More Information About Red Earthenware Production in Central Massachusetts: The Bugbee Pottery in Brimfield, Massachusetts

Another possible red earthenware business that existed in central Massachusetts was one that has been cited in publication as operating as early as 1780 in Brimfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts. Some accounts suggest that this company was established a few years after the American Revolution, although unless that potter went by another name, census records indicate the pottery was in operation, circa 1810-1822 (perhaps a few years before 1810).

According to Massachusetts author Lura Woodside Watkins’ (1897-1982) book, Early New England Potters and Their Wares, “Brimfield is said to have had its local potter as early as 1780. There is some question about the potter's name, but information obtained by Reverend Randolph Hill from Miss Anna Tarbell (1857-1933), who owned a pitcher made in Brimfield, seems to verify the fact that the maker was David Bugbee (1749-1822). If so, he was perhaps the son of Daniel Bugbee of Woodstock, Connecticut, a one-time resident of Brimfield, as there is no record of a David Bugbee being born in the town. Thomas Bugbee, Jr. (1761-1843 - brother of David Bugbee) founded a well-known pottery in South Woodstock, Connecticut in 1793.”

David Bugbee was actually born in Woodstock, Connecticut on August 8, 1749. He was the son of Benjamin (1699-1780) and Abigail Bugbee (1713-1780). He moved to Holland, Hampden County, Massachusetts by 1777, then to some locations in Connecticut, before arriving in Brimfield, no later than 1810. He is listed as living in Brimfield in both the 1810 and 1820 United States Federal Censuses. He was also cited as living in Leicester, Worcester County, Massachusetts in the 1790 United States Federal Census.

Nonetheless, this large double-handled red earthenware pot is thought to have been made by the Bugbee family, most likely in Woodstock, whereas it is also pictured in the book, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area/.

The Bugbee Pottery in Brimfield, Massachusetts

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Pot with Two Handles

Supposedly Made at the Bugbee Pottery in Woodstock, Conn.

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Additional Views of the Pot

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David Bugbee’s (1749-1822) last will and probate record from 1822

He Died in Brimfield, Mass.

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David Bugbee’s (1749-1822) last will and probate record from 1822

He Died in Brimfield, Mass.

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David Bugbee’s (1749-1822) last will and probate record from 1822

He Died in Brimfield, Mass.

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David Bugbee’s (1749-1822) last will and probate record from 1822

He Died in Brimfield, Mass.

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