Thomas J. Potter (August 16, 1840 – March 9, 1888) was vice-president and general manager of the Union Pacific Railroad.

[1] In 1862, Potter worked with a surveying party to lay out the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad from Ottumwa to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

[1] Potter enlisted in 7th Iowa Cavalry Regiment as a private during the American Civil War in January 1863.

He was promoted to the office of chief clerk in the roadmaster's department after he gained the approval of Superintendent Charles Elliott Perkins.

His remains were transported west on the Pennsylvania Railroad after he died at Welcker's Hotel in Washington, D.C., on March 9, 1888.