The Shemwell Family

"James Madison Daugherty was born in Cherokee Indian Territory, and moved to Texas from Missouri, settling in Alton, in 1851. His children became successful businessmen in Denton County, and throughout Texas and Oklahoma. His son Daniel Boone Daugherty operated a successful pottery business in Denton. Daniel and his children operated kilns intermittently throughout the late 1800s and mid-1900s. He had two beehive kilns on his property that he later sold to make way for the Old Alton Cemetery. Daniel often made churns, flower pots, and milk containers. Denton’s Selby family, who were florists, frequently bought his authentic flower pots. Daugherty also specialized in architectural pieces and produced handmade bricks. His granddaughter Ellen Daugherty Shaeffer said, “One of the walls at Evers Hardware is made up of Daugherty bricks. Some of the clay came from Old Alton. Daugherty’s children also carried on their father’s legacy of pottery craftsmanship. Daniel Daugherty Jr. owned a large walk-in kiln between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though he tried his hand in the profession, he was not as successful as his father and brother. Members of the Daugherty family used his kiln frequently. The structure still stands today, though it is boarded up and out of operation. Guy Daugherty inherited his pottery skills from his father. Guy owned kilns and pottery shops in multiple locations including Denton County, South Carolina, New York, and Alabama. Guy made a handful of signature items, including pitchers, vases, rabbit feeders and chili bowls. He worked on a traditional kick-wheel instead of using newer techniques. Guy truly enjoyed making pottery and was considered a master of his art."