Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1892-07-14
A USEFUL LIFE.
A Tribute DO elae Late DGcaOr
Potter.


The deceass of DR.. J. Barron Potter
will be long felt, by the wide circles OF
those who knew him, es q great par
sonal and public loss. He was pleas
ant acquaintance, a genial friend, a
public spirited man. Few cou enter
tain SO we'll as he with "reminiscences
of the past, Or with truer and wiser
purpose, along certain lines, suggest
improvements Tor the future.
DR.. Potter was born in Bridgeton,
July 1S, 1928. He was prepared for
college at the Harmony Academy in
this city, first under the care Of Levi
F. Clafiin and subsequently that of
Henry freeman. He entered Prince
ton College in 1S41, and was gradu-
ated in 1874. His classmates have
spoken Of his exemplary character as
student, ever maintaining high
standard of purity and sincerity III
thought and action, and gaining gen
eral esteem for his amiable qualities.
He took his degree in medicine ct
the University of Pennsylvania, Medi-
cal Department., in Philadelphia, in
1s47, and was licensed by the Medical
Society of New Jersey, June 26, 1S48.
He was at home in his chosen pro.
fession, it being in accord with his nat
ural tastes and that helpful, benevo-
lent spirit which no one could mis-
take. No kinder physician ever ap-
peared among the sick and suffering,
and few there are who have rendered
a greater proportion of gratuitous SER
vices to needy patients.
Since the sale of his house on Com
merce street, he lived on his farm, q
mile or two east of the limits of Bridge
ton, where in such rural occupations
as suited him, alternating with read
ing and study and friendly visits, he
passed very happily some of his later
years.
One of his traits was the love of ma
ture. Trees were his delight. To his
intelligence and enterprise are owing,
both please the eye and comfort by
their cooling shade.
He was remarkable for evenness of
temper. Intimate friends have said
that never under any provocation was
he known to be ruff1ed into the utter
ance of hasty or superfiuous word.
Of retiring disposition, he did not
court the common gaze, or render him.
self conspicuous by cherishing the
weak ambitions of the times. He was
characteristically modest and unas-
suming.
He took an active part in the move
ment to establish the West Jersey
Academy in 1869, and was for many
years the Secretary of its Board of
Trustees. The Broad street cemetery,
from the time it was In appearance no
more than a country graveyard, owed
much, in the way of improvements, to
his taste and energy.
He felt much interest In the welfare
and progress of the Presbyterian
churches in this part of the State, and
to several of the missionary churches
in adjoining counties he was a warm
friend, rendering to them, at times,
assistance according to his ability. He
made himself familiar with the history
and antiquities of the old churches in
This region, and with the matters re-
iating to the old pastors, and on the
death of the ceptennarian, Rev Ethan
Osborn, he prepared valuable paper
which appeared in one of our journals,
with special reference to the health
and longevity of that patriarch. It is
evident that he loved the church in
which he was born in no small degree.
And yet he had ccadial apprecia-
tion of other denominations of Chris
tians. as his letters from Florida, al
luding to his church going there on
the Sabbath, amply testify.
AS they miss the cheerful intercourse
with this good man, and carry with
them the remembrance of his counten-
ance, always bright, and of his man.
ner, always friendly, his attached ac-
quaintances submit sorrowfully to the
providence which has called him away.
HI. r.