David Potts (1670-1730) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree

David Potts

Born 1670 in Llangirrig, Montgomeryshire, Wales

Ancestors

Son of Thomas (Potts) Pott and Elizabeth (Baset) Bennet

Brother of John Potts, Thomas Potts, Jonas Potts, George Potts, Margaret (Potts) Shoemaker, Elizabeth Potts and Jane (Potts) Austin

Husband of Alice (Croasdale) Potts — married 22 Mar 1693 in Middletown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Descendants

Father of Thomas Potts, John Potts, Daniel Potts, Elizabeth C. (Potts) Cleaver, Jonas Potts, Mary (Potts) McVaugh, Stephen Potts, Rebecca Sarah (Potts) Lewis, Ezekiel Potts and Nathan Potts

Died 16 Nov 1730 at about age 60 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Biography

In 1695 David purchased 150 acres of land in Bristol township, Philadelphia county, in the vicinity of Germantown [Court of Quarter Sessions and Common Pleas: "The Commiss'rs by Patent dated 26th 9 mo., 1685, Granted 500 acres to Rob't Longshore, Purchaser in Bristol Township, in the County of Philad'a, joyning in Germantown, Irenia Land, and Will'm Wilkins, of which deed dated 1st mo., 1686, he sold to Samuel Bennett 200 acres, who by Deed dated 2nd of 4th mo [June] 1695, sold 150 thereof to David Potts, who sold to Wm Harman 50 acres now in Posession of Peter Clever." ... "Samuel Bennett acknowledges a deed of sale of a plantation and building thereon unto David Potts dated the 2nd of the fourth mon 1695"... "The said David Potts requests a Warr't of Resurvey on the said 150 acres according to the True bounds of the Tract and to Cutt off 50 a's to said Harman or Clever. Ordered that a Warr't be accordingly granted for the said 50 acres to be cutt off as by agreement made between them and a Patent on the Return if required, they paying the Overplus, if any." [Bristol Township is now defunct, having been incorporated into the City of Philadelphia in 1854. It was once bordered on the west and southwest by Germantown Township.] When the Friends established a Meeting in Germantown, he was transferred to it, and under date October 11, 1711 he bought land there, the sellers being trustees of the Germantown Meeting. In 1716 he had a grant of one hundred acres in the Manor of Springfield for which he was to pay L80, but it does not appear that he lived there.

Deed of sale of 150 acre plantation and building thereon in Bristol Twp, Philadelphia County, joining on Germantown, dated 2nd of 4th mo [June] 1695 from Samuel Bennet to David Potts. This land was part of a tract of 500 acres originally granted to "Rob't Longshore, Purchaser in Bristol Township, in the County of Philad'a, joyning on Germantown, Irenia Land and Wil'm Wilkins, of which by Deed dated 1st 4 mo [June] 1686, he sold to Samuel Bennett 200 acres. David Potts subsequently sold 50 acres of that land on 23rd of 12th month (Feb] 1702 to William Harmon who in turn sold the 50 acres to Peter Cleaver (David Potts' son-in-law). Bristol Twp should not be confused with Bristol (1702) a borough in Bucks Cnty, which was originally formed as Buckingham Twp (1681). In 1715 David Potts obtained a warrant for 100 acres of land in the Manor of Springfield for which he paid £80. Note: Springfield Manor was in Oreland near Upper Dublin Twp and is where Thomas Fitzwater [father of the 2nd husband of David's cousin, Mary [Potts] Tyson] first discovered limestone in 1685.

Marriage Certificate.

“‘Whereas, David POTTS and Alice CROASDALE, both of Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, having declared their intentions of taking each other in mairriage, before several public meetings of the People of God called Quakers, in Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania aforesaid, in America, according to the good order used amongst them, whose proceedings therein, after deliberate consideration thereof, were approved by the said meetings; they appearing clear of all others.

“Now these are to certify to all whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishment of their said intentions, this twenty second day of the first month called March, in the year one thousand six hundred and ninety three, (1693), they the said David Potts and Alice Croasdale appeared in a public meeting of the aforesaid people and others, met together at the public Meeting house of friends in Middletown, Bucks County, and (according to the example of the Holy men of God recorded in the Scriptures of Truth), in a solemn manner, he the said David Potts, taking the said Alice Croasdale by the hand, did openly declare as followeth, Friends, in the presence and fear of God, and before you his people, I take this my friend Alice Croasdale to be my wife, promising to be to her a loving and faithful husband, till it please God by death to separate us; and then and there in the same assembly, the said Alice Croasdale did in like manner declare as followeth, Friends, in the presence arid fear of God, and before you his people, I take this my friend David Potts to be my husband, promising to him to be a loving and faithful wife, till it please God by death to separate us. And the said David Potts, and Alice, his now wife, as a. further confirmation thereof, did then and there to these presents set their hands.

DAVID POTTS

ALICE POTTS, A her mark.

And we whose names are hereunto subscribed, being present at the solemnization of their said marriage and subscription, in manner aforesaid, as witnesses thereto, have also to these presents subscribed our names the day and year above written.

Thomas Potts.

Martin Wildman. Robert Heaton. Jonas Potts.

John Penquite Nicholas Waln. William Croasdale.

Jeremiah Langhorne. James Dilworth. William Smith.

Robert Heaton. Stephen Wilson. John Cowgill.

Mary Smith. Job Bunting. Joshua Owen.

Alice Heaton. Jane Waln. Rebecca Baker.

Ann Dilworth. Rachel Bunting. Agnes Heaton.’

“Thomas and Jonas Potts, who are the first signers to this certificate, were brothers of David, as it is believed.... William Croasdale was a brother of the bride, and Mary Smith, who was the wife of William Smith, was a sister. John Cowgill was a brother-in-law. Possibly some of the other witnesses were also related.

https://sites.google.com/site/webstergriggsfamilies/webster/potts

The Last Will and Testament of David Potts.

“‘In the name of God amen, I David Potts of Bristol Township in the County of Philada in the province of Pensilvania yeoman, being sick & weak in body but of a sound & Disposing mind & memory thanks be given unto God, therefore Considering the uncertainty of this Transitory life & the Certainty of Death, Do make & Ordain this my last will & Testamt in manner & form following, that is to say

“‘First of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God my mercifull Creator & Saviour, and my body I Comit to Earth to be decently buried at the Discretion of my Exec hereafter named, whom I also desire to pay & Satisfy all my Just debts which I owe to any manner of persons as also funeral Expenses & Legacies herein mentioned within a convenient time after my Decease, and for the Setling of my worldly & temporal Estate wherwith it hath pleased the Lord to bless mine Endeavours, I Devise & Dispose of the same as followeth,

“‘Imprimis I Give & Bequeath to my Eldest son Thomas Potts, the Sum of Twenty Shillings Lawful money of Pensilvania, he having received his portion in my life time.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my son John the sum of Twenty Shillings money afd he having likewise received his portion in my life time wch sd money is to be paid to him in two years after my Decease.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Jonathan the Sum of twenty Shillings money afd to be paid to him in two years after my Decease, he also having recd his portion in my life time,

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth the sum of Twenty Shillings to be paid to her in two years after my Decease, she having likewise received her portion in my lifetime.

“‘Item I Give & bequeath to my Son Stephen the sum of Twenty Shillings to be paid to him in two years after my Decease, he having likewise received his portion in my lifetime.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my Daughter Mary the sum of Twenty Shillings money afd to be paid to her in two years after my Decease, she having also received her portion in my lifetime.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my daughter Rebecka the sum of Twenty Shillings money afd to be paid to her in two years after my Decease she having Received her portion in my life time.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to the Children of my Son Daniel the sum of Twenty Shillings to be Divided between them in two years after my Decease he the said Daniel having received his portion in his lifetime.

“‘Item I Give & Bequeath to my son Nathan the sum of Twenty pounds to be paid to him within two years after my Decease in Lawfull money of Pensilvania afd.

“‘Item I Give &. Bequeath to my son Ezekiel Potts all that plantation where on I now dwell, Situate in Bristol Township afd Containing one hundred acres of land, together with all & Singular the buildings Improvements, Hereditaments & appurtenances thereto belonging. To Hold to him his heirs & assigns forever, and I also give to him my sd Son Ezekiel all & Singular my Goods, Chattles & Credits whatsoever & wheresoever, whom I likewise make & Constitute the only & Sole Execr of this my last Will & Testament.

“‘Lastly I do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke & annul all, & other former Wills, Testaments Legacies & Execrs by me in any ways before time made Bequeathed & ordained, Confirming this & only this & no other to be my last Will & Testament.

“‘In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal the thirteenth day of November anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & thirty. [Signed.] DAVID POTTS. (Seal.)

“‘Signed, Sealed published & Delivered by the Testator as his last Will & Testamt in ye presence of us the hereunto Subscribed Witnesses. Christr Witt. John Chanel. Henry Pastorius.’

“The following is a copy of the inventory of his personal effects as it appears on file, under date of Dec. 4, 1730.

“‘A trew Inventory of all and Singular the Lands Goods Chattells and Credits of David Potts yeoman Deceased praised att bristoll ttownship in ye County of Philadelphia in ye province of Pensalvania the fourth day of December Anno Domine 1730 by Richard Mather and John Cleaver as followeth

£ d s

to Cash and aparel ......................................................10 0 0

to bond bills and book deptes .................................... 40 0 0

to a large bibel with Divers other books ....................2 10 0

to a Chest and tolles & a box ........................................2 00 0

to a bed and bedsted ......................................................6 00 0

to a bed and bed sted .....................................................2 10 0

to do .....................................................1 10 0

to Do at Do .....................................................1 10 0

to 6 Chairs and two benches ........................................0 10 0

to two looms and tackling ther unto be longing .........15 00 0

to Sping wheel .............................................................0 8 0

to and Jron pot and skellet and bres kettle .................2 10 0

to a frying pan pot rak and tongs ................................0 15 0

to a dosen of puter with other puter dishes ................1 05 0

to a spade and too baskets ............................................0 04 0

to a gridston .................................................................0 3 0

to a grubing howe and to axes ......................................0 12 0

to a sadle and bridle .....................................................0 18 0

to Knives and forks ......................................................0 6 0

to a box iron and heaters .............................................. 4 0

to a maul and two wedges............................................... 8 0

to Carpenters tools .......................................................1 0 0

to plow and gears...........................................................1 2 0

to twenty barrales of Cider ..........................................6 0 0

to a pair of Cart wheels ................................................1 5 0

to three horses ............................................................13 0 0

to 11 Sheep at 6d each ..................................................3 6 0

_________

66 18 0

to 6 Cows and a Calf......................................................15 0 0

to 15 akers of Corn in the ground ................................07 10 0

to Corn in the Stak ....................................................... 8 00 0

to flax............................................................................ 2 00 0

to a dong fork two pitch forks ........................................0 4 0

to a Cutting box and a kidle ........................................... 0 4 0

to one hundred akers of land & Imprufments ............ 200 0 0

_________

299 16 00

RICHARD MATHER.

JOHN CLEAVER.

“The third item in the foregoing Inventory includes ‘a large bibel.’ This Bible passed to the possession of David’s son Ezekiel, and is still preserved by his descendants at Norristown, Pennsylvania. The writer hereof made a careful examination of this old Bible some years ago. It is well preserved, but has been rebound. There is some writing on some of the margins, scattered through the book, but nothing of historical value. If any family records were ever entered, none now remain. The book was printed at London in 1613. It was probably brought over by the family at their coming to Pennsylvania. It bears the following imprint,

Imprinted At London

by Robert Barker,

Printer for the Kings moft

Excellent Maieftie

ANNO

1613.”

https://sites.google.com/site/webstergriggsfamilies/webster/potts

Descendants

Thomas Croasdale and Agnes Hathornwaite had daughter Allis (Alice) Croasdale (1673-1730). She married David Potts (1670-1730), son of Thomas & Elizabeth Potts of Wales. David & Alice (Croasdale) Potts had son John Potts (1696-1766) who married Elizabeth McVeagh (1697-1791). They had son Thomas Potts (1729-1776) who married Elizabeth Lukens, daughter of William Lukens (1688-1739) & his wife Elizabeth Tyson (1690-1765). NOTE: Elizabeth Tyson was the sister of Matthias Tyson (1686-1727) who married Mary Potts (1686-aft 1748) and Mary was the cousin of John Potts (1696-1766) above. Thomas & Elizabeth (Lukens) Potts had a daughter Elizabeth Potts (1754-1807) who married Robert Craig Barnhill (1754-1814) and the had a daughter Margaret (1799-1861). Margaret Potts married Cornelius VaanSchaack Roosevelt (1794-1871) and they had a son Theodore Barnhill Roosevelt (1831-1878) who married Martha Stewart Bulloch (1836-1884). Theodore & Martha (Bulloch) Roosevelt had a son, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), 26th President of the United States. Theodore & Martha (Bulloch) Roosevelt had another son, Elliott (1860-1919) who married Anna Rebecca Hall (1863-1892) and they had a daughter (or niece of Teddy Roosevelt), Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) who married Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd President of the United States. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the son of James Roosevelt (1828-1900) and Sarah Ann Delano (1854-1941).

“Historical Collections Relating to the Potts Family in Great Britain and America with a Historic Genealogy of the Descendants of David Potts, an early Anglo-Welsh settler of Pennsylvania, including contributions by the late William John Potts.” The compiler was Thomas Maxwell Potts of Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, and was published by the compiler in 1901. This history was found on the Family History File of the Latter Day Saints 0096253.:

“The parentage of Jonas Potts has not been proven. However, Thomas Maxwell Potts, following along the lines of an earlier researcher, William John Potts, gave careful study to the signing of marriage certificates, business transactions, and where the various Potts lived in relation to each other and came to the conclusion that the early Potts around Philadelphia were related, even though exact relationships were not established. They were convinced that Thomas Potts (the miller), Jonas Potts, and David Potts, all of Philadelphia County, were brothers; and that they also had a brother, John Potts of Wales whose orphan children were sent to PA in 1699. They figured the parents of these men were Thomas Potts, of Llangerrig, Wales, a Quaker who was persecuted, and his wife Elizabeth. Thomas died in Wales and his widow came to Pennsylvania with her children”. See Ancestor #440 for more details. (p. 282, 301, 302)……excerpted

Sources

[1]

American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI)

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Birth

American Marriages Before 1699

Name: David Potts Spouse: Alice Crossdel Marriage Date: 22 Jan 1693 Marriage Place: Middletown, Pennsylvania 1 citation provides evidence for Name, Marriage

Ancestry Family Trees

This citation provides evidence for David Potts

Family Data Collection - Births

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Birth

Family Data Collection - Deaths

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Death

Millennium File

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Death, Birth, Marriage

Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1700-1821

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Marriage

U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Birth, Marriage

U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970

1 citation provides evidence for Name, Death, Birth

Notes

" When the Friends established a Meeting in Germantown, he was transferred to it, and under date October 11, 1711 he bought land there, the sellers being trustees of the Germantown Meeting." /~~/ This was not David's residence, but had to do with the land for the burial ground for Germantown Meeting. There is a succession of transfers (as time passed) among some of the members as trustees of the land: " 8 Oct 1711 - Sam'l Richardson conveyed 50 acres to Friends Mtg House & burial grounds...to Thos Potts, Thos Canby, Jno Cadwallader, David Potts, Jas Delaplain, Isaac Deaves, Morris Morris, Henery Conrad & Wm Lucken. Phila Book E-7, Vol 8, pg 375" /~~/ On 21 Mar 1736 the same land was deeded to others, Deed Bk G, Vol 2(?), pg 42; and so it continued.

David has already been mentioned in this work on pages 192, 196, 203, 252, 278, and in Chapter XIX, page 282, et seq. The time of his coming to Pennsylvania, has not been discovered. He may have come with other members of the family when he was but a lad. The first mention of him that has been noticed is on 7 mo. 24, 1692, when he became the bondsman for Elizabeth Bennet, (NOTE: see page 196, anti) as executrix of Edmund Bennett, her late husband. His signature attached to the bond, which remains on file in the Register's office at Philadelphia, is here fairly reproduced. seems to remain. The early records of the Meeting are quite inperfect., David Potts and Alice Croasdale, youngest daughter of Thomas and Agnes (Hathernthwaite) Croasdale, (The Croasdale Family. Thoms Croasdale and Alice Hatternthewaite were married 3 mo. 1, 1664, according to the records of Lancaster (England) Monthly Meeting of Friends. They resided in Yorkshire for sometime, but in 1682 came to Pennsylvania in the ship Welcome with Willia Penn. They setted on Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County, in the vicinity of the present village of Langhorne. Thomas Croasdale died 9 mo. 2, 1684, and Alice 8 mo. 20, 1686. They had the following children, all born in England.

Alice Croasdale, b. 8, 3, 1673; m. David Potts

For a fuller account of the Croasdale, see "Our Family Ancestors," by Thomas Maxell Potts)

declared their intentions of marriage with each other, before the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, 10 mo. 29, 1693. (December 1693), passed the Meeting the second time 11 mo. 26, 1693-4 (January 1694), and were granted a certificate to marry under the care of Middletown Monthly Meeting in Bucks County. The following is a copy of an entry in the minutes of the latter Meeting.

"David Potts and Alice Croasdale have requested to solemnize their marriage within this meeting, because her relations mostly dwell here, and they belonging to Philadelphia have brought a Certificate from that Monthly Meeting, that testifies they have proceeded there orderly, and nothing is found against them, and also requested that they may accomplish their marriage here, which they have granted them; so this meeting is satisfied and grants their request."

The marriage certificate can be found on pages 442- 443

Thomas and Jonas Potts, who are thr first signerrs to this certificate, were brothers of David, as it is believed. (See Chapters VII, VIII, and XIX, Part II). William Croasdale was a brother of the bride, and Mary Smith, who was the wife of William Smith, was a sister. John Cowgill was a brother-in-law. Possibly some of the other witnesses were also related.

In 1695, David Potts purchased 150 acres of land in Bristol Township, Philadelphia County, in the vicinity of Germantown. He subsequently sold 50 acres, leaving him 100 acres upon which he seems to have settled and spent the remainder of his life. The following memoranda, relating to the purchase of the land, is from the minutes of teh Board of Property, as printed in Volume XIX, page 278 of the "Pennsylvania Archives" second series.

"The Commiss'rs, by Patent deatd 26th 9 mo. 1685, Granted 500 acres to Rob't Longshore, Puchaser in Bristol Township, in the County of Philad'a, joyning on Germantown, Irenia Land, and Will'm Watkins, of which by Deed dated 1st 4 mo. 1686, he sold to Samuel Bennett 200 acres, who by Deed dated 2, 4, 1695, sold 150 thereof to David Potts, who sold to Wm. Harman 50 acres now in the Possession of Peter Clever."

"The said David Potts Requests a Warr't of Resurvey on the said 150 acres according to the Ture bounds of the Tract and to Cutt off 50 a's to said Harman or Clever. Ordered that a Warr't be accordingly granted for the said 50 acres to the cutt off as by agreement made between them and a Patent on the Return if required, they paying for the Overplus, it any."

In 1716, he had a grant of 100 acres of land in the Manor of Springfield for which he wa to pay L80.

When a Friends Meeting was established at Germantown, David Potts seems to have been transferred to that Meeting. On October 11, 1711, Samuel Richardson, Richard Townsend and Samuel Cart, for the consideration of L200, conveyed 50 acres of land in German Township, to Thomas Potts, Sr., Thomas Canby, John Cadwallader, David Potts, Isaac Delaphine, Morris Morris, Henry Cunnards and William Lukens. These latter were Trustees of Germantown Meeting, and in 1712, David Potts was appointed one of the two overseers of the Meeting at Germantown, From this time forward, David Potts was frequently appointed to attend Quarterly Meeting, and entrusted with other matters of greater or less importance.

On June 15, 1728, David Potts petitioned the Orphans' Court of Bucks County, representing that William Croasdale, by his will about the year 1715, devised to his grandson William Hill, a plantation in Bristol Township and a lot in Bristol, and appointed his daughter Agnes, wife of Richard Hill, executrix. She died soon after her father so the said William Hill was left by his mother, the said Agnes, to the care of his, the said David's wife, until he should arrive or attain to man's estate; and also that the said David Potts has kept and maintained the said William Hill about twelve years, etc.

David Potts was a man of good standing in the community and had the confidence of his neighbors. He represented Philadelphia County in the Provinicial Assembly for the years, 1728, 1729, and 1730. He died November 16, 1730.."The Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 19, 1730, contained a notice of his death inwhich it is stated that "Monday last died Mr. David Potts, one of the Members of Assembly for this County."

Alice, wife of David, was born 8 mo. 3, 1673. She has a rather interesting history. The Croasdales came passengers with William Penn in the ship Welcome. Robert Greenway, master, in 1682. During the passage, the small -pox made its appearance in great virulence and occasioned much distress, disease. It is related that Wiliam Penn cheered the dying and the survivors with his Godly conversation during the memorable voyage. One of the passengers writing of the voyage says. "The good conversation of William Penn was very advantageous to all the company. HIs sigular care was manifested in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick of the small-pos then on board, of hwihc about thirty died."

The date of her death has not been discovered. but she probably died brfore her husband, as he does not mention her is his will. David Potts' will made Nov. 13, 1730, and proven Nov. 26, 1730, is on file in the Register's Office at Philadelphia, and recorded in Will Book E, at page 142.

Transript of the Will can be found on pages 446-448.

The third item in the foregoing Inventory includes "a large bibel." This Bible passed to the possession of David's son Ezekiel, and is still preserved by his descendants at Norristown, Pennsylvania. The writer hereof made a careful examination of this old Bible some years ago. It is well preserved, but has been rebound. There is some writing on some of the margins, scattered through the book, but nothing of historical value. If any family records were ever entered, none now remain. The book was printed at London in 1613. It was probably brought over by the family at their coming to Pennsylvania.

He was married to Alice CROASDALE on Jan 22 1693 in Middletown, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Alice CROASDALE was born on Aug 3 1673 in Yorkshire, England. She died before 1729 in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was buried in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. David POTTS and Alice CROASDALE had the following children: +44 i. Thomas POTTS. +45 ii. John POTTS. +46 iii. Daniel POTTS. +47 iv. Elizabeth POTTS. +48 v. Jonathan POTTS. +49 vi. Mary POTTS. +50 vii. Stephen POTTS. 51 viii. Rebecca POTTS was born on Nov 16 1705 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. +52 ix. Ezekiel POTTS. +53 x. Nathan POTTS.

David was born in 1670. He passed away in 1730.