Based on auction results over the last ten to fifteen years, it would seem that the most desirable nineteenth century red earthenware and stoneware spaniels made in America would likely be those that were made by the Kirkpatrick Brothers in Anna, Illinois, ones made at the John Bell Pottery in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, some examples made in Strasburg, Virginia, along with ones made in Galena, Illinois and likely others made in southeastern Pennsylvania and Western Pennsylvania, among other locations. Although, there are also some desirable examples that were produced in Ontario, Canada in the 1800s.
Another place where this type of production occurred in America was in Fort Dodge, Iowa, such as a circa 1870 salt-glazed and cobalt decorated stoneware example marked "Fort Dodge" on the base that sold at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland in 2009 for $4,370 including the buyer's premium.
Nevertheless, this late nineteenth century molded stoneware doorstop in the form of a spaniel decorated with a brown glaze sold last night on eBay, whereas the base is impressed "Fort Dodge Stoneware Co. / Fort Dodge, Iowa." It is also important to note that the seller stated that this object had been in her family since it was likely manufactured sometime about 1870 or shortly thereafter. The figural was originally owned by her grandmother having been passed down through the family. Interestingly, this spaniel was also made at a company that was owned and operated by New York-trained potter, Martin White, and an investor, Richard Meigs.
According to an article written in 2007 by Michael D. Smith and published by the University of Iowa, titled, Made From Mud: Iowa Potters & Potteries 1830-1930, "The most destructive fire in an Iowa pottery took place on the night of December I7, 1906, at the main plant of the former Fort Dodge Stoneware Company. Founded in 1870 by Martin White, the Fort Dodge Stoneware Company became Iowa’s largest producer of stoneware. In April 1906 it was purchased by the Western Stoneware Company and designated as Plant 7. Based in Illinois, Western Stoneware was a conglomerate of potteries trying to compete with the mammoth Red Wing Stoneware in Red Wing, Minnesota. Western Stoneware operated its Plant 7 in Fort Dodge only six months before it was destroyed by a fire."
According a book published in 1888, titled, Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Webster and Hamilton Counties, Iowa, "Martin White; Proprietor of White's Pottery Works is a native of Germany, a son of Benedict White. He attended schools in his native country until fifteen years of age, and then began to learn the trade of a potter, a trade his ancestors had followed for several generations. In 1843 he came to the United States and located at Rochester, New York, where he lived four years. He then lived in Lyons, New York, twelve years, and in 1859 came to Iowa. He lived in Cedar Falls until 1870, when he moved to Webster County and established his present works. At first his business was of small proportions, but it has gradually increased in volume until now he employs nine men, and his annual sales amount to over $6,000. The clay in the vicinity of Fort Dodge is of fine quality, and the ware made by Mr. White has found ready sale wherever samples have been introduced. He is a progressive man, and is constantly adding machinery and other apparatus for the improvement of his business and to advance the quality of his ware. Mr. White is one of the substantial business men of Fort Dodge, and one of the most esteemed citizens. In politics he is a Democrat, and one of the most earnest supporters, of the party in Webster County. He has served as a member of the Knights of Labor Lodge in Fort Dodge, and has also been a member of the Odd Fellows order several years. In early life he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but of late has not been connected with any religious denomination."
Furthermore, it was published in the book The Leading Industries of the West, "In 1870 Richard Meigs moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, from Waterville Wisconsin, and started the Fort Dodge Pottery. Mr. Martin White formerly of Cedar Falls, Iowa serves as superintendent. The plant has 15 potters, 4 kilns and a $1200 per month income. The plant was actually established as the "Fort Dodge Pottery" in 1875, with Mr. Meigs, and Mr. White as partners.
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