George Poingdestre/Poindexter George's lineage can be found here: 1627 - 1690 George was christened on December 23 1627, in the Church of St. Saviour, Isle of Jersey. Godparents were, Thomas Poingdestre and Marie Effard. Parents, were Thomas Poingdestre and Elizabeth Effard. He was the youngest son born to the elder brother of scholar Jean (John) Poingdestre. He was no boy when he made that first Atlantic crossing, being a man of thirty years. In 1657, during the Cromwellian revolt, immigrated to Virginia with his cousin Peter Effard and his Uncle Jean Poindexter. He and George Thompson were issued a land grant consisting of 350 acres in Gloucester County at the head of Eagle Nest Creek in Milford Haven, adjoining the lands of Richard Long and Conglins. The above grant was for the transport of seven persons: Mary Joanes, one Negro, Elizabeth Depthford, Jno. ___?, Alex Duncombe, Christian Bensly, and James Knuckley. In 1659, George Poindexter was listed as a resident of Middle Plantation, Virginia Colony,York Co, VA. It is possible that George made one or more trips back to Jersey, particularly after the return of Crown rule in 1659, and especially as George may not have brought his family with him. Ten years later in 1667, George and another partner, Otto Thorpe, bought 850 acres of land at Middle Plantation, what is now Williamsburg, in early 1673, apparently George's wife made the crossing and joined him in Virginia. With her probably came the last of their children, now grown or nearly so. Although one assumes his beginnings may have been rather humble, one must keep in mind that the Poindexters were a family of some standing. Perhaps letters of introduction or other favorable words ensured that he meet the "right" people, but certainly his own industry and enterprise made his place, in the new land. Within the first ten or fifteen years, George established himself as a merchant and planter, and is said to have been a joint owner of several ships with Nathaniel Bacon. It was upon the land Poindexter and Thorpe held that Bacon led his 1676 uprising of Virginia farmers against colonial authorities. Bacon and his followers accused Virginia governor Sir William Berkele, of failure to protect them from Indian raids, on what was then truly wild frontier. They formed their own army and dealt their own justice to raiding tribes. Nathaniel Bacon and his motley army next occupied Virginia’s capital city, Jamestown where they demanded governmental reforms. Indian fighting drew them away again for a time, but then Bacon captured Jamestown once more. Apparently failing to get the desired government response to the farmers' demands, he and his army then burned the city. They retreated to Gloucester, but once there, illness suddenly claimed Bacon’s life. With his death the rebellion collapsed. George Poindexter's own part in all this, beyond the use of his land, remains unknown. Upon the founding of Bruton Parish at Williamsburg, George was elected to the first vestry in 1679. A memorial plaque to his contributions remains upon the wall of the present-day Bruton Parish Church. His name appears frequently in the records of Bruton Parish, proving he was quite active in his church. In those days, church work included such varied things as distributions to the poor, care of orphans or unwed mothers, and the construction of houses, roads, or hospitals. True to his family heritage, George Poindexter was an active and integral member of his community. About 1685, between the Pamunky and Chickahominy rivers, George built Criss-Cross an elegant mansion for so early of time, with a great hall, several bed chambers a wine cellar and a decorated Tudor tower. Criss-Cross is one of the sixth oldest houses in Virginia in present New Kent County. Later additions to the home lent it the shape of a cross, giving it the name "Christs Cross," or "Criss Cross." Built entirely of Flemish brick on a timber frame, the, elegant and sturdy structure today stands as an encapsulation of Virginia architecture over at least a century’s time. Criss Cross passed from Poindexter hands about 1870, and today is a private residence. In New Kent County, George again appears among the founders of another parish, that of St. Peters. He was a member of the first vestry, which met at his home until the completion of St. Peter's Church in 1701. George continued to appear as churchwarden, vestryman, and processioner, until he declined in 1690. He left a legacy which would help shape the progress of a new nation. Greater detailed information pertaining to George is linked here. Return To The Homepage Charlemagne Jean Poingdestre 1609-1691 George Littleton Poindexter, Governor of Mississippi 1779-1853 Reverend James Preston Poindexter 1819-1907 Poindexter Military Roll of Honor John A. Poindexter, Colonel, CSA 1825-1869 James E. Poindexter, Captain , CSA 1839-1911 Meredith Poindexter Gentry, Congressman 1809-1866 Joseph Boyd Poindexter, Governor of Hawaii 1869-1951 Miles Poindexter, Ambassador 1868-1946 John Marlan Poindexter, Admiral (Retired) Alan G. Poindexter, Astronaut, USN John B. Poindexter, Captain, USA Return To Other Notable Poindexters E-mail Stories Or Just To Say Hello!