My Genealogy Hound

LYMAN D. POTTER, a retired farmer and the chairman of the Board of Selectmen of Enfield, was born in that town, May 31, 1832, son of Benjamin F. and Lydia (Day) Potter.

Mr. Potter’s father was born in North Brookfield, Mass., September 7, 1791. He learned the trade of a brick mason, an occupation which he followed in early manhood. Later he engaged in agriculture, becoming a prosperous farmer, and continuing in that calling for the remainder of his life. He settled in Enfield in 1823, and purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, which he cultivated successfully. He was also a horse dealer, making a specialty of buying and selling good horses. Another source of profit were his investments in outlying land. By industry and careful judgment he acquired through these means a comfortable competency. He was a Democrat in politics, was prominent in local public affairs, and served as a Selectman for two terms, besides holding other important offices. He died in Enfield, November 29, 1843. His wife, who was born in Holliston, Mass., in 1790, became the mother of five children. Two of them died young, three reached maturity, and one survives. The survivor is Lyman D., the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest. Those deceased were: Appleton, who died aged two years; Nathan, who died at the age of fifty-five; Henry M., who died aged sixty-two; and a child who died in infancy. The mother died in Enfield, August 10, 1868.

Lyman D. Potter received his elementary education in the common schools of his native town, and completed his studies at the Easthampton and Monson Academies. When eighteen years old, he engaged in general farming at the homestead. This property he inherited at his father’s death, and he continued to reside there for nearly forty years. He devoted much attention to dairying, with the most gratifying results, and became exceedingly proficient in that branch of agriculture. In 1879 he sold his farm property, and, retiring from agricultural pursuits, moved to his present home in the village, where he has since passed his time in managing his private affairs and attending to his official duties.

In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is a leading spirit in public affairs. For the past seventeen years he has been a member of the Board of Assessors; and for the past twelve years he has been in the Board of Selectmen, of which latter body at the present time he is the chairman. In 1884 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature, and performed his duties with marked ability.

Mr. Potter has been twice married. On October 25, 1855, he was first married to Jane F. Shearer, of Enfield. She died December 27, 1861, leaving two children, namely: Albert H., who died in 1863; and Charles F., who died in 1892. On March 24, 1863, he wedded for his second wife Mary J. Gleason, who was born in West Brookfield, Mass., March 29, 1834. Mr. Potter has been a stirring, industrious, and successful farmer, and is an intelligent and useful citizen. He is well known and highly esteemed by his fellow-townsmen both for his distinguished public services and his many amiable qualities. He resides in one of the most charming and picturesque locations in the beautiful village of Enfield. He is a member of the Congregational church, and has served as a member of the parish committee for the past twelve years.