Mining continued through the 1950’s and the rights to mine expired June 14, 1990. The company experienced economic hardships and had legal suits from various lenders and the US government.

The clay was the source of large tonnages of crucible and glass pot clay. The peak years of clay mining occurred during World War I, with about 150 people employed at the mines. In 1908, the Illinois Kaolin Company was formed with 5 investors. The brothers died in 18 and the pottery lasted until 1903 under new management. The pottery began to decline after 1885 with competition from glass and tin containers. The clay was of such high quality that it was in demand by potters throughout the Midwest and a railroad spur was built from the main line to the Village of Kaolin to facilitate shipping. Louis & Cairo narrow gauge railroad was built through Mountain Glen around 1875. The clay at Kaolin was hauled by ox cart to the Anna pottery until the St. The Kirkpatrick’s had more clay than their pottery needed so they began to ship clay to major markets in the Midwest such as Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Clay mining began and the village of Kaolin emerged around the mines. The Kirkpatrick brothers had been mining clay near Anna for their pottery since November 1859. Kirkpatrick, proprietors of Anna Pottery, bought clay rights near the community of Mountain Glen when a superior grade of clay was found in 1866. Used as a lining in furnaces that melt metals.Ĭ.

Withstand high temperatures without cracking or losing its form. The clay is white and is popular with potters due to being able to

Kaolin clay is also known as “China clay” and “Porcelain Clay” because of its high quality.

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