Good morning; 

I am researching the Potts holdings (and related industries and families as needed) in eastern PA, NJ, DE, and possibly VA, from about 1690-1800.  Specifically, I seek information on the labor pool, including slaves being bought, sold, rewarded, indentured, freed, and doctored; as well as the indentured servants and clerks, etc.

The project began as trying to look up the 13 slaves in John Potts' 1768 Probate, but we also have several of his children owning such help in the same time period, and apparent inheritance of chattel from family estates.  I have found more definitive records of about 5 or so, as far as source and possibly fate in the long haul, but am missing quite a few still.  The situation is complicated by the long time period and transient nature of the help.

I've seen a big chunk of the pine forge books (especially 1775-1800), and some Warwick, unknown forges, and Pott's personal ledgers.  I've seen Colebrookedale in secondary sources.  We could also use Valley Forge, Coventry Forge,, Pottsgrove proper, more Warwick, Elk Forge, etc.

Key names: John Potts, Thomas Potts (Sr or Jr), Samuel Potts, Ruth Potts, John Potts Jr, Jonathon Potts, Isaac Potts, David Potts, Rutter, Savage, Hockley. Known slave names: Adam, Andrew, Arch, The Boys, Briggs, Caspar, Cato, Ishmael, Nancy, Flora, Margaret, Cudjo, Guinea, Hercules, Servant Baker, John, Jo, Rachel, Jude (Judith), Peter, Patrick, Sambo or Black Sam?, Jacob Theiff...

I have heard rumors of books held in NJ (Thomas Potts),  and other held in private hands as of c. 1900.  Does anyone know of their current status?

Thanks for any help!




      

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