Bios: Henry and David, Jr. Potts 1795-1860: Chester and Montgomery Counties Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Marie Malark MMaark2@aol.com USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. __________________________________________________________________________ Source Book : Pennsylvania Biographical Encyclopedia POTTS, HENRY, Ironfounder, was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, August 5th, 1797. He was intimately connected with the history of his native place, being the son of Joseph and Sarah Potts, and the great grand-son of John Potts the founder of Pottstown. He obtained his education in the place of his birth and in Philadelphia, and having completed it, commenced his business life by entering the counting house of Robert Smith, of the latter city, where he early manifested the business capacity which marked his subsequent career. On giving up on that position, he engaged with an uncle in the iron business, in the same city. From that time forward he was closely identified with the iron interest of the state; his first step in that direction being the commencement of the manufacture of iron at the old Glasgow Forge, in Montgomery county Pennsylvania, which he prosecuted with much success. In 1834, he, in conjunction with John P. Rutter, built the Isabella Furnace, in Chester County, and in 1846, he started a fresh enterprise by building , in partnership with the Hon. David Potts, jr., of Warwick Furnace, Chester County, the Pottsgrove Iron works, at Pottstown, which they carried on successfully for eleven years, till April 1st, 1857, when he retired from the business, leaving it to his sons, Henry Potts, Jr., George H. Potts, Joseph Potts, Jr. and his son-in-law, Edward S. Davies. He was married, October 8th, 1819, to Isabella daughter of Daniel O. Hitner, of Marble Hall, Montgomery county. As a representative man, he has done, perhaps more than his share towards advancing the interests of his native State, and especially of his native town, of which he was a distinguished citizen by name, birth and service rendered. He was for a number of years Secretary and Treasurer of the Pottstown Bridge company; several times President of the town council, of the borough of Pottstown Gas Works. In October, 1857, He was elected President of the Pottstown Bank, then newly organized, a position which he retained till the day of his death, August 31st, 1861. In politics, though disinterested, he was sincere. Originally a Whig, he acted with that party till 1844, when he joined the Freesoilers, steadily supporting their principles until they were merged into those of the Republicans, which latter he adopted and advocated till his decease. POTTS, DAVID, JR., Iron Master and Congressman, was born in Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 27th 1794. His father David Potts, was a prominent and influential business man of Chester county, Pennsylvania; his mothers maiden name was also Potts. He received a thorough and classical education in his native place, and, upon attaining his majority, succeeded his father as manager of the Warwick Furnace, located in Chester county, Pennsylvania; in this capacity he continued to act with great ability and success until his decease, an event which occurred June 1st, 1863. In 1823-24-25, he was a member of the legislature for the above-mentioned county, and during his term was noted for his incorruptible integrity, his industry and his well directed energy. From 1830 to 1836 inclusive, he was the Congressional member from the same place; and thoughout the lengthy period, during which he was zealously occupied in caring for the interests of his county and constituents, he distinguished himself by marked ability and public spirit. Many of the most important improvements in his district are mainly and directly attributable to his shrewd foresight and effective efforts; while, when living, he was ever a foremost and energetic mover in all matters having for issue the welfare of his state and fellow citizens. In Politics he was steadfastly opposed to the Jackson and Van Buren administrations and opinions always uprightness of mind and heart. He was noted for his scholarly attainments, and a large fund of useful and varied information; and was warmly interested in the prompt development of the educational advantages of Mongomery county. He was married, March 4th 1819, to Anna Nutt May, daughter of Robert May, one of the most extensive operators and largest iron masters in Pennsylvania. He died at Warwick, Chester County, June 1st 1863, and was buried in the family burying ground at Coventryville.