James Potter

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-161898
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Labourer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1883, Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States

Notes:

In 1863 the old church was replaced by a new one. This was entirely paid for within four years. At that time it had outside steps, a centre aisle from back to front, and no organ or choir loft. In 1866 a momentous event was held in the new building. It was a meeting of the U.P. Synod of New York. Clergymen from many parts of the United States assembled in the towm. Galt felt itself to be at the heart of the Presbyterian world. Perhaps the guests were not so sure of this. They must have felt they were coming to a wilderness because very few ventured to bring their wives any further than Niagara. The Synod meeting was followed in 1869 by another occurrence that echoed and re-echoed. This was the Carroll and Russell revival, evangelistic services held by the Free Church at the market square. Their teachings were challenged by the United Presbyterian session. The following is an extract from the session minutes when it met by special call March 23, 1869, with all members present. "At the request of several members of session you have been convened that we might distinctly know the present position and views of those members of session who have been giving their presence, influence, and co-operation to what is known as revival meetings held in Knox's Church, Galt, during the winter-meetings at which doctrines have been taught and practices followed which are in direct opposition to the standards and principles of our church; and which have led to divisions and offences among members of our congregation of the most painful nature: and through which the most unchristian language has been used in reference to the doctrines and usages of our church: not to speak of the amount of abuse heaped on the head of the moderator of this session." The outcome was that Wm. McLachlan, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, two other elders and a number of families withdrew from the congregation. One aftermath concerns a fourth elder. His name was David Potter. He lived on what is now the Myers farm on the East River Road. He was one of the founders of the church. He had given it staunch support from the time he had come to the community in 1827. Official notice was taken of the fact that, from 1870 on, he was neglecting his duty as an elder, and even absenting himself from the Sunday services. When a committee of the session was sent to interview him they reported back that Mr. Potter had told them there was no longer use in his attending session meetings. His opinion was not respected either by the moderator or by some of the members. As for the Sabbath services he was not profited by the preaching. He had good sermons at home, which he read. When a short time later the church called a new minister, David Potter resumed his usual place in the session and congregation.


FIRST UNITED CHURCH, GALT by Andrew W. Taylor, B.Sc.A.
Thirty-Fifth Annual Report of the Waterloo Historical Society, Kitchener 1948

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136452
• Occupation: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Land: 1861, North Dumfries Concession 09 Lot 08, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lot 10 Con 9
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Death of Mr. David Potter - this very old resident of this section passed to his rest on Wednesday morning. For the last two years Mr. Potter has been very much enfeebled, but nothing unusual was noticed until about three days ago, when he was observed to be more than usually feeble. The morning of his death his attendants saw nothing which would indicate approaching death, but shortly after 10 o'clock, on entering his room, it was found that in the short interval the vital spark had fled. Mr. Potter was aged 92 years and 5 months. He emigrated from Perthshire, Scotland, first residing for a short time in New York State. In 1826 he came to Canada, settling at once on the property where he died. He was a most industrious, honorable man, and while outliving most of those who were the early settlers of Dumfries, still leaves behind him many pleasant recollections of neighborly acts and kindnesses. His wife still survives him, somewhat older than her husband - about two years, we believe. She is yet able to move about. The family consisted of three sons, Messrs. David and John Potter, of Elora, and Mr. Jas. Potter, of Chicago.

The funeral will take place today, (Friday from his late residence, East river road, at 1:30 p.m., to Galt Cemetery.

Galt Reporter Nov 23 1883 pg 8

David — Catherine Connel. Catherine was born 1788, Kippen, , Stirling, Scotland; died 14 Feb 1885, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catherine Potter
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-136458
• Residence: 1851, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Death:
Tombstone Reads 14 Feb 1885