William Pecker: An Early 19th Century Manhattan Potter?

This morning, I was very surprised when I saw a familiar name briefly listed in William Ketchum, Jr.'s book, 'Potters and Potteries of New York State, 1650-1900.' I have no proof if this is the same Massachusetts potter named William Pecker (1758-1820), who was active in Merrimacport (formerly West Amesbury), Massachusetts, circa 1784-1820; however, the same name is also listed as some type of Manhattan potter from 1802-1807. Presumably, this is also a stoneware potter named 'William Pecker' since Manhattan was the location of an important stoneware industry during the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries.

Ketchum also suggested that this individual may have been a son with the same birth name, but that is not the case. William Pecker never named a son with the same name - and, the only known family member, who became active in the potter's business directly with William Pecker was his nephew, James Chase (1779-1849).

This could be a fascinating development, which may provide a better understanding about the limited stoneware production that is known from Pecker today. Personally, I have recovered a large amount of wasters, sherds, saggers and kiln furniture in Merrimacport, but there are only an estimated seven or eight intact examples known today stamped with Pecker's name.

I have written in the past how Pecker may have been influenced by the potters, Frederick Carpenter and Jonathan Fenton in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the 1790's; however, I am now curious to learn if Pecker could have also possessed a New York City stoneware influence, as well.

Note: The facts are the facts. William Pecker was a traditional red earthenware potter, who decided to produce some stoneware at a point in his career. But the skill and kiln requirements that are needed to properly produce stoneware are different from what is needed for red earthenware production. Ultimately, Pecker had to initially learn how to produce stoneware somewhere or from another stoneware potter.

 Potters and Potteries of New York State, 1650-1900

William Ketchum, Jr., Syracuse University Press, 1987

Potter Named William Pecker Listed as a Potter in Manhattan During the Circa 1802-1807 Period

Incised Bird Stoneware Sherd with Cobalt Decoration Made by William Pecker

Recovered in Merrimacport, Mass.

Circa 1790-1820

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