Poindexter Descendants Association

Welcome!

Please explore our web site, especially the Family History Section.

You may want to participate in our DNA project. Big news: FamilyTree DNA, who we use for testing, has a big sale on now for firt time kits and for upgrades to existing project members. Sale ends December 31, 2012.

If you are a descendant or are researching this family, consider joining our association and share with other members also researching the family's history. Membership also gives you access to our Members Only web content including our genealogical database. Members have access to our password protected area that includes a membership directory, past newsletters and the bylaws.

Don't forget to check out our next Family Reunion in June and our Tour to England and the Isle of Jersey, October 2013.

The Poingdestre family arrived in Jersey as early as 1204 or as late as 1307. Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and is about 14 miles from the west coast of Normandy, France. It is an island, 45 square miles in size, that is self governed and responsible only to the Duke of Normandy (Queen Elizabeth II). Because it is an island and the family owned land and were active in politics, we find many records, both civil and religious, available in archives in Jersey, France and England.

Jersey had been under the rule of the Dukes of Normandy when Duke William became the Conqueror and claimed the thrown of England in 1066. In 1204, King John lost his duchy in a battle to the king of France, Phillip Augustus. The Channel Islands could be loyal to only one king, they choose John in England. Since that date, Jersey has been ruled by the monarchs under their own ancient Viking/Norman laws, and still are to this day. Learn more.

The earliest records our researchers have found for the Poingdestre family is in the Bayeux district of Normandy as early as the 1130's. Ricardus Poingdestre is recorded in the 1185 Pipe Rolls of King John and is listed as a free man. The 1350's is the earlist we have found Poingdestre records on the Isle of Jersey.

The family held a fief on the island since the 1300's until the 1800s. Immigrant George Poindexter was a member of the fief branch of the family in Jersey. Over the past few hundred years, many Poingdestre's have emigrated to other lands, including England, Scottland, Canada, New Zealand, France, Australia, and South Africa, not mention the United States. There are still Poingdestre descendants living in Jersey today.

Don't miss our tour to Jersey and England in October 2013!