James Taylor

Known as a master of his craft, James Taylor immigrated from England and established the first English-style pottery in Trenton in 1852. Partnering with Henry Speeler, he revolutionized the industry by creating the first fireproof ware and whiteware in the city. His innovations earned him a medal from the Franklin Institute. After a long career that saw his firm become the Trenton Pottery Company, he retired in 1875 to pursue his interests in Freemasonry as a member of Mercer Lodge No. 50.