The Birth of Henry Wheeler Possibly Memorialized in Slip-Script from Norwalk, Connecticut

This is a nineteenth century slip-script red earthenware plate, attributed to the Asa Edward Smith (1798-1880) Pottery (ca. 1825-1887) in Norwalk, Connecticut, owned by the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, Connecticut. I don't believe this object has ever been published; the inscription reads, "Henry Wheeler," and is certainly related to another slip-script dish, "Finetta Wheeler," which was illustrated in Norwalk Potteries, published in 1981 by Andrew L. and Kate Barber Winton.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins' book, Early New England Potters and Their Wares, "Finetta Lewis Wheeler (1805/06-1892) was the wife of potter Lorenzo Dow Wheeler (1800-1864). L.D. Wheeler was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts and married in New York City, and in partnership with Dr. Asa Hill (1815-1874), turned out buttons of plastic clay and knobs in Norwalk. At first these were formed in clay, but afterwards were pressed in dies. They were of mixed color and of two bodies; one a redware covered with a light brown glaze, the other a white body with mottled glaze. Some were made with four holes for the thread, while others were fitted with metal shanks. This button manufacturing was discontinued before 1853."

Furthermore, the book, The Genealogical and Encyclopedia History of the Wheeler Family in America, published in 1914, reveals that Henry Wheeler (b. 1834) was a nephew of Lorenzo's, born to his brother Asa B. Wheeler (1799-1864) and his wife Pesis Burke Wheeler, whom he married in 1821. Interestingly, the Wheeler brothers may have died in a tragic accident, since their deaths are both listed on March 28, 1864.

I suspect that Lorenzo Wheeler was likely employed in some capacity in Norwalk before he brokered into a partnership with Dr. Asa Hill. That would likely explain the manufacture of this dish, having possibly been produced as early as 1834. This plate may symbolize the birth of Henry Wheeler, similar to the plate inscribed "Francis Smith Norwalk," which I wrote about earlier today.

Slip-Script Plate, Inscribed "Henry Wheeler"

19th Century Red Earthenware Slip-Script Plate Attributed to the Smith Pottery in Norwalk, CT

Inscribed "Henry Wheeler"

The Plate Possibly Symbolizes Wheeler's Birth in 1834

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Connecticut Historical Society

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