My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD CLARK POTTER, a prominent resident of Enfield and one of America’s most noted sculptors, was born in New London, Conn., November 26, 1857, son of Nathan D. and Mary (Clark) Potter, respectively natives of Warren, Mass., and South Hadley.

Nathan D. Potter was a pioneer of the town of Hancock, Mich. He was distinguished for his energy and perseverance, and died in Enfield in 1879. His wife became the mother of two children, namely: Clara J., who is now the wife of Charles C. Hopkins, of Lansing, Mich.; and Edward Clark Potter, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Nathan D. Potter, who still survives, is now residing with her son in Enfield.

Edward Clark Potter prepared for his collegiate course at the Williston Seminary, and subsequently became a student at Amherst College. In 1880 he commenced his art studies at the Boston School of the Fine Arts, and later continued them with D. C. French, of Concord, Mass. He has also had the advantage of European study, under such masters as Mercie and Fremiet, of Paris. His knowledge of arts has been greatly enhanced by much experience and observation while visiting the principal art centres. His first notable achievement was a bust of the Rev. Dorus Clark, which he completed in 1882. Among his succeeding works was a sleeping fawn with rabbit, completed in 1888, which is now in the Art Institute in Chicago. His bust of President Wheeler, which he executed for the Senate Chamber in Washington, was finished in 1889. In collaboration with Mr. French, his old master, he executed the large horses, bulls, and quadriga which ornamented the grounds of the World’s Fair in Chicago, together with other fine specimens of sculpture which were seen at the great exposition. He seems to particularly excel in the delineation of large animal figures. He has already completed the horse which is to form a part of the equestrian statue of General Grant, to be placed in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, the statue proper of the General being now in process of completion by Mr. French. This figure, which was commenced in 1893, Mr. Potter considers to be his finest achievement. His latest work is a bronze statue of Robert Fulton, which is to ornament the new Congressional Library in Washington. His works have successfully withstood the crucial test of able, critical judgment; and they are in the first rank of American art.

On December 31, 1890, Mr. Potter was united in marriage to May Dumont, at Washington, D. C.; and they have two children: Nathan D. and Hazel D. He is a Congregationalist in his religious belief and a Republican in politics.

Mr. Potter is still young and ambitious, and it is certain that under his pure conception and skilful technique American art will rise to a still higher standard of perfection.