James Binford, Richard Pace and Their Many Relationships

To discover what relationship there was between James Binford and Richard Pace, Jr., records were reviewed to locate where the two men lived in the 1680s, who their neighbors were and with whom they interacted. The records reveal that both men lived in the same area of Charles City Co., VA, and therefore knew a lot of the same people. James Binford lived about a mile west of the Richard Pace, Sr., homestead in 1683. Dr. John Coggin’s property acquired from his step-son, Thomas Boyce, and Emelia Craven lay between the Binford and Pace farms and shared a boundary with the Pace farm. (A map of this area is located on this website.)

On November 20, 1683, Col. Edward Hill was granted 980½ acres in Westover parish in Charles City Co., 680 acres that was lost by James Warrendine for “want of seating,” and an adjoining 380½ acres.(1) His land was adjacent to 1,250 acres on his western boundary that was granted to Major Francis Poythress on the same date. Poythress’ land was surrounded by Sampson Ellis, Henry Batte, John Woodlief, James Munford and Robert Wyatt and was located south of the James river, in Jordan’s parish of Charles City Co. Poythress’ land crossed the great swamp, Horse branch, Ham branch and ran along Dry Bottom run. Col. Hill’s land crossed to the north side of the great Road and ran along the road until it crossed over to the south side of the road to Poythress’ land. Hill’s land was bounded by Roger Tilman, James Binford (1645-aft. 1722) and Robert Abernathy on the east, by James Wallace on the northeast and by Daniel Higdon on the south.

Hannah [-----] Aston married Edward Hill (1610-1663) as her second husband. Major Francis Poythress (1639-1688) married Rebecca Coggin (1660-bef. 1721). Henry Batte (1642-1699) was the father of Mary Batte (c. 1664-1760) who married John Poythress(3) (c. 1661-c. 1730s), son of John Poythress (1640-1712) and Christian Peebles (1656-1717). John Woodlief (1650-1722) was the father of John Woodlief (1673-aft. 1741) who married Mary Poythress(3), the daughter of John Poythress and Christian Peebles. James Munford (1648-1690) married Sarah [Wyatt?] probably the daughter of Robert Wyatt. Munford’s step-father was Captain Morgan Jones. At Munford’s death, his daughter, Wilmoth Munford, was placed under the guardianship of Elizabeth Hamlin Peebles the wife of William Peebles (1670-1727), grandson of Captain David Peebles. Lt. John Bannister died before October 1661 when probate of his will was given to James Wallace (1640-1690) who had married Bannister’s widow, Joan [Wheeler?]. In 1678, James Binford petitioned the court for delivery of land to Sarah, his wife, the daughter of Thomas Chappell. This land was left by Banister to his wife, Joan, for her lifetime and then it was to go to Sarah Chappell. The land was held by James Wallace by right of his wife, Joan, and he agreed that the land should pass to Sarah as heir of Banister. Banister was noted in court records with Richard Baker (1660), John Coggin (1659) and Robert Wynne (1658/9). He also held a lease at Bon Accord (1658/9) that was owned by Captain David Peebles (1593-1659), the father of Christian Peebles Poythress. Richard Baker (1612-1655) was Richard Pace, Sr.’s father-in-law (1638-1678). Roger Tilman (1650-1704) married Winifred Austin and Susannah Hunt Parham, the daughter of William Hunt. Tilman’s daughter, Christine, married Robert Abernathy (1656-1730), son of Captain Robert Abernathy (1632-1685) and Sarah Cubisha. Merchant’s Hope church is located adjacent to modern Highway 641 and south of Highway 10 on the emigrant Robert Abernathy’s 100 acres. Daniel Higdon (1660-1739) and Charles Goodrich, Sr. (1654-1726), shared a boundary with Major Francis Poythress on the north side of their properties. Daniel Higdon shared a boundary with Richard Pace, Sr. (1638-1678), on his eastern line and Francis Poythress also shared a boundary with Pace. Pace’s southern boundary bordered Daniel Higdon, Roger Reese (1660-1738) and John Williams. Pace’s homestead was about one mile north of this property and was adjacent to Dr. John Coggin (1621-1698) and Richard Baker, later John Jane (bef. 1650-1697) and wife Elizabeth Tye (1650-1697). Charles Goodrich, Sr. (1654-1726) and his wife, Elizabeth, were the parents of Annie who married John Hamlin, Jr. (1685-1725). Annie Goodrich’s brother, Edward Goodrich (1688-1720), married Margaret Wynne. Their daughter, Mary, married Roger Tillman (1705-aft. 1732). Charles Goodrich, Sr.’s last wife was Mary Eppes, the widow of John Hardyman (1654-1711). Mary Epes was the sister of Littlebury Eppes (1665-1743) who bought 500 acres from Joshua Wynne who had bought the property from Rebecca Coggin Poythress (1660-bef. 1721). Many of the men mentioned above, of militia age, would have been under the command of Col. Edward Hill when mustered, drilling or called to arms. All of these people lived in a small area of Prince George Co. shown on the map on this website. Their property locations, intermarriages and court records provide insight into the many relationships. As was the case in colonial Virginia, neighbors married neighbors and near neighbors and this was evident in the familial relationships of those involved with James Binford and the Pace family.

On May 1, 1706, Richard Pace was granted 640 acres on the northeast side of the Moratocke river (Roanoke) in Chowan precinct of Albemarle Co. in NC. His eastern boundary bordered James Binford’s land and his southwestern boundary ran along the Roanoke river.(2)

Richard Pace, Jr., and his family never lived on this land. James Binford, who owned the neighboring property, was known by Richard Pace as they lived near each other in Virginia. Pace used this land on the Roanoke river in his trade business. He and his brother, John, an Indian trader, made many trips to this property from his home in Virginia.

On May 1, 1707, Joshua Wynne, John Hamlin and James Binford witnessed a deed for 176 acres at Jones Hole and the mouth of Reedy branch that ran between William Rains plantation and Captain Mallory’s plantation sold by James and Mary Salmon, of Surry Co., to William Rains, of Westover parish in Prince George Co. On the reverse of this deed, William Rains gave land to his sons, Richard and Thomas.(3) 

Joshua Wynne (1661-1715) was the son of Robert Wynne (1622-1678) and Mary [Sloman?] Poythress Wynne. John Hamlin (c. 1640-bef. 1720) married Elizabeth Taylor (c. 1660-1720), the daughter of Richard Taylor and Sarah Barker. Thomas Mallory (1635-1678), the husband of Mary, was the son of Thomas Mallory (1605-1671) and father of Francis Mallory (1665-1719) who married Elizabeth Goodrich. John Hardyman (1654-1711) married Mary Eppes. Their daughter, Mary, possibly married John Poythress (1681-1724) and their daughter, Lucy, possibly married Joshua Poythress (1688-1740). Their son, John Hardyman, (1686-1738) was the husband of Henrietta Maria Taylor. William Raines (Rainey) (1666-1722) married Elizabeth Shands and their son, Richard Raines, married Jane Williamson. William Steward, the son of Charles and Anne Pace Steward, married Mary Shands, granddaughter of John Roberts whose property was very near the property of Richard Pace, Jr., in 1724. John Roberts’ land separated William Raines’ land from Richard Pace’s 1,220 acres.

On June 16, 1714, James Binford was granted 261 acres in Prince George Co. near Merchant’s Hope upon the poplar level called Robert Jones’ level beginning at the fork of the cross swamp, land that had escheated from the late John Banister and was surveyed by Robert Bolling, October, 1703. On March 23, 1715, James Binford was granted property halfway between Richard Pace’s 1719 property and Pace’s 1724 property in Surry Co.

On November 8, 1720, Francis Poythress the Elder, of Westover parish in Prince George Co., son of Major Francis Poythress and Rebecca Coggin, sold 150 acres called Powell’s to his brother, John Poythress, Jr., of Westover parish. The land was bounded by Richard Bland on the north and by land on the south “lately in the occupation” of Joseph Patterson, easterly on the Deep Bottom and westerly on the land of his brother, Thomas Poythress. The witnesses were Edward and Margaret Goodrich and Thomas Binford.(4) 

Francis Poythress, Sr. (1677-1754) married [Hannah?] Worsham, daughter of John Worsham (1653-1729) and Phoebe Burton. John Poythress, Jr. (1681-1724), married Mary [Hardyman?]. Thomas Poythress (1683-1749) married Elizabeth Pleasants Cocke. Edward Goodrich (1693-1720) married Margaret Wynne (1694-1729) the daughter of Joshua Wynne and Mary Jones. Richard Bland’s (1665-1720) son, Richard Bland II (1710-1776), married Anne Poythress, the daughter of Peter Poythress (1674-1762) and Ann Jones. Thomas Binford, (1705-1752) the son of James Binford, married Elizabeth Kinsey.

On July 4, 1722, James Binford, of Martins Brandon in Prince George Co., sold 150 acres in Lawnes Creek parish in Surry Co. on the lower side of Three Creek to Nathaniel Harrison, Esq. (1677-1727). The land was originally granted to James Binford on March 23, 1715. The witnesses were William Cocke, William Short, John Poythress, John Woodlief, John Hamlin, Charles Lucas, James Baker and John Hardyman.(5)

The Will of William Short (1694-1757), of Southwark parish in Surry Co., May 15, 1757, mentioned daughter, Sarah Cocke, and children, William Cocke, Susannah Cocke, Sarah Cocke, Elizabeth Cocke; son-in-law, Joshua Poythress (1720-1782), daughter Mary Poythress’ children, Joshua Poythress (1751-1794), William Poythress (1753-1794), and Elizabeth Poythress (1795-aft. 1795); daughter Martha Reade; wife Martha Short; son William Short; nephew William Harris.

On February 1, 1726, Margaret Wynne Goodrich, widow of Edward Goodrich, sold 100 acres to Abraham Odium in Prince George Co. bounded westerly on the old Town run, northerly on Philip Jane, easterly on Edward Hill, deceased, and southerly by Richard Pace (1690-1759). On April 4, 1728, William Binford, Timothy Rives and Richard Flewelling witnessed the sale of 100 acres from Abraham Odium to Bernard Sykes in Prince George Co. This was the exact same land Odium bought from Margaret Goodrich in 1726.

William Binford was the son of Thomas (1705-1752) and Elizabeth Binford and grandson of James Binford. Philip Jane (1684-1719) was the first cousin of Rebecca Poythress (1678-aft. 1721). Richard Pace (1690-1759) was the nephew of Richard (1665-1738) and Rebecca Pace (1679-aft. 1736). Timothy Rives (1670-1719) was a younger brother of George Rives (1660-1719) who leased land from Charles Bartholomew (1654-bef. 1721) and Rebecca Coggin Poythress Bartholomew (1660-bef. 1721). On July 10, 1759, Bernard Sykes, Catherine Short and Richard Cate were witnesses to a deed from Joseph Halsey to John Gramer adjoining John Bonner’s line, a line that was made by Thomas Eldridge, John Lovesay and Francis Pace (1718-1791). Francis Pace was a grand nephew of Richard and Rebecca Pace. In 1721, Burrell Green, Anne Bartholomew Green and Francis Poythress sold 200 acres on Easterly run to Abraham Odium.

On July 2, 1759, in Prince George Co., a report for the Dower of Mary Binford, widow of Joseph Peoples, deceased, was returned to the Court by George Noble, Thomas Poythress, Joseph Carter and Holmes Boisseau.(6) On July 11, 1759, in Prince George Co., by order of the Court, Mary Binford, widow of Joseph Peeples (1716-1752) was assigned her third of his estate (£38/5/11) by George Noble, Thomas Poythress, Joseph Carter and Holmes Boisseau.(7)

Mary Barker Peebles married William Binford on July 18, 1756, in Pr. Geo. Co. Thomas Poythress (1729-1800) was the son of Thomas (1683-1749) and Elizabeth Poythress. Joseph Carter lived on Richard Pace’s plantation in 1718 in addition to Edward Crossland, Thomas Kirkland and Michael Rosser, Sr. Richard Pace was a nephew of Richard and Rebecca Pace. On November 11, 1718, three deeds involving Francis Poythress, Richard Pace and Thomas Goodwynne (1665-1730) were witnessed by Peter Wynne (1688-1770), John Bonner and Thomas Poythress (1683-1749). This land was bounded by Peter Grammar. Peter Wynne, the son of Joshua Wynne and Mary Jones, married Frances Anderson. In 1752, James Boisseau, Francis Pace and Jesse Bonner were witnesses of Thomas Burge’s will. Thomas (1675-1751) and Mary Burge were the parents of Sarah who married John Pace (1725-1780), the brother of Francis Pace. In 1754, the estate of Arthur Biggins, Jr. owed debts to Joseph Carter, Ann Pace and the late Francis Poythress. John Woodlief was an administrator for the estate. Ann Pace (1720-1791) was the wife of Francis Pace and possibly the daughter of [Arthur?] Biggins. In 1718, Arthur Biggins sold 50 acres on the main run of the Great Swamp, bounded easterly on James Pace, the brother of Richard Pace, Sr. Edward Goodrich was a witness to this sale. Joseph Peebles was the great grandson of Captain David Peebles.

There were many relationships identifiable in the records. The Poythress and kindred families knew the Pace family. James Binford lived very near Richard Pace in 1683 in Charles City Co. and they held adjacent lands in Bertie Co., NC, in 1706. Binford sold 150 acres on the lower side of Three Creek in 1722 in Surry Co. This land was 3½ miles east of Richard Pace’s 1718 property. There is no doubt that Binford and Pace knew each other.

[Most of the birth and death dates are approximations.]

(1) Chas. City Co., VA, PB 7, p. 338-339, grant to Edward Hill, 20 Nov 1683. 

(2) Chowan Co., NC, DB C-1, p. 75, grant to Richard Pace, 1 May 1706.

(3) Pr. Geo., James & Mary Salmon to William Rains, 7 May 1707.

(4) Pr. Geo. Co. VA, Deed, p. 425, Francis Poythress to John Poythress, 8 Nov 1720.

(5) Surry Co., VA, Deeds, Wills, Estate Accounts & Inventories, p. 420, James Binford to Nathaniel Harrison, 4 July 1722.

(6) Pr. Geo. Co. records, Bk 1759-1760, Wm. and Mary Quarterly, Jan. 1931, p. 42, Report of Dower, Mary Binford, 2 July 1759.

(7) Pr. Geo. Records, Wills & Deeds, 1759-1760, p. 116, Order of Court, Mary Binford, 11 July 1759.

Charles City Co. to Prince George Co., VA

 No in-depth maps exist for the late 17th century or early 18th century for Charles City Co./Prince George Co., VA, 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 are 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 the west side by the Blackwater swamp. Thomas Bailey's 100 acres and Captain Francis Poythress' 750 acres were bordered on the 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 Co. and Prince George Co. 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 homestead 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 and 1700s.

Jones, Green, Bradford, Aycock, Lane and Pace Relationships

James Jones, Sr., and Philip Jones, sons of Henry Jones, Sr., and Catherine Judkins, married sisters, Frances and Rebecca Bradford, granddaughters of Richard and Rebecca Pace. Philip died in 1760. His will was recorded in Johnston Co., NC. He had six children including Captain Etheldred Jones. Rebecca Bradford Jones married as her second husband, John Wrench, Sr., in 1764. The first mention of James Jones, Sr., was in his father’s 1733 will.

John Green, the brother of Robert and William and son of John Green, Sr., was married to Amy Pace by 1725. Amy was the daughter of Richard and Rebecca Pace and the sister of Rebecca Pace who married John Bradford and William Aycock. Rebecca Pace Bradford Aycock was the mother of Frances and Rebecca Bradford.

In 1725, Henry and Catherine Jones sold Peter Poythress land on Flat Swamp in Surry Co. and moved to their 640 acres on Oconeechee Neck on the Roanoke river in NC. Henry Jones, Sr., was deceased by 1739. Henry Jones, Jr., gifted 240 acres of his father’s land to his brother, James, and 230 acres to his brother, Philip, in 1739. Philip Jones’ land adjoined Barnaby Melton’s land. Barnaby Melton’s wife, Mary, was a first cousin of Rebecca Aycock and a cousin to her children. William Pace was at the estate sale of Henry Jones, Sr., in 1740, with James and Philip Jones. Peter Poythress was Rebecca Poythress’ first cousin.

Sarah Bradford (-d. bef. 1790) married Joseph Lane and Winifred Aycock married Jesse Lane. Both men were sons of Joseph Lane and Patience McKinne, the daughter of Barnaby McKinne and Mary Ann Exum. Frances, Rebecca, Sarah Bradford and Winifred Aycock were all daughters of Rebecca Pace Bradford Aycock. Winifred married December 16, 1755, and Rebecca and Frances married before they left Northampton Co. in 1748. Frances died by 1759. James Jones was married to his second wife, Mary [------], by 1764.

James Jones’ land in Johnston Co., NC, on Swift creek was adjacent to the land of William Aycock on Marlowe’s creek prior to 1756. In 1765, when James Aycock, son of William, sold 50 acres on the north side of Swift creek, his witnesses were his brother, Richard Aycock, and his nephew, Philip Jones. In 1765, Philip Jones and Richard Aycock were deputies under Sheriff John McCullers of Johnston Co. Philip Jones was the son of James Jones, Sr., and Frances Bradford, and Richard Aycock, was the son of William Aycock and Rebecca Pace, the mother of Frances Bradford Jones. In 1770, Sheriff Philip Jones, of Johnston Co., deeded 500 acres on the south side of the Neuse river to Richard Aycock.

John Bradford, the brother of Rebecca and Frances, had a daughter, Tabitha, who married Thomas Wootten who was an executor of James Aycock’s will. James Aycock and John Bradford were half-brothers. Tabitha Bradford Wootten was Rebecca and Frances Bradford’s niece.

4/4/24

Who Did Richard & Rebecca Pace’s Children Marry?

     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

Rebecca Poythress and Richard Pace

 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?

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 bnefore 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

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.

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