A Genealogical Analysis of the Lineage from John Poston of Pennsylvania

By Eric Chalmers Poston

Part I: The Genesis of an American Family

Introduction: An American Narrative

The history of the Poston family in South Carolina epitomizes the American experience. It traces their lineage from 18th-century England to the colonial settlements in Pennsylvania, and further south along the major migration routes into the Carolina back-country.

The primary documentation of this lineage is the 1965 genealogy, A Poston Family of South Carolina, compiled by Erma Poston Landers. Her work meticulously details the family's transatlantic origins, their pioneering contributions on the American frontier, and the intricate kinship network that shaped their legacy.

Section 1: The Immigrant Ancestor

John Poston of Chester County

The forebear of this branch was John Poston, who arrived in the colonies in the early 18th century. His legacy is pieced together through land warrants, tax lists, and a pivotal last will and testament.

European Origins and Migration

Though his exact parentage is unknown, evidence suggests Shropshire, England. Records of the "Poston" surname appear there as early as 1623. Notably, a John Poston sailed from Liverpool in 1703; while he arrived in Maryland, his Shropshire roots affirm the regional origins of the Pennsylvania patriarch.

Editorial Note: Landers’ ability to differentiate between the Pennsylvania and Maryland lines demonstrates significant genealogical precision, avoiding the common mistake of merging distinct family lines.

Settlement in Pennsylvania

John Poston established his residence on a branch of Octoraro Creek in Chester County.

• 1722: First official record in the Chester County Tax List (Sadsbury Township).

• 1733: Formal land survey conducted.

• 1744: Granted a patent for 274.5 acres in Fallowfield Township for approximately 42 pounds.

  
  

The Last Will and Testament (1745)

Dated December 8, 1745, this document confirms his wife, Martha, and their four children. The assets listed in the 1747 inventory—spinning wheels, livestock, and tools—depict a self-sufficient agrarian lifestyle.

Section 2: The Great Southern Migration

The migration to the Carolina frontier was motivated by economic "push and pull" factors. By the mid-18th century, Pennsylvania land had become expensive and densely populated.

The Journey South

The Postons traveled the "Great Philadelphia Wagon Road," a major route stretching from Pennsylvania through the Great Valley of Virginia down to the Yadkin River valley.

• The Method: Sturdy Conestoga wagons.

• The Cargo: Household goods, women, and children inside; men and boys driving cattle alongside.

  
  

A Pivotal Transition (1766)

On September 2, 1766, John Poston² (son of the immigrant) and his wife, Margaret Baldridge, sold their Pennsylvania homestead. This sale marked their commitment to the South. Tragically, Margaret died shortly after, leaving John² to lead his children—including future South Carolina progenitors John³ and Anthony³—into the "wilderness."

Table 1: The First Three Generations

Generation	Individual(s)	Key Details
First (Immigrant)	John¹ Poston & Martha	Settled in Chester Co., PA by 1722; d. ca. 1747.
Second	John² Poston & Margaret Baldridge	Initiated migration south in 1766.
Third (SC Progenitors)	John³ & Anthony³ Poston	Settled in Marion District, SC; established the two main branches.

Part II: The South Carolina Progenitors

Section 3: The Senior Lineage (John Poston, b. 1755)

John Poston³ served as a private in the Revolutionary War under General Francis Marion. This service solidified the family's place in the history of the new nation.

• The Thomas Poston Family: Known for the "Preacher Tom" line and alliances with the Coleman family.

• The John (Jack) Poston Family: Noted for secondary migrations to Georgia (Decatur County) and Florida.

• The James Poston Family: Prominent in the Pamplico area; provided crucial oral histories.

  
  

Section 4: The Junior Lineage (Anthony Poston, b. 1760)

This branch resolved a long-standing mystery: the "Andrew" tradition. Landers discovered that "Anthony" was the original name, which evolved into "Andrew" in later oral traditions.

• Hugh Poston (1791–1846): Fathered 11 children, establishing the most prolific sub-branches in the region.

• The Simon Poston Family: Established influential lines in the Prospect and Johnsonville communities.

  
  

Part III: Allied Families

Section 5: The Daniels Kinship Network

The most significant alliance was with the Daniels family. James Greenfield Daniels, a "Yankee Peddler" from Connecticut, arrived in Marion County around 1820. Through three marriages, Daniels produced a large family that intermarried extensively with the Postons. These unions were a strategic means to consolidate land, resources, and social influence in rural South Carolina.

Table 2: Daniels-Poston Intermarriages

Child of James G. Daniels	Poston Spouse	Lineage
Elizabeth Daniels	Josiah R. Poston	Descendant of John³
Hannah Daniels	James Rayford Poston	Descendant of John³
Jane Daniels	Andrew Poston	Descendant of Anthony³
Sarah (Sally) Daniels	Hugh Poston	Descendant of Anthony³

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience

From the hills of Shropshire to the Sun Belt, the Poston family narrative is characterized by a persistent pioneering spirit. Whether crossing the Atlantic or the "wilderness" of the Carolinas, the family remained rooted in the land and committed to military and civic service.

The 1965 work of Erma Poston Landers remains the foundation of this history. By rectifying oral traditions with primary source evidence, she preserved a legacy that continues to define the Poston family of South Carolina today.

Works Cited

1. https://www.postonpreserve.com/book

2. https://www.postonpreserve.com/_files/ugd/2a6dbf_a95af5ec991f42868f1837a6d65f9481.pdf?index=true

3. https://www.postonpreserve.com/_files/ugd/2a6dbf_cc48d453ae164c269c06b0e9939251d8.pdf?index=true

   
   

The Importance of Preservation

As we reflect on the Poston family's journey, we recognize the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The Poston Preserve stands as a testament to this commitment. It aims to honor and continue its 250-year family legacy by maintaining a private, 300-acre nature sanctuary. This sanctuary is dedicated to conservation, sustainable land management, and quiet outdoor recreation. It ensures that the natural character of this land is preserved for future generations.

Through our efforts, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the beauty of nature. The Poston Preserve is not just a place; it is a vision for a sustainable future, where the past and present coexist harmoniously.

In closing, let us remember that every family story is interwoven with the land. The Poston family's legacy is a reminder of our responsibility to nurture and protect the environment for those who will come after us.