Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-17
Death Of an Ola Aetor--Rsminisosnes.

Ueetn OF ~ Vlo Actok-
Mr.. John 8. Potter, one of the pio-
neera of the drama, and who built more
theaters than any other man 10 the cour-
try, died IN Morris, Illinois, February
2lst, and his funeral took place 10 Phila-
delphia on the 2sth. As Mr.. Potter
figured in Memphis nearly thirty years
ago, when theatricals had a feeble exist
ence in an old warehouse on Front Row,
few facts concerning his life viii be
read with interest by old citizens and by
the members Of the fraternity in which
he was an ornament and pride:
Mr.. Potter was born in Spruce street,
Philadelphia, ia 1909. He was reared
by his mother, whose intentions were
that he should prepare himself for
minister, but not liking it, he be-
came an apprentice 10 the Phila-
delphia Gazette as a type. From
the age of sixteen he became in
fatuated with the stage, and would
often = unbeknown to his mother -
visit the different performances at The
theaier He finally Joined the Boothenian
Dramatic Club; made his first appear
ance on the public stage at the Washing.
ton Circus in his native city at the age
of eighteen went to Pittsburg, and played
under the name of John Sharp. From
there be went to the Louisville, Cincinnati
and Wheeling theaters, in company with
VIM. Forrest and Mr.. Dear. He finally
entered into copartnership with Samuel
Waters. The partnership being dis
solved, Mr.. Potter entered the managerial
ring on his own account, in which he
continued up to the time Of his death
he built the first theater in Natchez,
Miss. He las also built theaters at
Grand Gulf, Vicksburg and Jackson,
Miss. also erected the first theater in
Chicago, about le4l. he also converted
warehouse into O theater in Memphis,
Tennessee. During the engagement
of Dan. Marble and A. A. Adams, under
Mr.. P.'s management in Memphis, while
the play Of Pigarro was being performed
one evening. an earthquake shook the
building, frightening both actors and
audience. Mr.. P. quietly stepped to the
footlights and 10 few words assured tbs
assembly that there was no danger,
thereby saving the lives of many. In
1912 he married in Louisville young
lady by the name of Esther McCormac.
On March 9th, 1855, he sailed for Califor-
mia, remaining there and in Oregon until
1865, building theatres in almost every
town. From there be went to Idaho and
Salt Lake City, building theater in the
latter place in opposition to Brigham
Young. Remained in Salt Lake seven
months. From there he proceeded with
a company to Montana Territory, Vr
GINA and Helena cities, establishing a
theater in the latter place. In 1867 he
came down the Missouri river in q mack
NAV. Fitted up thester in Omaha and
Council Bluffs. From there he Travelled
with company through Minnesota, Wis.
consin and Illinois. For the past FIVE
or six years the asthma has been grad
ually growing upon him, not being able to
overcome the fatal disease until within
the past few months. In Sparta, Wis
cousin, he commenced complaining of q
dffiulty in breathing, and new form Of
sickness appeared in the affection of the
bronchial tubes. He, however, played
with the company almost every evening
until they arrived in Morris, Illinois
Mr.. Potter played on the opening night
the Duke" in Lucretia Borgia, and on
the second night Colonel Damas" in the
Lady of Lyons. The following day he
did not appear. He has built more thea
tres than any other man living. Among
these may be mentioned one at Port Glib
son in 1885, Grand Gall, Mississippi, in
1886; Natchitoches. 1887; Jackson, 1887;
Dubuque, Iowa, 1889; Rochester, New
York, 1886; Cleveland, Ohio, lS4S;
Little Rock, Arkansas; victora, Van
couver's Island, 1852, besides the others
mentioned above. In old men parts he
was good actor Kind at heart, be was
true friend.
Corvrrro uouer AVN E.rcy STATIoy-