Isaiah L. Potts

Isaiah Luna Potts (1784?-after 1843) was infamous in legend and lore for having run a 19th-century Illinois tavern known as "Potts Inn" where numerous crimes including robbery and murder were committed.

Early life Isaiah Luna Potts was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and lived in Union County, Kentucky and Potts Hill, in Hardin County, Illinois, which was formerly a part of Pope County, Illinois.

In legend and folklore In legend and folklore, he was known by many names and aliases including "Billy Potts, Sr." Potts was an Illinois tavern keeper and salt maker who, allegedly, co-led a gang of highwaymen and murderers, known as the "Potts Hill Gang", out of his tavern. They preyed along the frontier crossroad highways, and the Ford's Ferry Road, near Cave-In-Rock. Isaiah Potts was also alleged to be the criminal partner of James Ford, a pillar of the local community, and secretly, the criminal leader of the Ford's Ferry Gang.

Notable Potts Hill Gang members Dr. King (first name unknown) Billy Potts Sr. (possible gang member) Billy Potts Jr. (possible gang member)