It was an ideal home-going. A long life, well rounded out with usefulness and honors, came quietly to its peaceful close. Surrounded by children and grandchildren, supported by the presence of his faithful wife, our brother fell asleep on Friday, January 29, 1909.
Stephen R. Potter was born in Grafton, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., February 10, 1826. He was one of nine children born to Deacon Joseph A. and Rachel West Potter. With his parents he afterwards moved to Verona, N. Y., and here he was baptized by Elder Charles M. Lewis and joined the Verona Seventh-day Baptist Church. While a young man he came to Wisconsin and from that time until his death he has been closely identified with the founding and history of the village of Albion. He was married on October 24, 1850, to Harriet L. Green and a beautiful union of heart and life was consummated, to continue through nearly sixty years.
Four daughters graced their home: Mary A. Coon, Dora J. Lawton, Hattie M. Edwards and Edith B. Babcock. These with the mother, nine grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. C. R. Head, cherish a sacred memory.
In the year 1853 he became a member of the Albion Seventh-day Baptist Church, and ten years later, on the death of his father, he succeeded him in the office of deacon. In these early days of the new country he was efficient and tireless in building up the church and school in Albion, and his interest and helpfulness never flagged. He filled his appointed place with cheerfulness and tact; as long as he was able he was seen in the prayer meeting and at divine worship on the Sabbath. His last public testimony was given in welcome to several young candidates, upon their acceptance by the church, and he feelingly asked the question, "Who can say if, among these young girls, may not be a future missionary of the Cross to the heathen lands?" Thus his heart went out in warmest sympathy to the world-wide interests of the Kingdom.
Funeral services were held at the home on Sunday, January 31, conducted by Pastor T. J. Van Horn, assisted by Rev. A. J. C. Bond of Milton Junction, Wis.
Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his. V. H.
