East Boston Free Press - John J. COTTER, a well known East Boston gentleman, died at Lake Massahesic, N.H. Sunday morn. 2:30, age 48 years, after an illness dating from January. Mr. Cotter was taken ill from bronchial trouble in the above month which gradually grew worse, finally developing into consumption. The remains were brought to East Bostona and the funeral services were held at the Church of the Assumption, Tuesday morn. 8:30 and were conducted by Rev. Fr. Garraty. Mr. Cotter, although a comparatively young man, had quite a varied and honorable career. He was born in Cork, Ireland. When four months old his parents removed to St. John, N.B. and here he attended school until he was 14 years of age, when he left home for California and for some time was employed on his uncle's cattle ranch. Becoming tired of this, he returned to St. John, where he remained until 18 years of age, when he again left home and came to Boston. He secured employment with the late George M. STRONG as an apprentice in the harness making trade. He left this to accept a position in the harness shop connected with the navy yard. About this time he was married to Miss Elizabeth CURRAN d/o late Mr. and Mrs. William CURRAN of East Boston. On declaration of the civil war, Mr. Cotter enlisted as a private and served in both army and navy. He received an honorable discharge and returned to East Boston where he became foreman for Mr. Strong. Here he remained until 1880 when he began business for himself on Summer Street. He continued here for about eight years. About seven years ago he became associated in business with Hon. P.J. Kennedy, under the firm name of Cotter & Kennedy of Washington Street, Boston, where he remained until his death. He was a member of the Kearsarge Naval Veterans, of John A. Hawes Post, G.A.R., of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Excelsior Associates. He has represented Ward 2 in the Common Council and was identified in politics in many ways.