Richard Gartley

James L. Murphy's Checklist of 19th-Century Bluebird Potters and Potteries in Muskingum County, Ohio Richard Gartley

Muskingum County in eastern Ohio was a center for stoneware manufacturing beginning in 1814. The stoneware was used locally and millions of gallons were also shipped by boat to communities all along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers throughout much of the 19th century. This book first discusses the history of the early stoneware potteries in Muskingum County with emphasis on the small rural family-owned "bluebird" kilns. This history is followed by a checklist containing the names of 762 stoneware potters, firms, dealers, and other individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution of Muskingum County stoneware. The checklist was initially compiled by the late James L. Murphy, known as the Dean of Ohio Pottery Collectors. The book consists of over 500 pages and contains 26 tables, 322 figures, and an extensive reference list. The figures include maps, genealogical charts of some of the early potting families, images of some of the potters, and black and white photos of Muskingum County stoneware vessels from James Murphy's extensive collection. Maker's marks are also illustrated.