The Wilson Pottery Pioneers, Hiram, James, and Wallace Wilson, reached Texas as enslaved men in 1856 and were brought to the small community of Capote outside of Seguin. After their arrival, they learned pottery-making skills while assisting their slave owner in building a successful pottery business. Following the Civil War, during the post-slavery era, they were granted some land and equipment in Capote by their slave owner, allowing them to apply their trade as potters to establish and maintain their own pottery business. Historians consider the Wilson potters to be the first African businessmen in the state of Texas, a fact included in Texas history public textbooks. Pieces of their work were displayed in the Texas Pavilion exhibit during the HemisFair ’68 World’s Fair held San Antonio in 1968. The Wilson potter’s commitment to their craft and dedication to their pottery-making enterprise ensured their lasting significance to the Capote community and broader central Texas region. Equally important are are the individual contributions of Hiram Wilson, Sr. in establishing churches and schools in both Capote and the nearby community of Seguin.
The descendants of Hiram and James Wilson are understandably proud of the legacy left by their Capote ancestors. There are currently over one thousand living descendants of the Capote Wilson potters, many of whom still reside in Seguin. The Wilson name is deeply woven into Seguin’s history, with the city serving as the host site of the Hiram, James, and Wallace Wilson Family Reunion every three years since 1987. This presentation will explore the Wilson’s journey to Texas, how pottery success was achieved, and current activities of the Wilson descendants who keep the story and legacy alive.
Presented by: Paula King Harper is Board Chair of Wilson Pottery Foundation, established to maintain the heritage of Hiram and James Wilson, Texas’ first Black Pottery entrepreneurs. Paula also coordinates the annual Wilson Pottery Show, held in conjunction with Seguin’s Pecan Fest Heritage Days every October. Paula is a fifth-generation descendant of Hiram Wilson and is honored to represent the family’s legacy in every capacity possible.
Paula is also a Staff Chaplain at University Hospital and serves as Executive Pastor of The Voice Revival Center in San Antonio, TX. She is married to Rev. JeRome Harper, they have four children and 13 grandchildren. Paula holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University and an MDiv from Liberty University.