Dec. 2, 2008 – Potter’s Point is on the west side of Echo Reservoir just north of Coalville, Utah. It was near here a few years ago, that human bones were uncovered during a low water period. The bones turned out to be those of Isaac Smith “Ike” Potter, who was gunned down the night of August 1, 1867 on Coalville’s main street. The son of a Connecticut immigrant, Ransom Robert Potter, he was leader of a band of men who had been accused of cattle rustling, robbery and even murder. Having been tried on numerous counts in Utah Territory, he had only seen conviction one time.

Ike was a friend of the Indians and on numerous occasions obtained provisions from the local Mormon citizens by legal and, as was contended by his enemies, illegal means. Utah in 1867 was embroiled in an Indian conflict called the Blackhawk War. Tensions among the white population were extreme and the local militia patrolled the area to warn citizens of any attack. Potter was a known associate of chief Black Hawk and friend of his brother, Mountain.

According to Summit County Court records, on  July 31, 1867, Ike and two of his associates, Charles Wilson and John Walker were on trial in Coalville, accused of stealing and butchering an ox. A key witness for the prosecution was not present and court was continued until August 10th so that the witness could appear and testifly. Bond was set at $500 and the prisoners were released.

The records show that after being released on bond July 31, new charges were brought the next day against the three men, this time for for stealing a cow. They were arrested that same day and brought into court. Since another case was being heard, the acting justice of the peace “set the hearing of their case for August 2nd [at] 10 A.M. and directed the officer to keep them until that time”. They were kept in a local school building under armed guard. What happened that night will be the subject of another entry.

Potter's Point