Caspar Wistar (glassmaker)

Caspar Wistar (1696-1752) was a German-American businessman and glass manufacturer. Born in Hilsbach, Germany, he immigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1717, initially finding work as a button maker. Recognizing the demand for glass, he established the first successful glassworks in the American colonies in 1739 at Allowaystown, Salem County, New Jersey. This enterprise, known as Wistarburgh, produced window glass, bottles, and various household glassware. Wistar employed skilled glassblowers from Europe, including individuals from his native Germany, contributing to a distinctive style of glass production often referred to as "Wistar Glass" or "South Jersey Glass." His entrepreneurial venture played a significant role in the development of early American industry and reduced the colonies' reliance on imported glass. After his death in 1752, the Wistarburgh glassworks continued to operate under the management of his son, Richard Wistar, until approximately 1781. Wistar is remembered as a pioneer in American glass manufacturing.