HEZEKIAH POTTER.
Lieut. Hezekiah Potter, son of Christy and Lucius (Smith) Potter, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., on the 1st day of July, 1834. His parents subsequently removed to Providence, R. I., where he received his education in the public schools of that city.
Previous to the War for the Union he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business, first with his brother in the city of Syracuse, N. Y., and afterwards managed the same business for A. & W. Sprague with marked success for about five years. He was subsequently connected with William Sheldon in the same capacity.
In August, 1862, he was enrolled as private in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He was afterwards promoted to the rank of quartermaster-sergeant in this battery March 28, 1864. On the 21st of October, 1864, he received a commission as second lieutenant, and was assigned to Battery E. He was mustered into the battery on the same day of his arrival, Nov. 11, 1864. Although a man of few words he won the respect and esteem of all the members of the battery. He was cool and self-possessed under fire, and was always found reliable in every position he was placed. He participated with the battery in the almost daily conflicts with the enemy in the intrenchments before Petersburg, and was present at the final and successful assaults on the enemy’s lines, April 2, 1865. He was mustered out of service June 4, 1865.
First Sergt. John P. Campbell.
After the close of the war he was employed for several years with Hubbard & Aldrich, wholesale grocers, in Providence, R. I. He has since been employed in various kinds of business.