My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT K. POTTER is one of the pioneer settlers of Elm Creek township, but this of itself does not entitle him to mention in this compilation of memoirs; there are many who shared with him the experiences of pioneer life whose names will not be perpetuated. Ability wisely directed and a magnanimous nature, make him deserving of honorable mention. Mr. Potter is the son of Wellington and Elizabeth (Ailsworth) Potter; the former was born in Luzerne county, Pa., in 1825. In 1881 he came to Nebraska, settling in Elm Creek township, Buffalo county, and there remained five years, then returned to Luzerne county, Pa. He is a machinest by trade, but of late years has been engaged in farming. Politically, he is a supporter of the republican ticket. He was married in 1850, at Packsville, Luzerne county. Pa., to Miss Elizabeth Ailsworth, a native of the same county. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born four children, viz. — Robert K., Ella (Mrs. Skinner), living in Elm Creek; Edwin W., postmaster of Elm Creek, and Viola (Mrs. Price), living in Kansas. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Potter was Robert K. Potter, a native of Rhode Island; his maternal grandfather, David Ailsworth, was a native of Pennsylvania. Robert K., Jr., the subject of this sketch, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., in 1852. He remained at home till 1866, when he encountered the stern realities of life for himself. He remained in Luzerne county till 1878, when he came West. While in Luzerne county he married Miss M. Burnette, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1856. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, not alone in name but in heart, evincing it by a life of good works. To Mr. and Mrs. Potter were born five children, viz. — Libbie, Chandler, Willie, Carrie, and one, the fifth, that died in infancy. In 1881 Mrs. Potter died, and to her death the immortal words of Bryant are appropriate. She so lived that when the summons came to join the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm, by an unfaltering trust, she approached the grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams. Mr. Potter was next married to Miss Maggie Dunlap, and to them have been born two children. Mr. Potter has been eminently successful in his business career, his success being greatly due to shrewdness and the closest attention to business. He is largely interested in different branches of business and all come under his immediate supervision. His stock business alone approximates $300,000 annually. He is now but thirty-seven years old, and although he settled in Buffalo county but eleven years ago, with only a few dollars and the advantages of Nebraska for a start, he is now one of the representative business men of the county. Politically, Mr. Potter is a stanch republican, and is now representing Buffalo county in the legislature.