Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26916, for George Potter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Potter, George Elizabeth
W. 26916
CONTENTS

11. 437
Maine
Elizabeth Potter deed - widow of George Potter who died on the
of in the State of who was a Private the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 25 Dollars 99 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Jany. 1853 - and sent to
J. J. Crumb Arrears to the 4th of March Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by R. M. Nae Clerk, Book Vol. 1 - Page 15

Application of Elisha Potter. for premium -

No. 13578 Elizabeth Potter do mo of George
me
act 7 July 1838

State of Maine.
County of Lincoln p. On this eighth day of February A. D 1848. Personally appeared before me, Nathan Grootenpudg of the Court of Probate for said County. The same being a Court of Record. Ebenezer Potter a resident of Bowdoin in said County of Lincoln aged forty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 and the acts supplementary thereto, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows. He declares that he is the son of Elizabeth Potter who was the widow of George Potter who was a private in the Company commanded by Capt. John Rea, in Col. James Kennebec Regiment, proof of whose service accompanies this declaration, and he further declares that from the testimony of persons now living and who were present at the marriage of his parents he witnesses the performance of the ceremony, he believes said marriage took place in the year A. D 1789. That his father died on the 9th day of February A. D. 1831. and the death of his mother took place on the 7th day of August A. D 1846 - and he further declares that the following named persons

are the only children of his parents who are now living. Martha Curtis married to Joseph Curtis. George Potter. Elisha Potter. Elijah Potter. Emeline Potter. - also Rhoda Potter. Priscilla Potter & Phoebe Potter the three last named being dead.
Witnesses Nathl Groton James M. Rogers
Elisha Potter
State of Maine
County of Lincoln. Be it known that on this 8th day of February A.D. 1848. Person- ally appeared before me Nathl Groton proxy of the Court of Probate for said County. the same being a Court of Record. - Elisha Potter the declarant above named & being confirmed sworn to declare the truth in the premises caused the foregoing declaration to be reduced to writing & the same being read in his presence & hearing he subscribed the same and made solemn oath. That the facts stated in said declaration are true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto caused the seal of said Probate Court to be affixed and subscribed my name the day & year first above written Nathl Groton proxy of the Court of Probate for Lincoln County

Elizabeth Patten Wid. of George Maine
Add d Evidence
J. H. Gurney

Maine District ss: Office of the Clerk C. C. U. S.
I Geo. F. Emery Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for Maine District, hereby certify that on this nineteenth day of August A. D. eighteen hundred & fifty two it has been satisfactorily proved before the
Honorable Arthur Ware
District Judge of the United States for the District of Maine, and one of the Justices of said Circuit Court, that
George Potter
late of Boudoin in the State of Maine was reputed and believed by his neighbors to have been a Revolutionary Soldier of the United States - that he died at said Boudoin on the ninth day of February A. D. eighteen hundred & thirty one leaving a widow, Elizabeth Potter, who survived him and died on the seventh day of August A. D. eighteen hundred & forty six; that they left surviving them the following surviving children, to wit, Elisha Potter, George Potter, Elijah Potter & Martha Puntis, and that said children are the only surviving children of the said George & Elizabeth Potter, deceased.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the Seal of said Circuit Court this nineteenth day of August aforesaid
Geo. F. Emery } Clerk Circuit Court } U. S. for } Maine District

Deposition
I William Alexander of Bowdoin in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged seventy nine years on Oath Depose and say that in the year one - Thousand seven hundred and Eighty Nine. I moved - to my Fathers house to take charge of him Through Life, and then took a Deed from him and when - I moved. Their Elizabeth Alexander my brother's - Widow was at my Fathers there Living. and Continued there to Live for the space of six or nine months When she was Married to George Potter of Bowdoin at my house by Elder James Potter. she then moved - a short Distance in the same Town and brought up quite a family all in my sight as a Neighbor
W m Alexander
State of Maine. Town of Bowdoin. County of Lincoln on. This fifth day of March. A.D. 1846 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace for said County William Alexander who is personally known to me and being duly cautioned and sworn. Subscribed his name to the above affidavit by him subscribed. Before me.
James M. Rogers Justice of the peace
Said deponent is well known by me to be a man of truth and veracity James M. Rogers Justice of peace

Town Clerks Record

I Stephen Purinton Town Clerk of the Town of Bowdoin in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine do hereby certify that in the records of Marriages in said Town that the marriage of George Potter to Elizabeth Alexander is not to be found. — But But on the records of Deaths, is to be found as follows viz
Mr. George Potter Departed this life Feb. 9 th A. 1831
Attest Washington Potter & Town Clerk
M rs Elizabeth Widow of George Potter "departed this life Aug. 7 th A. 1846
Attest Washington Potter & Town Clerk
A true Copy record. Stephen Purinton & Town Clerk The record of the birth of their first child named Rhoda as found on the Book of Records is May 2 nd 1791
Attest Benjamin Jaques & Town Clerk
Copy Attest — Stephen Purinton & Town Clerk
I Stephen Purinton above named do depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Bowdoin in County of Lincoln & State of Maine and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of said Town. Stephen Purinton & Town Clerk Bowdoin Dec. 6 th 1847
Lincoln ss. December 6 th A.D. 1847 Personally appeared the- above named Stephen Purinton and made oath to the above Extracts and deposition by him subscribed before me.
James M. Rogers Justice of the Peace

No 13578
Elizabeth Paton and Me
Let to D. J. Bishop Sept. 15. 48!
Let to same Oct. 28. 48
Dickens & Rooms Aug 6 1852
act 7 July 1838

Elizabeth Potter widow of George Potter Maine
Suspended.
J. G. Gandy,

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS.
Clerk's Office, Judicial Courts, PORTLAND, July 10th — A. D. 1851 }
I, Charles C. Harmon, CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS,
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
Abner Coombs is an
Acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for the County of Lincoln — as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that the COMMISSION of the said Coombs — is dated July 1st A. D. 1847 and will expire July 1st — A. D. 1854
and that the following SIGNATURE purporting to be his — Genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
C. C. Harmon, CLERK.

I Daniel Carter of Bowdoin County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged sixty five years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with George Potter who died in this Town some twenty years ago - His widow Elizaeth Potter survived him and remained unmarried untill her death, which took place five or six years ago - The said George Potter was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary army - I always supposed he was such and he was so considered by his neighbors and townsmen, the only surviving children of said George Potter and Elizaeth his wife and widow are Elisha Potter George Potter Elizaeth Potter and Martha Curtis
Daniel Carter
State of Maine } June 25 th 1851 Lincoln ss } Subscribed and sworn before me, and I hereby certify that the above named Daniel Carter is well known to me as a witness of veracity
Homer Coombs } Justice of Peace

I Nehemiah Batchelder of Bowdoin County of Lincoln and State of Maine aged fifty six years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with George Potter who died in this Town some twenty years ago - His widow Elizabeth Potter survived him and remained unmarried until her death - which took place five or six years ago - The said George Potter was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary army - I always supposed he was such and he was so considered by his neighbors and townsmen. The only surviving children of said George Potter and Elizabeth his wife and widow are Elisha Potter George Potter Elijah Potter and Martha Curtis Nehemiah Batchelder
State of Maine } June 25 th 1851 Lincoln ss } Subscribed and sworn before me, and I hereby certify that the above named Nehemiah Batchelder is well known to me as a witness of veracity.
Abner Coombs } Justice of Peace

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Potter dec widow of George County and State of Maine act July 7 1838
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record proof of service
Record proof of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. H. Merrill Esq Present
Theruter Riplett
Examining Clerk.

Elizabeth Potter dec widow of George adm d . Me
July 7 1838
7 mos & 16 d pri p $23.99 per annum from 4 March 1836 to 7 August 1846 when she died
Pay to
Elisha Potter, George Potter, Elijah Potter & Martha Curtis only surviving children
Cart to J. H. Loomis Esq Present

Pension Office August 6 th 1852
Gentlemen,
The additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Potter deced of Maine, for the benefit of the act of July 7. 1838, has been received and filed. Parole testimony of the date of marriage is not considered, until the Department is satisfied that none of a higher grade can be obtained. I have no evidence that there is no family record of the marriage or of the births of children. This must be shown before any importance will be attached to the parole proof now on file here.
A certificate of Court must be furnished showing the date of her death, the number and names of her children. Her husband is not identified with the service performed by a man of the name of George Potter. Neither of the witnesses were soldiers - were not of an age to know anything about

it, and only believe him to have been a soldier of the Revolution.
I am respectfully Your obedt servt.
J. H. C. Triplett Help Commissioner
Messrs Dickens & Coombs Present

Washington, Sept. 20 th 1852
Sir:
Enclosed please find additional evidence in support of the claim of Elizabeth Potter dec d . Widow of George late of Maine, under act of 7 th July 1838.
The enclosed evidence is furnished  sent in compliance with your last letter in the case, requiring us to show that there is no family record of the marriage in existence, before novel evidence would be received. You will also find a certificate of the Court as to death & heirship.
I am, very respectfully Your obed t serv t J. T. Coombs.
H. H. Hunt Esq. Court of Pensions.

Page
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26916
Elizabeth Potter
wid. of
George Potter
Drw Rev war
Act: Mar. 3 rd 1843. June 17 th 1844.
Index:—Vol. 5 Page 138
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Deposition
I Phineas Thompson of the Town of Bowdoin In the County of Lincoln and state of Maine aged sixty seven years. on oath depose and say when a boy I was at a Wedding at the dwelling house of William Alexanders In said Bowdoin and there I saw and heard Elder James Potter pronounce the ceremony of Marriage between George Potter and Elizabeth Alexander, and I should think it was all of fifty five years ago since the Marriage I remained to live a near Neighbor to said Potter untill his death
Phineas Thompson
Bowdoin March 5 th A.D. 1846
Lincoln ss March 5. 1846 This day sworn to and signed. By the above before me James M. Rogers Justice of the Peace
State of Maine.
County of Lincoln , at a Probate Court held at Wiscasset in said County on the 6 th day of December 1847 . The same being a Court of record. It was proved & established that James M. Rogers who subscribes his name to the above certificate is a Justice of the Peace for and within said County of Lincoln duly commissioned & qualified by the Governor of Maine.

That his commission bears date March 6 th 1845, and will expire March 6 1852, that his signature is genuine, and due credit is to be given Ohio's official acts as a justice of the Peace in said County.
In Witness whereof I have here- unto caused the seal of said County to be affixed and subscribed my name
Williamstown of Probate for said County
I further certify that I am well ac- quainted with Dennis Thompson of Dowdoin the deponent and that his statements, under oath are entitled to full credit in a Court of Law
Williamstown

May 4 th 1852
Elizabeth Potter died
Kirby
Dickins & Coombs

Washington, May 4 th 1882
Sir:
Enclosed please find additional evidence in support of the claim of Elizabeth Patten, dec d . widow of George Patten, dec d . late of Maine, claiming pension under act of 1838.
Man will perceive that this testimony was taken in July last. It was forwarded to us at the time, but by some accident was mis laid and not filed till now.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J. H. Coombs
for late firm of Dickins & Coombs
J. E. Heath Esq Caret of Pensions

Washington, D.C. Sept 6th. 1848 Comm. of Pensions, Sir:
On the 16th. Inst. last I filed in your office the proof of service and other papers in relation to the claim of Elizabeth Potter, deceased, widow of George Potter of Maine, for a Pension, under Acts of 1838 1843, & 1844 - Since the date of filing these papers I have not been informed of any action by your office in relation to her case. As the Applicant is anxious to know if her case any progress has been made in her case will you be pleased to state at what time it will prob- ably come up for consideration.
Respt. Your Obedt. Servant D. F. Bishop
Attorney for Claimant

Washington, Feb 16. 1848
Jas L. Edwards, Esq. Commr. of Pensions, Sir:
I herewith enclose the claim of Elizabeth Potter, dec. , widow of George Potter of Maine, for a pension under Acts of V. 38, 1843, & 1844 - and trust that the declaration of her son Elisha Potter, and the accompanying proof of service and marriage will prove satisfactory.
Before this is examined it is probable I may send you such evidence as will enable you to make the pension payable to her administration
Respectfully, Yr obedient
J. P. Bishop

9.322. Maine.
Elizabeth Potter decd widow of Geo. Potter who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $ Dollars 99 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. Ending 7 th Augt 1846.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 — day of Jan y 33 and sent to
J. J. Coombs Post
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book Vol. — Page 7.

7 months & 6 days private

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
November 16 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of George Potter is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt John Reed's Company in Col James Hunter's Regt raised for defence of the Eastern part of Massachusetts as a private from April 15 to November 20 1782. 7 Months + 6 Days.
The above is all the evidence of service of any one of the name shown by the military records in this Office.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. T. F. Duff Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Nov 16 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that there is no evidence of Service of any one of the name of Joseph Leonard which can be identified with the individual named in the annexed application.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm Tuttle D.P.S. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of my Late Father George Potter a Soldier in the Army of the Revolutionary War. I am informed that he was attached to Capt John Reed, Company of Topsham in Col James Hunters Regt my Father was a resident of West Bowdoinham now called Bowdoin
3069
Witness my hand at Bowdoin County of Lincoln State of Maine, this second day of September AD 1847 Elisha Potter
Subscribed to and sworn this second day of September AD 1847 before me
James M Rogers Justice of the peace of Lincoln County State of Maine
Witness James L Rogers

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the services of my Late Father Joseph Leonard the 4th a Soldier in the army of the Revolution- ary War - I am informed that he was attached to the Massachusetts Regt my Father was a resident of Middleborough
Witness my hand at Bowdoin County of Lincoln, State of Maine, this second day of September AD 1847 Lucy Rogers  3070
Subscribed to and sworn this second day of September AD 1847 before me James M Rogers Justice of the peace of Lincoln County State of Maine Witness James L Rogers
Please to direct what evidence you may find of the two above applications, unto me at Bowdoin Centre State of Maine as early as practicable and oblige yours &c James L Rogers
As I will see you have your fees for the same J L Rogers

Elizabeth Potter
One day 38-
In Cole
8 May 1837.
Lly May 13. 57
Drekin, Hooulh

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss....
I Charles C. Harmon Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that
Abner Coombs is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Lincoln
as appears by the papers hereto annexed; that he is
duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of said Coombs is dated July 1 st A.D. 1847. and will expire July 1 st A.D. 1854.
and that the following signature purporting to be his is genuine.
signature purporting to be
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court Court for said State, this First day of May Anno Domini 1851.
C. C. Harmon CLERK.

I know all men by these presents that I Elisha Potter of Bowdoin, County of Lincoln and State of Maine for myself and in behalf of the other Children of my late mother Elizabeth Potter of said Bowdoin hereby constitute and appoint Jacob Herrick Esq of Lewiston Falls Village in the County of Cumberland and State aforesaid our true and lawful attorney, to prosecute before the Commissioner of Pensions or any other Department or officer, having jurisdiction over the same, our claim for a pension in right of our mother Elizabeth Potter aforesaid on account of the Revolutionary services of her late husband George Potter. Hereby empowering our said attorney to act in the premises as his judgement shall dictate. And we hereby agree to sanction the doings of our said attorney in as ample a manner as though done by ourselves, hereby revoking all powers of attorney to all and every person, expressed in writing or implied, by us or any of us given previous to this time. In witness whereof I the said Elisha Potter for myself and in behalf of the the other claimants have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the 29th day of August 1850 Witness Samuel A. Adams Elisha Potter

State of Maine Cumberland ss— August 30th A.D. 1850 Personally appeared Difha Potter within named and acknowl- edged the within instrument by him signed to be his free act and Deed before me,
Abner Coombs Just. Pac.

Elizabeth Potter Widow of George
Maine - Act 1838
Addl. Evidence
Geo Potter died 9 Feby 1831
Elizabeth Potter died 7 Aug 1846
Elisha Potter, George Potter Elijah Potter Martha Curtis
only surviving children
7 mo 4 days
J. H. Gault

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS.
Clerk's Office, Supreme Judicial Court,
PORTLAND, _____ September 6th A.D. 1852 }
I, Charles C. Harmon, _____
CLERK OF THE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT,
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that _____
Abner Coombs , is an _____
Acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for _____ the County of Lincoln as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that his COM- MISSION is dated _____ July 1st A.D. 1847 and will expire _____ July 1st A.D. 1854.
and that the following SIGNATURE, purporting to be his is _____ GENUINE.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
C. C. Harmon Clerk.

I Elisha Potter of Bowdoin in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine of lawful age on oath depose and say that I am son of George Potter late of Bowdoin de- ceased a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army and son of Elizabeth Potter wife and widow of said George Potter also deceased. That I make declaration concerning any pension which might be due me and the other children of said George and Elizabeth Potter, on account of his servi- ces in the Revolutionary war - I now state in addition to my former declara- tion that I have in my possession all the books and papers of my late father & that I have been unable to find any family record of their marriage - and I feel confident that there is no such record in existence. Elisha Potter
State of Maine Lincoln ss August 4 1852 subscribed and sworn before me and I hereby certify that the above named Elisha Potter is well known to me as a witness of respectability and veracity. Abner Coombs Just. peace.