Legislator Details
William W. Potter portrait from Manual 1927 p.xxiii
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Margaret D. Richardson, dau. of Charles J. Richardson, in Harrison; children: 6, Louise Charlotte, Mildred Doreen (Hanna), Philip Richardson, Charles William, Francis Marguerite (Bingham) and Elizabeth (Starr)
Number of Children: 6
Background
Education:
attended rural schools;
graduated from the high school in Nashville, MI, 1891; attended Ypsilanti State Normal College; graduated from the law dept. of University of Michigan, 1895
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Lucien Bonaparte and Clarinda Louisa (Trimmer) Potter. He taught in rural schools, briefly. He served as superintendent of schools in Harrison, MI, 1891-94. He studied law with attorney George J. Cummins in Hastings and was admitted to the bar in 1894 and practiced in Hastings, 1895-1919. He was chair of the library commission; member of the board of education and city attorney in Hastings. He also served as Barry County Prosecuting Attorney for 2 terms. From 1919-27, he was a member of the Public Services Commission, serving as chairman twice; and state fuel administrator. He served on numerous other professional and political commissions and committees. Member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Knights Templar and the Knights of Pythias. He authored a history of Barry County and 2 legal works.
Notable Facts:
He was elected Attorney General in 1926.
Served on the Michigan Supreme Court from 1928 until his death in 1940.
Died as a result of a concussion received in an auto accident.
Member of the "Immortal 19"