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
Joseph Hyde Potts Memorial headstone in Devonshire Street Cemetery. Image courtesy of Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.
Joseph Hyde POTTS Headstone Inscription
In memory of Joseph Charles Tremayne only son of Joseph Hyde Potts of the Bank of New South Wales who resigned his spirit on 9th day of November 1838 aged 3 years 5 months & 9 days
Also Harriet Mary Sheba only daughter of Joseph Hyde Potts and sister of the above who ceased to breathe on 5th December 1838 aged 1 year 2 months 15 days.
“Let us not murmur at the dispensations
Oh Heavenly Father, Thine were but lives
Let us return them to Thee
With cheerfulness in perfect submissions to thy blessed will”
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Also of Mrs Mary Anne Bates grandmother of the above, who departed this life 10th June 1860 in the 73 year of her age
She died in faith.
And her life was one
Act of devotion to those she loved
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Also of Tremayne Hyde Potts
The beloved son of Joseph & Emma Potts
Grandson of the above
Who departed this life 24th October 1860 aged 19 years
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And of Joseph Hyde Potts who departed this life
26th September 1865. Aged 72 years
Sources: Sources: Wikipedia, National Library of Australia – Trove, Botany Pioneer Memorial Park headstone transcription