The Day

Thu, Dec 15, 1938 ·Page 17

Courtland C. Potter, 25 Years Postmaster, Dies

Dies at Mystic

Following an illness of about a week, Courtland C. Potter, one of the community's best known citizens, expired last evening at his home at 14 Jackson avenue.

He served as postmaster for 25 years, in a period which saw great expansion of the postal service here, and he held the office for the longest time of any postmaster in the local office's history. In addition he was selectman of the town of Stonington during 1917-18, was an active Republican worker and counselor of his party.

His first service as postmaster began in 1903 and lasted three terms. After an intermission while Woodrow Wilson was president, he, returned to the office for three more terms. During his service mail delivery in the community was started and one new rural route opened. When the omnibus bill was passed in 1913 he gave effective aid to Congressman E. W. Higgins in getting a new post office building for Mystic.

The deceased was born in Potter Hill, R. I., Dec. 1, 1859, the son of Horace and Susan Lamphere Potter.

He came to Mystic when a young man and held the position of engineer for Rossiter Woolen Co,'s mill, later absorbed by Mystic Manufacturing Co., until his appointment to the postmastership.

He was almost as proud of his record as financial secretary for Stonington lodge of Odd Fellows for over 45 years as he was of that as postmaster. He served nearly as many as scribe of Mystic encampment, I, O. O, F. He was a member of Mistuxet lodge, Knights of Pythias; Mystic Rebekah lodge, Mystic Grange and New London County Pomona Grange. He was a member of B. F. Hoxie Engine company for over 50 years and an active member and disbursing steward of the local Methodist church.

He had a wide circle of friends, not only in the community but outside as well. Added to his able character was a kindly disposition that made him lend a willing ear to many requests for help.

He leaves a daughter, Miss Mabel Potter of this place; a son, George A. Potter of Needham, Mass., two grandchildren and a brother, E.A. Potter of Stonington.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 o'clock from Harry O. Williams' funeral home. Burial with Odd Fellows rites will be held in Elm Grove cemetery.