The Potts / Carr Book
The contents of this book were written by Jabez Jagger Potts.
It was set up on the linotype by Harold George Wilson Potts, and printed by Jabez Jagger Potts and his two sons, Geoffrey Jagger and Athol Jabez.
The willingness of the younger generation in supplying information of their families is greatly appreciated. All members of the family were most courteous and happy to help wherever possible. We thank Lorna Kneale (Potts) for her assistance in research, and all those who supplied photographs for printing in the book.
It would be well to emphasise that our predecessors lived in an age of spiritual renaissance. The influence of John Wesley still pervaded the world, while the modern approach to Christianity as lived and preached by General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army, was imbibed by millions of his followers. Then there were such world-wide preachers as Talmadge and Spurgeon, whose words entered the souls of the people, and gave them a faith which they applied to their own lives.
There was no conditioning of the mind by radio or television. The people listened in person to great teachers and speakers, and framed their lives on their teaching.
People read the books they wanted to read, and this also was a light unto their minds and a guide unto their feet.
The 19th century and first decade of the 20th century, belonged to a people who had a firm belief in God and a simple faith that upheld them under all conditions of life. It was an age of truth and simplicity, devoid of scientific knowledge with its consequent complications, which unfortunately are used to create wars and rumours of wars, and keep the people in a constant state of agitation, fear and distrust.
When you read about the lives of your ancestors, remember the era in which they lived, which was totally different to the world we know and in which we have our being. You can look back to your family tree with pride and justification in the fact that they were all God fearing folk, who lived a life of service and simplicity.
May God bless you all.
J. J. POTTS, M.B.E., J.P.