Iowa Old Press
Sheldon Mail
Sheldon, O'Brien co. Iowa
Wednesday, December 18, 1918
Section 2, Page 1, Column 3
Aged Resident Passes Away
Robert Potter, one of Sheldon's oldest residents, passed away at
the home of his daughter [in law], Mrs. James. Potter, last
Thursday morning, December 12. Mr. Potter had reached his 88th
year and the past five years of his life has been spent in feeble
health. Death was the result of the infirmities of old age. Mr.
Potter was born at Marden, Kent Co., England, Sept. 8, 1830. He
grew to manhood on a farm in that country with the meager
opportunities that were common to the children of that age. In
1851 he was married at Marden to Sarah Daw, to which union three
children were born, James Potter and Mrs. Lucy Reeves, who are
now both deceased. One little son passed away in infancy.
In 1856 [Sarah's obit says 1857] Mr. and Mrs. Potter and their
children came to America, first settling in Wisconsin, and later
moving to Kane Co., Ill., where they lived until the fall of 1869
[Sarah's obit says 1868]. During their residence there a son and
two daughters came to gladden their home. They are Mrs. Mary
Porter, of Council Bluffs, Mrs. Carry Sattizan, of Wagner, S. D.,
and Thomas Potter of Fayette, Ia. All were present to attend
their father's funeral. Another little daughter, Nellie, passed
away at the age of 3 1/2 years [error-- 2 1/2]. In the fall of
1889 [error--1869)], Mr. Potter and family moved with a team of
horses from Kane Co., Ill. to near LeMars, where Mr. Potter took
up a homestead. They made this their home until 1876 [Sarah's
obit says 1877], when in the fall of that year, they moved to
O'Brien township [error--county]. Mr. Potter purchased a farm
near here which is still in possession of a member of the Potter
family, his grandson, Thomas Potter, Jr. In 1893 the family moved
from their farm to this city, purchasing the residence, now known
as the Mrs. James Potter residence on Washington avenue. A few
years later they returned to their farm where his wife died Aug.
12, 1900. After the death of Mrs. Potter, he made his home with
his son, James until his death some eight years ago. Since that
time he has spent his time with Mrs. James Potter, whose
unceasing care and devotion has brightened the old gentleman's
declining years. Besides the three living children, he is
survived by 16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one
great, great-grandchild.
Mr. Potter was a hard working man, and possessed of a splendid
physique, he continued his industries late in life. He was
possessed of a strong will and even temper and was not easily
moved to anger. His life was a model moral life, at no time being
addicted to the use of liquor, tobacco or profanity. His mild and
kind disposition had endeared him, not only to his immediate
family, but to hosts of friends. He became a member of the
Methodist church while residing in Plymouth Co., later his
membership was transferred under the ministry of Rev. Artman, to
the M. E. church of this city. His life was lived according to
the teachings of his church, and might be termed a model
Christian life. Funeral services were held by Dr. J. J. Bushnell
at the M. E. church in this city, Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Afterwards the body was taken to Seney and laid to rest beside
that of his wife, whose death preceded his over 18 years. The
greatest sympathy is extended the relatives surviving in their
loss.
[transcribed by V.R., January 2006]