Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.

James Potter

Male 1831 - Yes, date unknown


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  • Name James Potter 
    Born 1831  , Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Gender Male 
    Occupation 1851  North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Labourer 
    Residence 1851  North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Presbyterian 
    Residence 1883  Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Eby ID Number Waterloo-161898 
    Died Yes, date unknown 
    Person ID I161898  Generations
    Last Modified 26 Feb 2024 

    Father David Potter,   b. CALC 21 Jun 1791, Enmoe, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Nov 1883, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 92 years) 
    Mother Catherine Connel,   b. 1788, Kippen, , Stirling, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 14 Feb 1885, Elora, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 97 years) 
    Family ID F34873  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • 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

  • Sources 
    1. [S233] Census - ON, Waterloo, North Dumfries - 1852, Div. 1, Pg. 3.

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 1831 - , Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsOccupation - Labourer - 1851 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - Presbyterian - 1851 - North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1883 - Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States Link to Google Earth
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