Henry D. Poteat

Poteet-Poteat families have lived in this part of North Carolina (Burke County) since at least 1790 when John, Jr., John, Sr., Edward and William (all called "Boteat" in the printed record) appear in the census of the 13th company of Burke Co., NC. In July 1792 and in April 1793, Edward and John Poteet served on a Burke County jury. In July and Oct. 1794, John Poteeth is mentioned in the jury lists. Since that time, the name John Poteet has been a commonly used one. It seems reasonable that John Poteet, Sr., and other members of the Poteat family may have come through Virginia where earlier records of a John Poteat have been located. A connection with the earlier family in Maryland may eventually be established.

John Henry Poteet of McDowell County, NC, was the earliest paternal ancestor known in my wife's family when we were married in 1960. It was natural to extend my long-term genealogical interest to her relatives and I have been doing research on this line since that time. Henry Poteet was killed in the Civil War and his widow married twice more. She was remembered by many of the people I have interviewed and the line is well-known back to this couple. Henry's youngest son had died in 1958, but two daughters-in-law and numerous grandchildren remained. However, no one seemed to know of family records or traditions to connect this Henry Poteet to his forebears.

Joseph A. Poteat

At times I have cast my research net too widely, assuming this to be a small and closely related family. At other times, I questioned too narrowly, restricting my research to a single line, ignoring descendants in other branches. At all times, I met interesting and helpful individuals, willing to share their knowledge and insights. There is much more to be learned from consistent, careful study.

The results of this research have evolved through many stages into the present, electronic, form. As an electronic document, this presentation changes much more rapidly than a traditional publication would. It has been presented in a variety of formats, styles, and contents. Recent versions therefore include a date on each page to help with identification.

What others have shared with me, I am glad to share with you in the hope that through continued exchange we will improve the scope, accuracy and documentation of our knowledge of this family.

Dan W. Olds[4]