19th Century Stoneware Crock that was Recently Discovered in New Hampshire

Last night, I was reading a book written by Susan H. Myers, 'Handcraft to Industry: Philadelphia Ceramics in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century,' when  I saw a stoneware jug with a similar two-gallon mark when compared to an object that I recently found in New Hampshire. Myers says the jug is attributed to Branch Green's Philadelphia Factory, circa 1809-1827; although, I was also told that the jar that I own may have also been made by Branch Green based on another jar that survives today, but I can not guarantee the attribution. It may also be from New Jersey or upstate New York. Feel free to comment if you have any ideas as to where this jar may have been manufactured.

Branch Green

According to Myers, "Branch Green was a stoneware potter in Troy, New York by 1799, when he placed the following announcement in the Troy Northern Budget: "Two Journeymen Potters that can recommend themselves to their work, may find good encouragement to work in a Stoneware factory the ensuing season by applying to, Branch Green." 

In 1801 he placed the following ad in the same paper: "Two hundred cords of Pine Wood to be delivered at Morgan & Smiths Stone Ware Factory, at the South-East part of the village of Troy, for which a generous price will be given. Also two or three Journeymen Potters that can come well recommended as workmen at the Stone Ware manufactory. Likewise two lads about 15 or 16 years of age, as Apprentices to the above Business. Apply to Messrs. Morgan and Smith or to the subscribers, Branch Green, Rowland Clark."

And in 1802 he advertised again for two journeymen potters: "Two Journeymen Potters, that can recommend themselves by their work, will find good encouragement for any length of time, not exceeding six years nor less than one, by applying to the subscriber. Their work will be confined to turning stone ware, Branch Green."

By 1805 Green had moved south to New Jersey, ,where it was advertised that "James Morgan, Jacob Van Wickle and Branch Green have established a manufactory at South River Bridge under the firm name of James Morgan & Co." and were offering stoneware jugs, pots, and mugs for sale.

By 1809 Branch Green had moved to Philadelphia and had established his stoneware factory at "2d above Germantown road." He continued to operate the factory until 1827, when he sold the property to Henry Remmy, Jr., and Enoch Burnett for $3,000. Branch Green is not listed as a potter in the Philadelphia city directories after 1824; he may have left the city after his 1827 sale of the pottery. He appears again in Philadelphia from 1841 to 1844 as "dry goods" at various addresses, and between 1845 and 1847 with no occupation. He died intestate (without a will) in 1847"

Stoneware Crock Recently Discovered in New Hampshire

19th Century Stoneware Crock Found in New Hampshire
Possibly Made by Branch Green in Philadelphia or New Jersey
But Possibly Made by Another Potter, As Well

Found in Central New Hampshire in October 2014

Stands: 12 1/4" Tall
See Article for More Information

View of the 2-Gallon Capacity Mark
See Article for More Information

Branch Green Stoneware Jug

Branch Green Stoneware Jug with a Similar 2 -Gallon Capacity Mark
Attributed to Branch Green's Production in Philadelphia
Circa 1809-1827
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Susan H. Myers, Handcraft to Industry, Smithsonian Institute Press, 1980

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