William Potter, the first member of this family of whom we have definite information, was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1817, died at Shortsville, Ontario county, New York, in 1900. He came to Machias, Cattaraugus county, New York, as a young man, and engaged in farming. In 1860 he removed to Palmyra. He married Julia Slover. Children: James K., referred to below; John W.; Evans; Rebecca, married Solomon Burton.
James K., son of William and Julia (Slover) Potter, was born at Machias, Cattaraugus county, New York, August i8, 1844, and is now (1910) living at Shortsville, Ontario county. He received his education in the public schools of Machias and spent his early life assisting his father on the farm. When his father removed to Palmyra, he went with him and lived at home until 1864, when he enlisted in Company B, Eleventh New York Cavalry, in which he served until November 15, 1865, when he received his honorable discharge. Returning to ‘Palmyra, he engaged in various occupations until 1875, when he finally settled on a farm near Shortsville, Ontario county, which he managed until 1906. In that year he moved into the village of Shortsville and entered into partnership with his brother, John W. Potter, the two conducting a coal business under the firm name of Potter Brothers. He is a member of the Maccabees, and of Herendeen Post, No. 107, Grand Army Republic.
He married, in 1866, Mahala Stafford. Children : Frank W., horn November 28, 1866; married (first) Nettie Mills and had two children: Irvin and Vernon; married (second) —–. Charles H., born August 18, 1868; married Juliaette Macumber; three children: Hazel, Lloyd and Arline.
I will gladly share my research information about the parents and siblings of William Potter of Shortsville, New York.