Jonathan Potts, 1714 - 1785

Short Title: Jonathan Potts

Long Title: Jonathan Potts 1714 - 1785

Compiled By: Joseph J. Reichel

Published: 2004, Aurora, Colorado, U.S.A., by the compiler.

Format: Looseleaf Notebook, 8.5" x 11", 156 pages including index.

This book is available in its entirety for download here.  The download size of the book is 3.2MB.  You will need the free Adobe PDF Reader to open the book.

Table of Contents:

Table of Contents (2 pages)

Includes List of Appendixes and List of Illustrations.

Preface (2 pages)

The compiler explains why he expanded what was to be a much smaller effort into the comprehensive reference it turned out to be. Of course, he gives appropriate credit to Thomas Maxwell Potts, compiler of The Potts Family, from which he draws, as he puts it, "shamelessly".

Introduction (2 pages)

Very quickly the compiler points out that there are uncertainties in the descendentcy in this Potts line, not the least of which concerns the subject himself, Jonathan. Suggested theories regarding Jonathan’s parentage are offered. The compiler’s numbering system is also explained.

Abbreviations (1 page)

Part One – Background and Probable Ancestry of Jonathan Potts

Chapter 1 Derivation of the Potts surname (1 page)

Absent proof a British origin is suggested for the surname Potts and its variations (Pot, Pott, Potes, Pottes) since, it is claimed, these names were found in isolated instances in different parts of Great Britain at a very early period. Some Pott(s) families later became so distinguished as to warrant the granting of "arms", and several designs appear in English records.

Chapter 2 British Origins (6 pages)

Pott(s) families were noted in Derbyshire and Cheshire, and one branch settled in Montgomeryshire, Wales. At least some, and perhaps all, of the Potts in Wales were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). As a result they later suffered persecution at the hands of both Puritans and the Church of England. Abstracts of early Pott wills in Wales are examined.

Chapter 3 Colonial America (2 pages)

Chapter 4 Potts of Early Pennsylvania (3 pages)

In the late 1600s there were many persons with the surname Potts who had arrived in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A plausible explanation of their relationships is asserted based on the work of Thomas Maxwell Potts.

Chapter 5 Jonas Potts of Pennsylvania (7 pages)

Jonas Potts is thought to have arrived from Wales with his widowed mother Elizabeth and several brother and sisters. Records of his presence in Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. Descendants are traced to Loudoun Co., Virginia, Washington Co., Maryland, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, and Jefferson Co., Ohio, among other locations.

Part Two – Jonathan Potts and His Descendants

Chapter 6 The Potts Family of Botetourt County, Virginia (2 pages)

Jonathan Potts is believed to have followed his half-brother David to Fairfax and Loudoun Counties in Virginia, yet no record of him can be found there. He is found in Augusta Co. though, in an area, which later became Botetourt Co.

Chapter 7 Jonathan Potts, 1714 – 1785 (11 pages)

About 1779 Jonathan sold his property and removed to Kentucky Co., Virginia (later to become part of Kentucky, the state, June 1, 1792).

Chapter 8 David Potts of Mercer County, Kentucky (10 pages)

Jonathan’s son David and his family are detailed.

Chapter 9 Joel Potts - son of David, Sr. and Martha Short (25 pages)

Chapter 10 Amos Potts of Bradley County, Tennessee (12 pages)

Chapter 11 Martha (Potts) Langston (4 pages)

Chapter 12 Archibald R. Potts of Bradley County, Tennessee (2 pages)

Chapter 13 William Amos Potts of Texas and Oklahoma (5 pages)

Chapter 14 Lena Parsada (Potts) Reichel of Oklahoma and California (9 pages)

Chapter 15 Mary Marthena (Potts) Wolfe of Tennessee (3 pages)

Chapter 16 Nancy Matilda (Potts) Kelly of Tennessee (9 pages)

Appendices

1. Revolutionary War Service of David, John and Jonathan Potts (2 pages)

2. Chronological Research Notes 1752 – 1800 (3 pages)

3. Land Purchases by Amos and John Potts, Jr., 1763 (1 pages)

4. Abstracts of Marriage Bonds (2 pages)

5. Inventory of Estate – John Potts, Jr. (2 pags)

6. Land Sale by John and Nathan Potts, 1790 (1 page)

7. Bible Record, Albert Potts Family (1 page)

8. Bounty Land Warrant for Amos Potts (1 page)

9. Amos Potts Pension, War of 1812 (1 page)

10. Widow’s Pension for Rachael Potts (1 page)

11. H. D. Kelley vs A. R. Potts, et al (6 pages)

Bibliography and Source (1 page)

Twenty-one published references are cited, plus private correspondence.

Index (15 pages)

Availability:

1. This web site, in PDF format.
2. Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219.
3. Oklahoma Historical Society, 2100 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.
4. Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
5. Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver, CO 80204.
6. Family History Library, 35 North West Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150.

Note: This work extends that contained in several chapters of The Potts Family compiled by Thomas Maxwell Potts and published by him in 1910.

Rev. 5/20/04 CEP