Legislator Details


Allen Potter
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 38

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 10/2/1818
City: Galloway, NY
County: Saratoga County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 5/8/1885
City: Kalamazoo, MI
County: Kalamazoo County, MI,
Country: US
Type of Burial: interred
Burial
Date:
City: Kalamazoo, MI
County: Kalamazoo County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Mountain Home Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Charity Purdy Letts before 1850; children: May, Lillie (Gardener) and Allen

Number of Children: 3

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: merchant, banker, businessman
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Elisha and Maria Potter. Moved to Adrian, MI, 1830 then Jonesville, MI, 1838; learned the trade of tinsmith; moved to Kalamazoo, MI, 1845 & engaged in the retail hardware business until 1858, when he engaged in banking and in the manufacture of gas. Elected a member of the board of education in 1867, 1869 & 1871, serving as pres. 1869; served on the Kalamazoo Village Council. Financially interested in railroads and Colorado mining enterprises; treasurer of the State asylum for the insane.

Notable Facts:
Elected to the 44th Congress (3/4/1875-3/3/1877). First mayor of Kalamazoo, 1884.

Sessions Served:

Nineteenth Legislature, 1857-1858
Chamber: House
Party: Unknown
Committees Served On: Ways and Means
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Kalamazoo
County of Residence Kalamazoo
District: Kalamazoo 1
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/4/1856
Date Sworn In: 1/7/1857
Date Left Office:

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

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:

Bibliography:

CongBio p.1680; MIDeaths 1867-97; USCen 1870, 1880; Manual 1857 p.38; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait
View Bibliographical Sources