According to the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington, Connecticut, "The American Revolution inspired an increase in manufacturing in many places including Connecticut. One of the manufacturing hubs was located in Norwich, as a result of Christopher Leffingwell (1734-1810), a well-known businessman in Connecticut and an outspoken Patriot. He was connected throughout the war and commanded the 20th Regiment of the State Militia, where he was a Colonel. He was highly skilled at war strategy and became an advisor to Governor Jonathan Trumbull (1710-1785). He was seen as such as asset to the effort that he developed a relationship with General George Washington (1732-1779) who would often reach out for counsel. Washington, who made several stops in Connecticut during the war, would stay in Norwich and Leffingwell would provide him with provisions. Connecticut provided the best prices and supplies on such goods such that even John Hancock (1737-1793) would often write to Leffingwell about goods.
Leffingwell erected the first papermill in Connecticut in 1766. It was located on the Yantic River in Norwich. The mill was erected to meet economic necessity, but it was not financially successful at the start and only proceeded to get worse. It required government aid to keep it running, which eventually ran out, causing the mill to close. In the short period that it was open (1766-1772), the mill produced paper for wrapping, writing, printing, and sheathing and it was able to turn out 1,300 reams per year. Along with running the papermill, Leffingwell also had a chocolate factory, a felt-manufacturing plant, several fulling mills, a comb making mill, a nail factory, a bookbindery, and a clock factory, all started between 1766 and 1774 and continuing through the Revolution.
Leffingwell encouraged and aided several artisans and mechanics to start new businesses. He inspired and supported the creation of a pottery for making stoneware and red earthenware."
There's more to Leffingwell's story, although, I have heard his name used in attribution for wares through the years, and I have always been curious to learn where this information came from. In fact, some of the wares I have seen attributed to Leffingwell date from the 1800s, which seems to contradict this information, where the pottery he funded was an eighteenth century enterprise.
Although, this eighteenth century red earthenware pipkin is owned by the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford and it is believed to have been made been at the Leffingwell Pottery, however, the potter who made it remains unknown today.
Note: For more information about Leffingwell, I suggest visiting or contacting the Christopher Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich, built in 1765, and eventually becoming Leffingwell's townhouse in 1776.
The Christopher Leffingwell Pottery in Norwich, Connecticut
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