Iowa
Old Press
New Hampton Gazette
New Hampton, Chickasaw Co.
February 6, 1913
Our Neighbors (Bassett News)
All are glad that Clarence Bray is well enough to be able to
return home from the hospital, where he has been for treatment.
Prominent Citizen of Western Part of County Passes Away
After a Long Illness.
George H. Potter, a well known resident of Bassett, passed away
at the home of his son, O.H. Potter, Thursday, Feb. 6, 1913. An
attack of la grippe settled on his lungs and he slept for a few
days then entered the life beyond. Mr. Potter was born Oct. 31st,
1834, at Bangor, Franklin county, New York. When a young man he
settled at Port Huron, Michigan, where he entered the employment
of a lumber firm, and later took the office of assistant
postmaster in that city, and in a few years entered the employ of
the Grand Trunk Railway as mail agent between Port Huron and
Detroit. It was at this time he formed the acquaintance of Thomas
Edison, the inventor, who was the newsboy on the train, and he
frequently spoke of him and watched with interest his rise from
obscurity to a world-known fame. He married Rebecca Haslett Oct.
9, 1850, and owing to failing health from indoor work moved to
Iowa in 1866, settling on a farm in Dayton township, Chickasaw
County, where he lead a busy life farming, bee-keeping and
private dairying. He filled many of the township offices at a
time when the services of men of honor and integrity were
required the most, as the country was new. He sold his farm some
years ago and engaged in the hardware business at Bassett, then
sold out to live a retired life. Since the death of his wife
three years ago he had made his home with his youngest son, Orlo
H. Potter, were his declining years were surrounded with comfort
and attention. He leaves four sons, two daughters, eighteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His sons are: Elmer, of Horton, Bremer county; Herbert of Nashua;
Edward of Copper Hill, Nevada and Orlo, of Bassett. The daughters
are: Mrs. Henry Crooks, Pierre, S.D., and Mrs. Jennie Bigelow, of
Bassett. The youngest daughter, Minnie, entered the life beyond
some years ago. All of the children, except Edward of Nevada, and
Mrs. Crooks, of Pierre were present to pay the last tokens of
respect to a loving father. His life was one of honesty,
sincerity and helpfulness, and he possessed the esteem of all who
were acquainted with him. Funeral services were held at the M.E.
church on Sunday, 1:30 p.m. conducted by the pastor, Rev. Oleson
and interment was in Coral cemetery."And ever near us though
unseen, The dear immortal spirits tread; For all the boundless
universe is life-- there are no dead."
Bassett Citizen Called by Death.
Mr. G. H. Potter passed Away At His Home February 6th.
On Thursday February 6th , at his home in Bassett, occurred the
death of Mr. G.H. Potter, following a short severe illness. The
news came as a shock to the friends of this splendid county
citizen, few knowing of his sickness and none prepared to receive
the sad news of his death. All that kind and loving relatives and
friends could do was done but they could not stay the Angel of
Death. His wife had preceded him to the grave several years ago.
He leaves a grown-up family. The funeral was held at the M.E.
church, Sunday, conducted by Rev. Oleson. Burial took place in
the Rowland Hill cemetery. A large cortege of friends followed
the remains to the grave. The deceased was one of the county's
staunch and highly honored citizen's. His death is deeply mourned
by relatives and friends.
[submitted by R.F., Feb. 2004]