Individual Details

John Pott

(Abt 1658 - Abt 1692)

(first to add the "s" to the name). He was persecuted for his faith and
cited in foregoing references. His five children were left as orphans and sent to the Quaker
settlement in America to be cared for by relatives.

His children were left as orphans and were sent to Pennsylvania in 1698, probably
aboard the William Galley to be placed under the care of the Society of Friends. Their uncle
Thomas joined with one John Kinsey in presenting the case to the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting.
Quaker records reveal that at least three children were disposed of in this fashion. A son, John,
was apprenticed to his aunt and uncle, Jane and John Austin, as a ship's carpenter. A daughter,
Mary, was placed in the care of Isaac Shoemaker with whom she resided until her marriage to
Matthias Tyson of Philadelphia. The third child is referred to but not named.
On 1 mo. 25, 1708 the Monthly Meeting records that John Potts was unhappy in his
employment with John Austin and he sought another job. Also that he had served out his
apprenticeship but his mistress would not discharge him. It was found that he was still under
apprentice to John Austin and must stay with him until he became of age. He probably attained
his majority soon thereafter because he married Rebecca about 1709/10.*

In the year 1698, several orphans, children of John Potts, deceased, and late of Wales, were sent over to the care of Friends in Pennsylvania. It seems very probable that they were passengers in the good ship " William Galley," (Note: See page 234, ente) which brought so many Friends from the Welsh Counties of Radnor and Montgomery, and in which Thomas pPotts, Junior, (Colebrookdatle), came a passenger to Pennsylvania. The JOHN POTTS, is believed to be identical with John Potts, the persecuted Quaker of Llangirrig, Montgomeryshire, in Wales, of whom some account is given on pages 67 and 68, in this work. He was a brother of Thomas Potts, (Miller), of Bristol Township, Philadelphia County. Neither the names nor the number of all these children are given in any record so far discovered. It is, however, quite certain that John Potts and Mary Potts were two of these orphan children. The Friends of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting had the care of these children, and the Meeting minutes contain several references to them, of which the following are copies: "5 mo. 26, 1699. Whereas John Austin proposed to this meeting that seveal Children of John Potts of Wales, came here last year, their passage being paid, this meeting desires Edward Shippen and Anthony Morris to Speak with the persons concerned, and see for convenient places in order that the Children be bound out apprentices by the next Orphans Court. 1 mo. 29, 1700. John Kinsey reports that there are two Orphans, Children of One John Potts to be put out, Thomas Potts also desiring (be their uncle) that this meeting would appoint some friends, to put them out to friends. John Kinsey & Anthony zmorris are desired to see it done. 2 mo. 26, 1700. John Kinsey & Anthony Morris are desired to continue their care in putting out Jn Potts's Children. 11 mo. 30, 1701. Isaac Shoemaker laying before this meeting,That a friend's Child named Mary Potts having been with him more than two years, the time agreed is near out, and she wants learning. In order therefore that she may have what learning is suitable, he desires to have her bound with him for some longer time. Whereupon Samuel Carpenter & John Kinsey are desired to take care therein, making report thereof to the next monthly meeting. 12 mo. 27, 1702. John Kinsey & John Parsons are desired to use their endeavour to get Thomas (John) Potts's (NOTE: Mr. William John Potts examined these records very carefully, and was fully convinced that the name "Thomas" was a clerical error, written in mistake by the Clerki or transcriber, Insteaed of "John.") Child from the place where it is, upon as easy Terms as they can, in order tohaveit placed with a friend. 1 mo. 27, 1702. John Kinsey & John Parsons are continued to take care concerning the Child of Thomas (John) Potts, (See Note above) decease, to place it out with some honest friend. It being thought that William Rutledge's may be a fit place for her. 2 mo. 24, 1702. John Parsons reporting that the persons with whom the Child of Thomas (John) Potts, (See Note Above) is not willing to part with it. He and John Kinsey are desired so trya little further what they can do therein. 1 mo. 26, 1703. John Austin lays before this Meeting that John Potts, who was bound aprentice to him to learn the Carpenter's Trade, doth not like it, but had rather have some other emplyment, Therefore Anthony Morris (who was concerned in the binding of him) and William Hudson are desired to do what is needful in the matter, and give an account therof to the next Monthly Meeting. 1 mo. 25, 1708. John Potts, who was an Orphan bound apprentice to John Autin by approbation of this Monthly Meeting, Complains that he hath Served out his apprenticeship, and his mistress, will not discharge him, and desires assistance. In order thereto this meeting appoints Edward Shippen, Nathan Stanbury & David Lloyd to enquire into the matter and if they find he hath severed out his time, that then they Endeavour to see him discharged, and Report their proceedings to the next Monthly Meeting. 2 mo. 29, 1708. Report they cannot understand that he hath served out his time, therefore could not discharge him. These records make it quite certain that John Potts and Mary Potts were two of these orphan children. It is also evident that another orphan daughter was under the care of some family who were not members of the Friends meeting.

Events

BirthAbt 1658Llangirrig, Montgomeryshire, Wales
MarriageAbt 1686Llangirrig, Montgomeryshire, Wales - Elizabeth
DeathAbt 1692Llangirrig, Montgomeryshire, Wales

Families

SpouseElizabeth ( - )
ChildJohn Potts ( - 1721)
ChildMary Potts (1688 - 1762)