My Genealogy Hound

M. B. Pote, postmaster of New Harmony, is a native son of Posey county, born in New Harmony July 28, 1844. He is a son of Thomas and Maria Pote, both natives of England, and early settlers in Posey county, and spent the latter part of their lives in New Harmony. The subject of this review spent his boyhood days in New Harmony, where he attended the public schools during the winter terms. He was just growing into manhood when the Civil war came on, and July 28, 1862, which was his eighteenth birthday, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-first Indiana infantry. He was in Sherman’s march, including the campaign in pursuit of Hood, then back to Clifton, Tenn. Then, they were ordered to Cincinnati, and from there to Washington, then to Wilmington, Cape Fear, Raleigh, and he was mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., July 7, 1865, which gave him an active and honorable military career of three years, lacking twenty days. He served as orderly on General McClain’s staff for a time. At the close of the war Mr. Pote returned to New Harmony and was engaged in farming until July 1, 1897, when he was appointed postmaster of New Harmony, having served in that capacity to the present time. Mr. Pote has given general satisfaction in the conduct of the office. He was united in marriage, May 6, 1866, to Miss Mary, daughter of Luther Schnee, a Posey county pioneer. To Mr. and Mrs. Pote have been born five children: Carrie married J. W. Bailey, New Harmony; Anna resides at home; Ray married F. J. Hortsman, Chicago; Sara married Alva J. Ragon, Evansville; and Geraldine is a teacher of art and music in the New Harmony public schools. Mr. Pote has a fine farm of 160 acres just east of town. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Episcopal church, and is a Republican.