John Wallace Cowden, born August 29, 1817, was a surveyor and purchased an acre lot in July 1860 in Harrisburgh, Dauphin County between Cumberland and Herr Streets. He established a pottery and in1863 advertised as "Harrisburg Stoneware Pottery." He may have established this business for his eldest son, Frederick Hatton Cowden born in 1843, as John remained a surveyor. The pottery became known as Cowden & Wilcox was known as Cowden Wilcox & Co from 1867-1873, when Frederic, Civil War Vetern returned to Harrisburg, joined his father and a local potter, Jim Wilcox, in the business. In 1873, Jim Wilcox died, and the firm became known as Cowden & Wilcox, however these changes were never reflected in the stamp, and the name was retained until 1887.