Legislator Details
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 4/28/2024
Vital Records Information:
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
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.