• Michael Erret, according to tradition, became a wagon driver and while driving a freight wagon to the Ohio territory, he came through the Potts Valley of what is now Alleghany County, Virginia, on the old Sweet Springs Turnpike Road. He supposedly fell in love with the valley and returned to live. More likely he fell in love with his future wife, Mary Magdalene Wolf, whose family lived in the valley. He and Mary Magdalene were married in 1795 and the marriage is recorded in the courthouse at Fincastle, Virginia.2912, p 2

• Michael and Mary Magdalene lived with their children on Potts Creek in Alleghany County, Virginia. Michael is listed in Index to the Soldiers of the War of 1812 as a Private in the 108th Regiment of Shanklins Virginia Militia. As was common for the time, he got a substitute, Alexander Gray, to serve for him and no further records of his service are listed. Michael was a “Gentleman Justice” when Alleghany county was formed in 1822 and served as a County Supervisor in 1829. He was also Sheriff of Alleghany County from 1828 to 1829. He was also known as “Squire Mike.” He owned and operated a General Merchandise Store on Potts Creek providing services from weaving flax and tanning hides to milling grain and selling coffee, flour, sugar, brandy, shoes, clothing, and hay and feed. Michael’s heirs at his death in 1845 were his son, John, two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth, and his (second) wife, Sarah (Humphries). His land, amounting to over 4,000 acres was divised to these heirs according to his will. Prior to his death, Michael had deeded portions of his land to the children of his son, George, who had predeceased him.2912, p 3

• 1810 Census: Monroe County, Virginia. Michael Arite.2926, p 7
• 1820 Census: Monroe County, Virginia. 001201/01101. Michael Arett.2931
• 1830 Census: Alleghany County, Virginia. 00001101/00012001. Michael Aritt2321
• 1840 Census: Alleghany County, Virginia. 000100001/00001. Michael Arrill.2322

• [In Potts Creek] iron ore mining was a chief industry during the 19th century. The Double Ridge Mine, Bess Mines and Jordan Mines were among those giving employment to many people. During the peak of production at the Jordan Mines, 40 to 75 houses stood around the site of the present post office.
The mines closed because of the discovery of iron in the Lake Superior region, which was of better grade and cheaper to get to the mills.2932, p 65