Legislator Details

Image of George  Norton Potter
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 4/28/2024

George Norton Potter
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Gender: Male
Age at election: 59

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 10/16/1827
City: Ira, NY
County: Cayuga County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 11/1/1902
City: Charlotte, MI
County: Eaton County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 11/3/1902
City: Potterville, MI
County: Eaton County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Benton Township Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Martha L. Gladding about 1849; children: 8, Henry Adelbert, Willard Monroe, Mary Celia (Otto), Edward J., Abraham Lincoln, John C., Emma and Walton Alonzo; married Mary A. Peage [or Page], 3/1/1871, in Potterville, MI

Number of Children: 8


Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer, lumberman, manufacturer, hotelier
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
attended school in Vermontville

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Linus and Diana (Phelps) Potter. Came to Detroit via boat from Buffalo with his parents in October 1830. They proceeded on foot to Saline in Washtenaw Co. After clearing a farm there, they moved to what became Potterville in Eaton Co. He chopped wood for board and lodging at school. His father died in 1846. During the Civil War, he served as recruiting officer and Deputy Provost Marshal. After the war he became interested in building the Peninsula Railroad; was one of the thirteen that made the organization from Lansing to Battle Creek , and thence to South Bend, IN; was one of the Directors of the road until its completion.

Notable Facts:
His family built the first frame house in Saline, MI.


Sessions Served:

Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Asylum for the Insane, Horticulture , Counties and Townships , Labor , Mechanical Interests , Roads and Bridges
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Potterville
County of Residence Eaton
District: 11
District Description: Counties of Barry and Eaton

Date Elected: 11/2/1886
Date Sworn In: 1/5/1887
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

Manual 1887 p.601-2; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; USCen 1880; Michiganology