Herman H. Potting
History of Montana,by Joaquin Miller, 1894
May be copied for non-profit purposes.
USGENWEB Montana Archives

Herman H. Potting, the lading grocery dealer of Marysville, 
was born in Germany, December 13, 1838. When three years of 
age he came with his parents to America, locating in New 
Orleans, but afterward removed to St. Louis, Missouri, 
receiving his education at the latter place. At the age 
of seventeen years he went to California via the Nicaragua 
route. After arriving in that state, Mr. Potting mined in 
Nevada and Sierra counties a number of years, at times 
meeting with flattering success but like all miners also 
suffered serious reverses. In 1862 he went to British 
Columbia in search of gold and in the following year to 
Idaho undergoing many hardships and dangers during the 
journey. During his wanderings he had saved $20,000 but 
lost the entire amount in speculation.With the same fever 
for gold unabated, Mr. Potting came to Montana in 1865, 
discovered the Magpie Gulch in Meagher County, afterward 
sold his interest there; conducted a meat market at New 
York Gulch one year; next resumed mining at Trout Creek 
and continued to search for the glittering treasure at 
Quartz Gulch but in 1872 abaondoned mining. Mr. Potting 
then returned to St. Louis where he followed the wood 
business on the Mississippi River also the commission 
business. In 1876 he went to the Black Hills, from 
there again returned to St. Louis and in 1877 located 
in Meagher County Montana wehre he was engaged in 
farming and quartzmining ten years. In 1887 he embarked 
in the butcher busienss in Marysville but in 1889 
opened his grocery store and his entire career in 
this city has been one of success.He is still 
prominently connected with mining interests, 
being a stockholder in the Pigeon and Ball Butte 
and in various placer mines. Mr. Potting has 
erected a residence, store and warehouse in 
Marysville; owns other city property,and is 
considered one of its most enterprising citizens.
In St. Louis in 1872 our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Annie Toppe, an native of 
Germany. They have three children--Edward, 
Harry and Fred. Harry is associated with his 
father in the store and is one of the promienent
young businessmen of the place.

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