Barber County Kansas
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Barber County Kansas |
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John W. Potes died at his home six miles northwest of this city, on Sunday, September 21, 1902, at 7:30 a.m. He had been sick twenty-three days and his case was regarded fatal after the first week's illness. He was afflicted with acute liver and kidney trouble. He had several attacks before and he told his friends when this attack came that he could not survive it.Funeral services were held at the Christian church Monday afternoon, under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge of which Mr. Potes was an honored member, Elder R. H. Tanksley preached the sermon.
John W. Potes was born near Cleveland, Ohio, November 30, 1887, and died September 21, 1902, and was therefore 64 years, 9 months and 21 days of age. He was married twice and survived both wives. His first wife died in Michigan and his second wife died at Alva, Oklahoma, a few years ago. Three grown children survive him, two sons living in eastern Kansas and a daughter, Mrs. L. D. Elliott, of this place with whom he made his home. Her grief is sacred and the community mourns with her in the loss of a kind father and an exemplary citizen.
He came to Kansas in January, 1884, and bought a quarter section of land three miles northwest of Kiowa and lived there until 1892 when he became treasurer of Barber county. He moved to Medicine Lodge in the fall of that year, was elected a second time to that office and has claimed this as his home ever since. After his second term as treasurer expired he was elected police judge of this city and after serving one term in that capacity he retired to private life.
Uncle John, as he was familiarly known, was a man of strong political and religious convictions and his daily life both public and private was based on the principles of righteousness. It has been our pleasure to know him as a neighbor and as a friend during our seventeen years in Kansas and when we speak of him as a man of a large heart we speak knowingly. When sorrow came to the home of its neighbors and friends he came to comfort, to assist and to sympathize. When the public welfare was under consideration he was always ready to help. His life was well lived and while we mourn his departure we find consolation in the fact that he had gone to a reward higher and grander than moral man can bestow.
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott take this means of extending their sincere thanks to the many friends for their assistance, and especially to the neighbors who ministered to their father during his last suffering and affliction. Their kindness will always be gratefully remembered.
The Masonic lodge adopted the following resolutions:
Be it received by Deta Lodge A. F. & A. M. , No 77, of Medicine Lodge, Kansas:
That is the death of Brother John W. Potes this Lodge has lost the influence and sympathy of a Mason whose life and character among men and Masons was an exemplification of the principles and virtues inculcated by the fraternity.
That the state has lost an honored citizen and his family a kind and affectionate father. The loss to his family and friends is irreparable. It can be said of him truthfully that he was one of the Noblest of his Kind. He was careful and attentive in his own affairs and he died with his face to the future and the line of duty. In all the walks of life he stood for integrity and honor among men and at the last without a tremor or a fear he passed to that "Undiscovered Country from whose Bourn no traveler returns." We cherish his memory here; we commend his spirit to God who gave it, and consign his body to the earth.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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