One of Fairfield’s Oldest Men; Been Township Assessor for perhaps more than thirty years.

Asa HAYNES POTTER, one of Fairfield’s oldest, best known and most highly respected citizens, died at the home of his daughter  Mrs. Abe TICE, (Minnie Frances POTTER)  on the  KARR place east of town about two o’clock last Saturday morning, November 29th.

Mr. POTTER had been in declining health for the past several years.  Heart trouble and kindred ailments had been the cause of his affliction and at times lately he was unable to be upon the streets.

For the past several days he had been having trouble sleeping at night.  Friday night he had gotten up during the night and sat in a chair, which he found more comfortable, as he had difficulty in breathing.  Members of the TICE family had been up with him, administering to his comfort.  Without much warning he passed quietly away as he sat in his chair.

Mr. POTTER has served Grover township as Assessor for a longer period of time than any other Assessor ever served in any township in Wayne Count.  With the exception of perhaps two short terms, he has served the township more than thirty years.  He was one of Fairfield’s oldest men at the time of his death.

Asa HAYNES POTTER

Son of Hiram and Ellen POTTER, was born September 19, 1849, in Wayne County Illinois, near Beech Bluff and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. A. TICE, east of Fairfield, on November 29, 1930, at the age of 81.

He was married in 1871 to Miss Elmira ALEXANDER and there were born to this union seven children, four of whom survive him, as follows:  Mrs. Ella E. MATHES of Blythedale, MO., Mrs. Maude BUTLER, of St. Louis, MO and Mrs. Minnie TICE, of Fairfield.

Two daughters Lulu and Viola, died in infancy and a son, Rance (John RANSOM) POTTER died on September 29th, 1929.

He is also survived by a brother, Louis M. POTTER of St. Louis and a sister Mrs. Elvira HOLLIS of Buffalo, MO,  thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

His wife, Elmira (ALEXANDER) POTTER, died December 31, 1893.  Since that time, he has made his home with his children in and around Fairfield.

Mr. POTTER was well known in Wayne County.  He was assessor of Grover township for thirty three years and before this served as Constable and Deputy Sheriff.  He was by occupation a farmer and after leaving the farm, always took great pride in gardening.

At the age of 18 he was converted and joined Ebenezer Church, northeast of Fairfield and has always lived the life of an honest and upright citizen.

Reverend Milton WRIGHT, C. P. Minister conducted the funeral at the C. P. church at 1:30 o’clock on Monday afternoon.  Burial was in the KOONTZ cemetery, south of town.