Born at West Hallam, Derbyshire on 7 January 1799, to John and Mary Potter, he went to Risley grammar school, and later to the grammar school at Wirksworth.
He was born at West Hallam to John and Mary Potter. He went to Risley grammar school, and later to the grammar school at Wirksworth. West Hallam was Derbyshire on 7 January 1799.