Robert B. Pottinger 1869-1946

Dennis Tully: I came across this pamphlet in a box of “stuff” I have collected over the past many decades. It may – or may not – be of interest to Racine history buffs. Published by the Racine Salvation Army as a tribute to one of their officers – Robert Pottinger – who ran Pottinger Steel on Junction Ave in the Uptown area. Some history facts along with some photos some visitors here may like.

Robert Baikie Pottinger was a young man twenty-one years of age when he came to Racine, Wisconsin, March, 1891. Born in Orkney Island, Scotland. Parish of Tankerness, August 1, 1869. The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pottinger. A convert to The Salvation Army in 1886, at the Kirkwall Citadel Corps (Scotland). When converted, the Corps was under the command of Captain Grayson and Lieutenant Fisk. The Divisional Commander was Staff Captain Jacobs who later became an International Secretary and Officer in charge of the Salvation Army's work in France. Later, when the Kirkwall Corps was under Captain and Mrs. E. H. Rose, joined the Army Colours, April 29, 1892. (Mrs. Pottinger, Promoted to Glory, October 28, 1926.) Robert Pottinger was first enrolled as a Soldier of the Racine Corps in January, 1897, by Captain Simms, who with her sister were Corps Cadets, were the first Salvationists to enter Racine. In 1894, he was enrolled as a Local Officer, Sergeant-Major, and served the Corps consistently for years, in this important capacity, except for two one-year terms, early in his career. (Editor could not secure first name of individuals mentioned.) In 1898, during the conflicting catastrophe, in the Organization, known as the "Split," the Corps Treasurer here urged young Pottinger join the "Split" with an invitation: "You had better come over with us."
"with us because in six weeks there will be no Salvation Army in Racine and in six months there will be none in the country," to which he replied: "As long as I am in Racine and America, there will be a Salvation Army." With a further evidence of his loyalty, he then wrote Commissioner Evangeline Booth, "Stated in Canada: Who came forthwith, with an American officer, to Racine, and after a searching investigation, she was acquitted by the appointment in Corps, her integrity and loyalty to the Army having been fully demonstrated. (His devoted Service to God and the Army has long ago confirmed the true reality of this fact.) "unfortunate calamity and controversy, in the true reality of this fact, and in the Army has long ago confirmed the true reality of this fact.) I, "My hope and security were found in these challenging days to both my Wife and I, said Pottinger, "were in the Promises of God." Particularly, Psalms 91:1-2. "He that dwelleth in the Secret Place of the Most High shall abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. "In my declining years, and as I look back, this promise has been fulfilled many times over." At the time of his enrollment as a Soldier in the Organization, the Corps was located at Fourth and Wisconsin Streets, where the Journal-Times is now established, later at Main and Sixth Streets, where the Majestic Drug Company is now operating. There have been some twelve locations of the Corps, including the New Temple Building at 917 Center Avenue, since The Salvation Army "Opened Fire" in this City. Pottinger learned his trade in Scotland. He arrived in Racine two years after his father and was employed immediately by the old J. J. Case Plow Works. Fifty-two years ago he started his own business, known as "Horse Shoeing and General Blacksmithing." This was one of the largest in the city, and was located where the Case Company blacksmith shop now is, 1000 Steel Production. The Pottinger union was graced with four children, all Salvationists, three of whom hold important local positions in the Corps: Robert G. Junior, the Bandmaster; Elizabeth (Prentice), Pianist and Home League Secretary; and George, Guard and Chorister Leader. Russell and his family attend meetings at the Corps. Chris Prentice, a son-in-law, is Scout Commissioner, and Scoutmaster of the Army Troop No. 56. He is actively engaged in all of the Young People's Departments of the Corps. The fifteen Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren are included in the respective branches of the Army membership." There have been one hundred eighteen Commanding Officers and Assistants of the Corps during the career of Sergeant Major Pottinger, to all he had given full support and loyalty as an Ideal Local Officer. His glowing spirit and pleasing personality had won him many friends. Commissioner J. J. Allan, Territorial Commander for the Central States Territory, conferred upon him the Honorary Title of Corps-Sergeant Major Emeritus. This event was in conjunction with the Mortgage Burning and Mortgage Burning held on December 3, 1943. Lt. Colonel William H. Fox, Divisional Commander for Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division, presided at all meetings of this Memorable occasion in December 1943. He, with others, that spoke, honored Sergeant Major Pottinger's retiring from the many accomplishments achieved by the outstanding Local Officer. His acquaintances with the Sergeants back to the coming of Lt. Colonel Fox, to the Central States from the Eastern Territory and before his appointment to this Division when privileged to interview Mr. Pottinger, to secure material to write a brief history of his life, which was printed in a pamphlet under the
Caption, "Fifty-Seven Years God's Soldier." These pamphlets were distributed on that fine occasion in December 1943, when he was given the distinction and honor of Corps Sergeant Major Emeritus. He remained actively engaged in his Corps duties until his Promotion To Glory. Words are inadequate to describe the inspiration and Spiritual influence that was so challenging and called for reconsecration of one's life to the Service of the Master, which was so enthusiastically reflected during the interview of this Saintly old Soldier of the Cross. This experience will long be revered in the Sacred Memory of my dear friend, and Chief Local Officer. It is beyond the capacity of my slightest comprehension that I am to write a few concluding paragraphs, which terminates the career of Sergeant Major Pottinger. On Monday, February 25, 1946, the City of Racine was shocked with the sudden passing of Corps Sergeant Major Emeritus Robert B. Pottinger. He was working at the anvil in his Steel Plant, completing some work, and was writing down a record about five minutes to twelve, noon, when his Promotion To Glory came resulting from a stroke. He was visiting in the home of Brother and Sister Fred Hall when the message was relayed to me. On the day before (Sunday) the Sergeant Major was active as usual in the Corps, and especially, in the Sunday Night Meeting, a sing-spiration was conducted when numerous old time choruses and songs were sung. Several of these were lead by him. When were review the choruses and songs selected, everyone had had a definite reference to "HEAVEN", and particularly, the opening song, number 661, in the Congregational song book, "PRAISE THE LORD IT WON'T BE LONG". The Funeral Service was conducted by the Chief Secretary, Colonel A. E. Chesham, in the Racine Temple Corps Building at 2:00 P. M., Thursday afternoon, February 28. Many Salvation Army Officers, Soldiers, Friends, Industrialists and people from all walks of life were represented at the Funeral. The Piano Prelude was played at the funeral service by Major Douglas E. Norris, Divisional Secretary. Major Cecil E. Metz, Corps Officer, presided. The Racine Temple Band augmented by Guest Officers and Bandsmen took their place on the platform. The Band played the Hymn Tune, "COME YE DISCONSOLATE", while the curtains were opened on the platform where the band was seated and a large display of Floral Tributes were in the background. The opening song with Congregational singing, the one selected by the Sergeant Major in opening the Service on the previous Sunday night, and the last song led by him. The prayer was by Major Rebecca Preston. Scripture Reading selected by the Family, was read by the Corps Officer, and the Obituary was read by Major Douglas E. Norris, Divisional Secretary. Messages of Condolence were read by Brigadier C. A. McClellan of Springfield, Illinois, former Corps Officer of Racine. Among the many messages received, those read were from Commissioner John J. Allan, Dr. Anna Heinn and the Klondike Steel Corporation, of which Mrs. James B. Cook and Mr. E. A. Uhl were operators, Vocal Solo, "MY BEAUTIFUL HOME" by Major Corrowell. The Madison, Wisconsin, Corps, Tribute by the Corps Officer, basing his theme on "NO FAULT IN THIS MAN," honoring the Sergeant Major as a good father, business man and devoted Christian.
The address by the Chief Secretary, paid a high Tribute to the many years of service to GOD and the ARMY given by the Sergeant Major, and presenting a challenging message to the people basing his theme on "Hope." Concluding the Memorial Service. The Internment was in the Mound Cemetery. The Sergeant Major was laid to rest beside his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Pottinger, who was an outstanding Local Worker in the Racine Corps, and preceded him in the Promotion To Glory twenty years. An appropriate message in song was read by the Corps Officer preceding the Committal, and the Chief Secretary closed the Service in prayer. Everyone stood at attention while TAPS were played by Captain John Putnam of the Milwaukee West Corps. Some two hundred and fifty Officers and Friends returned to the Temple Building where it was arranged for these people to meet the members of the Pottinger Family. On Sunday night a very impressive Memorial Service was held. The speakers on this occasion were Brother Olav Skaland, an old friend and employee of the Sergeant Major. Mrs. Fred Hall, Deputy Bandmaster John Thomson and Mrs. Major Cecil E. Metz spoke representing the comrades of the Corps. Mrs. Fred Nelson, an old friend and one of the first Converts and Soldiers of the Racine Corps, spoke of the early days, referring to the time when Corps Sergeant Major was converted in the United States. Mrs. Ida Hansen, known one time as Captain Ida Hansen, Corps Assistant, spoke paying tribute to her Officers and the many years of service to the Corps. Mrs. Thomas Williamson of Kenosha, wife of the Corps Officer, spoke of the work of the Sergeant Major and the complimentary and early days of his work as Local Officer. Mrs. Thomas Williamson, the Corps Officer, presented an appropriate message. A solo, "CHRIST OF THE HUMAN ROAD" was sung by Adjutant Rebecca Preston, Chief Secretary. The meeting was opened in prayer by Bandmaster Floyd Wight of the Racine Corps. It was conservatively estimated that the Floral Tribute exceeded a cost of one thousand dollars. The work and service of a mighty man of GOD and the Tribute paid to him at the Funeral and Memorial Services will live long in the memory and hearts of everyone of his many Comrades and Friends. At the Annual Meeting of the Manufacturers Association, Monday night, February 25, 1946, Mr. M. E. Erskine, President of the Racine Tool & Machine Company, read before the Association a resolution paying high Tribute to Sergeant Major Emeritus R. B. Pottinger as a Citizen and Industrialist, which was unanimously accepted. It will be recorded in the records of the Association. A similar resolution was presented by the Uptown Businessmen's Association of which he was a member. Sergeant Major Pottinger was a devoted Christian, enthusiastic Salvationist, outstanding Citizen and was well known in Salvation Army circles in the United States, Canada and Scotland. In his profession as a Steel Operator, he was well known among the Industrialists, and traveled extensively. He was anticipating a three months' Itinerary, sometime in May and had arranged to be absent from May to September 26, to visit the American Immigration Department, Chicago, Illinois, to consummate passport arrangements and to secure passage to the Old Land. Edited by: MAJOR CECIL E. METZ,March 28, 1946.
ROBERT AND GEORGE POTTINGER AND CHARLES TREICHEL 40 Years Continuous Fellowship and Employment, Photographed 1939 PAGE, POTTINGER, HALL Photographed Night Before Promotion to Glory
The R. B. Pottinger Steel Works building still exists in Junction Avenue.
Here is the Elizabeth and Robert B. Pottinger headstone in Mound Cemetery.