Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 45081, for Abijah Potter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Potter, Abijah
S 45081
CONTENTS

Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 6. April 1838 from 4. March 1842 to 17. July 1842. Age notified 26. Oct 1844.
1884 Jany 15 Col. H. L. Potter history of Service etc.
14,957
New Hampshire
Abijah Potter
of Coos Co. in the State of N. Hampshire who was a sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Hoyt of the regt commanded by Colonel Shepard in the Moats line, for the term of two years . from June 1781 to October 1783
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 23 day of June 1819 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of September 1819 and sent to Samuel Pearson Lancaster, N.H.
Restored to the Roll on 16 day of February 1831 and notification sent to Hon. J. W. Weeks at House of Reps Pension commencing on the 21 of January 1831
Amount due on 4th of September 1831
$ 51. 86
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. }

Elijah Potter's application Jun 23 d 1819
Mass Line 4 th Regt Col. Shepard 22 Jany 178-3 yrs
[Faint, illegible handwriting]
Adm

State of New-Hampshire.
Coos, ff. ON this twenty third day of June A. D. 1819 before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the second District, in said State, personally appears Abijah Potter resident in Peney in said county of Coos, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:— as annexed hereto viz
I Abijah Potter formerly of Brookfield in the common- wealth of Massachusetts, now resident citizen in the town Peney in the State of New-Hampshire testify and declare that I have served as a Soldier in the revolu- tionary army of the United States on the Continental establishment more than nine months in the man- ner following (to wit) On the twenty second day of Janu- ary 1781 I enlisted as a private at said Brookfield for the term of three years, joined the army at west-point in the State of New-York in Captain Henskills the  4th Company attached to the fourth Regiment in the Massachusetts line commanded by Col. Shepherd, about six weeks after was transferred into the fifth Regiment of said Massachusetts line in Captain Trotter's Company where I remained till June or July 1783 was then trans- ferred into the first Regiment of the Massachusetts  New Hampshire line.
and also that the bond of which I am a justice is a bond of
Ref

State of New-Hampshire.
Coos, ff. O N this twenty third day of June A. D. 1819 before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the second District, in said State, personally appears Abijah Potter resident in Peney in said county of Coos, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:— as an aged hereto viz
I Abijah Potter formerly of Brookfield in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now resident citizen in the town of Peney in the State of New-Hampshire do hereby certify and declare that I have served as a Soldier in the revolutionary army of the United States on the Continental establishment more than nine months in the manner following (to wit) On the twenty second day of January 1781 I enlisted as a private at said Brookfield for the term of three years, joined the army at West-point in the State of New-York in Captain Henskill's  the Company attached to the fourth Regiment in the Massachusetts line commanded by Col. Shepherd , about six weeks after was transferred into the fifth Regiment of said Massachusetts line in Captain Trotter's Company where I remained till June or July 1783 was then transferred into the first Regiment of the Massachusetts line and Captain Premick's Company where I remained till the Eleventh day of October 1783 when in consequence of the ill state of my health I received a discharge signed by Major General Knox said discharge is herewith exhibited. I further declare that for more than three years last past by reason of sickness and great infirmity of body I have not been able to attend to but very little business and as my whole dependence for a livelihood relies on my own exertions and labour I consider myself in such reduced circumstances as to need the assistance of my Country for support—
June 23 d 1819
Abijah Potter

By the Honorable Major General Knox commanding the posts upon Hudson River and their dependencies —
Abijah Potter Serjeant in the first Regiment of Massachusetts having been reported by a Board of Officers appointed to examine the Invalids of the Army, as unfit for duty and supposed to continue so, during the time has he to serve (being three months) is hereby discharged from the service of the United States —
Given under my Hand at West Point This Seventh day of October 1783 —
By the General Command J n Lillie Aide de Camp.
H Knox M c General.
Registered in the Books of the Reg t B t Wingill M c Adjutant

that he is reduced in his circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. except his discharge which is annexed
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year above said. Wm Lovejoy
I, WILLIAM LOVEJOY, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the second District in the State aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Abijah Potter  for the full term of nine months and more at one enlistment did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as he has stated in his declaration aforesaid, and that he is reduced in his circumstances, wholly and needs the assistance of his country for his support.---And I do now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the before mentioned acts of Congress.
I also further certify that I am acquainted with Abijah Potter the applicant and know he is in reduced circumstances and absolutely stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and also that the court of which I am a justice is a Court of Record. Wm Lovejoy
State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
I John Willson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that that William Lovejoy before whom the annexed declaration of Abijah Potter was made, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Coos aforesaid, that the above signature is in his own proper hand writing, and that to his acts and attestations as Justice as aforesaid, full faith and credit is and ought to be given. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Lancaster this first day of July A.D. 1819.
John Willson

Copy of A. North's Declaration.

State of New Hampshire Coos Co. ss.
At the Superior Court of Judicature held at Lancaster within & for the County of Coos on the first Tuesday of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty seven
Present The Honorable Samuel Green } Associate Justices John Harris }
Personally appeared in open Court being a court of record for said County of Coos Abijah Potter aged sixty seven years resident in the town of Piercy in said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows In the month of January A.D. 1781 I enlisted for the term of three years & first I joined Capt. Haskell's company in Col. Shepherd's Regiment on the Continental establishment in the Massachusetts line was transferred to Capt. Potter's Company & Col. Putnam's Regiment in the said line of Massachusetts was again transferred to the first regiment commanded by Col. Vose in Capt. Perkins company & served in all two years & about ten months being sick I received my discharge The number of my former pension certificate is 14957 And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it so as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule annexed & by me subscribed that I am a farmer by occupation & for years past by reason of the bad state of my health I have not been able to support myself My family consists of myself & Polly my wife aged sixty five years in whom as to bodily health I am unable to support herself. Nov 14th 1827. Sworn to in open Court. A. N. D. D. Clerk. Abijah Potter.

The following is the schedule of Abijah Potter's property     One third part of a horn valued at 12,00   Two cows 20,00   Seven sheep 8,75   Two swine 3,34   Two yearling heifers 10,00   one calf 2,50   One third pair kettle 1,50   One small pot 1,00   One six pail kettle 4,00   One spider ,50   One small kettle ,83   One tea kettle ,67   One birch board table 2,00   Three milk pails & 1 skilk pail 1,51   One tin plate & 1/2 set tea cups ,34   One looking glass ,67   Four Eastern plates ,25   One tumbler, 1 Skimmer & 1 pint mug 1,00   one half can knives & forks ,34   Two bottles & one spoon ,40   Two chairs ,25   Two mts 37,00   Two chests 1,00   $119,85  
Abijah Potter
We the undersigned do hereby certify that the above schedule of property as exhibited by Abijah Potter is a true account of all the property in his possession & that it was faithfully appraised & is all the property in his possession except necessary bedding & clothing
Abijah Potter in
Aaron Potter. Coos Co. Lancaster Nov. 8th 1827 personally appeared before me the within named Abijah & Aaron Potter & made solemn oaths that the within certificate by them subscribed is just & true
Joseph Loomis Justice Peace

Adkins N. Brackett, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Essex, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath & the schedule there to annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; & I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred nineteen dollars eighty five cents.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the seal of said Court, on this eleventh day of November A.D. 1829.
A. N. BRACKETT, Clerk.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
August 29 th 1844.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Adm: of Abijah Potter, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Concord, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Eight ————— Dollars and ————— Cents per month  annum , under the law of the 18 th March, 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1842 to the 17 th July 1842.
Respectfully, yours,
William L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.

July 22, 1924.
Mrs. Albert B. Clark, 83 Franklin St., Lee, MASS.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.45081, it appears that Abijah Potter enlisted at Brookfield, Massachusetts, January 22, 1781, as a private and served in Captain Haskell's Company, Colonel Shepard's Massachusetts Regiment, transferred to Captain Trotter's Company, Colonel Putnam's Massachusetts Regiment, transferred June or July 1783 to Captain Remick's Company, Colonel Vose's First Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged as a Sergeant October 11, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 23, 1819, while a resident of Percy, Coos County, New Hampshire. He died July 17, 1842.
In November 1827 soldier was 67 years of age and referred to his wife, Polly, aged 65 years.
There were five sons and three daughters, names not stated except Aaron, Justus and Abijah, Junior, the oldest

son. In January 1831 it was stated that Abijah, Junior, had seven children, their names and that of his wife not given.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Note:
No reference in letter to Hannah, Elizabeth + Mark Patter as relationship not stated. UM .

Susp d See letters to John Wilson, and R. Humphreys, 10 Augt. 1824 -
See evidence within, rec d 26 June 1824 -
4 Mar. 1820

MRS. ALBERT B. CLARK 83 FRANKLIN STREET LEE, MASSACHUSETTS
June 12-1924
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
My dear Sir,
Will you kindly mail me a copy of of the Pension Record of Abijah Potter. born in Brookfield Mass. Jan. 23-1760, died in Pierce, Coos County New Hampshire July 17-1842. He enlisted in Militia at Rhode Island in Capt. Joseph McCall's co. Lieut. Col. Sam Pierce in 1777 for one mo. 7 days. In 1781 he enlisted in Continental Army for three years under Capt. Haskell 4 th Mass. Regt. Col. Wm Shepard. was transferred to Capt. Porter's co. Col. Rufus Putnam's 5 th Mass. Regt. & in 1783 was again

MRS. ALBERT B. CLARK 83 FRANKLIN STREET LEE, MASSACHUSETTS
transferred to co. of Capt. Kenick Col. Joseph Vasey's 1 st Mass. Regt. was discharged Oct. 11 - 1783 on account of wounds.
Thanking you for your assistance I am
Very truly yours
Lillian A. Clark
Organizer of AuSable Chapter D.A.R. also of Ft. Barrington Chapter.

45631.
Linden Union Co N.J. Jan 19 th 1884
Hon W. W. Dudley
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
General
My Paternal Grandfather was Abijah Potter, a Pensioner of the War of Revolution. I desire his military record from the files of your office, not as the base of any claim, but to aid in making up historical records; the character of his military services - so far as the records of your office can furnish - are desired. Abijah Potter was a son of Mephiboleth Potter, born in Brookfield Mass. 1760 - Complexion light - height 5 ft 10 in - May have served in Capt Joseph M c Nalls Co - under Lt Col Sam Pierce - in Rhode Island from May 26, 1777, but enlisted for 3 years in Jan y 1781. The name of Abijah Potter is borne on a roll of the ship Franklin as 2 d Lieut. about 1781 - but I doubt if that can be my grandfather, I give these details that you may not give me the record of the wrong Abijah Potter. The subject of inquiry was born in Brookfield Mass & lived there some years after the war, then moved to Wales Mass, and from there to Coos Co W. H. about 1805 or 1806 where he lived until his death about 1842, and received a pension to the date of his death. Respectfully &c (A pension under certificate no 100376.)
H. L. Potter late Colonel 71 st N.Y. Vols.

1924, July 22 - Hist to Mrs. Albert C. Clark. u.m.
45 081 INVALID.
Rev
File No. 45-081
Elijah Potter Sergt. Rev. War.
Act: 18 th March 1818 & 1 st May 1820
Index:—Vol. 3, Page 399
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Washington Jan. 20. 1830~
Hon. John H. Eaton, Secy War Dept.,
Sir, I have been
desired to forward the enclosed additional papers, in support of the Claim of Abijah Potter of Pinery N.H. to a pension. With the request that you will have the goodness, to reexamine his case. Believing his rejection to have been occasioned by Misrepresentation, & during the last summer rode sixteen miles to ascertain his situation, that of his wife, sons & family, they are all poor indeed, with a tract of poor land owned by the sons, which with the miserable buildings, may be fairly estimated at about three or four hundred dollars & very little other property. They find it difficult to obtain a scanty support, without aid from the town.
With high respect, I am Sir, Y rs Ob t Serv t J. W. Wheeler
Weth
W.H.

Washington May 15 1880
James L. Edwards Esq.
Sir, Your letter requesting further evidence in the case of Potter of Kennebec H. H. was referred to Judge Marshall Esq of Stratford H. H. with the expectation, that the same generous & humane feelings, which prompted him in the outset to aid Potter, would induce him to obtain & forward the additional evidence; but I have recently been informed that Mr. Marshall has long been confined to his house by a fever, & fearing that Potter will have a very rough passage to his grave, unless justice be speedily done him, I shall take the liberty to state the little I know of him & circumstances, with the hope, that a certificate may be immediately granted. I have frequently seen Potter, he carries the appearance of poverty in his dress & every thing that relates to him, he has the reputation of being fair & honorable in his dealings, is very in- firm, so much so, that I would not support himself & wife three years for all the property owned by all

his children, himself & all his relations in that town - I have long been an agent for some Gentlemen in Boston who are owners of land in Perry, and have been unable to sell, such as have been estimated by the inhabitants at 75 cents of a dollar per acre, for even 12 1/2 cents - On the whole, I am so well satisfied that Potter's application & claim is fair, honest, just & equitable, that I should be willing to give a bond to that effect -
Very Respectfully, I am, Sir,
Your obed Servt J. A. Weeks.
P.S. It is my belief that Potter is not provided with even the necessaries of life, such as the crops of wheat or sugar -

Apprentice Potters Farm -
Thos. D. S. Eames -

We the subscribers here by certify that we are well acquainted with the farm formerly owned by Abijah Potter now by Abijah Potter junior, in Puxey and that in our opinion and judgment it is not worth more than four hundred & fifty - Dollars and that the said Abijah Potter junior has made considerable improvement on it since it came in to his possession. Seth Eames Sitelman & Townshend of Northumberland
Thomas Eames Surveyor
Case 23 of State of Northumberland -
April 9th 1830 - Then the above named Seth Eames and Thomas Eames made oath that the above appraisal by them submitted was according to the best of their judgment - Before me James Marshall Justice of the Peace

War Department,
Pension Office.
December 25 th 1826
Sir,
The papers deposited by you in this Department in the case of Abijah Potter have been examined, and are herewith returned. A schedule was made by Potter in 1821, but as it was believed, from information received at this office, at that time, that it contained an unfair statement of his pecuniary concerns, the paper was transmitted to the U. S. District Attorney at Portsmouth, in order to make further enquiry into the case. As the statement has proved to have been imperfect, the proceedings had therein have been annulled. It becomes, therefore, now necessary for him to make a schedule de novo, and produce such other evidence as is required by this Department in such cases. I enclose herewith a printed sheet for his guidance, and take leave to remark that although the case is considered a very doubtful one, from the fact of the claimant's having disposed of his property to his sons, yet if he can satisfactorily prove according to the prescribed rules of evidence, that the conveyance was made bona fide, no objection will be made to

the admission of his claims.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon Levi Woodbury Senate United States.

Certificate as to Marshall Justice -

State of New Hampshire.
Coos
Office of Clerk of Court of Common Pleas
I hereby certify that Joshua Marshall of Stratford in the said County of Coos, is and has for more than one year past, been a Justice of Peace within and for said County, duly appointed and qualified, and that full faith and credence is due to his offi- cial acts and signature as Justice of the Peace as aforesaid.
For testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal and official signature at Lancaster this 13th day of December A.D. 1825
Wm Farrar Clerk

Edward Bowel Pitt Texas 1818

Wm of Aaron Potter Esq. Dallas and ninety two cents in full of all bills of Dallas and Aaron Potter Esq. county of Dallas and school taxes for the year 1808 from the 20th 1809
Edw. Russell Collector

I Edward Rowell hereby certify the above annexed receipt was given by me at the time it purports to be given by its date and that I received the taxes mentioned in the said receipt of the said Aaron Potter and that I was collector for the town of Perry for said year 1818 - Edw! Rowell

State of New Hampshire Coos ss-
December - 18 th 1850 - Then personally appeared Edward Howel and made oath that the within certificate by him submitted was true.
Before me Joshua Marshall Just of Peace

14. 95 New Hampshire
Elijah Potter
of Coos Co. in the state of New Hampshire who was a sergeant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Shepard of the Mass: line, for the term of two years
Inscribed on the roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 23 rd of June 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th of Sep. 1819 and sent to Samuel Pearson Esq. Agent, Lancaster. N.H.
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819 $19.20 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4th Mar 1820 48.
Due 12/30 $67.20
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued.
Mar. 1820

see letters 10 Aug. 1821 to D. Hum- phreys & J. Wilson & 28 Dec. 1826 to Hon. L. Woodbury Senate. & 13 th Decem r 1827 to A. N. Brackett Esq also to Hon. L. Woodbury 25 March 1828. do. May 24. 1830 to Hon. J. Weeks.
do. 15 March 1830 to Hon. J. Weeks
[Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page] ...to D. Humphreys ...to J. Wilson ...to Hon. L. Woodbury ...to A. N. Brackett Esq ...to Hon. J. Weeks

Margaret Fuller 1810 Lancaster N. Hampshire Susp. see letter to Dr. Wilson, 10 Aug. 1826 M. S. Attorney, of same date
see letters 10 Aug. 1821 to D. Hum- phreys & J. Wilson & 28 Dec. 1826 to Hon. L. Woodbury Senate. & 13 th Decem. 1827 to A. N. Brackett Esq also to Hon. L. Woodbury 25 March 1828. do. May 24. 1830 to Hon. J. Weeks.
do. 15 March 1830 to Hon. J. Weeks

I Joshua Marshall do testify and say that I am well acquainted with the circumstances of Abijah Potter of Piercy, in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire, as to his property and bodily infirmities, of himself and his wife, and have been so acquainted with them during 14 or 15 years last past. That the said Potter is very poor and that he and his wife do not have a comfortable living but are destitute of the necessary comforts of life and are barely kept from being supported by the town. That I have frequently seen them when all the clothes they both wore would not in my opinion sell for five Dollars and were not worth that sum, and those the only clothes they wore in an open, unfinished house in the winter season in this cold climate - and those clothes glazed and stiff with dirt from their heads to their feet -
I am and have been also acquainted with Abijah Potter Jr & Aaron Potter sons of the said Abijah and fully believe that the said sons do as much towards the support of their parents as they are able to do and support their own families, the oldest of which has seven children and none over fifteen years of age - That through bodily infirmities the said Abijah and wife are almost entirely helpless. That the said sons have a small farm which they carry on with chiefly their own labour from

which
They support their families in the most economical way and afford a scanty subsistence of provision and clothing for their said parents neither of them feeling able to but any support a hired maid and from every appearance I should think they were not able and under their circumstances their parents are neglected and need the aid of their country —
I also testify that I have no doubt that the said Abijah Potter's pension was stopped by misrepresentation to the War Department that it was done through an Envy and to injure the said Potter by some two or three of his Neighbours by the names of Bawel with whom I have conversed on the subject of Potter's pension being stopped one of whom stated to me he should not have done it had he not been urged to do it by others and that he had frequently seen the said Potter wearing his own clothes — I asked them to give their affidavits but they refused — I do not think said Potter's Pension was ought to have been stopped —
Joshua Marshall
State of New Hampshire } Then personally appeared Coos Co. ss. Jan. 8. D. 1836 } Joshua Marshall and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit was in his belief true
Before me James Lucas Just of Peace

State of New Hampshire } Coos Co. December 18th 1830 } Then personally appeared John Waite and made oath that the within Affidavit by him subscribed was true
Before me Joshua Marshall Justice of Peace
John Waite Affidavit -

I John Ward of lawful age do testify that I am well acquainted with Abijah Potter of Piercy, in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire that I lived in the town at the time he moved into it, and have resided there ever since and know what property he brought in to the town at the time he moved into it, which was about twenty years ago, that in my opinion all the property he brought with him, was not worth or could have been sold for more than two hundred Dollars, that the increase of his property after he moved in to this town was principally earned by his sons, who were very industrious and smart for business - That about fifteen ten years ago the said Potter was so badly burned as to be unable to do any business of any consequence ever since towards his support or the support of his wife and family - That his wife has been partially deranged ever since she came in this town by spells, and all the time unable to take care of herself That he has been very poor for several years past and destitute of the necessaries of life notwithstanding the said his sons have been able to give him towards his support and from the knowledge I have had of the diffi- culties and quarrels that have subsisted between the Potter family and some of their near neighbours am fully of opinion that the said Potter's Pension was stopped by mis- representation - John Ward

State of New Hampshire } Coos ss. December 18th 1830 } Then personally appeared John Waite and made oath that the within Affidavit by him subscribed was true
Before me Jeremiah Marshall Justice of Peace
John Waite Affidavit

I John Wair Jr. of lawful age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with with Elijah Potter of Piercy in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire that I have resided in said town ever since said Potter moved into it; that I know him to be very poor and destitute of the necessa- ries of life to make him and his wife com- fortable that while he was able to do it, I have frequently known him to have to wash his own clothes and those of his wife, during four or five years; that his sons have afford- ed him all the aid they could consistently with the duty that they owe their own families and have only been able to keep them from the support of the town -
That the feelings existing between the Potter family, and some of his neighbours have appeared very hostile to each other for the space of fourteen or fifteen years and I do not doubt from what I have heard from them and others that the said Potter's pension was stopped by wrong representations to the War depart- ment and that it was done under the influence of Enney and hastened to the said Potter -
John Wair Jr.

State of New Hampshire } Then personally Coos ss December 18th 1830 } appeared John Waite Junr and made oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed was true
Before me Joshua Marshall Just. of the Peace
John Waite Junr's Affidavit -

I Clark M c Garland of lawful age do testify and say that I am  have been well ac- quainted with Abijah Potter of Piercy in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire and have been for the term of fifteen years last past, that I reside within a Mile of said Potter's residence in said said Piercy, That the said Potter has been unable to labour or to do any thing towards earning his support ever since I knew him That his wife is almost deaf and entirely unable to do any kind of business, or labour, and both of them have been supported by their sons ever since I have known them, That such support as their sons have been able to afford them has been far from being comfortable and what I think was really necessary, That I have frequently seen and known the old Gentle- man Potter to wash and mind his own clothes for several years until he was unable to do it -
That said Potter is very poor I have every reason to believe from every thing that I have seen - That the farm on which Abijah Potter now lives and which the said Abijah family owned, in my opinion could not be sold on Six months credit for more than Three hundred Dollars - That I have no doubt but said Potter's Pension was stopped by misrepresent- -ation from some of his envious neighbours
Clark M c Garland

State of New Hampshire ss
Decembris 17 th 1830 Then personally appear- -ed Clerk M c Farland and made oath that the within Affidavit by him subscribed was true.
Before me Joshua Marshall Just. of the Peace
Clerk M c Farland Affidavit

Celesther Pike Affidavit —

I Celesther Pike of Stratford in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Abijah Potter of Piercy in said County and have been ever since he moved in to said town of Piercy that I lived within half of a Mile of his house untill the year 1824 and since that time have been well acquainted with his situation And know he has not been able to do any thing of any consequence towards supporting himself ever since he was burned by falling in to the fire, which time I think is not less then twelve or fifteen years - That his wife has not been able to weight on herself for a much longer time and from their appearance and the appearance of every thing around them should say they were very poor and were not com- fortably provided for, nor have they been for a long time ---
That they have been unable to have a hired maid That I have seen the old gentleman said Potter a hanging and his cloths to day and have frequently heard his neighbors say he had to wash his own cloths --- That I believe his Pension was stopped by misrepresentation by some envious person or persons,
That the said Potter has been at variance

with Colonel Bowel & David for fifteen or twenty years and part of the time in a quarrel they being near neighbors and it is here generally said that he has been the means of having said Potters Pension stopped — Abiathar Pike
State of New Hampshire } Coos ss - December 16th 1830. Then personally
appeared Abiathar Pike and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed was true.
Before me Joshua Marshall Jus. of Peace

Joshua Marshall Affidavit

I Joshua Marshall of Stratford in the county of Coos in the State of New Hampshire testify and say that I am well acquainted with Elijah Potter of Piercy in said county of Coos and know that he is very poor and is unable to obtain a support and do not think his son with whom he resides is able to furnish him and his wife with necessaries for their comfortable maintenance and support nor do I think that he has had a comfortable support, or what would be called so, for persons of the age and infirmities of him and his wife for ten years last past. —  His son has a small farm which was formerly owned by the said Elijah Potter which I think could not be sold for more than three or four hundred Dollars. —
Joshua Marshall
State of New Hampshire } Personally appeared Coos ss. December 23 d 1829. }
The above named Joshua Marshall and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
Before me James Lusk Just. of Peace

Stratford Dec. 22 d 1829.
Dear John W Weeks.
Sir inclosed I send you the papers relating to Elijah Potters Pension — After I saw you I found the papers, copies of deeds &c. which were made out in Dec. 1827, had been mislaid in Gen. Cushman's office in Guildhall Vt. and had not been sent on to the Sec'y of War, which explained the reason we had received no answer from the War department —
There seems to be something unfortunate attending every attempt to reestablish Mr Potters again on the Pension Rolls.
In March 1825 he appeared at the Court of Common Pleas there made out his declaration and Schedule of property, copies of which were then made and transmitted to the War department by Gen. John Wilson, then the Clerk of the said Court, to which no answer has ever been received from the Secretary of War.
At the Superior Court, Nov. Term 1827.
he again made out his Schedule of Property in a new declaration, copies of which were transmitted to the War department by the Clerk of the Court, an answer to which was soon returned; and evidence required of what disposition he had made of his property since the 18 th of March 1818.
Gen. Cushman then undertook to forward the papers which were soon after made out but having so much business on his hands forgot or neglected to forward them to the Secretary of War; and the business has been suspended until this time. I think there can be no question but Mr Potter is intitled to a Pension; he is very poor and has been so for ten years.

he has been unable to labour any of consequence for thirteen years and his wife for fifteen years has been unable to take care of herself, having lost the use of her limbs in consequence of a shock of the palsy or some other infirmity —
His Pension was stopped at the, or on the representa- tion of a single Individual with whom I concerned on the subject, since I saw you and have no doubt but it was done through envy in order to injure said Potter —
A abundance of evidence can be furnished if necessary to show that he is miserably poor and has long been so —
But I hope the Secretary will not require it or any thing further than what is herewithal as the old Gentleman's situation is such that he must be at a great deal of trouble either to attend Court, or to have a Judge come to his house none of them residing within a hundred miles of him —
I have found the papers rather in a confused state but have made the best arrangement I could at present, and so forward them —
If there should be a difficulty please to inform me as soon as convenient. Mr Potter will be anxious to know the result —
I am Sir with high respect and and esteem your Obed Servt.
Forbes Marshall

Sith Curhonuni Official

19 Itho Cushman late of Guilhall in the County of Essex, now of Montpelier in the County of Washington in the State of Vermont Deposed say that I am acquainted with the pecuniary circumstan- -ces of Abijah Potter of Parry in the County of Essex & State of New Hampshire.
He is very poor being destitute of the ordinary comforts of life & without the means of attaining them.
The farm which he once owned & managed to Aaron Potter is not worth three hundred dollars in my opinion and I am convinced that it is now worth much more than it was when the old man Abijah Potter owned it.
The son of said Abijah with his son Abijah lives has a very large family & is but just able to support them.
Itho Cushman
State of New Hampshire
Was on December 16th 1829. Then the foregoing affidavit was submitted to & sworn to, before me.
Joshua Marshall justice of the Peace

I Adino N. Brackett of Lancaster testify & say that I have lately, to wit, in October last, been at Oring at the residence of Abijah Potter a person who has made application, to be placed on the pension list of the United States, for acts of the United States for the relief of persons employed in the land & naval service during the revolutionary war; That the town is a poor one, being mountainous & barren, that both the farms of Abijah Potter & Aaron Potter sons of the said Abijah, are not worth in my opinion over three or four hundred dollars; and that the old gentleman himself is unable to labour, has an infirm wife, & has no visible means of support; that as I had business which required me to get refreshment at the house of one of the Potters, I can truly say, I think them poor & that the old gentleman certainly deserves aid of his country on account of his actual poverty.
Adino N. Brackett
State of New Hampshire 2 Con. Ct. Nov. 14th 1829.
Sworn to before me,
Joshua Marshall Just of the Peace

It has been stated by the agent of Mr. Potter, that papers proving the little value of the land he deeded to his sons and of the encumbrance of that little, are now on file in the Pension Office ~
John W. Weeks, will be happy to learn that a favorable construction is put this case knowing as he does, that Potter is actually destitute of the necessaries of life ~ Washington Dec r 11. 1829 ~

Guildhall December 4 th 1826
Dear Sir,
Abijah Patten of Perry leaves county N. H. was a revolutionary soldier, placed on the pension list & drew a pension; but thro' the exertions & misrepresentations of some personal enemies the Sec. of War was induced to believe (from some affidavits transmitted him undoubtedly) that the old gentlemen had property & he was therefore suspended. - It has since been known who made these representations to the Sec. nor what was there represented. but knowing as I do the old mans situation in point of property, I will stand pledged to prove any representation that he is a man of property false. - The true state of his pecuniary concerns for the year past is correctly set forth in the enclosed papers & if there is a man in the U.S. entitled to a pension Old Mr. Patten is.
Will you have the goodness to lay the enclosed papers before the Sec. of War & use your influence to have justice done this deserving & meritorious old man
I have the honor to be Most respectfully Your obedt. Servt.
Little Cushing
Hon. Levi Woodbury.

Affidavit of Inhabitants Piray

We the undersigned testify and say.
That we are well acquainted with Abijah Potter, Abijah Potter junior Aaron Potter and Justus Potter and have been for more than ten years and that they are all persons of truth and respectability and have always sustained the character of sober, moral and industrious farmers.
That the said Aaron & Abijah junior have frequently been elected to the office of select men, constable, Treasurer Town Clerk &c. in said town of Percy in the county of Coos, N.H. where they now do and have for a great number of years, last part resided - in which town the de visor is this present year one of the selectmen & the said Abijah junior is constable and Treasurer & Highway Surveyor -
And that they are all persons who are highly respected for their integrity, truth and fair dealing. We also depose, that it was a matter of Public notoriety that the old general Abijah Potter (father of the said Abijah junior Aaron & Justus,) contracted with said Aaron and Justus some time previous to the spring of 1817 to let them have his his farm in said Percy, and they were to pay his debts and $50 to each of his daughters -
And we do know that said Abijah in consequence of falling into the river in the night time while in a fit, was so badly burned that his life was endangered in June 1816, and from which he has never since recovered, nor has he since that time been able to labor - but he and his wife, who is old & infirm & afflicted with mental

disbursement, have ever since been supported by their children - That so Aaron and Justus actually went into possession of said farm in the spring of 1817 since which time the said Elijah has had no control of, or interest in, it -
Nor has the said Elijah paid any taxes on said farm since 1816 - But the said Aaron and Justus during the years from 1817 to 1823 inclusive had the sole use and improvement of said farm, and were known to be the owners of it - and from 1823 to the present time the said Elijah Potter farm, who then bought it of his brothers Aaron & Justus and paid them for it - has had the possession, use, and improvement of it, and is now the owner of it -
That the said Elijah has been supported by the charity of his children for a long time and must continue thus to be supported to the end of his life unless he can receive that pension from the government of the U.S. to which he is entitled -
The little personal property which the said Elijah now owns, his children have kept for him to gratify him in his old age & if it had been applied in his support must long since have been expended
We further say that the farm owned by the said Elijah in 1816 was not worth more than $400 - at that time - The sons who have owned the farm since have put it in a good state of improvement and erected a barn and rendered it

It is much more valuable July 7 th 1826
Isaac Stone Samuel Stone John M c Greenland Andrew Cole Ezra Barnes David Badger David Badger Jr Joseph Clifford John Wain Jr Darius Haines Benjamin Smith Gelford Cole Clark M c Partland
Mark Potter Robert Pike Lewis H. Massey Peter Massey John Massey Nesb Jackson
State of New Hampshire Coos County ss. July 8 th A.D. 1826
Then foregoing subscribers to the foregoing affidavit were before me and subscribed and
made oath that the same was just and true.
Joshua Marshall Justice of Peace.
I certify that the above signers comprise more than three thirds of the legal voters in the town of Perry - Joshua Marshall Just. Peace

Copy of Deed — Abijah Patter — To Justus Patter — No 1.
No 41

Piercy December 29 th 1820.
Potter } Know All Men by these presents.
To } That I Abijah Potter of Piercy, in the County of Coos Potter } and State of New-Hampshire - husbandman - do hereby grants, bargain, and sell, and convey unto Justus Potter husbandman of Piercy aforesaid - For and in Consideration of six hundred Dollars - The receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, the following tracts or parcels of Land Lying in Piercy aforesaid namely the whole of the second division Lot of the right of Thomas W. Donough et al 108 also all the home Farm which lies below the Road and easterly of the following Boundaries (viz) bounded on the Northwest by Stake and Stone, thence by a line running southerly to a Stake and Stone, thence by a westerly line running near the Barn to a Stake, and Stone, thence by a line running south- -easterly by the Barn yard to the Road, to a Stake and Stone to- -gether with one equal half of the Barn standing on my Farm, in said Piercy standing near the above named Farm- -is; also the use of one equal half of the Barn yard.
To have and to hold, the same unto him the said Justus his heirs, and assigns forever, together with all the appur- -tenances and privileges thereunto belonging, Except that the use of the Barn yard is to be his no longer than he shall occupy the above mentioned Barn, and I do Covenant and agree to and with the said Justus that I am lawfully seized and possessed of the above mentioned premises, that they are free from all incumbrances, and that I will warrant and defend the same, against the lawful Claims, and demands of all persons, to him his heirs and assigns forever. - Reservations Intertimensions 11 th Line from top, Below the Road and 14 th Line from top "by a" made before signing: Jan y . 2 d . A.D. 1821. Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of us In presence of _____ us _____ Abijah Potter L.S.
David Ryder John Cale }
State of New-Hampshire - Coos ss. Sept. 5 th 1821. Then personally appeared Abijah Potter signed & sealed of the above & foregoing Instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed.
Before me. _____ Wm Farrar - Justice of Peace Coos ss; 5 th Sept. 1821. Rec d . Read and examined
By John M. Duncanson Reg r .

State of New Hampshire - Coos - ss. Register of Deeds Office, at Lancaster within said County of Coos - 20 th Dec. 1827.
I hereby Certify the within & foregoing is a true Copy of Record found in Lib. 10 Fol. 461 - of the Records in this Office. -
Attest. John M. Duncanson Reg r

Copy of Deed - Elijah Patten To Aaron Patten No 2
2/41

Piercy Decr. 29 th 1820.
Potter } Know All Men by these presents. To } That I Abijah Potter of Piercy, in the County of Cass Potter } and State of New Hampshire - husbandman - in Consideration of six hundred Dollars paid to me by Aaron Potter of S d Piercy yeoman - The receipt whereof, I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, bargain, sell and convey unto him the s d Aaron his heirs and assigns, the following tract or parcel of Land Lying in S d Piercy (viz) all of the home Farm which lies westerly of the following Boundaries (viz) Bounded on the River, by Stake & Stones thereby a Line running southerly to Stake and Stones, thence by a Line running westwardly, to a Stake and Stones thence to the Road to a Stake and Stones, thence easterly to the easterly Line of Lot N o . 21. the last Line running on the south side of the Road.
To have and to hold the above-mentioned premises, together with all the privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging except one Equal half of the Barn, and the use of one half of the Barn yard, unto him the said Aaron, his heirs, and assigns, forever, and I do Covenant to and with the said Aaron that I am in Lawful Possession of the same and that I will warrant, and defend the same against the Lawful Claims, and demands of all Persons, unto him the said Aaron, his heirs, and assigns, forever. January 2 nd A.D. 1821.
Signed, Sealed and delivered
In presence of us
David Ryder
John Cole
Abijah Potter (L.S.) " " (L.S.) " " (L.S.)
State of New Hampshire - Cass - ss.
Sept. 5. 1821. Personally came Abijah Potter, signor and sealer of the within written Instrument, and acknowledged the same, to be his free act and Deed
Before me - Wm Farrar - Justice of Peace Cass - ss; 5 th Sept. 1821. Re d Recorded and examined -
By John W. Dickinson Rep r .

State of New Hampshire - Cass - ss Registry of Deeds Office, at Lancaster, within said County of Cass, 20 th Dec. 1827.
I hereby Certify that the within and foregoing is a true Copy of Record found in Lib. 10 Fol. 462 of the Records in this Office.
Attest John M. Duncanson Reg r .

Abijah Potter-gunn's Affidavit

I Abijah Potter Junior of Perry in the county of Coos & State of New Hampshire of Lawful age Depose and say - That in June A.D. 1816 my father Abijah Potter owned and was possessed of a farm of about one hundred and twenty acres, worth about four hundred dollars, and a small stock of cattle worth about $160 - And was indebted to several persons to the amount of about $160 - And had a large family of children five sons and three daughters - That on the 7th of June 1816 my father in the night time while in a fit, fell into the fire and before the family were alarmed he was so badly burned that his life was for some time in danger, and he has never, in consequence of it, been able to labour even up to the present time, nor has he done any work of any consequence from that time to the present -
In the winter of 1816 & 17 my father despairing of being able again to carry on his farm or support himself and family, agreed with my brothers Aaron and Justus that they should have his farm and should pay his said debts & also pay to my three sisters $50 - each -
My said brothers accordingly took possession of said farm in the spring of 1817 and continued from that time to improve it to their own use jointly until the 2 d day of January 1821 - and performed their part of the contract by paying debts &c.
They also supported my father and my mother (who has for twenty years been infirm and unable to labour & afflicted with mental disor- -derment or insanity) until July 30 th 1823. The illness of my father and the confidence

which my brothers entertained, that the contract above mentioned relating to the farm should be carried into effect and that my brothers would divide the farm when the debts were paid, delayed the execution of the Deed of the farm from my said father to my brothers until January 2 d 1821 - at which time in fulfilment of the contract aforesaid my father did execute the Deeds to my 2 d brothers of said farm, from which time they each continued to improve their part of the farm until the 30 th day of July 1823, when I purchased said farm of my said brothers and let them have other lands in payment thereof.
Since which time my parents have been supported by the said Canoe and myself the other children being unable.
My father's stock of cattle which he had at the time my brothers purchased the farm of him has been diminished and he has now only one small ox and one cow three small heifers six sheep & one small goat and one third part of a horse worth $12 - This is all the property except a few articles of house hold furniture which my father owns and his stock is kept and has been kept without his paying any thing for keeping to gratify my aged and infirm father and not because any one of his children was or is under any obligation to keep it - I have continued to improve the farm opened, formerly owned by my father from said July 30 th 1823 to the present time and have received the whole profits to myself and neither my father or any other

person has or pretends to have any claim or interest in said farm except myself - My father and mother still continue very infirm and are unable to do any thing to support themselves.
Abijah Potter Jr
State of New Hampshire } Then personally appeared Coos ss July 7 th 1826 } The above named Abijah Potter Jr and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed was just and true before me Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

Abijah Pattas Appendant
leik a er watt 9 tulin the g leik

I Potter Abijah do. Solemnly swear that since the 18th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property in the following way and and no others. Viz. That in consequence of being taken in a fit I fell into the fire some time during the night of six or seventh day of June in the year 1816 and before I knew enough to get out of the fire was so severely burned in my face that I was so blind I could not tell the night from the day during about a fortnight and confined and a long time confined to my bed and room and have not been able since to attend to any kind of business of any consequence whatever. That, in consequence of the coldness of the summer of 1816 the crops were very much lessened from their usual growth, Indian corn was all cut off and in the spring of 1817 I could not let my farm at any rate. That my sons then living with me had become uneasy and unsteady and were inclined to leave me unless I would give them a deed of my farm and at that time my health was such I thought I should not live long and I contracted and agreed with the said sons Ezekiel & Justus Potter to give them a deed on condition that they would pay fifty dollars to each of my daughters as a compensation for their labour and services after they became of age for me in my family and pay as near as I can recollect about eighty five dollars more in discharging Doctor bills and other small debts which I then owed and Parton and provide fader for the following stock and take the care of the same for my use and benefit as long as they are able if I should live so long, Viz. 2 Cows, 6 Sheep and one third part of the expenses of keeping of a horse which conditions they accepted, had there being but one Justice in the town and no other person who could make the —

writings within twelve Miles and knowing the said Justice to be very inimical to me I did not wish to employ him to make the writings, and my said sons disagreeing in a division of the farm the writings were delayed from time to time until the 2 d day of January 1821 during which time my health was such that I could not bear the outdoor air or the light of the sun upon my eyes and face and wind beat twice from home driving three grass and six months and then only about half of a Mile - Thus declining my farm when I did and closing a bargain which was so publicly made and so well known by my neighbours at the time it was made and after the conditions on the part of my said sons had been performed and fulfilled in part should have been represented as done by me in order to diminish my property so as to bring me within the provisions of the Act of Congress passed March 18 th 1818 - or the 18 th day of March 1818 - never entered my bread -
In 1823 my said sons becoming again uneasy at their situation I relinquished all claim on them for the support of State and turned to the generosity of my eldest son Elijah Potter for to whom the said Court and Justice conveyed the said farm and with whom I now live and from whose  such support  my support as he is able to provide - My personal property consisted in the above mentioned Stock, which has been kept by said sons for my benefit and I think has not varied five dollars in a year in its worth since the Spring of 1817 some years worth less and some more -
And the reasons why I did not make earlier application to be continued on the Pension List or for the continuance of my Pension are the following, 1 st I made a legal declarate in order to be continued on the Pension List, under the Act of May 1 st 1820 - The first time I was able to attend Court after I had act was past, but from the misrepresentation of some Person, my Pension was stopped and I was told that I should be prosecuted for Perjury. 2 d That I lived in a remote place twelve Miles from any person who could give me any correct information on the subject and such persons seldom come when I must unless they are paid for traveling twelve Miles ten of which is over a rough Road - 3 d I was without money to defend myself

against a prosecution. Had my enemies reported as coming against me on pay any person for traveling to and giving me directions how to procure and notable myself to go to such Council. on account of health, and under then discouragements I had given over all further trial for the continuance of my Pension and should never have made another attempt if I had not been advised so to do by Joshua Marshall who offered graciously to assist me in again applying for a continuance of my Pension accordingly in March 1825 I appeared before the Court of Common Pleas and made a new declaration, the copy of which the then Clerk of the Court John Wilson Esquire said he made out and directed to the Secretary of War to which I have been told no answer has been re- turned and which was never received at the War depart- ment as appears by letter from Secretary of War Lord Winter- dale Dec. 28th 1826 directed to Senator Woodbury Secy of War and received by General Smith Cashier of Great Falls for most and other causes originating from my remote situation where there is no regular communication into, or through, the town where I reside and the persons who have given me assistance live ing more than twenty Miles from me have tended to delay or retard the preparation of the evidence and papers proper to establish me again on the Pension List or prevent the continuance of my Pension  "dated Dec. 28th 1826 directed to Senator Woodbury Secy of War and received" The words, Potter , some time , as , not , whom , such , subject ,  "when I reside" , further , not , there is , ing , to , were interlined before signed or sworn to — Abijah Potter 
State of New Hampshire
Court for January 2 d 1828 Then the above
named Abijah Potter and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true
Before me Joshua Marshall Justice of Peace

I Alijah Potter of Piercy in the County of Coos and in the State of New Hampshire do testify and say that I have been unable to labour but very little since June 1816 and about a year of that time wholly confined by sickness, and all the time since, myself and wife, who have been very infirm and my wife a great part of the time deranged in mind have been supported by my my sons, that my personal property was disposed of previous to my being placed on the Pension Roll to discharge claims against me excepting what, or about the amount of that put in my declarations or annexed to them in my schedules made at the Court of Common Pleas at the March Term in 1825 and at the Superior Court of Judica- ture held on the first Tuesday of November 1827 within and for the said County of Coos - copies of which have been forwarded to the War department as I have been informed - That my sons Josiah and Aaron Potter having paid claims or debts against me according to a previous agreement entered into with me in the Spring of 1827 and to do what they could for my support deeds were made to them Dec. 29th 1828 signed June 2 nd 1821 - which is the only conveyance made by me of my property since the 18th day of March 1818, excepting what little personal property I then had and which I have since disposed of as my necessities required in living, except a few household goods - That I and my wife have been supported wholly by my children excepting the property before men- tioned and about sixty five or six dollars I received as Pension -

That at the time I decided my farm (the whole agreement and transaction being well known to my neighbors  there ) I did not expect or believe I should have my name struck from the Pension list.
and without misrepresentation I think it would not have been done.
The said farm has since been decided by said Aaron to justice to Elijah Potter Junr a son with whom I now live and am supported as Elijah Potter
State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
December 22 nd 1829 Then Personally appeared
the above named Elijah Potter and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
Before me for New Hampshire of the Peace
Affidavit Elijah Potter

Affidavit
Elijah Patten Jr.

I Alijiah Potter junior of Pierce in the County of Coos in the State of New Hampshire testify and say that, Alijiah Potter Deeded his farm to Levi and Justin Potter his sons the 2 nd day of January 1821- which is the only conveyance he made, and that I understood to be made on a former agreement entered into in the year 1817- but was not present when the agreement was made -
I have since known of their paying and on claims against Alijiah Potter, Sixty three dollars & they supported the said Alijiah and his wife from June 1816 to July 1823 - excepting Sixty five or six dollars which the said Alijiah had as Pension - That the wife of the said Alijiah has not been able and capable of doing her own work about house or any other work of any consequence for fifteen years and for five years unable to go abroad the house a great deal of the time with out sliding or slipping her feet on the floor - owing as is supposed to a stroke of the Palsy -
Alijiah Potter Jr
State of New Hampshire
Coos ss December 28 th 1829
Personally came Before me the above named Alijiah Potter Jr and made oath to the above Affidavit by him subscribed.
Joshua Marshall Justice of Peace

Potters } Know All Men by these presents.
To Potter } That we Aaron Potter of Piny and Justus Potter of Stratford, in the County of Coos and State of New-Hampshire-Wealeandman-For and in Consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred Dollars to us in hand, before the delivery hereof will and truly paid by Abijah Potter Jr of said Piny - Chose-wisem - The receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have given, granted, bargained, sold, and by these presents, do give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, release, confirm, unto the said Abijah Potter Jr his heirs, and assigns forever, a certain tract or Parcel of Land lying or being in said Piny, it being the whole of Settlers Lot - Number twenty one. Except what has been sold, on to Lot numbered twenty which is to remain and is established as the farm now runs between said Farm and two ten acre Meadow Lots belonging to said Farm formerly owned by Barnabas Cole, and the whole of the second division of the original right of Thomas Mt. Donough numbered one hundred and eight, it being a Lot begun by the For- -breches. Called the Follenhush Lot.
To him and to his heirs, the said granted premises, with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging to him the said Abijah Potter Jr his heirs and assigns, to his only proper use and benefit forever. and we the said Aaron and Justus Potters and our heirs, executors, and administrators do hereby Covenant, grant and agree to and with the said Abijah Potter Jr his heirs and assigns, that until the delivery hereof we are the Lawful owners of the said premises, and are seised and possessed thereof, in our own right in fee simple, and have full power and Lawful authority, to grant and convey the same; in manner aforesaid; that the said premises are free and clear of all and every incumbrance whatsoever, and that we the said Aaron and Justus, and our heirs, executors, and administrators, shall, and will warrant the same to the said Abijah Potter Jr his heirs and assigns against the Lawful Claims and demands of any person or persons whomsoever.
In Witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hand, and seal, the thirtieth Day of July Anno Domini 1823. words interlined before signed are of Piny Piny. Aaron Potter (L.S.) Justus Potter (L.S.) Hannah Potter " " Elizabeth Potter " " Mark Potter, Clifford Cole

Cass. fs. State of New Hampshire March the 4 th 1824 — Then personally appeared the above named Aaron, and Justus Patten, and acknowledged the above Instrument, to be their free acts and Deed — Before me — Belw. Russell — Justice of the Peace — Cass. fs. 14 th June 1824. B.W. Recorded and examined — By John W. Dunnington Regr.
State of New Hampshire — Cass. fs. — Register of Deeds Office, at Lancaster within said County of Cass. 20 th Decr. 1827 — I hereby Certify that the above and foregoing is a true Copy of Record found Lib. 13 Fol. 107 & 8 of the Records in this Office. —
Attest — John W. Dunnington Regr.
Copy of Deed — Aaron & Justus Patten To Abijah Patten Jr.

I Justice Potter of Piercy in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire of Lawful age Depose and say - That in the June A.D. 1816 - my father Micah Potter owned and was possessed of a farm of about one hundred and twenty acres worth about four hundred dollars, and a small stock of cattle worth about 100 Dollars and was indebted to sundry persons to the amount of about $160.- and had a large family of children, five sons & three daughters - That on the 7 th day of June 1816 my father in the night time while in a fit fell into the fire and before the family were alarmed he was so badly burned that his life was for some time in danger, and he has never, in consequence of it, been able to labour even up to the present time, nor has he done any work of any con- sequence from that time to the present -
In the winter of 1816 & 17 my father despairing of being able again to carry on his farm or support himself and family, agreed with my Brother Aaron and me that we should have his farm and should pay his said debts & also pay to our three sisters $50.- each - and we accordingly took possession of said farm in the spring of 1817 and continued from that time to improve it to our own use and jointly until the 2 nd day of January 1821 - and performed our part of the contract by paying the debts &c.
We also supported my father and my Mother (who has for twenty years been infirm and unable to labour and afflicted with mental derangement or insanity) until July 30 th 1823 - The illness of my father and the confidence which my Brother & I entertained that the contract above mentioned relating to the farm should be carried in to effect and that my Brother & I should divide the farm when the debts were paid, delayed the Execution of the deed of the farm from our said father to us until January 2 nd 1821 - at which time in fulfillment of the con- tract aforesaid my father did execute the deed to my Brother Aaron and me of said farm, from which time from which time we each continued to improve his part of said farm until the 30 th day of July 1823, when

Abijah Potter junior my Brother purchased said farm of my Brother Aaron and we and let us have other lands in exchange or payment therefor
Since which time my parents have been supported by my Brothers Abijah Jr. and Aaron. The other children being unable to support them
My father's stock of cattle which he had at the time my Brother and I purchased the farm of him has been diminished and he has now only one small ox one cow three small heifers six sheep and one small shoat & one third part of a horse worth $12. This is all the property except a very few articles of household furniture which my father owns, and his stock is kept and has been kept without his paying anything for keeping to gratify my aged and infirm father and not because any one of his children was or is under any obligation to keep it. My Brother Abijah Potter junior continued to improve the farm aforesaid, formerly owned by my father from 2 nd July 30 th 1823 to the present time and has received the whole profits to himself and neither my father or any other person has or pretends to have any claim or interest in said farm except himself, and the bargain and sale of said farm from my father to my Brother Aaron and me and from us to my Brother Abijah Jr. was firmly made and executed without any other condition or stipulation than what is above stated.
My father and Mother still continue infirm and unable wholly to do any thing to support themselves
Yours truly Abijah Potter
State of New Hampshire } Then personally appeared the Coos Co. July 7 th 1826 } above named Justin Potter and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed was true, before me.
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

Aaron Pollers Deposition

I Aaron Potter of Pierrey in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire of Lawful age Depose and say - That in June A.D. 1816 my father Elijah Potter owned and was possessed of a farm of about one hundred and twenty acres worth about four hundred Dollars and a small Stock of Cattle worth about $160--- and was indebted to sundry persons to the amount of about $160--- And a large family of children five sons and three daughters. That on the 4 th day of June 1816 my father in the night time while in a fit fell into the fire and before the family were alarmed he was so badly burned that his life was for some time in danger, and he has never, in consequence of it, been able to labour even up to the present time, nor has he done any work of any consequence from that time to the present.
In the winter of 1816 & 17 my father despairing of being able again to carry on his farm and support himself and family, agreed with me and my Brother Justus Potter that we should have his farm and should pay his said debts & also pay to our three sisters $50- each.
And we accordingly took possession of said farm in the Spring of 1817 and continued from that time to improve it to our own use jointly until the 2 nd day of January 1821, and performed our part of the contract by paying debts &c.
We also supported our father and our Mother, (who has for twenty years been infirm and unable to labour & afflicted with mental derangement or insanity) until July 30 th 1823.
The illness of my father and the confidence which we entertained that the contract above mentioned relating to the farm should be carried into effect and that I and my Brother Justus would divide the farm when the debts were paid, delayed the ex-

execution of the Deed of the farm from our said Father to my Brother and me until January 2 d 1821. At which time in fulfilment of the contract aforesaid my father did execute the Deeds to my Brother Justus and me of said farm, from which time we continued to improve the farm until the 30 th day of July 1823, when my Brother Abijah Potter Potter Junior purchased said farm of my Brother Justus and me and let us have other lands in payment thereof.
Since which time my parents have been supported by said Abijah Junior and myself the other children being unable.
My father's Stock of cattle which he had at the time my Brother Justus and I purchased the farm of him has been diminished and he has now only one small ox one cow three small heifers, six sheep & one small shoat and one third part of a horse worth $12. This is all the property except a few articles of house hold furniture which my father owns, and his Stock is kept and has been kept without his paying anything for keeping to gratify my aged and infirm father and not because any one of his children was or is under any obligation to keep it. The said Abijah Potter Junior my Brother continues to improve the farm aforesaid for miles owned by my Father and has continued to improve it from July 30 th 1823 to the present time and has received the whole profits to himself, and neither my Father or any other person has or pretends to have any claim or interest in said farm except said Abijah Junior.
My father and mother still continue very infirm and are unable to do any thing to support themselves.
The bargain and Sale of the farm aforesaid small between my father and my Brother Justus and me and between my Brother Abijah, and my Brother Justus and me was

firmly made and executed without any other condition or reference to any thing more than what has been named in the foregoing affidavit.
Aaron Potter
State of New Hampshire Coos County ss July 4 th A.D. 1826
Then personally appeared Aaron Potter and made solemn oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed was just and true before me Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

We the subscribers Abijah Potter Junior & Aaron Potter testify and say that we were present when Edward Bowel Esquire drew the deed of which the annexed is a copy and that he put fifteen hundred dollars in to the consideration of said deed without consulting us on the subject and that we asked him why he had the consideration of said deed so much higher than it ought to have been and told him the property which was Land and Stock that was given in exchange for said farm was not worth, and could not be sold for six hundred dollars, that we should be willing to take that sum for it, in answer to us he said that it made no difference what ever the amount of the consideration was which was put into the deed
Aaron Potter Abijah Potter Junr
State of New Hampshire Lebanon Fe - January 2 d 1828 - Then the above named Aaron & Junior Abijah Made oath to the above affidavit Before me Joshua Munnell, Just. Peace

Aaron Potter Affidavit

I Aaron Potter do testify and say that Robert Pike was collector of taxes for the town of Piercy for the year 1817 and that he died in December or January last past and his certificate cannot be obtained. — I further testify that it appears by the records of said town that the farm of Abijah Potter was taxed to him in the year 1817 and the taxes of that year were assessed to the said Abijah, the assessment being made previous to the bargain made with his sons Justin and Aaron to convey said farm and that the said farm was so taxed until both of his sons became of age liable by law to pay taxes, which was not until the year 1820; although the taxes were paid by the said sons from the year 1817 to the time they sold to Abijah Potter Jr — The records Justin & Aaron & by law were intended before signed —  Aaron Potter (Town Clerk)
State of New Hampshire } Coos ss December 18th 1830 } Then personally appeared Aaron Potter and made oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed was true  Before me  Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

Affidavit Aaron Patten

I Aaron Potter of Piercy in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire testify and say That Abijah Potter of said Piercy conveyed his farm on which Abijah Junior now resides in said Piercy to myself and my Brother Justin Potter The 2 d day of January 1821, that we paid out on claims against the said Abijah Potter after- wards about two hundred & thirty Dollars and supported him and his wife from June 1816 to July 1823, during which time both were unable to labour and take care of themselves — We then conveyed the said farm to our Brother Abijah Potter Junior with whom the said Abijah his wife resided and been supported, excepting what support he has provided himself from about one hundred & fifty dollars of his own property which is now all expended excepting a few articles of household goods — — —
Aaron — Potter
State of New Hampshire } Then Personally Coos ss — Dec. 20 th 1829 }
appeared Aaron Potter and made oath to the above Affidavit by him submitted
Before me! Jonathan Marshall Justice of Peace