Potter, Charles S.

The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.

CHARLES S. POTTER, treasurer and manager of the Hampden Lumber Company of Springfield, and prominent in the civic life of Springfield and vicinity, is a man who holds a high place in the regard of his fellow citizens. Influential in business and social spheres he has been called also to accept the responsibilities of public office, and as president of the City Council of Springfield won general recognition for his efficient and public-spirited administration. He can be counted upon to search out and consistently follow a businesslike, constructive policy in any matter of public welfare to which he gives his support. He is the son of Timothy D. and Laura (Morgan) Potter, the father a lumber merchant of high standing, with whom his son was long associated in business. The elder Mr. Potter was born at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, April 12, 1840, into an old and respected New England family. Up until his death in 1922, he was president of the Hampden Lumber Company and played an active and influential part in the life of Springfield, which will long be remembered by his many friends and acquaintances.

Charles S. Potter was born at Palmer, March 24, 1872, and received his education in the public schools, Wilbraham Academy, and Springfield High School. After leaving school he found his first employment in the Home Agency Office of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company of Springfield, where he spent five years at clerical work, accumulating practical business experience of office routine. He then became associated with his father in the A. C. Dutton Lumber Company of Springfield, this connection lasting for a period of four or five years and terminating at the founding of the present Hampden Lumber Company in 1902. Timothy D. Potter became president, and his son manager, of the new concern, which bought out the estate of Philip H. Potter and commenced business in lumber material of all kinds, George S. Lewis of Holyoke, being also associated with the enterprise in a major capacity from the date of its organization. This firm, which deals extensively in sashes, interior and exterior finish and other lumber material, has had a steady and substantial growth and is one of the leading lumber concerns of the vicinity. As organized at present (1921), George S. Lewis is president and Mr. Potter treasurer and manager; and under his supervision the same policy that insured success during his father's lifetime is being continued, with gratifying results.

Mr. Potter plays a noteworthy part in the civic life of Springfield, being always ready to give generous endorsement and support to every good movement for local development. He served as a member of the Board of Aldermen, and member and ex-president of the City Council. His clubs are the Nayasset, Rotary, Automobile, Manchonis, and Springfield Country Club; and fraternally he is affiliated with the Springfield Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Morning Star Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Scottish Rite bodies, including the thirtysecond degree; Melha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

He married (first), June 1, 1898, Jennie E. Parrosh; she died in March, 1919; (second), November 17, 1923, Katherine E. Reid; by his first marriage he has one child, Barbara Larene, born September 10, 1904.

Source: Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925

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