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.
Elisha Reynolds Potter | |
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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 | Little Rest, Rhode Island Colony, British America | November 5, 1764
Died | September 26, 1835 70) South Kingstown, Rhode Island, U.S. | (aged
Resting place | Colonel Thomas Potter Cemetery |
Political party | Federalist |
Spouse(s) | Mary Potter |
Children | Elisha R. Potter |
Residence | Kingston, Rhode Island |
Occupation | Lawyer |
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
External links
- United States Congress. "Elisha Reynolds Potter (id: P000463)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
References
- 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 | ||
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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 |