Jerome Nathaniel Potter, the son of Albert and Samantha Sweet Potter, was born in the Town of Alfred, August 6, 1841, and died at the home of his daughter, Leona Baker, Dec. 9, 1923. He was one of three children. His sister, Mrs. Wheeler Davis, died some years ago, but his brother, Adelbert, is at present living in Colusa, Cal.
On February 9, 1861, he was married to Sarah A. Thomas of Alfred. To them were born five children. Emma Allen, his oldest, died nearly twenty years ago. The other four survive him. Lena Baker, the oldest daughter living, and Mrs. Ella Sisson, and the son Albert Potter, live in the Town of Alfred. The son resides on the old Homestead at Five Corners. The other daughter, Mrs. Mary Wilbur lives at Santa Ana, Cal., and could not be present at the farewell services, but she visited him not many months before his death. His wife has been gone about twenty years.
Mr. Potter has spent his entire life near Alfred. When but a boy he had to help bear the responsibilities of life and was not permitted to acquire an education. For a time, however, he attended Alfred University. His life has been spent as a farmer in which profession he was successful, not only financially, but in the accomplishments of his life due to his love for work. He was a member of the First Alfred Church; having joined when he was a young man, and remained true to his profession.
Since he has been unable to care for his farm he has made his home with his son Albert, and the last three years have been spent with his daughter, Mrs. Alvin Baker.
Funeral services were conducted at the church at Alfred Station by his pastor, who was assisted by Rev. William M. Simpson. The large attendance of his friends and near neighbors testified to the esteem and love in which he was held. His body was laid to rest in the Alfred Rural Cemetery.
A. C. E.
