iv Partnership with Harrison & Whieldon 39 



but only to the written record ; and it may be added 

 that the result of his skill and perseverance gradually 

 led to the general improvement of the pottery trade. 



The five years' partnership with Whieldon expired in 

 1759, and Wedgwood was then left to his own devices. 

 Whieldon retired from the pottery manufacture with a 

 considerable fortune. He built a handsome house near 

 Stoke, where he long continued to enjoy the fruits of 

 his industry. He was greatly esteemed for his charity 

 and benevolence ; was made sheriff of the county 

 of Stafford in 1786, and he died twelve years after at a 

 very advanced age. 



