You might want to check the history of Berlin, NH. The story there, and
verified I suppose by Assay historic records, that a lead source was there
and a story (from memory) about finding it is in their history.

When certain settlers arrived they found an over 1 mile long beaver dam, but
no beaver, apparently already trapped and put into the fur trade. A
particular story existed about a silver source among the natives there. A
settler negotiated with a native to lead him to this "silver metal" source.
He was blindfolded as per agreement and led for a number of days until he
found himself alone. Stumbling, he slid down a hillside and stopped his
slide by digging into the moving ground with his axe. He noticed that it
stuck into a shiny metal which he thought to be silver. He removed some of
it and, finding his way back to "civilization" sent the sample to an
Assayer, who reported that it was in actuality, lead. As for its use in
ceramics I'm not sure.

Lead, I read was a strategic problem in the American Revolution, and sources
were guarded. I seem to remember that Fort Lauren in Ohio may have been
created to protect one. (R.M. Gramly, Ph.D., Kent State University Press, an
archaeological report) It was once the furthest western fort. Apparently the
US may owe a debt of gratitude for trade in lead with the Dutch ("The First
Salute" Barbara W. Tuchman) during the American Revolution.

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