Getting old, so let me pass this along. The proof that many Potter families are related took place in the mid 1800s. Many families from various states moved to MO. This has caused confusion with some family genealogies. Creating more confusion, some returned to their original homes. In other words they didn't care for MO. This meant that children were born in various places and some closely connected families were split. So, MO is a good place to look for missing Potter relatives. If it hadn't been for a journal kept by my Potter family I would not have known. One branch was in MO for five years. Some of them remained, others returned. The name Wilson, as a given name is found in some of these families. ( ex. William Wilson Potter ). The Southern Potter families, in many cases are from the early arrival of a Potter family PRIOR to the Mayfower in VA and from land grants given after the Revolutionary War. ( other families arrived and survived much earlier then the Mayflower) Then, of course are those that are found first in N.J. In tracing those families I have found evidence that they were in contact with those in New England indicating a relationship there also. It's likely that these early families are from but a few families in England, plus one German family. My advice is to not be bound by area. These families moved around ! Also, do not restrict yourself to a state in New England. For instance, although your family is found mostly in Mass. don't hesitate to look at the other New England States. I have found the father in Conn. and the son in Mass. I've often seen postings that state, " My family was from N.Y." indicating there couldn't be a connection or, " Mine arrived in the 1700s" also indicating there couldn't be a family connection. In both cases this is usually wrong and seldom are they not connected in the early years up to 1800. There are two Web Sites ( other surnames ) that are so set on location that they are missing a rather large part of their Northern families. The Rice family is truly a large family. As per this message you can see the connection between the Alonzo family and the Potter family. Knowing that many Alonzo Potters were earliar then this one ( for instance Alonzo Potter, Bishop of Penna.) you can understand that these two families knew each other prior to these dates. Just thought I'd pass this along. Ernest ----- Original Message ----- From: <GRice88600@aol.com> To: <POTTER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 2:40 AM Subject: Potter and Wilson > Hi Potter Cousins, > I have just made a step back in time on my Potters. Maybe now we can connect. > In the 1850 Indiana Census for Putnam County, Monroe Township I found my > crew! I was looking for them in Missouri, ooops! I found the following: > > Nealy (Cornelius),41,M, Ky > Fanny (Frances), 39, F, Tenn > Nancy A., 18, F, In > Theresa J., 17, F, In > David J., 15, M, In > Cerene, 11, F, In (Cerene should be Serena) > Mary L., 9, F, In > Lewis S., M, 4, In > William T., M, 11 months > > My great Grandmother is Nancy A.(Adeline) Potter. She married William Alonzo > Wilson in Putnam County, Indiana on August 23, 1853. I imagine the Potters > stayed in Indiana until after the wedding of their oldest daughter. They did > move on to Missouri and so did the Wilson's. I have census info on them in > 1880 if anyone needs it. > > I am hoping to find a connection to Cornelius and Fanny--anyone out there? > Thanks for a great website and everyone's gracious help! Glenna Rice. PS I > will share info. > > > > > ==== POTTER Mailing List ==== > > > > ============================== > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB > >