Individual Details
David Potts
(May 1700 - 25 May 1768)
farmer, quaker
David Potts was born about 1700 in Germantown, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. He died on May 1, 1768 in Loudoun Co., Virginia. The Potts Family in American, 1901, T. M. Potts page 226 - was born about the year 1700, as nearly as can be e stimated. He was without doubt the son of Jonas and Mary Potts, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, though no record of birth has been found. All the traditions and statements of aged members of differenet lines of the family point to that conclusion. These allegations, summed up, may be included in the following . The Potts family came to Pennsylvania from Wales - some allege, with William Penn. They lived at or about Pottsgrove, where their ancestor owned a plantation to which the Viriginia descendants were heirs. (Note: Jonas Potts owned and occupied a farm in Gilberts Manor, which adjoined Pottsgrove. It is not certain that he ever secured a full title to this land, and no deed of conveyance from him or his legal representatives has been found. Such a tradition might easily grow from such a foundation). One tradition, in a collateral line, alleges that Jonah or Jonas Potts came to Pennsylvania from Wales. Another tradition allege s that the Potts' were driven from Wales by reason of religious oppression.
The first notice of David Potts is as subscribing witness to the marriage certificates of the two daughters of Jonas Potts in 1719.
The "Pennsylvania Gazette," of May 27, 1731, contains the following advertisement. "Run away from David Potts, as Socken above the Great Swamp, (NOTE: The Great Swamp was a marshy tract of land in the upper end of Bucks County, including the village of Quakertown. Saucon is the name of a creek emptying from the south-west into the Lehigh River, a few miles below Bethlehem. Before the year 1730, some Philadelphia speculators bought up large tracts of the rich lands in the Saucon valley and sold it out in smaller parcels. It seems quite likely that David Potts was then living in the Saucon Valley, within limits of either the present Lehigh or Northampton County). A Servant Boy named John Williams, about seventeen Years of Age, of swarthy complexion, has black Hair, and two Molds on his Forehead. Had on a brown linsey-woolsey Jacket, Leather Breehes, a pair of Shoe packs, and Stockings footed White. He is supposed to have with him a Big Bay Horse, with a Switch Tail, and a Star in the Forehead, a helf crop and a half penny in the Ear, and branded on the near Shoulder I P with a Dagger, over it. Whoever secures him and gives notice to George Shoemaker, Innkeeper, in Philadelphia, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and Reasonable Charges paid, by DAVID POTTS." The brand I P may have been the initials of Jonas Potts, who probably contributed to his son's start in life.
David Potts of Loudoun County, Virginia and his
descendants.
He is believed to have moved to that region around 1735, settling in the area where
Cabletown now stands.
He was married twice, first to Elizabeth Lane, daughter of Edward Lane of Perkioman,
now Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. . Elizabeth was born about 1699 and died about 1734
in Cabletown, Jefferson Co. Virginia. His second wife was Ann R. Roberts(?) familiarly known
as Nancy. She was born about 1715 and died after 1771. David Potts died about 1 May 1768 and
is believed to have been buried in the family graveyard on his property in Loudoun County,
Virginia. According to TMP, "...the family attained to considerable wealth and high social
position in northern Virginia, but was greatly impoverished by the ravages of the Civil War."
he was in Fairfax County in 1746, when he leased a tract of land from Catesby Cocke, for five shillings in hand paid, with power to purchase. The lease wasdated, November 16, 1746, and covered a tract of 866 acres on Kittockton Run, in Fairfax County. The annual rental was one ear of Indain corn. Subsequently Catesby Cocke and Mary, his wife, conveyed the same by deed to David Potts, who is therein described as yeoman. (Note: These abstracts have been taken from the Land Office records of Fairfax County, Virginia.) On June 9, 1747, David Potts leased for one year, 333 acres, part of this same tract, to William Williams, at an annual rental of one ear of Indian corn. Subsequently David Potts, and Ann R., his wife, sold the same to Williams.
David Potts was taken under the care of Fairfax Monthly Meeting on 10 mo. 31, 1748, as shown by the following minute of that date. "David Potts having been for a considerable time under the care and notice of Friends, now requests to be received as a member in unity, and nothing appearing to obstruct, his request was granted." At the same meeting his sons Jonas and Jonathan Potts were also received into membership, and his daughter Ann Potts appeared in the declaration of inteded marriage with John Vestal. As David's other children were afterwards recognized as members of the meeting, it is probable that his own acciptance carried with it that of his minor children.
Abstract of the Will of David Potts of Loudoun County, VA.6
In his will, dated 25th day of 4th Month A. Domini 1768, David made the following bequests:
1. To sons Ezekiel and Nathan Potts—273 acres, the plantation where I now live.
2. To my Wife Ann Potts my half of the Mill until she marries or dies, then to Ezekiel and
Nathan. Also a Negro lad, horse, cows and various furniture and household items.
3. To son Jonas Potts—one half of the Mill and 150 acres where he now lives
4. To son Samuel Potts—195 acres where he now lives, and my Negro lad after my wife
marries or dies, then he shall pay £15 to my Grand Daughter Christian Pearson and £10 to be
distributed among all my daughters.
5. To son Jonas Potts—I give the plantation which I formerly gave to my son Jonathan,
situated at the Gap of the Short Hill containing 155 acres, since purchased of Jonathan by Jonas.
6. To son David Potts—310 acres where he now lives.
7. To my daughter Mary Bagus—the Sorrel Mare, one cow, saddle and various household
items.
8. To my daughter Rachel Potts—a horse and saddle, two cows and various household items.
9. To my daughter Susanah Potts—the same items given to Rachel.
10. To my son Jonathan Potts—40 acres in Fredericks County near Warm Springs known by
the name Biles Cabbin, and 50 acres adjoining
11. Appoints his sons Samuel and David Potts his Executors.
Proved at a court held for Loudoun County May 9, 1768.
David Potts was twice married. He first married Elizabeth Lane, probably in Pennsylvania. She was, evidently, a daughter of Edward Lane, of Perkioman. (NOTE: The Lane Family. Edward Lane, son of William Lane of Bristol, England, was a landholder and resident of Perkiomen, (Now in Montgomery County). He married Ann Richardson, and died in 1710, leaving a widow, and the following children, 1. James, 2. William, 3. Samuel, 4. Elizabeth, 5. Christian, (or Christiana), 6. Ellinor, 7. Ann. Perkiomen was in the neighborhood of Gilberts Manor, and the Lanes and Jonas Potts family did not live far apart. There was no other Lane family in the neighborhood. Among the descendants of David and Elizabeth (Lane) Potts are found such names as Edward, Christian, etc., evidently introduced from the Lane fmaily, as they are not found in the Potts family prior to this marriage.) She is said to have been a woman of fair complexion, and was familiarly known as "Betty." His second wife was Ann R., whose maiden name has not come to notice. She was a woman of dark complexion, and was familiarly know as "Nancy."
This will was proven and recorded May 9, 1768. John Osburn and William Dillon were the Executors' bondsmen, who were held in the sum of L1000. Anne Potts, (widow), of the Parish of Cameron, County of Loudoun, was still living on May 13, 1771, when she executed a deed of gift to her son Samuel Potts, for "a negro Lad, named Austin."
Though the family were of the peaceful Society of Friends, some of them were given to settling disputes in a worldly, and sometimes in a summary manner. Some went so far as to join military companies, and to engage in light amusements, contrary to the teaching and practice of the Scoiety. For these "outgoings" they sometimes made acceptable acknowledgments. At present all or nearly all are adherents of other religious denominations. The family attained to considerable wealth and high position in northern Virginia. They were, however, greatly impoverished by the ravages of the Civil War.
The Potts Family in Great Britain and America, 1901 by Thomas Maxwell Potts
He removed to Virginia, perhaps about 1745.
(
David Potts was born about 1700 in Germantown, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. He died on May 1, 1768 in Loudoun Co., Virginia. The Potts Family in American, 1901, T. M. Potts page 226 - was born about the year 1700, as nearly as can be e stimated. He was without doubt the son of Jonas and Mary Potts, of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, though no record of birth has been found. All the traditions and statements of aged members of differenet lines of the family point to that conclusion. These allegations, summed up, may be included in the following . The Potts family came to Pennsylvania from Wales - some allege, with William Penn. They lived at or about Pottsgrove, where their ancestor owned a plantation to which the Viriginia descendants were heirs. (Note: Jonas Potts owned and occupied a farm in Gilberts Manor, which adjoined Pottsgrove. It is not certain that he ever secured a full title to this land, and no deed of conveyance from him or his legal representatives has been found. Such a tradition might easily grow from such a foundation). One tradition, in a collateral line, alleges that Jonah or Jonas Potts came to Pennsylvania from Wales. Another tradition allege s that the Potts' were driven from Wales by reason of religious oppression.
The first notice of David Potts is as subscribing witness to the marriage certificates of the two daughters of Jonas Potts in 1719.
The "Pennsylvania Gazette," of May 27, 1731, contains the following advertisement. "Run away from David Potts, as Socken above the Great Swamp, (NOTE: The Great Swamp was a marshy tract of land in the upper end of Bucks County, including the village of Quakertown. Saucon is the name of a creek emptying from the south-west into the Lehigh River, a few miles below Bethlehem. Before the year 1730, some Philadelphia speculators bought up large tracts of the rich lands in the Saucon valley and sold it out in smaller parcels. It seems quite likely that David Potts was then living in the Saucon Valley, within limits of either the present Lehigh or Northampton County). A Servant Boy named John Williams, about seventeen Years of Age, of swarthy complexion, has black Hair, and two Molds on his Forehead. Had on a brown linsey-woolsey Jacket, Leather Breehes, a pair of Shoe packs, and Stockings footed White. He is supposed to have with him a Big Bay Horse, with a Switch Tail, and a Star in the Forehead, a helf crop and a half penny in the Ear, and branded on the near Shoulder I P with a Dagger, over it. Whoever secures him and gives notice to George Shoemaker, Innkeeper, in Philadelphia, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and Reasonable Charges paid, by DAVID POTTS." The brand I P may have been the initials of Jonas Potts, who probably contributed to his son's start in life.
David Potts of Loudoun County, Virginia and his
descendants.
He is believed to have moved to that region around 1735, settling in the area where
Cabletown now stands.
He was married twice, first to Elizabeth Lane, daughter of Edward Lane of Perkioman,
now Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. . Elizabeth was born about 1699 and died about 1734
in Cabletown, Jefferson Co. Virginia. His second wife was Ann R. Roberts(?) familiarly known
as Nancy. She was born about 1715 and died after 1771. David Potts died about 1 May 1768 and
is believed to have been buried in the family graveyard on his property in Loudoun County,
Virginia. According to TMP, "...the family attained to considerable wealth and high social
position in northern Virginia, but was greatly impoverished by the ravages of the Civil War."
he was in Fairfax County in 1746, when he leased a tract of land from Catesby Cocke, for five shillings in hand paid, with power to purchase. The lease wasdated, November 16, 1746, and covered a tract of 866 acres on Kittockton Run, in Fairfax County. The annual rental was one ear of Indain corn. Subsequently Catesby Cocke and Mary, his wife, conveyed the same by deed to David Potts, who is therein described as yeoman. (Note: These abstracts have been taken from the Land Office records of Fairfax County, Virginia.) On June 9, 1747, David Potts leased for one year, 333 acres, part of this same tract, to William Williams, at an annual rental of one ear of Indian corn. Subsequently David Potts, and Ann R., his wife, sold the same to Williams.
David Potts was taken under the care of Fairfax Monthly Meeting on 10 mo. 31, 1748, as shown by the following minute of that date. "David Potts having been for a considerable time under the care and notice of Friends, now requests to be received as a member in unity, and nothing appearing to obstruct, his request was granted." At the same meeting his sons Jonas and Jonathan Potts were also received into membership, and his daughter Ann Potts appeared in the declaration of inteded marriage with John Vestal. As David's other children were afterwards recognized as members of the meeting, it is probable that his own acciptance carried with it that of his minor children.
Abstract of the Will of David Potts of Loudoun County, VA.6
In his will, dated 25th day of 4th Month A. Domini 1768, David made the following bequests:
1. To sons Ezekiel and Nathan Potts—273 acres, the plantation where I now live.
2. To my Wife Ann Potts my half of the Mill until she marries or dies, then to Ezekiel and
Nathan. Also a Negro lad, horse, cows and various furniture and household items.
3. To son Jonas Potts—one half of the Mill and 150 acres where he now lives
4. To son Samuel Potts—195 acres where he now lives, and my Negro lad after my wife
marries or dies, then he shall pay £15 to my Grand Daughter Christian Pearson and £10 to be
distributed among all my daughters.
5. To son Jonas Potts—I give the plantation which I formerly gave to my son Jonathan,
situated at the Gap of the Short Hill containing 155 acres, since purchased of Jonathan by Jonas.
6. To son David Potts—310 acres where he now lives.
7. To my daughter Mary Bagus—the Sorrel Mare, one cow, saddle and various household
items.
8. To my daughter Rachel Potts—a horse and saddle, two cows and various household items.
9. To my daughter Susanah Potts—the same items given to Rachel.
10. To my son Jonathan Potts—40 acres in Fredericks County near Warm Springs known by
the name Biles Cabbin, and 50 acres adjoining
11. Appoints his sons Samuel and David Potts his Executors.
Proved at a court held for Loudoun County May 9, 1768.
David Potts was twice married. He first married Elizabeth Lane, probably in Pennsylvania. She was, evidently, a daughter of Edward Lane, of Perkioman. (NOTE: The Lane Family. Edward Lane, son of William Lane of Bristol, England, was a landholder and resident of Perkiomen, (Now in Montgomery County). He married Ann Richardson, and died in 1710, leaving a widow, and the following children, 1. James, 2. William, 3. Samuel, 4. Elizabeth, 5. Christian, (or Christiana), 6. Ellinor, 7. Ann. Perkiomen was in the neighborhood of Gilberts Manor, and the Lanes and Jonas Potts family did not live far apart. There was no other Lane family in the neighborhood. Among the descendants of David and Elizabeth (Lane) Potts are found such names as Edward, Christian, etc., evidently introduced from the Lane fmaily, as they are not found in the Potts family prior to this marriage.) She is said to have been a woman of fair complexion, and was familiarly known as "Betty." His second wife was Ann R., whose maiden name has not come to notice. She was a woman of dark complexion, and was familiarly know as "Nancy."
This will was proven and recorded May 9, 1768. John Osburn and William Dillon were the Executors' bondsmen, who were held in the sum of L1000. Anne Potts, (widow), of the Parish of Cameron, County of Loudoun, was still living on May 13, 1771, when she executed a deed of gift to her son Samuel Potts, for "a negro Lad, named Austin."
Though the family were of the peaceful Society of Friends, some of them were given to settling disputes in a worldly, and sometimes in a summary manner. Some went so far as to join military companies, and to engage in light amusements, contrary to the teaching and practice of the Scoiety. For these "outgoings" they sometimes made acceptable acknowledgments. At present all or nearly all are adherents of other religious denominations. The family attained to considerable wealth and high position in northern Virginia. They were, however, greatly impoverished by the ravages of the Civil War.
The Potts Family in Great Britain and America, 1901 by Thomas Maxwell Potts
He removed to Virginia, perhaps about 1745.
(
Events
| Birth | May 1700 | Germantown, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania |  | ||
| Marriage | 1725 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Elizabeth Jane Lane |  | ||
| Event | 27 May 1731 | Pennsylvania | | ||
| Marriage | 1736 | Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, British America - Ann Roberts | | ||
| Moved | 1745 | Virgina | | ||
| Event | 16 Nov 1746 | Fairfax County, Virginia, British America | | ||
| Event | 9 Jun 1747 | Fairfax County | | ||
| Event | 31 Oct 1748 | Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia | | ||
| Event | 24 Dec 1750 | Fairfax | | ||
| Event | 16 Jul 1753 | Fairfax County | | ||
| Event | 30 Aug 1755 | Fairfax | | ||
| Event | 8 May 1759 | Loudoun County | | ||
| Event | 8 Apr 1760 | Loudoun County | | ||
| Burial | May 1768 | Potts Cemetary, Loudoun Co,Virginia | |||
| Death | 25 May 1768 | Cabletown, Loudoun, Virginia | | | |
| Religion | Quaker | ||||
| Occupation | farmer |
Families
| Spouse | Elizabeth Jane Lane (1704 - 1735) |
| Child | Jonas Potts (1726 - 1769) |
| Child | Jonathan Potts (1728 - 1805) |
| Child | Ann Potts (1727 - 1768) |
| Child | Mary Potts (1732 - 1834) |
| Spouse | Ann Roberts (1702 - 1771) |
| Child | Christina Potts ( - 1762) |
| Child | Samuel Potts (1736 - 1801) |
| Child | David Potts (1738 - 1809) |
| Child | Elizabeth Potts (1740 - 1815) |
| Child | Ezekiel Potts (1743 - 1809) |
| Child | Nathan Potts (1745 - 1809) |
| Child | Jane Potts (1746 - 1788) |
| Child | Susanna Potts (1751 - 1782) |
| Child | Rachel Potts (1753 - 1782) |
| Father | Jonas Potts (1680 - 1754) |
| Mother | Mary Mercy ( - ) |
| Sibling | Jonas Potts Jr ( - ) |
| Sibling | Mary Rachel Potts (1702 - 1752) |
| Sibling | Hannah Potts (1705 - ) |
Notes
Marriage
She was, evidently, a daughter of Edward Lane, of Perkioman. Perkiomen was in the neighborhood of Gilberts Manor, and the Lanes and Jonas Potts family did not live far apart. She is said to have been a woman of fair complexion, and was familiarly known as "Betty."Event
The "Pennsylvania Gazette," of May 27, 1731, contains the following advertisement."Run away from David Potts, as Socken above the Great Swamp, (NOTE: The Great Swamp was a marshy tract of land in the upper end of Bucks County, including the village of Quakertown. Saucon is the name of a creek emptying from the south-west into the Lehigh River, a few miles below Bethlehem. Before the year 1730, some Philadelphia speculators bought up large tracts of the rich lands in the Saucon valley and sold it out in smaller parcels. It seems quite likely that David Potts was then living in the Saucon Valley, within limits of either the present Lehigh or Northampton County). A Servant Boy named John Williams, about seventeen Years of Age, of swarthy complexion, has black Hair, and two Molds on his Forehead. Had on a brown linsey-woolsey Jacket, Leather Breehes, a pair of Shoe packs, and Stockings footed White. He is supposed to have with him a Big Bay Horse, with a Switch Tail, and a Star in the Forehead, a helf crop and a half penny in the Ear, and branded on the near Shoulder I P with a Dagger, over it. Whoever secures him and gives notice to George Shoemaker, Innkeeper, in Philadelphia, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and Reasonable Charges paid, by DAVID POTTS."
The brand I P may have been the initials of Jonas Potts, who probably contributed to his son's start in life.
Marriage
She was a woman of dark complexion, and was familiarly know as "Nancy."Moved
He removed to Virginia, perhaps about 1745.Event
It is however quite certain that he was in Fairfax County in 1746, when he leased a tract of land from Catesby Cocke, for five shillings in hand paid, with power to purchase. The lease was dated, November 16, 1746, and covered a tract of 866 acres on Kittockton Run, in Fairfax County. The annual rental was one ear of Indain corn. Subsequently Catesby Cocke and Mary, his wife, conveyed the same by deed to David Potts, who is therein described as yeoman. (Note: These abstracts have been taken from the Land Office records of Fairfax County, Virginia.)Event
It is however quite certain that he was in Fairfax County in 1746, when he leased a tract of land from Catesby Cocke, for five shillings in hand paid, with power to purchase. The lease was dated, November 16, 1746, and covered a tract of 866 acres on Kittockton Run, in Fairfax County. The annual rental was one ear of Indain corn.On June 9, 1747, David Potts leased for one year, 333 acres, part of this same tract, to William Williams, at an annual rental of one ear of Indian corn. Subsequently David Potts, and Ann R., his wife, sold the same to Williams.
Event
Many Friends from Pennsylvania also settled within the limits of the present Loudoun County, and Fairfax Monthly Meeting in Virginia was established 5 mo. 31, 1745, although meetings for worship had been held there previous to this date, under the care of Concord Monthly Meeting, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. David Potts was taken under the care of Fairfax Monthly Meeting on 10 mo. 31, 1748, as shown by the following minute of that date. "David Potts having been for a considerable time under the care and notice of Friends, now requests to be received as a member in unity, and nothing appearing to obstruct, his request was granted."At the same meeting his sons Jonas and Jonathan Potts were also received into membership, and his daughter Ann Potts appeared in the declaration of inteded marriage with John Vestal. As David's other children were afterwards recognized as members of the meeting, it is probable that his own acciptance carried with it that of his minor children.
Meetings were held at the house of David Potts for several years, it being commonly known as Potts' Meeting. The Fairfax Monthly Meeting of 8 mo. 30, 1755, has this entry, "The Friends living above Short Hill Ridge have a meeting kept at David Potts' House, this meeting thinks it reasonable, and allows them to hold meeting on every first and thrid First-Day in every month till further orders."
Event
On 12 mo. 24, 1749-50, Fairfax Monthly Meeting, issued a certificate addressed to the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Chesterfield in West Jersey, commending the acceptable service of Joshua Greeve, while sojourning with them. Among the signers was David Potts.Meetings were held at the house of David Potts for several years, it being commonly known as Potts' Meeting.
Event
On July 16, 1753, Peter Lewis, yeoman, of Fairfax County, conveyed to David Potts, one hundred acres of land on Kittockton Run.Event
Meetings were held at the house of David Potts for several years, it being commonly known as Potts' Meeting. The Fairfax Monthly Meeting of 8 mo. 30, 1755, has this entry, "The Friends living above Short Hill Ridge have a meeting kept at David Potts' House, this meeting thinks it reasonable, and allows them to hold meeting on every first and thrid First-Day in every month till further orders."in 1755, Loudoun County was formed from the northern part of Fairfax County, and David Potts' land was included in the new County. The land of David Potts, was located between the Short Hill and the Blud Ridge Mountain, in a valley known as Between-the-Hills.
Loudoun County land records show the following additional conveyances of land, in which David Potts was concerned. Liber A, folio 106. Catesby Cocke, of Fairfax County, sold to David Potts, 540 acres of land situated, formerly in Prince William, now Loudoun County. It is described as being north west of Short Hill, and on the south run of the North branch of Kittockton.
Event
Liber A, folio 295. On May 8, 1759, David Potts sold and conveyed to "Jonas Potts, Smith, his half-brother," 270 acres, one half of tract of land, formerly granted by Catesby Cocke to the said David Potts. In describing the boundary, mention is made of "the corner of Samuel Potts' land," and of "Line of another Jonas Potts."Event
Liber A, folio 428. On April 8, 1760, Joshua Gove and Elizabeth, his wife, sold and conveyed to David Potts, 310 acres of land on the head branches of Piney Run and on the west side of Short Hill.Death
David Potts, erecred a grist and saw mill on his land not far from his residence, which was largely patronized. A mill still stands on the same site. These lands have continued in the pssession of his descendants down to the present time. A portion of ground was set apart for a graveyard in which many of the family lie buried. David Potts died about May 1, 1768, and was doubtless buried in the family graveyard, though no tombstone can now be found.POTTS, DAVID
Loudoun Co., Va. Will filed May 9, 1768.
wife Ann
s. Ezekial Potts
s. Nathan Potts
s. Jonas Potts
s. Samuel Potts
s. Jonathan Potts
s. David Potts
d. Susannah Potts
d. Rachel Potts
d. Rachel II.
d. Mary Bogus
g.d. Christina Pearson
Endnotes
1. Mike1.ged.
2. Sandra Brands, e-mail: seirls@aol.com.
3. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~clark42/wc04/wc04_031.html ---Richard A. Clark II.
4. Mike1.ged.
5. Sandra Brands, e-mail: seirls@aol.com.