Pettis County, Mo., Obituary

Abe Potter, aged 99 years, well-known pioneer, residing 3 miles west of Clifton City, died at his home at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, following a brief illness. Mr. Potter, surrounded by a large circle of relatives, celebrated his ninety-ninth birthday on November 12. The day before he had walked as usual to Clifton City for his mail. He was taken seriously ill about a week ago.

He was born on November 12, 1826, on the thousand-acre estate on which he died, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Potter. He engaged in grain and stock farming on reaching manhood. Joining the gold rush to California in 1849, he lived in that state about one year, returning to his home afterwards. He had resided on his home place practically all his life. Mr. Potter was well known throughout central Missouri as a gentleman farmer of the old school.

When he was forty-two years of age he was married to Miss Sarah Erwin, who died ten years ago. Of this union nine children survive, Mrs. J. W. Neal of 1603 South Moniteau Avenue, Miss Alice Potter of Clifton City, Granville Potter of 2201 South Ohio Avenue, John Potter of Clifton City, Mrs. A. M. Harlan of 902 West Broadway, Mrs. Frank Richards of Florida, Mrs. Frank Griffin of Smithton, Miss Hettie Potter of Clifton City, and Mrs. Tom Huffine of Oak Grove, Mo.

The funeral was held at his home at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon, the Rev. J. W. Owens, pastor of the Longwood Methodist Episcopal Church officiating. Interment was in the Providence Church Cemetery near Clifton City. A large concourse of friends and relatives of the deceased were in attendance. Profuse floral tributes of rare beauty testified to the position of esteem, and respect in which Mr. Potter was held by his large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Pallbearers were M. M. McCarty, J. E. Shy, Ollie Bringes, Q. Higdon, J. W. Neal and William Bidstrup.