Overview
David Drake, also known as “Dave the Potter,” was a highly skilled enslaved African American potter in South Carolina in the 19th century. During his lifetime, Mr. Drake created thousands of ceramic works which reflect extraordinary craftsmanship and high artistic achievement, and are considered among the most significant examples of American ceramic art.
Adding to the artistic and cultural significance of Mr. Drake’s works is the fact that he dated and signed many of his works, and he further inscribed many works with poems or polysemous verses, which is of significance given that Mr. Drake created these works at a time when it was forbidden to teach enslaved persons to read or write and literacy among enslaved persons was criminalized. Mr. Drake’s works have been acquired by leading museums and private collections throughout the United States, and have substantial commercial value. Because Mr. Drake was an enslaved person, he was denied the full benefits of his brilliance, talent and labor, and the economic benefits of Mr. Drake’s work have historically excluded his descendants.
Purpose
The Dave the Potter Legacy Trust LLC (the “Trust”) was formed to preserve Mr. Drake’s artistic, cultural and historic legacy and ensure that his dignity and memory are honored through meaningful restitution and compensation to ensure his descendants are among the beneficiaries of his legacy.
Gallery (Public Domain / Open Access)
Call to Descendants
Please review the Descendant Guidelines (PDF) and submit the requested information to establish your connection.
How to Submit a Claim
The Dave the Potter Legacy Trust LLC reviews claims of lineal biological descent from David Drake (Dave the Potter, ca. 1801–1874). The following information explains our review process, evidentiary standards, and submission requirements.
Important Notice Before You Submit
- Only complete documentation packages will be reviewed. Submissions that are missing required materials will not be evaluated.
- Geographic proximity alone does not establish descent. Residing in or having ancestors from Edgefield, Aiken, or Shaw's Creek does not qualify a claimant for descendant status.
- DNA alone does not establish descent. Genetic evidence is treated as corroborating information only and cannot substitute for documentary lineage proof.
- Claims are reviewed under formal evidentiary standards. The Trust applies consistent, documented criteria to every submission.
- Review Period: All complete submissions are subject to a 15–20 business day review period following receipt of a full documentation package.
What We Are Looking For
A verified descendant is an individual who can demonstrate lineal biological descent from David Drake through a continuous, documented generational chain. Claims must show an unbroken family connection — "community proximity," surname association, and oral tradition alone are not sufficient.
Accepted Forms of Evidence
The Trust evaluates three categories of evidence. Documentary lineage is the primary and required foundation of any claim.
Primary — Documentary Lineage Records
These records form the core of a valid claim. Claimants must submit documentation establishing each generational link from themselves to a documented child of David Drake.
- Vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records
- Census records (federal and state) showing household membership and family continuity
- Probate records, wills, and estate inventories naming children or heirs
- Freedmen's Bureau records
- Church registers and baptismal records
- Deed and land records confirming family units
Corroborating — Genetic Evidence
DNA evidence is considered supportive, not determinative. It strengthens a well-documented claim but cannot replace records.
- Autosomal DNA results (AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, or equivalent)
- Y-DNA or mtDNA where applicable to the specific line
- DNA match screenshots showing shared segments with independently verified descendants
Supplemental — Contextual Materials
The following are considered supplemental only and carry limited weight. They cannot substitute for generational documentary proof.
- Oral history traditions, if consistent with documentary records
- Geographic association with the Edgefield / Shaw's Creek pottery district
- Surname presence within documented family clusters
Required Submission Package
To be considered for review, a claimant must submit all of the following:
- A pedigree chart covering 5–7 generations connecting the claimant to David Drake
- Copies of all cited documentary records (see Primary Evidence above)
- A written narrative explaining your lineage theory and how each generational link is established
- DNA match documentation, if applicable (screenshots or exported match lists)
Incomplete submissions will not be evaluated. Claimants will be notified if their package is incomplete and given the opportunity to resubmit.
Dispute Resolution — Binding Arbitration
By submitting a claim, claimant agrees that any dispute regarding the denial of a claim shall be resolved through binding arbitration in the State of Maryland. Submission of a claim constitutes acceptance of this condition.
Contact & Partnerships
- Email: kelliefarrish@yahoo.com
- Descendant Guidelines: Download PDF
Interest Form
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