According to the book, 'American Redware' by William C. Ketchum, Jr., "The westernmost midlands bastion of traditional red earthenware potting was Missouri, where the craft was introduced along the Mississippi River by early French settlers. Little trace of these eighteenth century kilns can be found, but soon after 1800 Anglo-Saxon potters found their way to the thriving river ports. The first center was St. Louis, Missouri, where George. W. Ferguson and Christian Smith were making ware before 1820. They were followed in the next decade by John Taylor and John Bradbury, who were active c. 1820-1830.
After 1840, the discovery of local stoneware clay deposits led to the gradual abandonment of red earthenware production, and only a few artisans, principally located in the eastern part of the state, continued to pursue this branch of the craft. Best known of these are the Germanic potters of St. Charles and Hermann.
In St. Charles, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River just to the northwest of St. Louis, Joseph Oser's kiln produced household ware in basic forms from 1847 until 1906. While coloring agents were occasionally added to the finish, typical St. Charles red earthenware bears only a clear lead glaze highlighting the orange-red body color. Forms, though somewhat "squatter" than those seen in places like New England and Pennsylvania are not greatly different from those being produced at the same time in eastern shops (therefore these Missouri objects can be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today).
Joseph Oser Pottery - St. Charles, MO
19th Century Red Earthenware Spittoon Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO
Circa 1860
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO
Circa 1860
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Cooler Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO
Circa 1860
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
Missouri red earthenware was also seldom marked; a rare exception is a jar impressed 'F. WOOLFORD/FARMINGTON, MO.,' which was made c. 1840-1850 in the community some forty miles south of St. Louis.
The first potter to work in Hermann, Missouri, midway between St. Louis and Jefferson City, was George M. Sohns, active between 1846 and 1867. Lead-glazed wares attributed to him include such traditional items as milk pans, nappies, preserve jars, pitchers, jugs and pie plates. Sohns was followed in the late 1880s and 1890s by a potter named Hoefer, whose output, reflecting changes in taste in the area, was primarily flowerpots."
George M. Sohns Pottery, Hermann, MO
19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Attributed to the Sohns Pottery - Hermann, MO
Circa 1846-1867
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
The following black glazed red earthenware jar has been listed for a reasonable price on eBay for sometime - the jar was reportedly found in Clinton, Missouri, and that is also where it is believed to have been made. Clinton is located about 235 miles west of St. Louis.
I honestly know nothing about the production of red earthenware in Clinton; although, what strikes me about this jar is the fact that it could easily be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today. The form and generic glaze could be misinterpreted for red earthenware production in Pennsylvania, possibly Maryland, Ohio, maybe New Jersey and perhaps even New England. But it is also interesting to see that the base is intentionally glazed on this jar, which is a characteristic that is not common to nineteenth century utilitarian red earthenware potters; although, it is not unheard of, either.
According to the antique dealer, "Clinton, which is located in Henry County, Missouri is known for its fine clay and the area was once home to a number of potteries. There is great similarity found in this jar when compared to the red earthenware produced by Michael Jegglin in Boonville, Missouri in the 1800s, as well as Michael's son, E.A. Jegglin, who operated his own pottery in Calhoun, Missouri."
Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO
Michael Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO
Circa 1890
Link to Image on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
Here is also a link to an object that I find really interesting, which is currently also listed on eBay. The form, glaze and slip on this object somewhat reminds me of red earthenware that was produced by Moravian potters in places like North Carolina in the late eighteenth century.
And, this link will bring you to a book listed on Amazon's website that I feel is an excellent resource for the decorative arts produced in Missouri, which includes red earthenware production.
Jar Reportedly Made in Clinton or Henry County, MO
19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Jar Reportedly Made in Henry County, MO
Reportedly Found in Clinton, MO
Reportedly Late 19th Century, Circa 1880-1910
But I Suspect that it Could Have Been Produced Earlier
The Base has also Been Glazed
The Lid is Reportedly Not Original and Said to Have Been Added Later
Stands 8" Tall
Weighs 4.2 Pounds
Photo Courtesy: eBay
Another View of the Jar
Photo Courtesy: eBay
Another View of the Jar
Photo Courtesy: eBay
View of the Glazed Base
Photo Courtesy: eBay
Red Earthenware Owned by the Missouri Historical Society
These are some additional examples of red earthenware, which is attributed to Missouri that is owned by the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.
These are some additional examples of red earthenware, which is attributed to Missouri that is owned by the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.
19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri
Circa 1800-1900
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Miniature Pitcher Attributed to Missouri
Circa 1860s to 1880s
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri
Circa 1850s
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher with Original Tin Handle
Attributed to Schifferle Pottery - St. Louis, MO
Circa 1876
Link to Object on Historical Society's Website
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri
Found Near St. Mary's, Missour
Circa 1860
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Missouri
Circa 1850
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri
Circa 1800-1860
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri or Midwest
Circa 1800-1860
Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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