A LONG WELL SPENT LIFE
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Transcription:A LONG WELL SPENT LIFE.
During the recent visit of the writer and sister to the home of their Uncle, Mr. W. C. Potter, Blue Springs, Miss., some very interesting facts and statistics were compiled from family records, supplemented by memory, regarding the life and descendants of their grandmother, Mrs. Mary Potter Tucker, who is domiciled in this home. Inasmuch as the family were former Tate Countians, we felt that many may be interested in a brief sketch of a very long, remarkable life, which none of her desendants, in all probability, will ever equal in years.
She is now in her ninety fifth year, although for the past few years she was been an invalid, blind, drawn, with the weight of time, yet interested in all the events of the day, her faculties wonderfully alert, her memory better than many one-half her age.
More than half a centry ago, she with her husband, Rev. Daniel Potter, and children came from the eastern portion of the state, locating at Senatobia, where he was pastor of old Carolina Church. Not long were they blessed by his leadership for soon he was called to answer the final summons. All my life the fact that this brave woman suffered the loss of husband and one child on the same day, another child within the week, has been fixed in memory as one of the unforgettable childhood impressions. My mother, at the time, a very young girl, was one of the elder children. Perhaps some living today can dimly recall Rev. Potter's brief pastorate and the tragedy of their demise, they were laid to rest in the cemetery there.
Later, the stricken mother, with her remaining children, purchased property east of Coldwater, part of which was only in recent years disposed of. Her children as they reached maturity, settling near by, remaining for a long period of time, but in course of events, they became scattered. Still, some of the family, though not the name remain here, numbering about thirty in the county today. Years later, after her youngest child had married, she married Mr. Tucker, and was first of the family to leave the county. She resided in Sherman, Miss., for many years where she is beloved by all, known by numbers of them as aunt Mary, or Grandmother. A woman of the old school, of strong yet gentle character, abounding in good works. Truly, "her children shall rise up and call her blessed," and her children's children, as well, for they honor her.
Only two of the nine children that were hers are now living, W. C. Potter, in whose home she is tenderly cared for, and Mrs. W. L. Scott, of Poagville community. Living grand children, thirty-three, great-grand children, seventy, great-great-grand children, nine. Number of her descendants living 114,,dead 25. Total of both 139. Notwithstanding the fact that among them are six or seven homes with only one child, almost as many childless homes.
They are residents of nine different states, although a majority are still in their native state. In this connection, many interesting facts could be mentioned, one being that although among her brothers there were three preachers, in Rev. Potter's four, there is no preacher, so far, among their descendants. Other branches of each family have produced preachers. Another fact is that of this number, only one paid the supreme sacrifice during the world war, Guy R. Potter, son of W. C. Potter and wife, Blue Springs Miss., gave his promising young life, and the fading gold star which adorns the home, shows that within, his memory will never fade.
For this wonderful mother in Israel, the sands of life run low, she has fought a good fight, great rewards will be hers, and her influence will live through time and eternity. Until recent years, she was able to participate in the activities incidental to a normal existence, and has, not many miles from her, a sister-in-law, who has just past her ninety-ninth milestone and still able to be about somewhat. Wonderful examples of "Right living and pure thinking." One can but marvel at the saintly patience exhibited in her helplessness: Such a contrast to the active life she loved so well. The heavenly peace and calmness in her face is beautiful to behold. It is a priviledge, an inspiration to be in her presence. Concluding this little tribute of love, let me give the lines sent her by the undersigned in commemoration of her last birthday, and add, ???? next, we hope to present something more commensurate!
1830 "Ninety Four." 1924
"Ninety four years, have over
thee passed,
In joy or in tears, going slowly,
or fast,
Now the lines of there passage
are marked on thy face
Each day but adds sweetness,
patience and grace
Thinking over again, the dear scenes
of the past
You have watched times change,
many and vast
For thy life has been led by the
hopes that endure,
Oh mother of my mother, so
true and so pure!
Upheld by the strength that God
giveth His own,
Reflecting the light that comes
from His throne"
Nora S. Phillips.
Notes:
Nora Mildred Shanahan, daughter of Michael William Shanahan and Sallie Margaret Potter. Spouse of William Emmett Phillips and granddaughter of Mary Rebecca Smith Potter Tucker (the subject of the article).
Unknown which of her two living sisters accompanied her on this visit; may have been her younger sister, Sallie Moina Shanahan Freeze or her elder sister, Lena Shanahan Stewart.
William C. Potter, born circa 1853, second son of Daniel D. Potter and Mary Rebecca Smith.
Blue Springs is located in Union County.
Sallie Margaret Potter Shanahan.
James McCalvin Tucker and Mary Rebecca Smith wed on 21 Feb 1889 in Pontotoc County, MS. James was the widower of Mary Rebecca's own sister, Sarah Smith.
Martha Elizabeth "Bettie" Potter, second daughter of Mary R. Smith Potter and Daniel D. Potter. Spouse of William L. Scott.
Mary R. Smith was one of eleven siblings; the three brothers who were Baptist pastors were (1) John Smith, b. 1810, (2) Isaac Smith, b. 1817, and (3) Abraham Berry Smith, b. 1820.
Daniel Potter was one of 10 children; the four preachers in his family were: (1) himself, (2) George Washington Potter, b. 1838, (3) John W. Potter, b. 1818, and (4)? Either Cornelius O. Potter, James Franklin Potter, or Thomas Potter. Who was that 4th preacherman?
Sarah P. Carlock, born c1859 AL, m. 21 Feb 1877 Tate Co., MS to William C. Potter. Possible parents of Sarah P. Carlock are Thomas V. and Frances Carlock.
Guy Rivers Potter born on 24 Dec 1895, died on 15 Jul 1918 at the second battle of Moron in France.
Transcribed 24 June 2001 by K. L. Rhodes. Source: Photocopy of a newspaper article found at the Shanahan Family Reunion held in New Mexico on June 2000. Published by "The Democrat" in Senatobia, Mississippi on Thursday, September 11, 1924.
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