H. Wilson & Co. holds a special place in Texas history as the first Black-owned business in the state. Established by formerly enslaved brothers, the company revolutionized pottery with unique designs and a trademarked stamp. Today, their legacy lives on through museums and preservation efforts.
A Trailblazing Pottery Business
Founded after the Emancipation Proclamation, H. Wilson & Co. became a symbol of freedom and entrepreneurship. The business was created by Hiram and James Wilson, two brothers who were formerly enslaved in North Carolina. After arriving in Texas, they learned the art of pottery and started their own company.
Paula King Harper, President of the Wilson Pottery Foundation, emphasizes the importance of their work.
“What we know is that Hiram was the first to trademark and stamp his work. He was the first to create an enterprise and stamp his work,” she said.
Their pottery stood out not just for its craftsmanship but also for its signature mark, making it one of the first trademarked Black-owned businesses in the U.S.
Innovative Craftsmanship and Lasting Influence
H. Wilson & Co. introduced new techniques in pottery-making, setting their work apart from others. Their signature designs included horseshoe-shaped handles and a salt glaze finish, which gave the pottery a distinctive look. The glaze came from Salt Creek, a water source near the Guadalupe River.
Pottery played an essential role in daily life during the 1800s. Their pieces were used for carrying water, storing food, and preserving supplies.
“I would imagine that they would have carried water in this from the river,” Harper explained. “They could have used it for storing milk or whatever they wanted, maybe meat.”
These handcrafted works remain valuable historical artifacts, with collectors and historians cherishing them as part of Texas’ cultural heritage.
A Legacy That Lives On
Beyond pottery, the Wilson family contributed to the community in significant ways. They established schools, built a church, and created the Capote Cemetery, a historic site that still stands today.
The Wilson Pottery Museum in Seguin, Texas, showcases their work. Visitors can also find pieces at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. The Wilson Pottery Foundation continues to preserve the company’s legacy and educate future generations.
For those interested in celebrating this rich history, the Wilson Pottery Foundation Gala is scheduled for June 15 at the Silver Center in Seguin.
“If you have an H. Wilson and Company piece of pottery, you have a very precious, valuable… that is rich history. And we cherish it,” Harper said.
H. Wilson & Co. was more than just a business—it was a movement that proved resilience, innovation, and craftsmanship could shape a lasting legacy.
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