Samuel J. Potter
American politician, Rhode Island (1753–1804)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Samuel John Potter (June 29, 1753 – September 26, 1804) was a United States senator from Rhode Island and was a prominent Country Party anti-Federalist leader.
Samuel John Potter | |
|---|---|
| United States Senator from Rhode Island | |
| In office March 4, 1803 – September 26, 1804 | |
| Preceded by | Theodore Foster |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Howland |
| 1st Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office 1800–1803 | |
| Governor | Arthur Fenner |
| Preceded by | George Brown |
| Succeeded by | Paul Mumford |
| In office 1790–1799 | |
| Governor | Arthur Fenner |
| Preceded by | Daniel Owen |
| Succeeded by | George Brown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 29, 1753 |
| Died | September 26, 1804 (aged 51) |
| Party | Democratic-Republican |
Early life
Potter was born in South Kingstown on June 29, 1753.[1] He was one of seven children born to John Potter (1724–1787) and, his second wife, Elizabeth (née Hazard) Potter (1729–1806).[2] Before his parents marriage, his father was married to Mary Hazard, his mother's elder sister.[3]
His paternal grandparents were Ichabod Potter III and Sarah (née Robinson) Gardiner. His maternal grandparents were Mary (née Robinson) Hazard and Stephen Hazard, a Justice of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas.[2]
Career
Potter completed preparatory studies, studied law, and was admitted to the bar and practiced. He was deputy governor of Rhode Island from 1790 to 1799 (during which time the office was renamed lieutenant Governor) and again from 1800 to 1803. He was also a presidential elector in 1792 and 1796.[1]
Potter was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the U.S. Senate and served from March 4, 1803, until his death in 1804.[1]
Personal life
On September 10, 1788, Potter married Ann Nancy Segar in South Kingstown.[4] Ann was a daughter of Joseph Segar and Mary (née Taylor) Segar.[5] Together, they were the parents of:[2]
- Isaac Fenner Potter (1796–1883), who married Sally Ennis in 1839.[2]
Potter died in Washington, D.C., on September 26, 1804. He was interned in the family burial ground, Kingston (formerly Little Rest), Washington County, Rhode Island.[1]