“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  Western 
Historical Company.   1879.


MATTHEW POTTER, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Farmington; born May 24, 1811, in 
Ulster Co., N.Y.; was educated there; in 1836, moved to Dutchess Co., and remained 
there till June, 1844, when he came to Wisconsin and settled in Farmington 
Township, Jefferson Co., and squatted on 160 acres of land, which he afterward 
bought at the sales of canal lands; built the second log house in this section, and that 
year helped raise the first frame barn in the township on Mr. Rose’s place, now Mr. 
Livingstown’s; at that time there was only one road through the township running 
north and south; had to clear the land; went to Milwaukee to buy implements; had to 
haul grain to Milwaukee with oxen, and sold it at 60 cents per bushel; it was a four-
days’ journey; the nearest grist-mill was four miles away.  Mr. Potter built his barn in 
1844; he still owns 120 acres of the original purchase.  Married Miss Emeline 
Mackey, of Ulster Co., N.Y., in January, 1834; had four children – William, Ferman, 
Matthew and Robert (deceased).  Mr. P. was Supervisor two terms; Treasurer of 
Schools twelve years; Director several years; member of Concord Grange.  William 
enlisted in the 16th W.V.I. in 1862, and served until the end of the war.



Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)