Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 1.djvu/344

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

about 1633. and patented lands on James river, in that part of Charles City county now known as Prince George. He was bur- gess for Charles City county in 1645 and 1647, and for Northumberland county in 1649. He had the rank of captain. He mar- ried, and had a daughter who married Thomas Rolfe and a son Francis.

Poythress, John, was son of Alajor Fran- cis Poythress, of Charles City county, and grandson of the immigrant, Captain Francis Poythress. He was burgess for Prince George county in 1723 and 1726.

Poythress, Peter, of "Flower de Hun- dred." Prince George county, was son of John Poythress, and was member of the house of burgesses from Prince George from 1768 to 1775, and also member of the revolutionary conventions of 1774, 1775 ^"^ 1776. He was also a member of the house of delegates. His only daughter and heiress Anne, born December 13, 1712, died April 9. 1758, married Richard Bland, of Jordan's Point, Prince George county.

Prentis, William, was a prominent mer- chant of Williamsburg. He married Mary Brooke, daughter of John Brooke. He died about 1769, leaving among other sons Joseph Prentis, a prominent patriot of the revolution, and for many years judge of {he general court.

Presley, Peter, son of Peter Presley (q. v.), lived at "Northumberland House," Nor- thumberland county. He was a justice of the peace and lieutenant-colonel of the militia, and a burgess for Northumberland from 171 1 to 1748, about which time he was murdered by two of his white servants. His will was proved September 10, 1750.

He married Winifred Griffin, daughter of Colonel Leroy Griffin, and left an only daughter, Winifred, who married Anthony Thornton. His grandson Colonel Presley Thornton ( q. v.), inherited all the Presley estates and was member of the council 1760- 1769.

Presley, Peter, son of William Presley (q. v.), was burgess for Northumberland county in 1677, 1684, 1691, also one of the justices of the county. He was father of Peter Presley, of "Northumberland House."

Presley, William, son of W^illiam Pres- ley (q. v.), was burgess in the long assem- bly 1661-1675, but was returned to Bacon's a^embly in June, 1676. After the restor- ation of Berkeley, he was again a repre- sentative and is remembered for his saying that "he believed that the governor would have hanged half the country, if they had let him alone."

Presley, William, was an early inhabitant of Northumberland county and was burgess in 1647, 1648. He died in 1657, leaving two sons, William (q. v.), and Peter (q. v.).

Preston, William, was son of Rev. Wil- liam Preston, of Brougham, Westmoreland county, England. He was master of arts of Queen's College, Oxford. In 1752 he came to Virginia and became professor of moral philosophy in William and Mary College. In 1755 he was minister of James City par- ish. In 1757 he resigned and went back to England where he was rector of Ormside and died in 1778. He married Mary Tyler, daughter of John Tyler, of James City county, Virginia.

Preston, William, son of John Preston, a