My Genealogy Hound

Francis L. Potter (deceased) was born in St. Louis, Mo., September 6, 1822. His parents were John C. and Maria (Worthington) Potter, who were respectively of Italian and French descent, and when married could only speak their native languages. They reared a family of six daughters and one son in St. Louis County, where the parents died. Francis L. was the second child. He grew to maturity in his native county, receiving his education in the common Catholic schools. At the age of nineteen he enlisted in the Mexican War, and served until its close, reaching the rank of first lieutenant. He then returned to St. Louis, and soon after made a trip to New Orleans, where he intended to remain, but on account of yellow fever he again returned to St. Louis. In 1846 he went to Saline County, Mo., where he entered land and raised one crop, but soon after returned to his native county. In 1851 he settled in Moniteau County, below California, where he remained but a short time, and then removed to a place on the Missouri River near Wolf’s Point, where he engaged in the merchandising business. In 1853 he established himself in the mercantile business at a place known as Mt. Vernon, where he remained several years, and devoted some attention to farming. During the late war, he served as captain, under Gen. Price, until taken prisoner, but was soon afterward released, upon taking the oath of allegiance to the Union. He lost nearly all his property during the war, and had to make an entirely new start. In 1877 he re-opened a store at Mt. Vernon, where he did a successful business until his death, January 2, 1886. He held the office of justice of the peace at the time of his death, and had also served as school director. In 1851 he married Louisa Clay, who was born in Moniteau County in 1836, and is a daughter of Greene and Melva (Music) Clay, early settlers of Missouri, where Mrs. Potter grew to womanhood and is still living, a member of the Baptist Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Potter were born ten children, all living, viz.: Mary A. Deatherage, John C., De Witt C., Julia V. Vaughn, Mathew L., Ellen M. Ogden, Tobia C., Viola B., Joseph E. and Lulu B. John C. was born in Linn Township, Moniteau County, April 11, 1857. His educational advantages were very limited, his help being needed on his father’s farm and in his business, and at the age of twenty-four he engaged in farming for himself, to which he has ever since given his entire attention. September 2, 1880, he married Hesther E. Good, who was born in Cooper County, Mo., November 27, 1861. This union has been blessed with four children, viz.: Lizzie M., Maude L., Lillie B. and Lena V. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Potter was appointed justice of the peace of Linn Township in 1886, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father. In politics he is an active Democrat.