George Arthur Potter (1894-1918)

POTTER, WILSON, STAACK, BOOMERSHINE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/28/2010 at 15:03:19

Maquoketa Excelsior-Record, October 4, 1918

George Potter Dies While Serving In Navy

George Arthur Potter was born near Scotch Grove, Jones County, Iowa, on February 15, 1894, and while yet a small lad he came with his parents to Jackson County and located near Emeline where he grew to young manhood. He enlisted in the Navy on May 22, 1918 and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago. He had a week’s furlough at fair time and was home enjoying a visit with his people and many friends.

He returned to his training camp for duty and was getting ready to go across the sea, when the dread and fatal malady, Spanish Influenza, laid hold of him and carried him off. He died on Sunday September 29th, aged 24 years, 7 months and 14 days, at the hospital at Great Lakes, where all that medical skill and care could do for him was done, but to no avail. His body reached Maquoketa Tuesday evening.

Funeral services were held at Emeline Church on Wednesday, October 2, at two p.m., where a large circle of friends and patriotic citizens gathered to express their sympathy to the family of the departed and their loyalty to a departed sailor who has made the supreme sacrifice for his country. Burial was made in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Mesdames Frank Wilson and Hugo Staack sang consolingly at the church and at the grave Rev. D. F. Boomershine officiated. His mother died seven years ago. His bereaved father, James Potter, three sisters and three brothers survive to mourn his death and they have this consolation that he gave his life for his flag and humanity. He designated his little sister as his beneficiary, who will be entitled to his government insurance, to be paid in monthly installments for 20 years.

George Potter Grave
 

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