An abundance of rich clay in the Henderson County, Texas, area spawned a vibrant early pottery industry in the mid-19th century. One noted potter and artist at the time was Levi Cogburn. In fact, one of his inkwells sold on eBay for an impressive $7,201 in 2003.Cogburn and the region's pottery industry are recognized on a Texas historic plaque in Athens, Texas. Cogburn -- born in the state of Georgia on October 3, 1812 -- relocated to East Texas as an adult. He ran a pottery company in Athens from 1857 until his death in 1866. The company made plates, cups, saucers ... and inkwells. Levi Cogburn established a pottery business in Athens about 1857.
