Two Shillings of Earthenware: Reading the 1690 Inventory of Robert Mackclaflin

This post is another preview of my forthcoming two-volume, 1,800+ page, tenth book, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, Danvers, Peabody, Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2026/01/update-on-new-book-book-sent-to.html. 

While researching the new book, I learned of an entry for "Earthen ware'" in the 1690 inventory of Robert Mackclaflin of Wenham, Massachusetts. This may suggest a local manufacturer in either Salem or Gloucester. This is that story.

"...The inventory for Robert Mackclaflin (1639-1690) of Wenham, Massachusetts, dated September 19, 1690, includes an entry for "Earthen ware" valued at 2 shillings. In seventeenth century New England, this term typically referred to lead-glazed red earthenware, which was essential for everyday utilitarian needs and daily tasks around the kitchen. Because Wenham is located only a few miles from Salem, it is highly likely that Mackclaflin may have acquired these pieces from a local craftsman in Salem.

While the specific potter of these items is not named in the inventory, some master craftsmen were active in the Essex County area during the late 1600s who could have produced the earthenware. For example, William Vinson (1610–1690), documented as Salem’s first potter (he is also discussed in the Introduction to Volume I), operated a kiln on Bridge Street in an area historically known as 'Potter’s Field' between 1643 and 1645. He later relocated to Gloucester in 1645, where he continued to produce pottery until the late 1600s. Essentially, Vinson was working in the area at the same time Mackclaflin was living in Wenham.

Mackclaflin (often spelled Maclachlan) was likely born in Scotland around 1639 and arrived in New England under difficult circumstances as a Scottish prisoner of war. In Wenham, Mackclaflin established himself as a successful farmer and tanner, eventually becoming a landowner. In 1664, he married Joanna Warner (1642-1691), and together they raised a large family in a house Robert built himself (see Figure 1.153b)."

The September 19, 1690 Inventory of Robert Mackclaflin of Wenham, Mass.

"Earthen ware" is Noted

Perhaps Made in Salem or Gloucester, Mass.

Might Also Be European in Origin

See Article for More Information

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...