A. E. Potter & Theresa Drexler wedding photo August 8, 1911

Left to Right: Mary Bauer (Mrs. Louis Mauritz), Louis Mauritz, Alfred Potter (groom), Theresa Drexler (bride), Anton Pable, Charlotte Heinzl (Mrs. Frank Regal) (Note: Priest who performed the ceremony was Rev. Wibbert, the same priest who arranged for my grandfather to be placed in the Jarosch home in Oshkosh after riding the orphan train from New York in 1894.)

Letter from Rev. Wibbert to Foundling Asylum March 24, 1909

Here is a copy of a letter from Rev. Wibbert at St. Vincent's in Oshkosh to Sister Vincent at the New york Foundling Asylum. My grandfather's foster father had died ten days before and my grandfather now wanted his baptismal record so that he could revert to his original name. the number 21087 is his case number.

Grandpa's baptismal record

Here's Grandpa's baptismal record. Even though it states that he was baptized at St. Vincent Ferrer's Catholic church, he was probably baptized in the chapel at the New York Foundling Asylum like many of the other orphans, This also proves that by the time he was three weeks old, he was already at the Foundling Asylum. The photo is Rev. Sheehan from Google books The Catholic Church in the United States of America, Vol. 3 Plimpton Press (c) 1914  pg 372.

New York Foundling Asylum Certificate of Indenture August 20, 1894

I've been meaning to post my grandfather's certificate of indenture from the New York Foundling Asylum, dated August 20, 1894. It shows that his birth name was Alfred Potter and is signed by the founder of the foundling home, Sister Irene. I've been told by a few orphan train authorities that none of them have ever seen a certificate signed by her.

    

A E Potter's Orphan Train Itinerary from The Orphan Train Project

A photo of Grandpa Potter and his stepbrothers

Anton Holzbauer Jr., Alfred Potter, Albert Holzbauer

Diary of Alfred E. Potter September, 1957

01.  Sunday: [TG] To 7³⁰ Low Mass - Father Schorn. Instead of Sermon he reads a letter from the Bishops of Wisconsin to the laity in regard to the census of Catholics to be taken shortly. Don and family are in for a short visit; we all take a drive to the cottage in my car. This is Don's day to be at the store. Mother and Mary Ann spend the evening at the Sisters playing Canasta. They both win a prize of beautiful hankies. It takes the Sisters to do lovely fancy work. I spend the evening cleaning drawers in the bathroom. To the cottage at 10.00 P.M.

Com.  Father John Nuernberg

02.  Monday: Up at 8³⁰ AM.  We learn that the Oshkosh Power Boat Club burnt to the ground last night.  The frame building was about 50 years old.  Don and family out before 10 this morning.  We immediately begin work on our shore line, kept busy most of the day, and accomplished quite a bit.  Don, did the heavy work and I to the lighter raking, and seeding.  Kathy Mueller begins nurses training at Mercy School.

03.  Tuesday: [Little Donnie begin school today.] Public Schools open today. Donnie starts kindergarten at Smith School. We have a number of showers during the day. At Kiwanis Club Lloyd Buehler is our speaker. He spoke about his trip to Europe. I also met Dr. Stone, Oshkosh's newest surgeon. Received a package from Elmont Stamp Company today.

04.  Wednesday: Had Fire Inspection at our house today.  Three men from Company Four were here.  We get a clean bill.  Report signed by “Frances A Salzer.” Have a card from New Subiaco Abbey Community that Father Paul M Natlen passed to his eternal reward August 31. R.I.P.

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06.  Friday: I’m up at 6:00 AM.  Late for Mass but in time for Holy Communion.

Com.  Abbott Paul A Natlen

07.  Saturday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Milbauer.  Temperature 52° at 6.30 A.M.

Com.  Vocations Serra

08.  Sunday: To 7¹⁵ Hi Mass, the first after vacation.  Father Milbauer.  Holy Name Sunday, a fairly good attendance about 100.  Worked this morning.  This afternoon Bill Mauritz – Ray Ostertag and family is to the cottage to spend the day.  Don and family are out also.  Bill and Ray trim trees and how they needed it, there be a good sized truckload of branches to haul away.  They also took down the old “Bird House” which harbored many “Martins” in its day, it was in bad shape and no more “Martins” around. 

Com.  Honor Nativity Blessed Virgin

09.  Monday: To 6⁴⁵ Mass Father Milbauer.  Had Norm Brown over this noon, and mother serves a special treat, T.  Bone Steaks and are they delicious.  Norm brings a package of frog legs. 

Com.  Immaculate Heart of Mary

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1957 09 11-12 Found between pages

11. Wednesday: [R  Rt. Rev. Paul Natlen] The day of rain finally got here, it is very welcome, the weatherman has been announcing rain to come for several days.  This is also the day for Thres’ Bingo Party at the cottage.  Took Thres –Mary Mauritz –Annie Heip – Loretta Hill – Mary Paulick out this morning.

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