Jug
PeriodCirca 1850 - 1865
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSalt glazed stoneware
Dimensions12 × 8.5 in. (30.5 × 21.6 cm)
ClassificationsStoneware
Credit LineGift of Miss Edna Netter, 1934
Object number646
DescriptionA salt glazed stoneware jug, with a tall straight body tapering to a narrow neck, surmounted by a delicate pouring spout and a small ring handle applied to the back of the neck and shoulder. The name "John W. Conover" is boldly and gracefully incised into the front of the jug, above a stylized double blossom and leaf floral motif in cobalt blue.Curatorial RemarksBased upon the distinctive double blossom floral decoration on the front of the jug, this stoneware vessel was most likely a product of the Van Schoick & Dunn pottery firm. Van Schoick pottery founder Josiah Van Schoick began life as a blacksmith but in about 1850 began operating a pottery with Abial Price in Matawan. After Price's death in 1852, Van Schoick continued the business in partnership with Ezra Dunn as Van Schoick and Dunn. In 1868 the firm changed its name to Dunn, Dunlop & Co. when William A. Dunlop purchased a third interest in the company. Josiah Van Schoick retained a one-third interest in the pottery until his death in 1898. The pottery was originally located on Main Street in the Matawan business district. In 1862, the partners moved their entire operations to land on Washington Street. James B. Van Schoick joined Dunn, Dunlop & Co. in October of 1877 at the age of eighteen, following in his father Josiah's footsteps as a potter. Initially paid 75 cents per day, he served as general laborer employed for day and night shifts, often tending the kiln when in use. In 1886, Van Schoick married Lillie B. Lowe, daughter of his fellow pottery worker William A. Lowe and his wife Deborah Matthews. Van Schoick died in 1935 in Matawan.NotesIt was not unusual for stoneware potters to create personalized pieces for customers. This jug, for example, includes the name "John W. Conover" beautifully inscribed and highlighted with cobalt blue glaze at the center front. Although there were several "John W. Convers" living in Monmouth County, the most likely person to own and use this jug was John Woodhull Conover. Born on March 8, 1834, Conover was the son of Peter Schenck Conover and Rebecca M. Conover. John grew up on the family farm in Holmdel. He married Mary Schenck on January 31, 1855. The couple had three sons, Peter S., John C., and William I. John Conover was a well respected farmer. A member of the Monmouth County Agricultural Society, Conover won numerous prizes at the Society's annual Fair. In 1858, he won the special premium for best single carriage horse. In 1860, his potatoes won the blue ribbon. And in 1866, Conover received a $100 prize for the "best team for the road from any state." Conover was also involved in local politics. In 1868, he was elected President of the Holmdel Temperance Society. John Conover died unexpectedly on December 31, 1869, at the age of 35. His obituary, which appeared in the January 20, 1870, issue of the Monmouth Democrat, honored Conover, noting that "he was a man of exemplary character, of public spirit, of generous impulses, and of persevering industry in what he undertook." The obituary also mentioned his efforts in the temperance movement, including the fact that "It is believed that few temperance societies in the county have been productive of more good than [the Holmdel Temperance Society.]
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