TITRE: "FRANÇAIS : POTTER FAMILIES 1919-2050 <PARTIE>"

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Armand de Potter
by relatives Yvonne & Denis de Potter
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One day, in the context of the above research on Louis de Potter,
prof. Marijcke Schillings contacted us. She is a Dutch expert in the
History of arts in the 18th Century, author of a book about the
companion of Louis de Potter in Italy, Matilde Malenchini-Meoni.
She brought us in contact with Yvonne de Potter said d’Elseghem
(94) in New-York. When I called, she said that she was a daughter of
Victor Armand de Potter, married to the daughter of Belgian General
van den Hende, working in the circles of Lafayette (friend of Louis)
and Napoleon III. Yvonne was the grand-daughter of Pierre Armand
de Potter, son of Victor, senior businessman and teacher in Boston,
organizing “grand tours” for VIP’s in Europe’s most beautiful castles.
She then showed me their family logbook and books published in
New-York by revolution hero Louis, with comments in the margins
written by the hand of Louis, whose handwriting I compared to my
own samples and did recognize.
The conservative man shows the way out to a
“natural child”. Not the family de Potter.
When I received her letter, with by the book she edited for her
daughter, Joanna Scott, I cried like a child who had finally found “a
truth” about the hidden history of Louis de Potter and his said natural
son, a Belgian -Parisian personality, Victor Louis Armand! The
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natural kid would have been conceived very near to the castle of
Reine de Potter d’Indoye in Elseghem. Coïncidence, Reine belonged
to the blue-branch and was the daughter in law of Mr. de Bay, high
representative of empress Margueritte of Austria in Ghent, the one
who enrolled both branches during the same timeframe into the
Belgian nobility. She had married knight de Ghellinck d’Elseghem.
My tears of emotions
In those days, as scholar of the nearby castle of Kerckhove, Louis de
Potter had the privilege to consult the world famous library of the
castle of Elseghem, with numerous renowned manuscripts, ancient
and sometimes secret books. His alleged natural son Armand would
also incidentally have been buried in... Melle where the castle the
(blue) Potter d’Indoye is situated too! Small world...
Castle of Elseghem where Reine de Potter (d’Indoye) lived
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Not a lot is known about Victor Armand Louis de Potter except that
he was a wealthy businessman from the textile industry of
Audenaerde, owning two great properties in Cannes and Paris where
he was connected to afore mentioned personalities. Here are the
documents received from Yvonne de Potter’s daughter, professor
Joanna Scott, of the University of Rochester, from the Metropolitan
Arts Museum in New-York (where there is a “Room of ancient
Egyptian Arts donated by P.A.L. de Potter”), from the University of
Boston (where P.A.L. de Potter was teaching) and from Yvonne de
Potter d’Elseghem herself. These evidences documented Joanna’s
book (25.000 copies) re. the life of their audacious relative.
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Obituary and grave of the hon. Armand de Potter said
d’Elseghem alleged son of first Belgian parliament leader
Louis de Potter de Drogenwalle (Bruges – Brussels)
Like his alleged grandfather and his alleged father, Pierre Louis
Armand de Potter was quite a personality, as shown on this painting

which hangs in the living room of Yvonne de Potter (before heritage
to her son). This portrait hangs next to the painting of the wife of
Louis de Potter (see above chapter related to the family of Louis)
made by the son of Louis, Eleuthère!
Can you imagine that even an official engraved medal was made to
support his promotion efforts as “V.I.P.’s Tour Operator”. Today,
this masterpiece is displayed in the famous Museum of the Pantheon
in Paris, one of the most famous French arts centers! What is written
on the picture below are the exact words of dear Yvonne de Potter.
Extract of Armand’s VIP’s Grand Tours marketing
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Having published these evidences on Facebook, I was then
connected to Denis de Potter, a Gendarme (police) living in Lille,
who showed me official archives from the Municipalities of
Audenaerde, Elsegem, Lille and Brussels. He had evidences of his
filiation to the very Armand de Potter as well…!
This ancestor, was a natural child (as well) named “Platteau”, family
of the (Belgian) inventor of the first “motion pictures”. The ADNtest
will verified this link with Denis and Yvonne to Louis de Potter.
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There was also this publication by the Government of Belgium in
1832 (Louis de Potter’s colleagues running it!) with special
authorization for his family to bear the name “de Potter” again,
instead of his mother’s name…
« N° 877. — Arrêté qui autorise le sieur Amand Platteau à changer son nom en celui
de Amand de Potter. LEOPOLD, roi des Belges, A tous présents et à venir à salut!
Vu la requête du sieur Amand Platteau, charpentier à Mooregem (Flandre orientale),
tendant à obtenir l'autorisation de changer son nom en celui d'Amand de Potter; Vu la
loi du ii germinal an XI; Vu l'avis de notre procureur-général à Bruxelles, en date du
23 avril I83I; Sur la proposition de notre ministre de la justice; Nous avons arrêté et
arrêtons: Art. ier. Le sieur Amand Platteau est autorisé à porter le nom d'Amand de
Potter. Signé, LÉOPOLD. Par le roi, Le ministre de la Justice, Signé LEBEAU.
Gouvernement de la Belgique ».
Act of name conversion for the natural child authorized by
the new Belgian government led by Louis de Potter
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The daughter of Yvonne de Potter, Professor Joanna Scott, is a
Roswell Smith Burrows Professor of English Literature History at the
University of Rochester. She is member of the American Academy
of Arts, recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship,
Guggenheim fellowship, Lannan Literary Award, doctor of letters of
Trinity College, nominated or winner in Best American Stories,
Pushcart Prize, Aga Khan Prize, Ambassador Book Award, Pulitzer
Prize, PEN-Faulkner Award, and Los Angeles Times Book Award
and several other acknowledgements…
Based on her family archives and above documents, she wrote a great
historic novel called “Armand de Potter’s Grand Tour”. I cooperated to
her considerable historic research and her novel was sold in many
thousands copies with the major USA and U-K. publishers. It was
also published in Dutch at Lannoo, of my late friend Godfried.
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A new fashion in 1800, prized by young people of good family, after
their studies in high schools… They were touring in Europe to discover
the legacies of French, Greek and Roman times. ‘En route’, one takes
the time to exercise foreign conversation, learn to dance, paint a
portrait, visit other well-to-do families (hosted e.g. in the castle of
Saumur or the castle of Monte-Christo…). It lasted one year, in the
19th century, train made the journey more accessible. What remains
of this custom is the romantic notion of the ‘endless travel’, the search
for oneself and many portraits or daguerreotypes of wealthy young
people leaning on pillars of motionless wisdom.
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Frans de Potter
by descendant Christian de Potter
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Frans de Potter (1834-1904) was a Flandersrooted
Belgian history researcher. With his
profound study of the Flemish roots, he became
a key player of self-empowerment of the
Flemings.
To understand the philosophy of Frans de
Potter, one has to frame his enormous work in
the context of the 19th century, with a
challenging textile city of Ghent, and, at the same time, one must also
take into account the exceptional personality of the researcher.
His childhood and youth took place in a turbulent period. After the
declaration of independence in 1830, an undemocratic authority
came into the hands of the "rich and upper" French-speaking classes.
Social abuses were reflected in bad housing, illiteracy and in moral
decline of workers. Industrialization that developed and attracted a
multitude of workers to the city experienced periodic crises with high
unemployment and low wages.
Failed harvests in 1845-1850 led to starvation and were the cause of
physical weakening and illness. The defencelessness of the workers
and their dissatisfaction resulted in social riots in the winter of 1834-
1835.
The mother of Frans was not wealthy and could only let him go to
primary school. The evening school allowed him to become
proficient in French, but it was mainly through his own study that he
could broaden his knowledge and mind.
In other words, he was a real "self-taught" who, in time, even became
a historian.
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As a child, he loved the unspoilt nature of the Leie-Lys river and
villages Sint-Martens-Latem and Deurle, and this was expressed in
his earliest romantic poetry. He was rather introverted, avoided
contacts and had few friends. He was always simple, humble, hostile
to extreme accolades, spontaneous, ... in short he was an "own-kind"
and original personality.
Writing was his goal, already at an early age. He had already made a
first contribution in the "Gazette of Ghent" when only 14, and he
immediately attracted the attention of renowned writers such as Rens,
Snellaert and Prudens van Duyse who have further influenced him.
Their encouragement made him come in the spotlight with the
writing of poems, songs, novels and studies. As a result, he then won
many medals and awards.
When only twenty years old, he wrote a concise history of "Dutch
Literature", a work crowned by the Antwerp "Nederduitsch
Taelverbond". There, he even started dreaming of being able to
acquire a place in this history himself.
His song "The Blue Kiel" from 1853 was widely known and was sung
along. This last song on the melody of "Do You Remember?", Was
about a boy who says goodbye to his youth and proudly learns how
to wear his workers' keel.
It was the time of the countryside competitions, but also the time for
the enthusiasm for a reborn Dutch language. Soon our Frans would
become a literary “young potential” of Flanders.
Following the example of (Louis de Potter’s) publisher Baron Saint-
Genois, Frans came to the actual historiography through historical
novels. He never, however, denied this literary genre, even when
writing novels. In addition to novels such as "Walter de Gek", "The
Last Friend" and "Robert of Valois", he also wrote novels, poems
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(the autobiographical "The poor poet") and songs (for "The
Liederboek" , the "Jacob van Artevelde-cantata" ...).
In 1856 Frans de Potter became editor at the Ghent conservative
Catholic "Scholarship". This journalistic work obviously bears the
characteristics of his time, style, content and spirit, writing style that
is now completely outstripped in 2018. But through the now outdated
appearance, it shows a muscular language, an imaginative word, an
inspiring enthusiasm and a total commitment to the cause of his
Flemish people and his homeland.
In 1857 Frans de Potter was one of the co-founders and secretary of
the theater company "Van Crombrugghe". In 1860 - he was 26 years
old - he married Coleta Duyckers and their family had seven children.
One of them died at a very young age.
When Frans had to establish that on the one hand little was written
about the city of Ghent and that on the other hand documents and
archives were scattered here and there in town halls, presbyteries,
monasteries and castles, he started the project with his friend Jan
Broeckaert. "To write down the history of the Municipalities of the
Province of East Flanders".
This led in the period of 1864-1903 to the creation of a 46-volume
book where he discovered, studied and explored thousands of
documents for almost half a century.
In these historical studies on the cities and municipalities, their
attention was mainly to the inhabitants, to their customs and habits,
the great events of their turbulent history, their struggle on life and
death for their municipal independence, their victories but also their
defeats, but above all about their character and their soul.
Some West Flemish cities and municipalities such as Roulers, Furnes,
Blankenberge and Courtrai also attracted interest.
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One of the 30 volumes describing the history of Ghent
The result of all this was that Frans was appointed in 1877 in Ghent
as deputy state archivist. He taught his people more than just learning
to read.
On the contrary, with his enthusiastic word, his literary work and his
immense activities, he has been a precious and unmistakable element
in the first years of their spiritual and cultural emancipation and their
awakening.
In 1863 Frans was one of the first (founding) members of the liberal
Fund Willems and he was very active in its operation. In retrospect,
perhaps under the urge of circumstances fed by his Roman
conscience, he has explicitly distanced himself from this cultural
association.
This grand project was traversed by his appointment in 1886 as
general secretary of the "Royal Flemish Academy of Linguistics and
Literature". As a pivot and soul he has led this new national
institution tirelessly for 18 years. It meant for him a not only a
national recognition but also a tribute from the Netherlands.
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From 1871 to 1877 he became chief editor of the Ghent "News of
the Funds", the flagship of the press group of Canon Verschueren.
Frans de Potter turned out to be a formidable polemicist, had become
a real political champion and could always be counted among the
most radical.
His sharp pen was mainly aimed at the liberals and in 1874 he
launched in the " News of the Funds" an appeal to found a Catholic
counterpart for the liberal Willems Fund.
This cry for help is simply regarded as the founding act of the David
Fund, a cultural association with "the popular exaltation" as noble
goal. Frans de Potter, by the way, would have continued to live and
would continue to work for this fund for 26 years as national
secretary.
The second half of the 19th century was also characterized by the
sharp contrasts between the clerical conservative and anti-clerical
progressive parties, all of which had a very pronounced political
character. The school struggle is a clear example of this. People who
were destined to work together and strive for the realization of their
popular ideals, now fought each other extremely vehemently.
Frans de Potter also entered the arena where he clearly chose the
Flemish Catholic side. His combative workforce and his drive, given
to him during his upbringing and youth, continued to help him until
his death.
When the liberals, with their anticlerical tendencies, came to power
in 1878, they did not hesitate to immediately dismiss Frans de Potter
under the guise of "incompetence". The French-speaking press
concluded in an article of 14 December 1878: "... “The honourable
archivist believes in God and that is his crime."
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However, in 1881, the same minister, cousin Gustave Rolin-
Jaequemyns, had to award him in the name of "Member of the Royal
Academy of Belgium" for his study on the history of creation in the
Belgian provinces.
Frans de Potter (pink branch) at the Academy
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Living from a redemption pay (for 3.5 years) Frans de Potter from
1882 to 1891 began a series of historical descriptions of the city of
Ghent in 25 parts each of 400 to 500 pages under the name "Gent -
From the oldest time to the present" .
This work was not so much built up chronologically but
topographically. It was a walk through the ages that covered not only
historical buildings and local activities but also the working of guilds
and nations.
As Chief Clerk of the “News of the Funds” of Ghent and in 1886,
co-founder of the Belgian Flemish Academy.
He wrote an extensive masterpiece, composed of numerous books
such as “History of Flemish Literature” (1854), “Popular Country
Songs” (1861), “Ode to Jacob van Artevelde” (1863), “History of
Ghent and Courtrai” (1870), “History of Jacoba van Beieren” (1880),
and many more.
Of particular importance is his “Flemish Authors Bibliography”
(1893) and his “History of Flanders’ Communes” in 46 volumes
(1888-1995). He received an award for his “Communal Celebrations
in Flanders” (1870).
He also wrote the historical novel Robert of Valois in Ghent (1862).
He was the main founder of the famous Flemish Roman Catholic
“David Fund”, and became its first general secretary.
In 1886, he created the Flemish Academy in Ghent as an addition to
the Royal Academy in Brussels which also became the Flemish wing
of the Royal Academy in Brussels.
"The life of that gifted folk boy was an example of toughness and of unwavering
diligence”. No-one can be described more accurately, now that he is
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gone for 70 years, that: “He had not eaten his bread in idleness...",
wrote the liberal Volksbelang in August 1904, following the death of
the Catholic “Flemish character” Frans de Potter.
Other sources as well emphasize the enormous work ethic and study
spirit of Frans de Potter. The Ghent citizen was of modest origin. His
father Josephus de Potter was a teacher and his mother, Rosalie
Francisca Peirsegaele, a housewife. Frans only got primary education,
but managed, by self-study, to become prominent publicist and
historian.
He culminated as first permanent secretary of the Royal Flemish
Academy for Languages Literature in Ghent.
De Potter started his career as a writer with the publication of poems,
cantatas and novels. Successfully. According to Alphonse Siffer,
printer-publisher, friend and Catholic politician, Frans was "literally
covered with honours, prizes and successes.
His first book, “Brief History of Flemish Literature” was crowned in
1854 by the “Nederduitsch Taalverbond” in Antwerp.
His “Cantata Artevelde”, written following the foundation of the
famous statue in Ghent, was crowned in 1863 with the “Price of the
Fine Arts & Literature Society of Ghent”.
The same Society crowned De Potter again in 1866 for his “Yearbook
of Saint George's Guild of Ghent”, and yet again in 1870 for his
“History of the Municipal Feasts in Flanders”.
As a young man, Frans de Potter participated frantically in
competitions and price camps that were written by various "Flemishminded
companies”.
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He was, successively, a laureate at the “Music Lovers of Malines”, at
the “Brotherhoods of Bruges”, the “Gold Flowers of Antwerp”, the
“Lion of Flanders in Kortrijk”, the “Fields Flowers in Brussels”, the
“Fraternity in Roulers” etc.
Besides poetry and novels, Frans wrote many contributions in
yearbooks and magazines, e.g. the “Dutch Language Association” ‘s
one, the “Yearbook Unity of Rens”, the “Flemish School by Desiré
van Spilbeecke, the “Reading Museum of Heremans”, the “Campens
and De Baets” one, the “Future of Dautzenberg and Frans De Cort”,
the “Low German magazine of Hiel”, and the “Old and New” letter,
of which he was co-founder.
De Potter edited it as publisher of the “Scholarship List” (1856-
1870), and as editor-in-chief of the ultramontane newspapers the
“New Trading News” (1870-1871) and the “Funds newsletter”
(1871-1878).
De Potter, however, became well-known with his publications about
local history, in particular with its 46-part History of the
municipalities of the province of East Flanders which he wrote in
1903, in collaboration with Jan Broeckaert.
Siffer describes how they got to know each other, in 1855, on the
occasion of the crowning of Frans’ work “The Poor Poet” by the
“Oliver Branch” publisher in Antwerp.
Full of youthful admiration for the laureate, Mr. Broeckaert had
come to applaud these, and graciously hosted by the community
around Frans, Mr. Broeckart discovered that he would become a
partner of Frans, to whom he gave the best of his career and from
whom he gained a wide recognition too.
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Frans’ historical work, with regard to the Flemish municipalities,
Courtrai, Furnes, Blankenberg, Roulers… also provided considerable
success and visibility to the new team.
On August 16, 1877, Frans was appointed deputy manager of the
Archives in Ghent.
Alphonse Siffer testifies how Frans, through this important change
in his life, decided to forgo the future journalism career, and devote
himself exclusively to history.
However, Frans' career in the State Archives was shortened. By Royal
Decree of November 3, 1878, due to some "incompetence", as
declared by the liberal minister cousin Rolin-Jacquemyns, Frans was
“made available” for another job. According to the Catholics, this
was a fallacy.
They were convinced that Frans paid cash for his sharp articles
against the liberal party, following the festival commemorating the
third centenary of the Pacification of Ghent, which had caused
violent polemics between liberals and Catholics.
The fact that the Royal Decree was never published in the Official
Gazette, the Catholics strengthened the conviction that Frans de
Potter was (yet another) "sacrificed" individual...
Prior to his appointment as "deputy archivist of the State", Frans was
indeed a fiery polemist.
With his articles in the Scholarship list and the “Funds Letter” he set
the tone in the anti-liberal press in Ghent.
It was a combative students society period, many authors writing in
the free press organs like the “Folks Power” and the “Liberal
Flanders”.
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In August 1861, Frans joined forces with Vuylsteke and Geiregat, on
the side of the Flemish Liberal Commitee, a department of the action
group “Flemish Union”, fighting for the establishment of a Flemish
Association for the countryside. Thereafter, Frans disappeared from
politics for a while.
He moved permanently to the Catholic party in 1870. At the local
council election from 1 July 1872, he was appointed candidate for the
"Opposition List”.
This list was adopted by the conservative Catholic newspaper
“Flemish Land”, and described as a list of "distinguished citizens with
several belonging to politics”, (...), “lending each other’s hand to give
Ghent a leadership in accordance to its interests, no more blind and
disastrous war against religious and free education”.
They wanted “economic” deals with benefits for the urban finances
and ensuring prosperity in a somewhat decaying Belgium.
Since the opposition list was supported by all Catholic newspapers,
and since the electoral process took place in the premises of the
“Public Goods” and the “Catholic Circle”, it was for the liberals
foregone that it is not an independent list here, but a tough "burners
list ".
The “opposition list” was overwhelmingly defeated.
After such a defeat, Frans left politics to carry out action for the
Flemish interests in cultural associations and magazines; the pen and
the printing press were his weapons par excellence.
He thereafter published a total of 212 titles, including groundbreaking
studies on it area of the history of creation and of the peasantry.
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His “History of the Belgian Farmers' Union” and his “History of the
in the Belgian provinces”, in 1880 and 1881, were awarded the Gold
medal by the Royal Academy of Belgium.
His work was highly valued by contemporaries and biographers, but
it also provoked criticism.
"The fact that he always worked on different works at the same time
("he rested from one work by working on another") and working
rather hastily ("he wrote his books on his proofs, he deleted, he
refilled, he glued and re-glued each piece separately"), his writings
exculpated redundancies and a lack of synthesis.
Frans de Potter was also active in various associations. He was,
among others, founding member (and from 1893 to 1902 ordinary
member) of the “History Circle” in Ghent, established in 1893 to
watch over the historical patrimony of Ghent.
He was one of the pioneers in the field of monument conservation.
When in 1870 rumors circulated about a possible demolition of the
Gravensteen, he was the first to point out the historical importance
of the castle.
The association to which Frans devoted most of his attention was the
David Fund, from the first name of a friend of his father.
The newspaper “Citizen’s Interests” wrote, just after the death of
Frans, that "his efforts in the David Fund, were the greatest service
to the Catholic party and the Flemish people in general".
Multiple contemporaries of Frans mention that his appeal in the
“Funds Letter” of December 20, 1874, to establish a "David Fund",
with as many divisions "as the Willems Fund”, was the foundation of
a cultural association that would soon become the strongest Flemish
organization for popular development.
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And also after the actual foundation, during the difficult initial
months in 1875, he continued to sensitize public opinion for the sake
of an association that stood up for Religion, Language and People.
The “Funds Letter” repeatedly published articles and messages about
the David Fund in general and about the attempts in various cities
were set up to set up departments, and turned out to be thus
becoming the principal promoter of the association.
In Ghent, on February 7, 1875 a department was established. Frans
de Potter was co-founder and board member, and from 1885 to 1904
chairman.
On July 23 1878 De Potter was appointed secretary-general of the
David Fund, function that he would hold until his death.
In the same year Frans founded in Ghent the “Flemish Observatory”,
a magazine that says so "a reverberation" of the activities of the David
Fund, and soon developed into an unofficial organ thereof.
In 1886, he exchanged the editorship of the observatory with the
office of “Permanent secretary” of the newly founded Royal Flemish
Academy, an appointment that can be considered as a restoration by
the Catholic government after the deposition as deputy curator of the
Ghent State Archives by the Liberals.
It is true that he remained part of the editorial committee of the
“Flemish Tower” (Belfort), successor of the observatory.
The Royal Flemish Academy of Linguistics and Literature was the
first official authority representing the interests of Dutch language
and literature in Belgium would look after.
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Together with Theofiel Coopman, official at the Ministry of Railways,
Postal Services and Telegraphy, and publisher of the leading literary
magazine the “Dutch Arts & Poetry”, Frans de Potter tried to expand
the field of action of the Academy.
They meant that the Academy was not only interested in linguistics
and literature, but also had to work for the expansion of Dutch as a
full language and for the recognition of the Flemish spiritual life in
Belgium.
Frans wanted this emancipation of the Flemish language and achieve
culture mainly through the gaps in the bio- and bibliographic field to
supplement the official French-language publications and the
publications of the Royal Academy.
In 1893 he published the first modern scientific bibliography in
Flanders, with all Dutch books, magazines and magazines, musical
works, maps, records and tables of Belgium from 1830 to 1890, in
four volumes.
Frans de Potter died on August 15, 1904. He left a widow behind,
Coleta Francisca Duyckers with whom he had moved to Ghent in
1860 and had six children.
Anyone who is familiar with the Ghent historical literature is familiar
with Frans‘ book: "Ghent, from the oldest time to the present”.
Historical description of the city "Within the local historical world
this study, which appeared in eight volumes between 188 and 1901,
has since grown to a masterpiece.
Notable professional historians, amateur historians and students have
studied this work. Notwithstanding, several new syntheses have
already been written.
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The history of Ghent was a key reference of de Potter’s work. This
has mainly to do with the original way the publication has been
conceived, so that it always differs from others.
The author chose not to take a chronological or substantive structure,
but for a topographic layout.
As if an experienced guide was walking with the reader through the
streets of Ghent, and on the basis of the history of the buildings and
residents, telling the history of the city and its institutions.
Another merit of this work lies in the field of heuristics. Frans de
Potter collected data from many untold and unreleased archive
documents.
The founder of the Flemish David Fund and heavy supporter of the
Willems Fund, as well as the Flemish emancipation movement, was
not a man of science.
He felt that way in his work, but science owes an infinite amount to
this hard worker, friend of modest countryside men, this fighter who
died with the pen in his hand.
He led a life of uninterrupted quest for Flemish identity and
“Belgian” history and the rest of his ageing period was short. After a
short illness, he died in Ghent on August 15, 1904.
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He is buried in Sint-Amandsberg and on his protected tomb is
chiseled: "In my shadow is all my hope”.
Yes, hope comes from the dark unknown, yet to discover…!
Credits to Christian and Serge de Potter for the work and images
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Frans de Potter rests for ever after a great work !
(the only moment to wear a medal on your pyjama)
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Jean de Potter
by descendant
Fernand de Potter
Fernand de Potter, Esq.
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A research, sponsored by Fernand de Potter and his partner, dame
Françoise de Casaubon, was ordered to Yseq.org wo could certify the
origins of Jean de Potter, and thereby Fernand and his living
descendants. Jean was a small hero of the “big war” (WW1), who died
aged 24 because of the bad treatments by the enemy.
Several positions were occupied by Jean’s ancestors, in the 16th and
17th centuries, such as Mayor in Brabant, Scout in Brussels, Dean of
the silversmith guild, member of the Ommegang’s Lineages, etc.
I also discovered that an ancestor of Jean, Peter (Pierre) de Potter
built a windmill around 1790 near Brussels, in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
Fernand de Potter also said that his ancestors had properties in
Brussels for a long time, a windmill in Molenbeeck, a hotel Place
Rogier, a cinema Boulevard Anspach and other estates.
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Brussels commune named after Potter’s windmill

Fernand de Potter also mentioned that his grand-uncle Guillaume
(see family chart) was deputy judge in Brussels and that his
grandfather, father and himself were judges in Verviers.
Their branch also occupied the castle of Limburg in the Province of
Liège (left below) and the castle of Gouvy in the Ardennes (right
below). The coustellry and dishes of Leon Lucien de Potter were
found with the family of their maid in Ghent. The latter said that
those belonged to a member of the family of the famous Louis de
Potter (not ascertained when printing).
Castle of Limburg (Liège)
Dishes of Louis de Potter's branch found
at Jean's family castle.
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Jean de Potter, by prof. Laurence van Ypersele,
Commissionner General of “End of WW1 Memorial”
Some patriots engage from the beginning of the occupation in hiding
to harm the enemy, galvanize patriotism in occupied countries,
participate in the victory.
It was at the request of the Allied and Belgian staffs that the first
intelligence networks were organized at the end of 1914.
These resistants came from all horizons and from all over the
country. The observation of enemy forces, transport of equipment
and troops to be done 24 hours a day, it is often entire families who
commit themselves.
The repression was not slow to organize. From the spring of 1915,
the first networks are dismantled. To raise terror, until 1916, the
occupant displays the names of executed patriots. The networks of
men smugglers, from the spontaneous help of Belgian and French
citizens to soldiers cut off from their lines during the war of
movement, are another form of engagement against the occupier.
These networks perpetuate themselves to feed the front with war
volunteers. Indeed, the duration of the war raises new vocations,
especially among those who, like Jean de Potter in 1914, were too
young to engage and who, two or three years later, wish to join their
elders on the front of the Yser for fight the weapons in the hand.
To do this, we must thwart the surveillance of the occupant and cross
the Dutch border (electrified since 1915). In total, over the entire
duration of the war, the Belgian army welcomed some 32,000
volunteers.
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But that's not counting those who, like Jean de Potter, were stopped
at the border. For these young people full of ideals, then begins an
experiment to which they are not prepared, that of the prison.
It is not a matter of living in a military prison camp, but of being
assimilated to a common law prisoner for months or even years.
Sometimes living in isolation in a cell, often promiscuity in a cell, they
live always locked up and malnourished, in an extreme deprivation.
To fight against boredom, depression or terror, some manufacture
small objects, others write a diary or draw paintings. The drawings
that illustrate Jean's narrative cling to the reassuring banality of the
world - a village, a deer's head, a lying dog, a rather ridiculous jailer -
and sometimes to family attachment - coats of arms, faces.
But these drawings above all say the haunting and desperate
confinement - impassable walls, barbed wire, cramped cell, closed
doors, handcuffs.
Images of the desire to live in spite of everything. But also, images of
a youth stolen by the war. Aged prematurely, bruised in the soul or
sick to death, few have escaped without being heavily hurt...
Laurence van Ypersele de Strihou
Professor at the University of Louvain
Commissioner Bicentenary WW1
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Daily Book of Jean de Potter
Going through this moving story of a young man, dying for his belief
in Belgium, we also discovered the brave fate of a young “stowaway”
child, during the Great War.
This young Belgian rebel, named Jean de Potter, was barely 17 years
old. During his secret escape, ignored by his own parents, at the risk
of his life, this little “lonely soul" described his courageous hiding
away journey, as unarmed resistant, and his captivity in the German
"helmets spikes" prisons.
As an introduction, here is an excerpt from the letter written by his
descendants, Fernand, Guy and Corinne de Potter, co-authors of this
chapter, discovered this letter in the archives, a sort of shoe-box with
memories in the city of Pépinster. Belgium being so small, Nicolas’
grand-mother was - of course - born in the castle of Pépinster, a
couple of miles away from cousin Fernand!
Here is the letter by Guy de Potter in the castle of Limburg (Liège):
« My grandfather was Guillaume de Potter who gave birth to my
father, Lucien, living in Gouvy in the Ardennes. Guillaume’s children
were me (Fernand), Frantz, notary, Charles, who married an English
actress and Arthur who became Alderman of fine arts of the City of
Brussels. »
My family is from Brussels and was, before, from Bruges. It is part of
the (green) "Droogenwalle" branch, as attested by the coat of arms
on the last page of Jean's “Daimy Diary”.
This personal journal of daily facts was completed by Jean just before
his death, aged 24, in 1917. Our branch, the one of all the other de
Potters listed in the “green branch”, is connected with the famous
Louis de Potter, head of the Revolutionary Government of 1830,
who co-founded Belgium.
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Guillaume lived in an imposing building, rue du Frontispice in
Brussels: one thousand square meters, including horse-quarters. He
was also the owner of the “Hôtel des Boulevards”, now the famous
Sheraton hotel! His children were Frantz, notary, Charles, who
married an English actress and Arthur who became Alderman of fine
arts of the City of Brussels.
Unlike his 'dandy' brothers, Guillaume was a delicate man,
intellectually strong, but unfortunately of poor health. He married
Amélie Stilman, a dynamic Ardennes native of the village of
Strépigny.
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The “Great War” of 1914-1918? Never anymore!
Young people will barely understand these years of horrors,
deprivation and exalted patriotism. At the time, one would have been
shot for less than the secret that you now hold in the hands…
In 1914 the Germans violated the borders. Belgium was occupied
violently and without any respect for citizens’ rights. The Belgians
and their allies organized “networks of resistance and courage”. One
of them had gone up to Stavelot, in the Ardennes, by the Grandprez
family.
Unfortunately, a man sent discretely by the Germans infiltrated the
network and the whole heroïc family was shot. Their story is told in
the book "Volunteers of Death" at the Albertine Library in Brussels.
This is where my father, Lucien de Potter, re-organized this network
in 1916. The condition proposed to the colleagues was that he could
receive gun and ammunitions. As veteran Ardennes fighter, he was
quicker than a lightning with the weapon and could knock out an
opponent without worries.
He was armed until the end of the war. Judge in Vielsalm, Lucien
made his judgments at the foot of a large tree well known in the
region. He was often summoned by the Germans who did not realize
that the center of the network was established in Gouvy.
It was a courageous lady who hosted the secret head-quarters of the
network: my grandmother, Mrs. Annie Cheratte. She had learned to
hide the secret folds in the curtain lining of her living room and carry
them in dough balls baked like rolls. His son Franz transported them
through the villages and the countryside to the other members of the
network.
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And this is where the story begins ... His other son, Jean, the “talented
young pupil”, had decided to rebel against the 'spike helmets', despite
the ban by his parents ... He was too young! At the age of barely 17
in 1916 he left, without permission or message, to join what he
thought were the 'allied lines', beyond the Dutch border...
You will see that, hanging on an electric fence, he was intercepted by
the Germans and drove to Aix. According to his words, he lodged
on the floor on cold slabs and caught a disease of the spinal cord
which he died two years later ... Let us tell him himself his adventure
for the freedom of the homeland.
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Just before his heroïc death, Jean de Potter, aged 24, draw
the coat of arms of the family of Louis de Potter de
Droogenwalle, along with 'long live Belgium!
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Nicolas
de Potter d’Indoye
(Indooie = dégel = defreezing)
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Nicolas de Potter (1958)
Origin: Tourhout (Bruges) and Brussels. Father of six kids.
Studies:
- 1978-1982: B.A. European University Antwerp;
- 1982-1983: M.B.A. University of Dallas;
- 1987-1988: Cepac ULB Brussels.
Career:
- 1983-2013: compulsory military service, Belgian army, reserve
Lieutenant-Colonel at military Headquarters.
- 1984-1987: Bristol-Myers Squibb, analyzing markets and
supporting marketing team to sell healthcare specialties;
- 1987-1990: Olympia & York (largest EU real estate owner)
and AG Real Estate, managing large investments in Brussels;
- 1990-1995: Government of Québec in The Netherlands,
Belgium and Luxembourg, promoting investments in Canada
under the authority of the president of the High Assembly,
His Excellency the late honorable Lucien Lamoureux;
- 1995-2000: Euroregion France/UK/NL/ Belgium, obtaining
and managing large European Commission funds to
strengthen cooperations between SMEs;
- 2000-2003: Neumann Executive Search, finding clients,
candidates and investors for companies in Brussels;
- 2003-2013: Resources Experts Partners (REP), finding clients
(European Commission’s consortia, media, food, beverages,
real-estate, environment) and marketing services in Brussels.
Trends International (Roularta): freelance journalist.
- Volunteer 1996-2016: Helped the White March, 385.000
persons in Brussels on 20/10/96 against pedocriminals,
managed meetings, trilingual newsletter, advocacy...

Books contributions:
- 2000: Procès Dutroux & Consorts (2000, Couleur Livres);
- 2006: X-Files, Dossier Bis (private collection);
- 2013: Louis de Potter (2013, Couleur Livres);
- 2017: Jean de Potter (2015, S.I. de Verviers);
- 2016: Armand de Potter’s (2015, helped Barnes & Noble);
- 2016: Armand de Potter’s Grand Tour (2016, Lannoo);
- 2017: Louis de Potter (2017, Amazon.com);
- 2018: Louis de Potter. (2018, helped GK Roeselare);
- 2019: Jan de Potter. Dagboek (1570, Lulu);
- 2020: Potter United Families 1050-2050 (2020, multiple ed.).
Projects 2020-2050:
1. M3: Matching Meeting Machine for executives on Google
Search, Google Calendar and Google Maps.
2. L3: LeanLifeLease: income for older or fragile property
sellers with young buyers co-living and helping.
3. V3: Volunteering for “White March souvenir” (2026),
“Bicentenary of the Kingdom” (2030), “End of WW2” (2045).
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Making of
With the practical help of
Olivia & Magali de Potter d’Indoye
The initial sounding box team
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“DUNCE” (cancre/ niksnut)
He says “no” with the head, but “yes” with the heart.
He says “yes” to what he loves but “no” to the teacher.
He stands up, being asked many questions.
All the problems are there...
All of a sudden, a crazy laughter catches him.
He erases everything!
Figures and words. Dates and names.
Sentences and pitfalls.
Despite the threats of the teacher,
under screaming mockery of the prodigy children,
with the chalks of all colors,
upon the black board of misfortune,
he draws the face of... happiness!
Prévert
The making of this book with deep investigations and over 200
illustrations, going for worldwide distribution, took almost 20 years
to conceive and write up. It is a lifetime achievement and the
acknowledgements on page one deserve more team faces below…
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Encouragements from the King of Belgium
and the Prince of The Netherlands
Gift Grand Duke of Luxemburg
1830 film being prepared
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Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye and his aunt Nicole
d’Udekem d’Acoz (xPotter) plus Eric, Jean, Muriel,
Axel de Potter de ten Broeck (x Udekem)
André de Potter d’Indoye, chairman of the family
association, with Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye
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Baron Jean-Charles van Caloen welcomes the book of
his ancestor by Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye and professors
Francis Balace and René Dalemans
Journalists from Finland and the Netherlands interview
Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye after publication of first books
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“Impossible”, shouts Miss Proudness.
“Risky Business”, screams Mr Experience.
“No way out!”, says the old Reason.
“Let’s try”, murmurs the Heart! »
William Arthur Ward
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BLOCKCHAIN BOOK
Dear young historic book-chain supporters,
As volunteering writer aged 66, I am the happy co-author of 6 kids
and books. Today, unlike cousin Harry, I distribute my lifetime for
free, with all money for the book chain.
WITH THIS BOOK-CHAIN = WE OFFER
100% TO DISTRIBUTORS AND YOU !
Sales channels are Publica.com, Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Kindle.com
and other (eBooks) distribution channels at cost-price.
I’ll buy a limited number of printed books to inform journalists via
the network of book-chain volunteers around the world.
My wish is that young people enjoy these historic adventures and
have fun discovering the origin of Potter ‘s, outside J.K. Rowlings.
Blizzard-breaking boomer brings books boxes by bike!
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