Edgefield District poem jar, by Dave dated February 10, 1840 ovoid-form with ear-shaped handles; inscribed with poem: 'Whats better than kissing while we both are at fishing'; and on other side signed & dated: 'Febry 10, 1840, Mr. L. Miles, Dave'. (Rim and one handle with chip) H15" *Note: David Drake was an African-American born into slavery in South Carolina around 1780. He worked at his master's newspaper The Pottersville Hive as a typesetter before becoming a potter. While owned by Lewis Miles at Stoney Bluff Plantation in Edgefield, Dave became a master craftsman able to produce some of the largest one-man pots ever made. During a time when literacy among slaves was outlawed in the south, Dave defiantly signed and dated many of his pieces, and in some instances inscribed rhymed verses/poems. During his lifetime Dave was bought, sold and traded between five different families. He died three years after being freed in 1863.