The compilation of the accompanying data, while by no means complete, is the result of several years of research and effort. In the beginning, the data was collected for the compiler’s own satisfaction and pleasure, without any thought of publication, until others, learning of the material that had been collected, urged that it be put into book form. The compiler does not pretend to be a genealogist and knows this book is imperfect in many ways, but it is offered to those concerned, hoping it may prove of interest and inspire some of you, of the younger generation, to do further research and find some of the “missing links.”
Many events respecting some of our ancestors lie buried in darkness and oblivion. Few records were kept in the days between 1750 and 1790, and those that were kept have sometimes been burned in courthouses. The dead were buried in farm or plantation graveyards and, in many of them, not even the tombstones have lasted.
Data for the first three generations has been taken from authentic court records, census records, and other records officially filed in state and national archives, and in genealogical and historical societies. For subsequent generations, the compiler has had to rely on information furnished by many interested members of the family.
To those who have responded to requests for data, the compiler extends her sincerest thanks. The information given by them has aided greatly in making a continuous and connected record. The compiler is also very deeply grateful to Mr. Colin James of Denver, Colorado, for all his help, advice, and encouragement. From across the country, he is mainly responsible for this effort’s finally reaching the printer.
Do not be intimidated by the “facts” you find here which you think are wrong. Even the most carefully compiled genealogy will have some errors, and the compiler will appreciate being corrected and will welcome any additional data.
If you do not find your family in this volume, you are referred to three other Poston genealogies:
1. Elias B. Poston And His Ancestors
(With a Record of His Descendants), published in 1942 by Elias Olin James and Mrs. Glenna J. Mosgrove.[1]
2. John Hamill Poston, His Ancestors
AND DESCENDANTS, published in 1959 by Colin James.[2]
3. Poston Genealogy (North
CAROLINA), described as being prepared by Mr. James at the time of the compilation.[3]
Citations in this section
References used in this section are linked to the book’s source layer. Source descriptions preserve the published wording and evidence cautions.
- Endnote 1 — Reference cited in compilation: ELIAS B. POSTON AND HIS ANCESTORS (With a Record of His Descendants), published 1942.
- Endnote 2 — Reference cited in compilation: JOHN HAMILL published 1959.
- Endnote 3 — Reference cited in compilation: POSTON GENEALOGY (NORTH CAROLINA), described as in preparation at the time.