Samuel John Potter (June 29, 1753 – October 14, 1804) was a United States senator from Rhode Island and was a prominent Country Party anti-Federalist leader.
Potter was born in South Kingstown on June 29, 1753.[1] He was one of seven children born to John Potter (1724–1787) and, his second wife, Elizabeth (née Hazard) Potter (1729–1806).[2] Before his parents marriage, his father was married to Mary Hazard, his mother's elder sister.[3]
His paternal grandparents were Ichabod Potter III and Sarah (née Robinson) Gardiner. His maternal grandparents were Mary (née Robinson) Hazard and Stephen Hazard, a Justice of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas.[2]
Potter completed preparatory studies, studied law, and was admitted to the bar and practiced. He was deputy governor of Rhode Island from 1790 to 1799 (during which time the office was renamed lieutenant Governor) and again from 1800 to 1803. He was also a presidential elector in 1792 and 1796.[1]
Potter was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the U.S. Senate and served from March 4, 1803, until his death in 1804.[1]
On September 10, 1788, Potter married Ann Nancy Segar in South Kingstown.[4] Ann was a daughter of Joseph Segar and Mary (née Taylor) Segar.[5] Together, they were the parents of:[2]
Potter died in Washington, D.C., on October 14, 1804. He was interned in the family burial ground, Kingston (formerly Little Rest), Washington County, Rhode Island.[1]
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