Elisha Reynolds Potter

Elisha Reynolds Potter (November 5, 1764 – September 26, 1835) was a statesman in the Federalist Party from Kingston, Rhode Island, who served several times as the Speaker in the Rhode Island State Assembly.

For the son (1811–1882), see Elisha R. Potter.
Elisha Reynolds Potter
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Rhode Island's at-large district
In office
November 15, 1796 – 1797
Preceded byBenjamin Bourne
Succeeded byChristopher G. Champlin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Rhode Island's at-large district
In office
March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1815
Preceded byIsaac Wilbour
Succeeded byJames Brown Mason
Personal details
Born(1764-11-05)November 5, 1764
Little Rest, Rhode Island Colony, British America
DiedSeptember 26, 1835(1835-09-26) (aged 70)
South Kingstown, Rhode Island, U.S.
Resting placeColonel Thomas Potter Cemetery
Political partyFederalist
Spouse(s)Mary Potter
ChildrenElisha R. Potter
ResidenceKingston, Rhode Island
OccupationLawyer

Personal life

Elisha Reynolds Potter was born in Little Rest (now known as Kingstown) in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. He began his career as a blacksmith's apprentice, but switched to the law in 1793.[1] Potter was said to be a very large man; when he traveled by stagecoach, he had to purchase two seats.[1]

Career

Potter ran against Peleg Arnold in a special election for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1796 caused by Benjamin Bourne's resignation, and Potter won the election. He served as a United States Congressman from 1796 to 1797 and again from 1809 to 1815.[2]

He was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1815.[3]

Potter ran for governor of Rhode Island in 1818,[1] but lost to Nehemiah R. Knight.

His son, also Elisha Reynolds Potter, was also a Congressman.

Elisha Reynolds Potter is buried in Colonel Thomas Potter Cemetery near Kingston, Rhode Island.[4]

See also
  • United States Congress. "Elisha Reynolds Potter (id: P000463)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

References
  1. Greene, Richard Gleason (1890). The International Cyclopedia: A Compendium of Human Knowledge (Volume 12 ed.). Dodd, Mead. p. 92.
  2. "Guide to the Elisha Reynolds Potter, Sr. Papers". University of Rhode Island. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  3. American Antiquarian Society Members Directory
  4. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1982236/colonel-thomas-potter-cemetery
Party political offices
Preceded by
William Jones		 Federalist nominee for Governor of Rhode Island
1818		 Vacant
Title next held by
Samuel W. Bridgham
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Benjamin Bourne		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Rhode Island's At-large district
1796—1797		 Succeeded by
Christopher G. Champlin
Preceded by
Isaac Wilbour		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Rhode Island's At-large district
1809—1815		 Succeeded by
James B. Mason


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