Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Stamped "S. C DICKSON," Greenville County, SC origin, fourth quarter 19th century, ovoid jug with coved spout molding, the surface covered in a streaky blackish alkaline glaze. Base impressed with S.C. Dickson maker's mark. This jug is the first example of marked Spartan Columbus Dickson stoneware that we have ever offered. The following excerpt is from an unpublished article written by David Ward on this potter. "Born c. 1849. . . Spartan is referred to in the records as educated, marred without children, supporting several of his poor relatives, a land speculator (variously owned several thousand acres), a swindler, financially insolvent, a lunatic, and a Methodist. . . Spartan was arrested in 1895 for forging a note and mortgage in the amount of $1,800.00 (a princely sum in those days). He had a prior history of several bouts of 'mania.' While in jail awaiting trial, he became enraged and mistook a fellow prisoner for 'Bill Cleveland' and threw his opened pocket knife at him. Cleveland was a neighboring propery owner who apparently played a roll in Spartan's downfall. Spartan was then admitted to the state hospital. He told a medical examiner that Bill Cleveland really owed the debt and that he (Spartan) was only trying to save the poor. He explained 'God will send Bill Cleveland to hell for a trillion years.' . . . The records are a little sketchy, but apparently all of Spartan's holdings were foreclosed over the next several years. . . In 1900, [he] was again committed to the state hospital as a 'lunatic.' The medical examiners note that, 'He believes he is in charge of the universe and wants to run it.' . . . The site of his pottery has not been located, but may lie under the water treatment facility of the Greer Waterworks locating on Highway 14 at South Tyger River. Numerous shards found on property of another landowner across Highway 14 suggests that a pottery was located nearby." Spartan C. Dickson died of heart failure in 1903 at the State Hospital. Heavy chipping to one side of spout. Otherwise excellent condition. H 9 1/4".
