Thomas R. Potter, a prosperous farmer of Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., was born in this town, December 2, 1837, son of Johnson and Susan M. (Romeyn) Potter. His parents were born in Saratoga County, the father in Galway, June 25, 1803, and the mother in Clifton Park, July 1, 1807. The paternal grandfather was Simeon Potter, who came to Glenville about the year 1809, and settled upon a farm in the north-west part of the township, where he resided for the rest of his life. His funeral was the first one held in the Glenville Reformed church. The maiden name of his wife was Phoebe A. Beach.
Johnson Potter, the father, came with his parents to Glenville when six years old, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He became one of the stirring men of his day, and owned a farm of one hundred and forty- eight acres, which is now occupied by his son, Spencer S. Potter. He served as a Trustee of the town and as Commissioner of Highways. In politics he supported the Democratic party. Johnson and Susan M. Potter were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew to maturity, and four are living, namely: Jedediah D., a resident of Chicago; Thomas R., the subject of this sketch; Spencer S., who resides at the homestead, as above mentioned; and J. Antoinette, wife of William H. Hollinbeck, of Hoffman's Ferry. The others were: Phoebe Ann, Harriet N., and Fannie E. The father died July 5, 1891, surviving the mother, who died January 20, 1885.
Thomas R. Potter acquired a district-school education. Like his ancestors he has followed agriculture with success, for many years cultivating a farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres.
Mr. Potter contracted the first of his two marriages January 6, 1861, with Jane Ann Van Wormer, who died June 9, 1893, leaving two children — Frank and Eliza J. Frank, who is in the insurance business, married Nellie F. Bennett, of Lansingburg, Rensselaer County, and has four children — Lelia B., Jennie E., Thomas R., and Henry B. Eliza J. is the wife of Elmer W. Kelderhouse, of Hoffmans, and has one daughter, Hazel L. On January 26, 1898, Mr. Potter married for his second wife Mrs. Effie C. Van Wormer, daughter of Abram S. and Bernetta M. (Dunham) Lodewick and widow of Oscar Van Wormer. Her father was a native of Schodack, Rensselaer County, and her mother of Lexington, N.Y. Mrs. Potter had four children by her first marriage, namely: Nancy B., Bessie R., and Blanche L. Van Wormer, who are living; and Jennie Inez, deceased.
Politically, Mr. Potter is a Democrat, and served with ability as Supervisor five years. He belongs to Touareuna Lodge, No. 35, I. O. O. F., and he and Mrs. Potter are members of Gold Medal Lodge, No. 554, Patrons of Industry.