Potts, Eugene D. (Eugene Debbs), 1908-2003
Biography
Eugene Debbs Potts was born in Buzzard Roost, California was named after the political activist Eugene V. Debs. Many documents record Potts’ date of birth as 1909 or 1910, but Potts himself asserts he was born in 1908 because that’s what was written in his family Bible. His family came to Oregon soon after he was born, and he grew up in Eastern Oregon. He began working in a sawmill at age 12. He served in the Navy during World War II, remaining in the Navy Reserves for nearly 20 years afterward. He later owned sawmills in Grants Pass and the Klamath Falls area, and also founded the town of Pottsville, Oregon. He was a Democratic politician and was elected mayor of Grants Pass in 1958. He then represented Josephine County in the Oregon Senate from 1961 to 1972. After redistricting, he represented Josephine and Jackson counties from 1973 to 1984. He also served as senate president from 1967 to 1970, during which time he temporarily acted as governor when Governor Tom McCall was out of state, totaling 196 days. Potts was appointed by Governor Vic Atiyeh to chair the Oregon Lottery Commission, a position he held from 1985 to 2003. He was married twice. He died in 2003, shortly after retiring from the lottery commission.
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Oral history interview with Maribel Cadmus
Oral history interview conducted by Vinita Howard from April 9 to May 7, 1992, with Maribel Cadmus as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series. Cadmus was Oregon Senate secretary from 1957-1987.
Oral history interview with Vern Cook
Oral history interview with Robert Vernon "Vern" Cook conducted by Clark Hansen from December 15, 1994- October 15, 1995, as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series. Cook was an Oregon state representative and senator.
Oral history interview with Debbs Potts
Oral history interview with Debbs Potts conducted by James Strassmaier from April 15, 1991, to May 28, 1991, as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series. Potts served as an Oregon state senator from 1961 to 1984.
Eugene Debbs Potts papers
Unprocessed papers of Eugene Debbs Potts, a Democrat who served in the Oregon Senate in legislative sessions from 1961 to 1984, representing first Josephine County and later Josephine and Jackson counties.
Oral history interview with Betty Roberts
Oral history interview with Judge Betty Roberts conducted by Clark Hansen as part of the Oregon Legislature Oral History Series. Roberts was an Oregon Court of Appeals judge and state Supreme Court justice.
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