Mrs. H. L. Potter was born in Allegany county, N. Y., May 17, 1832, and died July 26, 1913.
She lived in the place of her birth until her ninth year, when she came west with her parents. They made the journey by way of the Erie canal and the Great Lakes, and then by team from Milwaukee to the vicinity of Albion, where the family settled. Her maiden life was spent helping to care for her brothers who were younger than she. Her father's abode was always a home for the cousins and friends, and here she early learned the art of real hospitality. Her education so far as books were concerned was meager, but in other things which make home a success and reality, her education and refinement were complete.
On the twenty-fourth of October, 1850, she was united in marriage to Stephen R. Potter, and all but two years of her life since that time has been spent in her own home. She did her part in making the home, changing the once wooded tract to a beautiful cleared farm. Into this home she carried those graces of kindness and hospitality that were so marked in her father's home. For a period of nearly sixty-three years hers was a home of joy and gladness. Many are the people who knew how pleasant it was to go to see Uncle Stephen and Aunt Harriet. Four daughters were born to them - Mary A., Dora J., Hattie M., and Edith B. These with nine grandchildren remain to mourn her departure. The father died four years ago, since which time the mother has been the object of the love and tender care of the daughters. She suffered but little pain in her last days and quietly and peacefully passed away with all four daughters at her bedside.
She took an active interest in the founding of the Albion Academy, and was one of its staunch supporters. She deprived herself of many of the comforts of life that her own children might receive proper education. She took great delight in having her children attend church and the Sabbath school. She was baptized by the Rev. O. P. Hull and united with the Albion Seventh Day Baptist Church, November 5, 1852, of which she has always been a faithful and consistent member.
The funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon, Pastor C. S. Sayre officiating, assisted by Rev. S. H. Babcock. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery. C. S. S.
