Frank Potts joined the Navy at the age of 9, serving on HMS Victory for three years, HMS Challenger for six years. He then worked as a carpenter and ship's chandler until deciding to emigrate to South Australia. He was one of the original settlers of South Australia, arriving with Governor Hindmarsh on HMS Buffalo in 1836. He had carpentry skills and a set of tools, so was much in demand constructing the first houses. He next worked under Thomas Lipson, the first harbourmaster, as one of five crewing the pilot boat Mary Ann under Hugh Quinn. He bought land at nearby Albert Town and built a cottage there, which also became his father's last residence. On the property transfer document Frank described his occupation as "carpenter" so that may have been his trade in the Navy. Frank married Augusta Wenzel on 17 February 1848. Her family had arrived on the Heerjebhoy Rustomjee Patel from Bremen on 18 September 1845.
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