Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Beulah's Letters

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

Dear Friend,

Glad to hear from you so soon - your visit to Iowa was short or was the weather too bad -

I want to talk about Iowa - I was born in Shelby Co at Portsmouth - 83 years, next April. Not long ago I asked for a birth certificate from Iowa and got it back immediately - Surprised me as I never could get my oldest daughter's birth certificate from Pierre S.D. - just shows you - some states keep better records.

My father was a Sims (and I have now a wonderful record way back for my family too - from England to America and down to the present) - 

To go back to Iowa - The Sims boys (6) came to Iowa from Penna - settled on farms in Jackson Co. - My mother (a Marlow) came west from a Maryland Plantation (that is, her grandmother did before the Civil War) also had 14 children - all died before she did. She lived to be 97. My father's mother lived to be 93 spent her last days at Portsmouth Ia.

My father had gone to Ames Ia. to school. My mother had the first square piano in Iowa, became a brilliant pianist so I started too at 5 to play - At 5 years of age I was attending kindergarten in Marion, Ia. then we moved to Savanna Ill where we lived til I was out of High School - went fishing and hunting with my father - had a nice horse to care for in High School days. Then went to Oberlin to college while my two sisters went to Northwestern in Chicago. Then after college we all moved west - and lived in Aberdeen S.D. for schools - I had two smaller brothers by then.

I met my future husband at Aberdeen - He had graduated from Yale the year before - came west - got on a newspaper and never left the job of being an editorial writer

We finally came west and I certainly would not live any place else!

See how I wander! I was telling you about Iowa - I spent many summers with relatives in Jackson Co - in Harlan Ia - they were my mother's relatives - Stewarts at Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids. My grandfather sold cattle to Henry Wallace who had a newspaper in Des Moines - I still have the old letters they wrote each other - but no one liked Henry Jr the boy much - look where he got! Vice President to Roosevelt, but Presidents seem to want weak men around them.

Enough for Iowa now - Tell me where you lived in Iowa, what did your husband do - I want your children's names, birth dates, their children, if any, etc.

Now - last week at the U of Wash graduate dept where Inez, my youngest daughter, has a wonderful job - she writes brochures and other matter for the Pres - the deans, etc - interviews the entering graduate students - One young man from Massachusetts was named Potwin, so I explained to Inez he was a Scandinavian, and he looked like one, she said. That doesn't mean that he is not of that family clan - the Potevines - history says the Huguenots (in 15th century) were Protestants and as we all know much of that foreign world was Catholic - even the Kings obeyed the mandates of the Pope and bishops etc - Well, there was a King Chas. in France who vowed to kill all the Huguenots off and proceeded to do just that - so many fled - to Scandinavian countries - to England - to America.

Also a girl from Iowa told Inez she had a teacher in Iowa named Hildegard Potwin. Do you know her - perhaps your son's daughter? Don't forget to give me your children's names - where they live - their children etc.

Another thing - as I am making a copy of the genealogy - one point comes up. Was it Augustus Monroe or Monroe Augustus? (son of Benjamin) On page 17 of the original genealogy he is listed as Augustus Monroe. Let me know which is correct and I will make a change -

You asked when John (2) went to Yale, but it says he was there.

John(2) - gold and silversmith - his work is in museums in Boston - New Haven (at Yale) one of the best of early craftsmen - work is sought after by collectors. Moved to Hartford 1740 where he had a store selling fine merchandise. His wife Mary - daughter of Thomas Jackson of Boston, a family who has many prominent Boston descendants buried in East Windsor, Conn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have a tablespoon made by Paul Revere who worked with the Potwin craftmsen at one time in Boston. I think I have a picture somewhere of the Potwine homestead - I'll send it for you to see and please send it back - Ann my married daughter has 2 daughters, one in college - she was here the past weekend and she is most excited with all this history.

Wrote Random House and asked them if they would comment on some discrepancies I found. And also have asked for Amy Kelly 's address in Miami - She went to Lake Erie College in Painesville Ohio where Ruth Potwin was a teacher a long time - she taught sports - horseback riding, tennis, etc. Wonder if she knew Amy?

I miss Ruth very much - we wrote so often. She was always begging me to come back there and I was so afraid of their muggy summers - their terrible winters, but I should have gone. She was alone - her husband died a year after they were married - left her a lovely colonial home just down the street from her parents. She was just  my age - seemed afraid of old age. Well, no one believes I'm 83 - and I never act it either - sprier than I was 20 years ago.

In Magnificent Century they gave Elinor a different father and mother and a group of sisters. In Conquering Family she had a brother (letter mentions) and a sister (Petronella) who married a Saraceu who became King of Jerusalem, etc. I am reading "Three Edwards" now - Edward I was John's son and tried to be a good king - 

So it goes.

If you have read this far, please forgive me for being so garrulous - I shall now work a puzzle - a hard one - to rest my nerves.

Do write me. Oh, by the way there are some Potwins in Oregon I know about. Some in Portland I know belong. I knew their father - he was a railway detective and looked like a P. too, but he is dead. Told me his father David came from Canada -

Tell me all the towns you lived in in Iowa. I had a wonderful childhood running about in Iowa - the farms of both my grandparents. Remember my great grandmother well - never saw her ill - she came west with a Blakeley Family who had 14 children.

My grandfather was a young man then - negroes on their plantation in Maryland so he was not used to work - he married one of the Blakeley girls so the Marlowes and Blakeley's were closely knit as one of my father's sisters married the only Blakeley boy and with all those loving sisters he had - he was a spoiled brat - his progeny live in Butte Montana and I correspond with them - they too keep up the family history.

What do you think of Chicago? I was there a lot - when we only lived 135 miles west at Savanna on the Mississippi - It was wonderful those days - my mother's sister had a lovely big home in Austin (near Oak Park) we went to the parks for nightly band concerts - to operas, etc - I have never seen Chicago since the advent of skyscrapers!

I see by the genealogy there was a Henry Potwin went to Chicago - back when! My aunt told of meeting two very nice young Potwin girls - I know my husband wasn't interested in the genealogy - he thought his sister Bess thought too much of family - and they didn't split up any valuable antiques either - 

All for now - 

Rest up - 

Beulah E Potwin

to be continued ........

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1965 Beulah E Potwin - Private Collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Beulah's Letters

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

Yakima, Wash. 

Nov. 22, 1965

to: Mrs E. P. Thomas

Chicago Ill

2007 N Sedgewick

Nov. 20

Dear Mrs. Thomas,

Sorry to be so long in writing but time does fly - I wrote to Connecticut to a sister-in-law (Mrs. Stephen Potwin - my husband's brother (died a few years ago) And received a wonderful list - all the names of your father's family etc. - She got them out of "Stiles Ancient History" of Connecticut - which she has - and I have a lot of data to send you but may not get to it til after Thanksgiving - So you will be hearing from me later.

I enclose what she sent me but will give you a lot more later - 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Beulah E Potwin

113 N 27th Ave

Yakima Wash

(from Mrs. Stephen Potwin)

Potwin

Benjamin (Dr.) (Thomas, Rev. Thomas, John, Dr. John) married

   Cornelia Curtis 25 June 1816 who was b. 28 Jan. 1798 res. Ell. NY

children

1. _______ dau. b. 6 d. 16 May 1817
2. Cornelia M. b. 4 Aug 1818 - m. Birdsall Wygant 13 Dec. 1838
3. Benjamin Curtis b. 25 July 1820
4. Martha Caroline b. 8 Jan. 1823 m. B. Franklin Fuller 20 June 1854
5. _______ son b. 4 April 1825 d. same day
6. Sarah Ann b. 17 April 1826 d. 23 Mar. 1858 m. Wm Worth
7. Mary Ann b. 10 May 1829 m. Simon Lawrence 6 Aug. 1855
8. William Stiles b. 9 June 1831
9. Junius Franklin b. 24 June 1833 d. Sept 22 1862
10. Elizabeth Hall b. 6 Aug 1835 m. B. Franklin Hammond May 21 1855
11. Augustus Monroe b. 28 Aug. 1837
12. _______ son b. and d. 1 Nov. 1840

Augustus Monroe (Dr. Benj., Thos., Rev. Thos., John, Dr. John)

   married 1 Jan 1866 Ella A Birt

children

1. Gertrude b. 10 Feb 1869
2. Archie b. 25 Mar 1871

to be continued .......

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1965 Beulah E Potwin - Private Collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Beulah's Letters

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

Yakima, Wash. Sep 15 1965

to: Mrs. E. P. Thomas

Chicago, Ill 60614

2007 N. Sedgwick St

Dear Mrs Thomas,

Rec'd your letter and will be glad to help you on information about the Potwin clan. First however would like to know your mother's father's name, where your mother was raised and who was her grandfather on the Potwin side -

There's a long genealogy going back to 1600 in this country and back to 1066 in France. The earliest Potwin's were French - so write me again soon - Did your mother know of the Connecticut Potwins? - particularly those early settlers there from the Massachusetts Bay Colony -

There is a written history, kept up to date by my husband's sister - but she died last winter and I do not know who holds the book now - So after hearing from you again I'll be glad to fill in all I can of the family history.

By the way, I lived in Illinois all my girlhood - west of Chicago at Savanna on the Mississippi River. Had relatives in Chicago, so I spent many summers there on west side - called Austin then, next to Oak Park - it was a lovely city then - before skyscrapers. We drove a horse to Lincoln Park evenings - band concerts, etc.

I went to World's Fair and have seen nothing since to beat that wonderful time - 1895 to 1900 - I am 82 but no one believes it. I don't either. But they were wonderful days -

Have you seen the Northwest, wouldn't live anywhere else.

By the way - any redheads in your mother's family? I have three sons with the Potwin red hair - Bob was a blonde and my four daughters are dark, but oh - the Potwin traits that pop out!

Beulah E Potwin

113 N 27th Ave

Makiwa, Wash

To be continued ......

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1965 Beulah E Potwin - Private Collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Bits & Pieces

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

POTWIN FAMILY bits and pieces. 

Snippets of information that may or may not be interesting. Or relevant. I suspect some Potwin descendant, somewhere might be thrilled to learn of these "notes". found amongst her 'finished' story.

• Many Potwin's had red hair.

• The nickname "winepot" was bandied about frequently. As in "Mr Winepot" or "Mrs Winepot" or just plain "Winepot"!

• "From a letter written by Mother (Mrs I.A. Potwin): Uncle William dropped the 'e' from the name after he came to Iowa; met a man who always emphasized the last syllable as -WINE- and as Uncle Wm. was much opposed to alcoholic drinks decided to fix that, ha! ha!"

• These notes and records have come to me (ETPT) from Beulah E. Sims Potwin (Mrs. Thomas D. Potwin) She received the notes from her husband's sister - Elizabeth (Bess) - She was a teacher in Emma Willard School, Troy New York and must have gleaned her knowledge (most of it) from researching old histories in research libraries. The only one of the family who did. Her father Arthur E. Potwin(e), became interested after he was married and wrote a genealogy (now about falling to pieces) and at times Bess sent notes. Arthur E. added the 'e' back to his name after becoming interested in genealogy.

•  Arthur E Potwin(e) was a redhead. As a young man he wanted to be a pipe organist. He was told that was "sissy" so he, having inherited a tobacco farm, became a farmer.

• By Beulah E. Sims Potwin: "I married Thomas Danforth Potwin in 1907, made several trips to Conn. when my husband's father Arthur E. was alive. I knew all the brothers and sisters. Tobacco was raised in Conn since the Indian days - ten miles from Hartford - East Windsor was just a street of houses - no stores - just farm houses. Negroes had cabins in the woods - took in washings and helped in the homes."

• Beulah continued: "Elizabeth (Arthur's sister) once said 'just brigands and no accounts went west'. They though my husband very foolish to come west. He graduated from Yale in 1902. I was in school at Oberlin, Ohio. That year my folks went west to Aberdeen S.D. There I met my husband to be - who had started work as city editor on Aberdeen's paper. Came to Oregon four children later (1918) All the family seemed to have inherited the smell of printer's ink."

Obituary

Rev. W.S. Potwin, early resident and minister of Buchanan County died at age of 91 at his home in the First Ward. He had devoted much of his life to the cause of Christianity.
Rev. William S. Potwin was born in New York state June 9, 1831, being a family of twelve children. He spent his early life in that state. He graduated from medical college in Cleveland Ohio and was engaged in practice for some years. He married Elsie M Barnes in Ellington, NY 1854. In 1864 he came west and located in Buffalo Grove where he continued to practice medicine and operated a farm. About the year 1871 he began preaching the gospel and in 1872 was ordained as a Congregational Minister. Later he had pastorates at Fayette, Monona, Quasquetone and Gatesville. In October, 1884 he came to Independence and has since been residing here.

In the family of twelve of which he was a member, three died in infancy and the others died in young manhood and womanhood with the exception of one sister, Mrs E H Hammond of Independence, and one brother M A Potwin of Corning, Iowa.

Besides his wife he leaves four children: W B Potwin of Forest Grove, Oregon, G B Potwin of Lyons, Kansas; M J Potwin of Aurora, Iowa, and Miss Grace at home. In addition 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grand-children.

In the early days for about a year he was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Rev W S Potwin spent the remainder of his life in the service of the Congregational Church. 

NEXT: Beulah's letters to my grandmother.

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved
©1950 - 1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas, Private Collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 8

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Gertrude Miriam, the elder sister of Irving (only sister as the first born daughter had died in infancy) was well educated as had been her mother before her (an avid reader of books, belonging to the Women's Club in Corning Iowa) and did teach, as her father had been an instructor before his marriage. Gertrude taught at Northfield College in Northfield, Minnesota and later graduated from the college.

Before her mother's death Gertrude was an accomplished teacher of violin, of which she was very proud; of the ability and determination. Gertrude was sent to Germany to study violin; that undoubtedly created a hardship on the parents, but it was accomplished with love and sacrifice. Gertrude became most successful with concerts in New York, Europe and Asia and she was commanded by the crowned heads of royalty to perform at court.

Some years later Gertrude had a trip to the Orient. Upon her return to the States she stopped off at Irv's home in Des Moines, Iowa. She made a very strong impression on his young daughter with the gifts she had brought back from her journey and the eucalyptus leaves (most unusual in the Midwestern states of America). The fact that her aunt had been so far from home, having crossed two oceans on ocean liners and across continents by train, which mode of travel was unusual in the early nineteen hundreds, was no wonder of such fascination for a young, romantic, adventurous, impressionable young lady. The fact that her aunt encouraged her to play violin because 'you have such beautiful long fingers'. Her stories were most intriguing to one so young and filled with the wonders of the world. Gertrude told of her cottage in the eastern mountains (Adirondacks) that one of her pupils had give her (left to her at death).

She had had very little contact with her brothers over the years. She had no other family, having never married. 

Gertrude came home to Corning to care for her mother during her illness. Ella Burt Potwin was taken into a Chicago hospital for surgery. She had cancer. This was in the fall of the year, and the first part of the year 1902 Ella Augusta Burt Potwin died in her own home in Corning, Iowa.

Gertrude said that her mother's cousins were Thompson and in a letter sent Easter 1917, "we have fourth half cousins in Connecticut; sprung from a first wife. One had a private school in New Jersey." Gertrude was then living at 431 Riverside Drive, N.Y.

Gertrude was sent the family bible after the death of her parents. She relayed some information such a the French spelling - Poitevin - and that they were French Huguenots; also a Rev. Potyn sailed from England settled in Connecticut (changed spelling of name again). He married again after his first wife's death and that our branch of the family descends from that union. Also the Potwin coat of arms is the French iris - the Feur de Lis - a cluster of three and used in heraldry with the blue flag.

Gertrude's last address 5 West 56th St, New York, N.Y. She had lived in West Virginia at one time. There is no known date for her death. Gertrude was living at the time of her brother Cyrus' death in 1952. In the family bible a card was found telling the obituary of Cyrus.

-------

The second son of Monroe and Ella Potwin, Archie Willard, was born in Corning Iowa. There is little to tell of his life for it was very short. A lad of twelve, loving life and fun, went swimming with a friend on a hot day in August probably in the favorite "ol' swimmin' hole". Archie drowned.

-------

Cyrus Burt, youngest of the Potwin children was born in 1892. He followed his father's profession and made his living with his father far into adult life. Cyrus was an outdoor person, an expert woodsman. He was a cyclist; long years before it became a fashionable hobby, and a less expensive mode of transportation. Cyrus drove a motorcycle with an attached sidecar, which was a delight to his nieces and friends. At one time he lived in Washington State.

In 1946 Cyrus moved to Roseburg, Oregon and then to Remote, Oregon where he found a lady of his choice. He and Carol Joy were married and lived in a cabin near Remote.

Carol was visiting at  her brother's home in the month of November, 1952 at Winston, a small town near Remote; as their cabin was damp in the winter months. Carol Joy and Cyrus were planning on enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday with them. Cyrus was returning home and on the way to Winston for Thanksgiving dinner with them, turned off the road to get to a nearby creek. He had to get water for the motorcycle; after caring for the motor, he pulled out onto the road to resume his journey for joining his wife. He was hit by an oncoming car - driven by a friend of his and Carol's. He of course had not been expected or was visible. Cyrus suffered head injuries from the accident, no doubt a concussion.

Cyrus died of the injuries received from the collision of motorcycle and car driven by Mrs Jo Bruns (Louise E) the day after Thanksgiving, 1952; 8:30 am at Mast Hospital at Myrtle Point, at age 60. Carol wife of Cyrus asked friends of theirs to represent his family at the funeral. (Mr and Mrs. Breeze Boyack). They lived in Roal(e)burg, Oregon and later wrote to Cyrus' sister or telegraphed the information and sad news.

A final tribute; from the obituary "valuable worker, knew the edgman's job". Cyrus' body was laid to rest in the cemetery 'at the top of a small hill, where the sun would shine upon the grave the first thing in the morning and the last of the suns rays in the evening' to bless him. The 'woodsman', trapper, hunter returns to his hermit life.

-------

Undoubtedly there are many relatives, clansman, that will never be known to me. There are relatives remaining in England. (The Twining Tea Houses are now coffee spots) descendants in America many years ago heard from earlier generations, as they had received a legacy from families that did not choose to brave the unknown life of pioneers, or suffer the hardships endured in establishing settlement in New England - now OUR AMERICA!

Thus ends the saga, for indeed they were all heroes, of the POTYN, POITEVINE, POTTWIN, POTWAIN(E), POTWIN(E), with or without the 'e', as I have learned to know them and love them over the many generations of my branch of the family tree of POTWIN.

THANK YOU JOHN!

Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas

concluded this 26th of April, 1980

END of Part 8

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 7

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Irving Augustus Potwin was the second son of three and had two sisters (one died in infancy). He was born in Corning, Adams Co, Iowa and received elementary education there and attended the Academy also. He went to University at Northfield, Minnesota. The stories of severe winters there were often topics of conversation. Before the winter months many structures were erected, which appeared to be scaffolds, over all the walkways; one who lives through a winter in snow country is familiar with 'snow fences'; but these strange looking skeletons were a puzzle until the snow storms arrived. Students and all residents walked 'on top' of the snow by way of the high stilts. Irving studied the classics as well as mathematics and business courses.

During vacations and time in his home town he courted his future bride, Carrie Elizabeth Twining (Bess). They both had attended the Academy in Corning. Irving's sister, who was nine years older than he, was influential in securing admission to Northfield for him. Gertrude had taught classes there. The courtship really began when Bess and Irv walked home together from the Academy. Bess attended three years, Irv for two before he went to Minnesota.

Bess and Irv grew up in the same community, attended the same Sunday school and church. Bess said, "I used to see him in the Presbyterian Sunday school (Irv's father was the superintendent there) and Irv would rest on the roof of the woodshed. I'd often see him for he would ride his huge bicycle and that was the way he'd get off it." The bicycles in those days had the great big front wheel and tiny wheel in the back. Irv would often ride into the yard of Bess's home.

Carrie Elizabeth and Irving Augustus Potwin were married in the Twining home, Corning, Polk Co, Iowa on January 3, 1899. The bride and groom made their home in Corning until after the birth of their first child.

Irv heard of an opportunity in Oklahoma (then a new territory, not yet a state, opening up). Along with a friend, Mr. Nelson, left to establish a home for his family. Misfortune overtook him; he was taken ill while there. He was extremely ill; he contracted smallpox; and returned to Corning upon recovery. However Irv realized that there was opportunity in the new settlement and moved with his wife and daughter in the year 1901. They established their home in Guthrie.

Irv's friend Gus was a carpenter and Irv took up the painter's trade; there was plenty of work to keep them occupied in the new community. A second child was born there, a little boy, Kenneth Grayden, April 10, 1902.

Later on Irv started a water service (still a new settlement) hauled barreled water and delivered it to the homes. Oklahoma was very dry and barren, Bess would 'sweep' the yard around their little home; no grass would grow to make a lawn. Bess and Irv were really pioneers in a new territory.

There was an opening for a cashier in the bank. Since Irv was an excellent mathematician; one of the subjects he had mastered in college; he was asked to fill the position and filled the need of the bank and so started a new profession. Once again Gus Nelson was influential in Potwin's future, a very devoted friend.

The next year Irv moved his wife Bess and young family to Des Moines. Again his devoted friend had heard of an opening in a bank there. Irv applied for the job as cashier of the Des Moines National Bank which was later the Iowa National Bank and he was hired. Potwin [built] his home on Capitol Hill in Des Moines for his family. It was here that their third child was born in 1904. They moved into a larger house on College Avenue. It was from here that the eldest child entered school.

The little son was taken ill with the dreaded disease measles and died from the aftermath of complications.

A few years later Irv planned and built a new two story house for his [family] in a new development, know as 'Middlesex', in the western section of Des Moines, Iowa. There was much open country and with the feeling of freedom and being close to nature. It was here that the youngest began her schooling. The two sisters trudged through all kinds of weather, four times a day.

They established themselves as good neighbors and solid citizens. They became affiliated with the Congregational church.

Irv was a outdoor man and enjoyed sports. On his property he had a fine clay court constructed for tennis. The streets were being paved at this time and Irv had the steam roller (used in road construction) driven on the court and made an excellent firm court. He and Bess would go north in the fall on a hunting trip. He had many trophies. Also the couple enjoyed their social life with friends; cards and dancing principally. Bess would carry her dainty little dancing slippers in the satin bag (one never walked in dancing slippers!).

Irv went into his own business, that of certified public accountant.

During World War I everyone planted 'Victory Gardens'. Irv had the tennis [court] plowed up and it was turned into a potato field. After the war was over and the Armistice signed life returned to more normal living. Irv built another beautiful new house just next door, where there had once been the tennis court that joined the war effort as a potato field. Many happy years of living made the house a home. His daughters were married. He gave a home to Bess's mother and father after his retirement in his home now devoid of children.

After many years of love and service to his devoted family he died in 1938, August 16, as he was preparing to enter his automobile for a usual day. There was no suffering or pain of illness now.



GENEALOGY

Irving Augustus Potwin b. 3/9/1880
                                         d. 8/16/1938
                                          m. 1/3/1899 to Carrie Elizabeth Twining

children:
Dorothy Irene b. 7/24/1899 d. ----- m. 6/18/1924 to Albert H. Adams
                                                               Children:
                                                                John Irving Adams
                                                                Richard Albert Adams
                                                                Elizabeth Ann Adams
                                                                Thomas Louis Adams
Kenneth Grayden b. 4/10/1900 d. 12/1908
ELIZABETH TWINING b. 10/28/1904 d. ----- m. 5.25.1923 to Robert Willis Thomas
                                                                                      b. 5/3/1904 d. 5/25/1955
                                                                                Children:
                                                                                  Robert Willis Jr. b. 2/14/1924
                                                                                  Barbara Jeanette b. 5/2/1931
                                                                                  William Irving b. 7/30/1933
                                                                                  Elizabeth Alice b. 9/21/1936
                                                                                  Kenneth Lauren (died in infancy)


Married in Corning, Iowa moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma with wife and first born before she was a year old. He moved his family to Des Moines, Iowa after birth of their son. There another daughter was born.

END of Part 7

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 6

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Monroe Augustus Potwin was born in Ellington New York. He was the youngest living child. He received his education there.

He cared for the home place when his brothers went to the war (CIVIL WAR) as his father has died several years earlier.

Monroe was a professor in mathematics, Latin and other subjects; he was an instructor at the Academy of Ellington, where his future bride was a pupil of his. They were married the first day of January in 1866.

Ella Augusta Burt was born near Cleveland, Ohio in 1850; Ohio was a state at that time. But New York was a long way to go to a university in those days.

Ella's father was a Captain in the army. There is nothing known of her mother. The family owned woolen mills in Cleveland.

Interested in art, literature and music; Ella received a fine education in all -- "early studies prosecuted in Ellington Academy in New York". She married Monroe Potwin.

The couple went to Des Moines thinking to settle there but returned to Corning, Adams County, Iowa. It was a new settlement where [a] great deal of building was in progress. Monroe took up a trade, as a painter in this now growing settlement. 'Upon their arrival in Corning, seeing a big white house on a hill' decided that was where he would make his home. Little did they know then it was to be there home for a third of a century.

Soon after arriving they joined the Presbyterian church. They were both active in Sabbath school and missionary work. They each taught classes; Monroe was superintendent of Sunday School and also lead the singing. They both had beautiful voices. Both Monroe and Ella had been very well educated. He excelled in mathematics but "I recall him standing up in front, a bewhiskered good looking gentleman, leading in the songs" (comment of C.B. Potwin). Ella A. B. Potwin was a charter member of the women's club.

Monroe and Ella probably made the trip west by train, it came as far west as Indianola and/or Creston Iowa. Their infant Inez died en-route. (1869) She was buried in Ottumwa (one record says Osceola). There were four other children, Gertrude, Archie, Irving and Cyrus.

Ella preceeded her husband in death, in 1902. She had been ill for some time; her daughter came home to care for her (Gertrude was a professional musician in New York and Europe) while she was ill. Ella was taken to [the] hospital in Chicago for an operation (cancer) in the fall. However death came to Ella in her home in Corning, Iowa the early part of 1902.

In a letter from Monroe's sister Elizabeth in the month of May 1917 (she lived in Independence, Iowa) "I have four weeks -- garden in -- coming -- snow storm --. Hope you're feeling better -- Elsie not as well (Elsie, uncle M.'s wife). You do well to write without glasses. (his age 80 years).

Monroe died later that same year.

GENEALOGY

Monroe Augustus Potwin b. 8/28/1837

                                          d. 8/29/1917

                                            m. 1/1/1866 to Ella Augusta Burt

                                                                      b. 1850

                                                                      d. 1902

children:

Inez Theresa b. 8/1/1867 d. 1869

Gertrude Miriam b. 2/15/1869 d. UNK 

Archie Willard b. 3/27/1871 d. 8/21/1885

IRVING AUGUSTUS b. 3/9/1880 d. 8/16/1938 m. 1/3/1899 to Carrie Elizabeth Twining

Cyrus Burt b. 1/13/1892 d. 11/?/1952 m. Carol Joy Perry (Perey) near Remote, Oregon

                                                      

The boyhood home of Monroe, his brothers and sisters (they were 12) was in Ellington, Chautauqua Co, New York. Later he was an instructor at Ellington Academy where he met his future bride. (She was one of his students) They went west in 1869 with infant daughter, who died in Ottumwa (or Osceola) Iowa. (1 year). Monroe being the youngest cared for the homeplace and his mother while the others went off to war (Civil War).

END of Part 6

(Editor's note: you can read my post about Monroe HERE and Ella HERE)

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 5

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Benjamin, fourth son of Thomas and Martha Potwine who had ten children, lived in Connecticut. (One source says place of Benjamin's birth as New York state. Born 1788)

The Dutch settled New York; they established  a colony in Albany. Many Puritan families in Massachusetts and Connecticut drifted south into New York about 1640. In 1740 the population was established at only 50,000. About that time many former Connecticut dwellers went across the sound and settled in Long Island.

Benjamin Potwine married Cornelia Curtis (Custus). There were twelve children; three died in infancy. It is known Ben, the eldest son lived in Ellington, New York. There were four living sons; the youngest, Monroe, who remained home to care for his mother and the homestead while the others went to war. The father had died eight years earlier. In the family records it tells of the boyhood home of Monroe, youngest in the family, in Ellington, Chautauqua county, New York.


GENEALOGY

Benjamin Potwine  b. 7/24/1788
                              d. 8/26/1852
                              m. 6/25/1816 to Cornelia Curtis (Custus)
                                                         b. 1/28/1798

Children:
Daughter b. 5/6/1817 d. 5/16/1817
Cornelia M. b. 8/4/1818 d. 1889/90 - m. 1838 to J. Birdsell Nygent
Benjamin C. b. 7/25/1820 d. 2/28/1905 - m. 8/3/1842 to Susan Torry (Ben lived in  Ellington, NY)
Martha C. b. 1/8/1823 d. 2/23/1873 - m. 6/20/1854 to Benjamin Franklin Fuller
Son b. 4/4/1825 d. 4/4/1825
Sarah Ann b. 4/17/1826 d. 3/25/1858 -m. 4/11/1848 to Wm. Watch Jr.
Mary A. b. 5/10/1829 d. 9/16/1888 - m. 8/6/1855 to Simon Lawrence
William Stiles. b. 6/9/1831 d. UNK - m. 10/23/1854 to Elsie M. Barnes
Junius F, b. 6/24/1833 d. UNK - m. 1/1/1859 to Helen A.
Elizabeth H. b. 8/6/1835 d. UNK - m. 5/21/1855 to Franklin Hammond
MONROE AUGUSTUS b. 8/28/1837 d. UNK - m. 1/1/1866 to Ella Augusta Burt
                                                                                         b. 10/10/1850 d. 3/26/1902
Son b. 11/1/1840 d. 11/1/1840


Believe this is the generation where the final 'e' was dropped.

END of Part 5

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 4

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Thomas Potwine, the first son of the three children born to Reverend Thomas Potwine and Abigail Moseley, 1756. This Thomas married Martha Stiles, both lived in Connecticut - East Windsor - 1776. Thomas had seven brothers and sisters by his father's second marriage. It is through Thomas and Martha Potwine that my lineage continues to this generation (children of my marriage - E.T.P.T. and R.W.T. - 1923)

A Potwine homestead was built at this period in history; it is now almost 200 years old (if it is yet standing). It was located neat the Connecticut river 'big river' as spoken of by the Indians. There were tribes (families) of friendly Indians who were happy to have the settlers come to this land. No land was 'taken' from them, it was obtained by barter or gifted. Often the Chiefs would give their friends land extending "a day's walk" into the wilderness, west of the 'big river'. This colony of settlers was most fortunate. Three generations of Potwins lived in the old 'homestead' in East Windsor until 1963. Today the Connecticut river is but a mile from the Potwine homestead.

One Potwine (John 2) settled in Hartford CT, the rest settled around their Protestant church, which is now East Windsor. It is to Dorchester Colony on Massachusetts Bay that a clear line of ancestry can be traced and verified for the Potwin family in America. Governor Bradford (Mass.) made trips to the Conn. river; then called the "Great River" and found it a fine place. In 1631 there were many small tribes of Indian, most friendly and asked the white man to establish settlements in their territory. The Indians wanted rifles; so Governor Winthrop and Governor Bradford having no desire to fight Indian battles agreed. But later on the people wanted to move farther west, venturing into wilderness so the Plymouth Colony and the Massachusetts Bay Colony decided to move to Connecticut. In 1635 there were neighbors in Hartford and other settlements; so the move west was begun as more and more settlements on the east coast became towns and cities of the future United Stated of America.

GENEALOGY

Thomas Potwine Jr b. 1756
                                  d. 1824
                                  m. 1776 Martha Stiles
                                                b. 1760
                                                d. 1822

Children:
Martha b. 10/9/1779 d. UNK - m. Simon Barker of East Windsor, CT
Thomas b. 1/17/1784 d. 2/24/1869 - m. 1828 Sarah Stoughton, East Windsor, CT
                                                           m. 1899 Margaret Bartlett, East Windsor, CT
Israel b. 3/23/1786 d. 5/14/1864 - m. 1825/28 Mary F Potwine
John b. 8/17/1787 d. 5/7/1859 - m. 1811 Mary Benton of Tolland, CT
BENJAMIN b. 7/24/1788 d. 8/16/1852 - m. 1816 Cornelia Curtis (Custus)
Abigail b. 9/24/1790 d. 4/24/1872 - m. Dr Allen Porter, East Windsor, CT
Lydia b. 11/9/1792 d. 9/9/1826 - m. Wm Wright, Troy, NY
William b. 2/1/1795 d.4/17/1877 - m. 1825 Amelia Speer of Ellington, NY
Nathaniel b. 1/4/1798 d. 4/18/1854 - m. Sophia Clark of East Windsor, CT
 (Sarah b. 1800 d. 1825 - from find a grave)
Ann b. 12/10/1802 d. UNK - m. Orrin Clark of Somers, CT


About the 'e' in Potwin, some dropped it. Stephen (Part 3) went so far as to have it legally taken off and recorded with the Town Clerk. Another had it added when he became interested in genealogy. Some of his children kept it, others dropped it.

END of Part 4

(editor's note: Thomas Potwine is a recognized patriot - DAR #A091875)

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 3

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.


A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

Thomas Potwine (Rev.), sixth child, second son of John's first marriage. His mother being Mary Jackson of a prominent Boston family. Thomas was born October third or 13th year 1731, probably in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Yale University and chose to devote himself to the humble calling of the ministry. He married Abigail Moseley in the year 1754. 

Thomas was the pastor of the Congregational church in East Windsor CT until 1759, for fifty years!

It was almost unbroken timberland and wilderness; only here and there clearings in the forest made by hardy pioneers. They decided to provide a meeting place of worship. In 1753 it was begun: 47 feet by 35 feet and 21 feet high. It was occupied in 1755, fully finished in 1759. Meetings were held in homes while it was being built. 

In August of 1753 it was voted to give Sir (another title of distinction rarely given) Thomas Potwine of Coventry a call to preach. (on probation). He was only 22 years old! At the end of two months they voted to give him 2000 pounds, old tender, as a settlement and 500 pounds for a yearly salary. 

Thomas wed Abigail Moseley in the year of 1754. Three children were born of this union. 

Thomas accepted the ministerial call. They voted two years later that if his salary should be insufficient, they would add to it as his circumstances called for, or their abilities would "admit". This has to be the first of a "cost of living increase". 

Father Potwine remained as their pastor for fifty years. 

May 1, 1754 Thomas Potwine was ordained. The meeting was held in a barn; a table was used as a desk, rough boards answered for spectators; only the ministers were seated on chairs. Standing room was filled. The heart of the young pastor and his congregation were filled with joy and thankfulness. 

In 1796 they began talking of adding to it or building a new one, there was much difference of opinion and hard feelings arose when voting was taken. The minority objected and that night the old meeting house was burned to the ground. The grief of the old pastor was great! He grew more feeble and died in about a year. 

Thomas' wife Abigail had died in the year 1759 and he had married for the second time. He married Lydia Hall in 1761; there were seven children born to them. It was probably during this generation that the final 'e' was dropped from Potwin.

GENEALOGY

Thomas Potwine (Reverend) b. Oct 3 or 13, 1731

                                                 d. Nov 15, 1802

                                                 m. 1754 to Abigail Moseley (his step sister)

                                                                    b. 1733

                                                                    d. 1759

                                   

                                                 m. 1761 Lydia Hall

                                                               b. 1734

                                                               d. 1817

Children:

With Abigail:

Abigail b. 1755 d. 1849

THOMAS b. 1756 d. 1824

Benjamin b. 1759 d. 1787

With Lydia:

Lydia b. 1762 d. 1817

Demaris b. 1764 d. 1853

Caleb b. 1765 d. 1846

Elizabeth b. 1768 d. 1823 (twin)

Mary b. 1768 d. 1768 (twin)

William b. 1774 d. 1794

Stephen b. 4/21/1776 d. 5/?/1864

Reverend Thomas Potwine, graduate of Yale; pastor of Congregational church in East Windsor CT, 1759 until 1802 (50 yr). Descendants stem from a second wife, Lydia Hall of Wallingford CT. Through Lydia descend many prominent families in the New Haven area - Atwater, Lyman, Peck, Sayer.

The Potwin homestead, built by Stephen. Later occupied by son Edward and then by his son Arthur. The home is now more than 100 years old. One Indian Chief so overjoyed to see the settlers coming that he gave land along the 'big river' (Connecticut) to the depth of a day's walk into the wilderness. It is recorded that no land was taken from the Indians but bought - paid for by barter.

END of Part 3

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 2

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

John Potwine Sr, Esq. - a title very few had bestowed upon them. John was born in 1698, probably Boston. His marriage to Mary Jackson was April 20, 1721. There were ten children from this union. John married a second wife, Elizabeth Lyman Moseley, February 7, 1771.  

John was a gold and silver-smith; much of his work is displayed at the Boston Museum. 

He attended Yale University. 

He moved his family from New Haven, Connecticut to Hartford in 1740. There he had a store where he sold fine merchandise. 

His wife Mary was from a Boston family whose descendants number among many prominent families. John and his wife Mary are buried in East Windsor Connecticut.


GENEALOGY

John Potwine b. 1698 in America (Boston)
                        d. May 16, 1792
                        m. April 20, 1721 to Mary Jackson - (1st wife)
                                                          b. 1698
                                                          d. March 31, 1766
                        m. February 7, 1771 to Elizabeth Lyman Moseley (widow of Abner)
                                                              b. 1702
                                                              d. April 19, 1778

Children:
Mary b. 5/1/1722 d. 6/25/1730
Sarah b. 7/10/1724 d. 7/2/1730
Elizabeth b. 5/25/1726 d. 8/7/1751
John b. 5/7/1728 d. 8/20/1785 - lived in Weatherfield, CT - had 11 children
Ann b. 12/20/1729 d. 1/19/1731
THOMAS b. 10/3(13)/1731 d. 11/15/1802 - became Reverend T. Potwin    
Mary b. 3/26/1734 d. 5/22/1792
Nathaniel b. 6/8/1737 d. 6/20/1737
Sarah b. 2/24/1738 d. 4/14/1739
Sarah b. 6/25/1740 d. 9/?/1802


                                                             END of Part 2

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | Potwin Lineage and Genealogy, Part 1

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

A STORY * OF THE POTYN * POTWINE * POTWIN * CLAN

This name of French derivation, coming from POITEVINE meaning inhabitant of Poitou or Poitier, a province in southwestern France - Anjou or Aquitaine, had figured in history over the centuries and been prominent all over the world.

The descendants have established families and pioneered and developed the continent of North America from coast to coast. The story, known in greater detail by me, who, fascinated by the courage and faith of my forefathers, forced my eagerness to if not fulfillment, certainly enjoyment of discovery and research.

No doubt it was a cold, blustery day (it might have been night, which would have compounded the fear and discomforts) when the courageous, weary and many ill voyageurs disembarked on the shores of America. No ocean liner, no greeting welcomers; it had been a long arduous crossing to Cape Cod so with prayers and thankfulness to God they proceeded to pick a plot where they might establish a 'home' and make a life for themselves and loved ones. This was IT! The beginning of the rest of their life!

Our man was JOHN. He may have been of the same lineage as the John mentioned in the records of the court of Charles II (15th century France) for John was a Huguenot. The Huguenots fled from France at the time of the persecution. They went to England, changed the name, the spelling that is, (Potevin to Potyn), and our man came came to America from England (some records say possibly Wales). In late 1600's (1685 or 1695) John Potyn (reference a letter from G.M. Potwin) also a Reverend Potyn sailed to America in 168(5) and he settled in Connecticut, changed the spelling of the name again. He took a second wife, after the death of his first one, "our branch of the family descend from this union." (ref. G.M. Potwin)

John Potwine, physician and "chirurgeon", OUR MAN of whom there is sketchy but genealogical, historically provable information, did come to Boston from England in 1695. He brought his wife from England and possibly a son. It is documented that he married Sarah Hill in Boston (presumed to be the second marriage). Sarah the daughter of Edward Hill, a prominent citizen of the province. John died early - in the early 1700's, leaving his widow and one son John.

So ends the first Generation in America.

GENEALOGY

John Potwine of French Huguenot descent came to Boston from England 1695. The name (in Boston records) is spelled various ways: Potwine, Pottwin, Potwin, Potwaine. The name comes from Poitevin(e) - meaning an inhabitant of Poitou or Poitier, a province in France, an area known as Aquitaine (Anjou) in southwestern France.

John Potwine was a "physician and chirurgeon" - - -. He may be of the same lineage as the John Potwine, physician, mentioned in records of the court of Charles II - 15th century France - but no real proof. In Boston he married Sarah, daughter of Edward Hill. So line in America begins:

John Potwine, physician, said to have been born in England, from whence the family came after fleeing France. Said to have died early - July or August 1700. He left a widow and one son John.

END of Part 1

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

©1980 Elizabeth Twining Potwin Thomas - private collection

Notes From My Grandmother | The What and The Who

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

When I got the idea to present my grandmothers papers to the world, I really had no idea how to go about it. A lot of her writing is very bad, computers would have been her best friend! But she worked hard and poured her heart into her research. She truly loved history and genealogy ... and telling the family story. Limited only by the time in which she did her research (pre 1980), she was still able to compile some good stories. Solid research woven with family remembrances.  Had she had the technology we have today she would have been a rockstar! 

And a mad blogger ......

In my collection I have letters, photographs, unreadable (seriously) handwritten notes and "finished" typed family stories.  Surnames she researched include:

• Potwin
• Twining
• Ashby
• Thomas
• Rowley
• Busby

I will present these writings by surname, as that is the way she had them organized and it seems to make the most sense.

Much of this may be of little interest to many of you, but I suspect there are far-flung cousins for whom these writings will be of great interest. As for me, in transcribing these papers I will be required to go through the entire collection - something I've been avoiding for a while now. (Just keeping it real) I hope someone will find something useful, at any rate I'll enjoy rediscovering my maternal ancestors - pilgrims, pioneers, preachers, patriots, even Plantagenets!

Come on along for the ride!

©2016 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved