David and Mary (Lawson) Potter. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born February 21, 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in the same state November 17, 1799. Journeying by water to Illinois in 1833, David Potter landed at Quincy, where he built a frame house, making his home in Adams county for three years. He then came to New Salem township, Pike county, where he purchased land that was wild and unimproved, being largely covered with timber. He at once began to clear and cultivate the place, however, and built a log cabin near New Salem, in which Thomas Potter of this review was born. Various wild animals were frequently killed, and wild game was plentiful in the neighborhood at that time, while all the conditions of pioneer life were seen and there was little promise of rapid development and improvement. Mr. Potter was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, which he transformed into a valuable and productive farm, his labor being crowned with success as the years went by. He was recognized as an influential and leading citizen of the community; and he held membership in the Methodist church. His death occurred in 1876, while his wife passed away in 1878. They were the parents of ten children, of whom three are living: Thomas; Mrs. Mahala Burke, of Baylis; and Frank, who resides near the home of Thomas Potter.
David and Mary (Lawson) Potter. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, was born February 21, 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in the same state November 17, 1799. Journeying by water to Illinois in 1833, David Potter landed at Quincy, where he built a frame house, making his home in Adams county for three years. He then came to New Salem township, Pike county, where he purchased land that was wild and unimproved, being largely covered with timber. He at once began to clear and cultivate the place, however, and built a log cabin near New Salem, in which Thomas Potter of this review was born. Various wild animals were frequently killed, and wild game was plentiful in the neighborhood at that time, while all the conditions of pioneer life were seen and there was little promise of rapid development and improvement. Mr. Potter was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, which he transformed into a valuable and productive farm, his labor being crowned with success as the years went by. He was recognized as an influential and leading citizen of the community; and he held membership in the Methodist church. His death occurred in 1876, while his wife passed away in 1878. They were the parents of ten children, of whom three are living: Thomas; Mrs. Mahala Burke, of Baylis; and Frank, who resides near the home of Thomas Potter.
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