Red Earthenware Drain Tile that was Likely Made in Exeter, New Hampshire that was Found in the Basement of an 18th Century Home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

It has been almost two weeks now since I posted an article that focused on the production of nineteenth century red earthenware drain tile, which had been manufactured by George W. Wiggin in Exeter, New Hampshire. An example of Wiggin's production was also shown in that article that is owned today by the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, New Hampshire - interestingly, that example was also discovered in a field near Wiggin's business in Exeter.

Yesterday, I learned that an entire red earthenware drain tile system was found intact in the basement during the recent restoration of an eighteenth century house in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This house is owned today by antiques dealer, Hollis Brodrick, but it was also once owned by John Shilabur, who was listed as a Portsmouth potter in 1766. Shilabur is also known to have manufactured red earthenware with slip-decoration in similar styles to that seen in places like Newburyport, Massachusetts and Charlestown, Massachusetts during the period. I briefly discussed Shilabur's work in my latest published article in the April 2017 edition of the New England Antiques Journal.

The drain tile that was found in this house matches in form to what is seen with the tile that is attributed to Wiggin, which is owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society. Even better, one of the tiles from this house still retains its original copper lid.

However, based on the period that Wiggin was producing drain tiles, it should be expected that this drain tile system would have been installed into this house during the circa 1870-1890 period; although, I suspect that it was probably closer to 1870 with this property.

Red Earthenware Drain Tile System was Found in this House in Portsmouth, NH

18th Century Home in Portsmouth, NH

This House was Once Owned by John Shilabur, a Colonial Potter in Portsmouth, NH

A Circa 1870 Red Earthenware Drain Tile System was Found in the Basement of this House

The Drain Tile is Believed to have Been Made by George W. Wiggin in Exeter, NH

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

An Example of the Drain Tile

19th Century Red Earthenware Drain Tile with Original Copper Lid

Attributed to George W. Wiggin in Exeter, NH

Circa 1870-1890

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Drain Tile

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Drain Tile

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

View of the Copper Lid

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Copper Lid

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

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

A 17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered at a Native American Burial Site in Warren, Rhode Island

According to the archaeology report, 'Burr's Hill: A 17th Century Wampanoag Burial Ground in Warren, Rhode Island,' "Burr's Hill is a natural gravel bank overlooking the eastern shore of the Warren River in what is now the southern part of Warren, Rhode Island. Before 1873, when the boundary between the towns of Warren and Bristol was moved, Burr's Hill had been situated at the northern end of Bristol. Both towns are important in Wampanoag history. According to local tradition, Warren was the site of Sowams, the principal village of the Wampanoag sachem Ousamequin, known to the Pilgrims as Massasoit.

Human remains were disinterred (dug up) repeatedly at Burr's Hill throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century in the course of mining sand and gravel for various construction projects. 

Accidental finds continued to be made from time to time, stimulating a lively local controversy over the question of their origin. The prevailing view was that the individuals buried at Burr's Hill were Warren's aboriginal inhabitants , Wampanoag Indians, but there were dissenters in the town, who argued that, because of the many European-made objects found in the graves, the remains must be those of black slaves. The dispute was finally resolved when, in the spring of 1913, gravel mining operations again intruded into the burial ground and Charles Read Carr, a local resident and librarian of the George Hail Free Library in Warren, undertook the first and only systematic archaeological excavations ever conducted at the site. The remnants of straight black hair adhering to some of the skeletons, as well as the presence of wampum and stone tools among the grave goods, convinced Carr that Burr's Hill was in fact a Wampanoag cemetery."

A single completely intact example of what has been described as a domestic form of red earthenware was excavated by Carr at the site of Burr's Hill in Rhode Island. The archaeology report describes this object: "This is a reddish-brown lead glazed mug exhibiting a common seventeenth century vessel shape. While it is likely that this piece was made by a New England potter, it is (almost) impossible to make such an attribution with complete certainty. 

A domestic midden (dump) excavated in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, dating to the period 1640-1700, contained a substantial amount of lead glazed red earthenware with glaze and paste almost identical to the Burr's Hill mug. The source of this material is presently unknown, but it is possible that a potter was at work at the Portsmouth-Newport, Rhode Island area by the middle of the seventeenth century. But the possibility that the Burr's Hill mug is an import from the Massachusetts Bay Colony cannot be ruled out, either. Whether English or domestic, the mug's shape indicates that it was (likely) made during the 1630-1680 period."

Based on what has been proven in recent years about the eighteenth century Charlestown, Massachusetts potter's industry (active ca. 1635-1775), it would not surprise me if this mug was from Massachusetts since Charlestown red earthenware was shipped in quantity throughout New England in the 1700s. It is certainly possible that this mug may have originated in Charlestown, where the Drinker and Kettle (or Kettel) potteries were active during the period that was cited; although, this mug could have also been made elsewhere in Massachusetts, such as a potter's business that may have been located in southeastern Massachusetts.

Note: I have previously written a few articles about the availability of red earthenware in Rhode Island, which was a state that was not really known for its red earthenware production. Instead, it was a state that was heavily dominated by products made in southeastern Massachusetts in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

It has also recently been determined that all of the known artifacts recovered at Burr's Hill will be reburied since they were removed from a Native American burial ground. But I do not currently know if it has been decided when this will take place, yet.

17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered in Warren, RI

17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered at Burr's Hill in Warren, RI

This Mug was Recovered from a Wampanoag Burial Site

The Mug is Decorated with a Reddish-Brown Lead Glaze

The Mug is Thought to be a Domestic New England Product, Possibly Made in Massachusetts

Circa 1640-1680

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: 'Burr's Hill: A 17th Century Wampanoag Burial Ground in Warren, RI'

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

A 19th Century Southern Stoneware Pot Found Yesterday in Brunswick, Maine

This is a nineteenth century stoneware pot that I picked up yesterday while visiting flea markets along Maine's seacoast from Arundel, Maine to Wiscasset, Maine. I found this particular pot in Brunswick, Maine; however, I do not know anything else about this objects's history. The dealer was not able to provide me with any further information, but I assume this pot must have recently been found somewhere in Maine.

I had purchased this pot, as a result of the form and glaze, which reminded me of similar forms that were made in the Edgefield District in South Carolina in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Although, this pot also has an Alabama appearance to it, as well.

Nevertheless, I have searched through auction results and books on Alabama pottery, such as 'Alabama Folk Pottery' written by Joey Brackner, and the form does not appear (to me) to be related to what has been published on nineteenth century Alabama stoneware. However, there are a number of objects that survive today from Edgefield that are similar in size and form, especially pots with this style of collar around the rim. I was not able to find a related collar on any stoneware from Alabama.

In consideration, I believe this pot was made in Edgefield, South Carolina in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. But living in New England, the subject of southern stoneware is not a topic that I have a lot of experience with so by all means I am open to opinions on this pot.

Interestingly, it was just last week that I discovered a nineteenth century Georgia stoneware pot inside a shop in southern Maine, which had been altered into a lamp years ago. I do not necessarily collect southern stoneware, but I thought it was a terrific lamp, and I could not go wrong for only $20. These pots are definitely a long way from home!

Note: Here is a link to a blog written by Dr. Corbett Toussaint that discusses some of the new research that has been introduced about the Edgefield District in South Carolina in recent years.

Pot Found Yesterday in Brunswick, ME

 19th Century Stoneware Pot Possibly Made in Edgefield, SC

Similar Forms are Attributed to the Edgefield District Today

Although, It has Also Been Speculated that this Pot May Have Been Made in Alabama

Found Yesterday in Brunswick, ME

Circa 1850-1880

Stands 7 5/8" Tall

Another View of the Pot

 Another View of the Pot

 View of the Handle

 View of the Interior

View of the Base

Pot Found Last Weekend in Southern Maine

 19th Century Stoneware Pot Attributed to Georgia

Found Last Weekend in a Shop in Southern Maine

Circa 1880

Pot Stands 9 7/8" Tall

 Another View of the Pot

View of the Handle

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that was Reportedly Made in Henry County, Missouri and Pottery Owned by the Missouri Historical Society

Red Earthenware Production in Missouri
According to the book, 'American Redware' by William C. Ketchum, Jr., "The westernmost midlands bastion of traditional red earthenware potting was Missouri, where the craft was introduced along the Mississippi River by early French settlers. Little trace of these eighteenth century kilns can be found, but soon after 1800 Anglo-Saxon potters found their way to the thriving river ports. The first center was St. Louis, Missouri, where George. W. Ferguson and Christian Smith were making ware before 1820. They were followed in the next decade by John Taylor and John Bradbury, who were active c. 1820-1830.

After 1840, the discovery of local stoneware clay deposits led to the gradual abandonment of red earthenware production, and only a few artisans, principally located  in the eastern part of the state, continued to pursue this branch of the craft. Best known of these are the Germanic potters of St. Charles and Hermann. 

In St. Charles, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River just to the northwest of St. Louis, Joseph Oser's kiln produced household ware in basic forms from 1847 until 1906. While coloring agents were occasionally added to the finish, typical St. Charles red earthenware bears only a clear lead glaze highlighting the orange-red body color. Forms, though somewhat "squatter" than those seen in places like New England and Pennsylvania are not greatly different from those being produced at the same time in eastern shops (therefore these Missouri objects can be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today). 

Joseph Oser Pottery - St. Charles, MO

19th Century Red Earthenware Spittoon Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Cooler Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

Missouri red earthenware was also seldom marked; a rare exception is a jar impressed 'F. WOOLFORD/FARMINGTON, MO.,' which was made c. 1840-1850 in the community some forty miles south of St. Louis.

The first potter to work in Hermann, Missouri, midway between St. Louis and Jefferson City, was George M. Sohns, active between 1846 and 1867. Lead-glazed wares attributed to him include such traditional items as milk pans, nappies, preserve jars, pitchers, jugs and pie plates. Sohns was followed in the late 1880s and 1890s by a potter named Hoefer, whose output, reflecting changes in taste in the area, was primarily flowerpots."

George M. Sohns Pottery, Hermann, MO

19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Attributed to the Sohns Pottery - Hermann, MO

Circa 1846-1867

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

A Jar Reportedly Found in Clinton, MO
The following black glazed red earthenware jar has been listed for a reasonable price on eBay for sometime - the jar was reportedly found in Clinton, Missouri, and that is also where it is believed to have been made. Clinton is located about 235 miles west of St. Louis.

I honestly know nothing about the production of red earthenware in Clinton; although, what strikes me about this jar is the fact that it could easily be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today. The form and generic glaze could be misinterpreted for red earthenware production in Pennsylvania, possibly Maryland, Ohio, maybe New Jersey and perhaps even New England. But it is also interesting to see that the base is intentionally glazed on this jar, which is a characteristic that is not common to nineteenth century utilitarian red earthenware potters; although, it is not unheard of, either.

According to the antique dealer, "Clinton, which is located in Henry County, Missouri is known for its fine clay and the area was once home to a number of potteries. There is great similarity found in this jar when compared to the red earthenware produced by Michael Jegglin in Boonville, Missouri in the 1800s, as well as Michael's son, E.A. Jegglin, who operated his own pottery in Calhoun, Missouri."

Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO

Michael Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO

Circa 1890

Link to Image on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

Notes: Here is a link to an article that I recently wrote about a red earthenware jar that was uncovered within a circa 1840-1880 archaeological context in St. Louis, Missouri. The form of this jar is similar to some jars that were also produced in Illinois during the period.

Here is also a link to an object that I find really interesting, which is currently also listed on eBay. The form, glaze and slip on this object somewhat reminds me of red earthenware that was produced by Moravian potters in places like North Carolina in the late eighteenth century.

And, this link will bring you to a book listed on Amazon's website that I feel is an excellent resource for the decorative arts produced in Missouri, which includes red earthenware production.

Jar Reportedly Made in Clinton or Henry County, MO

19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Jar Reportedly Made in Henry County, MO

Reportedly Found in Clinton, MO

Reportedly Late 19th Century, Circa 1880-1910

But I Suspect that it Could Have Been Produced Earlier

The Base has also Been Glazed

The Lid is Reportedly Not Original and Said to Have Been Added Later

 Stands 8" Tall

Weighs 4.2 Pounds

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: eBay

  Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Glazed Base

Photo Courtesy: eBay

Red Earthenware Owned by the Missouri Historical Society
These are some additional examples of red earthenware, which is attributed to Missouri that is owned by the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1800-1900

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Miniature Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1860s to 1880s

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1850s

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher with Original Tin Handle 

Attributed to Schifferle Pottery - St. Louis, MO

Circa 1876

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri

Found Near St. Mary's, Missour

Circa 1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1850

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1800-1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri or Midwest

Circa 1800-1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

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

A Recently Discovered 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug that Appears to Have Been Made at the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, Tennessee

History of the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, TN
According to Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee, "Born in 1782, Leonard Cain started the Cain Pottery in Blountville, Tennessee (Sullivan County). It is believed that he had migrated from the Valley of Virginia. Sullivan County deed records place him in the area no later than 1814. Leonard's sons, Abraham B. Cain and William Cain were also potters - and, William Cain's son, Martin Cain continued the pottery until the early 1900s. Martin represented the last of the Cain dynasty. The Wolford and Henshaw families were married to members of the Cain family, and they also assisted in the pottery operation.

Although the Cain Pottery was in operation for more than 75 years, the pottery forms changed little, if any, over this period. Indeed, once the dangers became well known about lead glazes, many potters converted to stoneware production. However, it appears that the Cains were producing red earthenware forms until at least 1897 (latest dated piece).

Perhaps the glaze most identified with the Cain Pottery was a lead glazed body with manganese splotching, resembling some red earthenware from Connecticut and Long Island. But additional glazes include manganese and iron oxide glazes, where the earliest glazes appear to have been made from iron oxide. Copper oxide glazes do not appear to have been used at the pottery until the late nineteenth century.

Many Cain pieces also consist of incised decoration that include banded rows of two, three and four lines that were applied in both straight and wavy techniques.

The fired clay bodies are invariably reddish-orange in appearance. This was the result of a lower firing temperature and higher iron content in the clay. 

The handles on Cain pieces were almost of always the extruded (ribbed) type with finger print(s) or impressions found at the handle terminals.

It has become readily apparent after examining sherd evidence from the pottery site that the Cains experimented with other glazes not (commonly?) seen within the region or even in the American south. Gold streaks have been observed on a couple of pitchers and jugs (see newly discovered jug below) that has yet to be identified by the glaze that produced it. Other pieces have a yellow-brown speckled glaze that was previously unknown to be produced by the Cains." 

----------------------------------------

Newly Discovered Red Earthenware Jug
I was lucky to have just acquired this large (11 1/2" tall) nineteenth century red earthenware jug that I believe was made at the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, Tennessee. The rim on this jug is nearly identical to a rim found on a jug that sold in 2012 at Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was attributed to the Cain Pottery (see below). The handle terminal is also marked with three finger impressions, which is identical to another jug that sold at Case Antiques in 2015 that was also attributed to the Cain Pottery (see below).

Interestingly, this jug was just discovered in Arkansas, which is a neighboring state to Tennessee. But this jug is also decorated with bold streaks of gold - these streaks appear to be the same characteristic that was just described above about the archaeology uncovered at the Cain Pottery site. It was written, "Gold streaks have been observed on a couple of pitchers and jugs (sherds recovered at the Cain Pottery site) that has yet to be identified by the glaze that produced it."

Unfortunately, these are the only pictures that I currently have access to for this jug, but as soon as it arrives, I will post another article with more pictures. I also do not have a picture that shows all three finger impressions on the handle. I only have a side shot that shows two of them - and, as a result, I chose to hold off on posting that picture. But I will post a complete straight on shot of the handle soon.

Note: Here is a link to an article that was published in 'Antiques and the Arts Weekly' in August 2010 that focused on the latest research in nineteenth-century East Tennessee pottery. Here is also a link to a two volume book that was published in 2011 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which covers the production of all types of pottery in Tennessee, circa 1790s to 1950.

Large Red Earthenware Jug Recently Found in Arkansas

 Large 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

Stands 11 1/2" Tall

The Extruded or Ribbed Handle and Rim are Very Similar to the First Jug Shown Below

The Handle is Marked with Three Finger Impressions Which Match the Second Jug Shown Below

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug
The Gold Streaks Appear to Be Related to the Archaeology Mentioned in the Article
See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug

View of the Extruded or Ribbed Handle and Rim 

View of the Incised Lines

See Article for More Information About this Pottery's Use of Banded Lines

View of the Base

See Article for More Information About the Clay Color

East Tennessee Jug with a Similar Rim and Extruded or Ribbed Handle

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

The Rim is a Near Exact Match to the Jug Discussed Above

The Extruded or Ribbed Handle is Very Similar to the Jug Discussed Above

 Stands 7 3/4" Tall
Sold in 2012
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

 Another View of the Jug and the Handle
This Handle is Marked with a Single Finger Impression
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

East Tennessee Jug with Three Matching Finger Impressions

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

 Stands 7 1/4" Tall
Sold in 2015

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

View of Three Finger Impressions on the Handle

The Jug Discussed Above is Marked with the Same Three Finger Impressions

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

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

Two Examples of Red Earthenware that are Currently on Display at the Discovery Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I wrote in my most recent article, 'A Pioneering Potter: Samuel Marshall of Portsmouth, New Hampshire,' which was published in the April 2017 edition of the 'New England Antiques Journal,' "Despite its thriving import trade, Portsmouth also managed to sustain a market for locally produced red earthenware. At least four businesses fed this market: Samuel Marshall, who operated before 1750; John Shilabur, who is listed as a potter in 1766; Winthrop Bennett, who ran a shop from 1789-1796; and Joseph Dodge, who purchased Bennett's company in 1796, and continued to operate a successful business into the nineteenth century."

I have previously written about the Dodge Pottery; although, this is not a business that is widely know today despite a significant output. Nevertheless, I hope to write an article about this company's production later this year for possible publication in 2018. There is a large collection of  archaeology from the site of the Dodge Pottery that I hope to study that is owned by Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth today.

Yesterday, I visited a wonderful exhibit at the Portsmouth Discovery Center, 'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth.' I was definitely surprised to see two examples of red earthenware on display that had been loaned by the Portsmouth Historical Society - both of these objects also retain a strong history of ownership in Portsmouth.

The jar is a great survivor and a wonderful example of domestic utilitarian red earthenware, as a result of its size, form, color, incised decoration and unusual handles. This may have been produced locally, and it may have even been made at the Dodge Pottery. There are definitely some Essex County, Massachusetts characteristics that can be seen in this jar - but the Dodge Pottery originated in Exeter, New Hampshire, which was a location that also had direct ties to Essex County.

Basically, milk pans were produced everywhere in New England; however, the rim on this milk pan is similar to other milk pan rims that I have seen recovered in early nineteenth century archaeological contexts in Portsmouth. This type of wide rim is also often associated with nineteenth century red earthenware potters in Vermont today - but this is also a very unusual characteristic to find on red earthenware from this part of coastal central and northern New England. I have yet to prove any type of attribution; although, this pan may have also been made at the Dodge Pottery.

Note: Here is a link to my most recent published article that highlights the work of Samuel Marshall, who was Portsmouth, New Hampshire's first known red earthenware potter in the early-to-mid eighteenth century.

'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth, NH' Exhibit

Red Earthenware On Display in 'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth, NH' Exhibit

The Pottery Sits on Top of an Important Early Cupboard Likely Made in Kittery, ME

These Chairs are Known as 'Whale Tail' Chairs Due to the Form of the Crest

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Discovery Center

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Probably 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar with a History of Ownership in Portsmouth, NH

Possibly Made in Portsmouth, NH

See Article For More Information

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

 View of One of the Unusual Handles

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

Another View of One of the Handles

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

19th Century Red Earthenware Milk Pan

 Probably 19th Century Red Earthenware Pan with a History of Ownership in Portsmouth, NH

Possibly Made in Portsmouth, NH

Similar Wide Rims are Attributed to Vermont Today

This is a Rare Style of Rim to Find in this Part of New England

But This Form of Rim has also Been Found Archaeologically in Portsmouth, NH

See Article For More Information

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

 Another View of the Pan

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

View of the Side of the Pan

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

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

George W. Wiggin's 19th Century Ditching Plow and Red Earthenware Drain Tile in Exeter, New Hampshire

On June 7, 1864, George W. Wiggin from Exeter, New Hampshire published a letter informing the public about a patent that he had obtained for an improved ditch digging machine that he called a "Ditching-Plow." I have posted this letter below; although it is difficult to read. But what I find interesting about this ditch digging machine is the fact that Wiggin was also manufacturing red earthenware drain tile in Exeter, which I assume was mostly made for the local market in the 1800s. This drain tile was similar to other red earthenware drain tile that was produced by the Osborn family in Peabody, Massachusetts, as well as the Thomas Crafts Pottery in Whately, Massachusetts in the nineteenth-century.

An example of Wiggin's drain tile is owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, New Hampshire, which was reportedly found in a farm field in Exeter. However, I also wonder how much of this type of nineteenth-century drain tile is excavated by construction crews today and discarded without giving it a second thought.

Note: Here is also a link to an article that I recently posted about the archaeology of the Hilfinger Pottery in Fort Edward, New York - red earthenware drain tile was also excavated at this site, where these artifacts are currently owned by the New York State Museum in Albany, New York.

George W. Wiggin Drain Tile

19th Century Red Earthenware Drain Tile

Attributed to George H. Wiggin Exeter, NH

Reportedly Found in a Farm Field in Exeter, NH

Circa 1870-1890

Measures 12 1/4" Long by 3 1/4" Wide by 4" High 

Photo Courtesy: New Hampshire Historical Society - Concord, NH

George W. Wiggin's Ditching-Plow Patent Letter

G. W. WIGGIN. Ditching Plow.

Patented June` 7, 1864.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

GEORGE W. VVIGGIN, OF EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

IMPROVED DlTCHlNG-MACHINE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 43,060, dated June 7, 1864.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. WIGGIN, of Exeter, in the county of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, have invented a new and useful Machine for Forming Ditches for Drainage and other Purposes; and I do hereby declare that the following, when taken in connection with the drawings which accompany and form part of this specification, is a description of my said invention sufficiently full and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice it.

The nature of my invention consists in organizing or combining together knives or cutters which cut the bottom and sides of the ditch, a peculiarly-formed incline which elevates the soil to be removed from its normal position, another incline which gives the soil to be removed a side-wise direction, a means for gaging the depth of cut, and a guide which moves upon the bottom surface of the cut, so that all together form a ditching machine or plow which, in its onward passage and at one cut or operation, forms a deep and well-defined groove in the soil and deposits the portion displaced at a suitable distance from the edge or side of said groove or ditch.

In the drawings, Figure l represents a side view of a ditching-plow embodying my invention, and Fig. 2 is a front end view of the same. The foundation or sole plate is marked P, and is of the width of the bottom of the ditch intended to be formed.

Above the bed plate, and joined thereunto at its front end, is the mold-board, (marked M,) which at said end is brought to an edge and shod with metal in front, so as to constitute the knife marked K, which cuts the bottom of the ditch, said mold-board rising from the plane of the sole-plate on any suitable angle-say about twenty five degrees. This mold-board twists or turns to one side as it rises from the plane formed by the movement of the knife K, care being taken, however, that the outer edge of the mold-board M shall not extend beyond the plane in which the side cutter, C, is located, except at such part of the length of the mold-board M as rises above the surface of the ground operated upon. The front end of the mold-board is in a horizontal plane; but from this end to the rear it is twisted till at the rear end there is a considerably greater elevation of M at its inner than at its outer edge, which inclination facilitates the falling of from said mold-board upon .the surface to the ground the soil which it elevated. The inclination of the mold-board M to one side should be sufficient to overhang the edge of the ditch some convenient distance say about eighteen inches.

From the mold-board M, rising from it at its front end, on of the angle the cutter C', is a guard or fender, which acts to give a side movement to the soil elevated on and by M and to prevent it from falling oft' from M into the excavation made, M being curved side-wise to conform to the side-wise curvature to M. The pieces marked T are framed into the sole-plate on the angles of the sides of the ditch, which are those of the side cutters, C C', and serve, together With the sole-plate, to guide and steady the plow while in the act of operating to form a ditch, the sole-plate bearing on the bottom and the side pieces T taking a bearing on the sides of the ditch. The uprights 1 and 2 are also framed into the sole-plate, and serve to support at a suitable distance above it the draft-beam B, which I prefer to have set on an angle upward, from front to rear of the sole-plate, of about twelve degrees.

At the front end of the draft-beam and extending across it on either side are cross-pieces, (marked 1,) to which side beams marked S are framed. The cutters which form the sides of the ditch extend from the outer corners of knife -K upward and forward to the sides of beams S, to which they are secured, their forward inclination being about an angle of forty degrees, and their side-wise inclination being about twenty-two degrees outward from the perpendicular.

The cross-beam L, which connects the rear pieces T, extends beyond the plow on one side, so as to form a lever, by which the plow may be in some degree controlled by hand. Straps of metal marked B are also so arranged as to stiffen the side cutters and the side beams.

The fender marked D is a cross-bar under and fastened to the front of the side beams, S, and when the plow is in motion may rest upon the ground or upon a plank placed on the surface of the ground, or the plank may be secured to the machine and drag upon the sole-plate, P, mold-boards M M', curved and inface of the ground, inclined as set forth, cutters C, C', and K, and Wheels or rollers might be used, instead of beams S S and fender D, or their equivalents. 

The devices named, to keep the plow from substantially as and for the purpose herein deterring too deeply into the soil, but as these scribed. embed in most soils where this plow is appli- GEORGE W. WIGGIN. cable, I prefer to use the plank as described. 

Witnesses:

1 claim- .IHos. GoNNER, In ditching-plows, the combination of a sole- CHARLES H. BELL.

Sketch of George H. Wiggin's Ditching-Plow

Sketch of G.W. Wiggin Ditching Plow

Patented in Exeter, NH on June 7, 1864

Photo Courtesy: USPTO Patent Database

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