Harry Potter Leaves Picnic, Attempts Suicide

Pennsylvania, 1935

Harry Potter, Well-Known Karthaus Man, Said To Have Shot Self Twice

Suffering from what was reported to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound below the heart, Harry Potter, aged about 28, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Potter of Karthaus, is a patient today in the Philipsburg State Hospital in a serious condition. Reports from that institution early this afternoon stated his condition was "very grave."

The tragic affair, which has been a distinct shock to the little community where the Potter family has held the esteem and respect of their fellow townsmen for many years, occurred at the home of George Potter, older brother of the victim, where the latter was staying, sometime early last evening.

According to reports received here, Harry Potter attended the Frenchville picnic during the afternoon and in company with some friends went to his home at Karthaus late in the afternoon. His brother and family was away when Harry arrived home and the first knowledge of the tragedy was when a neighbor boy, Abner Rolley, heard two shots. He rushed into the Potter home and found Harry unconscious with a bullet wound below the heart, apparently self-inflicted by a .38-calibre revolver which was nearby. The Rolley boy also found the Potter dog shot to death and from the mute evidence found in the house it was assumed the young man shot his dog before turning the gun on himself.

What may have prompted the young man to make an attempt on his own life is a mystery to the people of the community in which he lived and where he was known so well. He is single and has never been known to have any serious home worries. Also, reports from Karthaus today stated the young man had never shown a despondent disposition and his friends are at a loss to understand his untimely act.

—The Clearfield Progress, Clearfield, PA, Aug. 23, 1935, p. 1.

Harry Potter, 55, Former Resident, Called by Death

Zanesville, Ohio, 1932

Former Agent for Union News Co. Local B. & O. Passenger Station

Friends here have been notified of the death of Harry Potter, 55, former well known resident of Zanesville, which occurred Friday morning at his home in Cincinnati. The funeral will be conducted there Monday afternoon and burial will be made in Cincinnati.

The deceased for a number of years was in charge of the Union News company's stand at the local Baltimore & Ohio passenger station, and left this city about six years ago. Shortly after leaving Zanesville he was badly injured in an automobile accident and since that time he had been in failing health.

Mr. Potter was an ardent sportsman and was a great baseball fan. He was also a race horse enthusiast and was well acquainted with prominent known sportsmen throughout the country. Surviving are his widow and one daughter, Miss Harriet Potter, all of the home.

—The Times Recorder, Zanesville, Ohio, April 23, 1932, p. 2.

Harry Potter Dies of Pneumonia

Pennsylvania, 1916

Harry Potter, a native of this city, and well known here, died of pneumonia Wednesday at his home, 1414 La Clair street, Swissvale, following a short illness.

He was born in this city 57 years ago, and for 35 years, had been identified with the railway postal service. His father was the late John Potter. He had been an untiring and enthusiastic church and mission worker, and was teacher of class No. 1 of the Emory Methodist Episcopal Sunday school, and also a member of the church. He was also a member of the Mifflin Avenue M. E. Sunday school, Wilkinsburg, and lay preacher of the Pittsburgh conference. He was connected with the Trotter mission o£ Pittsburgh. During his residence in this city, he was an active worker in the Epworth M. E. church.

His widow, Mrs. Emily D. Potter, survives, with one son, Rev. James V. Potter, pastor of the Mount Morris Methodist Episcopal church; one daughter, Mrs. W. O. Bitzer, at home; also one brother, R. R. Potter, formerly a member of The News editorial staff, and two sisters, Mrs. B. B. Ramsey and Mrs. J. A. Cox.

His son, Rev. James V. Potter, is at present ill at the home, of the parents, suffering from diphtheria, which developed while he was visiting in their home.

The funeral services are to be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Mifflin avenue M. E. church, and interment will be made in Pittsburgh.

—New Castle News, New Castle, PA, April 6, 1916, p. 2.

Harry Potter, Colored Loiterer, Still in Jail

Excerpt from court news, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1916

The drunks let go this morning were Walter Kelsey, Dan McMuller and John Starr, the latter claiming to have been robbed of $45. Duke Bransirattor will be up again on Feb. 7. James Moran, a vag, and Harry Potter, a colored loiterer, were ordered hold until Feb. 12.

—Fort Wayne News, Feb. 5, 1916, p. 4.


Siloam Fight Monday

Siloam Springs, Ark., May 27. - A group of Tulsa amateur boxers will meet mittmen from Tahlequah, Okla. and Siloam here Monday night, May 29. Harry Potter, Tulsa, and Philip Bluebird, Tahlequah, and Jack Sikes, Tulsa, and Hoss Glory, Tahlequah, head the card.

—Fayetteville Daily Democrat, Fayetteville, Arkansas, May 27, 1933, p. 3.


El Paso, Texas, 1937

Mrs. Harry Potter has returned from a visit of several months in the East.


Salem, Ohio, 1894

Harry Potter, who has been visiting friends here, left last Saturday for Mansfield.


New Castle, Pennsylvania, 1940

Harry Potter, of East Washington street, who has been ill at his home, is somewhat improved.

Harry Potter, Other Citizens Deny Gambling Charges

New York, 1905

Will Go on Trial at May Term of Court

ITHACA, April 4. — Five prominent citizens, indicted by the Grand Jury, charged with conducting gambling houses, pleaded not guilty when arraigned before Justice Forbes in Supreme Court to-day and the cases were sent for trial.

They were Charles Groen, former city treasurer; J. J. Galney, merchant; James Dunlavey, Philip Ford, and Harry Potter.

—The Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY, April 5, 1905, p. 2.

Missing Harry Potter May Be From Michigan

Illinois, 1918

H. L. Oldham Wires Red Cross

Harry L. Oldham, formerly of Decatur but now of Charlevoix, Mich., has wired the Red Cross at Decatur that it is possible the Harry Potter reported as missing by the war department and as from Illinois may be the Harry Potter of that county in Michigan, who was reported killed and whose death has since been confirmed.

Mr. Oldham sent the message because he saw the notice in the Review of the report of the missing of Harry Potter of this state and thought possibly it might have been the one from that district and as he had confirmed the report regarding the Michigan Harry Potter he felt that possibly this would relieve the anxiety of the Decatur relatives of the Illinois Potter.

Mr. Oldham has taken a very active part in the Red Cross activities at Charlevoix.

—Decatur Review, Decatur, Illinois, Dec. 8, 1918, p. 4.

Harry Potter Stresses Style in Shoes

Ogden, Utah, 1940

Ogden Women Invited to Visit New Firm On Opening Day

Grand Opening of Store Set Saturday

With a complete stock of the newest spring fashions and a store as attractive as the stock it sells, the Fashion Bootery will have its grand opening Saturday at 2481 Washington, according to Harry Potter, manager.

The store will specialize in women's shoes, hosiery, and bags.

"I am thrilled with the opportunity which this new store will give us to serve the women of Ogden," Mr. Potter said. "I extend an invitation to Ogden women to visit the store on its opening day."

"One of Finest"

"I feel this store will be one of the finest of the kind in the west," added Jack Porad, secretary of the firm. "This is our newest unit of 11 stores in Utah, Washington, Oregon and California. It will bring to Ogden something new in last minute styles from New York, Hollywood and Paris."

Exterior of the store is of Colorado Yule white marble, trimmed in bronze and maroon carrara. The entire interior is of natural walnut. The store is completely air conditioned, and all interior lighting is fluorescent.

Founded In Seattle

The Fashion Bootery firm was founded in Seattle in 1922 by Joseph Porad. Since then it has expanded through the entire west coast.

Harry Potter, manager of the Ogden store, comes here from Portland.

—The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden City, Utah, March 15, 1940, p. 4A.

Harry Potter Sues Circus

Iowa, 1894

The band leader in Reynolds' circus sued the show in the superior court here for $300 and its horses have been attached according to the following paragraph in a Creston paper: Sheriff Davenport went to Afton yesterday and levied on the horses and railroad cars of Reynolds Bros.' circus, on a writ of attachment sworn out by Harry Potter and wife for labor, in the sum of $891.05. Representatives of the circus were in the city today endeavoring to effect a settlement. Circuses seem to be having a rough time of it this year.

— Cedar Rapids Gazette; Reprinted in Waterloo Courier, Waterloo, IA, July 18, 1894, p. 9.


North Dakota, 1925

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter of Bismarck spent Wednesday night at the Henry Olson home.


Appleton, Wisconsin, 1932

Mrs. Charles Solie and daughter, Delora, Mrs. Harry Potter and Mrs. R. J. Denel of this city, motored to Neenah Wednesday where they were guests at the George Stadtmueller home.


Illinois, 1898

Sergeant Harry Potter, of company H, Third Illinois, from Rockford, Ills., is reported dead at Porto Rico.