Jug
PeriodCirca 1846
Place MadeOld Bridge, New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSalt glazed stoneware
Dimensions12.5 × 9 in. (31.8 × 22.9 cm)
InscribedOn the base of the jug, written in black marker, is "P-36/Evert Bissett/Old Bridge/c. 1846/Ident./From fragments." Former owner James S. Brown, Jr., often marked stoneware pieces in his collection in this manner.
ClassificationsStoneware
Credit LineMarshall P. Blankarn Purchasing Fund, 1961
Object number1979.528.53
DescriptionA salt glazed stoneware jug, with a squat, ovoid body tapering to a footless rim. A vertical strap handle is attached to the top of the jug's short neck just below the thick lip rim. Several shallow incised bands run along the shoulder. A freehand foliate spray is painted at the front of the jug in cobalt blue, with additional small bands of blue painted around the strap handle. Several patches of brownish-orange firing imperfections can be seen, most noticeably below the foliate decoration at front.Curatorial RemarksStoneware collector James S. Brown, Jr., corresponded with early New Jersey stoneware scholar Robert Sim. Brown, who worked as reporter and editor for the Asbury Park Press for many years, wrote numerous articles about New Jersey and Monmouth/Middlesex stoneware potters. Brown identified this particular stoneware jug as having been made by Evert Bissett while he was working at Old Bridge, based upon the discovery of similar decorated shards found at the site of the pottery.NotesStoneware potter Evert Bissett was born May of 1803 in South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. His father, Asher Bissett (1756 - 1805), was a stoneware potter. At least three of Asher's sons - Evert, his older brother, David Bissett (1792 - 1874), and younger brother William (1804 - 1828), followed in their father's footsteps as stoneware potters. Evert married Ruth Jacques (1807 - circa 1880) on 28 June 1828, and the couple had at least four children including Henrietta (b. 1829), William Jacques (b. 1838), Edward P. (b. 1841), John (b. 1844), and Frederick N. (born 1848). Evert and William went into partnership as stoneware makers, but the venture ended upon William's untimely death at the age of 24. Evert then moved to Old Bridge, where he went into partnership with older brother David Bissett. He appears to have been the driving force behind the brothers' business, although the firm seems to have struggled, not even being listed in either the 1850 or 1860 Census of Manufacturers. After his wife Ruth died, Evert made his home with his unmarried eldest daughter, Henrietta (both Evert and Henrietta were listed as "Bennett" in the 1880 Federal Census.) Evert Bissett died on 21 January 1890 and was buried in St. Peter's Church Cemetery in Spotswood, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
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