John Albert Potter 
John Albert Potter
8th Michigan Company "G"
Volunteer Infantry
John Albert Potter was born in 1818 in Cuyahuga County, New York. He married Charlotte E. Hart at Warren, Cuyahuga County, New York on August 22, 1841. They moved to Gaines, Michigan in 1851. They became the parents of five children: Mary E. born 1850; John C. born 1852; Ada Catherine (my great-grandmother) born 1855; Lucy J. born 1860; and Marcus D. born July 20, 1863. At the age of 43, John enlisted in the Union Army August 20, 1861 and the family story goes that Charlotte wanted him to stay home and take care of his family so she paid someone else to go in his place. He rejoined under the name of "Joshua" and was a Private in the 8th Michigan Company "G" Volunteer Infantry. He was examined on July 28, 1862 and discharged due to "Pulmunatis and chronic bronchitis - is old and unfit for the service." He was discharged August 20, 1862 at fort Monweka by Major General D.T. Van Buren. He re-enlisted December 10, 1863 in Co. "H", 1st Michigan Eng. & Mchs. After serving less than two months he died at a Regimental Hospital in South Carolina on January 31, 1864 of pneumonia. Charlotte drew a widow's pension of $8/month for a short time prior to her death October 17, 1900.
John Albert Potter was Great-Great-Grandfather of
Joan Grimes Nash
8th Michigan Infantry Web page
Flag photos courtesy of Peter Glendinning