James C. Potter

Who was James C. Potter?

James C. Potter was an American engineer, inventor, businessman and civic leader in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. A native of Scotland, he was schooled at the Mechanics' Institutes in Glasgow and was also a member of the 5th Battalion of the Royal Rifles. Potter came to the United States in 1874 and later became a citizen on 31 October 1892.

Potter, also known as J.C. Potter, thrived in Pawtucket, helping to found two successful companies. In 1887 he started the Potter and Atherton Machine Company in Pawtucket. In 1893 he organized and was later President of the Howard & Bullough American Machine Company., also in Pawtucket, which went on to employ up to 1000 people.

Also a successful inventor, Potter was granted several patents, including a Stripping Mechanism for Carding-Machines, the Turret Lathe and the Automatic Turret Lathe.

In 1879 he was married in Baltimore, Md., to Charlotte Holland and had six children: Wallace and Clara born in Lowell, and Charlotte, Elizabeth, James and Mary born in Pawtucket.

In 1917, Potter served as the chairman of the Pawtucket Park Commission.