WILLIAM POTTER

William Potter was born in 1609, christened 24 Feb 1609; came to New England in the Puritan migration, and probably stayed in Watertown until 1642. Married Frances in 1632/3 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. He is linked to a residence in London in 1630. His name frequently appears in Stamford records. His homelot appears on record in 1650. In 1656, William Potter asked the Hew Haven General Court to be relieved of military training and duty because of physical weakness. The court agreed but said if he got better he must resume service. He appeared as a court witness in 1684 and told Justice Jonathan Bell he was 75 years old. By that time, William Potter had become a considerable landowner in Stamford and owned what is today Shippan Point. His will is dated 9 March, 1684. He left the Stamford congregation five pounds to "be improved for the use of the Lord’s table…the silver cups now in the service of the table of the First Congregational Church are still witnesses to this bequest." William also left bequests to the three sons of Mr. Bishop, the minister, and to each of his 11 grandchildren, the children of his daughter Hannah. William Potter had at least two children, including Hannah (1)
 

William Potter (Hannah Beecher), Savage says of Watertown, Mass, probably came in the Abigail from London (to the Boston area perhaps Salem), in 1635, aged 27, with wife Frances aged 26, and child Joseph, aged twenty weeks. He removed to New Haven with his brother John signed the agreement in general town meeting, 1639. "In 1643 Brother Potter was fined one shilling for coming late last trayning day," and again was fined for defective arms. He took the oath of allegiance with others 1644. In 1645 Brother Potter (William) made an offer, "to carry every man’s grist from their howes to the mill and bring it back againe to their howes for 2d pr. bushell." His name appears in the seating of the meeting house in 1646, and in 1647 he was one of the Fence viewers for the farms this side of East River. In Oct. 5, 1647, it is recorded, that Mr. Evance has sold to Wm. Potter 27 and a half acres of meadow as it cometh to him in the towne books, and lyeth in the east meadows between Mr. Crayne and Bro. Punderson and 32 races of upland. He was one of the appraisers on the estate of Richard Mansfield in 1656. His home lott was on the west side of the Quinipiac River, near the present Cedar Hill railroad station. (2)
 

Was a member of Church of New Haven until he was branded a pervert and executed. Had relationship with cows, sheep, swine and dog, all hanged together in New Haven. His will was made May 19, 1662.

Children of Frances and William Potter

1. Joseph Potter b. 1635 England d. 17 Aug. 1669 New Haven
+ Phebe Ives b. 2 Oct 1642 m. 3 Apr 1694, New Haven (da of Hannah & William Ives)

2. Mary Potter bp. 22 Aug. 1641 New Haven
+ Joseph Mansfield m. about 1657

3. Sarah, bapt. Aug. 22, 1641 (not a twin with Mary)
+ Robert Foote (1^st Lt.)  Branford, CT
+ Aaron Blakesley

4. Hope Potter bp. Oct. 3, 1641
+ Daniel Robinson m. 3 Feb. 1663  Removed to New Jersey

5. Rebecca Potter bapt. 1643
+ Thomas Adams m. Nov. 27, 1667, NJ. Removed to Crosswicks

6. Nathaniel Potter bp. 12 Dec. 1644
+ Elizabeth Howes m. 1 April 1675