Petersburg Observer, June 3, 1927, Page 1

Dead: Funeral Services Sunday

"Edward Potter, better known as "Uncle" Ned, a veteran of the Civil War and a life long resident of Menard County, died at Springfield Hospital Friday May 27 after an illness of several months, at the age of 83 years.

Mr. Potter was born August 24, 1844 in Menard County, the son of John and Casander (Elmore) Potter. He grew up in this country and when seventeen years old, enlisted in Company E, 14th Illinois Infantry. He served through the Civil War and was captured by the southern army and was held a prisoner in Andersonville for some time.

At the close of the war, he returned to Menard County and was married to Miss Martha J. McHenry. To this union were born eight children of whom two preceded him in death, leaving the following surviving: Scott, of Petersburg; Thomas, of Kansas; Harry, of Wisconsin; John, of Chicago; Mrs. Florence Dunnaven, of Dixon; and Mrs. Sarah Hall of Seattle, Washington. Mr. Potter is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Eliza Pratt of this county, two brothers, and a number of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Potter preceded him in death a number of years.

"Uncle Ned" had many friends: he had rigid ideas as to humor and loyalty to his friends and was possessed of a great deal of charity toward the frailties of others. He lived a long life in Menard County and will be missed by a large circle of friends.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon May 29 at 2:30 from the First Baptist Church in this city, conducted by W.M. Groves and the remains were interred with military honors in Oakland Cemetery, Kirby Watkins Post No. 198 American Legion having charge of the burial service."

Springfield Illinois State Journal, 28 May 1927, page 5.

Special to the State Journal:
Petersburg May 27--Edward "Ned" Potter, died Friday morning at Springfield Hospital at the age of 83 years. Funeral services will be held Sunday at the First Baptist Church, Rev. William Graves, Officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. The surviving are four sons and two daughters, Scott of this city, Thomas of Kansas, Harry of Missouri, John of Chicago, Mrs. Florence Dunaver of Dixon, Mrs. Stella Hall of Seattle, Wash., two brothers and one sister. His wife preceded him in death forty years ago.

Decedent was a Civil War Veteran and an interesting story is connected with him,. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh and was sent home on a three months furlough. An Army surgeon in this city examined him and pronounced him unfit for military service.

While he was home on this furlough he was reported as a deserter and he was arrested as such. He was unable to get in touch with the officers who had granted him the furlough so he was taken to the United States Prison with ball and chain. Months later a friend of Mr. Potter's appealed to Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and told him the facts. Lincoln immediately pardoned Mr. Potter.

At once he re-enlisted in the Union Army. After five weeks of service he was surrounded in "No Man's Land" by a band of rebels. He with his squad were made prisoners and taken to the Andersonville Prison.

Contributed by: Mike Keller.