POTTS, Joseph Hyde (1793-1865)

Joseph Hyde POTTS was born 1793 and arrived in the colony in 1816 on the Elizabeth. When The Bank of New South Wales opened in1817 he was one of the first employees. He started his banking career as a porter and servant and received 25 pounds and rations per year. He advanced to accountant and eventually to Secretary of the Bank of NSW, now known as Westpac.

Joseph was in the service of the Bank of New South Wales for a period of 25 years from its establishment and by his uniting zeal, fidelity, ability, attained a position of great responsibility and influence.

In 1834 he married Emma BATES, who died in 1901, and together they had 5 children, 3 of whom are named on this stone. There was also Francis Hyde born 1839 and Josephine born 1843.

By 1830 Joseph had acquired 64 acres on what was known as Paddy’s Point and Woolloomooloo Hill and surrounding areas. Potts Point is located on a large portion of POTTS original land. Also part of Rookwood cemetery is situated on some of the land owned by J.H. POTTS.

The 3 children listed on the headstone are:

Joseph Charles – died 9th November 1838

Harriet Maria Sheba – died 5th December 1838

Tremayne Hyde – died 24th October 1860

Sources: Sources: Wikipedia, National Library of Australia – Trove, Botany Pioneer Memorial Park headstone transcription