Mary “Molly” Susan Potter

Location: Montgomery Hall, Augusta County, Virginia

Mary “Molly” Susan Potter was appraised in 1847, $250.00. She was sold with her mother, Betty Potter, in 1851 to Robert Asher Gray, 350.00. Robert A. Gray lived at “Hilltop” in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County, Virginia. Mary “Molly,” born c. 1841, was the youngest of the four known children of Ben Potter and his wife, Betty.

Molly Potter was described as a delicate girl.

Molly Susan was hired out for a period of time to J. Brown in 1850. She was hired out for a period of time in 1851 to J. McLeary.

In March, 1861, Robert Asher Gray listed six enslaved individuals among his assets:

• Ben
• Betty
• Jenny
• Albert
• Madison
• Harriet

Mary “Molly” Susan Potter had 8 known children: Fannie, born c. 1857, Bettie, born c. 1858, Annie, born c. 1863, Maggie, Julia, born c. 1867, and 2 sons who died young.

Mary Potter worked as a laundress. She died in 1876 in Staunton, Virginia and is buried in Thornrose Cemetery.