William Lukens Potts was born on the 7th month (September under the old system and July under the new system) 17, 1771 in Sussex County NJ. It is believed that he had apprenticed with his cousin David Shoemaker.

After, he became partners with Benjamin Rittenhouse in 1796 he remained with Rittenhouse for two years, after which, he moved to Pittstown, New Jersey.

In the January 17, 1800 edition of Claypoole’s Daily Advertise, Potts advertised his making and selling of “surveying instruments of all kinds
and Rittenhouse circumferenters.” He also sold them through Robert Barnhill, a Philadelphia shopkeeper, who was Potts’ brother in law.

In 1807, Potts moved to Nockamixon Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Potts removed back to Philadelphia in 1817 and engaged in the iron business where he continued until his death on January 17, 1854.

Potts has been a subject of intense interest by some early colonial compass collectors. Potts apparently was a master of engraving, and was unequaled in his ability to divide a circle accurately. For more about Potts' ability to divide the circle, please see my webpage that compares the accuracy of many early makers.