Cert. of Probate for Will. (3) R. Bolling Batte papers, index cards at Library of Virginia, 1977.

149 Virginia Land Office, Pat. 12, 1724-1726, p. 116, grant to Richard Pace, 25 Nov 1724.

150 Ryar’s branch is presently called Uriah’s branch.

151 Surry Co., Va., Land Office Pat. 12, 1724-1726, p. 165, grant to John Davis, 22 Feb 1724/5.

152 Albemarle Psrish register of Surry Co., Va., 1717-1778, Christenings.

153 Surry Co., Va., Pat. Bk 12, 1724-1726, pp. 115-116, Thomas House, Jr., to William House, 16 Jan 1726, 17 May 1727.

154 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, Bk 7, p. 714, Lawrence House to Charles Dickings, 16 Feb 1729, 18 Feb 1729.

155 The North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal, Vol. XX, No. 2, May 1994. William Melton may have been related to Barnaby Melton who married Mary Pace, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Pace. John Pace was Richard Pace’s brother. On 1 Mar 1720, the Lords Proprietors of NC granted patents to Thomas Whitmell, William Green, John Cotton, John Gaddes, William Reeves, Barnaby Milton and Robert Lang on Plumbtree Island and on the south side of Plumbtree swamp abutting the island.

156 Surry Co., Va., Bk 7, p. 864, Will of John Barlow, 7 July 1727, 16 Oct 1728.

157 1664 - 1668 Albemarle Co.: 1668-1722 Chowan Co. 1722 - Bertie Pct. was formed from part of Chowan Pct. in 1729. Parts of Bertie Pct., Chowan Pct., Currituck Pct., and Pasquotank Pct. of Albemarle Co. were combined to form Tyrrell Pct. in 1739. Albemarle Co. was abolished and all of its constituent precincts became counties. In 1741, Edgecombe was taken out of southwestern Bertie and Northampton was taken out of northwestern Bertie. In 1746, Granville Co. was formed from Edgecombe Co. and in 1764, Bute Co. was formed from the eastern part of Granville Co. In 1759, Hertford was taken from northern Bertie.

158 The State Record of North Carolina, XXV, Goldsboro, NC, 1906, p. 265.

159 Some Southern Colonial Families, Vol. 2, by David A. Avent, publ. by L’Avant Studios, Box 1711, Tallahassee, 1982, Chapter V: Pace Family of England, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia, p. 206.

160 Bertie Pct., NC, Deed Bk C, pp. 122-123, John Green & Ralph Mason to Richard Pace, 11 Aug 1729.

161 Morgan, Frances Cullom https :// freepages.rootsweb.com/~fcharper/genealogy/Jonesand Woodwardshtml, “The Jones & Woodward Connection & the Road that Ran from Spann’s Mill to Luke White’s Ferry in Chowan County,” 2018.

162 Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, Bertie Pct., NC, 13 Mar 1736/7, Feb 1738. Also Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages. genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pace/richpacewill.htm.

163 Cullen Pollock was the son of Thomas Pollock, acting governor of NC 1712-1714 and 1722.

164 Bertie Co., NC, Deed Bk C, p. 318. Richard Pace, Jr., to Richard Pace, Sr., 1 Mar 1719/20.

165 Bertie Co., NC, Deed Bk D, p. 205, Richard Pace, Jr. To Richard Pace, Sr., 14 May 1735.

166 Letter of Barnabas Pace written 1844-1850, in Freda Reid Turner, History of the Pace Family from Manuscripts of Miss Annie Jones (1873-1951), Barnabas Pace (1789-), Maud McClure Kelly (1887-1973) (n. p., 1995) p. 163.

167 (1) Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, Bertie Pct., NC, 13 Mar 1736/7, Feb 1738. Also Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages. genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ pace/richpacewill .htm.

168 Brunswick Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, No. 1, p. 54, Richard Pace to William Johnson, 7 June 1733.

169 Brunswick Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, No. 1, p. 56-57, Richard Pace to John Bradford, 7 June 1733.

170 Surry Co., Va., Wills, Bk 8, p. 330, Anne Bartholomew was appointed administratrix, 19 Sept 1733.

171 Bertie Co., NC, Deed Bk D, p. 203, Alexander Bane to Richard Pace, Sr., 7 Mar 1734.

172 Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, Bertie Pct., NC, 13 Mar 1736/7, Feb 1738. Also Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages. genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pace/richpacewill.htm.

173 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

174 George Rives leased land from Rebecca Bartholomew, land that she gave Rebecca Poythress in 1711. George Rives’niece, Rebecca, married John Hicks. John Hicks and William Rives, Rebecca Rives’ brother, were both at the real estate sale of John Barlow with Richard Pace and his family. George Rives’ nephew of the same name married Frances Tatum, daughter of Christopher Tatum and Bridget Scott, daughter of John Scott and Bethia Boyce. John and Tabitha Pace Moore’s children were cousins of young George Rives and Rebecca Rives Hicks who were grandchildren of Richard Moore.

175 Francis & Edward Young appear to have been descendants of Dorrill or John Young, neighbors of Charles & Rebecca Bartholomew and Captain John Poythress in 1718 in Pr. Geo. Co., Va.

176 Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, Bertie Pct., NC, 13 Mar 1736/7, Feb 1738/9. Also Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~pace/richpacewill.htm.

083123

Land Patents, Family, Friends and Neighbors Prove Relationships, Part IV

2024-09-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Life in North Carolina Among Family

The relationships between Rebecca Poythress’ relatives and Richard Pace’s family continued into North Carolina long after Richard and Rebecca Pace. Christopher Jane was the son of Philip Jane and Elizabeth Davis and the grandson of John Jane and Elizabeth Tye. Christopher Jane had lived on the land that his grandfather, John, had owned in Prince George Co. The Janes had always lived adjacent to Richard Pace, Sr., and his family in Virginia as early as the mid to late 1660s. Christopher Jane moved to Surry Co., then Northampton Co., before the creation of Bute Co., NC.

Rebecca Pace’s children, Tabitha Moore, Amy Green, Rebecca Aycock, William Pace, Thomas Pace and Richard Pace all lived close to one another in NC. Their lands in Northampton Co. were located between the NC and VA boundary and the Roanoke river and included Stony creek, Arthur creek and Peahill creek. Richard’s brother, John and his family, lived close to one another. John died in 1726.(177)

In 1746, John Avent sold John Davis land on the north side of the Roanoke river in Northampton Co. that adjoined John Davis’ land.(178) The witnesses were William Aycock, Thomas Avent and John King. John Avent was Colonel Avent’s son.(179) John Davis was the son of Christopher Davis,(180) the brother of Elizabeth Davis who married Philip Jane.

John Moore was a witness for Christopher Jane in 1749 and 1751.(181) Jane and Moore held adjacent properties. Part of the land that belonged to Captain Moore and Christopher Jane, that adjoined John Moore and Philip Jane, was sold in 1764.(182) John Moldesby and Joseph Scouls were neighbors of John Moore and Christopher Jane.(183) Christopher Jane and Philip Jane were cousins of Rebecca Poythress.

Thomas House sold land, in 1759, to Philip Jane that was part of Richard Moore’s land.(184) William and Peter House were witnesses. Philip Jane and Peter House were witnesses to a deed of William House in 1759.(185) Thomas, William and Peter House were all relatives of Lawrence House, the husband of Sarah Pace. In 1758, William Duke, Sr., sold land on Sandy creek in Granville Co., NC, to Thomas House, Jr.(186) The land adjoined Duke’s step-son, Charles Bartholomew. Duke was married to widow, Elizabeth Bartholomew.

Thomas Pace sold land to Christopher Jane in Granville Co.,(187) in 1760.(188) Nathaniel Pace was a witness. Christopher Jane and Charles Bartholomew were cousins and both lived in Granville Co. Charles Bartholomew appeared on Robert Harris’ tax list in 1753,(189) a tax list in 1755(190) and appeared on a regimental militia muster roll in 1754, all in Granville Co.(191) In 1774, Miles Rachel, the Godson of Christopher Jane, witnessed a deed from Thomas Clifton to John Huckaby, in Bute Co., land that Christopher Jane bought from Thomas Pace in 1762.(192) Thomas Pace (1710-1764), son of Richard and Rebecca Pace, had sons, Thomas (1734-1795) and Nathaniel (1743-1798).

Charles Bartholomew lived in Granville Co. surrounded by the Green, Davis, Woodlief, House and Aycock families when his cousin, Christopher Jane, bought land from Thomas Pace in Granville Co. The Pace, Jane and Bartholomew families lived among each other and interacted on land deals for over twenty years after Richard and Rebecca Pace were deceased. These families lived in close proximity, the precincts and county lines changed continuously but the families remained together.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

It is easy to locate a marriage license or death certificate in the 21st century but Richard Pace and Rebecca Poythress lived in the late 17th and early 18th century. Any records of their marriage or their deaths disappeared long ago. All one has today are the remaining records and abstracts. As a result, this study has been organized to determine if there was a relationship between Richard and Rebecca Pace and Rebecca Poythress through their family relationships, property locations, ownership patterns, connections to the affairs of siblings, family migrations to Surry Co., and Bertie Pct., and the naming of issue. This study has been a broader examination than previous efforts in identifying Rebecca Poythress’ husband. It has thoroughly examined every scrap of evidence, both direct and circumstantial.

Richard Pace, Jr., grew up in the same area where court justices Major Francis Poythress and John Drayton,(193) John Poythress’ step-father-in-law, lived. Richard Pace, Sr., appeared in front of the same men inside the Merchant’s Hope courtroom.

No record has been located that would indicate Rebecca Poythress married any other man. An extensive search for women named Rebecca of the same age, has not yielded any other possibility. John Hicks married Rebecca Rives about 1712.(194) He was at the estate sale of John Barlow in Surry Co., with the Pace family on August 18, 1738.(195) John and Rebecca Hicks’ daughter, Rebecca, married Edward Tatum.(196) Edward’s brother, Christopher, married Bridget Scott, granddaughter of Thomas Boyce.(197) Rebecca Poythress’ niece, Rebecca Poythress, daughter of Rebecca’s brother, John, was much younger than she and was a minor in 1724.(198) Rebecca Birchett, daughter of William Birchett and Mary Wright, married William Lee in 1720.(199) A number of other women with the given name Rebecca, not mentioned in this study, were identified but were too young to be considered or were subsequently identified by their maiden names. No practical alternative husband has ever been suggested for Rebecca Poythress and no alternative maiden name has ever been presented as to the identity of the spouse of Richard Pace, Jr. No other family was located with a daughter, Rebecca, who married a Pace.

It is ironic that Elizabeth Cocke, in her 1751 will,(200) mentioned her granddaughters, Rebecca, Ann and Tabitha, daughters of her son James Cocke. Rebecca Pace’s daughters, though older, included Rebecca, Ann and Tabitha. Elizabeth Cocke was the mother of Elizabeth who married Robert Poythress (1690-1747) a first cousin of Rebecca Poythress.(201)

The major objection to the Pace-Poythress marriage were the 1711 gifts where Rebecca Bartholomew identified both daughters by their maiden names. Rebecca’s daughter, 32 year old Rebecca Poythress, was probably married at the time, with children, and had probably been living on the property for years. She was not mentally challenged. If she had been, she would not have received the 300 acres. She was not deceased or it would have been recorded in her sister’s 1721 sale of adjoining land. Records for the period 1711 to May 14, 1728, exist and there is no record of her death or the sale or disposal of her estate.(202) In Anne Bartholomew's deed, it stated, “enjoy to her, & their own proper use,” indicating that she was also married. If Avent and Howard had seen the original deed to Anne Bartholomew, not an abstract, they would have seen that Mrs. Anne Green was addressed as Anne Bartholomew, her maiden name.

The use of a maiden name in a deed involving a married woman was not unknown in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Richard Pace, Sr.’s 1659 deed, his mother was referred to as Mrs. Sara Maycock and his father as George Pace. In William Bradford’s 1724/5 deed, his mother was referred to as Alice Smith and his father as Nathaniel Bradford. In Anne Green’s 1721 deed, her 42 year old sister was referred to as Rebecca Poythress.(203) In Judge Jeremiah Exum’s will of 1712, he did not identify three of his daughters, Mary Ann, Jane and Sarah, by their married names and did not mention their husbands. It is noteworthy that an associate Judge would know how to write a legal will.(204)

Rebecca Bartholomew gave land to her daughters on September 10, 1711, perhaps as a result of the increasing expectation of Indian hostilities. On or about September 10, 1711, Tuscarora Indians captured John Lawson, Baron Christopher deGraffenreidt and two servants on the Neuse river in North Carolina. Lawson and one servant were subsequently put to death. Twelve days later, the massacre began. On September 13th, Charles and Rebecca Bartholomew appeared in open court and swore that the deed to Rebecca Poythress “and her heirs” was in fact their act and deed.

At 51 years of age, Rebecca Bartholomew may have decided to ensure that her daughters had secure futures. Anne appears to have been a newlywed and her and Rebecca appear to have had no personal real estate. Rebecca’s deed to Rebecca Poythress and Anne were “in consideration of the natural love and affection” that she held for her daughters and “for & towards the bettering & advancing” of their “fortune(s) in the world.” Rebecca Bartholomew and her husband were deceased by 1721 and she may have been deceased by 1717 when Anne and possibly Rebecca moved to Surry Co.

During this study, no evidence was found to disqualify a marriage between Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace, Jr. Rebecca Poythress’ relatives permeated this study; her father, Major Francis Poythress; her step-brother, John Bartholomew; her half-sister and brother-in-law, Anne Bartholomew and Burrell Green; her aunt, Elizabeth Tye Jane Wicket; her nephews, John and Charles Bartholomew; her cousins, Philip Jane, Christopher Jane, Margaret Wynne Goodrich; Robert Wynne and Peter Poythress. Rebecca Poythress’ brother, Francis Poythress, and Richard Pace’s nephew, Richard Pace, were involved in several business transactions on November 11, 1718, and held adjoining properties one mile southwest of the old Pace homestead. Rebecca Poythress’ father, Major Francis Poythress, and Richard Pace’s step-father, Nicholas Whitmore, held land adjacent to Adam Tapley and William Harrison. Rebecca Poythress’ cousin, Margaret Wynne Goodrich’s husband, Edward Goodrich, was security for Richard Whitmore when Richard qualified as administrator of Nicholas Whitmore’s estate after Nicholas’ widow, Mary Pace Whitmore, relinquished her right to administer the estate.(205) And, John Denton, one of the witnesses to Rebecca Bartholomew’s 1711 gift to her daughters was present at the estate sale of John Barlow in Surry Co. with most of the Pace family in August of 1738.

Rebecca Poythress’ family members interacted with the Pace family and resided in close proximity to Richard and Rebecca Pace in Charles City Co., later Prince George Co. By 1716 to 1718, Richard and Rebecca as well as Anne and Burrell Green were living in Surry Co., the area that became Sussex Co.(206) John Scott and Bethia Boyce were in Surry Co. by 1718 and their son, John Scott, Jr., died there in 1724. Their daughter, Bridget, married Christopher Tatum. From Surry Co., the associated families moved into North Carolina and were involved with each other as documented in the Bertie, Northampton and Granville records.

Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace were of the right ages to a marriage prospect. They had known each other for years. Rebecca’s mother, Rebecca Bartholomew, had known Richard Pace and his family for most of Richard Pace, Jr.’s life. There is nothing to preclude that a marriage occurred. Rebecca Poythress did not live in some distant county and it is not that the Poythress and Pace families had no shared interests or family ties. Rebecca was in the right place at the right time and with the right opportunities for association. Rebecca Poythress was, perhaps, one of the few suitable marriage prospects for Richard Pace.

Utilizing careful analysis, deductive logic and a preponderance of the evidence, direct and circumstantial, it is highly probable that Rebecca Pace and Rebecca Poythress were one and the same woman, that she, Rebecca Poythress, married Richard Pace, Jr. There is no evidence to the contrary and the available evidence places Rebecca Poythress’ closest relatives within Rebecca Pace and her families’ sphere of neighbors. After Rebecca Pace’s death, Rebecca Poythress’ relatives continued to be involved with Rebecca Pace’s children and grandchildren.

Final Word on Extant Records

The oldest book in the Pr. Geo. Co. courthouse contains the deeds, wills, inventories and miscellaneous instruments, from February 9, 1713/14 to May 14, 1728, with a few records back to 1711, in all, 1,116 pages of records. The second oldest book contains minutes of the county court from the March term 1737/8 to April, 1740, and a single court of Sessions and two or three courts of Oyer and Terminer by special writ to local justices. This book possesses 87 to 400 pages. The third book covers the clerkship of Theodorick Bland with contents similar to the oldest book covering the time frame from June 12, 1759, to June 10, 1760, composed of fragments of 75 to 196 pages. The fourth book contains instruments of earlier dates from February 13, 1787, to November 8, 1792. These are the only original volumes remaining for Pr. Geo. Co. prior to 1800. If Rebecca Poythress or her husband sold her 300 acres after May 14, 1728, there would be no record of it and there is possibly no record of her land transferring after her death. With no deeds, wills, inventories, court records and miscellaneous instruments existing for Pr. Geo. Co. after May 14, 1728, until the minutes of the county court, March term 1737/8, there would be no record of the sale of the easterly run property for that period of time. An in-depth search of land patents in the Library of Virginia has not produced a record of this land being granted or being referenced in patents to family, friends, neighbors, relatives or anyone else.

Richard Pace died between August 18, 1738, and February (~14), 1738/9. Rebecca Pace died after March 13, 1736. Richard left a will but no other probate documents including an inventory of his estate or an estate sale have been located for him. No will has been located for Rebecca Pace and there is no record of her death. In Richard Pace’s will, he stated that “I give and bequeath unto my Son Thomas Pace & his heirs for ever the Plantation where I now live with three hundred twenty acres of land thereto belonging, reserving unto my Dearly beloved wife Rebecah Pace the sole use & benefit thereof during her natural life.” It is unknown when Thomas came into possession of the 320 acres after his mother’s death and it is not clear whether the 320 acres was bequeathed by Thomas’ 1764 will to one of his sons.

177 Bertie Pct., NC, Wills, John Pace, 21 Mar 1726/7, Aug 1727. The witnesses incl. Abraham Burton, John Bobbitt and Francis Garnet. John’s children were John, William, George, Frances, Anne, Elizabeth and Mary Melton.
178 Northampton Co., NC, Deed Bk 1, p. 266, John Avent to John Davis, Aug 1746.
179 Sussex Co., Va., Will of Col. Thomas Avent, 21 Sept 1756, 18 Nov 1757.
180 Pr. Geo. Co., va., Deeds, 1713-1728, p. 573, Will of Christopher Davis, 1722.
181 Northampton Co., NC, Bk 1, pp. 405-406, John Modesby to Christopher Jane, 3 Nov 1749.
182 Northampton Co., NC, Bk 1, pp. 505-506, Christopher Jane to Joseph Scouls, 8 Nov 1751.
183 Northampton Co., NC, Deed #542, p. 329, Joseph Scouls to Henry Meacham, 23 Jan 1764.
184 Northampton Co., NC, Deed Bk 3, 1759-1774, p. 5, Thomas House to Philip Jane, 26 Mar 1759.
185 Northampton Co., NC, Deed #93, p. 58, William House to Henry Meacham, 3 Nov 1759.
186 Morris, Jane, The Duke-Symes Family, pp. 174-175, Granville Co., NC, 1758.
187 1741 - Edgecombe Co. was taken out of southwestern Bertie; 1746 - Granville Co. was formed from Edgecombe Co.: 1764 - Bute Co. was formed from the eastern part of Granville Co.
188 Granville Co., NC, Deed Bk F, p. 179, Thomas Pace to Christopher Jane, 5 July 1760.
189 Granville Co., NC, Tax Lists, CR044.701, State of North Carolina Library and Archives, Raleigh, NC.
190 The North Carolina Journal, editor William Perry Johnson, 1755 Tax List Granville Co., NC.
191 Muster Roll of the Regiment in Granville Co. under the Command of Col William Eaton as taken at a general Muster of the said Regiment, 8 Oct 1754.
192 Bute Co., NC, Deed Bk 5, p. 192, Thomas Clifton to John Huckaby, 26 Nov 1774.
193 Chas. Cty. Co., Va., pat. 5, p. 107, grant to John Drayton, 14 June 1665.
194 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Will Bk, 1715-1730, p. 963, Will of John Hicks, 31 July 1738, 20 Aug 1739.
195 Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.
196 Dorman, John Frederick (1928-2021), 4th ed., Vol. 3, “Adventurers of Purse and Person, Virginia, 1607-1624/5, 2005,” publ. By Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., in collaboration with the Order of First Families of Virginia, p. 272.
197 Surry Co., Va., Court Orders, 7 Nov 1734, p. 72. “Richard Ledbetter is appointed Overseer of a bridle Way from Quarrel Swa(m)p at Henry Ledbetters old path to the old Westward ford on Maherrin River, & from thence the Straitest way into (Christopher) Tatum(‘)s Road and that all the Male Labouring Tyths between the great Creek & Matt Edwards he being included William Kymball Thomas Bailes Richard Bryan & John Bartholomew assist in Clearing the Same.” John Bartholomew lived in this area near William Kimball and Tatum’s road. (2) Weisiger, Benjamin E., III, “Prince George County, Virginia, Wills and Deeds, 1713-1728, Iberian Publishing Co., 1973, pp. 100-101. Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Wills & Deeds, 1713-1728, part 3, p. 700, Inventory of estate of John Scott, Jr., 12 May 1724. John Ledbetter assisted in the inventory of John Scott, Jr.’s estate. Christopher Tatum was married to Bridget Scott, the sister of John Scott, Jr. John Bartholomew was Rebecca Poythress’ step-brother and John Scott, Jr., and Bridget Scott Tatum were the children of her first cousin Bethia Boyce Scott.
198 Smith, Jr., Claiborne T., “Poythress of Prince george County, Virginia,” Historical Southern Families, John Bennett Boddie, Vol. IV, 1968, pp. 31-32.
199 Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43674700/rebecca-lee.
200 Henrico Co., Va., records, Will Bk 1, Will of Elizabeth Cocke, 9 Aug 1751, 6 July 1752.
201 R. Bolling Batte papers, Library of Va., Chart of Poythress Family in America, Section A of two sections, 1977.
202 The oldest book in PG Co. Courthouse is the deeds, wills, inventories and misc. instruments, 9 Feb 1713/14 to 14 May 1728, with a few records back to 1711, 1,116 pages of records. The second oldest book contains minutes of county court Mar term 1737/8 to Apr 1740 and a single court of Sessions and two or three courts of Oyer and Terminer by special writ to local justices. 87 to 400 pages. The third book covers the clerkship of Theodorick Bland with contents similar to book 1, 12 June 1759 to 10 June 1760, fragments of 75 to 196 pages. The fourth book contains instruments of earlier dates 13 Feb 1787 to 8 Nov 1792. These are the only extant original volumes remaining for PG Co. prior to 1800. If Rebecca sold her 300 acres after 14 May 1728, there would be no record of it. There is possibly no extant record of Rebecca Poythress’ land transferring after her death.
203 Copying the wording on an original deed onto a new deed was a common practice in the clerk’s office. However, deeds usually noted that a neighbor was deceased.
204 Boddie, John Bennett, Historical Southern Families, Vol. 1, pp. 182, 322-323, Will of Jeremiah Exum, 3 Sept 1712, 28 Mar 1720. Mary Exum, daughter of Judge Jeremiah Exum and Ann Lawrence, was the second wife of Barnaby McKinne and her third husband.
205 Pr. Geo. Co., Va., Ct. Orders & Return of Executions, 1714-1720, June 1718.
206 Burrell Green either lived near his brother, William, in the area of George Pasmore’s land about 18 miles north of Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres or in the area of lands belonging to George Pasmore, Thomas Poythress and his brothers, Peter Green and Lewis Green, Jr., about 4 miles north of Lawrence House and Sarah Pace.

083123

Who Did Richard & Rebecca Pace’s Children Marry?

2024-09-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

To identify the marriages of Richard Pace’s children, there is Richard Pace’s will wherein he named his and Rebecca’s children and gave his daughters' married names. Children in the early 18th century tended to marry neighbors and children of their parents’ associates. Richard and Rebecca and their families used their family members and very close friends to witness deeds, transfers, wills and other documents. They attended their families’, neighbors’ and friends’ estate sales. They lived in close proximity to or next door to their families including Rebecca Poythress’ relatives. They swapped or sold land to each other, some of which are mentioned below. Sons and sons-in-law provided the given names of their spouses in their wills. Richard provided land for each of his sons and his daughters through their husbands and he provided for his wife at his death. The preponderance of the evidence suggests that the daughters' husbands have been identified. The maiden names for Thomas and William Pace’s wives require further research.

In his Will, dated 13 March 1736/7 and probated in February of 1738/9, Richard named all of his ten children and included the married names of his seven daughters: sons, Richard, William and Thomas; daughters, Ann Stewart, Rebecca Bradford, Amy Green, Frances Green, Tabitha Moore, Mary Johnson and Sarah House.(1)

(1) Richard Pace (~1698-1775) married Elizabeth Cain (~1704-1744) about 1723. Their children were: Richard, James, Silas, Charles, Dredzil, Thomas, Noel, Drury, Barnabas, Darius and three daughters, possibly Sarah (“Sally”) who may have married Arthur Fort, possibly a Mrs. Cox and a Mrs. O’Daniel.(2) On March 1, 1720/1, Richard Pace and his son, Richard, received patents for land in Albemarle Co., near the Roanoke river and Yourah swamp. Richard was at the Barlow estate sale with his father and family in 1738 in Surry Co.(3) Richard, brother William, and John Green held property adjacent to one another in Bertie Co.

(2) Ann Pace (~1699-1754) married Charles Stewart (~1690-1752) by 1720 and had children: William, Richard, James, John, Rebecca, Anne and Sarah. On November 5, 1724, Charles Stewart bought 530 acres on the east side of Otterdam swamp in Surry Co., VA, just north of Richard Pace who acquired 1,220 acres on the same date.(4) Charles witnessed Nicholas Brewer’s will in March of 1729 with Richard Pace and John Barlow’s will in September of 1729 with Richard Pace, both events in Surry Co. He and John Davis assessed the value of Isaac House’s land in 1731, in Surry Co. Isaac was Lawrence House’s brother. Charles was a witness with Lawrence House to a land transfer from Burrell Brown to John Taylor Duke in February of 1733 in Brunswick Co., VA. Charles Stewart was at the Barlow estate sale with Richard Pace and family in 1738 in Surry Co.(5) He also processioned his property boundaries with his neighbor Lawrence House in 1735, 1739 and 1743, in Brunswick Co., as per an Act of law. Charles Stewart left a will in Brunswick Co. naming his wife, Ann. From Stewart Clan Magazine: “This William was the son of Charles and Anne Pace Steward and the William who married Mary Shands.”(6)

(3) Rebecca Pace (~1701-~1762) married as her first husband, John Bradford (~1698-1735) about 1718, and as her second husband, William Aycock (~1705-1765) in 1737. Rebecca’s children were: Richard, John, Nathaniel, Frances, Rebecca and Sarah Bradford; and, James, Richard and Winnifred Aycock. On February 25, 1719/20, Richard Pace sold 285 acres on Three Creek in Surry Co. to John Bradford.(7) William Aycock was at the Barlow estate sale with Richard Pace and family in 1738 in Surry Co.(8) Rebecca Pace was identified as John Bradford’s widow in court records that also identified William Aycock as her second husband and mentioned brother, William Pace.(9) In 1741, in Bertie Co., William Aycock bought land from John and Richard Moore on the north side of Moratuck (Roanoke) river. The witnesses included Richard Pace, Jr. “Richard Pace's daughter, Rebecca Bradford, was the widow of John Bradford. She married again to William Aycock very shortly after her father wrote his will...In 1729, John Green sold to Richard Pace Jr (his brother-in-law) 440 acres at Wheeler's Mill Swamp from a patent dated March 1, 1719. This agrees perfectly with a grant to John Green...for land in the Oconeechee Neck at Wheeler's Mill Swamp.”(10)

(4) Thomas Pace (~1703-1764) married Amy (~1710-aft. 1785) by 1733. Their children were Nathaniel, Thomas, Richard, Celia, Frances and Amy. It is interesting to note that they named daughters Celia and Amy after Thomas’ wife and William Pace’s wife.(11) Thomas and John Moore witnessed the will of William Shorter, December, 1752. Thomas and Richard Moore witnessed the will of John Moore September, 1753, in Northampton Co., NC. Thomas Pace and Tabitha Moore were executors of the will of John Moore. Thomas Pace left a will in Northampton Co. naming his wife, Amy.

(5) Amy Pace (~1705-1738) married John Green (1700-) by 1725 as his first wife. He was the son of John, Sr., and brother of Robert and William.(12) On May 13, 1729, John Green sold Richard Pace 290 acres in Bertie Pct. on the Roanoke river and Yaweuhoke swamp. John Green and Richard Pace were neighbors in Bertie Co., NC. John Green sold land to Richard Pace, Jr., in Bertie Co. in 1728 and 1729. John Green was at the Barlow estate sale with Richard Pace and family in 1738 in Surry Co.(13) “John Green of the 1717 grant on Cabin Stick Swamp had died by 1727 when his son Robert Green was in possession of his land. Other sons were William Green and John Green...It's not known when John Green married his wife Amy Pace, but it was clearly before 1725...John Green's wife Amy was the daughter of Richard Pace Sr who wrote his will in 1736 in Bertie Co, probated 1738, naming wife Rebecah, sons William, Thomas, Richard, daughters Ann Steward, Rebecah Bradford, Amy Green, Francis Green, Tabitha Moore, Mary Johnson, and Sarah House.”

(6) Frances Pace (~1707-) married William Green by 1725, the son of John, Sr., and brother of Robert and John, Jr.(14) William Green acquired land on Plumbtree Island in 1720 near Barnaby Melton whose wife, Mary, was a first cousin of Frances Pace. Mary was the niece of Richard Pace. William sold land in 1727 on the north side of the Morattuck (Roanoke) river in Bertie Co. that was witnessed by Barnaby Melton, Richard Moore and brother, Robert Green. John Pace, the Indian trader, and his son, John Pace, Jr., lived nearby. They were uncle and first cousin of Frances Pace Green.

(7) Tabitha Pace (~1709-1753) married John Moore (1692-1753) by 1728. Their children were: Mark, John, Isham, William, Nathaniel, Richard and Sarah James. Richard Pace and John Moore’s brother, Richard, were witnesses to John Barlow’s will in 1727 and proved the will in court in 1728 in Surry Co. John Moore was a witness for Christopher Jane in 1749 and 1751 in Northampton Co. Christopher Jane was Rebecca Poythress’ cousin. Tabitha’s brother, Thomas Pace, was one of the executors of John Moore’s will in Northampton Co.(15) John Moore named his wife, Tabitha, in his will.

(8) Mary Pace (~1711-1738) married William Johnson (~1702-~1753) by 1730. Richard Pace sold land in 1733 to John Bradford and William Johnson. William Johnson was at the Barlow estate sale in 1738 in Surry Co. as was William Johnson, Jr.(16)

(9) Sarah Pace (~1713-aft. 1739) married Lawrence House (1702-1751) by 1732. He lived north of Richard Pace and Charles Stewart in Surry Co. Lawrence and John Bartholomew were witnesses in a deed in January 1723/4 for Lawrence’s father and brother in Surry Co. John Bartholomew was Rebecca Poythress’ step-brother. Lawrence House was at the Barlow estate sale with Richard Pace and family in 1738 in Surry Co.(17) Lawrence and Charles Stewart were witnesses to a deed to John Taylor Duke in 1733 in Brunswick Co. Lawrence also processioned his property boundaries with his neighbor Charles Stewart in 1735, 1739 and 1743, in Brunswick Co. as per an Act of law. In 1737, he and Charles Stewart were appointed to lay out a road along Three Creek bridge on Hick’s road to Sweed’s bridge in Brunswick Co. Thomas House sold land in 1759, adjacent to Richard Moore’s land, to Philip Jane in Northampton Co. Philip Jane was a witness with Peter House to a deed for William House in 1759 in Northampton. Philip Jane was Rebecca Poythress’ first cousin.

(10) William Pace (~1714-1775) married Celia (-aft. 1775) by 1735. Celia was possibly the daughter of Francis and Millicent Boykin. Their children were: Winnifred Winborne, Solomon, William, Hardy, Stephen and Penelope.(18) William Pace was at the Barlow estate sale with his father in 1738 in Surry Co.(19) William sold Thomas Pace 340 acres on Urahaw swamp in 1738. Alexander Bane sold Richard Pace, Sr., of Bertie Pct., 190 acres that adjoined John Green’s line. Richard Pace established his son, William Pace, on this land and William inherited the land through his father’s will. William brought suit against William Aycock and sister, Rebecca Pace, who was executor of John Bradford’s estate, in Brunswick Co. in 1747.(20) Thomas Pace witnessed a bond for William in May, 1763, in Northampton Co. William Pace left a will in Northampton Co. naming wife, Celia. James and Ann Exum were witnesses to William’s will.

Rebecca Pace’s children, Tabitha Moore, Amy Green, Frances Green, Rebecca Aycock, William Pace, Thomas Pace and Richard Pace all lived close to one another in NC. Their lands in Northampton Co. were located between the NC and VA boundary and the Roanoke river and included Stony creek, Arthur creek and Peahill creek. Richard’s brother, John and his family, Mary Barnaby and John, Jr., lived close to Richard and his family. John died in 1726. Ann Stewart and Sarah House appear to have remained on the north side of the Virginia and North Carolina border while many of Lawrence House’s family moved among the Pace family in NC. There was a Sheriff William Johnson in Bute Co. in 1765 who subsequently appeared to have been a recorder of deeds by 1771 in Bute Co. This William Johnson may have been the husband of Mary Pace or the son of William and Mary Johnson.

(1) Bertie Pct., NC, Will of Richard Pace, Bertie Pct., NC, 13 Mar 1736/7, Feb 1738/9. Also Pace Society of America website: http://web.archive.org/web/20081002000325/http://freepages. genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pace/richpacewill.htm.

(2) Letter of Barnabas Pace written 1844-1850, in Freda Reid Turner, History of the Pace Family from Manuscripts of Miss Annie Jones (1873-1951), Barnabas Pace (1789-), Maud McClure Kelly (1887-1973) (n. p., 1995) p. 163.

(3) SurryCo., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(4) Will, Surry Co. DB6, p. 446, 1749-1753, Charles Stuart, 2 Dec 1752, 25 Sept 1753.

(5) Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(6) Stewart Clan Magazine, Tome E, Jan and Feb 1944, Vol. XXI: No. 8

(7) Wills & Deeds, Brunswick Co., VA., John Bradford, 3 Nov 1732, 6 Nov 1735. The Bobbitt Family in America, John W. Bobbitt, 1985.

(8) Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(9) Rebecca Bradford having been summoned to render an account of her administration of the estate of John Bradford deced appeared and the Court being satisfied with her administration order’d that she be discharged from rendering an account thereof at present. Brunswick Co., Court Orders, 7 May 1741, p. 431. William Pace, plt., against William Acock and Rebecca his wife, Executor, &c, of John Bradford deced. and Adam Tapley and William Poole, defts., in Chancery. The deft. Poole put in a demurrer plea and answer to the plaintiff’s Bill which is set for hearing at the next Court and on the motion of the plaintiff an attachment is awarded him against the other defendants for want of appearance. Brunswick Co. Court Orders, p. 183, 5 May 1747.

(10) https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~fcharper/genealogy/JonesandWoodwards.html, Frances Cullom Morgan 2018.

(11) Wills & Deeds, Will Bk 1, p. 115, Northampton Co., NC, Thomas Pace, 4 July 1764, Feb 1765.

(12) https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~fcharper/genealogy/JonesandWoodwards.html, Frances Cullom Morgan 2018.

(13) Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(14) https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~fcharper/genealogy/JonesandWoodwards.html, Frances Cullom Morgan 2018.

(15) NC Wills & Court Records, Probate files, 1679-1775, Northampton Co., NC, John Moore, 1 Sept 1753, Nov 1753.

(16) Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(17) SurryCo., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881, Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(18) Wills & Deeds, Northampton Co., NC, William Pace, 14 May 1772, Dec 1775.

(19) Surry Co., Va., Deeds, Wills, 1730-1738, p. 881. Acct. of estate of John Barlow, 16 Aug 1738.

(20) William Pace, plt., against William Acock and Rebecca his wife, Executor, &c, of John Bradford deced. and Adam Tapley and William Poole, defts., in Chancery. The deft. Poole put in a demurrer plea and answer to the plaintiff’s Bill which is set for hearing at the next Court and on the motion of the plaintiff an attachment is awarded him against the other defendants for want of appearance. Brunswick Co. Court Orders, p. 183, 5 May 1747.

03/21/2024

Mrs. Mary Poythress Wynne & 2nd husband, Col. Robert Wynne (1622-1675), 1st generation in the Virginia Colony

2024-07-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Robert Wynne, the son of Peter Wynne and Martha Coppin, was born about 1622, in Canterbury, Kent, England. He married Mrs. Mary Poythress, the widow of Captain Francis Poythress. Their children were (1) Mary Wynne (c. 1655-aft. 1707), the wife of John Woodlief, the son of John Woodlief; (2) Thomas Wynne (1657-1717), who married Agnes Stith, the daughter of John Stith and Jane Mosbey; (3) Robert Wynne (1660-1675); and, (4) Joshua Wynne (3/20/1661-3/29/1715), who married Mary Jones, the daughter of Peter Jones and Margaret Cruse. [R. Bolling Batte.]

Colonel Robert Wynne was mentioned as grandson in the Will of William Coppin, his maternal grandfather. Proof that he was the son of Peter Wynne comes from his father's Will. Proof that he was the son of Peter Wynne and Martha Coppin is also from the Will of William Coppin, of St. George's Canterbury, dated January 15, 1632, and proved March 22, 1633. The Will is in the Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury, Kent, 1633-1636. The Wynnes came to America about 1651. Robert Wynne was a Burgess for Charles City Co., by 1658. Robert was Speaker of the House of Burgesses during Virginia's Long Parliament, 1661-1675. He was in charge of surveying, planning, and improving all public roads in the colony. He was sent to England to escort back the official set of weights and measures which would measure the business dealings of the New World. Robert was Captain, then Colonel, in the Militia of Charles City Co. He owned two houses and a farm in England, which he left to his son, Thomas. His 600 acre plantation, south of the James River, was named "Georges." [Chas Cty Co, Court Orders, 1655-1658, p. 173; Hening's Statutes, Assembled 13 March 1657/8.]

Captain John Woodlief's eldest son, John Woodlief (1643-c. 1716), married Mary Wynne, daughter of Robert Wynne and Mrs. Mary (Sloman?) Poythress, his neighbor. Captain John Woodlief's youngest son, George Woodlief (1646-bef. 1701), married Elizabeth Wallace, daughter of James and Joan Wallace of Merchant's Hope, in Westover parish. George and Elizabeth Woodlief had one child, a daughter, Mary, who married a Carter.

According to Bruce Howard: Captain Woodlief's son, John Woodlief (1643-c. 1716), probably lived at Jordans. He married Mary Poythress, daughter of John Poythress (c. 1640-1712), his neighbor. John and Mary Woodlief had one son, George Woodlief (bef. 1675-c. 1743), who married Norah Epes. Capt. Woodlief's son, Edward Woodlief (1644-1717), married Sarah (Pollard) and lived in Prince George Co. between Bailey's Creek and the Blackwater River in Westover Parish. Edward and Sarah Woodlief had: John, Edward, Sarah, Joseph, James, Thomas, Ann, Mary and Susannah. Sarah Woodlief married Richard Pace, son of George Pace(4).

Robert Wynne was a Burgess from Charles City Co., from March 13, 1658, until 1675, being the Speaker of the House, in the Long Parliament, from 1661 to 1675. By 1661, he was a justice of the Charles City Co. court with Colonel Edward Hill. He and Captain John Epes were involved in settling the boundary between Westover parish and Martin's Brandon parish in March, 1662. [Hening's Statutes, Assembly of 1661-1676.]

Professional Life

October 27, 1656, at a court held in Westover, in Charles City Co., present were Mr. Thomas Drewe, Captain Richard Tye, Mr. Anthony Wyatt, Captain David Peebles, Captain John Epes, Captain Thomas Stegge, Mr. Charles Sparrow and Captain Robert Wynne. It was ordered that 26 pounds tobacco per poll be forthwith levied and collected by the present sheriff on every tithable person in this community being 516 and paid as follows, viz: (in a list:) John Stith, 1 wolf, 200 pounds tobacco. [Richard Tye (-1658) married Mrs. Joyce Boyce about 1649. David Peebles (c. 1610-1657) married Elizabeth Bishop, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bishop. They were the parents of Christian Peebles who married John Poythress (c. 1640-1712). John Epes (1626-1679) married Mary Kent.] [Chas Cty Co, Court Orders, 1655-1658, p. 173.]

Assembled March 13, 1658, the Burgesses from Charles City: War'm Horsmenden and Captain Robert Wynne; Northumberland: Peter Knight and John Haney; Henrico: Major William Harris; James City: Henry Soane, Major Richard Webster, Thomas Loveinge and William Corker; Surry: Lt. Colonel Thomas Swann, William Edwards, Major William Butler and Captain William Cawfield. [Henings Statutes, Assembled 13 Mar 1657/8.]

Assembled, March 13, 1660, the Burgesses from: Charles City: Theodorick Bland, Captain Robert Wynne and Charles Sparrow; Northumberland: Captain Peter Ashton. [Theodoric Bland (1629/30-1671) married Anne Bennett (c. 1642-1687).] [Henings Statutes, Assembled, 13 Mar 1659/60.]

In April, 1661, at a court held at Westover, in Charles City Co., present were Colonel Edward Hill, Esquire, Mr. Thomas Drewe, Mr. John Holmwood, Captain Robert Wynne, Mr. Stephen Hamlin. [Edward Hill (1610-1663) married Hannah Jordan. Thomas Drew married Mrs. Frances Ward Barker Netherland (1599-).] [Chas Cty Co Court Orders, p. 271.]

In April, 1661, in Charles City Co., abstract, memo that Colonel Edward Hill, Esquire, at this court, did give to John Poythress, the son of Captain Francis Poythress, deceased, 50 acres at Jordans, adjoining the land now occupied by Captain Robert Wynne. [Captain Robert Wynne was married to John Poythress' mother, Mrs. Mary Poythress, after the death of her first husband, Captain Francis Poythress.] [Chas Cty Co, 1655-1665, p. 272.]

The General Assembly that met March 23, 1662, ordered Captain Robert Wynne and Captain John Epes to summon some of the neighbors with them to settle the boundary between Westover and Martin's Brandon Parish.

The Assembly of 1661-1676, which convened for the first time on March 23, 1661, lasted by various prorogations and adjournments for fifteen years, the last session beginning March 7, 1676. Though there was not a general election during this long period, the membership of the House of Burgesses must have changed considerably by deaths. There are only two complete lists, 1663 and 1666, but the county records supply the names of various persons who were certainly members during other years. In the Session of December 23, 1662: from Charles City: Captain Robert Wynne, Speaker, Stephen Hamelyn and Captain Francis Gray. [Stephen Hamlin was the father of John Hamlin, who married Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Richard Taylor (1625-aft 1678) and Sarah Barker (1623-1694). Captain John Epes (1626-1679) was the son of Francis Epes (1597-1656) and Marie Pawlett, and was married to Mary Kent.]

In the Session of October 23, 1666, the Burgesses from Charles City: Captain Robert Wynne, Speaker, and Captain Thomas Southcoat.

April 3, 1673, at a court at Westover, in Charles City Co., present were Mr. Anthony Wyatt, Colonel Robert Wynne, Major Edward Hill, Mr. John Drayton, Mr. Thomas Epes, Mr. James Bisse and Captain Francis Poythress. [James Bisse was the third husband of Sarah Barker Taylor Lucy Bisse (1623-1694). Thomas (1630-1679) and Elizabeth Epes' son, Thomas Epes (bef. 1654-), married a daughter of Anthony Wyatt. Robert Wynne (1622-1678) was the step-father of Francis Poythress(2) (c. 1639-1688). Francis Poythress(2), Court Justice, would have been approximately 34 years old in 1673. John Drayton married Mrs. Elizabeth Bishop Peebles about 1658. Edward Hill (1637-1700) was the son of Edward Hill and Hannah Jordan.]

June 4, 1673, at a Westover court, in Charles City Co., present were Mr. Anthony Wyatt, Lt. Colonel Epes, Colonel Wynne, Major Hill, Captain Southcott, Mr. Bisse, Mr. Clarke and Captain Poythress.

June 4, 1673, at a Westover court, in Charles City Co., Abstract regarding ordinary at Westover. Captain Edward Hill proposes to lease new building there for 21 years, the court not to be removed from Westover for that term and no other to have license to keep an ordinary on the north side of the river during this time. This proposition accepted November 28, 1672. Signed as follows: Robert Wynne, Anthony Wyatt, John Drayton, Sr., John Epes, Thomas Mallory, Francis Poythress, Nicholas Wyatt, Daniel Clarke, James Bisse and Thomas Epes. [John Epes (1626-1679) married Mary Kent. Thomas Mallory (1635-1678) married Mary.]

August 4, 1673, at a Westover court, in Charles City Co., present were Mr. Anthony Wyatt, Lt. Colonel John Epes, Colonel Robert Wynne, Major Edward Hill, Captain Otho Southcott, Mr. John Drayton, Captain Nicholas Wyatt, Mr. Thomas Epes and Captain Francis Poythress.

August 5, 1673, in Charles City County, Com Civitat Carol, present were Mr Anthony Wyatt, Lt. Colonel John Epes, Colonel Wynne, Captain Southcott, Mr. Drayton and Captain Francis Poythress.

In March, 1676, war was declared against the Indians and it was ordered that the forts be garrisoned and that Sir Henry Chicheley be placed in command of five hundred enlisted men to disarm neighboring Indians. Chicheley was recalled by Sir William Berkeley before the march on the Indians began. In May, 1676, an overseer and a servant of young Nathaniel Bacon were slain by Indians with the result that Bacon sent word to Berkeley requesting a commission. In the interim, Bacon took command of five hundred men and marched to the falls on the James. Despite losing all but sixty of his men to Berkeley's recall, Bacon and his remaining followers routed a party of Indians at an old fort. Upon Bacon's return home, he was elected to the Burgess from Henrico County. Soon thereafter, Berkeley had Bacon arrested but released him upon an oath by Bacon that he would be a gentleman. However, Bacon set out again and defeated Indians at every encounter, the largest fight being against the Appomattox Indians at the present location of Petersburg, Virginia. By September, 1676, plantations seemed to be safe from Indian attack. Returning to Jamestown, Bacon and his men set fire to the town while Sir William Berkeley watched the event from his ship on the James River. Leaving Jamestown, Bacon marched his men to Gloucester Point where he crossed the York River into Gloucester County. He planned to fight Colonel Brent and his twelve hundred men but Brent's men deserted upon the approach of Bacon. After twenty weeks of fighting and living in the open country, Bacon died on October 1, 1676. No one else could provide the leadership that young Bacon had provided, and Berkeley, with newly arrived support from England, began to capture the leaders of the rebellion and hanged many of them.

June 12, 1677, the court, at Westover, was composed of Colonel Edward Hill, Colonel John Epes, Major John Stith, Captain Thomas Mallory, Captain Daniel Lewellin and Captain Francis Poythress. During the 12th, 13th and 14th of this month, Francis Poythress, acting as a Commissioner with others, examined various persons in regard to a certain petition that had been presented to the Governor and Council from Charles City County.

John Eppes, James Bisse, Nicholas Wyatt, John Stith, acting as Commissioners examined various persons in regard to a certain petition that had been presented to the Governor and Council from Charles City County. Among others were Captain Francis Poythress, Mr. Henry Batte and others. This at Westover. This petition may have pertained to the aftermath of Nathaniel Bacon's rebellion. Frances was also nominated to prepare a list of tithables for Jordan's parish, in Charles City County.

On September 14, 1677, action was taken against a number of men for trespassing at Captain Arthur Allen's plantation, as Allen had been removed from his home by the rebels during Bacon's rebellion. Among the jury, was Francis Poythress' brother, Mr. John Poythress, and Mr. Richard Pace. The action was withdrawn. [John Poythress (c. 1640-1712) married Christian Peebles, daughter of David Peebles and Elizabeth Bishop. James Bisse was the third husband of Sarah Barker (1623-1694), daughter of William Barker and Frances Ward. John Stith (1620-1694) was the father of Agnes Stith (1658-1718) who married Thomas Wynne (1657-1717), son of Robert Wynne and Mary Poythress Wynne.]

Civic Activities

December 3, 1658, at a court held at Merchant's Hope, Captain John Woodlief and Mr. George Potter were appointed to examine the difference between Captain Robert Wynne, for the estate of Mr. John Sloeman, deceased, and Mr. Francis Epes and Mr. Thomas Epes, and report to the next court. Dorman doesn't make Francis Epes' wife, Marie, a Pawlett. Dorman says "The maiden name is unknown and her given name, Marie (Mary), is known only from the baptismal record of their son. Mrs. Epes was still alive in January, 1644, when Captain Thomas Pawlett, of Charles City, a brother of Sir John Pawlett, wrote in his will, naming Francis Epes as one of the overseers of the Will and leaving him his drum, giving to Mrs. Epes his Bible and 20 shillings to buy a mourning ring in his memory." Dorman footnotes from William and Mary Quarterly, series I, IV, p. 152, "Capt. Pawlett was evidently close to the Epes family." [John Woodlief (1614-1676) was father of John Woodlief (1643-c. 1716) who married Mary Wynne (1655-aft. 1707), daughter of Robert Wynne and Mrs. Mary Poythress. John Sloman (-c. 1658) married Katherine Epes (c. 1588) and may have been father of Mrs. Mary Poythress. Francis Epes (1627-1678) married Elizabeth Littlebury (1623-1678). Thomas Epes (1630-1679) married Elizabeth. Francis Epes and Thomas Epes were sons of Francis Epes and Marie Pawlett.]

As Witness

February 3, 1659, at a Charles City Court, John Burton...Lt. John Banister one plantation at Bonaccord which I hold by lease for thirteen years or upwards to come. The witnesses were Robert Wynne, Thomas Crane and Howell Pryce, Clerk of Court.

October 10, 1659, in Charles City County, John Cogan of Merchant's Hope, in Charles City County, surgeon, sold Anthony Wyatt, of Chaplins' Choice, in the same County, Gentleman, for bond of £240 Sterling, dated September 1, 1659, "the plantation whereon he now dwells, 5 negro servants, crops, etc." The witnesses were Howell Pryce and Robert Wynne. [One of Anthony Wyatt's daughters married Thomas Epes (bef. 1654-). Robert Wynne (1622-1678) married Mrs. Mary Poythress (c. 1618-aft. 1675). Richard Coggin (-1658) married Mrs. Joyce Boyce Tye (c, 1618-) in 1659.]

April 3, 1666, at a court at Westover, in Charles City County, Captain John Woodlief, aged 51 years or thereabouts, examined and sworn, said that going aboard of a small Ship riding before James City with Mr. Anthony Wyatt and some others, there lay some hammocks - cabin where they were with one of the Seamen belonging to the Ship. Mr. Wyatt demanded of him if they were to be sold who told him yes, and upon that Mr. Wyatt bought two hammocks of him and the man desired Ferdinand Aston who was then aboard to receive the pay for them, afterwards the said Mr. Wyatt went to James City - the hammocks aboard and in his return from there he - [went] Ship side and called very often, and hearing no man to [answer] requested Mr. Thomas Mallory [to go aboard and search for the hammocks] and reached them according to Mr. Wyatt's directions, and withal handed over a jug of wine beverage and further saith not. John Woodlief. Jurat coram. Robert Wynne. [Thomas Mallory (1635-1678) was the son of Thomas Mallory (1605-1671) and father of Francis Mallory (-1719).]

Family Estates

September 1, 1659, Captain Robert Wynne and Anthony Wyatt appraised the perishable estate of the orphans of Captain David Peebles. [David Peebles' daughter, Christian Peebles, married John Poythress, son of Captain Francis Poythress.]

June 3, 1665, at a court at Westover, in Charles City County, Francis Poythress(2) proved his right by the testimony of Captain Robert Wynne to 450 acres of land for the adventure and importation of Francis Poythress(2), Thomas Mallory, William Hind, John Barlow, Jonn Ward, James Cobcock, Ellinor Towle and Sampson Ellis, twice. [Thomas Mallory (1635-1678) was the son of Thomas Mallory (1605-1671) and father of Francis Mallory (-1719).]

Robert Wynne's Will

Robert Wynne, of Jordan's parish, of Charles City County, in Virginia, Gentleman.
My body to be decently buried in Jordan's Church as near as conveniently it may be to my son, Robert, and for my worldly goods I thus dispose of for those that God has blessed me withal in England.
I give my eldest son, Thomas Wynne, one farm in Whitestaple parish, in Kent, near Canterbury, and normally called by the name Linebett Banckes, with all barns, stables, outhouses, lands, orchards and all things old and they were left me or have been improved since to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten forever but my will and pleasure is that he enjoy no part or parcel of this until he be 21 years old. In the interim, what profits shall amount annually out of this to be disposed of by my administrator hereinafter nominated. And if it shall please God, my said son, Thomas, die either before he come to age or have lawful issue my will and pleasure is my son, Joshua, enjoy it on the said terms above expressed. And if it please God he die before he comes to age or have lawful issue, that then it shall come to my daughter, Woodlief, and her heirs. But if it shall please God that all die without heirs then to be disposed of as it shall think fit by my administratrix.
I further give my son, Thomas, one house being in Canterbury, in St. Mildred's parish, with all them thereunto belonging to enjoy and to be held at the age of 21 and in the said form as my farm at Whitestaple and in default of heirs to descend as that doth.
I give youngest son, Joshua Wynne, one house and oatmeale mill with orchards, backfield and garden lying in Dover Lane, without St. Georges in Canterbury, and commonly called by the name of the Lilly Pott, and further I will and bequeath to my said son, Joshua, two houses in the same lane over against the Lilly Pott where a ropemaker and one Rawlins hath been formerly tenants to enjoy every part and parcel of these at the age of 21 years and not before. I give and bequeath them to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten forever. But if it please God he shall die before he come to age or without lawful issue, that then they shall come to his brother, Thomas, and his failing then to his sister, Woodlief, and if she failed then to my administratrix as aforesaid.
I give my daughter, Woodlief, one messauge or tenement being in the parish of Hernehill, to sell align or dispose as to her shall seam requisite it being for the bettering her portion and she to enjoy it as soon as it shall please God to call me to his mercy.
I give my son, Thomas, all of the cattle of his own mark being formerly given him except one cow, called Moll, which is to be killed for provision and likewise one mare and filly foal he is already possessed of and one good featherbed with bolster pillow, rug and two blankets and likewise two guns he is to take his choice of all mine for them.
I give my son, Joshua, my plantation called Georges with all the tobacco house and other houses with all the whole grant of that dividend to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten and in default of such heirs to his brother, Thomas, and in default of Thomas, to my daughter, Woodlief, and also the cattle known to be his and a filly now in his possession with a feather bed, bolster pillow, rug and two blankets and two well fixed guns. I give my daughter, Woodlief, one servant of four years to serve the next shipping after my decease or else two thousand pounds of tobacco and oats to buy one.
I give my grandchild and godson, young George Woodlief, one filly foal of about a year old and for all my other estate as well this in Virginia as what shall be sent of England now and until my children come to age I give and bequeath after my just debts are paid unto my beloved wife, Mary Wynne, whom I make my whole and sole administratrix of this my last Will and testament and my desire and request is that my loving friends, Thomas Grendon, merchant, and my son-in-law, Captain Francis Poythress, be overseers to this my last Will and testament to either of whom I give twenty shillings to buy them a small ring in remembrance of me. In witness to every part and parcel of this my last Will and testament I have left my hand and annexed my seal July 1, 1675. Robert Wynne. The witnesses were Thomas Brome, John Burge; endorsed at a court held at Westover, August 3, 1675.

This Will was proved in court by the oaths of Thomas Brome and John Burge the witnesses therein named and a probate granted the administratrix therein also named and entered amongst the records of the said court. James Minge, Clerk of Court. Examined May Court, 1677. J. Minge, John Rudde and John Sherman. [Mary Wynne (1655-aft. 1707) married John Woodlief (1643-c. 1716). Thomas Wynne (1657-1717) married Agnes Stith (1656-1718), daughter of John Stith and Jane Mosbey. Robert Wynne (1660-1675) died young. Joshua Wynne (1660/1-1715) married Mary Jones (1658-1718), daughter of Peter Jones and Margaret Cruse.] [Will in Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury. Canterbury, Kent Wills, 1633-1636, Vol. 69, Folio 214, on Film #188967, at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.]

Mary Poythress Wynne was the administratrix of Robert Wynne's Will, dated July 1, 1675, and proved August 3, 1675. In the Will, Robert appointed his friend, Thomas Grendon, and his "son-in-law," Francis Poythress, overseers of his Will. "Son-in-law" was in common usage at the time and was used in lieu of the modern vernacular, "step-son." John Poythress, in his Will, proved December 11, 1712, appointed his two brothers, Thomas Wynne and Joshua Wynne, to divide his estate according to his wishes. The Wills of Robert Wynne and John Poythress indicated that Robert Wynne married the widow of Captain Francis Poythress and she was the mother of Robert Wynne's children, thereby making her Wynne children and her Poythress children half-brothers & half-sisters. None of Wynne's children were of legal age when Robert Wynne's Will was written.

Mary Wynne was referred to in a suit in the General Court as Robert Wynne's executrix on October 8, 1675.

First appearance of Robert Wynne in a document: 1656 (age ~34). Neighbors: Capt. Edward Hill, John Poythress

Captain Francis Poythress (7/1609-c. 1651), of Charles City Co., 1st generation in the Virginia Colony

2024-07-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

Francis Poythress (1609-c. 1651), the emigrant, was undoubtedly the son of John Poythris, and was christened at Newent, in Gloucestershire, on July 12, 1609. John Poythris owned the nearby Ploddy House until 1648. Francis Poythress was in the Colony of Virginia by February 9, 1633, as he appeared in the Minutes of the Council of Virginia and at the General Court at James City where he received a letter of administration on the estates of Thomas Hall and Robert Kidd, deceased. Francis married Mary [Sloman?] (c. 1617-aft. 5/1677). Their children were (1) Francis (c. 1639-1688), who married Rebecca Coggin, daughter of Dr. John Coggin and Mrs. Joyce [------] Boyce Tye; (2) John (c. 1640-1712), who married Christian Peebles, daughter of David Peebles and Elizabeth Bishop; and (3) Thomas (c. 1641-aft. 1659), who was sent to England after November 30, 1659. Francis Poythress was last mentioned in the Virginia records in Northumberland Co., on September 20, 1651.

The Son in England: Thomas Poythress

By 1644, records began to appear indicating that Francis had married and had children. He was the only Poythress to be found in the Virginia colony. In the Will of Captain Thomas Pawlett, dated January 12, 1644, Captain Pawlett mentioned his Godchildren: To my Godchildren, William Harris, John Woodson, Thomas Aston, Thomas Fludd, Henry Richley, John Bishop, Thomas Woodward, Thomas Boyse, Thomas Poythers, and William Bayle, one silver spoon and one sow shote apiece, for want of shotes the value to be paid out of the estate.
To God-children, Francis Epps and William Ferrar, a silver spoon and my silver bowl and wine cup, to be divided between them; to Lieutenant Bishop, Sergeant Williams, and Ensign Page, 20 shillings.
To the Church of Westover, 10 acres, to lye forty pole square, now leased to Richard Hamlet, which ten acres are to be laid out for the best conveniency of the church.
To my loving friends, Mr. George Menefie and Mr. Walter Aston, 20 shillings apiece as poor token of my remembrance.
To Mr. George Menefie my sword and to Mr Walter Aston my gun.
To Captain Francis Eppes my drum, and to Mr. Richard Jones, minister, my cow called Cherry.
To Sir John Pawlett my ever loving brother the residue of my estate after satisfaction of legacies and debts; sir John, sole executor, Captain Francis Epps and Mr. Walter Aston overseers of his Will who are to bury him according to their own discretion; bequeathes to them £5 apiece sterling, but "withall desiring them that this and all other legacies mentioned in this Will may not be paid in money, but in some commodity naturally produced in this country that they may be no greater prejudice to the estate than the value of each legacy." In case of his brother's death before his enjoyment of this estate, "then my overseers to surrender it to Sir William Berklay, my much honored kinsman, who is then to be executor."
To Mrs. Epps 20 shillings for a ring and my Bible.
To Mrs. Menefie and Mrs. Aston, 40 shillings apiece.
To Mrs. Reynolds Evans one cow.
To Sam Salmon, 20 shillings.
"My two servants, John Clapton and John Bennett, if they shall do faithful service to within one years space of the end of their indentures, to have them delivered up, otherwise to be disposed of by the overseers of county court; my executors to pay William Mundy 30 shillings due from my Brother Chideck Pawlett; gives 40 shillings to John South." Dated January 12, 1644. The witnesses were John South, John Flud, Reynold Evans. Proved by the oath of Reynolds Evans before Francis Epps. [Thomas Boyce was the older half-brother of Elizabeth Tye, Frances Tye and Rebecca Coggin. Rebecca Coggin married Captain Francis Poythress' son, Major Francis Poythress. George Menefie’s second wife was Isabel Pace Perry. She died after 8/6/1637. George Menefie married his third wife, Mary, before 12/31/1645.] [Chas. Cty. Co., Va., Records, 1655-1665, Captain Thomas Pawlett’s Will dated 12 Jan 1643/4.] [Fleet II, p. 56.]

Other than the 1644 Will by his Godparent, Captain Thomas Pawlett, and the following Charles City Co. record, Thomas Poythress was never mentioned again in the records of the Virginia colony. "These presents oblige me Arther Graunt to carry Thomas Poythres in my ship this yeare for England and at his arrivall there in case Mr. George Laud shall not accomodate him w'th dyett and lodging, I do hereby oblige my selfe to do it untill the retorne of the next shipping to this country of Virginia, w'ch I am to do gratis w'thout expecting any pay, and the next yeare to bring him into this countrey againe he paying for his passaged inward as otheres doe. To the performance whereof I bind me my heires ex'rs and adm'rs and in testimony thereof put my hand this 30th of November 1659. Arthur Graunt. Wit: John Stith, Thomas Malory. Rec. 10'br 3, 1659." [Chas. Cty. Records 1655-1665, p. 213.]

Professional Life

A letter dated September 19, 1637, to the Governor and Council of Virginia, from Lawrence Evans, a merchant, stated that Evans had sent goods valued at £2,000, in three ships, during the previous year, to the Virginia Colony. His factors for these goods were William Smith and Francis Poythress. Smith died during the voyage and Francis Poythress had only returned a bill of £150. The three ships were the Rebecca, with master, Richard Buckham, the George, with master Robert Page, and the Hopewell, with master William Smith. In March, 1639, the Virginia Governor and Council directed four of the "ablest merchants in Virginia," John Chew, Thomas Stegg, Thomas Burbage and George Ludlow to arbitrate the suit. The merchants determined that the remainder of the goods had been carried away by the three masters and their crews. An order was given to try and trace the goods belonging to Lawrence Evans and Evan's latest factor, George Brookes, was to pay Francis Poythress £10 "in the hundred for goods sold and tobacco received."

In the years from 1626 to 1633, settlers began to repopulate the area near the Fall Line in Virginia. During this period and prior to 1643, Appamattucks Towne was built on the south side of the James River, near the mouth of the Old Towne Creek. About 1635, Captain Henry Fleet and Lieutenant Francis Poythress built a temporary defense at Fleet's Hill, the site of the present town of Ettricks, Virginia. Fleet's Hill overlooked Appamattocks Indian Towne, and was positioned across and up the James River from it.

On May 22, 1642, Robert Eyres, was granted 200 acres in Lower Norfolk Co., about eight miles up a southern branch of the Elizabeth River, for the transportation of four people, including Francis Poythress. The headright system used in colonial times was devised to populate the colony. Every person that paid an emigrant's transportation into the Colony, whether that emigrant was free or bonded, secured a claim to fifty acres if the emigrant, or headright, remained in Virginia for three years. Each headright could expect to be furnished with the necessities of life and a small tract of land at the end of his contracted indenture. The headright was free to acquire his own land at the end of the indenture. Many individuals paid their own way and secured fifty acres for their own transportation. [Lower Norfolk Co., Va., p. 780.]

Mr. Francis Poythress, of Charles City Co., was elected member of the Burgess during the Grand Assembly at James City, October 1, 1644, and elected again February 17, 1645, as Lieutenant Francis Poythress. His colleagues, from Charles City Co., were Mr. John Bishop and Captain Edward Hill, the Speaker of the House of Burgesses. [John Bishop was the grandfather of Christian Peebles who married Francis' son, John Poythress, about 1672. Captain Edward Hill, husband of Hannah Jordan, while a court justice for Charles City Co., in April, 1661, gave Francis' son, John Poythress, fifty acres at Jordans adjoining Captain Robert Wynne, John Poythress' step-father.] [Hening's Statutes Vol. 1, pp. 282-283 & 288-289.]

The Virginia Governor, his Council and the Burgess, met March 2, 1646, to consider the expenses necessary in pursuing the war against the Indians. The Indians had been dispersed from their towns and habitations by the militia and had since been seen lurking in the woods in small numbers. At this meeting, Lieutenant Francis Poythress was given command of sixty men from the north side of the James River, militia from the counties of Henrico, Charles City, James City, York, Warwick, Elizabeth City and Northampton, for a period of six weeks. He was to consult with Captain Henry Fleet who was to provide his barque, boat and shallop, victuals, and men to manage the vessels, on this mission. If Francis Poythress was unable to conclude a peace treaty with the Indians, he and Captain Fleet were to build a fort near the Rappahannock River or any suitable place. On April 20, 1646, sixteen men were assembled at York County as ordered by the Burgesses at James City. These men were placed under the command of Lieutenant Poythress and had been provided by the lieutenants and deputy lieutenants of York Co. Provision was made for the protection of the individual militia members' crops while they were gone and they were to be paid £100 of tobacco for every wasted day. [Hening's Statutes Vol. 1, pp. 317-318.]

The massacre of colonists, in 1644, by the Indians, was the greatest in Virginia since the 1622 massacre. In 1644, Lord Baltimore gave Henry Fleet the authority, as Captain General, to visit the Susquehanna Indians and to make a peace treaty with them. In 1646, he was appointed to organize and lead an expedition against the Indians and build a fort in the valley of Rappahannock River. This joint venture by Maryland and Virginia was necessary to set the boundaries between the Indians and the settlers in order to preserve some form of peace. Henry Fleet was a member of the Maryland legislature in 1638 and had been given permission by the Virginia assembly, in 1642, to explore Virginia for a period of fourteen years. In 1644, Chief Opechancanough was killed while in the custody of the militia and in 1646 and 1647, treaties were made with Opechancanough's successor that restricted the Powhatan Indians' territory and confined them to designated reservations. The Powhatan Indians agreed to give up all of their claims on the land below the Fall Line. They were forced to settle beyond the York River in the north and behind a line equally distant from the James River on the south side. According to the treaty, a tribute was ordered to be offered by the Indians to the English King requiring "twenty beaver skins att the going away of geese yearely." The Powhatan Indians were not only restricted as to what land they could occupy but were also limited in their actions in and around colonists' lands.

Captain Francis Poythress, of Charles City Co., was a member of the Burgess during the Grand Assembly at James City, November 3, 1647. On October 12, 1648, the Assembly enacted laws for Northumberland Co. in order to elect Burgesses, set procedures for issuing patents, and enact proportional tax rates with the authority to collect the taxes. Francis was authorized by the Assembly to collect the taxes and to "distreyn in case of refusall" the arrears and present taxes. Northumberland Co. came into existence after the Act of 1649 which designated "Chicacone and other parts of the neck of land between Rappahannock and Potomack Rivers" to be within the new county. After September 1, 1649, the inhabitants of this area, were allowed to move back to the north side of the Charles (York) and Rappahannock Rivers. The inhabitants had fled due to the Indian massacre of 1644. Northumberland Co. patents began in 1648 with Captain Francis Poythress collecting the taxes. He represented Northumberland Co., as a member of the Burgess, during the Assembly at James City, on October 10, 1649. [Hening's Statutes Vol. 1, pp. 337, 358-359.]

It was evidently during 1648 that Frances received land in Northumberland Co. for his service, as the senior Virginia militia officer, in the mission he led to build a fort and to conclude a treaty with the Powhatan Indians. On December 8, 1656, Sir Henry Chicheley patented 2,200 acres of land, on the north side of the Rappahannock River, opposite Port Tobacco, bounded on the east by a small creek, called Poythress Creek. This property overlooked Nanzatico Bay. In the undated records for 1650 to 1652, Francis approved assignments of land to the inhabitants of Northumberland Co. [Early Settlers of Alabama by Col. James Edmonds Saunders, p. 339. Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1969.]

The Northumberland Co. Deeds and Orders Book for the period 1650 to 1652 has been restored. Almost half of the pages of this book are missing. However, an Index was restored with the book that seems to belong to this particular book. A notation at the end of the Index states that the book to which this Index belongs is not to be found, but is supposed to be for the "Book of Orders by January 20, 1649." By using the Index, supported by the pages which are extant, effort was made to reconstruct the book as it was originally. Many pages have been torn and throughout the book the ink has bled from one side to the other. Under an entry without date, in the Northumberland Co. Deeds and Orders, 1650-1652, Records of Indentured Servants and of Certificates for land is an entry, "These are to certify that according to sufficient proof made before us there is due to Francis Gray 300 acres of land by assignment from Captain Francis Poythress for the transportation of these several persons into this Colony, Viz. John Tomlinson, Richard Miller, James Walrod, Daniel Moore, John Symson, Mary King. These are to Certify that according to sufficient proof made before us that there is due unto John Hillier by assignment from Captain Francis Poythress 200 acres of land for the transportation of these several persons into this Colony, Viz, Edward Coward (?); Elizabeth Bridges, Mary Boyes, Morris Ager (?) as also for his own adventure two persons, Edward Trowell, Robert Danes. [Hening's Statutes Vol. 1, pp. 352-353.] [Sparacio, Ruth and Sam, Virginia County Court Records, Deed & Will Abstracts of Northumberland Co., Va., 1650-1655, p. 1, 3.]

The Burgesses assembled in March, 1651, for Northumberland Co. were John Trussell, Thomas Baldridge, Mr. [William] Presley, "Mr. Lee" [probably Richard, though there were other Lees living in Northumberland at this time], Mr. Speke and Thomas Wilford. On September 20, 1651, in the account and inventory of Mr. Robert Sedgrave's estate in Northumberland Co., Mr. John Hollowes, the administrator, reported that he had paid debts due from Sedgrave's estate, in tobacco, to several individuals, including Francis Poythress. By March, 1652, Francis was not listed as a Burgess from Northumberland Co. It does not seem likely that he would have voluntarily relinquished his lucrative job as a tax collector and his position as a member of the Burgess or his role as a militia officer. However, he disappears from the records after this September 20, 1651, record. [Hening's Statutes Vol. 1, pp. 358-359.]

Civic Activities

July 31, 1648, in Northumberland Co., Francis Poythress, bound himself to Thomas Boyce, for forty pounds of beaver, to buy and precure a servant to serve by indenture to Thomas Boyce for four or five years and was to be delivered by February 1, 1649. [Thomas Boyce's father, Cheney Boyce, died in 1647, and Thomas’ mother, Mrs. Joyce Boyce, married Richard Tye in 1649. Thomas Boyce was about nine years old at the time. Rebecca Coggin Poythress was a much younger half-sister to Thomas Boyce. She was born in 1659 or 1660.] [Westmoreland Co. Deeds, Wills, Patents, etc., 1653-1659, p. 87; Fleet, Beverley, Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Volume I, p. 687].

Property: Land

To all to whom these presents shall come I Sr John Harvey Kt Governor &c sends &c whereas &c Now Know you that I the said Sr John Harvey Kt do with the consent of the Council of State accordingly give and grant unto ffrancis Poythers fower hundred acres of land situate lying and being in the County of Charles Citty lying north upon the heads of the land now in the possession of the said ffrancis Poythers south into the maine woods east upon the lands of Capt. Woodliffe and west on Baylyes Creeke the said fower hundred acres of land being due unto him the said ffrancis Poythers (vizt) fiftie acres for his owne personal adventure into this Colony and three hundred & fiftie acres by and for the transportation at his owne personal costs and charges of seven persons into this Colony whose names are in the records mentioned under this pattent. To have and to hold &c dated this 13th of July Anno Domini 1637 ——–. Francis Poythers, Richard Wells, Jane Lucas, Thos. Thompson, Richard Farmer, Bryan Raycock, Francis Howes, and Richard Whiting. [Pat Bk 1, 1623-43, vol. 1, p. 439.]

[May 8, 1648, he was granted 400 acres, adjoining his previous 350 acres. This 750 acres was the same land granted to him on February 27, 1637, and on July 13, 1637. The 400 acres was located near the mouth of Bayley's Creek and was bordered on the east by fifty acres belonging to Jenkins Osborne's orphans. On the west, his land was bordered by the land of Thomas Bayley, land that was in the possession of John Butler. On the north, his land was bordered by the mouth of Bayley's Creek, and on the south, it bordered his previous 350 acres, land that had been patented by Jenkins Osborne and was purchased from Jenkins Osborne, Mary Osborne and Captain Edward Hill. Bayley's Creek is located east of Petersburg and forms the southern border of the city of Hopewell, Virginia. At Francis' death, he had received grants totaling 750 acres.] [Dr. Claiborne T. Smith, Jr.: In 1658, Mary West, widow of John Butler, sold to Edward Ardington 150 acres in Charles City, formerly land of Thomas Baylie, bounded on the east by lands lately in the tenure of William Worsham. (Fleet 11-11). Referring to the patent to Francis Poythress in 1648, it will be noted that at least part of this grant was in 1658 in the possession of William Worsham.]

To all &c Whereas &c Now Know you that I the said Sr. Wm. Berkeley Knt do with the advice and consent of the Council of State accordingly give and grant unto Capt. ffrancis Poythres seven hundred and fifty acres of land within the County of Charles City being at or neare unto the mouth of the Creeke called Baylyes Creeke and abutting easterly upon fifty acres of land belonging unto ye orphants of Jenkins Osborne and thence extending westerly onto the land of Thomas Bayly now in the tenure of John Butler northerly upon the mouth of the said Baylyes Creeke and southerly into the woods three hundred and fifty acres of the said land formerly granted and being part of ye Patent of Jenkins Osborne dated July ye 9th 1635 and purchased by the said ffrancis Poythres from the said Jenkins Osborne Mary Osborne and Capt. Edward Hill by the right of Dictoris Christmas confirmed by order of court dated ye 27th day of February 1636 and purchased by the said Capt. ffrancis Poythres and the other four hundred acres being also granted formerly to the said Capt. ffrancis Poythres by patent bearing date ye 13th of July 1637 To have and to hold &c to be held &c yielding &c which payment is to begin seven years after the said 27th of Feby. 1636 and ye said 13th of July 1637dated the 8th of May 1648. [Pat Bk 2, p. 139.]

Adjacent Property

Francis Osbourne, Charles City Co., July 14, 1637, 1,300 acres. To all to whom these presents shall come I Sir John Harvey Knight Governor &c send &c whereas &c now know yee that I the said Sir John Harvey Knight do with the consent of the Councell of State accordingly give and grant unto ffrancis Osbourne thirteen hundred acres of land situate lying and being in Appomattock river and bounding north upon the river south into the woods west upon the land of Mr. William ffarrar butting easterly on Charles Citty now in the tenure of Capt. ffrancis Epes the said thirteen hundred acres of land being due unto him the said ffrancis Osborne in right of his late father Jenkin Osborne who transported at his own person costs and charges of six and twenty persons into this Colony whose names are in the records mentioned under this pattent. To have and to hold &c dated the 14th of July Anno Domini 1637. Ut in alys. Mary Volck, Wm. Brock, Tho: Asson, John Congly, Thomas Babinson, Thomas Tyler, Geo: Purser, Hannah May, Richard Gally, Samuell Rennsby, Rich. Aboge, Tho: Baylye, Wm. Waller, John Yeu, Joane Walters, John Tinwell, Wm. Wright, Symon Trouther, Wm. Lighthollier, Henry Ward, Thomas Lewis, Wm. Austen, two negroes, one negroe more, John Chunnoll. [Pat Bk 1, p. 439.]

John Woodliffe, Gent., Charles City Co., July 25, 1638, 200 acres. Chas. Cittie Co., neare unto a place called Jordan’s. Upon the head of his former Devident towards the river, S. into the woods, E. towards land called Beggars bush and W. upon land of Francis Poythres. Due for his own pers. adv. & trans. of 3 persons: (named). [note: this patent renewed & adj. to patt. of 750 acs. [John Woodlief (1614-1676) was the father of John Woodlief who married Mary Wynne, dau. of Col. Robt. Wynne & Mary (Sloman?) and grandfather of John Woodlief who married Mary Poythress, dau. of John Poythress & Christian Peebles.] [Will Bk 1, p. 580.]

John Woodliffe, Charles City Co., August 18, 1642, 750 acres. 530 acres Lyeing at a place called Jordens, bordering W. upon land of Wil: Jarrett, adj. Samuell Jorden. 20 acres part of a place now called Bermoodus hundred, bounding E. upon the great river & S. upon land of Samuell Jorden, running to land of William Julian; the other 200 acres adj. the above. 550 acres by patent to sd. Woodliffe dated Dec. 10, 1620, & the remainder by patent dated July 25, 1638. [Pat Bk 1, p. 788.]

David Peebles, Charles City Co., 833 acres, August 5, 1650, 833 acres. To all et whereas et now know yee that I the said Sir William Berkeley by et give and grant unto David Peoples eight hundred thirty three acres of land being up Powells Creeke at the head thereof in ye county of Charles City bounded viz: west upon Birchin Swamp south and west upon the land of Mr. Richard Tye south and east upon the woods north east upon the land of James Ward and north upon the Reedy Swamp the said land being due unto the said David Peebles by and for the transportation of seventeen persons into the Colony et to have and to hold et to be held et yielding et which payment is to be made seven years after the date hereof et dated ye 5th of August 1650. David Peebles, Tho: Liddle, Marg. Koth, William Smith, Tho: Milner, Antho: Wright, Marg. Chambers, Jane Heydon, Marg. D-------, Barbara Koth, Thomas Biggs, Mary Bayon, Aileo Berry, Wm. Peirce, Hugh Roger, Tho: Rayner, Jane Thompson. [Pat Bk 2, p. 297.]

Pertinent Information

22 May 1642 Robert Eyres 200 acs. about 8 mi. up a Southern br. of Elizabeth River. Trans. of 4 pers. Robert Eyres, Francis Poythres, William Brown, John Herring. [Low Norf. Co., p. 780.]

Bristol Parish was established by a 1643 Act of the Assembly to serve the inhabitants of the Appomattox River valley and was contained within the land that formed Prince George Co. in 1703.

Sarah Woodson, in the absence of her husband during the Indian uprising of April 18, 1644, aided by Robert Ligon, fought against an Indian attack, killing nine. She loaded the gun while Ligon fired, and hearing a noise up the chimney she threw the bed upon the coals, the stifling smoke bringing two Indians down, whom she dispatched. Her husband, John Woodson, was caught in the open on his way home from visiting a patient and was killed by the Indians.

In the uprising that began on April 18, 1644, with a sudden massacre along the whole border, the Indians were routed and Opechancanough was captured and brought to Jamestown where he was killed by an outraged colonist. In October, 1646, his successor made a treaty in which the Indians agreed to abandon everything below the falls of the James and Pamunkey Rivers and to restrict themselves on the north to the territory between the York and the Rappahannock.

After Francis Poythress' Death

Mrs. Mary Poythress, the widow of Francis, married, as her second husband, Colonel Robert Wynne, who was born about 1622. Mary and Robert Wynne married about 1654. Their children were (1) Mary Wynne, who married John Woodlief, son of John Woodlief; (2) Thomas Wynne, who married Agnes Stith, daughter of John Stith and Jane Mosbey; (3) Robert Wynne, who died in 1675; and, (4) Joshua Wynne, who married Mary Jones, the daughter of Major Peter Jones and Margaret Cruise. Major Jones was the Commander of the fort built at the falls near the present day Petersburg, Virginia. Margaret Cruse was the step-daughter of Major General Abraham Wood, the Commander of Ft. Henry. Mary Poythress Wynne's father may have been John Sloman who was deceased by December 3, 1658. Captain John Woodlief and Mr. George Potter were appointed by the court at Merchants Hope "to examine the difference between Captain Robert Wynne for the estate of Mr. John Sloeman, deceased, and Mr. Francis Epes and Mr. Thomas Epes and report to the next court." The Sloman surname became a given name within the Wynne family.

Captain Robert Wynne and Anthony White also "appraised the perishable estate of the orphans of Captain David Peebles," the father of John Poythress' wife, Christian Peebles. John Poythress was one of Captain Francis Poythress' sons. [R. Bolling Batte.] [Chas. Cty. Co. Ct Orders 3 Dec 1658, p. 162.]

First appearance in a document: 1633 (age ~24). Neighbors: Capt. John Woodlief, Thos. Bayley, Jenkins Osborne, Mary Osborne, Capt. Edward Hill, Wm. Worsham.

Capt. Fr. Poythress: 400 ac., bordered on s. by his 350 ac., btwn. Capt. John Woodlief on e. & Bayley’s cr. on w. Woodlief’s land located nr. place called Jordan’s & ran e. towards land called Beggars bush, Chas. Cty. Co., 1673 - located nr. Bayley’s cr., bordered e. on 50 ac. of Jenkins Osborne’s orphans, on w. by Thos. Bayley (in possession of John Butler), on n. by mouth of Bayley’s cr., on s. his 350 acres bought from Jenkins Osborne, Mary Osborne & Capt. Edward Hill. Total: 750 acres. [In 1658, Mary West, widow of John Butler, sold to Edward Ardington 150 ac. Chas. Cty., formerly land of Thomas Baylie, bounded on e. by lands lately in the tenure of Wm. Worsham. Referring to patent of Francis Poythress in 1648, it will be noted that at least part of this grant was in 1658 in the possession of William Worsham (1625-1661).]