Posted by: "Sara Hoffman" july37@cox.net turkeypt2
Date: Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:56 pm ((PST))

Joseph Potter, he died in 1669 at age 34. He was married about 1660 & had one
son & two daughters born between 1661 & his death. I haven't found any record
for him as a land owner. Most likely he was living on his father's farm in
1662, the land he had expected to inherit. John Cotton wrote  "New Haven's
Settling in New England & Some Laws for Government in 1656." It can be found
online if anyone is interested in what he proposed for New Haven Colony. It
appears these laws were enacted by New Haven Colony.  Under a section in
his book, "Of the Right of Inheritance" it reads, "Observe, if a man have
more sons than one, then a double portion to be assigned and bequeathed to
the eldest son, according to the law of nature. Unless his own demerit do
deprive him of the dignity of his birthright."  Joseph Potter was deprived
of his birthright. The reason for the loss of his birthright is unknown or
if this law was used to justifiy depriving Joseph of his birthright.

Re: Frances Potter, no record has been found for her after her court
appearance in March 1663. Her name wasn't used for any of her grandchildren
including the children of Joseph.

Re: Religion in New Haven. The New Haven Colony Puritans had a theocratic
form of government. John Cotton's work lists 24 crimes deserving capital
punishment based on Mosaic Law. The New Haven Colony was less tolerant than
the MA Bay Colony. However, both rejected any Catholic or Anglican influence
in their society & severely persecuted Quakers, Baptists, Catholics etc.