Death Notice:
Death of O.C. Potter
One of the City's Oldest and Best Known Business Men taken Away.
The Death of Oliver C Potter, one of the oldest and best known business men in Syracuse occurred at Midnight last night at the family residence, No. 405 West Onondaga Street. Mr. Potter about 14 years ago was thrown from a carriage and his head was badly hurt. Since then he has never enjoyed good health and two years ago suffered a stroke of paralysis which almost completely undermined his constitution. His final illness was blood poisoning starting in one of his feet from stagnation of the circulation. His life had been despaired of for several days.
-
Oliver Cromwell Potter was born in Cazenovia, N.Y., on October 2, 1826, and was a member of one of the leading families of that vicinity. He was educated at Cazenovia seminary, which has been the alma matter of so many men who have become prominent in the country's history. While he was yet at his studies at the age of 14 he entered the drug store of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, clerking and attending the seminary. He advanced rapidly both in his school work and in business and at the age of 21 went to New Yrok and took a position of responsibility in a large wholesale drug house. He remained there three years and in 1850 went to Fulton, N.Y., where he opened a retail drug store in 1850. In that business he was very successful and in 1852 was married to Dorcilieon E French of Fulton. Four years later, through the influence of John A Livingston of the firm of Livingston & Mitchell, he came to Syracuse and took a place in the firm which was reorganized under the name of Kenyon, Rogers & Co., upon the death of Mr. Mitchell in 1859 and the departure of Mr. Livingston for New York. After a few years Mr. Rogers retired and the firm became Kenyon, Potter & Co., The senior member of the firm was G. P. Kenyon, now living in New York. About 20 years ago G. P. Kenyon went out of business and Mr. Potter became the head of the concern, although the firm name was not changed.
Under Mr. Potter's direction the name Kenyon, Potter & Co., became well known all over the country. It did an enormous business and controlled many avenues of trade. In 1891 Horace F King was admitted to the firm, and the recent failure brought on by a series of unfortunate transactions wound up the history of a long and honorable career.
Mr. Potter was a man of most genial spirit and counted a host of prominent people as his friends. He was always interested in out-door sports and was a ardent horseman, promising at various times some of the speediest racers in this section. He was generous and open-hearted in his disposition almost to a fault and was always counted one of the leaders in turf?? Circles. In Republican politics he was formerly very active though he never held political office of any prominence. In this as in all other matters he was always consistent and reliable. His recent misfortune he bore with remarkable courage and fortitude and even up to the last was looking forward to ?(reteloving)? His fortune. He leaves a widow and two daughters, Sarah H. and Grace Dwight Potter. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
[Published in the "Syracuse Standard" Wednesday, January 17, 1894 page 4, (Public Domain)]
Biography
OLIVER CROMWELL POTTER.
Called from this life in 1894, the record which Oliver C. Potter left was such as may well serve as a source of encouragement to the young and of inspiration to the aged. It was notable in his fidelity to high principles and in his close adherence to the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. He was born October 2, 1826, at Cazenovia, New York, a son of Southward Noah and Freelove (Millard) Potter. He belonged to the Potter family, which has numbered among its members bishops, professional men, statesmen and others distinguished in public life. Eight generations ago Nathaniel Potter was born in England early in the seventeenth century and about 1638 came to America, at which time he signed himself a "legal subject of King Charles." He was the progenitor of the family in the new world. The line of descent is traced back to the Earls of Leicester and they today bear that coat of arms. After going back to medieval England, the line is broken about the beginning of the tenth century, yet many important points of interest are known. One Vincent Potter sat in the commission of English Commons which condemned Charles I in 1648. There were ten Potters, all relatives, who came from England before 1650. Robert Potter, the forefather of Bishop H. C. Potter, and Nathaniel Potter, the forefather of O. C. Potter,' were brothers and settled in Portsmouth. An extended and comprehensive genealogy of the Potter family has been published by the Hon. Charles Edward Potter.
Oliver C. Potter pursued his education in the Cazenovia schools and Cazenovia Seminary and subsequently took up the study of medicine but abandoned the course before graduation and entered business life as a wholesale druggist. Immediately after leaving the seminary he had entered the employ of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, a druggist at Cazenovia, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then went to New York city, where he perfected himself in the drug business and about 1850 located at Fulton, New York, where he established a drug store, successfully conducting the enterprise until the store was destroyed by fire. He then came to Syracuse in 1857 and established the wholesale drug house of Kenyon, Potter & Company, the largest in central New York. The business gradually developed with the growth and upbuilding of central New York as the result of the close application, unwearied industry and successful business management of the partners, and thus for many years Mr. Potter figured prominently in the commercial circles of Syracuse. Neither did he confine his attention to this line alone, for he became treasurer and a director of the Fifth Ward Street Railway Company and a director of the Syracuse Savings Bank. He was also interested in many enterprises bearing upon the business development and was connected with all measures and movements which stood for the upbuilding and improvement of the city. ‘
Mr. Potter was very fond of hunting and of horses and spent sometime each summer in the Adirondacks in hunting and in living in true camp style. Fine horses were perhaps his pet hobby and he always had a large stable of blooded stock. He owned several noted stallions which he raised and also bred many fine horses and Jersey cows. His favorite recreation was driving and he ever kept a fast speedway trotter that he might indulge his taste in that direction. He also owned some fast driving stock which made excellent records on the turf, but he always kept his racing stable entirely separate from his home stable and employed a track manager.
Mr. Potter was married September 27, 1852, at Fulton, New York, to Miss Dorlisca Emeline French, a daughter of Henry and Melita (Bristol) French. Her father came to the Empire state from Massachusetts and was a leading citizen of Fulton. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter are Sarah Melita and Grace Dwight Potter.
In religious faith Mr. Potter was a Baptist and was a charter member of the Citizens' Club but belonged to no secret societies. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but on the morning that Fort Sumter was fired upon he announced himself as a supporter of the republican party, recognizing the fact that secession was largely advocated by the democracy. From that time forward he stood as a firm and inflexible supporter of the republican cause and always kept in touch with the political questions of vital import to state and nation. He never held but one elective office, although he was many times urged to accept the nomination for mayor. He labored earnestly and effectively, however, in local political circles and during the period of the Civil war served as treasurer of Onondaga county.
Quick in his movements, sunny and happy in disposition, and genial in manner, he had a host of warm friends and wherever he was known enjoyed a reputation for absolute integrity in every relation of life. His word was regarded as sufficient to guarantee the performance of any duty or task to which he pledged himself. He did not hold, as do so many at the present time, that success cannot be obtained by honorable methods. On the contrary his entire commercial career was an exposition of the fact that prosperity and an untarnished name may be won simultaneously. His attractive social qualities and his high principles made him indeed popular and while in business circles he commanded the respect of all by his capacity and energy, he was perhaps never more at home or never more fully himself than when engaged in the cultivation of fancy fruits upon his fine place of ten acres, where he had every fruit that can be cultivated in this climate. His vineyard was the wonder and envy of all grape growers and he found the keenest delight in watching the growth and development of the plant, the blossom and the fruit. Indeed he possessed the keenest appreciation of nature in all of its phases and some of the happiest hours of his life were spent upon his fine fruit farm, which he cultivated not from any monetary interest but from the keen delight which he took in nature's unfolding and development. He passed away in January, 1894, and thus closed a most useful and honorable career, but while recollection remains to those who were his associates his memory will be cherished in their hearts.
[Published in the book "Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga county, New York: from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908", Volume 2 by William Martin Beauchamp published by the S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1908 edition. (public domain)
Death of O.C. Potter
One of the City's Oldest and Best Known Business Men taken Away.
The Death of Oliver C Potter, one of the oldest and best known business men in Syracuse occurred at Midnight last night at the family residence, No. 405 West Onondaga Street. Mr. Potter about 14 years ago was thrown from a carriage and his head was badly hurt. Since then he has never enjoyed good health and two years ago suffered a stroke of paralysis which almost completely undermined his constitution. His final illness was blood poisoning starting in one of his feet from stagnation of the circulation. His life had been despaired of for several days.
-
Oliver Cromwell Potter was born in Cazenovia, N.Y., on October 2, 1826, and was a member of one of the leading families of that vicinity. He was educated at Cazenovia seminary, which has been the alma matter of so many men who have become prominent in the country's history. While he was yet at his studies at the age of 14 he entered the drug store of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, clerking and attending the seminary. He advanced rapidly both in his school work and in business and at the age of 21 went to New Yrok and took a position of responsibility in a large wholesale drug house. He remained there three years and in 1850 went to Fulton, N.Y., where he opened a retail drug store in 1850. In that business he was very successful and in 1852 was married to Dorcilieon E French of Fulton. Four years later, through the influence of John A Livingston of the firm of Livingston & Mitchell, he came to Syracuse and took a place in the firm which was reorganized under the name of Kenyon, Rogers & Co., upon the death of Mr. Mitchell in 1859 and the departure of Mr. Livingston for New York. After a few years Mr. Rogers retired and the firm became Kenyon, Potter & Co., The senior member of the firm was G. P. Kenyon, now living in New York. About 20 years ago G. P. Kenyon went out of business and Mr. Potter became the head of the concern, although the firm name was not changed.
Under Mr. Potter's direction the name Kenyon, Potter & Co., became well known all over the country. It did an enormous business and controlled many avenues of trade. In 1891 Horace F King was admitted to the firm, and the recent failure brought on by a series of unfortunate transactions wound up the history of a long and honorable career.
Mr. Potter was a man of most genial spirit and counted a host of prominent people as his friends. He was always interested in out-door sports and was a ardent horseman, promising at various times some of the speediest racers in this section. He was generous and open-hearted in his disposition almost to a fault and was always counted one of the leaders in turf?? Circles. In Republican politics he was formerly very active though he never held political office of any prominence. In this as in all other matters he was always consistent and reliable. His recent misfortune he bore with remarkable courage and fortitude and even up to the last was looking forward to ?(reteloving)? His fortune. He leaves a widow and two daughters, Sarah H. and Grace Dwight Potter. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
[Published in the "Syracuse Standard" Wednesday, January 17, 1894 page 4, (Public Domain)]
Biography
OLIVER CROMWELL POTTER.
Called from this life in 1894, the record which Oliver C. Potter left was such as may well serve as a source of encouragement to the young and of inspiration to the aged. It was notable in his fidelity to high principles and in his close adherence to the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. He was born October 2, 1826, at Cazenovia, New York, a son of Southward Noah and Freelove (Millard) Potter. He belonged to the Potter family, which has numbered among its members bishops, professional men, statesmen and others distinguished in public life. Eight generations ago Nathaniel Potter was born in England early in the seventeenth century and about 1638 came to America, at which time he signed himself a "legal subject of King Charles." He was the progenitor of the family in the new world. The line of descent is traced back to the Earls of Leicester and they today bear that coat of arms. After going back to medieval England, the line is broken about the beginning of the tenth century, yet many important points of interest are known. One Vincent Potter sat in the commission of English Commons which condemned Charles I in 1648. There were ten Potters, all relatives, who came from England before 1650. Robert Potter, the forefather of Bishop H. C. Potter, and Nathaniel Potter, the forefather of O. C. Potter,' were brothers and settled in Portsmouth. An extended and comprehensive genealogy of the Potter family has been published by the Hon. Charles Edward Potter.
Oliver C. Potter pursued his education in the Cazenovia schools and Cazenovia Seminary and subsequently took up the study of medicine but abandoned the course before graduation and entered business life as a wholesale druggist. Immediately after leaving the seminary he had entered the employ of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, a druggist at Cazenovia, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then went to New York city, where he perfected himself in the drug business and about 1850 located at Fulton, New York, where he established a drug store, successfully conducting the enterprise until the store was destroyed by fire. He then came to Syracuse in 1857 and established the wholesale drug house of Kenyon, Potter & Company, the largest in central New York. The business gradually developed with the growth and upbuilding of central New York as the result of the close application, unwearied industry and successful business management of the partners, and thus for many years Mr. Potter figured prominently in the commercial circles of Syracuse. Neither did he confine his attention to this line alone, for he became treasurer and a director of the Fifth Ward Street Railway Company and a director of the Syracuse Savings Bank. He was also interested in many enterprises bearing upon the business development and was connected with all measures and movements which stood for the upbuilding and improvement of the city. ‘
Mr. Potter was very fond of hunting and of horses and spent sometime each summer in the Adirondacks in hunting and in living in true camp style. Fine horses were perhaps his pet hobby and he always had a large stable of blooded stock. He owned several noted stallions which he raised and also bred many fine horses and Jersey cows. His favorite recreation was driving and he ever kept a fast speedway trotter that he might indulge his taste in that direction. He also owned some fast driving stock which made excellent records on the turf, but he always kept his racing stable entirely separate from his home stable and employed a track manager.
Mr. Potter was married September 27, 1852, at Fulton, New York, to Miss Dorlisca Emeline French, a daughter of Henry and Melita (Bristol) French. Her father came to the Empire state from Massachusetts and was a leading citizen of Fulton. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter are Sarah Melita and Grace Dwight Potter.
In religious faith Mr. Potter was a Baptist and was a charter member of the Citizens' Club but belonged to no secret societies. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but on the morning that Fort Sumter was fired upon he announced himself as a supporter of the republican party, recognizing the fact that secession was largely advocated by the democracy. From that time forward he stood as a firm and inflexible supporter of the republican cause and always kept in touch with the political questions of vital import to state and nation. He never held but one elective office, although he was many times urged to accept the nomination for mayor. He labored earnestly and effectively, however, in local political circles and during the period of the Civil war served as treasurer of Onondaga county.
Quick in his movements, sunny and happy in disposition, and genial in manner, he had a host of warm friends and wherever he was known enjoyed a reputation for absolute integrity in every relation of life. His word was regarded as sufficient to guarantee the performance of any duty or task to which he pledged himself. He did not hold, as do so many at the present time, that success cannot be obtained by honorable methods. On the contrary his entire commercial career was an exposition of the fact that prosperity and an untarnished name may be won simultaneously. His attractive social qualities and his high principles made him indeed popular and while in business circles he commanded the respect of all by his capacity and energy, he was perhaps never more at home or never more fully himself than when engaged in the cultivation of fancy fruits upon his fine place of ten acres, where he had every fruit that can be cultivated in this climate. His vineyard was the wonder and envy of all grape growers and he found the keenest delight in watching the growth and development of the plant, the blossom and the fruit. Indeed he possessed the keenest appreciation of nature in all of its phases and some of the happiest hours of his life were spent upon his fine fruit farm, which he cultivated not from any monetary interest but from the keen delight which he took in nature's unfolding and development. He passed away in January, 1894, and thus closed a most useful and honorable career, but while recollection remains to those who were his associates his memory will be cherished in their hearts.
[Published in the book "Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga county, New York: from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908", Volume 2 by William Martin Beauchamp published by the S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1908 edition. (public domain)
Death Notice:
Death of O.C. Potter
One of the City's Oldest and Best Known Business Men taken Away.
The Death of Oliver C Potter, one of the oldest and best known business men in Syracuse occurred at Midnight last night at the family residence, No. 405 West Onondaga Street. Mr. Potter about 14 years ago was thrown from a carriage and his head was badly hurt. Since then he has never enjoyed good health and two years ago suffered a stroke of paralysis which almost completely undermined his constitution. His final illness was blood poisoning starting in one of his feet from stagnation of the circulation. His life had been despaired of for several days.
-
Oliver Cromwell Potter was born in Cazenovia, N.Y., on October 2, 1826, and was a member of one of the leading families of that vicinity. He was educated at Cazenovia seminary, which has been the alma matter of so many men who have become prominent in the country's history. While he was yet at his studies at the age of 14 he entered the drug store of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, clerking and attending the seminary. He advanced rapidly both in his school work and in business and at the age of 21 went to New Yrok and took a position of responsibility in a large wholesale drug house. He remained there three years and in 1850 went to Fulton, N.Y., where he opened a retail drug store in 1850. In that business he was very successful and in 1852 was married to Dorcilieon E French of Fulton. Four years later, through the influence of John A Livingston of the firm of Livingston & Mitchell, he came to Syracuse and took a place in the firm which was reorganized under the name of Kenyon, Rogers & Co., upon the death of Mr. Mitchell in 1859 and the departure of Mr. Livingston for New York. After a few years Mr. Rogers retired and the firm became Kenyon, Potter & Co., The senior member of the firm was G. P. Kenyon, now living in New York. About 20 years ago G. P. Kenyon went out of business and Mr. Potter became the head of the concern, although the firm name was not changed.
Under Mr. Potter's direction the name Kenyon, Potter & Co., became well known all over the country. It did an enormous business and controlled many avenues of trade. In 1891 Horace F King was admitted to the firm, and the recent failure brought on by a series of unfortunate transactions wound up the history of a long and honorable career.
Mr. Potter was a man of most genial spirit and counted a host of prominent people as his friends. He was always interested in out-door sports and was a ardent horseman, promising at various times some of the speediest racers in this section. He was generous and open-hearted in his disposition almost to a fault and was always counted one of the leaders in turf?? Circles. In Republican politics he was formerly very active though he never held political office of any prominence. In this as in all other matters he was always consistent and reliable. His recent misfortune he bore with remarkable courage and fortitude and even up to the last was looking forward to ?(reteloving)? His fortune. He leaves a widow and two daughters, Sarah H. and Grace Dwight Potter. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
[Published in the "Syracuse Standard" Wednesday, January 17, 1894 page 4, (Public Domain)]
Biography
OLIVER CROMWELL POTTER.
Called from this life in 1894, the record which Oliver C. Potter left was such as may well serve as a source of encouragement to the young and of inspiration to the aged. It was notable in his fidelity to high principles and in his close adherence to the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. He was born October 2, 1826, at Cazenovia, New York, a son of Southward Noah and Freelove (Millard) Potter. He belonged to the Potter family, which has numbered among its members bishops, professional men, statesmen and others distinguished in public life. Eight generations ago Nathaniel Potter was born in England early in the seventeenth century and about 1638 came to America, at which time he signed himself a "legal subject of King Charles." He was the progenitor of the family in the new world. The line of descent is traced back to the Earls of Leicester and they today bear that coat of arms. After going back to medieval England, the line is broken about the beginning of the tenth century, yet many important points of interest are known. One Vincent Potter sat in the commission of English Commons which condemned Charles I in 1648. There were ten Potters, all relatives, who came from England before 1650. Robert Potter, the forefather of Bishop H. C. Potter, and Nathaniel Potter, the forefather of O. C. Potter,' were brothers and settled in Portsmouth. An extended and comprehensive genealogy of the Potter family has been published by the Hon. Charles Edward Potter.
Oliver C. Potter pursued his education in the Cazenovia schools and Cazenovia Seminary and subsequently took up the study of medicine but abandoned the course before graduation and entered business life as a wholesale druggist. Immediately after leaving the seminary he had entered the employ of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, a druggist at Cazenovia, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then went to New York city, where he perfected himself in the drug business and about 1850 located at Fulton, New York, where he established a drug store, successfully conducting the enterprise until the store was destroyed by fire. He then came to Syracuse in 1857 and established the wholesale drug house of Kenyon, Potter & Company, the largest in central New York. The business gradually developed with the growth and upbuilding of central New York as the result of the close application, unwearied industry and successful business management of the partners, and thus for many years Mr. Potter figured prominently in the commercial circles of Syracuse. Neither did he confine his attention to this line alone, for he became treasurer and a director of the Fifth Ward Street Railway Company and a director of the Syracuse Savings Bank. He was also interested in many enterprises bearing upon the business development and was connected with all measures and movements which stood for the upbuilding and improvement of the city. ‘
Mr. Potter was very fond of hunting and of horses and spent sometime each summer in the Adirondacks in hunting and in living in true camp style. Fine horses were perhaps his pet hobby and he always had a large stable of blooded stock. He owned several noted stallions which he raised and also bred many fine horses and Jersey cows. His favorite recreation was driving and he ever kept a fast speedway trotter that he might indulge his taste in that direction. He also owned some fast driving stock which made excellent records on the turf, but he always kept his racing stable entirely separate from his home stable and employed a track manager.
Mr. Potter was married September 27, 1852, at Fulton, New York, to Miss Dorlisca Emeline French, a daughter of Henry and Melita (Bristol) French. Her father came to the Empire state from Massachusetts and was a leading citizen of Fulton. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter are Sarah Melita and Grace Dwight Potter.
In religious faith Mr. Potter was a Baptist and was a charter member of the Citizens' Club but belonged to no secret societies. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but on the morning that Fort Sumter was fired upon he announced himself as a supporter of the republican party, recognizing the fact that secession was largely advocated by the democracy. From that time forward he stood as a firm and inflexible supporter of the republican cause and always kept in touch with the political questions of vital import to state and nation. He never held but one elective office, although he was many times urged to accept the nomination for mayor. He labored earnestly and effectively, however, in local political circles and during the period of the Civil war served as treasurer of Onondaga county.
Quick in his movements, sunny and happy in disposition, and genial in manner, he had a host of warm friends and wherever he was known enjoyed a reputation for absolute integrity in every relation of life. His word was regarded as sufficient to guarantee the performance of any duty or task to which he pledged himself. He did not hold, as do so many at the present time, that success cannot be obtained by honorable methods. On the contrary his entire commercial career was an exposition of the fact that prosperity and an untarnished name may be won simultaneously. His attractive social qualities and his high principles made him indeed popular and while in business circles he commanded the respect of all by his capacity and energy, he was perhaps never more at home or never more fully himself than when engaged in the cultivation of fancy fruits upon his fine place of ten acres, where he had every fruit that can be cultivated in this climate. His vineyard was the wonder and envy of all grape growers and he found the keenest delight in watching the growth and development of the plant, the blossom and the fruit. Indeed he possessed the keenest appreciation of nature in all of its phases and some of the happiest hours of his life were spent upon his fine fruit farm, which he cultivated not from any monetary interest but from the keen delight which he took in nature's unfolding and development. He passed away in January, 1894, and thus closed a most useful and honorable career, but while recollection remains to those who were his associates his memory will be cherished in their hearts.
[Published in the book "Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga county, New York: from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908", Volume 2 by William Martin Beauchamp published by the S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1908 edition. (public domain)
Death of O.C. Potter
One of the City's Oldest and Best Known Business Men taken Away.
The Death of Oliver C Potter, one of the oldest and best known business men in Syracuse occurred at Midnight last night at the family residence, No. 405 West Onondaga Street. Mr. Potter about 14 years ago was thrown from a carriage and his head was badly hurt. Since then he has never enjoyed good health and two years ago suffered a stroke of paralysis which almost completely undermined his constitution. His final illness was blood poisoning starting in one of his feet from stagnation of the circulation. His life had been despaired of for several days.
-
Oliver Cromwell Potter was born in Cazenovia, N.Y., on October 2, 1826, and was a member of one of the leading families of that vicinity. He was educated at Cazenovia seminary, which has been the alma matter of so many men who have become prominent in the country's history. While he was yet at his studies at the age of 14 he entered the drug store of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, clerking and attending the seminary. He advanced rapidly both in his school work and in business and at the age of 21 went to New Yrok and took a position of responsibility in a large wholesale drug house. He remained there three years and in 1850 went to Fulton, N.Y., where he opened a retail drug store in 1850. In that business he was very successful and in 1852 was married to Dorcilieon E French of Fulton. Four years later, through the influence of John A Livingston of the firm of Livingston & Mitchell, he came to Syracuse and took a place in the firm which was reorganized under the name of Kenyon, Rogers & Co., upon the death of Mr. Mitchell in 1859 and the departure of Mr. Livingston for New York. After a few years Mr. Rogers retired and the firm became Kenyon, Potter & Co., The senior member of the firm was G. P. Kenyon, now living in New York. About 20 years ago G. P. Kenyon went out of business and Mr. Potter became the head of the concern, although the firm name was not changed.
Under Mr. Potter's direction the name Kenyon, Potter & Co., became well known all over the country. It did an enormous business and controlled many avenues of trade. In 1891 Horace F King was admitted to the firm, and the recent failure brought on by a series of unfortunate transactions wound up the history of a long and honorable career.
Mr. Potter was a man of most genial spirit and counted a host of prominent people as his friends. He was always interested in out-door sports and was a ardent horseman, promising at various times some of the speediest racers in this section. He was generous and open-hearted in his disposition almost to a fault and was always counted one of the leaders in turf?? Circles. In Republican politics he was formerly very active though he never held political office of any prominence. In this as in all other matters he was always consistent and reliable. His recent misfortune he bore with remarkable courage and fortitude and even up to the last was looking forward to ?(reteloving)? His fortune. He leaves a widow and two daughters, Sarah H. and Grace Dwight Potter. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
[Published in the "Syracuse Standard" Wednesday, January 17, 1894 page 4, (Public Domain)]
Biography
OLIVER CROMWELL POTTER.
Called from this life in 1894, the record which Oliver C. Potter left was such as may well serve as a source of encouragement to the young and of inspiration to the aged. It was notable in his fidelity to high principles and in his close adherence to the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity. He was born October 2, 1826, at Cazenovia, New York, a son of Southward Noah and Freelove (Millard) Potter. He belonged to the Potter family, which has numbered among its members bishops, professional men, statesmen and others distinguished in public life. Eight generations ago Nathaniel Potter was born in England early in the seventeenth century and about 1638 came to America, at which time he signed himself a "legal subject of King Charles." He was the progenitor of the family in the new world. The line of descent is traced back to the Earls of Leicester and they today bear that coat of arms. After going back to medieval England, the line is broken about the beginning of the tenth century, yet many important points of interest are known. One Vincent Potter sat in the commission of English Commons which condemned Charles I in 1648. There were ten Potters, all relatives, who came from England before 1650. Robert Potter, the forefather of Bishop H. C. Potter, and Nathaniel Potter, the forefather of O. C. Potter,' were brothers and settled in Portsmouth. An extended and comprehensive genealogy of the Potter family has been published by the Hon. Charles Edward Potter.
Oliver C. Potter pursued his education in the Cazenovia schools and Cazenovia Seminary and subsequently took up the study of medicine but abandoned the course before graduation and entered business life as a wholesale druggist. Immediately after leaving the seminary he had entered the employ of his uncle, Mr. Coburn, a druggist at Cazenovia, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then went to New York city, where he perfected himself in the drug business and about 1850 located at Fulton, New York, where he established a drug store, successfully conducting the enterprise until the store was destroyed by fire. He then came to Syracuse in 1857 and established the wholesale drug house of Kenyon, Potter & Company, the largest in central New York. The business gradually developed with the growth and upbuilding of central New York as the result of the close application, unwearied industry and successful business management of the partners, and thus for many years Mr. Potter figured prominently in the commercial circles of Syracuse. Neither did he confine his attention to this line alone, for he became treasurer and a director of the Fifth Ward Street Railway Company and a director of the Syracuse Savings Bank. He was also interested in many enterprises bearing upon the business development and was connected with all measures and movements which stood for the upbuilding and improvement of the city. ‘
Mr. Potter was very fond of hunting and of horses and spent sometime each summer in the Adirondacks in hunting and in living in true camp style. Fine horses were perhaps his pet hobby and he always had a large stable of blooded stock. He owned several noted stallions which he raised and also bred many fine horses and Jersey cows. His favorite recreation was driving and he ever kept a fast speedway trotter that he might indulge his taste in that direction. He also owned some fast driving stock which made excellent records on the turf, but he always kept his racing stable entirely separate from his home stable and employed a track manager.
Mr. Potter was married September 27, 1852, at Fulton, New York, to Miss Dorlisca Emeline French, a daughter of Henry and Melita (Bristol) French. Her father came to the Empire state from Massachusetts and was a leading citizen of Fulton. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter are Sarah Melita and Grace Dwight Potter.
In religious faith Mr. Potter was a Baptist and was a charter member of the Citizens' Club but belonged to no secret societies. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but on the morning that Fort Sumter was fired upon he announced himself as a supporter of the republican party, recognizing the fact that secession was largely advocated by the democracy. From that time forward he stood as a firm and inflexible supporter of the republican cause and always kept in touch with the political questions of vital import to state and nation. He never held but one elective office, although he was many times urged to accept the nomination for mayor. He labored earnestly and effectively, however, in local political circles and during the period of the Civil war served as treasurer of Onondaga county.
Quick in his movements, sunny and happy in disposition, and genial in manner, he had a host of warm friends and wherever he was known enjoyed a reputation for absolute integrity in every relation of life. His word was regarded as sufficient to guarantee the performance of any duty or task to which he pledged himself. He did not hold, as do so many at the present time, that success cannot be obtained by honorable methods. On the contrary his entire commercial career was an exposition of the fact that prosperity and an untarnished name may be won simultaneously. His attractive social qualities and his high principles made him indeed popular and while in business circles he commanded the respect of all by his capacity and energy, he was perhaps never more at home or never more fully himself than when engaged in the cultivation of fancy fruits upon his fine place of ten acres, where he had every fruit that can be cultivated in this climate. His vineyard was the wonder and envy of all grape growers and he found the keenest delight in watching the growth and development of the plant, the blossom and the fruit. Indeed he possessed the keenest appreciation of nature in all of its phases and some of the happiest hours of his life were spent upon his fine fruit farm, which he cultivated not from any monetary interest but from the keen delight which he took in nature's unfolding and development. He passed away in January, 1894, and thus closed a most useful and honorable career, but while recollection remains to those who were his associates his memory will be cherished in their hearts.
[Published in the book "Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga county, New York: from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908", Volume 2 by William Martin Beauchamp published by the S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1908 edition. (public domain)
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