William Potter

Brief Life History of William

When William Potter was born in 1732, in Scituate, Providence, Rhode Island, British Colonial America, his father, Robert Potter Jr., was 43 and his mother, Catherine Johnson, was 31. He married Hannah Corey about 1754. They were the parents of at least 4 sons and 4 daughters. He died in 1808, in his hometown, at the age of 76, and was buried in Rockland Cemetery, Scituate, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

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Family Time Line

William Potter
1732–1808
Hannah Corey
1740–1820
Marriage: about 1754
Sarah Potter
1765–1834
Olive Potter
1778–1845
William Potter
1782–
Robert Potter
1784–
Catherine Potter
1768–1854
Johnson Potter
1771–1834
Mary Potter
1775–1841
Burton Potter
1779–1820

Sources (1)

  • William Johnson Potter, "Find A Grave Index"

Spouse and Children

World Events (5)

1763 · First Synagogue in America

The first Jewish Synagogue in America was built in Newport, Rhode Island in 1763. It still stands today, making it the oldest synagogue in the United States.

1772 · The Gaspee Affair

On June 9, 1772, colonists that are angry with the trade restrictions that Britain put them under, board the HMS Gaspee and set it ablaze. This was the first act of violence against the British on the North American continent.

1776

Thomas Jefferson's American Declaration of Independence endorsed by Congress. Colonies declare independence.

Name Meaning

English and Dutch; North German (Pötter): occupational name for a maker of drinking and storage vessels, from an agent derivative of Middle English, Middle Low German pot. In the Middle Ages the term covered workers in metal as well as earthenware and clay.

In some cases also an Americanized form (translation into English) of Croatian, Serbian, and Slovenian Lončar ‘potter’ (see Loncar ), and probably also of cognates from some other languages, e.g. Czech Hrnčíř (see Hrncir ).

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Possible Related Names

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