Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23850, for Joseph Potter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Mass.)
Potter, Joseph
S. 23850
CONTENTS

11417 11 429 Pennsylvanize
Joseph Potter
of Joseph & Co in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Pr - in the Company commanded by Captain Naples of the Regt - commanded by Genl Washington in the Massachusetts Militia
13 Mo Private - $ 43.33
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of May 1833 and Sept 6 Asa Dimock, Montpelier Vt
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 86.65 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 21.68
108.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk Book 8 Vol. 5 Page 45
D. Feb - 9 - 1835 (From A.B.)

Sept - 26.
Joseph Potter Pluscon Application
16044

Susquehanna County ss
State of Pennsylvania on this tenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Susquehanna County now sitting Joseph Potter a resident of Gibson township in the County of Susquehanna and State aforesaid aged seventy two years Last May who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his affirmation make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832
that he entered the Service of the United States by enlistment the first of January in the year of our Lord 1776 under Captain David Noble of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts Lieutenant Patterson and in sign Hall and joined Colonel Patterson's Regiment at Cambridge near Boston and continued there and near there until month after when the British Left Boston we marched to New London and from there we went by water to New York City and from there we went to Albany up the Hudson river and from there we marched to Fort Edward and from there to Skeneateles and continued our march by water up to Montreal and to the Cedars and then back to Montreal and soon retreated to St Johns and from there to Crown Point and from there to Mount Independence and stayed there two or three months fortifying the place and then we marched to Ticonderoga by the way of Lake George and down to Albany and from there to Newtown in Pennsylvania and arrived there about the twentieth of December 1776 and Christmas Eve we crossed the Delaware river about nine miles above Trenton in New Jersey and the next morning we had a battle under the command of General George Washington and took the Hessians and stayed there until the first of January 1777 my time being out I was discharged and I left the Army He also further states that he did some months Service under Captain White as a part of a party to some camp at a place called Roadack about forty miles from Albany and also further states that he has no documentary evidence of his Service and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his Service other than the person whose affidavit is this application attached he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State to his knowledge  Subscribed in open Court Sept 10th 1832 Wm Blacksmith  Joseph Potter

We Eluathan Baker Jr, a Clergyman residing in the County of Susquehanna and Joseph Washburn — residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Potter who has subscribed and affirmed to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be twenty two years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion —
Eluathan Baker Jr Joseph Washburn
Sworn or affirmed in open Court Sept 10 th 1832.
Asa D. Dnick & Plos
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named application was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Eluathan Baker Jr, who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County and that Joseph Washburn esq, who has also signed the same is a resident in the County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
By the Court. Asa D. Dnick & Plos
State of Pennsylvania
Susquehanna County ss.
I Asa Dnick & Pottle (notary) of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Joseph Potter for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, at Montrose, the tenth day of September A D 1832.
Asa Dnick & Plos

16644
Joseph Potter Susquehanna County Pennsylvania
Admitted 13 mo's $43.33
Asa Dimock Montrose Susquehanna Co. Pennsylvania

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
186
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunctive notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Potter Susquehanna Co. Penn.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlist Jan. 1776 1 1 Priv. Col. Paterson Genl Washington age 72 Pittsfield Berkshire Co. Mass. Traditionary Living Witness, P. G. Spruance  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

March 4, 1938.
G. Herbert Bingham Dunmore Pennsylvania.
BA-J/ILL Joseph Potter S. 23850
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of February 24, 1938, in which you request the record of Joseph Potter, born May 7, 1759, in Rhode Island, who served in Captain David Noble's company, Colonel John Patterson's Massachusetts regiment.
The data which follow are found in pension claim, S. 23850, based upon service of the Joseph Potter of Captain David Noble's company, Colonel Patterson's Massachusetts regiment, War of the Revolution.
Joseph Potter was born in the month of May; the day of his birth, place of his birth and names of his parents are not shown. On September 10, 1832, he stated that he was "aged seventy-two years last May". date?
He enlisted January 1, served as a private in Captain David Noble's company (said Captain Noble was of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts), Colonel John Patterson's Massachusetts regiment, was stationed near Boston until the evacuation of that place by the enemy, was on the expedition to Montreal and the retreat to St. John's, assisted in the fortification of Mount Independence, marched afterwards to New Town, Pennsylvania, crossed the Delaware River on Christmas eve with the troops under General Washington, was in the battle of Trenton and was discharged January 1, 1777. He served subsequently, one month under Captain White at Hoosick, New York.
Joseph Potter was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. He died February 9, 1835.

Joseph Potter made no reference to wife or children.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, and name and address of person paid, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following:
Joseph Potter Certificate #11417 Issued May 4, 1833 Rate $43.33 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832. Pennsylvania Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

April 18, 1934.
Mr. Joshua Miller Potter Box 809 Binghamton, New York.
BA-J/ILL Joseph Potter S. 23850
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joseph Potter, your ancestor, from pension claim, S. 23850, and his brother, Joshua who was killed at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon service of soldiers in that war.
A search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of service of Joshua Potter. The record of Joseph Potter is given herein as shown in the papers on file in his claim for pension.
Joseph Potter was born in May 1760; the place of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.
Joseph Potter enlisted January 1, 1776, served as a private in Captain David Noble's company (said Captain Noble of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts), Colonel John Paterson's Massachusetts regiment, was near Boston until the evacuation of that place by the enemy, was on the expedition to Montreal and the retreat to St. John, assisted in the fortification of Mount Independence, marched from there to New Town, Pennsylvania, crossed the Delaware River on Christmas eve with the troops under General Washington, was in the battle of Trenton and was discharged January 1, 1777. He served subsequently, one month under Captain White at Hoosick, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

Joseph Potter died February 9, 1835.
There are no data relative to the family of Joseph Potter in this pension claim.
For information in regard to records from the Pennsylvania militia, it is suggested you apply to The Librarian, Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILIER, Assistant to Administrator.

November 14, 1933.
Mary L. Potter Jackson Pennsylvania.
BA-J/ILL Joseph Potter S. 23850
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Joseph Potter, a Revolutionary War soldier.
The record of Joseph Potter is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 23850, based upon his service in that war.
Joseph Potter was born in May, 1760, the place and names of his parents not shown.
Joseph Potter enlisted January 1, 1776, served as a private in Captain David Noble's company, Colonel John Paterson's Massachusetts regiment (both officers of Berkshire County, Massachusetts), was near Boston until the evacuation of that place by the British, was on the expedition to Montreal and the retreat to St. Johns, assisted in the fortification of Mount Independence for several months, thence to New Town, Pennsylvania, crossed the Delaware River on Christmas eve with the troops under General Washington, was in the battle of Trenton and was discharged January 1, 1777; he served subsequently one month under Captain White at Hoosick, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The soldier died February 9, 1835.
There are no data relative to the family of Joseph Potter in this pension claim.
date of last payment of pension In order to obtain the name and address of person to whom the next time

last payment of pension due Joseph Potter was made, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following:
Joseph Potter Certificate 11417, Issued May 4, 1833 Rate of $43.33 per annum, Commenced March 4, 1831. Act of June 7, 1832. Pennsylvania Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

MS.A.1.6
April 20, 1927
Mrs. W. K. Chapman Marseilles, R.D.# 3 Illinois
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 23850 it appears that Joseph Potter was born in May 1760, place not stated.
He enlisted January 1, 1776 served as a private in Captain David Noble's Company, Colonel John Paterson's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Trenton and was discharged January 1, 1777.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832 while a resident of Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. He died February 9, 1835.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
CW
November 10, 1923.
Honorable Louis T. McFadden, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. McFadden:
I have the honor to advise you, in response to your letter of the eighth instant, that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 23850, it appears that Joseph Potter was born in May 1760, place not stated.
He enlisted January 1, 1776 served as a private, in Captain David Noble's Company, Colonel John Paterson's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battle of Trenton, and was discharged January 1, 1777.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while living in Gibson Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
There is no data on file as to family.
Sincerely,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.

G. Herbert Bingham, Wholesale Lumber, Timbers, Ties, Logs, Poles, Mine Props and Piling. Dunmore, Pa. February 24th., 1938.
Veterans Administration, c/o Mr. A. D. Hiller, Executive Assistant, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Your reference BA/ILL. Letter 21st. inst.
With reference to Revolutionary War records of Joseph Potter.
We have record of Joseph Potter born May 7th. 1759 in Rhode Island en l isting in Captain David Noble's Company, Colonel John Patterson's Massachusetts regiment and understand served near Boston, Mass. Having lived in Rhode Island, we presumed he enlisted from that same state though do not know this to be fact. Now we desire to check the little information given above and would appreciate it if you would kindly verify the above statements and furnish me with whatever information you may be able to locate in your records.
Assuring you your co-operation would be much appreciated and thanking you, I am,
Very sincerely yours,
3
new old J G. Herbert Bingham Can

G. Herbert Bingham,
Wholesale Lumber,
Timbers, Ties, Logs, Poles, Mine Props and Piling.
Dunmore, Pa.
February 7th., 1938.
Veterans Administrator,
Pension Department,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please furnish me with Revolutionary War records of Mr. Joseph Potter serving from Rhode Island, and oblige,
Very truly yours,
G. Herbert Bingham

Box 809 Binghamton, N. Y. March 29, 1934
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Desiring to join the Sons of the American Revolution I am writing for the verification of some information I have.
My Great Great Grandfather, Captain Joseph Potter , as he was known perhaps from his being Captain of the Penn- sylvania Militia after the war, was pensioned by No.S-23850; was born in Rhode Island May 7th, 1759 or 1760; died on the farm, where I was born , February 7th 1835; he is buried on this farm which he cleared from the wilderness.
He was allowed pension on his application executed Sept 10, 1832 while living in Gibson township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
Can you let me know where he was born in Rhode Island? He had a brother named Joshua who was killed in revolution war at Cambridge, Mass. whether older or younger I do not know. Can you tell me if Joseph Potter had more than one enlistment in the war? Do refer to you know how I can get records from the Pennsylvania Militia day of that period he was a member in regards to the above question Lib. as to where he was born in Rhode Island? According to papers I have Joseph Potter marched into Canada and around Lake George before he crossed the Delaware with Washington. According to these papers he was discharged the next day after the battle of Trenton, N. J.
Yours respectfully,
Joshua Miller Potter

REUNION OF THE DESCENDANTS OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH AND LOIS (GUERNSY) POTTER
PRESIDENT, ARTHUR E. POTTER, BINGHAMTON, N.Y. VICE PRESIDENT, LEON W. POTTER, THOMPSON, PA. SECRETARY, MARY L. POTTER, JACKSON, PA.
NEXT MEETING, AUGUST 16, 1934, AT MOS C. POTTER'S, JACKSON, PA.
JACKSON, PA. NOV. 3, 1933
Record Division, General Accounting Office Pension Dept. Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Our Potter Reunion is very anxious to find out the ancestry of Joseph and Lois (Guernsy) Potter , but so far have no farther information than the following:
We have the date of the birth of Joseph Potter, as May 7, 1759 and that he was born somewhere in R.I.
In Dec. 1775, Joseph Potter and his brother Joshua enlisted in the Revolutionary War, joining the army at Cambridge, Mass. for the campaign of 1776. Joshua was taken sick and died in a little over a week after he joined.
In a letter which Joseph is supposed to have written he states that he had the following officers:
Captain David Nobles. First Lieutenant Patterson Second Lieutenant Martin Hall. Joined Colonel Patterson's regiment in 1776. Left the Army January 1777.
In 1791 he came to what is now Gibson Township, Susq. Co. Pa. and on July 18, 1798 by commission of Governor Mifflin he was made captain of the Second Company, Fourth Regiment, Luzerne County, Pa. Brigade of Militia.
He died at Gibson, Susq. Co. Pa. Feb. 9, 1835 and his wife Lois died on Nov. 5, 1824. She was born in what is now Dutchess Co. N.Y. June 1, 1762. Who their parents were we have not been able to ascertain.
Later Joseph married Mrs. Margaret Evans, do not know anything concerning her.
Have been wondering if from your records you could give us any information concerning them that will help us in compiling our Potter genealogy.
Thanking you,
Mary L. Potter Mary L. Potter, Jackson, Susq. Co. Pa.

LOUIS T. MCFADDEN, REPRESENTATIVE, PA., CHAIRMAN GEORGE P. MCLEAN, SENATOR, CONN. O. E. WELLER, SENATOR, MD. CARTER GLASS, SENATOR, VA. PORTER H. DALE, REPRESENTATIVE, VT. JAMES G. STRONG, REPRESENTATIVE, KANS. OTIS WINGO, REPRESENTATIVE, ARK. HENRY B. STEAGALL, REPRESENTATIVE, ALA. P. G. THOMPSON, SECRETARY
COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 60 CAPITOL, MAIN FLOOR, WEST PHONE: MAIN 3120, BR. 218
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
JOINT COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ON MEMBERSHIP IN FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM WASHINGTON, D. C.
November 8, 1923.
Hon. Washington Gardner, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
My dear Commissioner Gardner:
Will you kindly give me the record of Joseph Potter, Gibson, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, a soldier and pensioner of the Revolutionary War. I understand that he served in the Massachusetts Continental Line, and that his pension commenced March 4, 1831, at which time he was said to be seventy-four years of age.
Would it be possible for me to receive a certificate of this soldier's service, which is desired by his great-great-granddaughter?
Yours very truly,
L. T. McFadden
h-b

IN REPLY REFER TO
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
February 10, 1927
Mrs. Walter K. Chapman Marseilles, R.D. # 3 Ill.
Madam:
I have to advise you that in order to make a proper search of the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau for any particular soldier named Joseph Potter, as much as possible of the following data is essential: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
A handwritten signature in cursive, reading "Winfield Scott".
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Feb., 23, 1927
Mr. Scott, Dear Sir:—
I would like the military record of Joseph Potter who was born in Rhode Island May 7 1759 Died Feb 9 1835 - he went to Pa. Jan 26, 1792 was first settler in Gibson Township - Lois Gurney his wife was born in Duchess Co N.Y.
Sincerely
Mrs Walter K. Chapman, — Marseilles, Ill.

Reelection
23850 INVALID.
File No. 23,850
Joseph Potter Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1923 Nov. 10. Hist. to L. H. Mc Faddeu - m. C. 1927 Apr. 20 - Hist. to Mrs. Tracts K. Chapman - m. m. F. 1933 - Nov. 14 - Hist. to Mary L. Potter - J.L.L. 1934 - April 18 - Hist. to Mr. Joshua Miller Potter - J.L.L. 1938 - Mar. 4 - Hist. to G. Herbert Bingham - J.L.L.

Sept. 26. 18 52

Montrose, Susquehanna County Penn a , Sept r 20 th 1832,
Hon. Lewis Cass,
Dear Sir,
I have been authorized by the several applicants for pensions, under the late pension law, who are named in the annexed schedule, to forward to the War Department their respective applications.
After the merits of the several applicants shall be decided, it is their request that the information necessary in order to enable them to obtain their pension money be forwarded to me; or in case any further proceedings be necessary to substantiate the claim of any, the information may be given me and it will be promptly attended to.
It is hardly necessary for me to add, that the most of the applicants are in indigent circumstances, and the early information of their favorable reception will make the bounty of their Country doubly dear to them.
In a number of the cases, the Certifying Clergyman is Elda, Davis Dimock, of the Baptist order - and one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County -
With very great respect, I have the Honor to be Your Humble Servant.
Asa Dimock

Schedule of Pension Applicants forwarded to the War Department
By Asa D. Drock
   Names. Towns. Names. Towns.     1 Hosea Tiffany Hanford 21 Joel Barnes Gibson   2 Thomas Tiffany " 22 Peter Decker "   3 Caleb Richmond " 23 Enos Whitney "   4 Matthew Mayson " 24 George Gelat "   5 John Thacker " 25 Joseph Potter "   6 Rufus Kingsley " 26 Stephen Guffie Brooklyn   7 Elias Van Winkle " 27 Isaac Brown "   8 Nathaniel Tower Seneca 28 Jesse Miles "   9 Zerah Scott " 29 Abner Guffie Bridgewater   10 Luther Leet Chocowinta 30 Christopher Sherman "   11 John Locke " 31 Luther Hallam "   12 Nathaniel Palecomb " 32 Samuel Scott "   13 Reuben Bebee " 33 Ephraim Mansfield "   14 Asahel Graves " 34 Ezekiel Thayer "   15 John Blasdell Rush 35 Asahel Southwell Middletown   16 Isaac Turrell Lawrence 36 Dyer Crocker "   17 Rufus Limes " 37 John Danow "   18 Josiah Davis " 38 Amos Canfield "   19 Edward Dimick Hancock 39 Pardow Fish Springville   20 Amos Bennett Auburn 40 Thaddeus Peck Auburn  
The above named applicants reside in the several townships, set opposite their respective names, in the County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania.
Asa D. Drock
Dear Sirs, I beg,

State of New York } Columbia County } ss.
Personally came before me John Bull jun r one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Pileg Spencer Esq r , who, being duly sworn on his Oath deposeth and saith; that he enlisted in the service of the United States, in the month of December 1775 at Richmond, Berkshire County Massachusetts, in David Nobles Company. (said Noble was a resident of Pittsfield in Berkshire County) that the said company joined Colonel John Patterson's Regiment, (said Patterson was a resident of Lenox in said County of Berkshire) at Cambridge, near Boston, on, or about the first day of January 1776 to serve during said year of 1776; and this Deponent further saith; that Joseph Doller was a member of the said Company, and served in in said company with this Deponent during the whole of the said year of 1776. And this Deponent further saith, that after the British Army evacuated Boston the said Regiment marched to New London, in Connecticut, from thence the said Regiment went by water to New York, and from thence to Albany, in the state of New York; that from Albany said Regiment marched into Canada by way of Lake Champlain, and continued their march towards Quebec untill they met the retreating American Army a few miles below Montreal, at which last mentioned place the Army made a stand from ten days to two weeks; when the Army retreated to St. Johns; from thence to Ile aux Noix, in Lake Champlain; from thence to Crown Point; and from thence to Ticonderoga, from the last mentioned place the said Patterson's Regiment and some other Regiments, crossed the Lake and built a Fort called Mount Independence; where the said Patterson's Regiment remained until the 25 th day of November November 1776, when the Regiment were ordered to join Gen l Washington; and did join him in Pennsylvania at a Village then called New Town, in said year, where the said Regiment remained until the 25 th day of December, on which day said Regiment with others under the command of Gen l

Washington, captured the Hessians at Trenton, in New Jersey, where the said Regiment remained untill the first day of January 1777; on which day the term for which said Sobles Company were enlisted expired. And this Deponent further saith, that he together with the said Joseph Potter served during the whole of the year 1776, and were on the first day of January 1777 honorably discharged; and this deponent further saith, that he has been informed, and believes that the said Joseph Potter now resides in the state of Pennsylvania. And further this Deponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn the 12 day of August 1831 before me
John Bull Jusr.
Justice of the Peace
Pelez Spencer
Columbia County ss.
I hereby certify, that I am, and have been for a number of years, personally, and intimately acquainted with Peleg Spencer Esq. the above named Deponent, and that he is a man of good moral character, and that full faith and confidence may be given to his declaration. Given under my hand at New Lebanon aforesaid this 12 th day of August 1831.
John Bull Jusr. Justice of the Peace
Columbia County ss.
Clarks Office — ss.
I Joseph D. Mowell Clerk of the County of Columbia do hereby certify, that John Bull Jusr. Esq. before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County; And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & verily believe the signature "John Bull Jusr." subscribed to said affidavit & to the above certificate are genuine - Witness my hand & seal of office this
18 th August 1831.
J. D. Mowell Clerk