From the Memoirs of Dr. Guy Woodward,
son of Elva's daughter Eva:
Grandma Potter, nee Elva Lisha Haley, was born in South Rockwood, Monroe County, Michigan on May 15,1854. Elmer and Elva were married on December 21, 1869 and made their home on the Potter farm at Newport. This was a rather better than average farm in the region, being productive as well as attractive with a creek meandering along almost through the back yard of the farmhouse. My Aunt Lura was born on the following September 30 [1872] on the farm.
But Elmer was an ambitious dreamer and decided to enter the medical profession. He sold his farm [in 1873] and used the proceeds to support himself and his family while he attended medical school. He left his wife and daughter with Grandma [Mary Ann (Chapman)] Burnap in South Rockwood while he went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about 30 miles away.
During the sojourn with Grandma Burnap, the second Potter daughter, Lillian, was born [Feb 17, 1874]. Upon completion of medical training [in March, 1875], Dr. Potter set up practice in Holland, Ohio where the third daughter, Pearl, was born [Feb 23, 1877]. The family then moved [in Sep, 1882] to Sherwood, Ohio where the first and only son, Royal, was born on December 11, 1889. Three years later [Sep 11, 1892] the last Potter child was born, Eva Dawn, who is my mother. A few years later [Oct 11, 1897] the family moved on to Holgate, Ohio where Dr. Potter operated a drugstore, probably in addition to his medical practice.
For reasons that I have been unable to ascertain --perhaps it was no more than nostalgia --Dr. Potter decided to give up his business and medical practice and return to his old farm in Michigan, which he repurchased [in March, 1899]. He found the farm and its buildings in poor condition and requiring much expensive renovation. Moreover, he now found the farm work too arduous and beyond his strength. He was forced to again sell the farm, this time moving into Carleton [in July, 1904] where he bought a spacious house a block off the main street, providing a commodious home for his family. He opened a small store, selling books, stationery, watches, jewelry, etc., which he operated until he died of a heart attack on December 30, 1911. This was six months after the marriage [on June 7, 1911] of my parents [Eva and Leon Woodward]. The three older sisters had long since been married [1890–1894] and had moved away from Carleton. Royal had become a black sheep and had been disowned and banished from the family. Elmer Potter left his widow in quite comfortable circumstances, and until her death she was able to live well on the income from the estate.
[After Elmer's death Elva's youngest daughter Eva and her husband Leon] returned to Carleton, where they stayed in the house with her. However, when Elva Potter married Moses Cox [June 16, 1915], Leon and Eva with their new baby were no longer needed to keep Elva company, and they lived in rented houses in Carleton until 1917, when they built an "Aladdin House" of their own.
My first recollections of her date from about 1918 at which time she was already remarried to Moses Cox, whom she called "Mody." They lived in a comfortable but conventional house on a small lot in a block of similar houses on Lansing Avenue, near Dix, now known as Vernors Highway, in Detroit. Mody was a retired painter --a quiet man who played the violin and puttered in his backyard garden. He was a man of meager means, and the Potter children, who did not favor their mother's remarriage, suspected that he was mainly interested in Widow Potter's money. Nevertheless, Elva and Mody lived together in tranquility for many years, although there was never any doubt concerning Elva's dominant role in the union.
My Grandma Cox was a bosomy, corseted, straight-laced but pleasant woman much given to overt signs of affection to her grandchildren and to the use of pet names meant to engender endearment. As a child I found these demonstrations of affection distasteful and I tolerated them patiently, but without returning them in kind. Two things made my childhood visits to Grandma's house more palatable --one was the expectation of being given sugar cookies, and the other, even more exciting, was the small Gramophone that reposed on a table in the center of the parlor. After being in the house for a polite length of time I would screw up my courage to ask to hear the Gramophone, and then Grandma would play a few records of music for my entertainment. Because of the pleasure this gave me I referred to Grandma Cox as "Music Grandma" throughout most of my childhood.
Grandma and Moses Cox lived in the Lansing Avenue house until 1928 when she suffered a stroke and was unable to perform her household tasks. Although she recovered her physical and mental functions, a family conference with her daughters found that it was time for her to give up her home and to spend her remaining days in the home of her youngest daughter, my mother. At that time my family was living in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Soon after coming to live with us Grandma Cox supplied the money to purchase our first electric radio --an Atwater Kent with both "A" and "B" battery eliminators, all housed in a walnut cabinet. It was set up in our living room and gave clear reception of all of the major Chicago stations. From that time on we were hooked, and our family schedule was largely organized to fit the times of our favorite programs. We, like millions of other families, hurried to finish supper in time to gather around the set to listen to Amos 'n Andy or Lum 'n Abner.
While the Coxes moving in with us imposed a heavy burden on my parents, the arrangement of the house minimized the inconvenience. The Coxes occupied a first floor bedroom with an adjoining lavatory. Not surprisingly, Moses Cox found living in someone else's home as a guest overly restrictive, for he was still in actively good health. Hence, he spent an appreciable portion of his time in extended visits to the home of Lura Hathaway in Chicago. Lura, the eldest Potter daughter, was the only one with whom Moses ever felt close. Moses became even more discontented with life in our home after my father persuaded Elva to arrange her affairs to distribute her estate according to her wishes while she still had her mental powers. It was her wish that the bulk of her estate go to her daughters, and she set up a trust account to accomplish this. Had this move not been taken at this time, the estate would have gone to Moses Cox and, upon his death, to his family, none of whom were close to him.
Not long after this Elva suffered another stroke, partially paralyzing her and affecting her mind in a hallucinatory manner. After a partial recovery, another stroke left her completely invalided for a period, at the end of which she lapsed into a coma. Her daughters were summoned, and all were at hand when she passed away on May 7, 1929. Her body was taken to Carleton for burial in the family plot. We seldom saw Moses after that. He spent much of his time in Aunt Lura's home in Chicago, for he had lost contact with what little family he had in Detroit.
**************
Excerpts from Elva's letter to her daughters, to be read upon her death:
Detroit, Mich. Nov 9, 16.
This is to my dear children. There are a few things I wish you to know. I might be called away suddenly from you and then it would be too late … I do rejoice and try to live better each day I live. I will be gone when this falls in your hands and it seems "uncanny" to be writing this.
I love all of you. But my boy [Royal] if he knew how much I love him he would not neglect me as he does.
June 1, 21. A few more lines to my dear children. May God bless all of you and may you all live such lives that you can inherit that home God is preparing for the faithful.
I love you. mamma
*********************
My Mom, a childhood memory of Elva
by her daughter Eva Potter Woodward:
Who was it heard my childish cries?
Who soothed my fears and stopped my sighs?
Who dried my tears, then wiped my eyes?
Who made me tiny cakes and pies
And next my dangling shoestring ties?
My Mom.
Who was it heard my youthful dream
And in her eyes a loving gleam
Made all my visions more real seem?
Encouraged me truth to redeem?
Taught me to keep my self esteem?
My Mom.
Whose faith in me did never die?
And on whose trust I could rely
When many ventures I did try
With confidence, which did belie
My doubts, as years rolled swiftly by?
My Mom.
Who was it taught me how to pray,
And how to live the "Jesus" way,
And kindly words to others say?
Be honest as life's game I play.
And be more godly every day?
My Mom.
Who said that we must all employ
A love for tasks we would enjoy?
Who showed her love for girl or boy
And conquered things that did annoy?
Who made our home that place of joy?
My Mom.
***************
A Word Picture of My Mother
by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
Her hair was soft and wavy,
With small tendrils round her face,
She wore two silver sidecombs
To keep some strands in place.
Her eyes were blue and tender,
Clear and steady in their gaze,
And very understanding
Through many troubled days.
Her smile was always cheery,
Much more common than her frown.
Twos sure to make us happy
When burdens had us down.
She wasn't much for playing,
But she helped me in each task,
And gave herself unstinting
In all that I might ask.
With all her friends and neighbors
She shared whate'er she could
Of time or food or service,
In acts both kind and good.
Tho oft I must have grieved her,
She hid her sorrows keen,
And taught that life worth living
Must not be low or mean.
For many years when but a child
I knelt beside her knee,
Repeated there my nightly prayer
That she had taught to me.
She'd share the best she ever had
With me, her youngest child,
Her words of admonition
Were always kind and mild.
She's left my home, but not my heart,
She dwells in Heav'n above,
And often through these days and years
I've missed my mother's love.
*********************
First Place Honors
a tribute by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
My mother never wrote a book
On subjects quite profound,
But words of wisdom she could give
That have proved sane and sound.
My mother never made a speech
Before a cheering throng,
But she knew the words to say
When things were going wrong.
My mother never wrote a song
To reach the topmost ten.
But lullabies and helpful hymns
We heard time and again.
My mother always had a smile
Though sometimes she was sad;
She practiced many kindly deeds
To make her family glad.
And though she wept when I was wed
She put her thoughts aside
That nothing make a cloud that day
For me, the happy bride.
And when my brother went away
To wear the Navy blue,
We wept, but mother's starry eyes
Were bright as summer dew.
My mother never forced her way,
But down through all the years
Her smile, her deeds and wise advice
Forevermore endears.
***************
Elva's family, as recorded in additions made to the Seneca Solo Potter's 1885 Potter Genealogy by Elva's daughter Pearl and granddaughter Nola:
Jeremy Elmer Potter — Born Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich. Jan. 16, 1851 — Died Dec. 31, 1911 — Married Elva Lisha Haley, Dec. 21, 1871. (Born May 15, 1854, Died May 7, 1929).
Children of Jeremy Elmer and Elva Haley Potter:
Lura Grace — Born in Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1872 — Married Willard
L. Hathavay Dec. 24, 1892. Died April 7, 1957.
Lillian Irene — Born Grafton, Mich., Feb. 17, 1874 — Married 1) Harry Ritter, Sept. 27,1890, 2) Walter L. Bowman March 12, 1893, 3) Albert C. Wilson, July 17, 1920, Died Sept. 19, 1959.
Pearl Edna — Born Holland, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1877 — Died Oct. 30, 1938 — Married 1)Henry Edwin Johnson, Feb. 23, 1894, 2) William Foster Young, July 17, 1922.
Royal Laroy — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1889.
Eva Dawn — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1892 — Married Leon F. Woodward, June 7, 1911.
[Note from Darrell Brown: Lillian's death record in California seems to say Sept. 19, 1950 rather than 1959]
son of Elva's daughter Eva:
Grandma Potter, nee Elva Lisha Haley, was born in South Rockwood, Monroe County, Michigan on May 15,1854. Elmer and Elva were married on December 21, 1869 and made their home on the Potter farm at Newport. This was a rather better than average farm in the region, being productive as well as attractive with a creek meandering along almost through the back yard of the farmhouse. My Aunt Lura was born on the following September 30 [1872] on the farm.
But Elmer was an ambitious dreamer and decided to enter the medical profession. He sold his farm [in 1873] and used the proceeds to support himself and his family while he attended medical school. He left his wife and daughter with Grandma [Mary Ann (Chapman)] Burnap in South Rockwood while he went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about 30 miles away.
During the sojourn with Grandma Burnap, the second Potter daughter, Lillian, was born [Feb 17, 1874]. Upon completion of medical training [in March, 1875], Dr. Potter set up practice in Holland, Ohio where the third daughter, Pearl, was born [Feb 23, 1877]. The family then moved [in Sep, 1882] to Sherwood, Ohio where the first and only son, Royal, was born on December 11, 1889. Three years later [Sep 11, 1892] the last Potter child was born, Eva Dawn, who is my mother. A few years later [Oct 11, 1897] the family moved on to Holgate, Ohio where Dr. Potter operated a drugstore, probably in addition to his medical practice.
For reasons that I have been unable to ascertain --perhaps it was no more than nostalgia --Dr. Potter decided to give up his business and medical practice and return to his old farm in Michigan, which he repurchased [in March, 1899]. He found the farm and its buildings in poor condition and requiring much expensive renovation. Moreover, he now found the farm work too arduous and beyond his strength. He was forced to again sell the farm, this time moving into Carleton [in July, 1904] where he bought a spacious house a block off the main street, providing a commodious home for his family. He opened a small store, selling books, stationery, watches, jewelry, etc., which he operated until he died of a heart attack on December 30, 1911. This was six months after the marriage [on June 7, 1911] of my parents [Eva and Leon Woodward]. The three older sisters had long since been married [1890–1894] and had moved away from Carleton. Royal had become a black sheep and had been disowned and banished from the family. Elmer Potter left his widow in quite comfortable circumstances, and until her death she was able to live well on the income from the estate.
[After Elmer's death Elva's youngest daughter Eva and her husband Leon] returned to Carleton, where they stayed in the house with her. However, when Elva Potter married Moses Cox [June 16, 1915], Leon and Eva with their new baby were no longer needed to keep Elva company, and they lived in rented houses in Carleton until 1917, when they built an "Aladdin House" of their own.
My first recollections of her date from about 1918 at which time she was already remarried to Moses Cox, whom she called "Mody." They lived in a comfortable but conventional house on a small lot in a block of similar houses on Lansing Avenue, near Dix, now known as Vernors Highway, in Detroit. Mody was a retired painter --a quiet man who played the violin and puttered in his backyard garden. He was a man of meager means, and the Potter children, who did not favor their mother's remarriage, suspected that he was mainly interested in Widow Potter's money. Nevertheless, Elva and Mody lived together in tranquility for many years, although there was never any doubt concerning Elva's dominant role in the union.
My Grandma Cox was a bosomy, corseted, straight-laced but pleasant woman much given to overt signs of affection to her grandchildren and to the use of pet names meant to engender endearment. As a child I found these demonstrations of affection distasteful and I tolerated them patiently, but without returning them in kind. Two things made my childhood visits to Grandma's house more palatable --one was the expectation of being given sugar cookies, and the other, even more exciting, was the small Gramophone that reposed on a table in the center of the parlor. After being in the house for a polite length of time I would screw up my courage to ask to hear the Gramophone, and then Grandma would play a few records of music for my entertainment. Because of the pleasure this gave me I referred to Grandma Cox as "Music Grandma" throughout most of my childhood.
Grandma and Moses Cox lived in the Lansing Avenue house until 1928 when she suffered a stroke and was unable to perform her household tasks. Although she recovered her physical and mental functions, a family conference with her daughters found that it was time for her to give up her home and to spend her remaining days in the home of her youngest daughter, my mother. At that time my family was living in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Soon after coming to live with us Grandma Cox supplied the money to purchase our first electric radio --an Atwater Kent with both "A" and "B" battery eliminators, all housed in a walnut cabinet. It was set up in our living room and gave clear reception of all of the major Chicago stations. From that time on we were hooked, and our family schedule was largely organized to fit the times of our favorite programs. We, like millions of other families, hurried to finish supper in time to gather around the set to listen to Amos 'n Andy or Lum 'n Abner.
While the Coxes moving in with us imposed a heavy burden on my parents, the arrangement of the house minimized the inconvenience. The Coxes occupied a first floor bedroom with an adjoining lavatory. Not surprisingly, Moses Cox found living in someone else's home as a guest overly restrictive, for he was still in actively good health. Hence, he spent an appreciable portion of his time in extended visits to the home of Lura Hathaway in Chicago. Lura, the eldest Potter daughter, was the only one with whom Moses ever felt close. Moses became even more discontented with life in our home after my father persuaded Elva to arrange her affairs to distribute her estate according to her wishes while she still had her mental powers. It was her wish that the bulk of her estate go to her daughters, and she set up a trust account to accomplish this. Had this move not been taken at this time, the estate would have gone to Moses Cox and, upon his death, to his family, none of whom were close to him.
Not long after this Elva suffered another stroke, partially paralyzing her and affecting her mind in a hallucinatory manner. After a partial recovery, another stroke left her completely invalided for a period, at the end of which she lapsed into a coma. Her daughters were summoned, and all were at hand when she passed away on May 7, 1929. Her body was taken to Carleton for burial in the family plot. We seldom saw Moses after that. He spent much of his time in Aunt Lura's home in Chicago, for he had lost contact with what little family he had in Detroit.
**************
Excerpts from Elva's letter to her daughters, to be read upon her death:
Detroit, Mich. Nov 9, 16.
This is to my dear children. There are a few things I wish you to know. I might be called away suddenly from you and then it would be too late … I do rejoice and try to live better each day I live. I will be gone when this falls in your hands and it seems "uncanny" to be writing this.
I love all of you. But my boy [Royal] if he knew how much I love him he would not neglect me as he does.
June 1, 21. A few more lines to my dear children. May God bless all of you and may you all live such lives that you can inherit that home God is preparing for the faithful.
I love you. mamma
*********************
My Mom, a childhood memory of Elva
by her daughter Eva Potter Woodward:
Who was it heard my childish cries?
Who soothed my fears and stopped my sighs?
Who dried my tears, then wiped my eyes?
Who made me tiny cakes and pies
And next my dangling shoestring ties?
My Mom.
Who was it heard my youthful dream
And in her eyes a loving gleam
Made all my visions more real seem?
Encouraged me truth to redeem?
Taught me to keep my self esteem?
My Mom.
Whose faith in me did never die?
And on whose trust I could rely
When many ventures I did try
With confidence, which did belie
My doubts, as years rolled swiftly by?
My Mom.
Who was it taught me how to pray,
And how to live the "Jesus" way,
And kindly words to others say?
Be honest as life's game I play.
And be more godly every day?
My Mom.
Who said that we must all employ
A love for tasks we would enjoy?
Who showed her love for girl or boy
And conquered things that did annoy?
Who made our home that place of joy?
My Mom.
***************
A Word Picture of My Mother
by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
Her hair was soft and wavy,
With small tendrils round her face,
She wore two silver sidecombs
To keep some strands in place.
Her eyes were blue and tender,
Clear and steady in their gaze,
And very understanding
Through many troubled days.
Her smile was always cheery,
Much more common than her frown.
Twos sure to make us happy
When burdens had us down.
She wasn't much for playing,
But she helped me in each task,
And gave herself unstinting
In all that I might ask.
With all her friends and neighbors
She shared whate'er she could
Of time or food or service,
In acts both kind and good.
Tho oft I must have grieved her,
She hid her sorrows keen,
And taught that life worth living
Must not be low or mean.
For many years when but a child
I knelt beside her knee,
Repeated there my nightly prayer
That she had taught to me.
She'd share the best she ever had
With me, her youngest child,
Her words of admonition
Were always kind and mild.
She's left my home, but not my heart,
She dwells in Heav'n above,
And often through these days and years
I've missed my mother's love.
*********************
First Place Honors
a tribute by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
My mother never wrote a book
On subjects quite profound,
But words of wisdom she could give
That have proved sane and sound.
My mother never made a speech
Before a cheering throng,
But she knew the words to say
When things were going wrong.
My mother never wrote a song
To reach the topmost ten.
But lullabies and helpful hymns
We heard time and again.
My mother always had a smile
Though sometimes she was sad;
She practiced many kindly deeds
To make her family glad.
And though she wept when I was wed
She put her thoughts aside
That nothing make a cloud that day
For me, the happy bride.
And when my brother went away
To wear the Navy blue,
We wept, but mother's starry eyes
Were bright as summer dew.
My mother never forced her way,
But down through all the years
Her smile, her deeds and wise advice
Forevermore endears.
***************
Elva's family, as recorded in additions made to the Seneca Solo Potter's 1885 Potter Genealogy by Elva's daughter Pearl and granddaughter Nola:
Jeremy Elmer Potter — Born Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich. Jan. 16, 1851 — Died Dec. 31, 1911 — Married Elva Lisha Haley, Dec. 21, 1871. (Born May 15, 1854, Died May 7, 1929).
Children of Jeremy Elmer and Elva Haley Potter:
Lura Grace — Born in Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1872 — Married Willard
L. Hathavay Dec. 24, 1892. Died April 7, 1957.
Lillian Irene — Born Grafton, Mich., Feb. 17, 1874 — Married 1) Harry Ritter, Sept. 27,1890, 2) Walter L. Bowman March 12, 1893, 3) Albert C. Wilson, July 17, 1920, Died Sept. 19, 1959.
Pearl Edna — Born Holland, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1877 — Died Oct. 30, 1938 — Married 1)Henry Edwin Johnson, Feb. 23, 1894, 2) William Foster Young, July 17, 1922.
Royal Laroy — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1889.
Eva Dawn — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1892 — Married Leon F. Woodward, June 7, 1911.
[Note from Darrell Brown: Lillian's death record in California seems to say Sept. 19, 1950 rather than 1959]
From the Memoirs of Dr. Guy Woodward,
son of Elva's daughter Eva:
Grandma Potter, nee Elva Lisha Haley, was born in South Rockwood, Monroe County, Michigan on May 15,1854. Elmer and Elva were married on December 21, 1869 and made their home on the Potter farm at Newport. This was a rather better than average farm in the region, being productive as well as attractive with a creek meandering along almost through the back yard of the farmhouse. My Aunt Lura was born on the following September 30 [1872] on the farm.
But Elmer was an ambitious dreamer and decided to enter the medical profession. He sold his farm [in 1873] and used the proceeds to support himself and his family while he attended medical school. He left his wife and daughter with Grandma [Mary Ann (Chapman)] Burnap in South Rockwood while he went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about 30 miles away.
During the sojourn with Grandma Burnap, the second Potter daughter, Lillian, was born [Feb 17, 1874]. Upon completion of medical training [in March, 1875], Dr. Potter set up practice in Holland, Ohio where the third daughter, Pearl, was born [Feb 23, 1877]. The family then moved [in Sep, 1882] to Sherwood, Ohio where the first and only son, Royal, was born on December 11, 1889. Three years later [Sep 11, 1892] the last Potter child was born, Eva Dawn, who is my mother. A few years later [Oct 11, 1897] the family moved on to Holgate, Ohio where Dr. Potter operated a drugstore, probably in addition to his medical practice.
For reasons that I have been unable to ascertain --perhaps it was no more than nostalgia --Dr. Potter decided to give up his business and medical practice and return to his old farm in Michigan, which he repurchased [in March, 1899]. He found the farm and its buildings in poor condition and requiring much expensive renovation. Moreover, he now found the farm work too arduous and beyond his strength. He was forced to again sell the farm, this time moving into Carleton [in July, 1904] where he bought a spacious house a block off the main street, providing a commodious home for his family. He opened a small store, selling books, stationery, watches, jewelry, etc., which he operated until he died of a heart attack on December 30, 1911. This was six months after the marriage [on June 7, 1911] of my parents [Eva and Leon Woodward]. The three older sisters had long since been married [1890–1894] and had moved away from Carleton. Royal had become a black sheep and had been disowned and banished from the family. Elmer Potter left his widow in quite comfortable circumstances, and until her death she was able to live well on the income from the estate.
[After Elmer's death Elva's youngest daughter Eva and her husband Leon] returned to Carleton, where they stayed in the house with her. However, when Elva Potter married Moses Cox [June 16, 1915], Leon and Eva with their new baby were no longer needed to keep Elva company, and they lived in rented houses in Carleton until 1917, when they built an "Aladdin House" of their own.
My first recollections of her date from about 1918 at which time she was already remarried to Moses Cox, whom she called "Mody." They lived in a comfortable but conventional house on a small lot in a block of similar houses on Lansing Avenue, near Dix, now known as Vernors Highway, in Detroit. Mody was a retired painter --a quiet man who played the violin and puttered in his backyard garden. He was a man of meager means, and the Potter children, who did not favor their mother's remarriage, suspected that he was mainly interested in Widow Potter's money. Nevertheless, Elva and Mody lived together in tranquility for many years, although there was never any doubt concerning Elva's dominant role in the union.
My Grandma Cox was a bosomy, corseted, straight-laced but pleasant woman much given to overt signs of affection to her grandchildren and to the use of pet names meant to engender endearment. As a child I found these demonstrations of affection distasteful and I tolerated them patiently, but without returning them in kind. Two things made my childhood visits to Grandma's house more palatable --one was the expectation of being given sugar cookies, and the other, even more exciting, was the small Gramophone that reposed on a table in the center of the parlor. After being in the house for a polite length of time I would screw up my courage to ask to hear the Gramophone, and then Grandma would play a few records of music for my entertainment. Because of the pleasure this gave me I referred to Grandma Cox as "Music Grandma" throughout most of my childhood.
Grandma and Moses Cox lived in the Lansing Avenue house until 1928 when she suffered a stroke and was unable to perform her household tasks. Although she recovered her physical and mental functions, a family conference with her daughters found that it was time for her to give up her home and to spend her remaining days in the home of her youngest daughter, my mother. At that time my family was living in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Soon after coming to live with us Grandma Cox supplied the money to purchase our first electric radio --an Atwater Kent with both "A" and "B" battery eliminators, all housed in a walnut cabinet. It was set up in our living room and gave clear reception of all of the major Chicago stations. From that time on we were hooked, and our family schedule was largely organized to fit the times of our favorite programs. We, like millions of other families, hurried to finish supper in time to gather around the set to listen to Amos 'n Andy or Lum 'n Abner.
While the Coxes moving in with us imposed a heavy burden on my parents, the arrangement of the house minimized the inconvenience. The Coxes occupied a first floor bedroom with an adjoining lavatory. Not surprisingly, Moses Cox found living in someone else's home as a guest overly restrictive, for he was still in actively good health. Hence, he spent an appreciable portion of his time in extended visits to the home of Lura Hathaway in Chicago. Lura, the eldest Potter daughter, was the only one with whom Moses ever felt close. Moses became even more discontented with life in our home after my father persuaded Elva to arrange her affairs to distribute her estate according to her wishes while she still had her mental powers. It was her wish that the bulk of her estate go to her daughters, and she set up a trust account to accomplish this. Had this move not been taken at this time, the estate would have gone to Moses Cox and, upon his death, to his family, none of whom were close to him.
Not long after this Elva suffered another stroke, partially paralyzing her and affecting her mind in a hallucinatory manner. After a partial recovery, another stroke left her completely invalided for a period, at the end of which she lapsed into a coma. Her daughters were summoned, and all were at hand when she passed away on May 7, 1929. Her body was taken to Carleton for burial in the family plot. We seldom saw Moses after that. He spent much of his time in Aunt Lura's home in Chicago, for he had lost contact with what little family he had in Detroit.
**************
Excerpts from Elva's letter to her daughters, to be read upon her death:
Detroit, Mich. Nov 9, 16.
This is to my dear children. There are a few things I wish you to know. I might be called away suddenly from you and then it would be too late … I do rejoice and try to live better each day I live. I will be gone when this falls in your hands and it seems "uncanny" to be writing this.
I love all of you. But my boy [Royal] if he knew how much I love him he would not neglect me as he does.
June 1, 21. A few more lines to my dear children. May God bless all of you and may you all live such lives that you can inherit that home God is preparing for the faithful.
I love you. mamma
*********************
My Mom, a childhood memory of Elva
by her daughter Eva Potter Woodward:
Who was it heard my childish cries?
Who soothed my fears and stopped my sighs?
Who dried my tears, then wiped my eyes?
Who made me tiny cakes and pies
And next my dangling shoestring ties?
My Mom.
Who was it heard my youthful dream
And in her eyes a loving gleam
Made all my visions more real seem?
Encouraged me truth to redeem?
Taught me to keep my self esteem?
My Mom.
Whose faith in me did never die?
And on whose trust I could rely
When many ventures I did try
With confidence, which did belie
My doubts, as years rolled swiftly by?
My Mom.
Who was it taught me how to pray,
And how to live the "Jesus" way,
And kindly words to others say?
Be honest as life's game I play.
And be more godly every day?
My Mom.
Who said that we must all employ
A love for tasks we would enjoy?
Who showed her love for girl or boy
And conquered things that did annoy?
Who made our home that place of joy?
My Mom.
***************
A Word Picture of My Mother
by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
Her hair was soft and wavy,
With small tendrils round her face,
She wore two silver sidecombs
To keep some strands in place.
Her eyes were blue and tender,
Clear and steady in their gaze,
And very understanding
Through many troubled days.
Her smile was always cheery,
Much more common than her frown.
Twos sure to make us happy
When burdens had us down.
She wasn't much for playing,
But she helped me in each task,
And gave herself unstinting
In all that I might ask.
With all her friends and neighbors
She shared whate'er she could
Of time or food or service,
In acts both kind and good.
Tho oft I must have grieved her,
She hid her sorrows keen,
And taught that life worth living
Must not be low or mean.
For many years when but a child
I knelt beside her knee,
Repeated there my nightly prayer
That she had taught to me.
She'd share the best she ever had
With me, her youngest child,
Her words of admonition
Were always kind and mild.
She's left my home, but not my heart,
She dwells in Heav'n above,
And often through these days and years
I've missed my mother's love.
*********************
First Place Honors
a tribute by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
My mother never wrote a book
On subjects quite profound,
But words of wisdom she could give
That have proved sane and sound.
My mother never made a speech
Before a cheering throng,
But she knew the words to say
When things were going wrong.
My mother never wrote a song
To reach the topmost ten.
But lullabies and helpful hymns
We heard time and again.
My mother always had a smile
Though sometimes she was sad;
She practiced many kindly deeds
To make her family glad.
And though she wept when I was wed
She put her thoughts aside
That nothing make a cloud that day
For me, the happy bride.
And when my brother went away
To wear the Navy blue,
We wept, but mother's starry eyes
Were bright as summer dew.
My mother never forced her way,
But down through all the years
Her smile, her deeds and wise advice
Forevermore endears.
***************
Elva's family, as recorded in additions made to the Seneca Solo Potter's 1885 Potter Genealogy by Elva's daughter Pearl and granddaughter Nola:
Jeremy Elmer Potter — Born Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich. Jan. 16, 1851 — Died Dec. 31, 1911 — Married Elva Lisha Haley, Dec. 21, 1871. (Born May 15, 1854, Died May 7, 1929).
Children of Jeremy Elmer and Elva Haley Potter:
Lura Grace — Born in Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1872 — Married Willard
L. Hathavay Dec. 24, 1892. Died April 7, 1957.
Lillian Irene — Born Grafton, Mich., Feb. 17, 1874 — Married 1) Harry Ritter, Sept. 27,1890, 2) Walter L. Bowman March 12, 1893, 3) Albert C. Wilson, July 17, 1920, Died Sept. 19, 1959.
Pearl Edna — Born Holland, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1877 — Died Oct. 30, 1938 — Married 1)Henry Edwin Johnson, Feb. 23, 1894, 2) William Foster Young, July 17, 1922.
Royal Laroy — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1889.
Eva Dawn — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1892 — Married Leon F. Woodward, June 7, 1911.
[Note from Darrell Brown: Lillian's death record in California seems to say Sept. 19, 1950 rather than 1959]
son of Elva's daughter Eva:
Grandma Potter, nee Elva Lisha Haley, was born in South Rockwood, Monroe County, Michigan on May 15,1854. Elmer and Elva were married on December 21, 1869 and made their home on the Potter farm at Newport. This was a rather better than average farm in the region, being productive as well as attractive with a creek meandering along almost through the back yard of the farmhouse. My Aunt Lura was born on the following September 30 [1872] on the farm.
But Elmer was an ambitious dreamer and decided to enter the medical profession. He sold his farm [in 1873] and used the proceeds to support himself and his family while he attended medical school. He left his wife and daughter with Grandma [Mary Ann (Chapman)] Burnap in South Rockwood while he went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about 30 miles away.
During the sojourn with Grandma Burnap, the second Potter daughter, Lillian, was born [Feb 17, 1874]. Upon completion of medical training [in March, 1875], Dr. Potter set up practice in Holland, Ohio where the third daughter, Pearl, was born [Feb 23, 1877]. The family then moved [in Sep, 1882] to Sherwood, Ohio where the first and only son, Royal, was born on December 11, 1889. Three years later [Sep 11, 1892] the last Potter child was born, Eva Dawn, who is my mother. A few years later [Oct 11, 1897] the family moved on to Holgate, Ohio where Dr. Potter operated a drugstore, probably in addition to his medical practice.
For reasons that I have been unable to ascertain --perhaps it was no more than nostalgia --Dr. Potter decided to give up his business and medical practice and return to his old farm in Michigan, which he repurchased [in March, 1899]. He found the farm and its buildings in poor condition and requiring much expensive renovation. Moreover, he now found the farm work too arduous and beyond his strength. He was forced to again sell the farm, this time moving into Carleton [in July, 1904] where he bought a spacious house a block off the main street, providing a commodious home for his family. He opened a small store, selling books, stationery, watches, jewelry, etc., which he operated until he died of a heart attack on December 30, 1911. This was six months after the marriage [on June 7, 1911] of my parents [Eva and Leon Woodward]. The three older sisters had long since been married [1890–1894] and had moved away from Carleton. Royal had become a black sheep and had been disowned and banished from the family. Elmer Potter left his widow in quite comfortable circumstances, and until her death she was able to live well on the income from the estate.
[After Elmer's death Elva's youngest daughter Eva and her husband Leon] returned to Carleton, where they stayed in the house with her. However, when Elva Potter married Moses Cox [June 16, 1915], Leon and Eva with their new baby were no longer needed to keep Elva company, and they lived in rented houses in Carleton until 1917, when they built an "Aladdin House" of their own.
My first recollections of her date from about 1918 at which time she was already remarried to Moses Cox, whom she called "Mody." They lived in a comfortable but conventional house on a small lot in a block of similar houses on Lansing Avenue, near Dix, now known as Vernors Highway, in Detroit. Mody was a retired painter --a quiet man who played the violin and puttered in his backyard garden. He was a man of meager means, and the Potter children, who did not favor their mother's remarriage, suspected that he was mainly interested in Widow Potter's money. Nevertheless, Elva and Mody lived together in tranquility for many years, although there was never any doubt concerning Elva's dominant role in the union.
My Grandma Cox was a bosomy, corseted, straight-laced but pleasant woman much given to overt signs of affection to her grandchildren and to the use of pet names meant to engender endearment. As a child I found these demonstrations of affection distasteful and I tolerated them patiently, but without returning them in kind. Two things made my childhood visits to Grandma's house more palatable --one was the expectation of being given sugar cookies, and the other, even more exciting, was the small Gramophone that reposed on a table in the center of the parlor. After being in the house for a polite length of time I would screw up my courage to ask to hear the Gramophone, and then Grandma would play a few records of music for my entertainment. Because of the pleasure this gave me I referred to Grandma Cox as "Music Grandma" throughout most of my childhood.
Grandma and Moses Cox lived in the Lansing Avenue house until 1928 when she suffered a stroke and was unable to perform her household tasks. Although she recovered her physical and mental functions, a family conference with her daughters found that it was time for her to give up her home and to spend her remaining days in the home of her youngest daughter, my mother. At that time my family was living in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Soon after coming to live with us Grandma Cox supplied the money to purchase our first electric radio --an Atwater Kent with both "A" and "B" battery eliminators, all housed in a walnut cabinet. It was set up in our living room and gave clear reception of all of the major Chicago stations. From that time on we were hooked, and our family schedule was largely organized to fit the times of our favorite programs. We, like millions of other families, hurried to finish supper in time to gather around the set to listen to Amos 'n Andy or Lum 'n Abner.
While the Coxes moving in with us imposed a heavy burden on my parents, the arrangement of the house minimized the inconvenience. The Coxes occupied a first floor bedroom with an adjoining lavatory. Not surprisingly, Moses Cox found living in someone else's home as a guest overly restrictive, for he was still in actively good health. Hence, he spent an appreciable portion of his time in extended visits to the home of Lura Hathaway in Chicago. Lura, the eldest Potter daughter, was the only one with whom Moses ever felt close. Moses became even more discontented with life in our home after my father persuaded Elva to arrange her affairs to distribute her estate according to her wishes while she still had her mental powers. It was her wish that the bulk of her estate go to her daughters, and she set up a trust account to accomplish this. Had this move not been taken at this time, the estate would have gone to Moses Cox and, upon his death, to his family, none of whom were close to him.
Not long after this Elva suffered another stroke, partially paralyzing her and affecting her mind in a hallucinatory manner. After a partial recovery, another stroke left her completely invalided for a period, at the end of which she lapsed into a coma. Her daughters were summoned, and all were at hand when she passed away on May 7, 1929. Her body was taken to Carleton for burial in the family plot. We seldom saw Moses after that. He spent much of his time in Aunt Lura's home in Chicago, for he had lost contact with what little family he had in Detroit.
**************
Excerpts from Elva's letter to her daughters, to be read upon her death:
Detroit, Mich. Nov 9, 16.
This is to my dear children. There are a few things I wish you to know. I might be called away suddenly from you and then it would be too late … I do rejoice and try to live better each day I live. I will be gone when this falls in your hands and it seems "uncanny" to be writing this.
I love all of you. But my boy [Royal] if he knew how much I love him he would not neglect me as he does.
June 1, 21. A few more lines to my dear children. May God bless all of you and may you all live such lives that you can inherit that home God is preparing for the faithful.
I love you. mamma
*********************
My Mom, a childhood memory of Elva
by her daughter Eva Potter Woodward:
Who was it heard my childish cries?
Who soothed my fears and stopped my sighs?
Who dried my tears, then wiped my eyes?
Who made me tiny cakes and pies
And next my dangling shoestring ties?
My Mom.
Who was it heard my youthful dream
And in her eyes a loving gleam
Made all my visions more real seem?
Encouraged me truth to redeem?
Taught me to keep my self esteem?
My Mom.
Whose faith in me did never die?
And on whose trust I could rely
When many ventures I did try
With confidence, which did belie
My doubts, as years rolled swiftly by?
My Mom.
Who was it taught me how to pray,
And how to live the "Jesus" way,
And kindly words to others say?
Be honest as life's game I play.
And be more godly every day?
My Mom.
Who said that we must all employ
A love for tasks we would enjoy?
Who showed her love for girl or boy
And conquered things that did annoy?
Who made our home that place of joy?
My Mom.
***************
A Word Picture of My Mother
by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
Her hair was soft and wavy,
With small tendrils round her face,
She wore two silver sidecombs
To keep some strands in place.
Her eyes were blue and tender,
Clear and steady in their gaze,
And very understanding
Through many troubled days.
Her smile was always cheery,
Much more common than her frown.
Twos sure to make us happy
When burdens had us down.
She wasn't much for playing,
But she helped me in each task,
And gave herself unstinting
In all that I might ask.
With all her friends and neighbors
She shared whate'er she could
Of time or food or service,
In acts both kind and good.
Tho oft I must have grieved her,
She hid her sorrows keen,
And taught that life worth living
Must not be low or mean.
For many years when but a child
I knelt beside her knee,
Repeated there my nightly prayer
That she had taught to me.
She'd share the best she ever had
With me, her youngest child,
Her words of admonition
Were always kind and mild.
She's left my home, but not my heart,
She dwells in Heav'n above,
And often through these days and years
I've missed my mother's love.
*********************
First Place Honors
a tribute by Elva's daughter Eva Woodward:
My mother never wrote a book
On subjects quite profound,
But words of wisdom she could give
That have proved sane and sound.
My mother never made a speech
Before a cheering throng,
But she knew the words to say
When things were going wrong.
My mother never wrote a song
To reach the topmost ten.
But lullabies and helpful hymns
We heard time and again.
My mother always had a smile
Though sometimes she was sad;
She practiced many kindly deeds
To make her family glad.
And though she wept when I was wed
She put her thoughts aside
That nothing make a cloud that day
For me, the happy bride.
And when my brother went away
To wear the Navy blue,
We wept, but mother's starry eyes
Were bright as summer dew.
My mother never forced her way,
But down through all the years
Her smile, her deeds and wise advice
Forevermore endears.
***************
Elva's family, as recorded in additions made to the Seneca Solo Potter's 1885 Potter Genealogy by Elva's daughter Pearl and granddaughter Nola:
Jeremy Elmer Potter — Born Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich. Jan. 16, 1851 — Died Dec. 31, 1911 — Married Elva Lisha Haley, Dec. 21, 1871. (Born May 15, 1854, Died May 7, 1929).
Children of Jeremy Elmer and Elva Haley Potter:
Lura Grace — Born in Ash Township, Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1872 — Married Willard
L. Hathavay Dec. 24, 1892. Died April 7, 1957.
Lillian Irene — Born Grafton, Mich., Feb. 17, 1874 — Married 1) Harry Ritter, Sept. 27,1890, 2) Walter L. Bowman March 12, 1893, 3) Albert C. Wilson, July 17, 1920, Died Sept. 19, 1959.
Pearl Edna — Born Holland, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1877 — Died Oct. 30, 1938 — Married 1)Henry Edwin Johnson, Feb. 23, 1894, 2) William Foster Young, July 17, 1922.
Royal Laroy — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1889.
Eva Dawn — Born Sherwood, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1892 — Married Leon F. Woodward, June 7, 1911.
[Note from Darrell Brown: Lillian's death record in California seems to say Sept. 19, 1950 rather than 1959]
