Pothen was born 10 years after his elder brother Kuruvilla’s birth. After his Malayalam education, he joined Mannanam Asram where he developed friendship with his school mate Kandathil Agastinose who later  became Archbishop. When St Berchman’s High School was started, Pothen joined there and continued studies upto matriculation. Later  he got involved in his  father’s agriculture and took on family responsibilities and also engaged in the treatment of Eye diseases which was a traditional service rendered by the family .The  poor were treated freely. He married Mariyamma of Puthenkattil Plaparambil, Alapuzha.

For generating more income, he started business of local commodities .He  constructed a house on market road and this house had a hall called “Ottam” where he set up  his business. The commodities of his business were chukku, pepper, kanjirathin kuru etc.  He sold the goods to exporters in Allapuzha and so was aware of market prices and this direct business  made him earn more profit. Initially his brother Joseph was also involved, but later on Joseph  moved to his own house.  Pothen was keen on giving English education to his children and took every care in their education. As a resul,t two of his sons became teachers , one son became a priest and another a bank officer. His eldest daughter  got married while he was alive. On the ordination of his son Fr Joseph Olassayil, Pothen  decided not to have  the traditional custom of gold rings put on the finger of  the new priest as a  present  from relatives   .  Pothen , a quiet and  saintly person led a simple life ..

While he was leading a quiet life , suddenly he became a rheumatic patient and was in that condition for almost 6 months  and finally succumbed to death on 22 June, 1942 The sorrow over the death of his son Vareechan at a very young age, remained in  Pothen’s memory till his death. Pothen’s wife Mariyamma expired on 18 January 1967. Mariyamma’s funeral was attended by over 100 priests which was reported as a big event in Deepika  news paper.

Children

1. OP Varghese
2. Annamma married to Vaniyapurackal, edathua
3. OP Thomas
4. Rev Fr. Joseph Olassayil
5. Mariamma married to Mekatt, Plasannal
6. OP Chandy
7. OP Philip