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Family Stories Life in Australia: Exerpts of an article in the "Ballan Times" Wednesday, November 3 1898. "SUDDEN DEATH OF MR J H POTTER - A Faithful Shire Officer for Twenty Five Years" "A very painful shock was created throughout the district on Monday last, when it became known that Mr John Henry Potter, one of the best known residents of the district, had been found dead in his bed at an early hour in the morning. As it is well known, Mr Potter had for many years past resided at Colbrook, six miles from Ballan, where he had established a home replete with every comfort. ~ The deceased, who was 66 years of age, was a native of Guernsey, and had been a colonist fot 46 years. On his arrival in Australia he was speedily attracted by the excitement and adventures of the goldfields, and took an active part in the stirring events of the Eureka Stockade. Some time later he settled in the Ballan district, being mine manager for claims at Garibaldi and Blackwood and also being employed by Mr C H Lyon, of Ballance and Morton Plains. Twenty five years ago Mr Potter entered the service of the Ballan Shire Council, first as an inspector under the vermin act, and afterwards as valuer and rate collector, which positions he held for many years, and in which he became recognised as one of the most capable and faithful collectors in the colony. ~ Mr Potter' personal circumstances were very compfortable. He owned a property in Gippsland, and is said to have been somewhat largely interested in some of the best paying mines of the Ballarat district and of Tasmania. He was not given to speak much of his private affairs, but occasionally mentioned investments that had proved very profitable. ~ His life's record is an honourable one, and though in his time he has crossed swords with many, we doubt if any can be found without a kind word to utter, or a tribute to pay to his memory. He leaves a widow and a grown up son and daughter. They mourn a most affectionate husband and father, and have the sympathy of all. With them we sincerely hope that after passing over life's fitful seas, not without some tossings and buffetings, John Henry Potter, known to the eldest and the youngest, and a veritable land mark in this district, may have anchored in a haven of everlasting peace." Life Before Australia: Apparently John Henry Potter and Christina Strachan had a shipboard romance on the ship from England. They married in Melbourne soon after they arrived in 1852.
NB: Superscript behind each descendant name represents the lineage number of that descendant.
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