From the beginning, Alexander and his brother, Thomas Joyce (1722-1780), had origins in Louisa County, Virginia. Originally appearing in 1747 when Thomas Joyce is recorded in Fredericksville, Parish, as being "of this County," this is the first reference to the Joyce brothers in Virginia. It is possible that during this time that Alexander Joyce had formed his business relationship with an influential Scottish merchant and politician, John Chiswell, one that impacted the future of Alexander. Recorded on August 15, 1748, in Louisa County, Virginia, as a witness to a deed of sale between Thomas Hackett and George Clark, he was already associated with another well-off family, the Henry's.
When George Clark sold his land to Thomas Hackett by Buck Mountain, Alexander Joyce understood that this transaction occurred next to John Henry's property. The father of the American patriot, Patrick Henry, Alexander knew that John Henry and John Chiswell were business associates as well. Later on July 14, 1755, Alexander Joyce is recorded as an attorney for John Chiswell in the sale of 400 acres of land in Halifax County, Virginia. The following year, On June 15, 1756, Alexander is again recorded as an attorney for John Chiswell in the sale of 200 acres of land.
The relationship between John Chiswell, a member of the House of Burgesses, and John Henry, who also was a member of the House of Burgesses is largely unknown. However, Alexander Joyce (1718-1778), must have been well-respected by John Chiswell, since at this time, Chiswell was in debt and trying to sell off his properties.
From Presbyterian Elder of Cub Creek and Buffalo Creek Church to becoming a lawyer, Alexander was seen as a man of influence by his community. From his fellow Scots-Irish, Presbyterians at Cub Creek to elected officials, he had achieved the same level of renown once held by his grandfather, William Joass. For those descended from Alexander today, they can stand proud, knowing the importance he had on the community.
Sorry, but Alexander Joyce is an ancestor of mine also, but he was never an actual attorney. He was simply given power of attorney to sell land for Chiswell. They are two totally different things.