John Poole Schermerhorn (1788-1850)

Trained in the Germanic salt-glazed stoneware tradition transplanted to the New York-New Jersey region, John Poole Schermerhorn became one of the James River Valley’s most important potters, influencing the expression and evolution of this tradition throughout the region and beyond. Brought to Richmond in 1811 by Banjamin DuVal’s advertisement for potters “who understand working at the wheel,” Schermerhorn’s affiliation with DuVal was followed by his own independent manufactories at Rocketts and Mechanicsville Turnpike until 1850. Current research suggests his influence on the potteries operated by Stephen B. Sweeney in Henrico County and Samuel Wilson in Charles City County.