William E. “Rarin’ Bill” Potter

William E. “Rarin’ Bill” Potter — Cleveland Republican Councilman, Born 30 Nov 1885 in Cleveland, OH.

He was married to Beatrice May Hoffman (1887-1963) on 21 Feb 1911 in Cleveland, OH.

They had two daughters, Elizabeth M. Potter 1912-1942 & Jane Eileen Potter 1915-1995.

He joined the UK Royal Air Force Airmen 15 May 1917.

He was known for his sharp tongue and political presence, especially in the city’s “Statesman’s Window” City Hall, where he and other officials traded biting political barbs. He served from 1918-1929.

Bill was a target of these investigations, facing multiple lawsuits and a perjury trial from 1924 onward.

On February 23, 1931, Potter was last seen at a Euclid Village restaurant and then disappeared. Three days later, his wife reported him missing. He was found dead in a Cleveland apartment, struck with a blunt object and shot in the head. The murder was linked to Pittsburgh gangster Hyman (“Hymie”) Martin, who had been in Cleveland that night. Martin was arrested but claimed ignorance, calling himself “a gentleman, a rumrunner”. His wife must have been used to him being gone as it took her three days to report him missing, my oh my.

In February of 1931 he was kidnapped then murdered due to a land grant-scandals, whomever had him murdered was in a very high and powerful position in Cleveland. The newspapers went crazy with articles, and the police were questioning mobsters and crooked cops and one woman who was to testify went missing.

Death/Murder 9 Feb 1931 Cleveland, OH

Here's some great newspaper articles about the case, just click links to read.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-william-e-potter/203604003/

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-william-e-potter/203604176/

https://www.newspapers.com/article/troy-daily-news-william-e-potter/203604319/