I transcribed this will and information on this page is copyrighted © 1998. It is freely available for your personal genealogy use but may not be sold or reproduced in any form without my permission. This will mentions a Abraham Potter. It is included in the Potterflats Will section for this reason.

        WILL OF JOHN POTTER, RECORDED IN JONESBORO TENNESSEE

In The Name of God Amen

The eightenth day of November in the year of our lord one 
thousand seven hundred and eighty nine,  I, John Potter of the 
county of Washigton in the state of North Carolina  being weak in 
body but of sound mind and memory thanks be given to God for his 
mercy but calling to mind fraility of my body and know that it is 
appionted once for all men to die do make constitute and ordain 
this my last will and testament in the following manner and form.


First I sumond my soul into the hands of almighty God that gave 
it and my body to the ground to be buried in a decent Christian 
burial at the descreation of my executors to be here after named 
noting doubtley but to revive it again at the final judgement 
restoration at the last day  and a touching such worldly estate 
as it pleased God to bless me with in this life.  I devise 
bequeath and dispose of in the following manner and form. First I 
desire that all debts that have been justly contracted, my 
funeral charges may be duly paid.


I will and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Hannah Potter, the 
plantation whereon I now live during her natural life, also one 
hundred and fifty pounds in money, stock and household furniture 
and after her decease I will and bequeath the same land lying on 
the side of the creek I live on unto my beloved sons, John Potter 
and Johnston Potter to be equally divided betwixt them to them 
and their heirs forever.  I also will and bequeath unto my 
beloved son in law, Adam Rainbolt all the land laying on the east 
side of Roans Creek in my survey including the place where, 
George Miller now lives to him and his heirs forever.  I also 
will and bequeath unto my beloved son, Abraham Potter one cow.  
And as touching the remainder part of my estate which consists of 
cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, household furniture,tools, book 
debts, bonds, notes, negros, live in tenants, ect. I will and 
bequeath and equally divide when collected or recieved from the 
persons where the same is due unto my beloved children as follows 
that is to say Nancy Potter, John Potter, Elizabeth Potter, 
Johnson Potter, Sarah Potter.  In case my said son in law,  Adam 
Rainbolt should loose the land here in divised he is to have his 
equal part with last the five last mentioned children , 
Nancy Potter, John Potter, Elizabeth Potter, Johnson Potter, 
Sarah Potter. I do futhermore by these presents make constitute 
and ordain Hannah Potter, my beloved wife and my trusty and 
beloved friend Cornelus Bowman and Thomas Whelson (Whltson) my 
sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do by 
these presents revoke disolve and dis allow all former wills 
bequest and bequeaths by me made ratifying and confirming this 
and no other to be my last will and testament.  In testamony 
where of I have hereto set my hand and seal this day and date 
above written.


Signed sealed and delivered by the said John Potter as his last 
will and testament in the presents of
William Moreland
John ( his x ) Grindstaff
Isaac Grindstaff

The foregoing Will was proven in court by the oathes of William 
Moreland and John Grindstaff two of the subscribing witnesses.  
Shown and recorded. Hannah Potter , Cornelus Bowman and Thomas 
Whitson executors qualified at May session 1790