Pvt. Reuben Potter, CSA

Reuben John Potter was the son of Benjamin Shay Potter and Susannah Martha Hollingsworth. He was born January 1, 1829 in Pike County, Kentucky. He is believed to have died October 5, 1862. See note below about military service. Reuben John Potter married Mahulda Wright about 1852 and had a large family.

Reuben Potter appears on the 1850 US Census for Pike County, Kentucky, age 21, living in the home of his parents, and working on the family farm.

Military Service Family historians believe that Ruben Potter died on October 5, 1862.They have a photo of a standard military headstone, showing enlistment in Co. D, 13th Kentucky Cavalry, CSA. Records show that Reuben enlisted in this company on October 4, 1862 in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and that he deserted the next day, October 5, 1862. Descendants believe that the date of his death is recorded incorrectly. They tell a story of Reuben leaving without leave during the winter, when he hears that his family has no food, no firewood, and no shoes. A party was sent to pick him up and he was shot when he ran away from this party.

Sources:

• http://www.yeahpot.com/13th_kentucky_cavalry_csa_roster.htm
• Updated from MyHeritage Family Trees by SmartCopy: Feb 1 2015, 16:40:25 UTC
• http://wright-bates.com/regrettable_death.htm