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Armand de Potter
by relatives Yvonne & Denis de Potter
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.
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
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.
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.
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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, 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!
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.
Castle of Elseghem where Reine de Potter (d’Indoye) lived
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Like his alleged grandfather and his alleged father, Pierre Louis Armand de Potter was quite a personality, as shown on this painting
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.
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)
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
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!
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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 ADN test will verified this link with Denis and Yvonne to Louis de Potter.
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Act of name conversion for the natural child authorized by the new Belgian government led by Louis de Potter
« 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 ».
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…
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…
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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.
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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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.
In other words, he was a real "self taught" who, in time, even became a historian.
de Potter (1834 1904) was a Flanders rooted Belgian history researcher. With his profound study of the Flemish roots, he became a key player of self empowerment of the ToFlemings.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.
Frans354
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 The1835.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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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.
autobiographical "The poor poet") and songs (for "The Liederboek" , the "Jacob van Artevelde cantata" ...).
(356the
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 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.
Some West Flemish cities and municipalities such as Roulers, Furnes, Blankenberge and Courtrai also attracted interest.
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".
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.
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 Inawakening.1863Frans
One of the 30 volumes describing the history of Ghent
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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 toOnread.the
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 Thisassociation.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.
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 Whendeath.the
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.
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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.
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."
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 Thesecretary.second
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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.
As Chief Clerk of the “News of the Funds” of Ghent and in 1886, co founder of the Belgian Flemish Academy.
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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).
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" .
"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
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.
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.
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.
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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 Hehistorian.culminated
as first permanent secretary of the Royal Flemish Academy for Languages Literature in Ghent.
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”.
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.
As a young man, Frans de Potter participated frantically in competitions and price camps that were written by various "Flemish minded companies”.
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.
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”.
His first book, “Brief History of Flemish Literature” was crowned in 1854 by the “Nederduitsch Taalverbond” in Antwerp.
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.
362He 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.
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.
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).
Frans’ historical work, with regard to the Flemish municipalities, Courtrai, Furnes, Blankenberg, Roulers… also provided considerable success and visibility to the new team.
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On August 16, 1877, Frans was appointed deputy manager of the Archives in Ghent.
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”.
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.
Prior to his appointment as "deputy archivist of the State", Frans was indeed a fiery polemist.
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...
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.
In364August
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”.
He thereafter published a total of 212 titles, including groundbreaking studies on it area of the history of creation and of the peasantry.
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.
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 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”.
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.
His work was highly valued by contemporaries and biographers, but it also provoked criticism.
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.
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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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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Onchairman.July23
1878 De Potter was appointed secretary general of the David Fund, function that he would hold until his death.
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In Ghent, on February 7, 1875 a department was established. Frans de Potter was co founder and board member, and from 1885 to 1904
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.
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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 Fransvolumes.dePotter
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.
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 FransBelgium.wanted
Notable professional historians, amateur historians and students have studied this work. Notwithstanding, several new syntheses have already been written.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Another merit of this work lies in the field of heuristics. Frans de Potter collected data from many untold and unreleased archive
Thedocuments.founder
Yes, hope comes from the dark unknown, yet to discover…!
He is buried in Sint Amandsberg and on his protected tomb is chiseled: "In myshadowisallmyhope”.
Jean de Potter by FernanddescendantdePotter
Fernand de Potter, Esq.
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A372research,
I also discovered that an ancestor of Jean, Peter (Pierre) de Potter built a windmill around 1790 near Brussels, in Molenbeek Saint Jean.
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.
Brussels commune named after Potter’s windmill
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Some patriots engage from the beginning of the occupation in hiding to harm the enemy, galvanize patriotism in occupied countries, participate in the victory.
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.
Jean de Potter, by prof. Laurence van Ypersele, Commissionner General of “End of WW1 Memorial”
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It was at the request of the Allied and Belgian staffs that the first intelligence networks were organized at the end of 1914.
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.
Laurence van Ypersele de Strihou Professor at the University of Louvain Commissioner Bicentenary WW1
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...
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.
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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, Imageshandcuffs.ofthedesire
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.
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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. »
Daily Book of Jean de Potter
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!
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.
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”.
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 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.
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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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
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.
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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.
Unfortunately,family.
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…
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.
The “Great War” of 1914-1918? Never anymore!
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!
Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye
(Indooie = dégel = defreezing)
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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.
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Studies: 1978 1982: B.A. European University Antwerp; 1982 1983: M.B.A. University of Dallas; 1987 1988: Cepac ULB Brussels.
Volunteer 1996 2016: Helped the White March, 385.000 persons in Brussels on 20/10/96 against pedocriminals, managed meetings, trilingual newsletter, advocacy...
1987 1990: Olympia & York (largest EU real estate owner) and AG Real Estate, managing large investments in Brussels;
Origin: Tourhout (Bruges) and Brussels. Father of six kids.
Career: 1983 2013: compulsory military service, Belgian army, reserve Lieutenant Colonel at military Headquarters.
Nicolas de Potter (1958)
1984 1987: Bristol Myers Squibb, analyzing markets and supporting marketing team to sell healthcare specialties;
- 2006: X Files, Dossier Bis (private collection);
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.
- 2000: Procès Dutroux & Consorts (2000, Couleur Livres);
Books contributions:
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Projects 2020 2050:
- 2016: Armand de Potter’s Grand Tour (2016, Lannoo);
3. V3: Volunteering for “White March souvenir” (2026), “Bicentenary of the Kingdom” (2030), “End of WW2” (2045).
- 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);
- 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.).
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The initial sounding box team
Making of
With the practical help of Olivia & Magali de Potter d’Indoye
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!
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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…
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...
Prévert
“DUNCE” (cancre/niksnut)
Gift Grand DukeofLuxemburg 1830filmbeingprepared
Encouragements from theKing ofBelgium and the Prince of The Netherlands
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André de Potter d’Indoye, chairman of the family association, with Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye
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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)
Baron Jean Charles van Caloen welcomes the book of his ancestor by Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye and professors Francis Balace and René Dalemans
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Journalists from Finland and Nicolas de Potter d’Indoye
“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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My wish is that young people enjoy these historic adventures and have fun discovering the origin of Potter ‘s, outside J.K. Rowlings.
Sales channels are Publica.com, Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Kindle.com and other (eBooks) distribution channels at cost-price.
Dear young historic book chain supporters,
BLOCKCHAIN BOOK
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 !
I’ll buy a limited number of printed books to inform journalists via the network of book chain volunteers around the world.
Blizzard breaking boomer brings books boxes by bike!
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