Rhoda Ann Richards was born in 1821 in Robertson County Tennessee, the daughter of Edmund Hendley Richards Sr. and Sarah Ann Warren [1783]. Edmund Sr. had relocated with the Stewart, Warren, Jones, and England families out of Franklin Co VA into Robertson Co TN in 1814, following the death of Rhoda's grandfather and grandmother in 1812.

Her parents, relatives, and friends moved again out of TN into IL in 1830, settling in the far north central area of Macoupin County, which had been organized in 1829. They cleared land and began farming. Rhoda grew up on the family farm there and married William Beatty Potts, son of Richard Potts, in 1834. Richard Potts had apparently brought his family into Macoupin Co early in the 1800s. She and William moved to Montgomery Co IL [adjacent to the eastern border of Macoupin] where they raised a large family of children. There Rhoda and William remained until their death.

Obituary:
Died at her home, about five miles southwest of Raymond, IL, on the 27th of July, 1882, at 12 minutes to seven o'clock, AM our beloved mother, Mrs. R. A. Potts, in her 61st year. She had been complaining for about 3 weeks but was able to be up until the night of the 25th of July. Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Hermon, attended her, but to no purpose. She passed away quietly, without a struggle, as one going to rest. While we mourn her loss and would like to have her with us all the time, yet we know she is far better off with her Savior, surrounded by her sainted mother, her children and grand-children, and we know she is far happier, than we here, although she never murmured and was always willing to help her children and friends. She was a kind, loving and patient mother She was born in Hobson County, TN October 19th 1821. Her maiden name was Richards. She was a consistent member of the Christian Church, at her death and died strong in the faith.
To the children, Mother can never come again to us, but by the grace of God, we can go to her, so if you ever want to behold the dear face again, be wise and prepare while it is yet today, tomorrow may be too late. May God help us.
J. W. Potts

LINEAGE:
Edmund Hendley Richards Sr. [1783] Franklin Co VA/TN/IL
Edward Richards [1731] MD/old Lunenburg/Franklin Co VA
Benjamin Richards [1710] MD/old Lunenburg/Franklin Co VA
Edward Richards [1678] Manchester, Lancashire England/MD