Individual Details

Birth

youngest of the six children of Jesse and Elizabeth (Duns) Potts

He was educated in Albany, attending the old Lancaster school on the corner of Chapel and Columbia streets, and later on the site of the present Albany Medical College. At the age of thirteen he became self-supporting, working at various occupations until he reached the age of seventeen, when he began an apprenticeship at the molder's trade with Corning & Norton, owners of the Eagle Foundry.

Event

At the age of thirteen he became self-supporting, working at various occupations until he reached the age of seventeen, when he began an apprenticeship at the molder's trade with Corning & Norton, owners of the Eagle Foundry. In 1830 this firm sold their business to Many & Ward, and he finished his apprenticeship with Francis Low at the Clinton Foundry in 1832.

Event

He worked as a journeyman molder in Albany until 1835, when he formed a partnership with Benjamin Thomas for the manufacture of stove castings, under the firm name of Thomas & Potts, afterwards Thomas, Potts & Wells, their foundry being located on the site of the First Baptist Church. After continuing in the business a short time he disposed of his interest to his partners and took a position as foreman of the De Graff Foundry.

Event

1837 he formed a partnership with Levi S. Hoffman, and as Hoffman & Potts began the manufacture of stove castings in May of that year. This firm continued in successful operation until 1846, when he bought Mr. Hoffman's interest and for the succeeding four years conducted the business alone, when he sold it to Shear & Packard. In 1852, with Jacob H. Shear and Joseph Packard, he formed the firm of Shear, Packard & Company, and built the foundry on Grand street, at the head of Arch, and continued the manufacture of stoves. The firm did an extensive business and contributed largely to the fame Albany then enjoyed as the great stove manufacturing center of the world. In February, 1857, at the expiration of their partnership agreement, Mr. Potts sold his interest to his partners and retired from active business life.