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 by | Benjamin Bourne |
| Succeeded by | Christopher 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 by | Isaac Wilbour |
| Succeeded by | James Brown Mason |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 5, 1764 Little Rest, Rhode Island Colony, British America |
| Died | September 26, 1835 (aged 70) South Kingstown, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Resting place | Colonel Thomas Potter Cemetery |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Potter |
| Children | Elisha R. Potter |
| Residence | Kingston, Rhode Island |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
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.
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
- Tavern Hall Preservation Society
External links
- United States Congress. "Elisha Reynolds Potter (id: P000463)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
References
- ^ a b c Greene, Richard Gleason (1890). The International Cyclopedia: A Compendium of Human Knowledge (Volume 12 ed.). Dodd, Mead. p. 92.
- ^ "Guide to the Elisha Reynolds Potter, Sr. Papers". University of Rhode Island. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
- ^ American Antiquarian Society Members Directory
- ^ 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 |