1780 N 1710 Royalton Road Construction

Samuel Abbott of Dover, New Hampshire, Boston, Massachusetts and Montpelier, Vermont.

Samuel Abbott was born May 14, 1791 in Concord, NH. He was the son of Stephen Abbott and Mary Giles. Samuel is first listed as a clockmaker in 1812 in the town of Dover, NH. It is in this small southeastern New Hampshire town that Samuel began his career as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, and jeweler. On March 5, 1813, Samuel married Jane Day of Concord, New Hampshire. Together they had two sons. Their son John Sullivan Abbott worked in Montpelier, Vermont in similar trades. The Abbott family moved from Dover to Boston, Massachusetts in about 1827. Here he is listed in the Boston Directories as a clockmaker in 1827 through 1830. In Boston, he is listed at several addresses: first at 11 Pitt Street, then 64 Hanover Street and lastly 33 Merrimack. In 1830, Samuel left Boston and moved North to Montpelier, Vermont. He first advertises himself as clock and watchmaker there in January 1830. In 1831-32 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Freeman as Abbott & Freeman. While in Montpelier, Samuel trained J. G. Hall as a clockmaker. Abbott was again listed in the New England Business Directories as watchmaker and jeweler at Montpelier in 1849 and in 1860. He lived there until his death on May 4, 1861 at the age 70. He is buried in the Green Mountian Cemetery in Montpelier, VT.

Examples of tall clocks, shelf clocks, New Hampshire mirror clocks, lyre wall clocks, and patent timepieces have been found. He is noted for his distinctive three-pillar, "grand piano" shaped timepiece movements. Many of these clocks are found with a teardrop shaped pendulum keystone. A watch paper also survives. It is in the collection of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA.

Nathan Adams of Danvers and Andover, Mass and also in Hallowell, Wiscasett and Edgecomb, Maine. He also worked as a silversmith in Boston, Massachusetts.

Nathan Adams was born in Newbury, Massachusetts on May 1, 1755. His parents were Henry and Sarah (Emery) Adams. His father was a joiner working in that town. In 1775, Nathan enlisted in the Continental Army as a drummer. He was discharged on December 18, 1780. Nathan is listed as a "Joiner" working in Danvers, Massachusetts in 1783 and in Andover, Massachusetts in 1784. On December 1, 1785, he married Elizabeth (Bette) Poor of Frye Village. By 1786, Adams returned to Danvers and most likely apprenticed his brother-n-law Ezra Batchelder. Deeds show that he maintained an association with both the towns of Andover and in Danvers owning property in both locations. The Danvers property was sold in 1794. In 1795, Nathan Adams moved to Hallowell, Maine. Here he is listed as a clockmaker and as a yeoman. In 1796, he purchased a large tract of land across the river in Pittston. Over a number of years, he sold the land for a profit. In 1796, he moved on to Wiscasset where he built a shop. He remained there until he sold his property to Daniel Noyes, a silversmith. Nathan lost his first wife and married Joanna Batchelder of the Danvers, Massachusetts clockmaking family some time around 1800. He continued to make clocks working in Wiscasset and then moving to Edgecomb. By 1812, he lost the land and building due to indebtedness. After 1812, he returned to Danvers and then worked in Boston as a silversmith where he died in 1825.

The Andover Historical society has a very nice example of a tall clock that he made. This clock is dated on the dial 1792 and features automation in the arch. A face is painted in the arch and its eyes moved side to side with the motion of the pendulum. The case form is very similar to a clock we have owned. We know of a clock that he made while living in Wiscasett in 1808. It is a very fancy inlaid mahogany case which was made for and sold to Moses Davis Esq., of Davis Island.

It is unusual for a clockmaker to have made his own cases. It appears that Adams had the talent to do this.

Tall case clocks with both engraved brass and painted iron dials and the Massachusetts Shelf clock forms are known.

Amos Denison Allen of Windsor, Connecticut.

Amos Denison Allen was born in Windham, Connecticut on March 13, 1774. His parents were Amos Allen Jr and Anna Babcock (Allen). In 1790, at the age of 16, Allen began his training as an cabinetmaking apprentice with Colonel Ebenezer Tracy (1744-1803) in Lisbon, New London County, CT. Allen worked with him until his apprenticeship expired on his twenty-first birthday, in March 1795. On August 18 1796, Allen married Lydia Tracy, E. Tracy's daughter. Together they had at nine children. They moved to Windham, Connecticut and owned a farmed that totaled 190 Acres. His shop was often very busy and Allen employed as many twelve apprentices at one time. They shipped numerous chairs up and down the east coast, using peddlers to sell many of their products. One of Allen's shop books covering the years 1796-1803, is currently in the collection of the Connecticut Historical Society along with his apprenticeship papers. It provides a careful listing of his output and his clients during that period. In 1965, Houghton Bulkeley tabulated his memo book as follows: 799 chairs, 51 Pembroke tables, 40 bedsteads, 37 bureaus, 35 chests, 19 dining tables, 16 kitchen tables, 14 portrait frames, 8 clock cases, 8 two-drawer chests, 6 desks, 6 plain tables, 5 chests-on-chests, 2 cradles, 1 (inlaid) sideboard, 1 secretary, 1 looking glass, 1 bookcase, 1 schoolmaster's desk.

We have owned and seen at least 5 tall case clocks where the cases have been stamped or branded with his name on the backboard. The stamp reads, A. D. ALLEN.

James Almy of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

James C. Almy is listed in Paul Foley's book, Willard's Patent Timepieces. He is listed as a Clockmaker and a Watchmaker working in 1820 -1872. He was born in Newport, Rhode Island on June 19,1802 and died in South Dartmouth, MA on February 2nd, 1872. He is listed as working in partnership with William Wall as Almy & Wall in New Bedford for the period of October 21, 1821 through August of 1823. Here, they made tall clocks, and wall timepieces. Within a couple of years of the Almy & Wall dissolution, James joined with John Bailey III in partnership as John Bailey & Co. This firm lasted from 1825 â€" 1827. In March of 1828, Almy advertises that he has taken a store in Water Street (alone) nearly opposite the Merchants Bank. He moves in 1836 to Union Street and remains there until 1852. By 1856, his son James T. Almy takes over the business. James Almy's name alone is only known of a few clocks.

John C. Almy and William A. Wall Almy & Wall of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Almy & Wall of New Bedford, Massachusetts. They are listed in Paul Foley's book, "Willard's Patent Timepieces" as working in New Bedford for the period of October 21, 1821 through August of 1823. In partnership, they made tall clocks and wall timepieces.

John C. Almy is listed as a Clockmaker and a Watchmaker working in 1820 -1872. He was born in Newport, Rhode Island on June 19,1802 and died in South Dartmouth, MA on February 2nd, 1872. In 1821, after the divorce of the partnership with Wall, Almy moves to Exeter, NH by 1824 to continue in clock related businesses.

William A. Wall is listed as a Clockmaker, Watchmaker and Artist. He was born in New Bedford on May 19, 1801 and died there on September 6, 1885. It is reported that he was an apprentice to Hanover, Massachusetts Clockmaker John Bailey Jr. Shortly after the breakup of the partnership with Almy, Wall takes an interests in painting and signs on as a student of John Scully. By 1826 he advertises his talents as a portrait painter. Later he travels abroad to study his new trade.

Samuel Aspinwall of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Pittston, Maine.

Samuel Aspinwall was born in Canton, Massachusetts and died in Berlin, Maine. He first worked in Cambridge, Massachusetts during the period of 1803 through 1813. In an 1803 lawsuit, Aspinwall describes himself as a Cambridge, Clockmaker. It appears he also worked in Salem, MA before moving to North to the town of Pittston, Maine. It is documented that Aspinwall had business dealings with the Boston Clockmakers Daniel Munroe and John MacFarlane. He is described as a Pittston clockmaker in two separate civil lawsuits filed in 1810 and 1811 by Monroe and Macfarlane to recover unpaid promissory notes. Very few signed clocks have been found to date. We have owned one tall case clock made by him while working in Pittston.

Atkins Clock Company of Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut.

This firm was established in 1859 to succeed the Atkins Clock Manufacturing Company which went bankrupt in June of 1858. In 1859, 12 employees made approximately 4000 clocks.

Merritt W. Atkins was born in 1804 and died in 1873 at the age of 69. He worked in both Bristol and later Forestville, Connecticut. He was a manufacturer of brass movement clocks and was involved in several firms. Most notably would be the firm of Atkins and Porter. His firm M. W. Atkins spanned the years 1840-1857.

For additional information regarding the Atkins firms, please see The Clocks of Irenus Atkins written by Phil Gregory & Robert King.

Charles Babbitt of Taunton, Massachusetts.

Charles Babbitt was born in Taunton on December 3rd, 1786 and died there on August 13, 1854. He is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, jeweler, merchant and as an inventor at one time or another during the period of 1807-1850. His shop was located on Main Street and was in direct competition with Abner Pitts of the same town. We have owned several tall clocks and wall clock signed by this Maker.

Stephen Badlam of Dorchester Lower Mills, MA.

Stephen Badlam was born on May 7, 1751, in Stoughton now Canton, MA. His parents were Deacon Stephen Badlam who worked as a part time cabinetmaker and as a tavern keeper and his wife Hannah (Clapp) Badlam. They had four children, Hannah, Eliza, Stephen and William. Stephen's mother Hannah died on March 16, 1756 when he was just 5 years old. His father married again but he died soon after. This left Stephen and his siblings with a challenging childhood. He was essentially orphaned. At the age of 15, he moved to Dorchester to live and work with his older brother Ezra. Stephen was trained at an early age as a surveyor and as a cabinetmaker. In 1773, the two brothers formed a furniture making partnership and settled in the Lower Mills section of that town.

Stephen was a patriotic man, he answered the Lexington Alarm as a sergeant in Captain Daniel Vose train band company. He joined the American Army in 1775 and served honorably during the Revolutionary War. First commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, he was promoted quickly to 1st Lieutenant and then to the rank of Captain in the same year. In military service, he met Washington, whom he admired greatly. He also met Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette, who presented him with a sword. Badlam's regiment was ordered to Canada, and he sailed up the Hudson River in command of the artillery. At this time he was made a Major. On July 4, 1776, he took possession of a rise of ground opposite Fort Ticonderoga, and on July 18th, he named it Mount Independence, a name subsequently confirmed by General Gates. A serious illness forced him to resign from the army and Stephen returned to Massachusetts. In 1777, he and his wife Mary settled with a newborn daughter, Polly, in Dorchester's lower Mills. They had six other children: Stephen, Abigail, Nancy, Lucretia, John and Clarissa. After the war, Stephen was was made a General in the Massachusetts militia. By 1785, he re-established his cabinetmaking career. It is now thought that he did very little hand work. His role was to keep his employees busy and ran the day to day operations of the shop. An advertisement placed on March 3, 1785, advertised "Mahogany Desks, Tables, Bureaus, Chairs, Bedsteads, and Cabinet Work of various Kinds, made and sold on reasonable Terms, By Stephen Badlam, of Dorchester near Milton Bridge, when any person may be supplied with good Work for shipping or other use, and have it delivered at any Place required." He soon built up a substantial business. He also provided turnings for other cabinetmakers in the neighborhood and sold picture-frame materials and window glass. A number of pieces of furniture have been found with his cabinetmakers stamp. We also know that he made clock cases of the finest design for Simon, Aaron and Ephraim Willard. He also sold them to a number of their apprentices which included William Cummnens and Elnathan Taber. His Dorchester home became a center of current discussion and served as a school from 1793-1799. He was active in civic affairs and was also appointed Justice of the Peace in 1791. He opposed the annexation of Dorchester Neck by the City of Boston. In 1798, Elizabeth Turner became his second wife. Stephen died in 1815.

Stephen Badlam's estate was valued at over $24,000 in 1815. In contrast, it is said that the average labor earned about $30 a year. This was a considerable sum for the time and is an indication of the position he enjoyed. Today, Badlam's furniture is recognized by collectors for its fine quality and is eagerly sought out.

Phinehaus Bailey of Hanover, New Hampshire and Chelsea, Vermont.

A clockmaker, jeweler, silversmith, traveling tinker, teacher, printer, and minister. Inventor of Phonography.

Phinehaus or Phinehas J. Bailey was born on November 6,1787 in Landaff, NH. He was the son of Asa and Abigail (Abbott) Bailey and was the fourteenth of seventeen children. In 1793, his parent recently separated, Phinehuas was sent to live with his older sister Abigail and her husband Stephen Bartlett in Bath. Here he received some schooling from his brother-in-law and eventually find work in his uncles workshop making sleds, carts, crossbows, windmills, etc. In 1801, he was apprenticed to John Osgood in Haverhill, NH. Osgood was a prolific clockmaker and was also a silversmith and jeweler. Bailey,s apprenticeship lasted seven years. In 1809, Bailey found work as a Methodist minister and journeyman in Hanover, NH with the clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith Jedidiah Baldwin. This lasted approximately 7 months. Bailey did not like Baldwin so he moved approximately 20 miles northeast to Chelsea, VT. Here he struck a deal with Nathan Hale to use his tools and to make clocks. This partnership prospered. In August of 1810, he married Janette McArther and together they bought a house. By 1816, his clock business had began to fail. Competition from the wooden clock industry in Connecticut had devastated the brass clock business. The introduction of cheap wooden geared clocks put the Makers of brass geared clocks out of business. Bailey became a traveling repairman fixing for people what ever he could. He also became interested in shorthand and mastered the art. He made some improvements of his own on the process and called his version phonography. This was a form of stenography. He developed and continued to revise his own system over the following years. In doing so, he taught numerous people. This became for a time his major source of income. He was also a member of the Congregational ministry. In 1823, after years of study he was licensed to preach. He began a new career in Richmond, VT. A year later he moved to East Berkshire to preach. He also opened a school to teach shorthand, astronomy and grammar. In 1833, he moved across Lake Champlain to preach in Beekman, NY. Troubled times in 1839 including the death of his wife forced him to move south to Ticonderoga, NY. Eighteen months later he was preaching in Hebron, NY. He resigned from Hebron in 1845. In 1852, he moved back to Vermont to the town of Albany with his wife Hannah Edwards of Morrisville. He retired from the pulpit in 1860. Phinehuas died on December 14, 1861.

Several tall clocks are known to exist. A portrait Phinehuas Bailey and a daguerreotype are in the collection of the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont. A watch paper is in the collection of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Calvin Bailey of Hanover, Massachusetts and Bath, Maine.

BAILEY, CALVIN – Hanover, MA Bath, ME – Clock maker. 1782-1835. Born in
Hanover on Jan. 21, 1761, died in Bath, ME in 1835. Son of John Bailey Sr. Calvin worked in Hanover until 1828 when he moved to Bath, ME. Calvin was most likely trained by his father. His brother John Jr. was also a clock maker who made many tall case clocks. Calvin's account book exists and mentions other Clockmakers including David Studley who worked 1806-09 as a journeyman and cabinetmaker.

Lebbeus Bailey of Hanover, Massachusetts and North Yarmouth, Maine

Lebbeus Bailey was born in 1763 in Hanover, Massachusetts. It is thought that he served his apprenticeship along with his older brother Calvin, born 1761 and his older brother John II born in 1751. Lebbeus is listed as a clockmaker in Hanover, MA in 1784 through 1791. In 1791, he is recorded as moving to North Yarmouth, Maine were he settled with his wife, Sarah Sylvester Myrick. Lebbeus set up a foundry and continued to make tall clocks and shelf clocks as well as every kind of metal work of which his customers had need. Lebbeus died on December 3, 1827. His house still stands in that town.

John Bailey II of Hanover, Massachusetts.

John Bailey II of Hanover, Massachusetts. A quaker clockmaker. An exceptional mechanic and an inventor.

John Bailey II was born in Hanover, Massachusetts the son of John (a shipbuilder) and Ruth Randall Bailey on May 6, 1751. He died there 72 years later on January 23, 1823. It is thought that he learned clockmaking at a very young age and may have been self taught. John is responsible for training numerous apprentices. Many of which include his younger brothers Calvin and Lebbeus, his son John III, Joseph Gooding, Ezra Kelley and Hingham's Joshua Wilder. Many of these trained apprentices moved to other south eastern Massachusetts towns and become well known to their local communities. John was the most prolific maker of the six Baileys that were involved in the clock business. He was Quaker preacher and an ingenious mechanic as well as an instrument maker. In addition to clocks, a surveyor's compass is known and is now in the Hanover Historical Society's collection. He was also an inventor and received a patent for a steam operated roasting jack. This device was designed to turn meat over a fire in order to cook it more evenly.

John's clocks are loosely broken down into two categories. The first is a home developed style. Often these examples have sheet brass dials that are engraved and treated with a silver wash. Several examples have been found with movements that are constructed in wood. Others are constructed in brass and the plates are fully skeletonized. Some of these incorporate wooden winding drums. It is interesting to note that he made both types of strike trains. We have seen examples signed by him that feature a count wheel set up and also the more popular rack and snail. Very few clockmakers used both set ups. The cases are typically constructed in indigenous woods that include maple and cherry. These examples have pleasing country proportions and lack the sophistication of the Roxbury school. Sometime around 1790, the Roxbury / Boston influence must have played a big role in John's production. The movements on these examples are more apt to incorporate fully plated movements. In addition, the cases resemble those being turned out by the Willard School. These feature mahogany cases and are often decorated with inlays. The second generation of output is much more formal in appearance.

Over the years, we have owned a fair number of clocks made by him. Some of which included numerous tall case clocks, dwarf clocks and the Massachusetts shelf clock form.

John Bailey III or Jr. of Hanover and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

John Bailey III or Junior was born in Hanover, Massachusetts on August 13, 1787. It is thought that he learned the family trade of clockmaking from his father John II. John III finished his apprenticeship in 1809 at the tail end of the tall case clocks popularity. The wall timepiece, and shelf clock became the clock of choice due to its reduction in cost. In June of 1809, he moved to Portland, Maine and worked mostly as a repairman. In November of 1810, he married Anna Taber, the daughter of a prominent Quaker merchant in Portland. In 1811, they returned to Hanover. It is during this next period of his life that we find him traveling in the South during the winters and setting up temporary repair shops and shipping whole clocks from the North to Southern clients all while maintaining a shop in Hanover. In 1824, he had moved his business from Hanover to the growing city of New Bedford, which is located on the Massachusetts south coast. Here he took the shop formerly occupied by the clockmakers Almy & Wall. In addition to his reputation as a fine businessman, clockmaker and chronometer repairman, Bailey became well known for his Anti-slavery convictions. He traveled extensively, including to the South, to preach his message of abolitionism. This was a stance that eventually cost him is business in New Bedford. In 1848, he moved to Lynn, MA where he operated "The Old Curiosity Shop" a jewelery and repair business on Union Street. He died in there in 1883 on March 2nd. Over his life time, he saw the cost of a clock start at $60 and fall to $2 due to the gearing up of mass production methods. Clocks were no longer for the most affluent of a community.

Over the years, we have owned a fair number of clocks made by him. Some of which included numerous tall case clocks, dwarf clocks and wall timepieces.

Edward Pyson Baird

Edward Payson Baird was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 26, 1860 and died in October 23, 1929 at the age of 69. In 1879 he went to work for the Seth Thomas Clock Company until 1887 when he moved to Montreal, Canada. Here he formed the Baird Mfg. Co., which was located at 112 Queen Street. He also opened a sales office at 13 Park Row in New York City. In Montreal, Baird manufactured wooden cases that housed Seth Thomas made movements. The front of the cases were fitted with very recognizable doors that prominently displayed the advertising for various products which his client's companies sold. Many of these doors were made from paper mache. His business model of selling clocks to companies so that they could advertise their wares was successful and the business grew. In July of 1890, he moved the company to Plattsburgh, New York and set up shop at 18 Bridge Street along the Saranac River. Baird had numerous clients in the States as well as in Great Britain as is evident by the surviving examples. He had a good run until 1896 when a local sheriff took possession of the company's assets which were soon sold at public auction. By 1897, Baird established himself in Chicago. Here he began to focus on the telephone industry applying for as many as twelve patents and then later eleven additional patents for locks and keys.

For a more in-depth history, please read Baird Advertising Clocks written by Jerry Maltz in 1998.

Baird Mfg., Co. of Plattsburgh, New York.

Edward Payson Baird was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 26, 1860 and died in October 23, 1929 at the age of 69. In 1879 he went to work for the Seth Thomas Clock Company. He worked there until 1887 when he moved North to Montreal, Canada. Here he formed the Baird Mfg. Co. and began to build and sell advertising clocks. In July of 1890, he moved to Plattsburgh, New York and set up shop at 18 Bridge Street along the Saranac River. It is at this location that this clock was made.

Eleazer Baker of Ashford, Connecticut.

Eleazer Baker of Ashford, Connecticut. Clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.

Eleazer Baker was Born on December, 17, 1764 in Tolland, Connecticut and died on December 3, 1848 in Mansfield Center, Connecticut. His parents were Joseph Baker 1738-1804 and Lois Carpenter 1740 â€" 1808. He married Hannah Trowbridge in Pomfret, Connecticut on April 12, 1787. He is listed as working in Ashford in 1875. In 1791, he began training Edmund Hughes who later “ran away” and then returned to finish his training. In 1793, he advertised in the Windham Herald as a clock and watchmaker and goldsmith. In 1794 he is listed in the Ashford Land Records as buying property. In 1795, he is again listed as buying the adjoining land at the junction of the Boston and Hartford, Turnpike. The house he built, still stands today. Very few clocks have been recorded. A number of pieces of silver have been found including tankers, teapots, porringers, etc.

Daniel Balch of Bradford and Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Daniel Balch Sr. was born in Bradford, Massachusetts on March 1, 1734. He was the son of Reverend William Balch of the East Parish in Badford. It is thought that Daniel had apprenticed and learned the skills of clockmaking under the guidance of Samuel Mulliken. In Bradford, he made clocks until he moved to Newbury in 1756. He was also married this same year to Hannah Clements (1735-1783). His first shop was located on Fish Street now State Street. In 1765, Newburyport became its own entity and the two villages were divided. It is recorded that he kept the town clock of Newburyport form 1781 – 1783. Daniel married a second time in 1784 to Judith Thurston (1739-1825) of Newbury. Daniel had two son from his first marriage that he trained as clockmakers. They are Daniel Jr. (1761-1835) and Thomas Hutchinson Balch (1771-1817). Together, they continued the business after Daniel Sr. died in 1790. ( An interesting note. Jonathan Kettell, a cabinetmaker originally from Charlestown, Massachusetts and moved to Newburyport after the British burned the town in 1775, recorded in his account books that Daniel Balch purchased as many as twenty-two tall case and shelf clock cases in the years that included 1781-1792.) Examples of tall clocks, some musical, and shelf clocks have been found. A very nice example of a brass dial shelf clock is currently in the collection of the Historical Society of Old Newbury.

Jedidiah Baldwin of Northampton, Massachusetts, Hanover, New Hampshire and New York State.

Jedidiah Baldwin was born in Norwich, Connecticut on March 29, 1768. He was the oldest son of Jabez and Lydia (Barker) Baldwin of that seaport town. Jedidiah was to apprenticed to Thomas Harland who was also working in Norwich. Harland was a very accomplished clockmaker watchmaker, silversmith jeweler, instrument maker and engraver. Baldwin is thought to have finished his apprenticeship with Harland in 1791. On April 10th, of that year, Baldwin married Abigail Jones of Norwich (born 26 June 1772) and soon moved north to Northhampton, Massachusetts. He set up a shop and advertised “Clock & Watch Making & Repairing. Together with Jewelry in its various branches.” Samuel Stiles and Nathan Storrs were also listed as being in business at this time. On July 20, 1791, the partnership between S. Stiles and J. Baldwin was advertised in the New Hampshire Gazette. Their shop was to be located in Stiles current place of business nearly opposite the Meeting house. This partnership lasted nearly a year before Stiles left Northampton and moved first to Windsor Connecticut and then to Chester, Massachusetts where he is thought to have died in 1826. On the 4th of July, 1792, Baldwin & Nathan Storrs ran an advertisement in the New Hampshire Gazette. It announce their partnership. Storrs had been working as a clockmaker, watchmaker, gold and silver smith in town for at least a year. Their shop was “the Shop lately occupied by STILES & BALDWIN.” (A cherry case tall clock is known signed by this firm. It is interesting to note that the engraved silvered brass dial is signed Baldwin & Storrs / Northampton and is dated 1793.)

Nathan Storrs was born in Mansfield, Connecticut on August 7th, 1768 the son of Amariah and Mary Gilbert Storrs. It is currently thought that he was trained as a clockmaker by Jacob Sargeant. Nathan first advertises in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1791 and that he is open for business and is lately from New York. In 1792, he forms a partnership with Samuel Stiles as Stiles & Storrs. This partnership quickly dissolves and in 1792 and Nathan takes on Jedidiah Baldwin as Baldwin & Storrs until 1793 when Baldwin moves to Hanover, NH. In 1827, Storrs & Cook (Benjamin F. Cook) form a partnership that lasts until 1833. In 1829, they open an additional outlet in Amherst, Massachusetts. Nathan retires in 1833 due to poor health and dies in 1839.

In January of 1794, Baldwin & Storrs advertised that the partnership had dissolved. Jedidiah left Northampton and moved North to Hanover, New Hampshire sometime in that latter part of 1793. In the village of Hanover, as well as being a clockmaker, Baldwin served as the postmaster in of town from 1797-1811. He is also recorded to have trained his younger brother Jabez while working here. Jedidiah left Hanover in 1811 and moved to New York State where he moved several times. His first stop was in Fairfield, New York and is listed there as a silversmith until 1818. From 1818 to 1820 he is listed as working as a watchmaker and silversmith in Morrisville, New York. In 1834 he is listed as working in Rochester and in 1838 he is lasted as having a shop on Washington Street. Baldwin died on March 29, 1849 in Rochester. He is buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery.

Baldwin & Storrs of Northampton, Massachusetts.

The partnership Baldwin & Storrs advertised on July 4, 1792 in the New Hampshire Gazette that they were now in business together in “the Shop latelt occupied by STILES& BALDWIN.” This shop was located in nearly opposite the Meeting house in Northampton. This partnership lasted until January of 1794 when Storrs advertised that it had dissolved and that he was to carry on the trade.

Please see their individual listings in the Libary of Clockmakers.

Ball Watch Co. of Clevelenad, Ohio.

Webster Clay Ball was born on a farm in Knox County Ohio on October 6, 1848. After a two year apprenticeship to a jeweler in Fredericktown, Ohio, Ball relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. After several years of working for various firms in nearby cities, he formed the Ball Watch Company in 1879. At this time, the railroads were still operating under local time. It was not until 1883 that standard time began to be implemented into the system. With this came the broadcasting of the time signal from the Naval Observatory. Ball was the first jeweler in Cleveland to display the time signal or the correct time in his shop window. He was instrumental in the organization of railway timekeeping and became a general inspector for over 125,000 miles of railroad in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He help standardize the watches used in the railroad system by requiring the watch to meet a base line of quality and performance. He designed the watch inspection system. Ball used movements and clocks from the top American manufacturers and sold many under his own firm's name. Webb C. Ball died in 1922. The business was continued by the family until the 1960's. The name has been sold and is now used by a Swiss firm.

Barker & Taylor of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Jonathan Barker and Samuel Taylor formed a partnership as Barker & Taylor sometime before 1807. Little is currently known of these two individuals and their clocks are considered rare. In fact, this is one of the two tall case examples currently known to us signed in this manner. A third example is signed 'J. Barker, Ashby.' Based on the number of clock that are known to have survived, we can assume that they were not prolific clockmakers. All three feature wooden geared movements that share the same construction characteristics and format of the Ashby Clockmaking school. In addition, the painted dials are from there as well. As a result, it is logical to assume that Barker received his training there and later moved to Worcester and joined Taylor in the Barker & Taylor venture. It is recorded that Barker died in 1807. Samuel Taylor was born in 1780 and died in 1864. He is listed as a clockmaker in 1807 through 1856. So it is reasonable to assume that he carried on the business after Barker died.

Ezra Batchelder of Danvers, Massachusetts.

Ezra Batchelder was born in Andover, Massachusetts on November 13th, 1769. His parents were Ezra a blacksmith (Baptized on May 31, 1741 and died in 1809) and his wife Mary (Woodbury) Ober of Beverly. They were married on March 15, 1763. They had five children that were raised on Maple Street. They became one of the largest landowners in Danvers.

Ezra had a brother, Andrew born 1772, who is also listed as a Clockmaker and blacksmith. In fact, they are listed as working together in Danvers sometime after 1801. It is thought that they were trained by their brother-in-law Nathan Adams. It is reported that an account book exists that covers the business years of 1803 to 1830. In this 27 years of business, 36 clocks are listed as being sold. Not all of which are tall case examples. These clocks are listed as selling for $35 to a high of $65 depending if they were cased or not. It is interesting to note that the names of the original purchasers are also listed in the account. It is also thought that both brothers were fine cabinetmakers and may have made their own cases as well as other wood products. The account book lists the following clock related entries.

1803. Five clocks are listed. Nathaniel Lang purchased two at $50 each. Edmund Johnson purchased two at $35 each. Charles Foster purchased one at $35. The Foster and Johnson clocks are listed as being sold with a "12 inch face with out case." The Lang clocks must have been sold cased. 1803 was his most productive clock year.
1804-1805. No clock sales are listed.
1806. Peter Woodbury of Beverly purchased a clock with a “Moon face” for $40 and Solomon Dodge bought one at $37.50. “Tucker” from the town of Andover bought one at $38.
1807. Elias Endicott bought a cased clock at $52.50.
1808. Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth paid $50 for a clock that was to be delivered to Rev. Mr. “Bawlch” of Salisbury. Capt. Samuel Trow of Beverly bought a “moon face” for $45. William Dodge of Beverly bought a “moon Face” for $45. This clock was sold without a case. Mr. Lemon of Beverly bought a “12 inch moon face” for $43.
1809. No clock sales are listed.
1810. Amos Gould of Ipswich purchased a clock for $50.
1811. Jacob Towne of Topsfield purchased a “clock compleat” for $47.50.
1812. Capt. Thomas Raymond of Beverly bought a clock “without case” for $40. John H. Leonard of Salem bought a “compleat clock” for $55.
1813. Capt. Thomas Cheever of Danvers bought a clock for $65. (Capt. Cheever commanded the ship Augustus.) This clock is listed as having a “mehogeny case.” David Perkins of Topsfield bought a clock for $50.
1814. No clock sales are listed.
1815. Elezer Pope, a yeoman resided in Salem bought a clock for $50.
1816. Elezer Lake of Topsfield bought a “clock and case compleat and case varnished” for $52. John Averill of Topsfield is listed as buying a clock. The price is not recorded. Major Solomon Wilkins of Middleton paid $50. This is latter sold to the Newhall family.
1817. No entries.
1818. No entries.
1819. Ebenezer Goldthwaite purchased a “clock and case compleat and case varnished” for $53. “Esq” Elezer Putnam paid $53 for a clock.
1820. Alen Porter bought a “compleat,” clock for $53.
1821. Stephen Whipple of Salem bought a “compleat,” clock for $53. Daniel Porter of Topsfield purchased a “clock and case” for $50.
1822. Capt. Asa Tapley of Danvers paid $53. He was a soldier of the revolution. He was a lieutenant during the War of 1812 and was on guard at Fort Lee. In 1833 he was granted a revolutionary pension. He was a successful businessman in all endeavors. One of the early brick manufacturers of Danvers. He served the Town of Danvers as a contestable, a highway surveyor, as a member of the board of health and on the school committee. He had many land transactions listed in the records. In these he was listed as a yeoman.
1823. Levi Preston of Danvers paid $55.
1824. Mr. Killam, probably of Boxford paid $40.
1825. No entries.
1826. Mark How paid $53.
1827. Mr. Hardy bought a clock “without case” for $32.50.
1828. Perley Tapley of Danvers bought a clock for $53. He was a famous mover of buildings. He also served as a highway surveyor.
1829. Hicks Richards of Danvers bought a clock “without case,” for $38. Col. Nathan Tapley purchased “one case,” for $15.75. Nathan was Asa's brother. He commanded a military company in Danvers and vicinity for which he received the title of Colonel. He was also a very successful business man.
1830. Joseph Porter purchased “one eight-day clock with weights
without the case,” for $38. (This is Ella J. Porter clock. She lived on Cherry Street.)

Ezra married Anna Brown on December 17, 1795. She was a native of Andover, Massachusetts and was born in 1772 and died on June 4th, 1856. Together they had 11 children. Ezra was also a farmer and is reported to be the first expressman in Danvers, carrying merchandise to and from Boston in what was called a “road wagon.” He did this in 1825 thru 1830 making approximately three trips per week using two or a team of four horses depending on the weight of the load. He sold this route to Joseph Porter. Ezra dies in Danvers on October 10th, 1858 of lung fever. He lived nearly 90 years and labored to the end.

Over the last forty plus years of being in the business of selling clocks, We have seen at least 12 tall clocks signed by this Maker.

Eli Bentley West Chester, Pennslyvannia and Taney Town, Maryland.

Eli was born on February 16, 1752 in Concord, Pennsylvania. He was the third child of Joseph Bentley, the tavern keeper of the Red Lion Tavern in Doe Run, Pennsylvania. At age twenty, he married Mary Hunter who was the first cousin of clockmaker Thomas Shields. He soon bought a home at West Whitelands, near West Chester, Pennsylvania and made clocks there from about 1778 to 1787. It is said that clocks were not in demand during the Revolutionary War, so Eli and his brother caleb became silversmiths. (It is recorded that MESDA owns one piece each of silver signed by Eli Bentley and his brother Caleb.) In 1787, Eli bought a lot in Taney Town, but the exact date his family moved there is unknown. In 1790, the year of the first census, Eli Bentley and eight family members were registered in Taney Town. Here he made clocks and repaired them until his death in 1822 at age of 70. Major Alexander McIlhenny of Uniontown bought clock works from Bentley in 1817 for $60, then paid cabinetmaker George Christ an additional $40 for a case. This was a huge investment at the time â€" an indication of McIlhenny's wealth. Most makers left their names somewhere on the faces of their clocks, but sometimes they appear elsewhere â€" even on the pendulums. Identifying the cabinetmaker who built the housing can be more difficult. His clocks ranged from simple thirty-hour single weight clocks to ornate eight day clocks with sweep second hands and moon dials. His brother Caleb and Jacob Kuhns were administrators of his estate.

It is said that he made in excess of fifty tall clock examples in his lifetime. As a result, he is considered to be Carroll County's best-known craftsman of the period. As a maker of clocks, his examples are highly prized possessions for those lucky enough to own them. The Carroll County Historical Society is proud to have five examples in its collection. Additional clocks are pictured in several Horological reference books. A fine example fitted with a composite brass moon phase dial is pictured in Pennsylvania Clockmakers, Watchmakers and Allied Crafts written by James Biser Whisker.

Louis Bernhard of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Louis Bernhard is listed in several references as a watchmaker and jeweler working most of his life in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

The (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, Bloomsburg, pg. 323) provides the following information about this industrious person.

Louis Bernhard was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1839. His family immigrated to America when he was a year old settling in New York City. With in a few years, they moved West to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Here he spent his childhood and was educated in the local town's school system. At he age of 17, Louis began an apprenticeship in the watch making trade under the guidance of John F. Jordan. In 1858, Louis moved to the village of Bloomsburg where he established his own watchmaker's and jewelers' business. He was talented and very skilled. In 1859, he exhibited a chronometer watch that he made at the Columbia County county fair. In fact, he claimed to have manufactured all of it's parts. This is thought to have been the first watch ever made in the county. It is reported that during his residence in Bloomsburg, he trained eleven apprentices in the watch trade. He is also said to have served the community as an architect and provided the plans for the Lowenberg & Cadman block, the Episcopal parsonage and his residence which was on Fifth Street. (It may be number 37 today?) Even the iron fence (now gone) surrounding his well kept and ornamental grounds was cast from designs drawn and furnished by him. He also enjoyed oil painting and was a carver in both marble and wood. A few examples of his work survive. Examples include an elaborately finished case of black walnut housing an astronomical clock of most intricate and perfect workmanship, an elegant inlaid box for his drawing instruments, a large elaborately carved black walnut looking-glass frame, several oil paintings that included landscapes representing some of the choicest scenery in the vicinity of Bloomsburg, several copies of famous paintings, among them "Shakespeare and his Friends." All of these paintings are well executed and denote a high order of artistic skill. He has also executed oil portraits of himself and his wife and other members of his family. Mr. BERNHARD was a resident of Bloomsburg for nearly thirty years. He is thought to have been progressive and public-spirited, and has served this vicinity as a member of the council. He married Anna J. Townsend in April, 1862. Together, they had six children. Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard were members of the Episcopal Church. He made a study of civil engineering at Wilkes-Barre Academy, and completed his studies in New York City. (History of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Battle, 1887, Bloomsburg, pg. 323)

Other known articles include his wheel cutting engine which is in the William Penn Memorial Museum in Harrisburg. A floor standing regulator made by him is in the NAWCC collection in Columbia, PA. This clock is described as a Regulator, having an eight-day time only brass movement. It utilizes the escapement invented by Thomas Reid of Edinburgh, Scotland in early 1800s. The heavy brass plates are skeletonized and attached to a wooden seat-board. The movement is engraved, "Louis Bernhard / Bloomsburg PA." The pendulum is a Harrison gridiron design. The bob is also engraved with "Louis Bernhard, Maker." The painted glass dial allows view of movement. It includes a subsidiary seconds dial. The walnut case is fitted with six glass panes. The interior is painted black with his portrait on behind the pendulum.

Bigelow, Kennard & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts.

John Bigelow was born in Westminster, Massachusetts on May 26, 1802. His parents were Luke Bigelow and Asenath (Winship) Bigelow. John was trained as a silversmith and is first listed as doing business in Boston as early as 1824 as John Bigelow & Co. In the early 1830's, he was joined by his brothers Alanson & Abraham O. Bigelow prompting the firm's name to change to Bigelow Bros. & Co. The company expanded its business from jewelry to include high quality clocks, watches and altar silverware. Their merchandise was privately manufactured and sold at their store in Boston. Martin Parry Kennard of Brookline, Massachusetts joined the firm in 1845, which prompted the company to change its name to Bigelow Bros. & Kennard until 1863. From 1863 to 1972 the firm was called Bigelow, Kennard & Co. The store was closed in 1971-72.

Belding (BD) Bingham of Nashua, New Hampshire.

Belding Dart (BD) Bingham worked primarily as a Watchmaker in Nashua, New Hampshire for most of his life. He is also reported to have worked briefly in the cities of Lowell, Waltham and in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It appears he had a working association with Leonard W. Noise, and for a short time with Fisher Thayer and J.S. Warner. The quality of his clock work is outstanding.

Bingham was born in Shoreham, Addison, Vermont on July 5th 1812. His parents were Ira Bingham and Jane (Dart) Bingham. Sometime in the early 1830's, BD appears in Nashua, NH and is working with Leonard W. Noyes as a clockmaker. A timepiece is known that has a dial signed, “Warranted by L. W. Noyes" and the movement is inscribed “B. D. Bingham, maker 1834.” BD married Mary Brown on November 15, 1836. In 1838, BD advertises in the Nashua Gazette that he has taken the store of L. W. Noyes in the Long Block, Main Street. Here he is selling clocks, watches, jewelry, etc. He is also servicing or repairing all sorts of items. In 1850, it appears he took a residence on Pearl Street. In 1852, he moves with his family to San Francisco, California. He stays there approximately a year before he returns to Nashua. In 1859-1862, the Nashua Watch Company is being formed. BD is one of the founding members. In 1865-1866, BD serves as the superintendent of the Tremont Watch Company. This is during the absence of A. L. Dennison. During this time, BD is reported to have been living on Eustis Street in Roxbury. In 1868, he moves back to Nashua and remains there until he dies on October 4, 1878.

A small number of Bingham clocks are documented. These include: floor model astronomical regulators, large wall (Banjo Style) regulators and gallery clocks. The large regulators appear more commonly. An example seems to be offered for sale publically once every 5 or more years. For the period of 1834 to approximately 1842, the Nashua directories, documented examples, and numerous advertisements indicate or state that B.D. Bingham is a clockmaker. After 1842, the directories and advertisements do not include the word clockmaker, but continue to use the word watchmaker. It would appear that he had ceased making clocks after 1842.

Flavel Bingham of Windsor, Connecticut and Utica, New York.

Flavel Bingham was born on March 14, 1781 in Andover / Bolton, Connecticut and died of Typhus on August 13, 1804 in Utica, New York. He was 23 years old when he died. His parents were Stephen Bingham (born 11/30/1740 and died 2/19/1835) and Sarah Long (born 3/25/1743 and died 4/29/1799.) Together they had ten children. Flavel was number seven. It is recorded that Flavel served one of the most famous Connecticut clockmakers Daniel Burnap as an apprentice in Windsor, CT. This would have been during the period when Eli Terry was also being trained by Burnap. Bingham completed his training in 1800 and soon moved to Utica, New York where he is listed as a silversmith and as a watchmaker located at the sign of the Golden Watch on the east side of Genesee Street during the approximate years of 1802-1804. Flavel married Fanny White Bingham (born 2/5/1781). She also died of typhus on July 11, 1804. They had one son named Flavel who was born on November 8,1803. Flavel II was raised by maternal grandparents because of his parents young deaths.

Very few clocks have been found to date made by this maker. This makes sense because he died at such a young age.

Birge & Fuller Bristol, Conn.

John Birge (1785 -1862) and Thomas Franklin Fuller (1798 – 1848) shared a successful partnership in Bristol Connecticut from 1844 through 1848. They made many steeple clocks with a large variation of movements. This firm is probably best known for making steeple on steeple clocks powered by wagon spring movements.

Birge, Peck & Co. of Bristol, Connecticut.

The Birge, Peck & Co. of Bristol, Connecticut was a firm comprised of John Birge, Ambrose Peck, Samuel Taylor and William R. Richards. This venture started in 1849 and lasted until 1859. John Birge retired in 1855.

David Blasdel of Amesbury, Massachusetts.

The Blasdel name is spelled many ways. We have seen it spelled “Blaisdell” and “Blaisdel” in the past. This example is signed with the spelling “Blasdel.”

David Blasdel was born in 1712 and worked in Amesbury until his death is 1756. He was killed near Lake George at Fort William Henry while serving in the last French and Indian War as a blacksmith. He was responsible for keeping the troops arms and armor in good repair. He had an older brother Jonathan (1709-1802) who worked in East Kingston, New Hampshire. Both boys were clockmakers and metalworkers. David was perhaps the more successful clockmaker in that more examples of his tall clocks have been recorded to date.

David had sons who also work in the trade. David Jr was born 1736 and died in 1794. Isaac was born in 1738 and died in 1791. Nicholas was born in 1743 and was at work in 1800. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary War with the First Co. out of Maine. In 1770, he settled in Portland, Maine. David Senior also had a grandson named Richard who made clocks. Richard was Isaac's son. Richard made clocks in Amesbury, MA, Chester and Newmarket, NH and then finally in Falmouth, Maine.

The Blasdels may have been the earliest blacksmiths, silversmiths, woodworkers & clockmakers working north of Boston. The vast majority of the tall clocks made by this pioneering family are easily identifiable. The tall clocks feature one day iron framed and brass geared movements. These works features posted frames. The posts are often tapered in the middle and as a result, are referred to as a “dog-bone” post. The top and bottom were fitted with cast iron plates. This set up format has the look of a cage. The trains are positioned in tandem, ie the strike train is located behind the time train. This makes it possible to use the endless rope arrangement that will power both trains. The count wheel,usually as much as 3 1/2 inches in diameter is located on the outside of the rear plate.

Many of the Blasdel dials are follow the same form and are somewhat distinctive. The are generally composed of a tin or thin brass sheet that is arched in form and undersized measuring approximately 10 inches across an 13.5 inches tall. The time rings are approximately 9 inches in diameter. They are engraved with Roman style hour numerals, Arabic style five minute markers, a closed minute track. Inside this ring is a small window that displays the calendar day. The cast spandrels and usually pewter and lack detail. The Maker's name is engraved in the boss located in the arch. This is usually crudely done.

Chauncey Boardman

Chauncey Boardman was born in 1789. He worked in Bristol in 1810 through 1850. He began making wood tall clock movements with Butler Dunbar until 1812 when he bought him out. Boardman made movements for other companies including Chauncey Jerome. In 1832 he formed a partnership with Joseph Wells. They operated four separate factories that produced wood movements in great quantity until 1837 when rolled brass was then introduced. In 1844 the firm split and each continued under their own name. Chauncey Boardman died in 1857.

Boardman & Wells

Chauncey Boardman was born in 1789. He is listed as working in Bristol in 1810 through 1850. He began making wood tall clock movements with Butler Dunbar until 1812 when he bought him out. He then made movements for other companies including Chauncey Jerome. In 1832 he formed a partnership with Joseph Wells. They operated four separate factories and produced in great quantity wood movements until 1837 and the introduction of rolled brass. In 1844 the firm split and each continued under their own name. Chauncey Boardman died in 1857.

Boston Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman & James Gerry on May 29,1884. It was actually located in the city of Chelsea. This Company was formed as the successor to the Harvard Clock Company. Joseph H. Eastman became the manager of the this new firm. In January of 1894, the Boston Clock Company was sold to the Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York. All tools machinery and patents were included in the sale. In March of the same year, Joseph Eastman and others tried to revive it as the Eastman Clock Company. This new firm lasted only one year. The Boston Clock Company manufactured clocks predominately in the style of crystal regulators, carriage clocks and other mantel clocks in marble case. A few wall clock were produced. Their clocks were sold through salesrooms that included Smith & Patterson in Boston, G. S. Lovell & Co in Philadelphia and Wm. H. Atwater in New York.

	Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. No. 4. A wall timepiece. 2457 The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman & James Gerry on May 29,1884. It was actually located in… read more
	Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. No. 558. Wall clock. SS153 The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman & James Gerry on May 29,1884. It was actually located in… read more
	Boston Clock Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Wall clock. No. 558. This is a very popular form having a circular wooden bezel and a long drop underneath it. Many other clock companies… read more
	Boston Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Crystal regulator mantel clock. 213139 213139 The Boston Clock Company was organized by Joseph H. Eastman & James Gerry on May 29,1884. It was actually located… read more
	Boston Clock Company, "DELPHUS." A crystal regulator. 213138 The "Delphus" is arguably their prettiest model. It measures approximately 10.5 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide across the base and 5.75… read more

John Boyd of Sadsburyville, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

John Boyd was born in 1805. It appears he inherited the duties of running the family farm and Tavern in 1827 when his father, Machael Wallace Boyd, died on November 8th. There he established his clockshop. In 1857 he married Sarah Armstrong from the village of Compass which was located nearby. A large land owner, the 1830 tax records record that he own 90 acres at that time. He died on April 26, 1867. He left his property to his wife and children.

Oliver Brackett of Vassalboro, Maine.

Oliver Brackett was born in Limington, Maine on June 18, 1800. He was the son of Rueben and Jane (McArthur) Brackett and the younger brother of Reuben. Rueben was also a clockmaker. The Bracketts are members of a very important Maine family of American Clockmakers. They were trained in what has become the Rogers school. They were Quakers that lived in the Berwick area and built a fair number of clocks as a group. Paul Rogers, born in 1752 is thought to have trained his son Abner 1777 -1809), John Taber (1796-1859), Rueben and Oliver, and Humphrey Pike (1808-1864) all come from this school. Most of these men were Quakes or more correctly below the the Society of Friends. This is a Quaker Sect known for their independence and devotion to hard work. Oliver moved to the town of Vassalboro shortly before 1820 and is listed as a clockmaker. Vassalboro is located approximately 15 miles North Augusta on the Kennebec River. He and Rueben moved to Lynn, Massachusetts to work in the rubber works. In 1832, Oliver married Mary Chase Purinton of that town. Soon he moved to Transit, Ohio and died there on April 18, 1869.

Oliver is known to have made wall timepieces or banjo clocks and shelf clocks.

Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company of Meriden, Connecticut.

The Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company was located in Meriden, Connecticut. Today the Bradley & Hubbard firm is better known in most circles for making cast iron items such as figural doorstops and small banks. This clock represents a smaller market where they made figural clock cases and fit them internally with thirty hour movements. The eye openings where fitted with painted eyes that moved up and down with the motion of the balance. Hence the trade name or category, “Blinkers” or “Winkers.” The Bradley & Hubbard firm made a number of different case styles. Some of the more common examples or figures found in today's marketplace include John Bull, The Continental and Topsy. Many of these case forms were colorfully paint decorated. Very few survive in great condition.

Adam Brant of New Hanover, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Adam Brant's birth date is not currently known. It is recorded that he arrived in Montgomery County in 1763 when he purchased a 22 acre farm in New Hanover Township. This farm was located on the road between Philadelphia and Reading. This deed descibed him as a clock and watchmaker. Many tall case clocks have been found to date. His work sugests that he practiced the German school of clockmaking. His clocks are robustly made. We know that he was married to an Abigail. They had children and Adam trained two grandchildren as clockmakers. In 1800, Adam changed his occupation from clockmaker to farmer. He died in 1804. For a more a complete listing of this maker, please read Clockmakers of Montgomery County 1740-1850, written by Bruce Ross Foreman.

Gawen Brown of Boston, Massachusetts.

Gawen Brown was born in England in 1719 and died in Boston at the age of 82 in 1801. It is recorded that he came to this country sometime before 1749. It is in that year, on February 6th, that he advertised in The Boston Evening Post that he was a "…Clock and Watchmaker lately from London, Keeps his shop at Me. Johnson's Japanner, in Brattle Street, Boston, near Mr. Copper's Meeting House, where he makes and sells all sorts of plain, repeating and Astronomical Clocks, with cases plain, black walnut, mahogany or Japann'd or with out." During his lifetime, much was written about his making and installing a tower clock at the Old South Church in Boston. The Old South Church was erected in 1730 without a clock. Brown installed his clock sometime between 1768 and 1770. Between the period of 1752 and 1760, Brown moved his shop and home several times. He married three times and had a total of twelve children. On April 5, 1750, Brown married Mary Flagg. Together they had six children before she died in 1760. She was only 31 years old. His second wife, Elizabeth Byles, was the daughter of Mather Byles. Mather was a famous clergyman who presided over the Hollis Street Church. Elizabeth lived only three more years and had no children. She died in 1763. In 1764, Brown married Elizabeth Hill Adams. Elizabeth was the widow of Dr. Joseph Adams who was the brother of Samuel Adams. Elizabeth bore him six more children. Based on a number of newspaper advertisements, Brown imported a number of English clocks and watches from England. During the period of 1789 through 1796, Brown is listed in the business directories as a watchmaker.

Gawen Brown has been often referred to as “The Tory Clockmaker.” This title implies that he was loyal to the King of England. In fact, an article written in magazine Antiques in January of 1929 suggests that Brown left the Colonies and returned to England during the Revolution. This simple cannot be true due to the fact that he had an extensive military career. Brown first enlisted in the Independent Company of Cadets on December 7, 1776. The Cadets were an independent organization and accordingly, it was possible for one to hold an official rank with them as well as with another military company at the same time. He served as a Corporal in the Rhode Island Expedition from April 15, 1777 to May 5, 1777. In April of this same year, he was appointed the rank of Captain in a Continental Regiment lead by Colonel Henry Jackson. He resigned form this on October 23, 1778. In 1779 he was made Brigade Major of the Penobscot Expedition. This tenure lasted from July 2, 1779 to October 8, 1779. Brown left military service in 1781. At that time, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Very few Clockmakers live and worked in the states during this early time period. Pre-Revolutionary clocks made in this country are quite rare and very few exist. The majority of clocks that would have been available would have been from English sources.

A portrait of him is reportable owned by The A. W. Mellon Educational Charitable Trust. Reproductions of which proudly hang in the Old South Church and in the Cadet Armory.

Jonathan Clark Brown of Forestville, Connecticut

Jonathan Clark Brown was born in Coventry, Connecticut on October 8, 1807 the son of Jonathan Clark and Sophia (Bingham) Brown. He came to Bristol in 1832. He was a case maker or joiner and over his life time was involved in many firms including The Forestville Manufacturing Co. and the Bristol Clock Co. He was an instrumental and very influential figure and developing the Connecticut clock industry. An innovator, he was responsible for the case design of the very collectible "Acorn" clock as well the octagon case with rounded corners and other interesting case designs. As a clockmaker, he experienced many financial setbacks in Bristol. He left Bristol broke in 1858 and moved to Nyack, New York. He died there in 1872.

For a more in depth over view of his life, please read Kenneth D. Roberts and Snowden Taylor's book, Jonathan Clark Brown and the Forestville Manufacturing Company.

Daniel Burnap of East Windsor, Connecticut.

Daniel Burnap was the son of Captain Abraham and Susan (Wright) Burnap. He was born in Coventry, Connecticut on November 1, 1759. In 1774, he is listed as an apprentice of Thomas Harland's. Harland was a very talented English born clockmaker who settled in Norwich in 1773. It is thought that here, he learned not only the skill of clockmaking but also engraving, silversmithing, watch repairing and other related skills. As a journeyman, Burnap settled in the town of East Windsor sometime before 1779. By 1805, he built the homestead which he continued to occupy during the remainder of his life. It is in this town that he was most active making clocks and training apprentices of his own. This includes one of Connecticut's most famous clockmakers, Eli Terry. Other apprentices that are thought to have trained under Burnap include Daniel Kellogg, Harvey Sadd, Abel Bliss, Lewis Curtis, Nathaniel Olmsted, Levi Pitkin, Flavel Bingham, Ela Burnap and Thomas Lyman. Daniel was an active and respected citizen. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace and held court in a spacious room on the first floor of this house. In his latter years, probably before 1815, he gave up his shop and fitted up a room in the attic of the house where he could keep busy at the less arduous kinds of work such as engraving and repairing watches. He died in 1838 at the age of seventy-eight, a prosperous and respected citizen.

Enoch Burnham of Paris and Westbrook, Maine.

It is not currently known where Enoch Burnham was born. It is now assumed that he was born in the Paris area sometime around 1770. The town or village of Paris is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Portland in Oxford County. It is the county seat. It is a charming village having wonderful views of both Mt. Chocorua and Mt. Washington. Both mountians are located in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The town of Paris is known for its excellent pastures and its orchards have thrived for years. The region also benefits from having access to the Little Androscoggin River which provided water power for the industrious minded. Enoch Burnham was well established as a clockmaker and land speculator in Paris prior to 1800. It is recorded that Burnham owned a considerable amount of land in this small farming community. He also trained Jonathan Bemis as one of his apprentices. Burnham is later recorded as living in Westbrook, Maine in the 1820's until his death sometime before 1850.

Very few clocks by Burnham are known. Examples of signed Burnham clocks are difficult to come by. Most of the tall case clocks reported are signed on the dial. The place location is almost alway listed as Paris. A single Westbrook example is known. For a more complete listing of these Makers, please review “Clockmakers & Clockmaking in Maine 1770 – 1900,” written by Joseph R. Katra Jr.

James Emmett Caldwell of Philadelphia, PA.

James Emmett Caldwell was trained in the silver trade and worked in it as early as 1839 on his own. From about 1860, the J. E. Caldwell & Co. focused on being retailer of silver rather than a manufacturer. Soon this company became one of the major jewelry and silver retailers in Philadelphia. James E. Caldwell himself ran the business until he died in 1881. He was succeeded by his son, J. Albert Caldwell who ran it until his death in 1914. At that time he was succeeded by his son J. Emmett Caldwell.

Joseph Carpenter. a silversmith, pewterer and clockmaker. Norwich, Connecticut.

Joseph Carpenter was born in Woodstock, Connecticut on July 4, 1747. His Parents were Joesph Carpenter (b 1715 – d 1749) and Elizabeth Lathrop (b 4/05/1724 – d 12/26/1817 at the age of 93.) Elizabeth remarried Joseph Peck (b 11/14/1706 – d 9/06/1776 )of Norwich on December 22, 1754. It is logical to assume that Joseph moved to Norwich when his mother remarried. He would have been just 7 years old. It is suggested in several horological listings that Joesph may have been trained as a clockmaker somewhere in Massachusetts. We know that he had family in Rehoboth. This may be a possible lead. It is recorded that Joseph moved back into Norwich in 1768 when he was 21 and worked in his stepfather's shop as a silversmith. In 1772, he is recorded as purchasing various construction materials consistent with those needed to construct a building on land he rented from the church. This was located at 71 East Town Street on the Norwich town green. His shop was to occupy one half of the building. His brother, Gardner operated a mercantile business in the other half. In 1775, Joseph built a house for himself next door. He also married Eunice Fitch of Norwich on 29 June 1775. They were married in Woodstock. Together, they had 6 children. Joseph became an accomplished engraver, silversmith and pewterer. He trained several apprentices including Roswell Huntington, Rufus Farnam, Henry Farnam and his own son Charles Augustus Carpenter. Joseph advertised on three occasions that he wish to employ an apprentice at clockmaking. These ads were placed in the years 1775, 1789 and 1790. Joseph died in 1804 and at the time, was considered to be one of the most successful of the Norwich silversmiths, clockmakers and pewterers. When he passed, his appraisal listed amoung other items was “1 chime clock movement, face partly done.” Also a total of 4 clock cases. Carpenter's shop is still standing on East Town Street on the Norwich town green. The shop was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 6, 1970. Very few clocks are know.

James Cary of Brunswick, Maine. Clockmaker, gunsmith, goldsmith and silversmith.

James Cary Sr and his wife moved to Brunswick, Maine from Boston, MA, shortly after the American Revolutionary War. They lived in a house that was located on the corner of Main and Mason Streets. James Senior was the town's first gunsmith. James Cary Jr. was born in Brunswick, Maine on July 22, 1790. He is listed in the horological records as serving an apprenticeship under Robert Eastman. It is recorded that a Robert Eastman established a clock business in Brunswick, Maine in 1805. In 1806, Eastman moved South to Brunswick and the two formed a partnership which lasted approximately three years. It is interesting to note that Cary had only received a years training. He must have been very skilled before he trained with Eastman. Perhaps he worked with his father the gunsmith. James bought out his partner and by 1810 was making clocks under his own name at the location his parents purchased when moving to that town. James Cary's business prospered. On July 16, 1816, he married Mary Oakman of Pittson, Maine. Ten years later they built a house at 11 Federal Street. James jr. trained Aaron l. Dennison who later moved to Boston and worked with Edward Howard. Dennison and Howard invented machines that standardize the production of gears in order to manufacture pocket watches. James was one of Brunswick's most prominent citizens serving the local community. He died on August 25, 1865 and is buried in the Pine Grove Cemetery. He was 75 years young.

We have owned a number of examples of clocks made by him. Examples include tall case, banjo, shelf clocks and mirror clocks. His clocks are highly prized today. Particularly by those customers with ties to the great state of Maine.

Eleazer Cary (Carey) Clockmaker, Goldsmith and Musician working in Norwich and Windham, Connecticut.

Eleazer Cary was born in Mansfield, Connecticut on December 14,1769 and died in Windham on November 20, 1820. He was the son of Nathaniel and Zervia (Storrs) Cary. It is not currently known who trained Eleazer as a clockmaker. It is possible that he trained as a clockmaker under the guidance of Jacob Sargeant since he is listed as working there. His probate record lists that Eleazer had a clock engine in his personal inventory at the time of his death. This is pretty strong evidence that Cary made clocks. His name is also listed in the account books of the Windham cabinetmaker Amos Dennison Allen and Pomfret's cabinetmaker David Goodell as buying clock cases from both of them. Cary's movements can be identified by a distinctively shaped movement post. It is design by using two tapered cones that support a compressed ball in the center. They are also embellished with a number of ring turnings. An engraved brass dial clock that is signed by Eleazer Cary is known. This clock features a movement that is constructed with this distinctive post design. Eleazer married Matilda Parish on November 23, 1791. He was also a highly skilled musician and was widely known as “Eleazer the Fiddler.” He began playing while living in Mansfield. He moved to Norwich about 1790 and then to Windham soon after.

Joseph Chadwick of Boscawen, New Hampshire. clockmaker, scalemaker, and musical instrument maker.

Joseph Chadwick was born on July 19, 1787 in Boscawen, New Hampshire. The Town of Boscawen is situated in Merrimack County. It is on the northern border of the Capital City Concord. Joseph's father was Edmund Chadwick and his mother is Susanna (Atkinson) Chadwick. It is now currently thought that he may have trained as a clockmaker under the guidance of Timothy Chandler in Concord. He would have completed his apprenticeship about 1801. Joseph married three times. His first wife was Judith (aka Betsy) Morrill of Boscawen. Judith was the sister of clockmaker Benjamin Morrill, (b. 12/13/1792 – d. 3/12/1821). Joseph next married Eunice Bliss,, (b 3/19/1791) of Lebanon, NH. He married his third wife Mary Ann Merrill on 4/20/1851. Mary Ann, (b. 1/23/1800) was the daughter of the Bristol, NH Tanner John Merrill. Joseph died on January 16, 1868 in Boscawen.

Joseph is listed as a clock and watchmaker. The town history of Boscawen also suggests that he was a scalemaker and an instrument maker. He is said to have made melodeons and seraphones. Very few tall clocks are known. A birch and mahogany inlaid case is now in the collection of The New Hampshire Historical Society. This clock was given to them by Charles Parsons. Joseph is best known for making wall clocks. A fair number of New Hampshire mirror style clocks trade in the marketplace signifying that at one time, he had a healthy business providing them for the local community.

Abiel Chandler of Concord, New Hampshire.

Abiel Chandler was born in Concord, New Hampshire on April 2, 1807. He was one of twelve children born to Major Timothy Chandler and his wife Sarah Abbot. Abiel was the youngest son. Seven of Abiel's brothers an sisters died at a young age and three became insane. It is thought that Abiel and his brother Timothy, were both trained by their father to be clockmakers and are listed as working with him in the 1820's. In 1829, Abiel enters a partnership with his Father as “A. Chandler & Co.” It is also reported that in this year, he traveled to Boston to learn how to make Willard's Patent Timepieces. Abiel died in Concord on April 22, 1881. He is listed in the records as a clockmaker, silversmith and a mathematical instrument maker. Several signed surveying instruments are have been recorded. Over the years, have owned and sold several shelf clocks, New Hampshire mirror wall clocks, lyre and patent timepieces signed by this Maker.

Timothy Chandler of Concord, New Hampshire.

Major Timothy Chandler was born on April 25th, 1762 in Rumford, Maine and died on July 22nd, 1848 in Concord, NH. He is the son of Timothy and Elizabeth (Copp) Chandler and was one of five chldren. It is not known who specifically taught him the art of clockmaking. It is known that he traveled to Pomfret, Connecticut in 1770-1783 to serve an apprenticeship to Jonathan Hale who was a wool card maker. It is speculated that Chandler may have also trained as a clockmaker with Peregrine White who was at work in nearby Woodstock. (Timothy named one of his sons Peregrine White Chandler.) Timothy moved back to Concord in 1791 and advertised tall clocks for sale. He was also appointed Sealer of Weights and Measures in Concord, NH. It is reported that in Novemeber of 1787, Timothy married Sarah Abbott of Concord. This suggests that he must have traveled back and forth to Concord form Pofret before he settled there. Together they had twelve children. In Concord, Timothy became a prolific clockmaker until his retirement in 1829. His ain competition being Levi and Abel Hutchins. Timothy was responsible for training several clockmakers including his sons, Timothy Jay, John Bradley and Abeil. He also trained Deacon Cyrus Eastman of Amherst, NH. Eastman served a seven year apprenticeship which ended about 1814. In 1797, he enlisted with the Minute Men and received the commission of Major in 1799. He also served as vice-president and then the president to the Merrimack Agricultural Society in the early 1800's. In 1808, he was appointed the Surveyor of Highways in Concord. On the evening of August 17th, 1809, he suffered a fire that originated from his air furnace or forge in his clock manufactory. The manufactory, with all its contents, the house, the barn full of hay and two other hay barns were lost at a value of $5,000. Interestingly, the citizens of Concord raised $1,200 in order to help off set his losses and to rebuild. Chandler would rebuild, and continue his career as a clockmaker. In 1814, when Governor Gilman ordered the creation of local companies to defend the town in the event of attack, Chandler, now in his 50s, again volunteered to serve in the militia. In 1819, he served as Chairman of first "Lancastrian School." In 1820, he and his son Timothy Jay formed a partnership as T. Chandler & Son. This lasted four years until T. Chandler & Co was formed in 1824 and lasted until 1828. This second company also included Timothy Jay. In 1825, Timothy Chandler was one of the nine officers of the newly formed New Hampshire Mutual Fire Insurance Company, one of New Hampshire's earliest fire insurance providers. In 1827, he served as chairman of the group that organized the Unitarian Society. In 1829 through 1830 he joined his son Abeil under the firm name of A. Chandler & Co. After 1830, he worked alone and also served as President of Concord's first Temperance Society, was Vice President of Concord Mechanics Association and One of 17 original trustees of N.H. Savings Bank. In 1834, he named 3 of Concord's streets.

We have owned numerous examples of his work. These include tall clocks, timepieces, mirror clocks and shelf clocks. A fair number of silver items are also known.

Chelsea Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

The Chelsea Clock Company Board of Directors met for the first time on July 28, 1897. The Board consisted of Whipple N. Potter, Jr., President, Charles H. Pearson, Treasurer, Reginald Foster, Clerk and Secretary. Allen L. Shepherd served on the Board with the elected officers. This first group of individuals was not together long. The Chelsea firm persevered and has enjoyed a long run of success as a result of making clocks of superior manufacture. This company made many clocks. Some of which were in the style of the Willard timepiece or banjo clock, the E. Howard Model No., 70 and more famously, marine clocks. This company remains in business today.

Benjamin Cheney of East Hartford and Berlin, Connecticut.

Benjamin Cheney was born on September 8, 1725 in East Hartford, Connecticut. His parents were Benjamin, who was originally from Newbury, MA and Elizabeth (Long) Cheney. They had three children. Benjamin was the oldest. It is thought that he served his apprenticeship, beginning about 1739 under the guidance of Seth Youngs in Hartford. Benjamin owned his own shop in Hartford in about 1745 where he made both brass and wooden geared clocks. It appears that he may have been the first clockmaker in America to make wooden geared movements. It is thought that he made far more wooden geared examples than the brass made clocks. His wooden made movements are very distinctive in that they are robustly made and oversized by comparison to other makers. Benjamin trained a number of clockmakers including his younger brother Timothy (b.1731 â€" d.1795) and John Fitch (b.1758 â€" d.1808). He also trained four of his sons, Ashel (b. 1759 â€" d.?), Elisha (b.1770 â€" d.1747), Martin (b.1778 â€" d.1855) and Russell (b.1772 â€" d.?). His most famous apprentice was Benjamin Willard of Grafton, MA (b.1743 â€" d.1844). Benjamin Cheney died on May 15th, 1815 at the age of 90. He is buried in Berlin, CT where he finished his life living with his son Elisha. Elisha's home was located at he top of the hill, south of Bowers Corners. Benjamin worked there in the shop until he became enfeebled in body and mind. A single stone in the graveyard east of the Jarvis farm marks both Benjamin's and his wife's Deborah Olcott ( b.1738 â€" d.November 3, 1817) resting place.

Asahel Cheney of Hartford, Connecticut, Northfield, Massachusetts, Putney and Royalton, Vermont.

Asahel Cheney was born about 1767 in East Hartford, Connecticut and died in Royalton Vermont on October 31, 1819. He was the oldest son of the Hartford clockmaker Benjamin Cheney and Deborah Olcott. Many examples of Benjamin's work have been recorded. A large number of which have movement constructed of heavy wooden gearing. Asahel and his two brothers Martin and Russell were most likely trained by their father. By 1790, Asahel had moved to Northfield, Massachusetts and was a property owner there. He lived in what is now known as the Joseph Byrt house. Here he continued to manufacture mostly tall case clocks. We have owned several signed Northfield examples over the years featuring both wooden and brass constructed movements. I fine example signed “Northfield” can be found in the Mabel Brady Garvin Collection at Yale University.

By the mid 1790's, Asahel moved to Windham County Vermont to the town of Putney. A shelf clock which is now in the collection of the Henry Ford Museum is signed on the engraved brass kidney shaped dial, “Asahel Cheney / Putney.” It is from this clock that we speculate that Asahel trained his brother Martin in the clockmaking trade. On the seat board of this clock it is inscribed, “This clock was made by Martin Cheney.”

Soon after 1800, the brothers parted company. In 1806, Asahel moves to Royalton, VT and purchases a store with a Mr Fessenden. He sells out his share and moves to Rochester only to return to Royalton. In November of 1809, his name is listed in a land transaction in the town of Royalton, Vermont. He purchased a shop and some land located near the Hotel from David Waller. In Royalton, he is reported to have had the clockmaker Jacob Kimball working with him.In 1818, he purchases the Gilbert Tavern. He died suddenly of apoplexy. He had a Masonic Funeral.

	Asahel Cheney of Hartford, Connecticut, Northfield, Massachusetts Putney, Windsor and Royalton, Vermont. This is a Northfield, Massachusetts example. The case is attributed to the Northampton cabinet-maker Julius Barnard. DD160. This fine cherry case tall clock is well proportioned. The finish is currently quite light making this example stand out in… read more
	Asahel Cheney of Hartford, Connecticut, Northfield, Massachusetts Putney, Windsor and Royalton, Vermont. A cherry case tall clock.  -SOLD- This is a signed Putney, Vermont Example. This fine cherry case tall clock is well proportioned. It stands on nicely formed… read more

Martin Cheney of East Hartford, Connecticut, Windsor, Vermont and Montreal, Canada.

In 1778, Martin Cheney was born into a well known and established clockmaking family. He was one of four clockmakers born to Benjamin Cheney 1725-1815 and Deborah (Olcott) Cheney in East Hartford, Connecticut. Benjamin most likely trained four of his boys in the art of clockmaking. Asahel was the oldest and was born in 1759. He moves on into Vermont. Elisha was born in 1770 and died in 1847. He settled in Berlin, Connecticut. Russell was younger. It appears he moved North to Putney, Vermont. Martin also had an uncle Timothy 1731-1795. He becomes a well known clockmaker in East Hartford and worked closely with his brother Benjamin.

By 1803, Martin moved up the Connecticut river to Windsor, Vermont. On December 3rd, he married Fanny Patrick of Windsor. In 1804, he advertises that he has for sale fine English Watches, watch keys, chains and seals. I fine musical tall clock is known that is signed with the place location of Windsor. Five years later, Martin moves to Montreal in 1809. Here he remained for some twenty years. In 1827, Martin places an advertisement in Burlington, Vermont newspaper for a journeyman clockmaker to work with him in Montreal. In 1817 he forms a partnership with J. A. Dwight and advertised this business as Cheney & Dwight.

Several clocks have been recorded by this Maker. Pictured in “The Best the Country Affords: Vermont Furniture 1765 – 1850” is a signed brass dial tall clock by Asahel Cheney. On the seat boat of the clock it is written, “This clock made by Martin Cheney.” This implies that the two work with it other on occasion. There is also a Massachusetts Shelf clock form with an engraved kidney style brass dial in the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. This clock is signed by “Martin Cheney Windsor.” This clock has a strong Boston influence.

Timothy Cheney of East Hartford and Manchester, Connecticut. Clockmaker, blacksmith, silversmith joiner, farmer, gristmill operator and soldier.

Timothy Cheney was born on May 10, 1731 in East Hartford, CT. His parents were Benjamin Cheney (1699 â€" about 1760) and Elizabeth (Long) Cheney (b.1769 â€" d.1759). He was the brother of Benjamin Cheney (1725-1815) also of East Hartford, Connecticut. They become well known clockmakers in East Hartford. Benjamin deeded his house to Timothy in 1757. This property would have been located at 175 East Center Street near the center of what would become the town of Manchester in 1823. This house was torn down in the 1960's. Timothy was also a farmer, gristmill operator, soldier in the local militia, and a captain of the militia during the Revolutionary War. He trained at least two apprentices. John Fitch worked in 1761-1764 and Daniel Griswold in 1782. In 1785, Timothy built and moved to the "Cheney Homestead," on today's Hartford Road. Timothy worked in Manchester in 1790-1795. He died there on September 27, 1795.

John Child (Childs) a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania clock and watchmaker

John Child (Childs) (1789-1876) appears in the Philadelphia directories from 1813 through 1847 as a clock and watch-maker. His shop was located at 452 North Second Street. He was a Quaker and made four clocks of note. A bracket clock is known and in the collection of the Henry Ford Museum. Very few American clockmakers made the bracket clock form. A musical tall clock is known with the movement being stamped by Child indicating that he was the Maker. The third clock was built for the Senate Hall in Washington, DC. This clock he made to represent the state of Ohio. The fourth clock was made for the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1935 at a cost of $125.

William Claggett of Newport, Rhode Island.

William Claggett is included in Patrick T. Conley's book, Rhode Island's Founders from Settlement to Statehood. Conley's book, written in 2010, lists 57 names of the most historically important members of the State of Rhode Island. Claggett is the only clockmaker to be included.

William Claggett was a clockmaker, watchmaker, compass maker, organ builder engraver, printer, lecturer, author and scientist.

William Claggett is considered one of America's earliest clockmakers. He is thought to have been born in Wales in 1696. He came to the Colonies, first to Boston sometime before 1714. Here he married by Cotton Mather to Mary Armstrong on Oct. 21, 1714. She was the daughter of Mathew and Margaret Armstrong. Their marriage record exists. In 1715, he placed his first advertisement which he identified himself as a “Clock-Maker near the Town-House.” By 1716, he had moved to, and settled in Newport, Rhode Island until his death in 1749. Here he was admitted as a Freeman. His original house still stands and is located at 16 Bridge Street. This is not true of his shop which was located to the west of the Brick Market. This building was demolished after his death in order to make access to Long Wharf. His neighbors included the brothers Job I and Christopher Townsend both of whom were cabinetmakers. It appears Mary died some time around 1727. William then married his second wife Rebecca and she was named in his will. It should also be mentioned that William had at least five children. His son Thomas, born in 1730 and died in 1767, was also a clockmaker. William's daughter Mary married James Wady of Newport. James Wady was also a clockmaker. Two other daughters, Hannah Threadkill and Elizabeth Claggett and a son Caleb are mentioned in his will.

William was civic minded and was a member of the 7th Day Baptist Congregation as well as a founding member of Newport's local fire company. He kept close ties to Boston and we also know that he had other interests. He was a talented engraver. So much so that he printed paper money for the state of Rhode Island in 1738. He was a merchant, as well as an author. He manufactured musical instruments, and was a dabbler in science and electricity. In 1746, he put on a public demonstration of electricity that was generated by a machine he made. He performed a similar demonstration in Boston the following year. Interestingly, the monies generated from these exhibitions were given to charity. It is also thought he introduced Benjamin Franklin to this science. Certainly, he had a first rate mind.

Examples of his work demonstrate his ability to make high quality clocks. Today, very few examples are known. It is well documented that he built the original tower clock for the Trinity Church. The Redwood Library & Athenaeum in Newport is the oldest lending library in America. It has an example of a tall clock that was donated to them in 1948 by Bishop Samuel Babcock who was a descendant of the original owner, the Staton family. This clock was thought to have been made in 1723. A second clock, a wall clock made circa 1732, is at the 7th Day Baptist Meeting House. This clock is thought to have been the earliest wall clock made in America.

George Coggeshall of Bristol, Rhode Island.

George Coggeshall of Bristol, Rhode Island. George was born in 1786 and is listed as working in Bristol circa 1807. In the 1820's, he appears in Wilmington, North Carolina and then in New York City in the 1830's. By 1836, he is listed in Grand Rapids, Michigan as a clock and watchmaker.

James Cole of Rochester, New Hampshire.

James Charles Cole was born in Boston in 1791 and died in Rochester, NH in 1867. At an early age, James traveled from Boston to Rochester to learn the trade of clockmaking with Edward S. Moulton. Moulton is listed as moving from Rochester to Saco, Maine in 1813. In Rochester, James married Betsey Nutter, daughter of John D. Nutter and Hannah Dennett. Betsey Nutter was born on 27 Mar 1802 in Barnstead, NH. Her younger brother John learned clockmaking in Rochester as well. James father two sons and three daughters and became a prominent citizen. As well as manufacturing many clocks, James was an active silversmith and repaired watches and jewelry. He was very active in town affairs serving on a committee to build a new church, he was a trustee of a local savings bank, he served a ten year term as the secretary to the Masonic lodge, he served 13 years as town clerk and two years in the State legislature. We have owned numerous examples of tall case clocks, banjo clocks and New Hampshire mirror clocks with his signature on the dial. Based on the large numbers we have seen and owned, James Cole must have been a successful clockmaker.

James Collins of Goffstown, New Hampshire.

James Collins is known to be buried in Wolcottville, Indiana. His gravestone is still located there and gives his birth date of August 8th, 1801 and lists his death on December 8th, 1882. James Collins and Bigail (Hale) collins was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire the son of Stephen Collins, James married Lucy Knight of Hancock, New Hampshire. Lucy was a daughter of the Clockmaker Elijah Knight. It is thought that James received some clock training from him. It is also reported that Collins traveled to Ashby, Massachusetts and to Providence, Rhode Island from time to time. One could speculate that he traveled to these towns on clock related business. The town of Ashby was very small and did not have much to offer as a destination other than an interest in the Edward's and Willard brother's school of wooden works clock production of tall clocks. In Goffstown, Collins is listed as a “Husbandman, Yeoman, Silversmith, Jeweler, Watchmaker and Clock and Watchmaker in various towns deeds over the years. It appears that Collins left Goffstown in the mid 1840's after Lucy's death in 1844. From here he moved to Illinois, possibly Michigan and then to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Very few clocks have been found. We have owned at least three different forms. They include this tall clock, a New Hampshire Mirror clock and recently a full striking banjo clock. The New Hampshire Historical Society has an example of his work in their collection. Charles Parsons, the author of “New Hampshire Clocks & Clockmakers” actually lived in Collins house for a number years.

James E. Conlon of Brookline, MA.

James Edward Conlon (1880â€"1948) was an antiques dealer and clock maker/restorer who work in Boston from the 1910s through the 1940s. He was very talented with his hands and also enjoyed researching the Clockmakers that worked a century before him. He was highly respected in the community of collectors and was eager to share his research with others. He gave lectures on the history of New England clock making at a number of local historical societies. He also lectured at a meeting of the Boston Clock Club an organization that was formed to share information about clockmakers by their enthusiasts. The Boston Clock Club restricted their membership and excluded dealers. They made an exception for James Conlon. This organization describes James Conlon as someone who “has long been engaged as a clock maker and probably has had a broader experience with fine clocks than any other person in this section. In addition to his practical experience, he has in years past devoted a great deal of time and energy to consideration of the origin and history of New England clock makers.” It is thought today that he produced a number of museum quality copies of several early American clocks. Interestingly enough, Conlon did not sign his clocks with his name. We have seen out of period Willard wall primitives, timepieces, lyre clocks, lighthouse clocks and Curtis style girandole clocks that have been attributed to Conlon by the collectors of his day. This folklore has been passed down through the years. James E. Conlon died on December 31 1948 at his home in Brookline, MA. He left behind his six sons and five daughters. His Son James G. Conlon took over the business in 1948.

William Crane of Canton and Stoughton, Massachusetts.

Clockmaker, watchmaker, gunsmith and brass founder.

William Crane was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts on August 12, 1749 and died there on May 8, 1820. In about 1780, William moved to Canton, MA on Packeen Road now Dedham Street and and worked as a clockmaker, gunsmith and brass founder. He had at least four children. His son Simeon (1774-1821) was also a clockmaker. Two of William's daughters married the clockmaking brothers Henry and Elijah Morse. In 1808, Hannah Crane married Elijah Morse and Lucy Crane married Henry Morse Jr in 1809. The Morse brothers are thought to have apprenticed to Crane. In 1810, William's son Simeon may have been in business with his father in Canton.

William Crawford of Oakham, Massachusetts.

William Crawford was born in Rutland, Massachusetts on October 23, 1745. It is reported that he moved to Oakham in 1750 at the age of five. His father Alexander, was one of the founders of this town. William and his brother John were both soldiers of the Revolution and eventually made the rank of Captain. A letter written in 1934 by the Town Clerk of Oakham, the clockmaker "marched as Sergeant of the Oakham Company, when it responded to the alarm of July 23, 1773, from Rhode Island, and also Sergeant on the alarm of Aug 20 1777, from Bennington. He has also credit for a campaign to Boston, beginning April 1, 1778." William married Mary Henderson in 1773 and fathered 11 children. He lived the rest of his life in Oakham and died there on June 30, 1833. He was 87 years old. His house is still standing today. Reportedly, with the “Clock room” still intact.

Oakham is still a very small town located in central Massachusetts. It is just North of the town of Spencer and to the West of the town of Rutland. Oakham was Incorporated in 1762. Originally it was called “Rutland West Wing.” Some of its first settlers are reported as coming from Oakham, England and hence took the name. Very little information is listed regarding this Maker. Several other tall clocks have been found. We have owned at least two other examples and have seen two examples sold at public auction. In addition, their are at least two on public display. One is in the collection at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Another composite brass dial example can be found in the Massachusetts Room at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum located in our Nations Capital, Washington, DC. It seems that many of Crawford's existing clocks are designed in a somewhat diminutive scale.

Thomas Crow of Wilmington, Delaware.

Thomas Crow was the son of George Crow who was also a Wilmington, Delaware clockmaker. Thomas appears to have been involved in clockmaking as early as 1770. He becomes one of Delaware's most prolific and best known clockmakers. He is recorded to have served the public in several local government positions. In 1805, he moves through Philadelphia and later to West Chester, Pennsylvania during the period 1808 to 1810. One can find examples of his work in the collections of Winterthur Museum and the Briggs Museum of Art.

William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

William Cummens was born 1768 and died on April 20, 1834 at the age of 66. He worked in Roxbury as a clockmaker as early as 1789 through 1834. He was trained by Simon Willard and along with Elnathan Taber, Cummens stayed in Roxbury and made many clocks for his own clients while maintaining a close working relationship with the Willard family. In this Roxbury location, Cummens had direct access to the same suppliers, such case makers and dial painters that the Willards used. As a result, his clocks are very similar in form. He was one of the first persons authorized by Simon Willard to manufacture the new patent timepiece. Over the past 45 plus years in business, we have owned and sold many tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clocks and wall timepieces signed by this important clockmaker. Very few tall case examples are found with his original set up label.

	An inlaid mahogany case tall clock made by William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. 28122 This is a fine inlaid mahogany case tall clock exhibiting excellent proportions and a painted dial signed by the Roxbury, Massachusetts… read more
	William Cummens Label This is a photograph of a William Cummens set up label. Traditionally, these are pasted to the back of the waist… read more
	William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts This is a fine mahogany case timepiece having gilded frames was made by William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. The top of… read more
	William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A wall timepiece or banjo clock.  -SOLD- This outstanding example is in wonderful original condition. The case is constructed in mahogany and appears to retain it's original finish.… read more
	William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Automated rocking ship tall clock dial of Boston origin. -SOLD- This is an outstanding case. It features line inlays, crossbanding and highly figured mahogany veneers. This tall case exhibits excellent proportions,… read more
	William Cummens of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Spencer Nolen Dial number 17. Automated rocking ship dial. Tall case clock. This is a fine inlaid mahogany case tall clock exhibiting excellent proportions and a painted rocking ship dial that is signed… read more
	William Cummens. A clockmaker working in Roxbury, Massachusetts. An inlaid mahogany tall case clock with exceptional (Super model type) proportions. OO2 This is a nice and tall and very narrow example. It has traditional Roxbury proportions and construction characteristics. The case is… read more

Edmund Currier of Hopkinton, New Hampshire and Salem, Massachusetts.

Edmund Currier was born the son of a Doctor on May 4, 1793 in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. He lived until the age of 60 years young and died in Salem, Massachusetts on May 17, 1853. His first shop was located in Hopkinton. This shop was previously owned by Philip Brown who was also a clockmaker. As a result, it is thought that Brown may have trained Edmund in the clockmaking trade. There is also some evidence that suggests that he worked for a short period of time with either the Hutchins brothers or Timothy Chandler in Concord. Interestingly, Edmund's account books for the period which he worked in Hopkinton have survived. Today, this book is located in the New Hampshire Philomatic and Antiquarian Society of Hopkinton. This account book provides us with a synopsis of the businesses he conducted there. He lists manufacturing and repairing items such as spectacles, cutlery, tablewares and jewelry. He did locksmith work, gunsmith repairs and manufactured instruments for doctors. He dealt in musical instruments. His brother Ebenezer was a piano maker. Edmund manufactured and repaired tools, wagons, sleighs and harness. He was also a fine clockmaker and repaired some watches. A small number of clocks are listed as being made in this New Hampshire location. Edmund moved from Hopkinton in 1825 to the corner of Essex and Central Streets in Salem, Massachusetts. In 1828, he moved his business to 7 Derby Square. This was centrally located “In the market.” In 1831, Currier formed a partnership with George B. Foster. Currier trained Foster. This partnership was located at 11 Derby Square. The firm of Currier & Foster lasted until 1835. The clocks made during this period are usually signed “Currier & Foster.” This firm advertised as having for sale watches, clocks and timepieces of their own manufacture. They are also listed as jewelers. After 1835, Currier continues to advertise on his own. His business is now located on Essex Street and that he was still in the business of making and selling “Timepieces, Gallery-Clocks, Regulators…” While in the town of Salem, Currier was deeply involved with the Salem Charitable Mechanic Association. It was recorded by his associates that he was “accustomed to working sixteen hours out of twenty-four.” He was admired for his talents.

Very few clocks by Currier and Currier & Foster are known. Examples are difficult to come by. Several other timepieces as well as a lyre form, a dwarf form and less than a hand full of tall clocks are reported. There is a tall case clock in the museum collection at the Essex Institute and we currently own what may be the only Hopkinton signed example. For a more complete listing of these Makers, please review “Willard's Patent Timepieces” written by Paul Foley.

Currier lists in his account books that he purchased tall clock cases from David Young and David Young Jr. It appears that he purchased 10 cases from David Young and one from David Young Jr. They are listed as follows:

Clock cases purchased from David Young,

1.) July 11, 1816 clock case $35.00.
2.) Jan. 1st, 1817 cherry case $16.00
3.) May 27th, 1817 clock case $20.00
4.) July 11, 1818 case in cherry for $16.00.
5.) June 1, 1817 in cherry for $16.00.
6.) July 11, 1818 in cherry for $16.00.
7.) Nov. 6th, 1818 a mahogany case for $25.00.
8.) November 12, 1818 he purchased a mahogany case for $25.00
9.) November 12, 1818 he purchased a birch case for $14.00
10.) May 24th, 1820 a cherry case $14.00.
Clock case purchased from David Young Jr.,
1.) June 28th, 1816 he purchased one cherry case for $16.00.
From the same account books, it is recorded that he sold eight case clocks. Prices range from $35.00 to $65.00.

Lemuel Curtis of Concord, Massachusetts

Lemuel Curtis was born in Roxbury, MA in 1790. He died in New York on June 17, 1857. Lemuel had two brothers who were also involved with clockmaking. He was the nephew of Aaron Willard and probably trained with Simon Willard in Roxbury. He was a terrific clockmaker and the inventor of the Girandole. For and in depth description of his clockmaking activity, please read Paul Foley's book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces.”

Lemuel Curtis and Joseph N. Dunning Curtis & Dunning, of Burlington, Vermont.

The partnership of Curtis & Dunning was comprised of Lemuel Curtis and Joseph N. Dunning. It was formed in 1820 in Concord, Massachusetts and moved to Burlington, Vermont in 1821. They worked together until 1832. They are listed as clockmakers, silversmiths and jewelers. Over the last 40 plus years of being in business, we have bought and sold numerous examples of their work. They produced several forms of the timepiece which include banjo clocks, tavern clocks, the girandole, lyre wall clocks, regulators and even shelf models.

Lemuel Curtis was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on July 3rd, 1790. He died in New York on June 17th, 1857. Lemuel had two brothers who were also involved with clockmaking. He was the nephew of Aaron Willard and probably trained with Simon Willard in Roxbury. In 1811, he advertised working on his owned in Concord. He was a terrific clockmaker and the inventor of the Girandole form..

Joseph Dunning was born in Brunswick, Maine on January 2nd, 1795 and died in Burlington, Vermont on December 14th, 1841. He was first a journeyman working for Curtis in Concord before their partnership in 1820. After this arrangement dissolved in 1832, he continued to work on his own and died bankrupt at the age of 46.

For and in depth description of their clockmaking activity, please read Paul Foley's book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces.”

Henry J. Davies of New York.

Henry J. Davies operated a clock related business at No. 5 Courtland Street in New York, New York in 1858 through 1886. Today, Davies is probably best known for his design of the Crystal Place mantel clock. This clock, introduced in 1874, was displayed under a glass dome. Often times, figures where mounted aside the mounted movement and usually incorporated a mirror behind the pendulum. The vast majority of these clocks were powered by Ansonia manufactured movements and where later cataloged as Ansonia clocks when Davies became the General Manager of the Brooklyn, New York plant. Davies also received several patents for his designs including one for the now very collectible illumination alarm clock. These alarm clocks were designed to mechanically strike a match which in tern lit an oil lamp mounted in the clock's case. The result was the illuminating of the room. One then could easily make their way around the interior or perhaps read the dial of the clock. This system was to compete with the simple and safe bell alarm format.

Seril Dodge Of Providence, Rhode Island.

Seril Dodge was born in Pomfret, Connecticut on August 19, 1759. His parents were Nehemiah Dodge (1733?-1796? and Lois (Paine) Dodge (1737? – ?) He is thought to have trained with Thomas Harland in Norwich, CT. His movement designs are certainly manufactured in the Harland school having the distinctive cigar shaped pillars that support the plates. On March 4, 1783, Seril Married Anna Williams of Pomfret. By 1784, he had removed to Providence and was working as a silversmith and clockmaker. In August of the same year, he advertised in the Providence Gazette that he was a clock and watch maker and his shop was located north of the Baptist meeting House. Seril became the foremost clockmaker and silversmith in late eighteenth-century Providence. Dodge is also credited with being the city's first jeweler and it is highly likely that he executed the engraving on his silvered brass dials. Including meandering vines, scrolls, floral devices, stylized serpents (or birds) and columns, the vocabulary of motifs seen on this clock is also present in part or wholly on four of the other dials bearing his name. He purchased land from fellow Quaker and renowned merchant Moses Brown on Angell's Lane (now Thomas Street) and subsequently built two houses on the street, both of which stand today. In 1799, Dodge left Providence for his hometown of Pomfret where he died on April 2 1802.

Severa clocks are known with dials signed by Seril Dodge. An engraved brass dial shelf-clock is in the collection of Rhode Island Historical Society. A brass dial tall case clock was sold at Sotheby's in New York. The sale, Important American Furniture from the Collection of the Late Thomas Mellon and Betty Evans, 19 June 1998. This clock was lot 2022 and was purchased by Israel Sack, Inc. It is pictured in American Antiques from Israel Sack, vol. VI, p. 1615, P4706. A composite brass dial example was sold publicly in May of 2019 at Americana Auctions in Rehoboth, MA. R. Jorgensen Antiques advertised a clock with a Massachusetts-style case in www.antiquesandfineart.com. An engraved dial example is pictured on pages 290-291 in Timeless: Masterpiece American Brass Dial Clocks (New York, 2009) written by Frank L. Hohmann III. One painted dial tall clock in a carved shell case offered by Delaney Antique Clocks is attributed to him.

Nathaniel Dominy of East Hampton, New York.

Nathaniel Dominy (4th) was born in 1737 and died in 1812. He is listed as living in Sag Harbor and then East Hampton, New York. For a more complete story regarding this family, please read Charles Hummel's “With Hammer in Hand, published for The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum by the University Press of Virginia Charlottesville.” This work was first published in 1968.

The Dominy family presided over a remarkable domain from their little shops on North Main Street in East Hampton. They were located there as early as 1760 through 1840 spanning three generations.

James Doull of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

James Doull was born in Scotland in 1785 and immigrated to the United States, Boston in 1806 at the age of 29. In 1807, he is listed in the Boston tax records as working as journeyman with Boston clockmaker Aaron Willard. This suggests that he came to this country highly skilled and must have been trained overseas. Because he is listed for only one year in Boston, it is assumed he moved to Charlestown shortly after this date. In 1823, Doull moved to Pennsylvania and he took up residence in the city of Philadelphia. Here he is listed as having a number of addresses over the years. In 1823, he is listed at 112 High. In 1825, Doull moves to No. 3 Castle. During the period of 1828 â€" 1833, he is listed on the south east corner of South and Spruce. In 1835 through 1849, he is listed at the south east corner of 4th and Spruce. In 1856, Doull moves on to south 4th and stays there until 1856.

Over the years we have owned a dozen or more tall case clocks, several shelf clocks and small number of timepieces made by this fine and talented clockmaker. James Doull's most famous clock is in the White House Collection in Washington, DC. This clock is frequently on display in the Oval Office. It features a signed painted dial and a case that is attributed to the Seymour Brothers cabinetmaking firm.

Ephraim Downs of Waterbury, Plymouth and Bristol, Connecticut. Also Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ephraim Downs was born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts on December 20, 1787 and died in Bristol, Connecticut on December 8, 1860. He was the son of David and Mary Chatterton Downs and had a brother Anson who was a Carpenter.

Ephraim becomes in the Connecticut clock industry making wooden geared tall clock movements as early as 1811 in the town of Waterbury. He is making movements for Lemuel Harrison & Co and then later Clark, Cook & Co. In the month of April 1815, he travels to Cincinnati, Ohio and works for Read & Watson and then others. He returned to Connecticut about 1816 to Plymouth, CT. He later works with Silas Hoadley, Eli Terry and Seth Thomas. In 1822 he married Chloe Painter thus becoming the brother in law of Silas Hoadley. He is in business with himself in 1823 and then With George Mitchell in Bristol, CT in 1825. Ephraim became very successful.

Plimmon Henry (P. H.) Dudley of New York.

P.H. (Plimmon Henry) Dudley(1843-1924). Mr Dudley was a gifted civil and metallurgical engineer whose opinions on these matters were held in high regard and respected by the railroad industry. Concerning clocks in the development of standardizing time, he believed that by adjusting or synchronizing clocks along the rail line electronically. This was to be done simultaneously along the rail line by having them connected by a signal. This would intern decrease the variability of station clock displays. He had showed that if done by hand, the variation average was 3 minutes. By electrically controlling this adjustment, this variability would vanish. The system he developed was reliable and as a result, his clock sold well. His first clocks were installed in 1879 along the mainline stations on the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad. Due to their success, the following year they were installed on the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad. Still employed by railroad concerns, by 1882, he moved away from the horology side to work on other rail related issues. This departure of concentration left the market for high quality sycronizers wide open for other competitors.

For a more in depth description of Dudley, please read Bob Simon's article published in the NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin dated March/April 2015.

Joseph N. Dunning of Concord, Massachusetts and Burlington, Vermont.

Joseph N. Dunning was born in Brunswick, Maine on January 2nd, 1795 and died in Burlington, Vermont on December 14th, 1841. He was first a journeyman working for Lemuel Curtis in Concord before they formed an informal partnership before 1820. In 1821, they formally advertised their partnership and both men moved to Burlington, Vermont. It is during this period, Burlington was experiencing an economic boom. There, they became two of Vermont's most prolific manufactures of wall timepieces. In 1832, the partnership dissolved and Dunning continued to work on his own. He died bankrupt at the age of 46. For a further discussion on Vermont made time pieces and the clockmaker Joseph Dunning, please read Paul Foley's book, “Willard's Patent Timepieces.”

Walter Durfee of Providence, Rhode Island.

Walter Durfee was born in Providence Rhode Island on March 23rd, 1857 to Elisha A. and Sarah Law (Allen) Durfee. He died at the age of 82 on August 4th, 1939. He was buried at the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. Durfee's father ran the Durfee Mill which made overcoats for the Union Army during the Civil War. Walter was educated in the local school system and studied to become an architect. In 1877, he left that occupation after a very short stint and opened an Antique business on 295 High Street. This was the first of several shop locations in the City of Providence. It is here that he began to sell antiques and developed an interest specifically in clocks. It is said that he traveled extensively looking for them. In 1881, Durfee took on a partner, Charles L. Pendleton. Pendleton was an attorney collector, friend and gambler. This partnership was called “Durfee and Enches.“ This lasted until 1884 when Pendleton was forced to sell out his share to Durfee. Pendleton had lost a fortune in gambling. Yet it is during this partnership, that they decided to purchase new, high quality clocks from England and sell them in the States under their own name. Pendleton was well traveled and began to develop connections to English manufactures. These newer clocks sold very well. So well in fact, that Durfee had to move to a larger shop on two occasions.

In 1887, Walter Durfee made a sound business decision. He obtained the U.S. Patent rights to the tubular chimes that were manufactured by Harrington in England. This new product was very well received and as a result, the rebirth of the Tall case clock was under way. These clocks sold for $500 in the late 1890's This was and extraordinary sum. Yet the marketplace responded. Competitors began to emerge to take advantage of their popularity. Yet, Durfee was in a commanding position. If you, as a retailer of this type of clock, wanted by to purchase tubes or a tube clock, then you either purchased them from Durfee or directly from England. Either way, Harrington was paid their royalty. Durfee gave the American clock retailers multiple purchase options in this category. One could purchase the entire clock from him and retail it under their own name or purchase various components starting with the tubes. Many firms engaged in the practice. It is not uncommon to find clocks retailed by finer jewelry stores such as Tiffanys and Bigelow and Kennard with Durfee components. Sales for this type of item grew and Durfee expanded the use product due to its great sound. They began to sell them to theaters and opera houses around the world. They were also used in doorbells. In 1896, Durfee invested in the Tubular Bell Company of Methuen, Massachusetts. This firm produced a larger version of the tubular chime to be used in towers located on churches and universities throughout the country. They were so popular that it is reported that the Vatican in Rome purchase a set for $1,000. Business was good until 1902 when his patent was challenged and he lost. This opened the door for his competition to expand. These companies began to lower the quality and as a result lower the prices of these clocks. Durfee refused to follow this business model.

In 1907-1908, Durfee expanded his clock line to include Banjo clocks. The vast majority of these found in today's marketplace are the Willard form and appear to have been made by the Waltham Clock Company. These clock, true to Durfee's standard, are the higher grade examples. They almost always have skillfully painted tablets. Often the tablets are signed by the artist D. J. Steele. Several copies of Lemuel Curtis' Girandole have been found. These are outstanding copies of the original version and also share many Waltham components. By 1930, he is more involved in repairing clocks then he is in selling and or assembling them.

Today, Walter Durfee is remember for making a superior product. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase an outstanding example.

William Dutton of London, England.

William Dutton is thought to have been born in 1720 and served his apprenticeship under the famous George Graham of London in 1738. He completed his apprenticeship in 1746 when he became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. In circa 1750, he became a partner to the famous Thomas Mudge, another apprentice of George Graham. Their business was located at No. 148 Fleet Street, London. T his address was used by the Dutton family for several generations. William and Thomas Mudge were two of the developers of the Lever Escapement for use in watches. In 1771, William took over Mudge's company when Thomas moved to Plymouth. William entered the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1766. About 1775, William took his sons into partnership and they traded under the firm name of W. Dutton & Sons, London, as well as still trading as Dutton & Mudge. The partnership with Thomas Mudge was not dissolved until 1790, and the Dutton & Mudge name still appeared on items until Mudge's death. William and Thomas Mudge both died in 1794. William had two sons, Matthew and Thomas.

Isaiah Eaton of Walpole, New Hampshire and Westminster, Vermont.

Isaiah Eaton was born on October 15th, 1757 in Haverhill, Massachusetts and died in Westminster, Vermont on January 21st 1847. His parents were Captain Timothy Eaton and his first wife Abigail Massey. Isaiah served as a private under James Sawyer in the Revolutionary War and was at Lexington on the alarm in 1776. By the end of the war, his rank had risen to the level of Major. In 1785, he first married Priscilla West in Charlestown, New Hampshire. She died on November 5th, 1804. It is logical to assume that he he served his apprentice under Stephen Hasham before he moved to the town of Walpole. Isaiah advertised on June 6th, 1793 in the New Hampshire Journal as a silversmith and clockmaker and that his shop was located in Walpole, NH. This ad also stated that he wanted a steady active boy of about thirteen or fourteen to train. In 1803 he had advertised that he had moved from Walpole to Westminster, Vermont. The town of Westminster is located just across the Connecticut river. In Westminster, he carried on the gold, silver, and clockmaking business in company with Benjamin Kendrick under firm name of EATON & KENDRICK. This partnership lasted until August 5th, 1805. His first wife died shortly after this move. He then married widow Azubah (Rockwood) Grout in Westminster. They had one son in 1808. Both Isaiah and Azubah had been widowed prior to their marriage. In 1811, he was appointed a Representative. Three years later he began service to the Town of Westminster as a selectman. He held this position until 1826.

Several tall case clocks are know to us. An engraved brass dial that features a lunar calendar is signed Charlestown. A second engraved brass dial example is on display in the museum at Deerfield. This clock is signed Walpole. A third clock having been sold at Bill Smiths in November of 2009 also featured a engraved brass dial signed Walpole. I. M Weise offered a brass dial example for sale in Antiques Magazine., February 1977 on page 291. The New Hampshire Historical Society may have a brass dial example in their collection. This has not yet been confirmed. Thomaston Auction Gallery sold a painted dial example in March of 2007. Another painted dial example is currently in the collection at Drexel University.

Jonah Edson of Bridgewater and Dighton, Massachusetts and Bristol, Rhode Island.

Jonah Edson was born in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts on March 18, 1792 and died in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts on December 7, 1874. He is thought to have been trained as a clockmaker by John Bailey II in Hanover, MA. Edson is recorded as working in both in Bridgewater and Dighton, Massachusetts and also Bristol, Rhode Island. He was at work about 1813. He served with the Bridgewater Light Infantry during the War of 1812 and was stationed in South Boston in 1814. It is now believed that he made approximately twenty five clocks.

It appears that many of his tall clock movements are constructed in a distinctive style. The plates that frame the movement are usually Skeletonized. This is the process of removing the xtra brass in an attempt to conserve brass. His pattern is somewhat distinctive and varies considerably from the Bailey versions being manufactured in Hanover. His movement often incorporate two other additional features that are somewhat unusual. This includes the uses of a count wheel striking system as compared to the now more commonly used rack and snail set up and also wooden winding drums.

John Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts.

John B. Edwards was the son of Ashby clockmaker Abraham Edwards. John was born in Ashby, Massachusetts on October 20, 1787. Abraham and first wife, Rebecca, had four children before Rebecca died in 1813.   The four children are recorded in Ashby:  Rebecca b. April 1, 1785, John b. Oct. 20, 1787, Sally b. Sept. 28, 1794, and Abraham A. b. June 17, 1796.Â

On June 13, 1811, John married Libby Waters in Ashby. John live a total of 38 years and died Oct. 1, 1825 in Ashby.

John was a clockmaker. We have owned and seen several examples of his work. The movements of these clocks have been very similar in construction to the thirty-hour wooden geared clocks made by his Father and the other Ashby clockmakers.

Samuel Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts.

Samuel Edwards “Jr.,” was born on August 18, 1787. He was the first of six children born to Calvin Edwards and Mary (Houghton) Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts. Samuel's father and uncle Abraham were productive clockmakers. In partnership, they signed their tall clock dials “A & C Edwards.” They began making wooden geared tall case clocks in 1792. It is estimated that they made approximately 600 clocks before Calvin died on March 16, 1796. Calvin died as a result of blood poisoning. This was caused by a wound he received on his leg below the knee from falling from a tree. Samuel would have been just 9 years old. After Calvin's death, his uncle continued to manufacturer clocks under his own name. It is assumed that Samuel learned clockmaking from his uncle. We have owned numerous clocks that were signed by both the partnership and by Samuel Edwards solely.

In 1808, it is recorded that Samuel moved to Gorham, Maine. Three years later, on November 5, 1811, Samuel marries Nancy Burr of Ashby. They had seven children. Here in Gorham, Samuel continues to make wooden geared clocks. Many of which feature an unusual dial arrangement. The size of the wooden dial blank stays at the traditional measurement of 12 inches across. The hour and minute time rings are scaled down to 7.5 inches in diameter. These time rings are then repositioned from the center to below the center of the dial. Above this is an overlapping time ring, again 7 inches in diameter, that displays only the seconds. A large second hand, measuring almost 6 inches in many cases, sweeps around this and is visually impressive. We have seen this format on clocks made in Ashby as well. In fact we have owned clocks made by Alex Tarbell Willard ( At work in Ashby 1800 – 1830) and John Edwards (At work 1809 – 1812) that share this dial arrangement. It in interesting to note that a large percentage of Samuel's clock are formatted this way. It appears to be a later feature in this wooden geared production run. Sometime in 1823-24, Samuel moves from Gorham to Portland. There he become a Brass founder and is not reported to have made clocks. Samuel dies in Maine on February 13, 1853. He was 65 years old.

Abraham & Calvin Edwards of Ashby, Massachusetts.

Abraham Edwards is believed to have been born in Concord, Massachusetts in 1761. His younger brother Calvin was born two years later in 1763. Both were the sons of Samuel Edwards and Huldah Easterbrook of Concord. The family moved from Concord to Ashby, Massachusetts sometime in 1777. Ashby was then and still is today a small village located in Massachusetts on the New Hampshire boarder due North of Worcester. Both Abraham and Calvin were hard workers and owned everything in common including several pieces of land in the town of Ashby. They entered a partnership in 1792 and made wooden gear clocks. These clocks are signed on their dials A & C Edwards. This partnership lasts approximately four short years before Calvin's death at the age of 33. While alive, the partnership appears to have produced in excess of 530 plus clocks. Often times the production number is listed at greater than 600, but the highest number that I have personally seen recorded is in the upper 530's. It is assumed that all the clocks made after the partnership ended are signed by Abraham only. Of which, many such examples have been found. Early examples of the A&C partnership features composite metal dials. The later examples, sometime after the number 211, feature the use of a painted wooden dial. Abraham and Calvin were responsible for training other clockmakers. Some of which include Abraham's son John, Calvin's sons Calvin Jr. and Samuel, Alexander, Jacob and Philander Jacob Willard of Ashburnham, Wendell and his brother Whittear Perkins and possibly John Barker of Worcester. This list of names is still growing.

Nathaniel Edwards Jr., of Acton, Massachusetts.

He was born in Acton on September 19th,1770. His working dates are listed from 1791-1800. Nathaniel worked in his fatherÕs house which still stands today. It is located at 328 Pope Road which is near the Concord line. Very few clocks made by this Maker have been found. All of those have been of the tall case variety. They have been found in cherry and mahogany cases.

In 1993, the Concord Antiquarian Museum received a tall clock made by this Maker as a gift. That clock is reported to have been originally purchased by Nathan Brooks (1785-1863). He was a lawyer, legislator and a philanthropist. He was also a Whig and his wife was an abolitionist. He lived where the present library sits. This is on the corner of Main Street and Sudbury Road. This clock was purchased from the Brooks estate in 1881 for $75. It was purchased by the Richardson family. It is a descendant of this family that donated the clock.

Epes Ellery of Boston, Massachusetts.

Epes Ellery was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1780. The Ellery family was well connected in this coastal town. His Father was a merchant and his uncle, Epes Sargent, owned a significant part of the town property. Sargent's portrait was painted by John Singleton Copley and is on display in the National Gallery in Washington, DC. It is considered one of Copley's finest work. Epes also had a cousin William Ellery, that signed the Declaration of Independence.

Epes must have moved to Boston in his early twenties. He is listed in the Boston Directories as a goldsmith, a lapidary and a jeweler in 1803, 1806 and again in 1809. In 1810, he married Ann Bullard of Watertown and soon moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Here they raised five children working as a goldsmith and served in the army during the War of 1812.

At least five tall clocks are known. Two are owned privately and were sold by our firm. One was sold in the 1980's. The other had a rocking ship automated dial and was sold more recently. A third clock is on display in the Montclair Historical Society's 1796 Crane House which is located in Montclair, New Jersey. This clock is reported to have a label applied to the case. A fourth clock is now in the possession of Historic New England and has a history of being owned by the Tufts family of Massachusetts. This is the fifth now documented example and is currently owned by us and offered for sale here. It is a formal inlaid mahogany example and features a lunar calendar in the arch of the dial.

John Ellicott II A London Clockmaker, Watchmaker, Scientist and Engineer.

John Ellicott II was born into a clockmaking family and became one of the most eminent of English makers. His father John was also a clockmaker and a member of the Company of Clockmakers in London. He was made free in 1696. His son, John II was born about 1706. He carried on his father's business after he past away in June of 1733. The shop was then located at 17 Sweeting's Alley Royal Exchange and had been there since about 1728. John II earned a reputation through the excellence of his workmanship, the beauty of his products and the science he brought to horology. So much so that he was appointed clockmaker to King George III. In 1738, John II became one of the exculsive few clockmakersto be elected to the most august scientific body, The Royal Society. His was on the concil of this organization. His term lasted three years. John II died in 1772 after from falling from his chair,. His eldest son Edward continued the business.

Reuben Elsnorth of Windsor, Connecticut.

Reuben was born in 1736 and died in 1785. He was the son Giles Ellsworth and Hanna Stoughton. Reuben married Elizabeth Moore. Ms. Moore was born in 1743 and died in 1798. Reuben had an older Uncle David who was also a clockmaker. David was born in 1709 and lived until 1782. It is logical to assume that David trained his nephew. This clock is currently the only known signed example made by Reuben.

Jesse Emory of Weare, New Hampshire.

Jesse Emory of Weare, New Hampshire. A mechanic, farmer and an ingenius wooden geared clockmaker. The finest Wooden geared made clocks in America.

Jesse Emory was born on July 17, 1759 on Craney Hill in Weare, New Hampshire. He was the son of Caleb Emory of Amesbury and Susannah (Worthley). His parents moved to Weare around 1758. Jesse is reported to be the first male born in the town of Weare and one of the first New Hampshire born Clockmakers. At the age of twenty, Jesse enlisted in Captain Lovejoy's company for the defense of Portsmouth. He was discharged two months later. Jesse's first marriage was to Hannah Corliss on 20 November of 1783. She bore him one daughter, Ruth. Hannah's brother was James Corliss who would become a competitor of Jesse's in the clock business. Jesse purchased 27 acres of land from Jeremiah Corliss on February 18, 1794, his father-in-law. This land and building was located on Mt. Dearborn Road in Weare near the Henniker town line. He operated a business here in a business friendly are section called Meadowbrook. Soon James Corliss and Abner Jones would also be making clocks nearby. Jesse stayed there until 1806 when he and his first wife sold some land in Weare and moved to Deering, NH. The Town Histories of Henniker and Weare and the deeds recorded for this land transaction listed him at this time as a mechanic, farmer and a yeoman. He is reported to have made spinning and flax wheels, measures, harnesses and clocks. It is speculated that he moved because of the competition from the two other clockmakers in that town. On July 19,1806, Jesse bought approximately 50 acres in Deering from Jonathon French. Twenty years later, on October 3, 1826, Jesse purchased 34 acres of land in Henniker from Jonathan Green. This land became the Emory farm on Peasley Road. Jesse's second marriage was to Betsy Wyman of Hillsborough, New Hampshire in 1814. Jesse died on July 10,1838 and the age of 79. His grave site is not currently known.

Emory was a skilled cabinet and clockmaker. His designed and execution is that of legend. He made the entire clockworks and cases for each out of wood. The vast majority of the very limited number of clocks found are fitted with thirty-hour pull-up movements. (One eight-day key wind example has been identified.) The works are constructed entirely of maple. The large heavy plates are highly finished and are supported with a five turned and shaped posts. This framing is secured to the seat-board with a wooden screw which threads into the middle pillar post of the movement. The gearing is oversized. The largest of the the wheels, the great wheels are approximately an inch thick. The wide wheels allowed for large teeth that increased the surface area for each tooth. This made them stronger and added to the longevity of the works. These wheels are under cut and incorporate three gravity clicks on each of the winding arbors rather than the typical spring, click and ratchet mechanism. The clicks simply fall into place as designed. Each wheel in the gear train is finely finished. Many are designed with and undercut detail. The escapement is a recoil. The hour hand and the date hand are driven from the minute hand through gearing. The strike train features a count-wheel. This is positioned on the back of the movement.

The dials of Emory clocks are hand made and skillfully painted on a maple blank. This dial is signed “Jesse Emory / WEARE” in the arch. Other examples are signed “Jesse Emory / of / WEARE.” This dial formatting is typical of what has been found. The white background is nicely finished. The many of the painted details are laid into the dial. In other woords, Emory took the time to lightly engrave the dial before he applied the colors. The incising of the dial was probably down inorder to prevent paint bleeding. The four color decoration includes the colors of black, red, pink and a blue / green. Emory also constructed his own cases, which were typically made of birch or maple woods. A fair number of these have been found that have been grain painted. A number of his cases incorporate a unique door latch. Very few clocks have been found by this ingenious Maker. Approximately 12 clocks are recorded.

Jeremiah Fellows of Kensington, New Hampshire.

Jeremiah Fellows was a clockmaker, gunsmith, farmer, deacon and a tavern keeper. He was born on June 12th, 1749 and died in 1837. He was the son of Jeremiah Fellows, a blacksmith and Ruth (Rowe) Fellows. Jeremiah was the oldest of seven children. He married Mary Gore. He is said to have been at work in Kensington as early as 1770 though 1825. It is recorded that his sons took over his blacksmith shop in that year. He also operated a tavern until 1776 when it was burned. In 1778, he purchased land from the Puringtons and enlarged the workshop. The Puringtons were also a clockmaking family and Jeremiah must have had a close working relationship with them. Their clocks are very similar in construction. It is thought that he made some of his own cases which he sold at a discount compared to those he purchased from the local joiner Ebenezer Clifford. The Clifford cased clocks sold for $25 more than his own. Several other clocks are known. Some of which are numbered. To date, the highest number known to us is Number 22. A fine tall clock that is numbered 11 is in the New Hampshire Historical Society's Collection. That clock was most likely made in 1784. This is based on a clock known that is signed by the Maker in the arch of the dial. It is also numbered "10," and dated "1784."

James Ferguson of London, England.

James Ferguson (1710-1776) was one of the most highly regarded and successful popularizers of natural science in the 18th century. He was the self-taught son of a Scottish tenant farmer, that at a very young age, demonstrated a great intellectual curiosity together with a talent for mechanics. In his teens and early 20's, Ferguson worked for the local gentry, maintaining clocks and repairing machinery. One of his patron's sent him to Edinburgh where he was trained to be a painter of miniatures. Although he made his living as a limner for many years, he took up the study of astronomy and he soon attracted the attention of the mathematician Colin Maclaurin. He did this by producing a device that consisted of series of concentric volvelles which could be rotated to calculate the positions of the Sun and Moon and predict eclipses. With the professor's help, Ferguson published this “Astronomical Rotula” in 1742. He soon moved to London where he made and sold globes.

James Ferguson was the rare individual who was able to present the ideas of astronomy in clear accessible language. In 1756, he published a highly successful and popular non mathematical text, Astronomy Explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's Principles. For the rest of his life he was a widely respected lecturer on popular astronomy and other scientific topics that he illustrated with demonstration apparatus of his own design.

Neither a professional astronomer nor clockmaker, he was nevertheless well respected by the scientific and horological communities. Ferguson's talent lay in the ability to devise wheel work to demonstrate celestial phenomena. He designed dials for the important four sided astronomical clock in the English Royal Collection. This clock was made by Eardley Norton for George lll in 1765. Ultimately he was granted a pension by George lll and in 1763, he was elected to the Royal Society.

R. B. Field & Co. of Brockville, Canada.

The firm of R. B. Field & Co. Brockville, Canada is listed in, “Early Canadian Timekeepers” written by Jane Varkaris and James e. Connell. Rodney Burt Field was born in February 25, 1809 and died March 18, 1884. According to the authors, this firm did not sell a large number of clocks which is based on the number of which survive today. The authors speculate that Field was in the retail business of selling clocks in Canada on two separate occasions. Otherwise he worked for various enterprises in the United States.

Jonas Fitch of Pepperell, Massachusetts.

Jonas Fitch of Groton now east Pepperell, Massachusetts. Clockmaker and blacksmith.

Jonas Fitch was born on February 5th, 1740 the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth (Grimes) Fitch in New Bedford, Massachusetts. When he removed to Pepperell is not currently known. He is described as a man of great mechanical genius, especially in the art of clockmaking. The “Vital Records of Pepperell, Massachusetts to the Year 1850,” lists his marriage to Anna (Annis. int.) Shattuck, at Townsend, Oct. 1, 1775. It also lists the birth of 5 of their children. The birth dates range from 1776 through 1785.

Anna born in Pepperell July 14, 1776.
Calvin born July 5, 1790 .
Mille born July 9, 1779.
Polley born September 22, 1785. Died February 3, 1867 and is buried in the Old Burial Grounds, Groton, MA. She married her sister's widower Capt Thomas Blood after Mille's death.
Sarah born Sept. 22, 1782.
Jonas Jr was born in Pepperell March 23, 1783.
(All in Pepperell.)

His grandson was Hon. Jonas Fitch III. He was a well known Achitect who helped design elements of the Fitchburg, MA Railroad Depot. In Boston, MA he worked on the Masonic Temple, City Hall, the Mount Vernon Church and other substantial buildings.

His brother, Captian Zachariah Fitch served in the French and Indian Wars and was a lieutenant and later a captian in the Revolution. He was ditinguished in civil affairs.

It is recorded here that Jonas died as a result of falling in a brook. He was stunned, wounded and drowned on May 31, 1808 at the age of 67.

Very little is known about this clockmaker. Based on the approximately a dozen examples known to exist today, he made a small number of clocks. All of the known clock movements are constructed in wood. They are a 30 hour design and are powered by weights. They strike each hour on a cast iron bell which is mounted above the movement. The strike is regulated by a large count-wheel that is mounted to the back plate. The dials are a composite form having a tin sheeting that provides the shape and foundation, pewter spandrels, chapter ring and circular boss in the arch. The boss usually finds an engraving of a “Phoenix.” The hour and minute hands are also pewter. A day of the month calendar can be viewed through a small square opening above the numeral “Six.”

There is an example of an unsigned Jonas Fitch tall case clock in the collection at Old Sturbridge Village.

Jabez Fitch of Windham, Connecticut. Clockmaker, watch and clock repairman, retail store owner.

Jabez Fitch was born April 2, 1748 the son of Reverend John and Alice (Brown) Fitch in Windham, Connecticut. You might be surprised to learn that name Jabez Fitch in Windham was once a popular name. As a result, it is very difficult to discern which Jabez is which. A probate record exists that lists his inventory after his death on June 23, 1789. He was 41 years old. One listing has him recorded at the rank of Captain. This makes sense since his estate lists a white Regimental coat, jacket and breeches and a gun with a bayonet. The other items listed suggest that he may have owned a retail shop of some kind. A wooden clock and case, wooden clock making tools and parts as well as watch tools are also listed. He may have also been chosen to represent the town at the meeting of the Mercantile and Landed Interests of the Colony. He may have also served some time as a deacon in the First Society of Canterbury. Jabez married Olive Ripley in 1773. He died June 23, 1789.

Jabez Fitch was a wooden geared clockmaker. This movement in this clock is robustly made in the manner that is consistent with the Cheney's in Hartford. Very few clocks are known.

William Fitz Clockmaker, watchmaker and silversmith. Newburyport, MA, Portsmouth, NH, Portland, ME and Boston, MA.

William Fitz was born in Newburyport, MA on January 21, 1770. His parents were Mark Fitz and Elizabeth (Campbell) Fitz. William had at least six brothers; Jeremiah born 1760, Nathaniel born 1765, Isaac born 1767, Aaron born in 1773, Samuel born 1777 and Henry born 1785. William was the only clockmaker and most likely trained in his home town. About 1791, William is listed as working in the town of Portsmouth, NH and started his clockmaking business there. He advertised numerous in the New Hampshire Gazette and New Hampshire Mercury (Portsmouth NH) during the years 1793 through 1797 that he had clocks, watches and silver goods for sale. His shop was located on the corner of Market and Congress Streets until 1795 when he relocates to Spring Hill. In 1798, William returns to Newburyport and he works there until 1802 when he moved up to Portland, Maine. This shop was located on Fish Street and he worked as a watchmaker and silversmith. Currently, no clocks are known signed with the place location of Portland. In 1804, he has returned to Newburyport and stays there on Merrimack Street until 1809 when he is next listed as working in Boston until 1827 when he moves to New Orleans, LA.
In the grand scheme of clockmakers, Fitz can not be considered a prolific clockmaker. Very few examples come to the public marketplace in any given decade. Tall case styles vary greatly from one example to the next. Several clocks are known. One country example on public display is currently in the Springfield Art and Historical Society. The inlaid cherry case is a Newburyport example based on the case design. Occasionally a shelf clock will come to market. These closely resemble the examples that David Wood made early in his career.

John Foss of Somersworth and Barrington, New Hampshire.

John Foss was born in 1732 and died in 1819. He was the son of Joshua and Lydia (Rand) Foss and was baptized in Rochester, NH on September 18, 1732. According to William D. Knapp and his book Somersworth: An Historical Sketch and Joseph Tate's Journal 1769-1778 (now located in the New Hampshire Historical Society) John moved to Somersworth which was part of Dover until it became a separate town in 1754. John Foss is recorded as being a pew holder at the time of building a new meeting house in 1772. He also purchased part of the estate of one Ebenezer Wentworth at a venue in 1773. John is noted to have moved from Somersworth to Barrington, New Hampshire on February 14, 1777 and lived there until he died in 1819. He is buried in a family plot located in Locke's Mills.

John Foss is known to have made both 8-day and 30-hour clocks. All of the current examples known to us are all fitted with brass dials. Another example of his work is pictured in Distin & Bishops, The American Clock on page 33.

Samuel Foster of Andover, Massachusetts, Hollis, Concord and Pelham New Hampshire.

Currently, very little is known about Samuel Foster the clockmaker. It is thought that he work in Andover, Massachusetts in 1794-1796. He then moves to Amherst, New Hampshire in 1796 and advertises that he commences business at the shop of Deacon Barker. He stays in that town until about 1804. A tall clock signed by him working in Hollis features a movement that is constructed in a combination of wood and brass much like those clock works that were made by A. Gould of Hollis. In 1804, Foster then moves to Concord, NH. An advertisement there states that he has commenced business in the shop formerly occupied by Mr. John Robie. In 1819, he returns to Andover and remains there a very short time. In 1820 he is listed as working in Pelham, NH.

We have owned and seen a very small number of clock signed by Foster while working in Andover. It is interesting to note that we have owned several Ezra Batchelder signed tall clocks that share the same distinctive strike train work that is found in several Foster signed clocks. It is logical to assume they had some working connection.

Ezra Batchelder was born in Andover, Massachusetts on November 13th, 1769. He had a brother, Andrew born 1772, who is also listed as a Clockmaker and blacksmith. In fact, they are listed as working together in Danvers in sometime after 1801. It is thought that they were trained by their brother-in-law Nathan Adams. Ezra dies in in Danvers on October 10th, 1858. Ezra was also a farmer and is reported to be the first expressman in Danvers, carrying merchandise from and to Boston.

Paul Foley in his book, Willard's Patent Time Pieces lists that Ezra's account book is known. This book records 36 clocks being sold between 1803 and 1830. The prices for these clocks range from $35 to $65. It also suggests that being fine cabinetmakers, they may have made their own cases.

Over the last forty plus years of being in the business of selling clocks, we have seen at least 12 tall clocks signed by this Maker.

Lemuel French of Stoughton and Canton, Massachusetts.

Very little is currently known of Lemuel French. What is known is sourced from Paul J. Foley's book, Willard's Patent Time Pieces, A History of the Weight Driven Banjo Clock 1800-1900. Foley does not list a birth date for French. It is known that he died in Canton in 1809. French is identified in a number of lawsuits as a clockmaker in both towns. In 1797 he is listed as a Stoughton Clockmaker, in 1798 and 1805 he is listed as a Canton Clockmaker. To this date, the tall clock pictured on our web site is the first example of his work that we have personally seen.

Daniel Jackson Gale Calendar clock maker.

Daniel Jackson Gale was born in Waitsfield, Vermont on December 24, 1830. In 1870 he began a relationship with the Welch and Spring Company. They agreed to use his calendar attachment in their clocks. He continued to improve his design and adding complications. He died on June 17, 1901 in Bristol at the age of 71.

Isaac Gere of Northampton, Massachusetts

Isaac Gere was born on December 6, 1771 in Preston, Connecticut His parents were Nathan and Jerusha (Tracy) Gere. It is currently thought that he was trained in the art of clockmaking by John Avery who also lived and worked in the same town. In 1793, Gere moved to Northampton, Massachusetts where he was active as a watch and clockmaker and silversmith until his death on September 24,1812.

Shortly after moving to Northampton, Gere hired Nichols Goddard as a journeyman clockmaker. Goddard records this in his journal. Nicholas stays with Gere for three years and leaves for Rutland, Vermont in 1797.

In June of 1803, Gere took on Ebenezer Strong Phelps as an apprentice to learn the business of silver and goldsmithing and also to make brass eight-day clocks. Ebeneezer was fifteen years old. In January of 1809, Isaac, with the consent of Ebeneezer's parents' sent Ebenezer to Newark, New Jersey, to work in the jewelry business for Messrs. Hinsdale and Taylor.

It is worth noting that the "Hampshire Gazette" carried a fair number of ads (June 1802-June 1803) stating that Gere was a clockmaker and watchmaker, and also manufactured silver spoons, gold beads, etc. Gere's later ads (1809-1810) stated that he is "at his brick store opposite the meetinghouse and continues to make every article in the gold and silversmith business."

A small number of tall case clocks are currently know. Two of these clocks share very similar cases. One is a clock that we have owned. A second clock is pictured in Fales book, The furniture of Historic Deerfield on page 264. This clock shares a very similar case which is credited to have been made by Julius Barnard. Julius Barnard was trained by Eliphalet Chapin (1741-1807) of East Windsor, Connecticut. He moved up to Northampton and set up his own cabinet-shop. Naturally, much of his furniture exhibits a strong Chapin influence. The clock pictured in Fales was once owned by the Williams and Billings families of Hatfield and Deerfield. A third example can be found pictured in the Sack Volumes, No. 2 page 303. This clock is now reported to be in The Ford Museum. It differs greatly in case form.

In January of 2011, the protaits of Isaac Gere and his wife were sold at public auction. He is pictured seated, very well dressed with an open book in front of him on a table. In the background behind the fancy drapes is a view of the Connecticut River Valley.

Oliver Gerrish of Portland, Maine.

Oliver Gerrish watchmaker, clockmaker, silversmith and jeweler was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on January 4th 1796. He was the son of Timothy Gerrish (1756-1815) a gold and silversmith and Dorothy Paterson (1756-1845). In 1810, at the age of fourteen, he went with and apprenticed to watchmaker John Gaines. Gaines was a descendant of the Gaines family of chairmakers. Oliver served his seven year apprenticeship and in 1817 went on to work as a journeyman in Boston. Her he first worked for Williams and Johnson. Their shop was located at the corner of Washington and Court streets. With in nine months, Oliver moved on and worked with Baldwin and Jones. By 1819 he moved to Portland, Maine and opened a jewelers shop on Exchange Street. On Jan 6th, 1825, he married Sarah Little in Portland Maine From 1858-77, he worked in partnership with his nephew, Nathaniel Pearson. Oliver Gerrish was an active member of the Portland community. He served as the President of the Portland Savings Bank and the Mechanics Association and Aged Brotherhood. He was a member of the Board of Trade, The National Historical Society and the Portland Athenaeum. He was a prominent Mason and held just abut every imaginable post in that organization. He was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Relief Fire Society.
 Oliver died on Dec 3rd, 1888.

Peter Gift Junior of Kutztown and Maxatawny, Pennsylvania.

Peter Gift Jr. was the eldest son of Peter Gift senior who immigrated from Germany in about 1750. He came to this new land to settle in Lynn Township, Northampton (now Lehigh) Pennsylvania. He was a trained clockmaker and was soon joined by his two brothers John Adam and Nicholas Gift. Peter Jr. was born in February of 1780 in Lynn Township. He married Miss Elizabeth Moyer who was born in September of 1783 in Maeungie township now Lehigh County. They had several children. Peter Jr is thought to have been trained as a clockmaker by his father. In 1806, Peter Jr moved from Lowhill Township to Kutztown, Berks Co. Peter carried on an extensive business. His clocks are highly prized. Family records claim that the town clock located in the tower of the court house in Reading PA was constructed by Peter Jr and was still in excellent running order in 1908. During the years spanning 1806 through 1816, he is listed as working in Maxatawny Township. Peter moved back to Kutztown because he was taxed there in 1817.

Gilders Workshop of Winchester, Massachusetts.

Gilders Workshop. Ted and Fran Burleigh, Winchester, Massachusetts.

The Gilders Workshop was located in Winchester, Massachusetts. It was opened in 1972. The husband and wife team of Ted and Fran Burleigh were the principals. That year they produced 12 banjo clocks. Prior to 1975 they were primarily doing restoration and gilding work. Clock production didn't really take off until Elmer Stennes died in 1975. The Burleighs actually did gilding work for Stennes in the end. Their work was excellent.

Ted was the front man. He was also involved with the carving of various decorative elements and the preparation of the cases for gold leaf were expected. He did the finishing of the all mahogany cases. He was also responsible for the assembly of the clocks. Components came in from various sources and he assembled and completed the clocks.

Ted's wife, Fran did the gilding of the decorative wooden components. She was trained by Boston's master gilder, Nils Johnson. She learned both water and oil gilding, traditional techniques that made the Burleigh clocks so beautiful. Fran may have been best know for her skill in reverse glass painting and restoration. She was an exceptional artist and a very talented instructor. Fran trained at least three other artists to do reverse painting on glass. All three became very proficient in this skill. Their daughter Cindy worked with them until she married. Ann Banister was working there almost the entire time. Linda Abrams started in 1975 and worked there approximately 4 years. After that time she struck out on her own and continues to this day to do very high quality work. She is sought out by the most discerning of clientele.

The clock dials on the Burleigh clocks were painted by Martha Smallwood. This is often helpful in dating an example because she had a habit of pasting a sticker on the back of her dials that dated when they were completed.

The cases were made by Chuck England. He started making cases for them in 1973 and continued to do so until the last run of banjo clocks were made in 1989.

The movements were supplied by Kilbourn & Proctor.

The first clocks were timepieces or banjo clocks. There were four versions. The gilded versions were closely patterned after those made by Lemuel Curtis in Concord, MA before 1820. It is not currently know to me how many banjo clocks they made. In 1981, they were priced at $1,100.

The opportunity to copy a Lemuel Curtis Girandole presented itself in 1973. Ted copied the example now on loan at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. That clock is very well known an is often pictured. It features a wedding scene in the lower glass. It appears that they made 50 of these. In 1981, they were selling for $3,000. This was their most expensive model. You could also order this clock with a thermometer in the waist glass as a special order.

In 1980, the Burleighs were able to copy Aaron Willard Grafton Wall Clock which is in the collection of Sturbridge Village. They modified the movement of their clock to run 8-days instead of the original format of 30-hours. The case design is faithful to the original. They made 47 of these clocks. These clocks were priced at $2,700.

Benjamin Clark Gilman of Exeter, New Hampshire.

Benjamin Clark Gilman was born July 8, 1763 and died on October 13, 1835. He was youngest of eleven children born to Major John and Jane Deane Gilman. In 1788 he married his cousin Mary Thing. Together, they had eight children. He served as a selectman for the town of Exeter for eight years. Frank O. Spinney wrote in an article for the September, 1943 magazine “Antiques” titled, "An Ingenious Yankee Craftsman." In that article, Spinney listed many of Gilman's talents. He was a "silversmith, engraver, watch and clockmaker, builder, hydraulic engineer, merchant, landlord and instrument maker.” On the April 8th, 1791 edition of the “New Hampshire Gazetteer,” Gilman advertised, "That he carries on clockmaking at his shop in Exeter. As he has done something in the Business for several years past, he now flatters himself of having a thorough knowledge of it – and while he is endeavoring to promote so useful an Art, he requests the particular encouragement of his Friends and Customers." As an hydraulic engineer, Benjamin was involved with the construction of several aqueducts. These were constructed by boring out the center of logs and joining them together in order to move water. He worked on projects as far away as New London, Connecticut and the coastal cities of Salem and Boston, Massachusetts as well as Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As a builder, it is known that he constructed a lighthouse at the entrance of Portsmouth harbor in 1803.

Over the years of being in the business of buying and selling clocks, we have owned over a half a dozen tall case clock made by this maker. The vast majority of which have had painted dials that were signed with his initials just under the calendar. An engraved brass dial clock has also been recorded. In addition to tall clocks, a Massachusetts shelf clock is pictured in Albert Sack's “Fine Points of Furniture.” Another interesting shelf clock is pictured in Parsons, “New Hampshire Clocks and Clockmakers.” The collection of the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire reportedly owns several silver spoons by Gilman as well as an engraved watch paper. Several instruments which include a carriage pedometer a nocturnal and an engraved copper plate used to print dials for a surveyor's or mariner's compass have been recorded.

Nichols Goddard of Shrewsbury, MA and Rutland, Vermont.

Nichols Goddard was born the son of Nathan and Martha (Nichols) Goddard in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on October 4, 1773. It is thought that he learned clockmaking from his second cousin Luther Goddard who was also in Shrewsbury. Luther was trained by his cousin, our country's most famous clockmaker, Simon Willard of Grafton in 1778. Luther is often credited with making the first watch in America. Nichols is listed as working in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1794 through 1797. A diary entry from 1795 states that as a journeyman, Nichols made movements for his father Luther Goddard, Gardner Parker of Westborough, Isaac Gere of Northampton, MA and for a man identified as “Ingalls” who is also in Northhampton. In June of 1797, Goddard moves north to Rutland, Vermont. At this time, the period of 1770 through about 1825, the state of Vermont enjoyed unprecedented population growth. It is in Rutland that Goddard formed a partnership with a silversmith who was originally from Norwich, Connecticut and more recently Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His name was Benjamin Lord. In September of 1798, Nichols returned to Northampton to marry Charity White. She was the daughter of Job White and Charity Chapin. They returned to Rutland and had seven children together. After their partnership ended, Nichols continued to make clocks under his own name until he died in 1823.

Nichols involves himself in public affairs. In 1800 he is appointed Town Clerk of Rutland. He also serves as Town Treasurer from 1805 – 1807. He received the commission of Captain in the militia. He was also very active in the Masonic lodge. In 1802 he was elected Grand Junior Deacon of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Vermont and in 1804 through 1810 he served as Grand Senior Warden.

Nichols died in Rutland on September 23, 1823.

A dozen or so known clocks signed by Nichols Goddard or signed Lord and Goddard are known. An example that is signed Lord & Goddard No. 124 is located in the Sheldon Museum . A musical example which is signed Nicholas Goddard is in the collection of The Bennington Museum. The Rutland Historical Society was given a Nichols Goddard Number 150 in 1996. They also own number 106 which has a repainted dial.

The tall case clocks that have been found signed by Lord & Goddard have the following numbers recorded…. 72, 75, 87, 95, 97, 98, 106, 111 and 113. Tall clocks signed by Nichols only include 124, 125, 144 and 150.

Luther Goddard of Grafton, Shrewsbury and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Luther Goddard Clockmaker, Watchmaker, Silversmith, Jeweler and Baptist Minister. working in the towns of Grafton, Shrewsbury and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Luther Goddard was born February 28, 1762 in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. He was the cousin of Simon Willard and is thought to have trained or more appropriately apprenticed under him as early as 1778 at the age of 16. This indenture is thought to have lasted five years through 1783. He is then recorded as working in Shrewsbury in 1784 through 1817 as a clockmaker, watchmaker and as a silversmith. In 1784, Luther married Elizabeth Dakin on June 19. They had at least two children that worked in the clock, watch and silver trades. Parley Goddard, born in 1787, began training under his father in 1800. His brother Daniel, born in 1796, started training when he was 13. It is thought that Luther also trained his second cousin Nichols Goddard, born 1773 and died in 1823. Nicholas becomes one of Vermont's most prolific clockmakers working most of his life in the town of Rutland. In 1803, Luther formed what must have been a brief partnership with James Hamilton as Goddard & Hamilton. It is recorded that in 1807, Luther attended the estate sale of the Norwich, Connecticut clockmaker Thomas Harland. Here, he is said to have purchased a set of clockmakers tools. In 1809, he relocated his shop to Shrewsbury Hill. His shop, said to be about 18 feet square was one story and had a hip roof. It had a lean to attached to the back for the casting process. It is in this location that he began to manufacturer pocket watches and is credited making the first American watch and also as being the first American to make a significant attempt to make watches in quantity. His life time output of watches is estimated to be approximately 600. His silvered cased examples are thought to have originally sold for approximately $60. This would have been about the the same cost as a tall case clock. Today, his watches are prized by collectors. This first watch venture included his son Parley under the firm name of Luther Goddard & Son. Their timing was pretty good as imports were blocked by Jefferson and the "Jefferson Embargo" during the War of 1812. By 1815 the market was again flooded with imports and the watch business slowed. It is thought they produced approximately 600 or so watches by 1817. Some of the other firm names that were related to this venture are "Luther Goddard," "L. Goddard & Son," "L&P Goddard," "L. Goddard & Co.," "D&P Goddard & Co.," etc… In 1817, Luther moves to Worcester, Massachusetts with his son Daniel and continues to repair watches and clocks, silversmithing as well as preaching as a Baptist minister. This shop was located on Main Street across from Daniel Waldo's store. Luther dies in Worcester on May 24, 1842.

Alanson Gooding of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Alanson Gooding was born in Dighton, Massachusetts on March 4th, 1789. He died in New Bedford, Massachusetts on November 18, 1877. Alanson had four brothers that are listed as clockmakers. All were born to Joseph Gooding and Rebeckah Macomber. The four clockmaking brothers are Joseph 1773-1853, Josiah 1777-1867, John 1780-1870 and Henry 1785-1875. It is thought that Alanson trained under his older brother Joseph as a clockmaker. Joseph is reported to have trained under John Bailey II of Hanover, MA. Alanson is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker and as a merchant working in New Bedford during the period of 1810-1840. A signed tall case clock is also known.

For a more complete reference, please read Paul Foley's outstanding book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces.”

Joseph Gooding of Dighton and Fall River, Massachusetts.

Joseph Gooding was born on March 6, 1773 in Dighton, Massachusetts and died in the same town on November 11, 1853. His parents were Joseph Gooding (1729-1815) and Rebecca (Macomber) Gooding. At the age of 16, he traveled to Hanover, MA and trained as an apprentice under the Quaker Clockmaker, John Bailey II. By 1793, he was at work on his own in town of Dighton. Here he worked as a silversmith, jeweler and clock and watchmaker. He had three younger brothers whom he most likely trained as clockmakers. Josiah (b.1777 â€" d. 1867) was the most prolific of the four. He set up a shop in Bristol, Rhode Island. Alanson (b. 1789 – d. 1887) worked in New Bedford, MA. Henry (b. 1785 â€" d. 1875) worked in Duxbury, MA. John (b. 1780 â€" d. 1870) worked in Wrentham and also in Plymouth, MA. On May 19, 1798, Joseph married Elizabeth Austin in Dighton. They had three boys that were involved in the jewelry and watch trades. Joseph is next listed as a silversmith, jeweler and clockmaker working in Fall river during the period of 1828-1838. He returns to Dighton in 1839 and lives there until he dies in 1853.

Currently, we speculate that Joseph made some 40 plus tall case clocks. It appears that he numbered many of his tall case clocks on the dial. The highest number found to date is No. 38. Interestingly, No. 8 is in the clock collection of Harvard University. The Harvard owned example, like the other documented clocks, all share a case form and construction that reflects a strong Roxbury influence. We have seen or owned numbers 8, 9, 12, 20, 22, 34, 36 and 38. Numbers 2, 6 and 10 have also been recorded by others.

Wallace Goodwin of Attleboro and North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Jeweler, trader and clockmaker.

Wallace Goodwin was born in Ashfield, MA on November 8, 1811 and died on March 1, 1861 in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Wallace is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery, North Attleboro, Bristol, MA. Wallace married twice. First to Asenath Angeline Medley in 1838 and then to Harriet Richards Blackington in 1852. In the census records is is listed as a jeweler from about 1830 through 1860. The 1860 census record records him as a clock manufacturer. In 1853 through 54, he worked in New York City working as a manger of Tifft, Whiting & Co's sales office. This was located at 170 Broadway. Returning to North Attleboro, he is listed as a clockmaker. When he past in 1861, his estate inventory listed 288 banjo clocks. An example of a fine wall timepiece is currently in the collection of the Ladd Observatory at Brown University.

Henry Griffen of New York and Brooklyn, New York.

Henry Griffen is listed as a clockmaker working in New York City and in Brooklyn, New York as early as 1791 through 1818. Currently, very little is known of his business and of his output. This construction of this clock and case suggests that at one time, he had some ties to Boston. I would speculate that he ordered this entire clock, the case, the movement and an unsigned dial from there for his own client. When it arrived in his shop, he had his name and working location painted on the dial.

André Romain Guilmet of Paris, France.

André Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferté-Gaucher, France. He is best in the world of horology as a manufacturer of mystery clocks and clocks that feature an industrial theme. He is also credited as a watchmaker and inventor. He applied for a number of patents for designs. One of the more well known applications relates to the bicycle. It was his idea to put the driving chain below the seat. His most popular “mystery clock” (mysterieuse with glass pendulum) was that of a woman who held a pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm. She is usually positioned standing on a marble base with a clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side. The industrial series of clocks features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc. All of which are excellent quality.

For additional information about this clockmaker please read Derek Roberts' book titled "Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clock.”

William Hadlock, of Boston, Massachusetts.

William E. Hadlock of Boston, Massachusetts.

William E. Hadlock was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on September 29, 1845 and died in Wenham, MA on February 28, 1915. Hadlock's name first appears in the Boston Directories in 1870 as a Watchmaker working for the firm of Currier & Trott. In 1874, he establishes his own business on State Street. This business was called William E. Hadlock & Co. This business operated with various partners until 1915. Hadlock was primarily known as a chronometer maker. It is evident that he also made high grade spring powered wall clocks. Many of which are numbered. To date, we have recorded numbers as low as 41 and as high as 259.

John Hall of West Chester Pennsylvanian. Clock and Watchmaker.

Very little is currently known about John Hall. He is a listed clockmaker. He was born in 1793 and died in 1867. He worked in West Chester, PA in 1810 through 1815. We now know that he worked until 1825 due to the information hand written on a label pated inside the case of a clock we own. The label reads, “ This clock was purchased by John Forsythe of John Hall clock and watchmaker on East Gay Street West Chester in the year 1825- the case was made by Thomas Ogden cabinetmaker on West Gay Street, the whole cost $60.” Hall's shop was located on Gay Street. He trained or served his apprenticeship under his uncle George Cochran. George died in 1807 and his wife inherited his tools. Another listing states that George willed his tools to young John in 1806. It is evident that more research needs to be done. John is listed as working on his own by 1810. It is recorded that John maintained the West Chester town clock for many years.

A watchpaper and a tall clock are known.

Ivory Hall of Concord, New Hampshire.

Ivory Hall worked in Concord, New Hampshire as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, and jeweler between the dates 1816-1864. He was born in 1795, died in Concord on Nov. 15, 1880. In May 1819, he advertised his shop being located "Opposite Gales Tavern, and one door south of the Phoenix Hotel, Concord, NH. That he has for sale, Patent timepieces, He manufactures, Willard's Patent and Plain timepieces, and most kinds of Gold and Silver Ware." The Phoenix Hotel was owned and operated by Abel Hutchins. In Feb. 1832, Hall advertised his removal and "that he has purchased the stock in trade of Col. ROBERT DAVIS, and has taken the shop recently occupied by him". In Oct. 1833, Hall sold his stock and relinquished his stand to Isaac A. Hall and recommend his former customers patronize his successor. However, by Feb. 1834 Hall was in business again and advertised at "J. WELLERS SHOP in the south wing of the Eagle Coffee-House, where he has for sale a good assortment of Silver Ware, Watches, Jewelry, Spectacles, &c".

Signed tall clocks, New Hampshire mirror clocks and patent timepieces are known. (Concord Courier, May 31, 1819 New Hampshire Patriot, Feb. 20, 1832, Oct. 14, 1833, Feb. 3, 1834)

Benjamin Hanks of Windham and Litchfield, Connecticut and Troy, New York.

Benjamin Hanks of Litchfield, Connecticut.

Benjamin Hanks was a skillful and energetic mechanic who made clocks and watches, carried on the repair business of each, was a goldsmith, a maker of stockings, looms, compasses, brass cannons and large church bells.

Benjamin Hanks was born in Mansfield, Connecticut on October 29, 1755 the son of Uriah and Irene (Case) Hanks. The Hanks family was an inventive group. At one time, they became the Nations largest producers of silk by importing the first mulberry trees from England and planting them in Connecticut and raising silk worms. Soon they invented and improved the apparatus for making silk into thread and constructed the first powered silk mill in the United States. The family built numerous forges and Benjamin is believed to be the first to cast large bells and bronze cannons in the country.

It is recorded that Benjamin learned the clockmaking trade from Thomas Harland, a noted Norwich clockmaker. Benjamin must have arrived at Harland's doorstep with a solid mechanical background because his service with Harland had to be unusually short. Harland doesn't arrive in Norwich until 1773 and Benjamin is said have been in the Boston area just before April of 1775. Why, well it is recorded that Benjamin served as a drummer during the Revolution and, in that role, took part in the march to Lexington in response to Paul Revere's alarm. Shortly after, he enlisted or was assigned into General Israel Putnam's Third Connecticut Regiment. Putnam was originally from Danvers, Massachusetts and move to Pomfret, CT in order to peruse inexpensive land. Putnam rushed north when he received news of the Battle at Lexington and Concord and joined the Patriot cause. He was a primary figure at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Perhaps Benjamin knew Putnam from his time in Connecticut? During this tumultuous time in our Country's history, Hanks is said to have spent time working in a foundry owned by Paul Revere during and after the war. And yet, he still had time to married Alice Hovey about 1775 in Windham CT. (Alice Hovey was born on 15 Dec 1754 in Mansfield Center CT, christened on 19 Jan 1755 in Mansfield Center CT and died in Troy NY.

By 1777, at the age of twenty-two, Benjamin Hanks advertises form Windham, Connecticut as a Clock and Watchmaker and that he continued in the metal-smith's trade making (according to an advertisement from the late 1770s) spurs, buckles, beads, hilts, clocks and watches, as well as general silver and gold work. In 1780, Benjamin moves to Litchfield, CT and builds a house and shop at 39 South Street to carry on his businesses. It is in the town of Litchfield that he performs the following accomplishments. Shortly after the move Benjamin is awarded the contract to make the clock for the Old Dutch Church at Nassau and Liberty Streets in New York City. In 1783, he petitioned the General Assembly for a patent for his invention of a clock wound automatically by air, and in 1785 advertised his clocks, Church clocks, pneumatic clocks, watches with center sweep seconds, surveyors' compasses, etc. In 1786 he established a foundry and began casting large church bells. On the 6th of August 1787, Benjamin installs a bell in the Litchfield meeting house. The original one was broken. This bell was paid for by the society. In early 1790 he set up a “Brazier's business.” In 1790, Benjamin moves to Mansfield where he continued to make clocks, bells and carried on the woolen business. In 1808 he and his son Truman form a partnership in the bell business and build a foundry in Troy, NY. The foundry made an assortment of items, including tower clocks, surveying tools, and church bells. One young man apprenticed at the Hanks' West Troy foundry was Andrew Meneely who would later establish his own foundry in Troy and become one of America's leading bell-makers.   Meneely is also buried in the Rural Cemetery in a family lot on the Middle Ridge. On the 4th of November, Benjamin was granted a patent for “Molding and Casting bells.”

Benjamin Hanks dies in Troy, New York in December of 1824 at the age of 70.

Thomas Harland of Norwich, Connecticut.

Thomas Harland was an accomplished and influential clockmaker. He was responsible for training many clockmakers. Some of which became famous makers in their own right. He was the Simon Willard of Connecticut.

Thomas Harland was born in England in 1735. He emigrated to this country in 1773 through Boston on one of the infamous tea ships that later participated in Boston's Tea Party. He came to this country as a trained clockmaker and soon established a clock shop in Norwich. On December 9th of 1773, he advertised in the Norwich Packet: "Thomas Harland, Watch and Clock-maker from London, Begs leave to acquaint the public that he has opened a shop near the store of Christopher Leffingwell, in Norwich where he makes in the neatest manner and on the most approved principles, horizontal, repeating and plain watches in gold, silver, metal or covered cases. Spring, musical and plain clocks; church clocks, regulators etc. He also cleans and repairs watches and clocks with the greatest care and dispatch, and upon reasonable terms. N.B. clock faces engraved and finished for the trade. Watch wheels and fuzees of all sorts and dimensions, cut and finished upon the shortest notice, neat as in London and at the same price." In the same year he married Hannah Clark. By 1790 he employed as many as twelve apprentices turning out an annual production of 40 clocks and 200 watches. Some of his more notable apprentices included the clockmakers Nathaniel Shipman, David Greenleaf, Gurdon Tracy, Jedediah Baldwin, William Cleveland, Daniel Burnap, Eli Terry, Seril & Ezra Dodge, Benjamin Hanks and his own son Thomas Jr., (1781-1806) to name just a few. Overall, he worked for thirty-five profitable years in America as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith and engraver, probably producing more tall case clocks than any other Connecticut maker. He died at the age of 72 on March 31st, 1807. He is given credit as to making the first watch manufactured in this country.

Clocks that are known can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in the collection of the U. S. Department of State, in the collection of the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich, Connecticut, in the collection of Wadsworth Atheneum, in the collection of The American Museum, Bath UK. Their are numerous examples pictured in various publications.

Stephen Hasham of Charlestown, New Hampshire.

Stephen Hasham was born in October of 1764 in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents, Samuel (Jr.) and Hannah (Simpson) Hasham had nine children. Stephen was the sixth. While growing up in Boston, Stephen and his father witnessed the battle of Breed's Hill from Coop's Hill in Boston's North End. They also watched the battle of Bunker Hill from the belfry of a meeting house at the North End of Boston. In 1775, his family moved west to the rural community of Grafton, Massachusetts. Two years later, Stephen and a brother moved ten miles away to the city of Worcester. It is now thought that Stephen was trained as a clockmaker by Abel Stowell. Stowell advertised frequently that he was looking to train young boys as apprentices in the skill of clockmaking. Town records support this in that Stowell was reimbursed for the care of Stephen and his brother Mayhew. Sometime by he mid 1780's, Stephen and Mayhew move north to the small town of Charlestown, New Hampshire. This well positioned town had a population of approximately 900 people. On September 27, 1787, it is recorded that Stephen married Theodosia Hastings the only daughter of Deacon John and Susanna (Willard, Johnson) Hastings who were extensive property owners. Stephen and Theodosia had five children and it is here that Stephen establishes himself as a clockmaker and probably trained others including Isaiah Eaton. In addition to clockmaking, Hasham was very active in trading real estate, he became a builder, an architect, an accomplished carver, and later a tavern keeper at his Eagle Hotel.

We have owned and seen a number of tall clocks that were made by him. One fine example is a brass dial example that is in the collection of the New Hampshire Historical Society and is well documented. This clock is actually numbered “145” on it's engraved brass dial. Currently, we have for sale another brass dial example. Hasham's output was not limited to tall case clocks. It is reported that he also made clocks in the Massachusetts shelf clock form. Several banjo style clocks are also known and as many as ten tower clocks have been documented over the years. He also made several clocks that were designed to be mounted into the interior walls of a number of a number of Charlestown homes. The walls acted as the clock's case by protecting the inner workings. A surveying instrument call a “semi-circumferenter” made by Hasham is in the collection of the Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

On March 6, 1841 his wife Theodosia died at the age of 72. They had been married 50 years. Interestingly, with in weeks, Stephen was courting a 23 year old school teacher by the name of Lucy Amy Miller. Stephen was now 76 years old. They were married in August 19th, 1841 and had five children together. The last child Emily, was born when Stephen was 86 years old. By 1851, financial difficulties begin to play a large role in Stephen's life. In addition, his wife Lucy was deemed an insane person by the neighborhood and was committed in 1852. Financial hardships followed and he was soon ruined. The town of Charlestown was forced to watch over him until his death on February 3, 1861. He was 100 years young. Some of the stories regarding this man are priceless. Please read the December 1994 NAWCC Bulletin article, The Amazing Stephen Hasham written by Don Haven Lathrop and Frederick Shelley.

George Hatch of Attleboro and North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

George Hatch was born in Attleboro in 1816 and died in North Attleboro in 1879. He was a prominent citizen. He represented the town of Attleboro in the Massachusetts State Legislature for three years, served on the School Committee and was town Treasurer. He had business dealings with many prominent Clockmakers. Some of which include Horace Tifft and David Williams of Newport, RI. Wall regulators and banjo clocks have been found.

Hawxhurst & DeMilt Of New York City.

Nathaniel Hawxhurst is listed in “American Clocks Volume 3. American Clockmakers & Watchmakers,” written by Sonya L. & Thomas J. Spitler and Chris H. Bailey. He is listed as working as a watchmaker in New York, New York as early as 1780 through 1801. He had a shop located at 204 Queens Street (between Broadway and Wall Street) in 1786. After 1820, it is recorded that he move to Savannah, Georgia.

There are a number of DeMilts listed. It is currently unclear which DeMilt worked with Nathaniel. The DeMilt family was involved in clockmaking as well as dealing in the wholesale of clocks, watches and materials from England.

It is recorded that a tall clock signed by this partnership is currently in the collection at New York City's, Gracie Mansion. Hawxhurst is also sometime found spelled Haushurst.

Nathaniel Hazeltine of Danville, Vermont.

Nathaniel Hazeltine is somewhat of an obscure Clockmaker. We could not find a birth or death record for him. A brief reference to a Nathaniel can be found in Lillian Baker Carlisle's, "Vermont Clock and Watchmakers Silversmiths and Jewelers 1778 – 1878." This lists him as working 1856. A reference from "Walton's Register" in 1856 and until 1858 lists him as a “manufacturer of watches and jewelry.” These dates are somewhat late for tall clock production. If one digs deeper, you will find an Enoch Hazeltine listed in the Town of Danville census in 1820. Here he is listed as the father of Nathaniel and that both the father and the son are listed in the trades. In the same census, Nathaniel has a sister that is listed as being ten years younger. A marriage record also exists for a Nathaniel Hazeltine of Danville. This record notes that Nathaniel married Miss Meriam Hoyt on 12/10/1819. As luck would have it, a watch paper was recently discovered and sold by Eaton's Auction Service in Vermont on 10/18/2008. The paper reads, "Nathl Hazeltine Clock, Watch, Maker. Danville, Vermont." On the back it is dated “1816, May 31. M??? Waddock (sp?) 1817 February, 23.” These dates are more in kepping with the period of this tall clock.

Joakim (Joachim) Hill of Flemington, New Jersey.

Joakim (Joachim) Hill was born on November 25, 1783 in Amwell Township the son of Issac and Mary Hill. He is listed as working in Flemington from 1804 through 1820. It is thought that he served his apprenticeship to Thomas Williams sometime after 1800 and that he most likely took over his Master's business. It is know that his clock cases were made by one of the following cabinetmakers. They include; Matthew Egerton, John Scudder, John Tapper, and or Oliver Parsell. In 1813 he married Martha Baracroft of Kingwood, township on September 4, 1813. Together they had seven children. About 1814, they boiught a house near Copper Hills, a short distance south of town on the road to Lambertville and New Hope. A small casting shop was located across the street. He did the finish work on his clocks in the dinig room of his home. Joakim died April 2, 1869 in Newark. He is buried in the Flemington Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut.

Silas Hoadley was born in 1786 and died in Plymouth, CT in 1870. He first apprenticed to his uncle Samuel and was making clocks in 1808. Along with Seth Thomas, he was hired by Eli Terry at the age of 21 to set up and work at Terry's Ireland factory. Shortly after Terry's Porter Contract was satisfied he and Seth Thomas bought the factory from Terry and then eventually purchased Thomas's shares of the business. Silas Hoadley became known for using movements of his own design like the "Upside down" style used in his shelf clock. In1849 he retired a wealthy man.

Philip Holway of Falmouth, Massachusetts

Philip Holway was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts on January 14, 1805 and died in Boston on November 28, 1864 at the age of 59. It appears he first worked in Falmouth as a clockmaker until he moved North to Lynn, Massachusetts in 1828. In Lynn, he advertised that he had taken a stand in Common Street opposite the Hotel. In 1833, an advertisement for him lists him as a watchmaker from Marblehead. In 1842 through 1863, he is then listed in the Boston directories as a watchmaker. He had a shop on Hanover Street. Over the years we have owned several tall case clocks, shelf clocks and a timepiece made by this Maker.

Jacob Hostetter of Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Jacob Hostetter is a listed Maker in the horological literature. Jacob was born on May 9th, 1754 near York, Pennsylvania. He died on June 29th, 1831 in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio. He attended the common schools of the day and served his apprenticeship in clockmaking to Richard Chester of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The town of Hanover was located on an important trade route to Baltimore and Chester had an established business there. In 1784, Jacob is recorded as being married and living on Frederick Street. In 1788 he is listed in the tax records as a clockmaker and in 1797, Hostetter becomes a member of the General Assembly. His serviced lasted until 1802 and he served as a Democrat. From 1802 through 1823 he is listed as operating a brass foundry. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1818 through 1821. In 1825, Hostetter moves from York County to Ohio. Numerous clocks have been recorded. Eight day as well as 30 hour versions have been seen. A 30 hour example is in the collection of the Historical Society of Carroll County in Westminster, Maryland.

David Howard of Needham, Massachusetts.

The History of the D. Howard working in Needham, Massachusetts. The producer of a #70 Wall Clock.
By David Howard

By the mid 20th century very few people, in the USA, were creators of clock cases and movements. People making clocks were building replicas of those that were historic, interesting and popular. I, for a short time, became one of them in 1976 to 1979. There are several events in my life that led to the production of the D. Howard Needham #70 clocks. I was a member of the NAWCC for many years, since 1969. During these years I taught myself to repair all kinds of clocks; however, I did not work on watches. I had also befriended an older man, Mr. Clayton Patnod that I met at local clock meetings and was used to taking him along to the various places where the chapters met. Then on a trip to Chicago, IIl, I went looking for the person that was advertising #2 Seth Thomas clock cases, in the Mart, and met the owner of Time Tek Corp., Andy Wyrwicz. He convinced me to take a try at selling his clock parts and I began to do that at the local chapter meetings in New England. One evening, I believe in 1976, I received a phone call from the son of Mr. Patnod and was told of his sudden death. He had advised his wife and son to contact me, regarding his collections, should anything happen to him. I ended up purchasing all of his clocks and watches. In the collection was an E. Howard #70 oak case clock. After looking over this clock and with all the connections and networking I had going at the time, I then decided to make a batch of these clocks. At the time I was residing at 119 Green Street, Needham, MA â€" hence the name of the clock was born. D (for David) rhyming with the E (for Edward Howard) and of course Howard for Howard; and “Needham” for the town in which some of the parts were made and where the cases were fitted. This project turned out to be an interesting challenge. The components involved included the case with its various parts, a weight driven movement to fit the case and having the correct pendulum length, a dial with hands that fit the chapter ring and fit onto the movement.

The following number of cases and bezels were made:

21 black walnut cases
38 cherry cases
8 cases believed to be cherry
2 oak cases
5 oak bezels only

A total of 69 cases and 5 bezels. However not all cases were fitted with movements as some were sold to people who must have had their own movements.

After reading this you can perhaps feel the labor of love that went into the making of these clocks. Lots of hand work and consideration was employed. The first showing was at a chapter meeting in Seekonk, MA, in 1977. However, it took time for interest to grow before clocks were sold. I decided to sell the clocks/cases unfinished and with or without movements. In retrospect I think I may have had more success if I had made more of the cases in oak wood and with the ‘green' glass. My records are not so complete and therefore I don't have the names of all the people to whom they were sold. I also don't have a complete record of the people who bought cases without movements. When I closed up my shop, in 1987, I sold all my left-over parts to Foster Campos and I understand he made and fitted up a few cases.

Edward Howard of Boston, Massachusetts.

The E. Howard Clock Company has an outstanding reputation for making high quality weight driven wall timepieces, standing regulators, public clocks and electro-mechanical master and watchman clocks.

The E. Howard & Company succeeded the Howard & Davis firm in 1857. The Howard and Davis firm was comprised of Edward Howard and David P. Davis and was established in 1842. Both men served their apprenticeship with Aaron Willard Jr of Boston. This firm was involved in watch and clock manufacturing since 1842. This firm also made high grade clocks, precision balances, sewing machines and fire engines. After the dissolution of Howard and Davis, Edward Howard went on to become Boston's leading manufacture of weight driven clocks. This included residential clocks, commercial clocks and tower clocks. They also sold a large number of watchman and salve clock systems. These sold well in the late 1800's.

It has been said that the E. Howard Clock company never made an inexpensive clock and that everything they made was of very good quality. As a result, Howard clocks have become very collectible and are prized by their owners. Today, the E. Howard clock name enjoys outstanding name recognition.

For a more in depth reading of E. Howard and his various businesses, please read "Willard's Patent Time Pieces" written by Paul Foley.

	E. Howard & Co. Boston Street Clock. Model No. 50. Similar to this photo. 216019 The example we are currently offering is not this clock that is pictured here standing. The clock we have for sale… read more
	E. Howard & Co. Model No. 70. (24 Inch dial.) The largest size. The E. Howard & Company offered five variations of dial sizes of the Model 70 form. This example is the largest… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 58-8. Wall clock. This number 58 model is becoming a difficult clock to find today. This clock is the smallest of 3 sizes, measuring… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 69. THE C. & G. COOPER CO. / MT. VERNON, OHIO /STAR BRASS MFG. CO. / BOSTON, MASS. -SOLD- This Marine clock features a polished brass case that measures approximately 11 & 7/8 inches in diameter and 4 & 3/8… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 70-12 . The Kosmic. Wall clock. This is a very interesting and special clock. It is designed with a 24 hour dial. This dial has numerals that… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 70-24. (24 Inch dial.) The largest size. The E. Howard & Company offered five variations of dial sizes of the Model 70 form. This example is the largest… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 80. Tall case clock. Quarter striking. Grandfather Clock. This very impressive mahogany case measures approximately 8 feet 11 inches tall to the top of the center finial. It was… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, MA. Model No. 89. Wall Regulator. The construction of this case oak is designed to compensate for expansion and contraction as a result changes of humidity and… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Model No. 57. The Waterman clock. You may have already rad about it. Ye,s we purchased it. This is a very impressive wall clock that was made… read more
	E. Howard & Co., Model No. 59. A Howard "Special Order Vienna." 220056 According to the available E. Howard Clock records, four separate sizes of this model were offered. The largest size measures a… read more
	E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 23. Astronomical Floor Standing Regulator Clock. 214105 This floor standing regulator was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts circa 1860. This clock is cataloged… read more
	E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 25. Astronomical Floor Standing Regulator Clock. 221045 This floor standing regulator was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts circa 1860. This clock is cataloged… read more
	E. Howard & Co., of Boston, MA. Model No. 68. Astronomical Floor Standing Regulator Clock.  -SOLD- This very impressive floor standing regulator was made by the E. Howard & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. This clock is cataloged… read more
	E. Howard & Company 1-5 banjos. The E. Howard & Company offered five separate sizes of this Banjo form. The largest example of the five graduated sizes… read more
	E. Howard Clock Company Boston, Massachusetts. Regulator No. 13. After the dissolution of the Howard & Davis Company in 1857, a catalog was printed in 1858 that respectfully announced the… read more
	E. Howard Figure eight wall clock. A full set of Howards. The "Figure Eight" form is arguably one of the most attractive antique wall clock forms in today's marketplace. It was manufactured… read more
	E. Howard model 70 wall clocks. A full set. All five cataloged sizes. This is the first time I have seen the Howard 70's pictured in this manner. All five sizes. In order on… read more

Howard & Davis of Boston, Massachusetts.

The Howard & Davis firm was formed in Boston, Massachusetts by Edward Howard and David Potter Davis some time in 1842. Both men were trained and served their apprenticeship in clockmaking to Aaron Willard Jr. of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Their partnership lasted approximately ten years. In 1844 through 1847, Luther S. Stephenson joined the partnership which was then called Stephenson, Howard & Davis. It is now currently thought that the Howard & Davis name was not used until after Stephenson departed. The Howard & Davis Clock Company was located at No 34 Water Street. Here they built a reputation for building very high quality items which included various forms of high grade clocks and precision balances or scales. Gold standard balances were used by banks. Letter balances were built under contract for the United States Government. These were used in state and county offices. Town standards (scales) and Druggist's balances were also manufactured along with the necessary weights. The company also made sewing machines and fire pumpers. In 1857, the Howard & Davis firm was dissolved when D. P. Davis left to peruse other ventures. In 1857, Davis was part of Davis, Polsey & Co. This firm identified itself as the “late Howard and Davis.” They manufactured clocks and a line of pull cord, pin registration watch clocks. This firm lasted until 1860. Posley continued to make these clocks on his own. In 1858, E. Howard began to sign his clocks, E. Howard & Co. This firm enjoyed many prosperous years making clocks and latter watches until he retired in 1881.

Alfred Huntington of St. Albans, Vermont.

Alfred Henry Huntington was born in Addison, Vermont on April 25th, 1805. He was the son of Dea. Jonathan Huntington. It is reported that he trained as an apprentice to Curtis and Dunning of Burlington for a 4 year indenture beginning in 1821 at the age of 16. In 1825, Alfred moved to St. Albans and worked as a journeyman, watch repairer and jeweler for Hiram Eaton. It appears Eaton owned and operated a retail shop. In October of 1834, Huntington begins to advertise on his own. His shop was located one door north of J.R. Danforth's hotel. He advertised that he could repair clocks and watches, as well as jewelry and most other articles of this nature. In 1842, he took on a Mr. Ames as a partner. This relationship lasted only two years. In 1847 Huntington hired Charles Wyman as a journeyman. Wyman had considerable watchmaking experience. With in two years they became partners in Huntington & Wyman. This business last seven years or until Huntington retired in 1856 A. H. Huntington died in February 16th, 1872.

Abel Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire.

Abel Hutchins worked with his older brother Levi in partnership from 1786 through 1803. Both boys were born in Harvard, Massachusetts the sons of Colonel Gordon Hutchins. Levi was born on August 17, 1761 and Abel was born two years later in March. Both men lived into their nineties. On December 6, 1777, the brothers entered into an apprenticeship with Simon Willard of Grafton, Massachusetts. At this time Levi was sixteen and Abel was fourteen years old. In 1780, Levi moved to Abington, CT for a period of approximately eight months to learn some watchmaking skills. He then moved to Concord, New Hampshire and opened a shop on Main Street. He was the first clockmaker to manufacture brass clocks in New Hampshire. Abel worked for a short time in Roxbury after his commitment to Simon was over. Abel is listed in the Roxbury tax assessor's records in 1784. He was also appointed a fireward with Aaron Willard and Elijah Ward. It is in Roxbury that he married Elizabeth Partridge in January of 1786. Two of her sisters also married clockmakers Aaron Willard and Elnathan Taber. Shortly after their marriage, it appears that Abel moved to Concord, NH and formed a partnership with his bother sometime in 1786. Here they began what must have been a very productive business of making clocks. In 1803, Abel bought out his brothers interests in the partnership and continued making clocks in the same location. The shop was destroyed by fire on November 25th, 1817. Abel built the Phoenix Hotel on the same site. It opened for business on January 1st, 1819. He prospered as a innkeeper until he retired in 1832.

Levi Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire.

Levi Hutchins was born in Harvard, Massachusetts on August 17, 1761 and died peacefully on June 13, 1855. He was 93. His remains were interned in the Friends' burial-ground in Concord, NH. It is interesting to note that this was a society that he somewhat withdrew from several years before his death. Levi was one of eleven children. His parents were Colonel Gordon Hutchins & Dolly or Dorothy Stone. Levi had a younger brother named Abel who was born in March of 1763. He also became a clockmaker and for a time worked with his brother in a partnership. Able also died in the town of Concord on April 4th, 1853. Both men lived into their nineties and lived long prosperous lives. I have listed some of Levi's life's highlights below.

In 1772, their father had moved the family from the town of Harvard, MA to Concord, NH. In Concord, he purchased land and buildings and commenced as a storekeeper. Gordon became active in the revolution and served as a Captain in the local regiment. Young Levi served in his regiment as a Fifer from April to September in 1775. In May of that year, Gordon Hutchins marched to Breeds Hill mistakenly recorded in history as Bunker Hill under the command of Colonel John Stark. Young Levi accompanied them and watched the battle from a distance high on the hills of Medford, MA. Levi also witnessed the burning of Charlestown. His father Gordon was later stationed at Winter Hill until the end of that year. Levi enlisted in Captain Lewis‘ Company, in Colonel Varnum's Regiment, under General Green. In the spring of 1776, he marched to New York under the orders of General Washington in order to protect the city and was posted in Brooklyn for a while. He remained posted on the island of Red Hook which is located 4 miles from New York and is such situated to protect the harbor until the defeat of the Americans in the battle of Long Island. Levi was honorably discharged and return to New Hampshire on horseback.

Levi was well educated. He attended Byfield Academy for 1 year and Andover Academy for 2 quarters. He was then recruited as a school teacher and taught in the towns of Tewksbury, Pembroke and Ashburnham, Massachusetts.

On December 6, 1777, the two brothers entered into an apprenticeship with the ingenious Grafton, Massachusetts clockmaker, Simon Willard. At this time Levi was sixteen and Abel was fourteen years of age. After Levi served his 3 year indenture to Simon, he traveled to Abington, CT to serve an eight month apprenticeship in the watch repair trade.

Levi may have move to Concord, New Hampshire as early as 1782. Here he set up residence and shop on Main Street in the central village. His first shop was located very near the present railroad passenger depot not far from the junction of the Merrimack River and the roads from Boston, Portsmouth and the Connecticut Valley. Soon after Levi arrived, is brother Able moved up from Roxbury, MA having worked with the Willards for a few years. Together they formed a partnership that lasted until about 1803 and became the most prolific clockmakers in the Concord region for a number of years. Their output of tall case clocks seems to be somewhat substantial. The earliest ad known to date for their partnership was published in the 1788 in the New Hampshire Spy. They placed an advertisement in the Concord Herald in 1790 and again in 1792looking for two apprentices. It is thought that Peabody Atkinson and Jesse Smith answered the ad. They both are recorded as working as farmers in Virginia in their later years.

On February 23rd 1789, Levi married Phoebe Hanaford daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Hanaford of Haverhill, MA. Together they had ten children. Levi made each one of them a clock before he passed.

In 1793, Levi and Abel purchased a farm together three miles away on the western side of Rattlesnake Hill. Here they continued to manufacturer clocks and also began to farm.

In 1807, their partnership was dissolved. Abel bought out Levi's share of the business and paid off all debts. Levi received the farm and opened his own shop opposite Gale's Tavern. Abel retained the house and original shop and the parcel of land. On Tuesday, November 25, 1817 these building were consumed by fire. Two years later, Abel erects the Phoenix Hotel.

In 1808, Levi purchased a house on 70 acres including an apple orchard, a dilapidated fort, a large barn, woodshed and later a saw mill located on Long Pond in the West Parish or West Concord Village.

After the War of 1812, about 1815, Levi built a large building and set up five looms to manufacturer cloth. The cloth business lasted three years before it became unprofitable and sold off. One room in this barn was used for clockmaking. Levi continued to work on brass clock for 20 years. The saw mill operated for 50 years.

Levi & Abel Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire.

Levi Hutchins was born in Harvard, Massachusetts on August 17, 1761. His brother Abel was born two years later in March. Both men lived into their nineties. Gordon Hutchins, their father, served in the Revolutionary War as a captain. He organized a Company from the Concord area that fought at Bunker Hill.  Levi was enlisted as the fifer.  His father fearing for Levi's safety, forced him to stay on high ground in Medford.  Levi witnessed the burning of Charlestown wanted to see action himself, so he enlisted in Captain Lewis, Company and was taken into the mess. After the war, he was placed in school and later became a school teacher. On December 6th, 1777, the brothers both entered into an apprenticeship with Simon Willard of Grafton, Massachusetts. At this time Levi was sixteen and Abel was fourteen years old. They returned to Concord New Hampshire some time before 1784. Levi and Able Hutchins were in business together making clocks for some Twenty one years (1786-1807).

Thomas Hutchinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Hutchinson is a listed as a watch and clockmaker in several horological references. In truth, little is currently known about him. He is listed as working as a silversmith in Lancaster boro in 1773. In 1776, he is listed as maker of Dutch type clocks and is working in Washington, Washington, Co., PA. On February 1, 1800, he applied for membership in the Washington Mechanical Society. According to the tax records, he was active in Washington through 1824. In September of 1823, he advertised in The Washington Reporter that he again began his clockmaking business.

Notes: It is reported that a Thomas Hutchinson inlaid tall case clock is in the Carnegie Museum of Art. Late circa 1830.

Elias Ingraham of Bristol, Connecticut.

Elias Ingraham was born in Marlborough, Connecticut on October 1st, 1805. He worked as a cabinetmaking apprentice for five years in the town of Glastonbury. In 1825 he purchased his freedom and began working as a journeyman for Daniel Dewy of Hartford. In 1828, Solomon Hinman convinced him to move to Bristol and to make clock cases for George Mitchell. It is here that Ingraham designed and constructed the “Transitional” shelf clock form. Ingraham soon moves on and works for several other clock and furniture ventures. After numerous ventures, he form the Elias Ingraham & Company in 1857 and was granted the first of two patents in case design. The first was for the “Arch Column case and the second was for the door design found on this example having two circular doors that are separated by decorative rosettes. This design becomes extremely popular and it influence finds its why in to some of Ingrahams competitors models. In 1860, the firms name changes to E. Ingraham & Company reflecting a partnership with his son Edward. Elias died at his summer home on Martha's Vineyard in August of 1885. The business continued in various forms.

International Time Recording Company of Endicott, New York.

The International Time Recording Company's business office was located at 50 Broad Street in Endicott, New York between the years 1901-1924. During this time period, this firm continuously expanded its product line, underwent several reorganizations and name changes, and emerged in 1924 as the International Business Machine Corporation, familiar today as IBM. Some of the companies it acquired include the Chicago Time Register Company, Day Time Register Company, The Syracuse Time Recording Company, Bundy, Willard & Frick and Standard.

Ithaca Clock Company of Ithaca, New York.

The Ithaca Calendar clock Company was formed in 1865 to manufacture clocks with calendar mechanisms. It was located in Ithaca, New York. Henry B. Horton applied for and was granted a patent on April 18, 1865. This patent was improved several times over its life span. This clock venture ended its operations due to bankruptcy on March 14, 1917.

Joseph Ives of Bristol, Connecticut and Brooklyn, New York.

Joseph Ives was born on September 21, 1782. He was one of six children born to Amasa Ives who married into the Roberts family of Bristol, Connecticut. Gideon Roberts is recorded as the first clockmaker to have worked Bristol and it is now thought that he trained his five sons in clockmaking and possibly trained Joseph and his brothers in the trade as well. They all would have been trained before Gideon died of typhoid fever in 1813.

It appears the Joseph Ives began making wooden geared clocks clocks about 1811 in East Bristol and shortly thereafter, he moved to Bristol and continued in the trade. The type of clocks being manufactured were called “wag-on-the wall” or hang ups.” These were sold across the countryside by peddlers who could carry a small number of them on horse back. A hang up consisted of a movement, dial, hands, weights and pendulum. They were general sold without cases because of the added cost and the difficulty in transportation. As a result most cases were made locally if one could afford to have one built. Ives clocks are distinctive in that they typically feature a rolling lantern pinions instead of leaf pinions in their movement design . This was an Ives improvement that was patented.

By 1820, Eli terry was enjoying great success in selling his 30 hour wooden geared shelf clocks of his own design. Terry's clocks were powered by weights and Ives began to experiment with a spring powered version having roller pinions attached to a wooden movement. Due to financial difficulties, Joseph moves to Brooklyn, New York about 1825 and is working on Poplar Street. Here he begins the production of a movement that is constructed with rolled brass strips which are then riveted together to form the movement frame. Roller pinions and the leaf spring power is also used. The case of these clocks have a Ducan Phyfe furniture influence.

In 1830, Ives creditors catch up with him again and he on the verge of being sent to debtors prison. John Birge hears of this and travels from Bristol to Brooklyn to settle his debts and to persuaded Ives to return to Connecticut to make clocks. First with C. & L.C. Ives who were using his strap frame design and then with John Birge under Birge & Fuller name. This company used the leaf or wagon spring power in many of their clocks. This design of power was also patented by Ives.

Joseph Ives sold the rights to his patents and continued to work in the clock fields under various firms. He was never financially successful but is credited as being one of the most ingenious Connecticut horologists. Joseph dies in 1862.

For a more complete description of Joseph Ives and his working career, please read, The Contributions of Joseph Ives to Connecticut Clock Technology 1810-1862 written by Kenneth Roberts.

Anthony Janzsen of Amsterdam

Anthony Janszen is a listed Maker. He is listed as being bon in 1730 and was at work in 1750 through 1800. He is also listed in the register as one of the most important shopkeepers in Amsterdam in 1767. He is described as a watchmaker located on the corner of Haarlemmerdijk and the Korte Prinsengracht.

Chauncey Jerome of New Haven, Connecticut.

Chauncey Jerome was born in 1793 in Canaan, Connecticut the son of a blacksmith and a nail-maker. He has a storied history in the Connecticut clock industry, becoming one of our Nations giant employers and producers during his lifetime. His autobiography has been reprinted and is available to purchase at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. It is a worthy read.

Jacob Jones of Pittsfield, New Hampshire.

Jacob Jones was born on December 30, 1749 in Kingston, New Hampshire. He was the son of John Jones (1724-1815) and Hannah Dow (1728-1806). Jacob had a Brother John Jr. who is also listed as a clockmaker. Jacob married Mary Dow. They had at least one son, Jacob Jr. who is also listed as a clockmaker. Jacob dies in Pittsfield on July 25th, 1839. Charles Parsons reports in his book, New Hampshire Clockmakers, that fifteen tall case examples are known to have survived by this Maker.

George A. Jones of New York City.

George Alfred Jones was born in June of 1825 and died in 1881. He was at work in Bristol, Connecticut in 1864 through 1879. For the first 20 years of being in business, he had a partner by the name of James Wood of New York City.

In 1863, He is listed in a directory as being involved with a lamp business located at 589 Greenwich Street in New York. It is in this year that The George A. Jones Clock Company was formed. The following year the directory's listing expands to include him as being involved with a clock business at 2 Courtlandt Street. At this time, the clock company made a number of very nice clocks. They included walnut cased parlor and wall clocks are well as a number of impressive standing and wall hanging regulators. Today the regulators are very collectible and eagerly sought out. The business moved between No.2, 5, and 6 Courtlandt Street until 1872. In 1870, he built a brick factory to manufacture shelf clocks. It opened in 1871 and the New York business closed down. The Bristol location closed down in 1874.

Thomas Joyce of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Currently, very little is known of Thomas Joyce the Clockmaker. He is listed as working in two Philadelphia locations. In 1821 and 1822 he worked at 242 S. 6th Street which is very near today's Washington Square. In 1823 he moved to 123 Plum Street and worked there until 1825.

Ezra Kelley of New Bedford, Dartmouth and Provincetown, Massachusetts and Venezuela, South America. He is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.

Ezra Kelley was born a Quaker in Dennis, Massachusetts on September 26th, 1798, and died a Methodist in New Bedford on December 14, 1895. He was expelled from the Society of Friends when he married his wife Nancy Simmons of Hingham in 1823. She was also a Methodist. It appears he apprenticed to both his cousin Allen Kelley of South Yarmouth and to John Bailey Jr of Hanover, Massachusetts. Ezra and fellow Bailey apprentice Nathaniel Shepherd, were business partners and worked together in 1820 through 1823 and then again together in 1833 through 1835. In 1830, Kelley moved to Venezuela for a few years and set up a shop there until he returned in 1833. In 1839 through 1841, he was in business with Stephen Howland as Kelley & Howland. They were dry goods merchants. In 1850, he worked with his son George. under the firm name E. Kelley & Son. George was trained as a watchmaker. Soon after, he set a business to refine whale oil for watches, clocks and light machinery in New Bedford. This became a successful enterprise. Tall clocks, shelf clocks and timepieces are known.

Allen Kelley

Allen Kelley of Sandwich, Massachusetts.

Allen Kelley was born in Yarmouth, Massachusetts on November 14th, 1791. He was a Quaker and served his apprenticeship under the Quaker clockmaker Joshua Wilder of Hingham. By 1813 Kelley is recorded to be on his own and working as a clockmaker of Sandwich, Massachusetts. From here he moved to several other locations in the Southeastern Massachusetts region. Some of the towns include Provincetown in 1819 – 1820, Nantucket in 1825, New Bedford in 1834 and back to Sandwich in 1852. He died there on October 13th, 1876. He was 84 years young. Allen Kelley is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith and a jeweler. Tall clocks and Massachusetts Shelf clocks are known.

Kelley & Shepherd of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Ezra Kelly & Nathaniel Shepherd both worked in both Dartmouth and New Bedford, Massachusetts. They worked together in 1820 through 1823 and then again together in 1833 through 1835.

Ezra Kelley worked in New Bedford, Dartmouth and Provincetown, Massachusetts and Venezuela, South America. He is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.

Ezra Kelley was born a Quaker in Dennis, Massachusetts on September 26th, 1798, and died a Methodist in New Bedford on December 14, 1895. He was expelled from the Society of Friends when he married his wife Nancy Simmons of Hingham in 1823. She was a Methodist. It appears he apprenticed to both his cousin Allen Kelley of South Yarmouth and to John Bailey Jr of Hanover, Massachusetts. Ezra and fellow Bailey apprentice Nathaniel Shepherd were business partners and worked together in 1820 through 1823 and then again together in 1833 through 1835. In 1830, Kelley moved to Venezuela for a few years and set up a shop there until here returned in 1833. In 1839 through 1841, he was in business with Stephen Howland as Kelley & Howland, dry goods merchants. In 1850, he worked with his son George, a watchmaker as E. Kelley & Son. Soon after, he set a business to refine whale oil for watches, clocks and light machinery in New Bedford. This became a successful enterprise. Tall clocks, shelf clocks and timepieces are known. He is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith.

Nathaniel Shepherd clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith working in Dartmouth, Westport and New Bedford, Massachusetts was born in Dartmouth on February 21, 1795 and died in New Bedford on October 28, 1882. Trained under John Bailey II in Hanover, Massachusetts. Is projected to have started working on his own in 1816. Formed a partnership with Ezra Kelley. They worked together in 1820 through 1823 and then again together in 1833 through 1835.

Several tall clocks are known. One signed example is known with the place location listed as Westport. A similar Shepherd clock can be found in the Yale University Art Gallery collection, inventory no. 1964.54.2

John Kennard of Newfields, New Hampshire

John Kennard was born in Kittery, Maine in 1782. He was one of nine children born to Timothy Kennard and Abigail Stevens who married September 8th, 1779. John is thought to have learned clockmaking in Portsmouth, NH. On July 3, 1806, he married Sarah Ewer daughter of James and Drusilla (Ewer) Burleigh. They moved around New Hampshire, living in Nashua and then in Concord before moving to Newfields in 1812. In Newfields they occupied the Palmer House. Here he made clocks and kept a store. He was postmaster in 1822 through 1824. He served as Town Clerk, Selectman and the State Representative. In 1823, John built the Kennard House on Piscassie Street and began a foundry with Temple Paul and the Drakes. They sold out in 1834. John died Jan 14,1861. Tall clocks, banjo clocks and a surveyor's quarter circle with compass are known.

Samuel Keplinger of Baltimore, Maryland.

Samuel Keplinger is recorded as being born sometime in 1770 and died in 1849. He is listed as working first in Frederick County Co. Maryland about 1800. Then he is found in Gettysburg 1806 -1807. Lastly he is located in Baltimore by 1811 through 1841. Keplinger is listed as a clock and watchmaker . He was also a retailer and a merchant. Numerous advertisements of his business survive due to the preservation of newspapers. They suggest that he did a far amount of business. He advertised a need for a journeyman or two, a servant and a cook. He also advertised having Willard's patent timepieces in stock. A patent was granted to him for the manufacture of watch chains in 1820. He patented a machine to make the chains.

George Roland Smith Killiam of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

George Roland Smith Killiam â€" Born June 11, 1874 â€" Died August 10, 1937. Killiam operated a clock shop located at 8 Baptist Street in Pawtucket, RI. He advertised this clock for sale in 1904 for $48.00. For more information on this maker see National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Bulletin No. 388, October 2010.

Jacob Sawyer Kimball of Montpelier, Vermont.

Jacob Kimball of Montpelier, Vermont. Clock and watchmaker, silversmith and jeweler.

Jacob Sawyer Kimball was born on April 21, 1779 in Sutton, New Hampshire and died on June 23, 1827 in Montpelier, Vermont. He was the son of Caleb and Sarah (Sawyer) Kimball and the brother of Mary Eaton. He is thought to have apprenticed to Levi and Able Hutchins in Concord in 1793. He is listed as working in Montpelier in 1800 through 1827. On March 19,1812, married Eliza Purkitt of Boston. They had 4 children. Together they built up a large estate. Jacob trained at least on apprentice. It was his nephew Hiram Eaton who was born on January 14, 1802 and died in Warner, Vermont on August 8, 1876. His apprenticeship most likely started around 1815. Hiram then moves St. Albans, Vermont and then to Warner and later Concord, New Hampshire.

A tall case clock is known signed by Kimball. The American Antiquarian Society currently owns a watch paper that is signed by him. It is dated 1825.


George Leverly of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Maryland.

Currently, very little information is published about George Levely. He is said to have been born about 1749 and died in 1796. He first worked in Philadelphia. It appears that he was there in 1770 through about 1774 when he relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. In Baltimore, he advertises that he was a watch and clockmaker from the city of Philadelphia that he relocated his shop opposite the Fountain Inn on Market Street. This Inn was located on what is now the corners of Baltimore and Hanover Streets. The Federal Gazette (Baltimore) reports on 30 April 1796 that George Levely Watchmaker of Baltimore dies on April 29, 1796 at the age of 47.

Benjamin B. Lewis of Bristol, Connecticut.

Benjamin B. Lewis was born in 1818 and died in 1890. He is best known for designing a perpetual calendar mechanism while working as a Jeweler in Huron, Ohio. In 1859, he moved to Bristol, Connecticut to find a manufacturer of his design. The firm Burwell & Carter first manufactured the mechanism in 1859 until 1862. Lewis had applied for an patent which was granted in on February 4, 1862. He continued to improve the design and patent those improvements in 1864, 1868 and 1881. He supplied his mechanisms to L.F. & W.W. Carter in 1862 through 1868 and then to the Welch, Spring & Company from 1868 to 1884. Their clocks sold well and Lewis became quite wealthy. In 1870 he form a partnership with his son Charles S. Lewis under the firm name of B.B. Lewis & Son in Bristol. This venture did not last long.

Joseph Lindauer working for Tiffany & Company Makers, NYC.

For a brief period, Tiffany brought the manufacture of high grade clocks in house. The manuscript Order Book kept by this Clock Department begins 1879 and ends 1918. It is now in the collection of the New York Historical Society. Many of the clock movements that came form this department are die-stamped on the backplate with a number that corresponds to an order number in the Book. Number 19 was ordered on October 30th of 1879. The last numbered entry is for number 829 which was completed on April 13, 1910. The order book was not updated until June of 1918. The Order Book records a variety of clocks, including many specially designed and built to prominent clients' specifications.

These records indicate that this Shop was under the direction of Joseph Lindauer. He was born January 17, 1835 in Pilsen, Bohemia, Austria. He trained as a clockmaker in Pilsen and at Prague. He came to America in 1865 and worked for Tiffany & Co then at 550 – 552 Broadway as a clock repairer. He proved to be so proficient that he soon was put in charge. As the Superintendent, he hired many skilled and expert clockmakers. Under his direction, Tiffany occupied a prominent position in American clock making both aesthetically and technically. This division manufactured many important clocks including astronomical clocks which were exhibited by Tiffany & Co at the Paris and Chicago exhibitions. Tiffany constructed clocks are highly sought after. Examples of their work that are well known to the clock community include two astronomical clocks. The first, No. 289, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The second example is in the Cleveland Museum of Art. An isochronal clock, No. 516, was designed to have four pendulums and was constructed in 1884. The current store clock measuring 9 feet tall has a full figure of Atlas supporting a clock on his shoulders. Another public clock is located on the exterior of the Grand Central Terminal.

Joseph Lindauer worked for thirty-two years an employee of Tiffany & Co. He was born January 17, 1835, at Pilsen , Bohemia , Austria . He learned his trade of clockmaker at Pilsen and at Prague , the capital of Bohemia . In 1865 he came to this country, and the same year was engaged by Tiffany & Co., then at Nos. 550-552 Broadway, as clock repairer. He proved so proficient that the firm soon gave him charge of the clock repairing and clock making department. He gathered about him a force of expert clockmakers that has become noted for great ability, especially in the adjustment of the most intricate and complicated mechanisms. He was also well known to many experts and amateurs in fine mechanism, who recognized his remarkable intelligence and skill in all horological work. He died on Sunday, March 7. 1897 In 1896, he had a stroke of paralysis, from which he never recovered. Another stroke followed in October, after which he was confined to his bed until relieved by death.

Little & Eastman of Boston, Massachusetts

Joseph Eastman of the Chelsea Clock Company fame and Henry C. Little provided the clockmaking know how to this short lived firm (1906-1907). As a result, we have seen very few of their clocks in the marketplace. Those that have been seen are usually very similar to the form of a Chelsea no., 1 or the Seth Thomas No., 2 variety. Interestingly, a gilt lyre wall clock has been recorded as being found. A surviving catalog for this firm is not recorded. This short lived venture was set up like the Vermont Clock Company's operation. The clocks produced were in general very good quality.

H. N. Lockwood of Boston, Massachusetts.

In truth, very little is known of H. N. Lockwood. In fact, I could not come up with his first name. What is known is sourced form the Boston Directories, several news paper advertisements and a label found pasted inside a clock. H. N. Lockwood was born in Norway to American parents. He is said to have learned his trade in watchmaking and as a jeweler in Norway and came to Chicago in May 1863. He is recorded as moving first to New York and then subsequently to Boston. For a number of years, he was placed in full charge of the watch and French clock repairing department at the E. Howard Watch & Clock Company. As the E. Howard Co. began to relinquish the retail repair portion of their business, Lockwood set off on his own and in January of 1888. Lockwood established his own retail business at No. 27 Bromfield Street in Boston. He new business was endorsed by Howard in the trade. Lockwood's showroom is described as an attractive and elegant store. He hired a number of master workmen and carried a large stock in every line. Then by 1913, the business moved to 9 Bromfield Street. It is recorded that in 1922, Lockwood renovated his store which was now located at 61 Bromfield Street and at that time installed a diamond dept. It is reported that Lewis Huntington assisted by Fred Elliot were in charge of watch and general repairs. Lockwood ordered a number of clocks from area clock makers that included the E. Howard Watch & Clock Company, the Boston Clock Company and the Chelsea Clock Company. His business model was then to paint his name on the dials and sell them in his showroom. The Howard style No. 70 was a popular form him to sell.

Benjamin Lord of Rutland, Vermont.

Benjamin Lord was born in Norwich, Connecticut on October 10, 1770 the son of Ebenezer and Temperance (Edgerton). He is first listed as a silversmith in 1793 when he advertised in the Western Star in Pittsfield, Massachusetts opposite the meeting house on the road to Lanesborough in 1796. It is recorded that in 1797, Benjamin moved into Rutland, Vermont and with in a few short months has formed a partnership with Nichols Goddard. Benjamin married Fanny Buel on January 28, 1799 in Convetry, Connecticut. Together, they had at least six children while putting roots down in this town. He becomes involved with public affairs and serves as town clerk in 1803 – 1813 and again in 1815 – 1826. He was a Captain in the local militia. In 1808, he is thought to have trained his nephew John Bliss as a clockmaker. Bliss becomes a well documented chronomometer maker in New York. Benjamin died on April 23, 1843 in Athens, Georgia.

Lord & Goddard of Rutland, Vermont.

The partnership of Lord & Goddard was first advertised in July 1997. Their shop was located a few rods north of the Rutland Court House just opposite Messrs Pomeroy & Hooker's store. At this location they advertised the manufacture of musical clocks and most kinds of gold and silverware. (Rutland Herald 7-3-1797.) The shop was moved in 1800 to the shop formerly occupied by Storer & Wilmont. This shop was located approximately 15 rods northwest from the Court House. Lord & Goddard's partnership lasted approximately eight years and was dissolved on April 26th, 1805. A notice was placed in the Rutland Herald on this date. It appears they stayed close friends as their families remained close and involved with each other.

The tall case clocks that have been found signed by Lord & Goddard have the following numbers recorded…. 72, 75, 87, 95, 97, 98, 106, 111 and 113. Tall clocks signed by Nichols only include 124, 125, 144 and 150.

Benjamin Lord was born in Norwich, Connecticut on October 10, 1770 the son of Ebenezer and Temperance (Edgerton). He is first listed as a silversmith in 1793 when he advertised in the Western Star in Pittsfield, Massachusetts opposite the meeting house on the road to Lanesborough in 1796. It is recorded that in 1797, Benjamin moved into Rutland, Vermont and with in a few short months has formed a partnership with Nichols Goddard. Benjamin married Fanny Buel on January 28, 1799 in Convetry, Connecticut. Together, they had at least six children while putting roots down in this town. He becomes involved with public affairs and serves as town clerk in 1803 – 1813 and again in 1815 – 1826. He was a Captain in the local militia. In 1808, he is thought to have trained his nephew John Bliss as a clockmaker. Bliss becomes a well documented chronomometer maker in New York. Benjamin died on April 23, 1843 in Athens, Georgia.

Nichols Goddard was born the son of Nathan and Martha (Nichols) Goddard in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on October 4, 1773. It is thought that he learned clockmaking from his second cousin Luther Goddard who was also in Shrewsbury. Luther was trained by his cousin, our country's most famous clockmaker, Simon Willard of Grafton in 1778. Luther is often credited with making the first watch in America. Nichols is listed as working in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1794 through 1797. A diary entry from 1795 states that as a journeyman, Nichols made movements for his father Luther Goddard, Gardner Parker of Westborough, Isaac Gere of Northampton, MA and for a man identified as “Ingalls” who is also in Northhampton. In June of 1797, Goddard moves north to Rutland, Vermont. At this time, the period of 1770 through about 1825, the state of Vermont enjoyed unprecedented population growth. It is in Rutland that Goddard formed a partnership with a silversmith who was originally from Norwich, Connecticut and more recently Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His name was Benjamin Lord. In September of 1798, Nichols returned to Northampton to marry Charity White. She was the daughter of Job White and Charity Chapin. They returned to Rutland and had seven children together. After their partnership ended, Nichols continued to make clocks under his own name until he died in 1823.

Nichols involves himself in public affairs. In 1800 he is appointed Town Clerk of Rutland. He also serves as Town Treasurer from 1805 – 1807. He received the commission of Captain in the militia. He was also very active in the Masonic lodge. In 1802 he was elected Grand Junior Deacon of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Vermont and in 1804 through 1810 he served as Grand Senior Warden.

Nichols died in Rutland on September 23, 1823.

Joseph Loring of Sterling, Massachusetts.

Clockmaker and Chairmaker.

Joseph Loring was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts on July 19, 1768 and died in Sterling, Massachusetts on January 31, 1846. He was 78 years of age. Joseph is listed in the Sterling town histories as a clockmaker as early as 1792. He also ran a general store which was located on the corner of Main Street and Kendall Hill Road. This general store later purchased by the Estabrook family who continued to operate the business for many years to follow. Joseph is said to have trained Daniel Holmes as a clockmaker and it appears that he worked for him as a journeyman in 1801 – 1802. Loring's account book covering the years 1791-1812 is in the Collection at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts. It reveals a variety of activity including business relationships between Benjamin Willard, Gardner Parker and Able Stowell.

Joseph Loring made tall case clocks and shelf clocks. He purchased a number of tall clock cases from John Hill of Leominster. We have also seen a Massachusetts shelf clock that has a cabinetmakers label pasted inside the case that reads, “C. Simmons / Cabinetmaker.” By the early 1820's, chair production in the town of Sterling took off and soon 70,000 chairs were made there annually. Loring became very much involved in chair production. By 1845, Joseph's estate near Sterling, MA contained about 70 acres of first rate land that was equally divided into mowing, pasturing and tillage with the buildings theron. The buildings included a large two story house, a 20 by 30 barn and two sheds. Water was provided by a never failing spring piped to the house via lead pipes. A chair and paint shop with small dwelling house was adjoined.

Jonathan at the Dial in Pall Mall, London Lowndes

Jonathan Lowndes is a celebrated clockmaker. He is listed as a clockmaker in Brian Loomes, Clockmakers and Watchmakers of the World and in Britten's Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers. In 1680, Jonathan Lowndes is listed in the Clockmakers Company and served as a steward in 1696. He remained a member until 1710. Longcase, bracket and lantern clocks are known. He also made watches. Several other examples of his clocks are known. A bracket clock about made about 1685 was also included in the Wetherfield Collection. The Long Island Historical Society also had a bracket clock made by him in their collection.

Crafts MacKay working in Boston, MA, Charlestown, SC and Philadelphia, PA.

Crafts Mackay is listed in Clockmakers & Watchmakers of America By Name & Place written by Thomas & Sonya Spittler and Chris Bailey as working in Boston in 1785 through 1789 and then in Charlestown, SC in 1790 through 1814 and then in Philadelphia, PA in 1805. He came from Scotland to London and then to America. Two English style bracket clocks including this one are reported.

Marshall & Adams of Seneca Falls, New York.

The firm of Marshall & Adams located in Seneca Falls, New York was formed in 1834. Chauncey Marshall a businessman / financier and Elmer W. Adams a clockmaker originating from Connecticut produced wood and brass movement clocks from 1834 through 1836. It is reported that at one point, they did approximately $40,000 per year in sales. Their sales model was to sell clocks via peddlers that traveled West.

Samuel Martin of New York City.

Samuel Martin is listed in “American Clocks Volume 3. American Clockmakers & Watchmakers,” written by Sonya L. & Thomas J. Spitler and Chris H. Bailey. He worked as a clockmaker in New York, New York as early as 1801 through 1820. After 1820 he moved to Savannah, Georgia.

We have owned at least four tall case clock by this Maker.

J. Martin & Son of New York City.

Joseph Martin and John Martin of New York are both listed in several horological references. In truth, little is currently known about them. Joseph is listed as working in New York in 1811-1814. He is also listed in NYC directory as a watchmaker in 1827 working at 383 Greenwich. John is listed as being at work in New York in 1831. His working location is is listed as 184 and 288 Spring Street. A watch paper and a wall timepiece signed by them are reported.

John McNiesh, (Sr.) of New York City.

John McNiesh (Sr.) was born a native of Scotland sometime around 1777. At the age of 35, he immigrated to New York city in 1812. At this time, he had been trained as a clock and watchmaker. He was married to Janet (Drisdale) McNiesh and had six children. Their first child, Jane, died in Scotland in infancy. Their second child, also named Jane, grew up in New York and married John Phyfe of that city. The third child, Elizabeth did not marry. She lived to be 86 years old. The fourth child, Janet married John Ferguson of New York City. John, the fifth son, was educated in New York and was trained by his father as a clock and watchmaker. His first shop was located on Wall Street and the corner of William Street. Successful, he remained there until 1842 when he relocated to Brooklyn and emerged himself in the mercantile trade. In 1844, he retired the family homestead at Woodrow in the Borough of Richmond. He died on January 12, 1882 at Huguenot Park. Their last child, James died at Woodrow in 1851. He did not marry. John (Sr.) is listed in the NYC Directories as a Watchmaker in 1820 and 1835. He became a naturalized citizen on February 5th, 1828. His occupation was listed as a merchant. He and Janet resided on Water Street for a number of years. They later moved to Woodrow, borough of Richmond, where the family purchased a farm and homestead. John passed away in 1846.

Benjamin Mead of Wiscasset and Castine, Maine.

It is currently thought that Benjamin Mead moved from Rhode Island and set up shop with Daniel Dole in Wiscasset Maine in 1804. In 1805, he moved to the village of Castine. In July of that year he advertised for an apprentice. A number of real estate transactions in the area are recorded involving Mead over the next few years. This suggests that he occasionally bought and sold land. These transactions list him as a clockmaker and as a shop owner. He move back to Rhode Island, Smithfield in 1814.

Cornelius Miller of Elizabeth Town, New Jersey.

Cornelius Miller was the son of the now well known Elizabeth Town clockmaker Aaron Miller. Aaron was one of the earliest clockmakers in the state of New Jersey advertising and constructing clocks as early as 1747. Very little is known of son Cornelius. It is thought that his father trained him as a clockmaker. Aaron also trained his son-in law-Isaac Brokaw who produced numerous clocks. Cornelius on the other produced very few. I am not currently aware of another Cornelius Miller tall case example to have survived. Cornelius Miller died in 1779, the same year his father past.

Squire Millerd of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Squire Millerd was born the son of Nathaniel Millard and Barbara (Martin) Millerd on January 26th 1748/49 in Warwick, Rhode Island. He died on January 2nd, 1820. He is buried in a private graveyard at the back of the Millerd homestead in Cowesett, Rhode Island. Millerd (fought with the American militia against the British who were raiding livestock on Prudence Island and was appointed Captain in the Providence Battalion in 1780 and Captain in the Second Warwick Company in 1781.

Richardson Miner of Stratford and New Haven, Connecticut.

Richardson Miner was born in 1736 and died in 1797 at he age of 61. He was the son of Reverend Richardson and Elizabeth Munson Miner. It is not currently known who trained him as a clockmaker. We can assume that he was born with a great deal of mechanical ability because he is listed as a clockmaker, goldsmith and as a silversmith. He also served in the Second Connecticut Regiment under Colonel Nathan Whiting during the 1760 campaign of the French and Indian Wars. This regiment was stationed at the Fort No. 4. During the 1760's, this Fort was the furthermost British settlement. No. 4 was situated along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River which is now located in Charlestown, New Hampshire. This outpost and was continually under pressure from Indian attacks. Miner served this regiment as an armorer. It was his job to keep the muskets and the the weapons of the regiment in good repair. It is thought that he moved from Stratford to New Haven sometime around 1760 and was married in 1764. He may have moved back to Stratford at some point. Tall clocks are known signed in both locations.

Five tall clock examples are currently know to us signed by this early Connecticut maker Four of these are signed as being made in Stratford. One is currently for sale here in our showroom. A second signed Stratford example is pictured in Dean Fales book, The furniture of Historic Deerfield on page 259. A third signed Stratford example is pictured in figures 12 and 36 in Penrose R. Hoopes book, Connecticut Clockmakers of the Eighth Century, reprint, New York, 1974. The fifth know clock is signed by Minor but differs in that the location is signed as being New Haven. This clock is also currently in or inventory. All five clocks are signed in the same hand. This suggests that he may have done his own dial engraving.

George Monks (II) & Son of Prescott, England.

George Monks (II) is listed in Brain Loomes new book, "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World." Loomes lists two George Monks. The first George was born in 1750 and died in 1815. His son, George (II), the Maker of this example, was born in 1775 and died in 1827. Both father and son worked in Prescott. The town of Prescott, England is located 7 miles East of the city of Liverpool in Lancaster County. This clock certainly has many of the midland attributes.

Benjamin Morrill of Boscawen, New Hampshire.

Benjamin Morrill was born in Boscawen on 16 January,1794 and died April 21,1857. His parents were Samuel Morrill and Sarah (Atkinson) Morrill. He was their fifth child. Boscawen, A small village located just northwest on Concord, NH, he lived in the house his grandfather Reverend Robie Morrill who graduated from Harvard College in 1755. The house was built in 1769 and is located on King Street. It was the first framed house in that town. It is summarized that Benjamin was a practical man and that he was educated. His work demonstrates a creative skill in mechanical matters. It is not presently know who trained Benjamin as a clockmaker and 1816, Benjamin is recorded as setting up his shop. Benjamin's oldest sister Judith, married Joseph Chadwick. He was also a clockmaker from the same town and was seven years older than Benjamin. On November 22, 1818, Benjamin marries his first of two wives, Mehetable Eastman. She was the daughter of Simeon and Anna (Kimball) Eastman of Landiff, New Hampshire. They had two children before she died on July 6, 1828. Benjamin remarried six months later to Mary Choate of Derry, New Hampshire. Together, they also had two children. Benjamin died April 21, 1857. As a clockmaker, examples of tall case, banjo, shelf, mirror and tower clocks have been recorded as being made by him. As production clocks made their way into his region, he was also known to make scales and musical instruments that included Melodeons and Seraphines.

As a Clockmaker, Benjamin made numerous clocks. These included tall case clocks, shelf clocks, banjo clocks and mirror clocks. Interestingly, he is credited with developing the New Hampshire clock form. Many of the mirror clocks found today, feature his “Wheel Barrel” style movement. Benjamin is also thought to have made at least four tower clocks. Interestingly, none of these examples are signed but, all are similar in style. The documented examples are as follows. One example was installed in the tower in the First Parish Meeting House located in Dover, New Hampshire. A second clock was installed the tower of the Congregational Church in Henniker, New Hampshire in 1835. This clock is now on display at the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut. A third clock is reportedly located in its original location in Orford, New Hampshire. Later in life when clockmaking became less profitable, Benjamin developed an interest in music. He then began to manufacture various musical instruments and scales.

Jacob Morse of Westfield, Massachusetts

Jacob Morse was born the son of Lt. Edmund Morse of Hempstead, New York and Rachel Rowell of Amesbury and Essex, Massachusetts on March 31, 1751. He died at the age of 68 in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1819. Jacob was married twice. His first wife was Naomi Sykes of Westfield. They were married sometime about 1774 and had 3 children. Clarissa was born in 1775, James in 1777 and Harvey in 1779. In 1780, Jacob married Metitable Williams of Westfield. They had six children. Elizabeth was born about 1781, Henry in 1790, Edmund in 1785, Theodore in 1787, Mary in 1789 and Naomi in 1791. Jacob is listed as working in Westfield, Massachusetts on the corner of Main Street and Broad Street about 1790 through 1800. Over the years, we have owned several other tall case clocks made by this Maker. Clocks, cases, a gear cutting engine and a lathe are all mentioned in his estate inventory.

Edward S. Moulton Rochester, New Hampshire and Saco, Maine.

Edward Sherbourne Moulton was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on October 5th, 1778 the son of Joseph and Linda (Bickford) Moulton. He is listed in Paul Foley's book, Willard's Patent Time Pieces as a clockmaker and silversmith. Moulton started his career as a clockmaker in Rochester, New Hampshire in 1801. In 1807, He is credited with training the prolific Rochester, NH clockmaker James C. Cole. Sometime around 1813, Moulton sold his business to Cole and moved to Saco. Moulton is primarily known for making tall case clocks. Many of these are housed in cases that are thought to have been constructed by Abraham Forsskol of Saco. Additional tall case clocks, timepieces and watch papers are known. Moulton Died in Saco on August 16, 1855.

Samuel (II) Mulliken of Haverhill ,Newburyport, Salem and Lynn Massachusetts.

Samuel Mulliken II was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts the son of mariner John Mulliken, a Captain in the state militia during the American Revolution and Susanna Huse (1735-1820) on September 22, 1761. He is a member of a very important family of American Clockmakers. It is thought that he was trained as a clockmaker and as an engraver by his distant cousin Jonathan Mulliken (1740-1782) in nearby Newburyport. Samuel may have completed his apprenticeship and first worked as a journeyman in the town of Salem only to return to Newburyport after his uncle Jonathan died in 1782. It seems likely that he took over Jonathan's shop and courted his widow, Susannah (Pearson) Mulliken. They were married a year later on August 20, 1783. Samuel's Newburyport shop was located on State Street. Here he continued to manufacture clocks, engrave clock dials, repair watches and light metal work. He also developed business relationship with the Willards from Roxbury agreeing to sell Simon's Patented Clock Jacks. Samuel returned to Haverhill and opens his shop in 1787 through October 1788. He lost his wife Susanna in 1787 to yellow fever. By the end of November 1788 he re-established himself in Salem, MA on the corner of Court Street. He was busy doing various tasks for his cousin through marriage, the Sanderson brothers, Elijah and Jacob. By March of 1789, Samuel has married his second wife Sarah Newhall daughter of Colonel Ezra Newhall. His watch repair business begins to take off taking in over 20 watches a month to service. In 1796 he moves back to Lynn and buys property. He buys a tenement house and opens a tannery. He is still involved with making clocks and casting brass. He later becomes the towns postmaster in 1803. Samuel dies in Lynn in 1847.

Examples of brass and white dial shelf clocks are known. One brass dial shelf clock is currently in the Peabody Essex Museum Collection in Salem Massachusetts. A similar example to the Peabody Essex clock is pictured in “The Old Clock Book” written by N. Hudson Moore. It is pictured between page 142 and 143 in Black and white. It is figure no. 85. In 1911 it was owned by Mrs. H. P. Brownell of Providence, Rhode Island. It is reported that she owned approximately 50 antique clocks at this time. This is one she admired and it received special attention.

Joseph Mulliken of Concord, Massachusetts.

Joseph Mulliken was born in Lexington, Massachusetts on April 9th,1765. He is the son of Nathaniel Mulliken and Lydia Stone. As a result, he is a third generation clockmaker. The Mulliken family has a long history of making clocks in America stretching back to his great uncle Jonathan Mulliken born about 1701 in Newburyport. Joseph is the first recorded clock maker to live in work in Concord. Here he lived in the center of town and became involved in many local affairs.

Jonathan Mulliken of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Jonathan Mulliken was the son of Samuel Mulliken 1 who was the brother of Nathaniel 1 and worked in Lexington, MA. Samuel 1 learned clock making from from his uncle Jonathan and then moved to Newburyport in 1750.

Nathaniel Mulliken (I) of Lexington, Massachusetts.

Nathaniel was a member of a very important family of American clock makers extending in two family lines for three separate generations. He was born in Bradford, Massachusetts on August 8, 1722. His parents were John and Mary (Poore) Mulliken of Bradford, Massachusetts. It is thought that he served his clockmaking apprenticeship to his uncle Jonathan Mulliken (b. circa 1701) who was working in Bradford as early as 1735. Nathaniel also worked in Bradford until approximately 1751 when he married Lydia Stone. She was the daughter of Deacon John Stone of Lexington who lived near the town line of Lincoln. It is said that Nathaniel left a clock with the Deacon “on trial.” When he returned for payment, the courtship began with his daughter. Together, Nathaniel and Lydia bought a small house and shop on the main road now called Massachusetts Avenue. It was locatedon the rise of ground across the street from the lower entrance of the cemetery and just above the Muntoe Tavern. Nathaniel was also a blacksmith and was proud of the andirons he made. They had at least seven children. Two of which also made clocks. Nathaniel Jr., was born on March 30th, 1752 and Joseph was born in on April 9th, 1765 in the same town. Nathaniel live and worked in Lexington until his death in 1767. It is thought that he trained other clockmakers besides his sons including Benjamin Willard. Willard moved to Lexington to learn how to make brass works clocks. He is also thought to have trained Daniel Balch of Newbury, Massachusetts. Nathaniel's son John, (born 1754) was a cabinetmaker and is recorded as making clock cases. Nathaniel Sr died on, Monday Decemeber 3, 1767. He fell at the door of his house and expired a few moments later. The business in Lexington was continued on by Nathaniel Jr. and Benjamin Willard. Nathaniel II maintained this business until the shop and the house were burned to the ground on April 17, 1775 by British troops while retreating back to Boston from Concord. A signed Mulliken musical movement designed to play lively tunes during the week and a Psalm tune on Sunday was reportedly found in the knapsack of a wounded British soldier lying on the Boston Road in Malden or Medford. Nathaniel Jr. died the next winter at the age of 24.

Several tall-case clocks with movements by Nathaniel Mulliken are known. One eight day example having a dial engraved with an American eagle is illustrated in Lester Dworetsky and Robert Dickstein, Horology Americana, 1972, on page 2. Brooks Palmer also documents in The Book of American Clocks, 1950, p. 246. a Mulliken clock from the collection of J. Cheney Wells with a brass dial and maple case that was exhibited at the Harvard Tercentenary. This clock is now on display at Old Sturbridge Village. Another is illustrated in “Living with Antiques: The Brick House, New Hampshire of Mrs. Thomas C. Dunnington", The Magazine Antiques (July 1964) page 75. Another example is in the collection of the Concord Antiquarian Society and is illustrated in The Magazine Antiques (December 1974).

Nathaniel Mulliken (II) of Lexington, Massachusetts.

Nathaniel Jr or II was a member of a very important family of American clock makers. He was born on March 30th, 1752. His parents were Nathaniel Mulliken I (b. 1722 â€" d. 1767) and Lydia Stone. Lydia was the daughter of Deacon John Stone of Lexington. Nathaniel was one of seven children and learned the art of clockmaking from his father Nathaniel I. After his father's death in 1767, he and his mother as well as Benjamin Willard maintained the family business in Lexington. That is until the shop and the house were burned to the ground on April 17, 1775. The property looted and then was burned by the British troops while retreating back to Boston from Concord. The British had planned to march 800 men to Concord to confiscate the arms and munitions stored there. They were also hoping to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock who were staying in Reverend Clarke's Home in Lexington. As it turns out, the arms and munitions were moved before the British arrived. They were confronted by Captain Parker and his assembled men. Nathaniel Jr. was under Captain Parker's command. They confronted the British that afternoon and the rest of the story is well known. As the British soldiers retreated to Boston, Parker's men and many others actively pursued them, shooting at them from the woods and from behind obstacles. A signed Mulliken musical movement designed to play lively tunes during the week and a Psalm tune on Sunday was reportedly found in the knapsack of a wounded British soldier lying on the Boston Road in Malden or Medford. Nathaniel Jr. died the next winter at the age of 24 of camp fever.

Asa Munger of Auburn, New York.

Asa Munger was born in Granby, Massachusetts on October 14, 1777. He grew up in Ludlow, MA as the oldest of fifteen siblings. Here in Ludlow, the period of 1799 through 1803, he is listed in the town records as a goldsmith and making a small number of both wood and brass made clocks. It is unclear where he received his training. Munger sold his property in Ludlow in November of 1803. He moved to New York state and finial settled in Auburn sometime between 1815 and 1817. Asa was involved with several clock entities. These include: Munger & Gillmore's, Munger & Benedict circa 1825 and A. Munger & Co circa 1833-1834. The firm Munger & Benedict, is thought to have been one of if not the first to sign a labor contract with a state penitentiary. This was for the use of convict labor. The firm Munger & Co., was comprised of Asa Munger, Thaddeus Benedict and Clarke Beers Hotchkiss and used prison labor in the construction of their clocks. Munger left this venture in 1834. Hotchkiss and Benedict continued. Munger continued to operate a jewelry store business and clock operation. In 1836, Asa takes on his son in partnership as Asa Munger & Son. Asa dies in March of 1851. Tall case clocks, pillar & scroll style clocks and empire shelf clocks of various case styles are known. For a more complete Bibliography on this maker, please read, “An Empire in Time. Clocks & Clockmakers of Pratt New York” written by G. Russell Outsell, Helen Bryce & Collaborators.

Nathaniel Munroe of Concord, Massachusetts, Baltimore, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia.

Nathaniel Munroe was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on June 21, 1777. He learned the skill of clock making from Abel Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire. It is thought that his apprenticeship was fully served by 1798 and soon joined his brothers Daniel and William in business. This first firm was called Daniel Munroe & Company. A fair number of tall case clocks are known signed in this manner. Nathaniel married Sally Lee in Concord in 1803. In 1804, William Munroe, a cabinetmaker started his own business in Concord. Nathaniel and Daniel continued as a partnership. During this period, Nathaniel also opened a shop in Norfolk, Virginia. Here he took part of a shop from a Mr. Chapman at the head of Bank Street. He advertised in 1805 that his business was there. His wife Sally died in Norfolk on November 12, 1806. Nathaniel returned to Concord in 1807 to wed Mary Cotton Ballard in the month of September. This new family moved south to Baltimore, Maryland where Nathaniel Jr. was born in 1811. By 1808, Nathaniel joined Samuel Whiting in business as Munroe & Whiting. Munroe did business in both locations. A New England style tall case clock is known signed by this Baltimore firm. The Munroe & Whiting partnership employed as many as eight apprentices at one time in Concord. The partnership with Whiting lasted until 1817. During this time, Daniel lived for a time in Virginia and Maryland while the firm continued to be run from Concord. In 1817, Nathaniel and Benjamin K. Haggar advertised together as partners in business in Norfolk, Virginia. Their shop was located at 57 South Street. Shortly after this shop was moved to a new address located at 25 North Howard Street and did a healthy business in 8 day clock movements and in clock supplies on a wholesale level to other American dealers. In May of 1818, Munroe advertised having Willard Timepieces for sale. In 1819, he announced moving from Howard Street to 222 Market Street. His second wife, died on May 29, 1825. He married for a third time to Mary Ann Haggar on May 16, 1826. She was related to his former partner Benjamin Haggar. In1826 – 1828, Nathaniel forms a partnership with with David Holman as Munroe & Holman. This firm is listed as spectacle makers, jewelers and silversmiths in the directories. In 1829, Munroe is listed as working alone through 1831 at his old stand on Baltimore Street as a clockmaker and as an optician. Nathaniel's son Nathaniel Jr. was most likely trained by his father. He moves to Mobile, Alabama and to Selma in 1850. Nathaniel Sr died on May 8th, 1861 and is buried in the Green Mountain Cemetery in Baltimore.

William Munroe of Concord and Boston, Massachusetts. Cabinetmaker.

William Munroe was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1778. He was the third son of five children born to Daniel Munroe senior and his wife Abigail Parker. All five boys were raised in Roxbury. The Munroe family is well connected to American History and to the clock trade. Daniel senior's father, Jedediah Munroe died in the Battle of Lexington, Daniel's mother, Abigail Parker of Roxbury was the eldest daughter of Jonathan Parker. Jonathan a farmer living in Roxbury was one of the 13 Patriots who participated in the Boston Tea Party. This act of defiance against the British rule and their taxation policies took place on Griffin's Wharf on December 16, 1773.

It is thought that William had a limited education. At the age of thirteen, he was employed or placed with grandfather Parker to assist him on his farm. William was not a strong boy and disliked manual labor. At the age of fourteen, he was placed with Mr. Millis who was a wheelwright and worked on Roxbury Street. Here, William had a similar experience with hard work and lasted only five months. He then went off to Dorchester to apprentice to Major Stephen Badlam Esqr. Badlam operated a successful cabinetmaking business. William stayed there for two years sawing veneers, turning a lathe and farming. Next, he was employed by a Mr. John Paddleford who was a cabinetmaker located on Roxbury Street. William stayed with him until he was 17.5 years old when Paddleford relocated to Taunton, Massachusetts. William stayed in Roxbury and worked as an apprentice for the cabinetmaker Deacon Nehemiah Munroe. Nehemiah had a good business on the same street. He had a partner in Mr John Clap and they had at least four other apprentices at the time. They included Lemuel Chucrchill, Ephriam Capen, William Viles and Daniel Pierce. William recalls that Nehemiah was a hard person to work for and he stayed with him until he was 21. Here he learned carving and made the best quality furniture. In June of 1800, his brother Daniel convinced him to set up shop in Concord to make clock cases for him. He set up his first shop in Mr. William Heywoods cabinet shop. By July of 1802, it is recorded that he made 52 clock case up to that date. In July, he was taken in as a partner in his brothers business until 1804. After this, he made anything for anybody including clock and timepiece cases, gun stocks, bedsteads, tables, coffins, sideboards, etc. On Sept. 19, 1805, William married Patty Stone the daughter of the architect Captain John Stone. John Stone designed the Charles River Bridge. As the business of making clocks cases began to wind down due to the pressures of mass production in the late 1820's, William turned to Pencil making. It is here he made a considerable fortune. William dies in Concord on March 6th, 1861.

Nathaniel Munroe of Concord, Massachusetts and Baltimore Maryland.

Nathaniel Munroe was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on June 21, 1777. He learned the skill of clock making from Abel Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire. It is thought that is apprenticeship was fully served by 1798 and soon joined his brothers Daniel and William in business with between 1798-1804. This first firm was called Daniel Munroe & Company. A fair number of tall case clocks are known signed in this manner. Nathaniel married Sally Lee in Concord in 1803. In 1804 -1807, William Munroe moved on and Nathaniel and Daniel continued to work together. During this period, Nathaniel also opened a shop in Norfolk, Virginia. Here he took part of a shop from a Mr. Chapman at the head of Bank Street. He advertised in 1805 that his business was there. Sally died in Norfolk on November 12, 1806. Nathaniel returned to Concord in 1807 to wed Mary Cotton Ballard in September. This new family moved south to Baltimore, Maryland where Nathaniel Jr. was born in 1811. By 1808, Nathaniel joined Samuel Whiting in business as Munroe & Whiting. Munroe did business in both locations. A New England style tall case clock is known signed by this Baltimore firm. The Munroe & Whiting partnership employed as many as eight apprentices at one time in Concord. The partnership with Whiting lasted until 1817. During this time, Daniel lived for a time in Virginia and Maryland while the firm continued to be run from Concord. In 1817, Nathaniel and Benjamin K. Haggar advertised together as partners in business in Norfolk, Virginia. Their shop was located at 57 South Street. Shortly after this shop was moved to a new address located at 25 North Howard Street and did a healthy business in 8 day clock movements and in clock supplies on a wholesale level to other American dealers. In May of 1818, Munroe advertised having Willard Timepieces for sale. In 1819, he announced moving from Howard Street to 222 Market Street. His second wife, died on May 29 1825. He married for a third time to Mary Ann Haggar on May 16, 1826. She was related to his former partner Benjamin Haggar. In1826 – 1828, Nathaniel forms a partnership with with David Holman as Munroe & Holman. This firm is listed as a spectacle makers or jewelers and silversmiths in the directories. In 1829, Munroe is listed as working alone through 1831 at his old stand on Baltimore Street as a clockmaker and optician. Nathaniel's son Nathaniel Jr. was most likely trained by his father. He moves to Mobile, Alabama and to Selma in 1850. Nathaniel Sr died on May 8th 1861 and is buried in the Green Mountain Cemetery in Baltimore.

Daniel Munroe & Company of Concord, Massachusetts.

It is recorded that the firm of Daniel Munroe & Co., was comprised of Clockmakers Daniel Jr., and Nathaniel Munroe and their younger brother William Munroe was the cabinet or casemaker. This partnership began in 1798 and lasted until 1804.

Daniel Munroe Jr. Clockmaker and silversmith was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on July 13, 1775. Daniel Munroe senior and his wife Abigail Parker had a total of five sons. All five boys were raised in Roxbury. The Munroe family is well connected to American History and to the clock trade. Daniel senior's father, Jedediah Munroe died in the Battle of Lexington, Daniel's mother, Abigail Parker of Roxbury was the eldest daughter of Jonathan Parker. Jonathan a farmer living in Roxbury was one of the 13 Patriots who participated in the Boston Tea Party. This act of defiance against the British rule and their taxation policies took place on Griffin's Wharf on December 16, 1773.

Daniel Jr., was trained in the art of clockmaking by America's most famous clockmaker, Simon Willard in Roxbury. Daniel served the traditional seven year apprenticeship. Simon wrote in a letter dated July 13, 1796 that described Daniel as “… one of the best workman in America.” After serving his apprenticeship, Daniel worked for a short time as a journeyman clockmaker in Willards Roxbury clock shop before moving to Concord, Massachusetts sometime before 1798. Here he kept a shop opposite the Clothing Mill and worked as a clockmaker and as a silversmith. In 1798 through 1804, he forms a partnership with his brothers Nathaniel and William as Daniel Munroe & Co. William was a cabinetmaker and left the partnership in 1804. On November 29, 1804, William married Sarah Dakin (1781-1856) in Concord. The clockmaker partnership of Daniel and Nathaniel lasts another three years when in 1807, Daniel moves back to Boston and opens a shop located on 51 Newbury Street. While in Boston, he advertises being located at a number of different Boston addresses which include, No. 51 Ann Street in 1809, in 1811 he is at No. 35 1/2 Cornhill Street and in 1813 and 1814 he forms a partnership with Ezekiel Jones as Munroe & Jones. By 1816, Daniel is working at No. 47 Cornhill Street and then in 1823, he has moved to No. 38 Congress Street. In 1839, he moved to New York City. He then moves back to Boston in 1841 through 1856. Daniel died in Boston on October 21, 1859.

Nathaniel was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on June 21, 1777. It is recorded that he learned clock making from Abel Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire. Abel was an early apprentice of Simon Willard's. Nathaniel was in business with his brother Daniel between 1800-1807. He is listed as a Clockmaker and a Brass Founder. In 1808, he joined Samuel Whiting and from the partnership Munroe & Whiting. In 1817 he moved south to Baltimore and continued to make clocks in what appears to be small numbers.

William Munroe was also born in Roxbury on December 15, 1778. He served his apprenticeship to Nehemiah Munroe a cabinetmaker who worked in Roxbury. About 1800, his two brothers convinced him to move to Concord in order to build cases for their clocks. They formed a partnership and he was given a contract in 1801 as a full partner in their business. In 1805, he married Patty Stone and took up residence in her mother's house. William made clock cases and furniture. During the War of 1812, cabinetmaking became a hard way to make a living. William began to make pencils. In just two shorts years he was making upwards of 175,000 pencils a year. By 1840, he was the leader in the American pencil industry. William died in Concord on March 6, 1861.

Daniel Munroe Jr. of Concord and Boston, Massachusetts.

Daniel Munroe Jr. Clockmaker and silversmith was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on July 13, 1775. Daniel Munroe senior and his wife Abigail Parker had a total of five sons. All five boys were raised in Roxbury. The Munroe family is well connected to American History and to the clock trade. Daniel senior's father, Jedediah Munroe died in the Battle of Lexington, Daniel's mother, Abigail Parker of Roxbury was the eldest daughter of Jonathan Parker. Jonathan a farmer living in Roxbury was one of the 13 Patriots who participated in the Boston Tea Party. This act of defiance against the British rule and their taxation policies took place on Griffin's Wharf on December 16, 1773.

Daniel Jr., was trained in the art of clockmaking by America's most famous clockmaker, Simon Willard in Roxbury. Daniel served the traditional seven year apprenticeship. Simon wrote in a letter dated July 13, 1796 that described Daniel as “… one of the best workman in America.” After serving his apprenticeship, Daniel worked for a short time as a journeyman clockmaker in Willards Roxbury clock shop before moving to Concord, Massachusetts sometime before 1798. Here he kept a shop opposite the Clothing Mill and worked as a clockmaker and as a silversmith. In 1798 through 1804, he forms a partnership with his brothers Nathaniel and William as Daniel Munroe & Co. William was a cabinetmaker and left the partnership in 1804. On November 29, 1804, William married Sarah Dakin (1781-1856) in Concord. The clockmaker partnership of Daniel and Nathaniel lasts another three years when in 1807, Daniel moves back to Boston and opens a shop located on 51 Newbury Street. While in Boston, he advertises being located at a number of different Boston addresses which include, No. 51 Ann Street in 1809, in 1811 he is at No. 35 1/2 Cornhill Street and in 1813 and 1814 he forms a partnership with Ezekiel Jones as Munroe & Jones. By 1816, Daniel is working at No. 47 Cornhill Street and then in 1823, he has moved to No. 38 Congress Street. In 1839, he moved to New York City. He then moves back to Boston in 1841 through 1856. Daniel died in Boston on October 21, 1859.

Philander Noble of Westfield and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Philander Noble Inventor, Clockmaker, Silversmith, Moneymaker and Counterfeiter.

Philander Noble was born on April 20, 1772 in Westfield, Massachusetts and died there on February 27, 1845 at the age of 72. The small town of Westfield, Massachusetts had the distinction of being the colony's western most settlement for decades after its founding in the seventeenth century. Philander was one of seven children born to Daniel Noble of Westfield and Anna (Norton) Noble of Suffield, Connecticut. (Anna was born on October 31, 1744.) The Noble family tree is somewhat confusing due to its large size. It is recorded that Philander did not like farming and took to and excelled in the trades. We currently do not know who trained Philander as a clockmaker. A possible suspect is Jacob Morse who was working as a clockmaker in Westfield on the corner of Main Street and Broad Street from about about 1790 through 1800. A tall clock is recorded as being made by Philander in 1796 that is so dated. This would imply that Philander may have made it when he was 24 years old. He is soon listed as working in Pittsfield, Massachusetts as a clockmaker and as a silversmith. Another clock is known that is signed with Pittsfield as the place location. Philander married twice. His first wife was Naomi Wheeler of Lanesboro, Mass. They were married in 1797. Lanesboro is abuts Pittsfield's norther border. It seems that Naomi may have died shortly after they were married. Philander married a second time 20 years later to Anna Owen on March 28, 1817. It is during these 20 years that Philander traveled a bit and expanded his interesting set of skills.

It is recorded in Ben Tarnoff's: A Counterfeiter's Paradise. The Wicked Lives and Surprising Adventures of Three American Moneymakers, that Philander was an artisan, entrepreneur, and an accomplished engraver. His nimble fingers earned him a living as a silversmith, a clockmaker and as an inventor. In 1800 he invented a machine that was used to grind gun barrels. He complained that his is employer at the time had underpaid him and stole the idea and the credit for the invention. With in years, 1803, Philander moved north to the area of the New York, Vermont and the Canadian border. Here he used his skills engraving copperplates to counterfeit currency in the form of bank notes and cash. In 1807, he was in captured in Plymouth, Vermont for counterfeiting. It was recorded that his skill level was very high. Two years latter he was arrested in Canada for the same offense and was convicted. This new venture must have been profitable for him because he continued in the business. In fact, he is credited with training David Lewis in his new trade and together, in 1813, they moved to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. It was not long after his arrival in that town that Philander was arrested and examined on suspicion of being a British spy. (United States vs. Philander N. Noble.) By 1815, Philander returned to Westfield and is listed as a clockmaker. His name is recorded in several federal census records as living in that town. In 1835, he applied for a patent for propelling boats (granted January 20, 1836) with a a coil spring that can be wound with ones fingers. It appears that he applied a fusee cone to the going train in order to level out the power of the spring. The patent office found this to have been previously patented in England in1795. They claimed the plan was too absurd to reason about and too contemptible even for ridicule.

Philander remains in Westfield until his death in 1845. Very few of his clocks have come to market.

Spencer Nolen of Roxbury and Boston, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Spencer Nolen was born in Roxbury in 1784. Paul Foley suggests in his book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces,” that Nolen may have been trained by, or worked with the Boston artist John Ritto Penniman. John Doggett's account books lists Doggett buying nine tablets from him over the period of 1804-05. In 1805, Nolen formed a partnership with Aaron Willard as Willard and Nolen. Aaron was most likely a financial backer for this firm. This lasted until 1806 when Samuel Curtis and Spencer Nolen formed the first of two partnerships as Nolen & Curtis until 1810. During this period, Nolen married Aaron Willards daughter Nancy, in 1808. In 1811 through 1813, Spencer Nolen went under the name of “Nolen's Manufactory.” A number of tall clock dials are known with this signed on the back. In 1814 Nolen and Samuel Curtis both served in the same company as privates in the War of 1812. The second Nolen and Curtis partnership was began in 1814 and lasted through 1822. Spencer moved to Philadelphia in 1815 and began to supply the clock trade there. He is listed at numerous address there over a period of time. Samuel Curtis stayed in Boston. The two men painted clock dials, clock tablets, mirrors, paintings and gilding. They were very successful. Spencer Nolen died in Philadelphia on June 17, 1849.

David Norrie

David Norrie is listed in Brain Loomes book, "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World." Loomes lists Norrie as working in several locations. He is first listed in Canongate, Edinburgh in 1787 when he was freed from his clock master. He is then listed in New Quay, Leith (Scotland) until his death in 1801. His business wass succeeded by his widow till 1811.

Eardley Norton of London, England.

Eardley Norton is listed as working at 49 St. John's Street, Clerkenwell between 1762 and 1794. He was member of the Clockmakers' Company being freed in 1762 an enjoyed a reputation as a very skilled mechanic. He is best known for making complex timepieces, sometimes with musical and astronomical movements for the export markets. This included Turkey and the Far East. The most notable of which may be his four dial astronomical clock which he made to stand in the library of Buckingham House (now Buckingham Palace, London). In addition, there are clocks made by him in the Royal Collection, numerous museums worldwide and some of the world's finest collections including a bracket clock in the Virginia Museum, a very small cartel clock in the National Museum of Stockholm, a marine chronometer in the Ilbert Collection and an elaborate automaton clock with organ in the Palace Museum located in Peking. Norton made an astronomical clock for George III which still stands in Buckingham Palace. On his death, his business was taken over by the partnership of Gravell and Tolkien.

John Osgood of Andover, Massachusetts and Haverhill, New Hampshire.

John Osgood was born in North Andover, Massachusetts on June 20, 1770. He was the son of Colonel John and (his second wife) Hulda (Frye) Osgood. The Colonel's first wife was the sister of Dudley and Michael Carleton. Their father, Squire Dudley Carlton had a farm on the Merrimack River. Both Dudley and Michael were clockmakers. Michael was also a skilled cabinetmaker and later worked in Bradford and Newbury, Vermont. John Osgood moved to Bradford, MA where he served his clockmakers apprenticeship to his uncle Michael Carlton of that town. Osgood returned to Andover sometime in early 1790. Here he married a Sarah Porter of Haverhill who came from Boxford (MA). They had a total of 6 children. In 1793, John moved his family to Haverhill, New Hampshire where he continued his business of making clocks, silversmithing and did watch and jewelry repair. He took out an ad on November 4th, 1793 in the Spooner's Vermont Journal that informed the public that he had opened a shop there in the south end of John Montgomery's house. Michael Carlton had already established a cabinet shop across the river in Vermont and may have convinced John to move north. Carleton was making fine furniture, Some of which was considered “Handsomer and more serviceable that what could be purchased in the cities.” Osgood's shop was located 200 feet to the North of his own home on Main street. It was a square one story building with a divided front door and a window on each side of it. There were two rooms in front and a sales room in the back. He was successful there. With in two years he was elected to the town position of Sealer of Weights and Measures. Over the years, he employed several apprentices. He often bartered for services. His account books record that he squared with wheat, corn, oats and salt pork. On March 4, 1797, John Married Sarah Porter. Together they had 7 children all born in Haverhill. John Osgood was remembered by a grandson as a friendly, warm person. He was clean shaven, “bald from age,” smallish in stature and inclined to stoop while walking with a limp. (One knee suffered from a white swelling as a child. The joint was useless.) He was a devout Christian man. He was a devoted disciple of Isaac Walton and Tarlton Pond. John Osgood died in his own home on July 29, 1840 reportedly of consumption. He is buried in the Ladd Street Cemetery along side his wife. At his death he owned his house, shop and a good farm east of the village where his brother in law Billy Porter lived.

John Osgood's clocks are often numbered. It is not uncommon to find a production number engraved into one of the movement plates. More commonly it can be found on the back plate. To date, we have seen at least 25 examples and counting. The lowest number we have seen is 14. The highest number recorded by us is No., 377.

Why move to Haverhill, New Hampshire? The town of Haverhill, NH was settled by citizens of Haverhill, MA and was incorporated in 1763 by Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth. In 1773, it became the county seat of Grafton County. Businesses that located there included gristmills, lumber mills, sawmills, wollenmills, potash, tanneries, flax mills, iron foundry and related businesses. Situated on the Connecticut River, Haverhill's location presented a lot of opportunity.

Solomon Osgood Jr. of Dracut, Massachusetts. A clockmaker, blacksmith and a distinguished mathematician.

Little is currently known of the life of the clockmaker Solomon Osgood. The first Osgood that settled in American came to this country in 1638. His children and grand children settled in the area north of Boston in towns that included Andover, Newbury, Salem, Medford, Massachusetts and also southern, New Hampshire towns like Concord, Pelham and Milford. Ancestry records indicate that there were two people, father and son, named Solomon Osgood that lived in the town of Dracut. The first was born in Andover, Massachusetts in 1734 and died in Dracut in 1805. His parents were Josiah Osgood and Abigail Day. He married Jonna Colburn (Coburn) who was born in 1723 and died in 1765. They had a son whom they named Solomon Jr. He was born on May 23rd, 1762 three years before his mother died. Solomon Jr. married Pheby (Phebe) Colbrun (Coburn) on March 5th, 1801. Solomon Jr. died on May 26th 1841. He was 79 years old.

Currently, three tall clocks are known to us that are signed by the clockmaker Solomon Osgood on the dial. Two of these clocks are signed Solomon Jr. One of these signed Junior clocks has a pendulum that is engraved with the number “9.” The third clock know to us is signed “Solomon Osgood.” This may indicated that the third clock was made after his Father's death. It was a common practice to drop the Jr. designation once the parent died.

In the Town History of Dracut and an article published on February 7th, 1896 about the Early Osgoods, we are able to piece together a bit about their lives. During the Revolutionary War, Solomon hired Asa Coburn as his military substitute to travel to Ticonderoga under Capt. John Ford. Coburn was paid 10 dollars for his service. Solomon is listed in the December 31, 1793 rolls voting against the purposed building of the new meeting house in Dracut. He is also listed as having a pew in the Presbyterian Meeting House. He served the town in June of 1796 as an assessor. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for Dracut in 1812. He is described their as a clockmaker, a blacksmith and is distinguished in mathematics. His blacksmith shop was located on Mammouth Road.

Middlesex county property records form 1790 indicate that Solomon Osgood of Dracut, blacksmith, sold 100 acres of land in Fitzwilliam, NH to Francis Whitcomb of Fitzwilliam, NH county of Cheshire, NH, yeoman. This document was signed by Solomon. This information was found in a set of period documents (1788-1807) which involved Solomon Osgood. One of these documents, from 1807, lists Solomon's trade as a clockmaker.

Griffith Owen of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Griffith Owen is a respected clock maker. He was born in 1759. At the age of fourteen, (1773) Owen would have started his apprenticeship under the Philadelphia clock maker Jacob Godshalk by the consent of his Mother, Elizabeth Owen on April 7, 1773. This relationship was convenient due to the fact that Jacob had married Griffith Owen's sister Elizabeth (Sarah) Owen in December of 1770. Sarah was fourteen years older than her brother Griffith. By 1780, Griffith had earned his journeyman status. In 1781, he took over the family business in Philadelphia due to Jacob's death. One interesting point worth mentioning is that Godshalk was responsible for the maintenance of the clock located in what is now known as Independence Hall. Owen assumed these responsibilities at this time. Owen advertised that he had several tall case clocks for sale and that he was also engaged in various aspects of the watch business. In 1793, a Yellow Fever epidemic struck the city of Philadelphia. It is thought that in 1794, Owen moved his clock making business to Towamencin Township in Montgomery County as a result of this. He stayed there two years and then moved to Gwynedd Township. This may explain why several examples of his clocks have been found signed with the County location rather than the Township. Griffith is later recorded as living and working in several other nearby locations. He is recorder as have moving back to Philadelphia in 1802 through 1814. Then in 1812 through 1817, he returns to Gywnedd Township, Montgomery County. In 1817 he moves to Hatfield County until 1820. Owen dies in Norristown on April 29, 1820.

Daniel of Reading, PA. Oyster

Daniel Oyster was born in 1766 the youngest child of Samuel (1734-1767) and Margaret (Pennebacker) Oyster (1735-1808). He was one of four children. His father died when he was just a year old and as a result, Daniel is said to have been raised by his uncle, Daniel Yoder. In 1792, he married Catherine Rose. Catherine's brother was the clockmaker Daniel Rose. It is also first recorded in 1792 that Daniel is listed as a clockmaker. His shop was located on Fifth Street between Franklin and Chestnut. Daniel died on October 8th, 1845 leaving behind a fair number of clocks. In fact, it is thought that he may have made more clocks than any other Reading, PA clockmaker. Examples of his clocks are illustrated in several horological references, including; Berks County Tall Case Clocks 1750-1850 coordinated by Richard S. & Rosemary B. Machmer; Pennsylvania Clockmakers, Watchmakers & Allied Crafts by Whisker; and Pennsylvania Clocks & Watches, Antique Timepieces and Their Makers by Gibbs.

Gardner Parker of Westborough, Massachusetts.

Gardner Parker was born in Hubbardston, Massachusetts on March 14th, 1772. He died in Westborough by his own hand on February 16th, 1816. He was the son of Isaac and Marjory Parker. They were originally from Shrewsbury and moved to Hubbardston and then to Westborough in 1777. Gardner married Assenath Sherman of Grafton. They had one child. A son name Perley Parker was born in Grafton and married Betsey Mellen. Gardner is said to have been trained in the art of clockmaking by the Willards. Paul Foley in his book, Willard's Patent Time Pieces, speculates that he was trained by Benjamin the oldest of the Willard clockmaking brothers. He lists numerous entries where they had an on going business relationship manufacturing clock components. Most of these were charged to Benjamin. In October of 1800, Parker purchases some land in Westborough. He set up a mill at the location that is now called “Parker's Folly.” It was named this because the dam he constructed in order to hold water back failed. This may have been an attempt to apply water power to clockmaking. Later he advertises the ability of make all types of clocks including tower clocks. One such tower clock was installed in Westborough in 1801, one was installed in Arlington in 1808 and one in Shrewsbury in before 1816. There are also records of his building church organs. Parkers reputation was a man of nervous temperament. He would go days without sleep in order to finish a project. In February of 1816, his mind could longer handle the strain. He shot himself in a fit of despondency.

Silas Parsons of Swanzey, New Hampshire.

Silas Parsons (1773-1859) of Swanzey, New Hampshire. Silas is the son of Aaron Parsons and Damaris (Whitcomb) Parsons. He was born in Swanzey on May 29,1773 and died there on March 15, 1859. Silas married Patience Haskins (Hoskins) the daughter of Silas Haskins of New Salem Massachusetts on March 25th, 1806. She died on February 1, 1865. Together, they had 4 children. Silas jr. was born in 1809, Damaris was born in 1812 and died in 1815 at the age of three, a second Damaris was born in 1817 and Patience born in 1820. It appears that Silas prospered financially. He is credited with donating approximately $20,000 for home and foreign missionaries

Silas is a celebrated clockmaker. A small number of New England case styles have been found and documented. They include tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clock and a dwarf clock. A Massachusetts Shelf clock is now in the possession of the Henry Ford museum. It is reported that he made three musical tall clocks as wedding gifts for his three daughters. These played waits on weekdays and hymns on Sunday. One of these clocks is signed on the inside of the case by the cabinetmaker. This inscription reads, “Made by Samuel (?) Sweeny 1811.” So far, all of the tall clock cases I have seen are very similar in design and form. It is logical to assume that Sweeny was Parsons go to cabinetmaker.

The town of Swanzey is composed of a group of hamlets just South of Keene: Swanzey Center, North Swanzey, West Swanzey and East Swanzey. Parsons lived in West Swanzey. His home still stands. 1775 is cut into the chimney, his work shop is now gone.

Thomas Pearsall of New York City.

Thomas Pearsall was born on September 13, 1744 in Cow Neck, New York into a prominent Quaker family. His parents were Nathaniel Pearsall (1712-1758) and Mary Latham (Abt 1714-1799.) He had a older brother, Joseph (1740-1834) who was also a clockmaker and silversmith.. On November 13, 1765, Thomas married Elizabeth Dobson in New York City. Together, they had five children. Thomas Pearsall was a successful New York City clockmaker working both in partnership with family members and on his own during the late 1760's and 1780s. Thomas and his brother Joseph were in partnership in 1765-1773. Their business was located "at the House formerly occupied by Haydock and Bowne, between Burling's and Beekman's Slips" and their products included "a Variety of Clocks … with Japan'd and Mahogany Cases" and "gold, silver, metal, skeleton, plain, and Day of the Month Watches." In June 1773, the brothers announced that their partnership was dissolved, and based on their advertisements in the The New York Journal or the General Advertiser (New York City NY), June 17 and September 9, 1773, as separate proprietors. Thomas appears to have remained in the same location while Joseph moved to Hanover Square. In 1781, Thomas Pearsall entered into a partnership with Effingham Embree (1759-1817). Embree most likely was trained by Thomas and he married Thomas' sister Sarah married Lawrence Embree, the brother of Effingham Embree in 1780. Over the course of the next nine years, Pearsall and Embree advertised their business, located at the corner of Beekman's Slip and Queen Street (1781, 1784), No. 43 Queen Street (February 1789), and No. 185 Queen Street (September 1789, 1790). In addition to an array of clocks and watches, both of their own and imported from London Makers, their products included watch parts, tools, silverware, and jewelry. Upon the dissolution of the partnership in 1790, Effingham Embree noted that for the previous seven years, he had "solely conducted the business of the late house of Pearsall and Embree," suggesting that Pearsall was a partner in name only and not an active craftsman. Nothing is known of Thomas Pearsall's activities after this time, and it is possible he retired from clockmaking long before his death on January 28th, 1825.

Isaac Pearson of Burlington, New Jersey.

Isaac Pearson of Burlington, New Jersey. A blacksmith, iron-master, button manufacturer silversmith, goldsmith and master clockmaker and watchmaker. He was a Quaker.

Isaac Pearson is considered by many to be New Jersey's first clockmaker. It is thought that his first clock was made sometime around 1705 â€" 1710. He was a man of many talents. Throughout is life he was active in politics. He served as a state Assemblyman, state Essay Master of weights and measures and as a Seal Master. He was the proprietor of the Mount Holly Ironworks on the Rancorous Creek east of Pine Street. Issac married twice. He married Hannah Gardiner in 1710. On 17 May 1740, his daughter Sarah from his first wife married Joseph Hollinshead. Issac and Joseph formed a partnership, Pearson & Hollinshead in about that year called. Issac married a second time in 1746. This time to Rebecca Lovett. Issac died about 1749. He willed his clockmaking, watchmaking and silversmithing tools to his son and law Joseph.

Very few clocks are currently known. One fine example of his work is in the collections of the Winterthur Museum in Wilmington, Delaware.

Isaac T Pease of Enfield and Thompsonville, Connecticut. A casemaker, industrialist and inventor.

Isaac T. Pease was born in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts on April 11, 1809. His parents were Isaac Pease and Elizabeth (Terry) Pease the daughter of Col. Asaph Terry of Enfield. Isaac T. was the fourth of eight children. Isaac's father was a clothier who had a shop in Longmeadow. In the 1830s, Isaac Pease began manufacturing clock cases in his wood shop, purchasing the mechanical movements from firms like Terry and Hoadley, installing them in his cases. This shop must have been located in Enfield, Connecticut for a period of time. At least for the years of 1833-1837. He later relocated to Thompsonville, Connecticut, where he owned a successful woolmill. In the 1850's, Isaac becomes involved with spiritualism and spiritual manifestations. He constructs what he calls a "Spiritual Telegraph Dial" the world's first "dial plate" planchette. On February 23, 1869 he receives patent (Patent Number 87194) for a Fire Alarm. Isaac died in 1889. He is described in the genealogy as an ingenious mechanic.

Robinson Perkins of Jaffery and Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.

Robinson Perkins was born on December 22, 1766 in Methuen, Massachusetts the son of Captain Joseph and Ruth (Clark) Perkins. He was originally trained as a blacksmith. Robinson began work in Jaffery, NH in 1787. He was a fine workman with a genius for mechanics. The style of his surviving wooden geared movements suggests that he was trained in the Ashby, Massachusetts school of clockmaking. The design of his movements and their construction of the two are very similar. One noted difference is that Perkins recessed the winding clicks into the great wheels. A 1795 deed n Jaffery lists him as a clockmaker. He is reported to have been the first person to own a two-wheeled shay in Jaffery. Robinson moved to Fitzwilliam from Jaffery in 1810(1) with his son John. Together they built a white pillar mansion that still stands on the Fitzwilliam common. In Fitzwilliam, he is also listed as a silversmith and later as the Justice of the Peace. He died in Fitzwilliam, NH February 20, 1847. A tall clock made by him is on display in the Fitzwilliam Historical Society. A second tall clock that is numbered 203 on the dial is on display in the Narragansett Historical Society in Templeton, Massachusetts.

We are fortunate that Robinson numbered many of the clocks he made. This number is usually painted on the dials below his name. The earliest number we have seen is No. 15 and is recorded in Philip Morris's book, “American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks 1712 â€" 1835.” The highest number known to us to date is No. 203. This clock is on display in the Narragansett Historical Society in Templeton, Massachusetts.

Whittier Perkins working in Wendell now Sunapee, New Hampshire.

Whittier Perkins was born the son of Captain Icabod and Sara (Whittier) Perkins on April 7, 1764. He was born in Methuen, Massachusetts. He was the first cousin of Robinson Perkins, a clockmaker that was working in Jaffery, NH and was trained in the Ashby, Massachusetts School of clockmaking. Whittier's clock movements share many of the Ashby construction characteristics. They differ slightly. Please read "American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks 1712-1835" written by Philip Morris for a more in depth discussion about construction variations. It is not known when Whittier moved to Wendell. He and his family are listed in the 1790 census. Whittier died in Wendell on August 16, 1813. Very few clocks are known.

James Perrigo Junior of Wrentham, Massachusetts.

James Perrigo Jr., was born in Wrentham in 1771 and died there on June 6, 1834 at the age of 63. He is a second generation Clockmaker and his clocks are sometimes confused with those made by his Father, James Perrigo Sr. (1737 – 1808 ) James Sr was most likely the Maker of clocks with wooden geared movements. Jr's clocks seem to more resemble the style of the latter Massachusetts Makers such as the Willard's and their competitors.

James Perrigo Senior of Wrentham, Massachusetts.

James Perrigo Sr., was born in Wrentham, Massachusetts in 1737 and died there in 1808 at the age of 71. He may have been Massachusetts earliest clockmaker of wooden geared clocks and it is thought that he may have been at work as early as the late 1750's.

Levi Pitkin of Montpelier, Vermont.

Levi Pitkin was the son of Joshua Pitkin and Anna Stanley and was born on February 23rd, 1774 in East Hartford, Connecticut. About 1787, he served an apprenticeship with the accomplished Windsor, Connecticut clockmaker, silversmith and engraver Daniel Burnap. We know that he moved north to the town of Montpelier, Vermont by 1796. It is recorded that he was an original member of the Aurora Lodge No. 9, F & AM which was chartered in that year. Jacob Kimball, a second clockmaker was also working in Montpelier at the time. In Montpelier, Levi is listed as a jeweler, silversmith and clockmaker and soon married Abigail Belden. Together they had three children. Eliza 1798-1870, Abigail 1803-1856 and Nathan 1800-1859. In April of 1800, Levi is recorded as one of 83 members that formed the first Congregational Society of Montpelier. In June of the same year, they formed the Congregational Church. In 1808, Levi's wife died. This must have broken his heart because he moved to Marshfield and became one of several people "warned out of town." (Between 1803 and 1817, the selectboard would "warn out of town" those people who might become indigent, thus relieving the town of responsibility for their care.) In 1811, Levi moves to Ogendensberg, NY and advertises his skills. In 1827, he is listed as living and working in Rochester, NY until about 1827. Levi died on June 1st, 1854 back in Ogendensberg.

Currently, only two tall clocks are known by this maker. One is owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution and is displayed in the John Strong Mansion in Addison, Vermont. A second clock is currently in a private Vermont collection.

John Polsey of Boston and Roxbury, Massachusetts.

John Polsey was born in Cumberland, Rhode Island in 1816. It is assumed that he apprenticed as a clockmaker under Aaron Willard Jr. This would have been about the same time when Edward Howard and David P. Davis were receiving the same training. Polsey's first listing as a clockmaker is found in the 1841 Boston Directory. In 1852 through 1856 he is listed in the Roxbury Directories as the superintendent of the Howard & Davis balance manufactory. In 1858 through 1859 he formed a partnership with Davis as Davis & Polsey & Co. He remained in the same location until 1864 as Polsey & Co. In 1864, he takes a job as the foreman of the plateroom for the Tremont Watch Company. This firm moves to Melrose. Polsey dies in Newton Centre, Massachusetts on October 2nd, 1873.

The Polsey & Co. had a sales room located at No. 74 Water Street but the factory was located in Roxbury. He advertised in 1859 “Manufactures of SUPERIOR CLOCKS, for Churches, Galleries, Banks, Offices, Houses, Schools, Railroad Stations, Factories & Astronomical Regulator Clocks….” Most of what is traded today between collectors follows the forms of the Howard & Davis banjo series and some of their marble faced clocks. Polsey clocks do not turn up very often.

Daniel Porter of Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Daniel Porter was born on July 20, 1775 in East Hartford, Connecticut. His parents were James Porter Jr., and Sarah (Porter) Porter. His father died when he was just two years old. It appears that Ezekiel Loomis was appointed to be his Guardian. Loomis bound young Daniel to apprentice with the Windsor, Connecticut Clockmaker Daniel Burnap. Burnap was known to have great skill as a clockmaker and as an engraver. It is thought that he engraved numerous dials for other clockmakers in the region. Burnap is said to have also trained at least ten others who made clocks. The most famous of which was Eli Terry. Daniel Porter arrived at Burnap's shop on July 20th, 1792 when he was 17 years old and stayed there until he was 21. His indenture survives which was signed in 1793. It states that he Porter agreed, in return for the training in the art of clockmaking, silversmithing and watch repairing that he would not to commit fornication, marry, haunt taverns, play cards, play the horses, etc. Burnap would also provide him with “meat, drink washing, lodging and mending of clothes…” The fact that an indenture was drawn up suggests that Loomis must have been in debt to Burnap and offered the young man in order to make some level of restitution.

Once a freeman, Daniel first moves from Windsor, Connecticut to Topsfield, Massachusetts. Here he is recorded as working as a silversmith. He then moves to Stockbridge and is listed there as a silversmith and as a clockmaker. On February 14, 1799, Daniel purchased a house and a lot on Main Street in Williamstown. This was located 10 rods or approximately 160 feet west of a well with a pump in it, and a few rods west of Williams College. In 1801, Daniel married Polly Badger of Salem, Conn. Together, they had two children. The most famous of which was his son Royal Loomis Porter. Royal was born February 24, 1801 and died in Charleston, SC on June 13, 1844. He was a graduate of Williams College in 1823 and worked as an editor and proprietor of “The American Traveller.” He also served in the Massachusetts Legislature. Daniel died at the young age of 35 on November 6, 1809. His nephew Eli married his widow and took charge of the family. Eli continued to work in the clock trades for several years.

We have sold a fair number of tall case clocks made by this Maker. Many of which exhibited wonderfully made and inlaid cherry cases. You can find examples of his work in the collections of the following institutions. Historic Deerfield has an a typical cherry cased example. Their clock case lacks inlay and features a hood with fretwork. The Bennington Museum in Bennington, VT has a very nice formal example. It features an inlaid case that is somewhat reserved as compared to other examples known. A tall clock with a musical movement is also known as well as a surveyors compass made by him.

Jordon Post of Lanesboro, Massachusetts, Vergennes, Vermont and York, Canada.

A clockmaker, watchmaker, brewer, distiller, jeweler, silversmith, land speculator. tavern owner, pathmaster, school trustee, sawmill owner lumber merchant and storekeeper.

Jordan Post was born in Heborn, Connecticut on March 6, 1767 and died in Scarborough, Canada in 1845. He was one of eight children born to Jordon Post and Abigail Loomis. It is now thought that he served his apprenticeship with the Connecticut Clockmaker Daniel Burnap. When comparing the work of the two, one will note that there is a strong similarity in movement design and construction. There is also a similarity in the two clockmakers dial layouts in terms of the sizing of the calendar apertures. Once a Clockmaker in his own right, Jordan Post moved north west to the village of Lanesboro, Massachusetts. Lanesboro is now a small section of the city of Pittsfield. An advertisement has been documented that places him there in 1793. His time in Lanesboro was short. By November of 1793, he had move north to Vergennes, Vermont. On November 7th he advertised in the Spooner Vermont Journal that he had “erected a house for the purpose of a Distillery, Malting and Brewing, in the city of Vergennes…” In 1797 he is known in Vergennes as a clock and Watchmaker. His next move was in 1802, to York, Canada. In York, he became the town's first clock and watchmaker. Here his business on the corner of King and ay Street thrived. In 1804 he received a 200-acre grant in Hungerford and over the next 30 years he acquired additional property. This area would become the center of present day Toronto. Jordon Street was named in his honor. In the 1820's, he began to sell off land and profited handsomely. In the early 1830's he moved again. This time to Scarborough where he constructed a saw mill on Highland Creek. This business also did very well. Post died in Scarborough in 1845 and was remembered as a highly successful and trusted citizen.

Clocks are reported signed by this Maker in all three locations. As a Clockmaker / Artisan in Canada, he was really one of the first Clockmakers in that Country and one of the few that made complete clocks and actually trained apprentices. His output was small most likely due to the early and primitive environment.

Adam Pringle of Scotland.

Adam Pringle is listed in Donald Whyte's Clockmakers and Watchmakers of Scotland. He is listed as working on Bristo Street in 1782 through 1820. In 1782 he married Anne Campbell the daughter of James Campbell of Dunfermline.

Issac Randall of St Albans, Vermont, lower Canada and Newark, New Jersey.

Isaac Randall was born in Easton, Massachusetts on April 1, 1795. In February of 1816, he married Jerusha Blodgett. She is listed on the various websites as being born in Greenwich, MA and also in St. Albans, VT. If she was born in St. Albans, then we know one of the reasons why Issac moved there. Issac is record in the village of St. Albans, Vermont by 1817. Paul Foley in his book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces” lists that Isaac's first son was born in this year. Today, most of what we know of Isaac Randall and his clockmaking career is taken from advertisements he placed in local Vermont newspapers. In December of 1827, he purchased the business of Curtis Wilkinson. In 1829, the firm Isaac Randall & Co., was located across from the courthouse at 5 Exchange Row in St. Albans, VT. Here he advertised as clock and watchmakers, jewelers and silver smiths. There is also a mentioned that this firm kept in inventory, eight-day brass clocks and timepieces of their own manufacture as well as numerous house hold goods such as spoons, jewelry, spectacles, flutes, hair combs, etc. On October 30 of 1834, Isaac Randall begins to advertise alone. He is then refereed as working in Lower Canada and later in Newark, NJ. His name appears on the 1850 census of Newark where he is listed as a watchmaker. Isaac died in Newark on June 4, 1863. Several timepieces or banjo clocks as well as the New Hampshire mirror clock form have been found signed by this maker. A watchpaper advertising Randall & Co. St Albans, VT is in the collection of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA.

Isaac must have been attracted to North Western, VT due to the positive and vibrant economic climate. In fact, during the period of 1770 through the about 1825, Vermont enjoyed an unprecedented population growth. The town of St. Albans, a farming community is located in Franklin County. Franklin County is bordered to the West by Lake Champlain and to the North by Lower Canada. Due to its proximity of the lake, a brisk commerce developed with New York and Canada. This area of Vermont was rich in vast stands of timber and potash. As a results, roads were built from the South and in 1808, a stage route was establish between Boston, Massachusetts and Burlington, Vermont. This journey took just three and one half days to complete and traveled as often as twice a week. Between 1791 an 1810, the population of Franklin County grew fifteen hundred percent.

Samuel Ranlet of Monmouth, Maine.

Samuel Ranlet was born in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, on March 28, 1780. In 1800 he moved his family to Augusta where it is thought he learned clock making from Benjamin Snow. In 1809 he moved to Monmouth where he settled on a farm and set up his clock business. He made tall clocks as well as banjo clocks, both styles skillfully made. His brother in law Jacob Miller, is thought to have made the wood cases for him. Samuel held the rank of Captain in the Maine Artillery and was in command of a company of men at Fort Edgecomb during the War of 1812. Samuel died at the age of 87.

Remelee & Burnham Salem Bridge, Connecticut.

Jesse Remelee was born sometime in 1792 and died in sometime in 1860 at the age of 68. Judson William Burnham was born in 1793 the son of Abner Burnham a clockmaker from Sharon, Connecticut. Judson is known to have made Connecticut style mantle clocks. He and Remelee form a partnership and made the “Salem Bridge” variety for a number of years. Although their clocks are now seldom found.

James Rodgers of New York City.

James Rodgers is a listed as a Clockmaker in several references. Sonya L. & Thomas J. Spitler and Chris H. Bailey lists him in their book, American Clocks Volume 3. American Clockmakers & Watchmakers. A more complete listing can be found in the June 1992 NAWCC Bulletin. Most of the information listed below was research by Fred Shelly (CT).

James Rodgers was born in Scotland in 1801. It appears he was trained in Scotland as a clockmaker before he immigrated to New York City in 1822. He is listed as having several working locations. Some of which include Chatham Street, two locations on Broadway, one at number 410 and the other nearer Canal Street and lastly on the corner of Fulton and Williams Street. Rodgers lists of accomplishments include some fifty tower clocks which include the clock built for the Trinity Church and the example installed in the front entrance of Grand Central Depot in NYC (Both of which have since been replaced), numerous ships clocks and several tall case clocks. Both painted and engraved dial examples have been seen to date. Rodgers was also the first manufacturer of Morse Telegraph instruments. Rodgers died in 1878.

Abner Rogers of Berwick, and Portland, Maine.

Abner Rogers was born in 1777 the son of Paul and Lydia (Varney) Rogers of Berwick, Maine. He was one of nine siblings. His father Paul, was a well established clockmaker and it is assumed that Abner was trained by his father. Abner was raised a Quaker and in 1799, he moved to a Quaker settlement in Portland, Maine. He did have a shop in Portland and was recorded as being a watchmaker when a George Peters broke into it on Octber 6, 1803. It was first located on Fish Street and in November of 1800, he is recorded as moving in to Fore Street. During this time, he married Jennette Warren on October 12, 1800. Sometime after November of 1803, Abner and his family moves back to Berwick an joins his father in a clockmaking enterprise. Many of the clock dials are found signed “Paul Rogers and Son, Berwick.” These clock would have been made between 1804 and 1808 when they were working together. Abner dies on January 25, 1809. He is only 32 years old.

Tall clocks, dwarf clock, shelf clocks and wall clocks are known. The Historical Society of Wells and Ogunquit reports recenetly receiving a tall clock made by Abner as a donnation.

Paul Rogers of Berwick, Maine. A clockmaker and hatter.

Paul Rogers was born the son of Isaac and Lydia (Varney) Rogers on June 26, 1752 in Berwick, Maine. He was the youngest of eight children. He was a Quaker, more properly called a member of the Society of Friends. The Quakers were a sect known for their independence and devotion to hard work and had established small colonies throughout the more rural parts of New England. Paul is often recorded as a “Clerk” in their meeting minutes. Paul was a very productive clock maker who worked at his trade for nearly forty years. Many of his movements are constructed with cast iron plates and brass wheels. A few notable apprentices that Paul trained include his son Abner Rogers (1777-1809), Reuben Brackett (1761-1867), and John Taber (1796-1859). Paul Married Deborah Hussey of Kittery Maine on August 30, 1774. They had nine children. After clockmaking, Paul becomes a hatter and made and sold many hats throughout the nearby Maine Villages. Paul Rogers died in 1818.

John Rogers of Newton, Massachusetts.

To the best of my knowledge, it is not definitively known when and where John Rogers was born. One source speculates that John Rogers was born on May 9, 1724 in Boston the son of Gamaliel Rogers and Mercy (Emms) Rogers. A second possibility is presented in The History of Newton which states that John Rogers was a descendant of John Rogers the martyr who was burned at the stake. This would indicate that he was a descendant from Rev. Nathaniel Rogers of Ipswich, who was said to be a descendant of John the martyr. We do know that he lived on Newton Corner and died in that town on October 19, 1815 at the age of 91. John is recorded as having married twice. His first wife was Hannah Williamson of Newton. They married on December 11, 1745. Hanna was born October 9, 1723 and died June 8, 1779. Together, they had at least eleven children. John married a second time to Mary (Craft) Towbridge on October 1, 1780. She was on born April 11, 1731. John is found listed as a blacksmith and as a clockmaker. It is currently thought that he trained as a clockmaker under the guidance or Joseph Ward. John is described as an ingenious man and made machines. He also held various town offices, including the position of selectman. In 1780, he served as a member of a committee to recruit soldiers. John maintained two shops. One was located in Newton and the other was in town of Waltham. It is recorded that he was involved in a number of business dealings with the clockmaker Benjamin Willard. Rogers filed a lawsuit against Willard. In about 1761, he made and gifted the gallery clock to the Congregational Church in Newton which is now in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. We have owned and sold a small number of tall clocks made by this maker over the last 50 years. Several of which have featured unusual calendar displays and the movements were fitted with maintaining power.

Examples of tall clocks that feature brass composite dials, engraved brass dials and painted dials are known.

Samuel Rogers of Plymouth and Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Samuel Rogers was born in 1766 and died in East Bridgewater, MA on July 17, 1838. He was the older brother of Isaac Rogers Jr. who worked in Marshfield, Mass as a clock maker and the cousin of the Bridgewater clockmaker Ezekiel Reed. It is thought that Samuel was trained under the Hanover clockmaker John Bailey II whos was also a Quaker. Soon after he finished his apprenticeship with Bailey in 1788, Samuel moved to Bridgewater, MA. Here he demonstrated that he was an ingenious clockmaker and inventor. Here he became involved with nail making and applied for and received three patents for designs of nail cutting machines or metal working machines. In 1804, he moved his family to Plymouth and worked as a clockmaker. Here he came up with a very unusual method of powering a shelf clock by designing what may be the first use of a “wagon spring” or tortion spring movement. Three such shelf clocks are known. In 1808 he returned to Bridgewater. Tall case clocks, dwarf clocks and shelf clocks are known.

Paul Rogers & Son of Berwick, Maine.

Paul Rogers was born 1752 and died in 1818. He was a Quaker and an active member of the Society of Friends. The Quakers were a sect known for their independence and devotion to hard work. They had established numerous small colonies throughout the more rural parts of New England. He was a very productive clockmaker who worked at his trade for nearly forty years. A few notable apprentices to Paul include his son Abner (1777-1809), Reuben Bracket (1761-1867), and John Taber (1796-1859). We have owned a large number of Paul Rogers clocks.

Abner Rogers was born in 1777 and died in 1809. It is logical to assume that his father Paul trained him in clockmaking. We have owned several Abner Rogers signed tall clocks. These clocks also had iron plates incorporated into the construction of the movement.

John Roulstone of Boston, MA.

Unfortunately, very little is currently known about John Roulstone. Most of what is known is gleemed from a few advertisements that he palced in the Boston Newspapers. He is recorded as being born on Febuary 12, 1740. His parents were John Roulstone (1712-1776) and Ruth Everden. Who trained him as a clockmaker is currently not known. It is thought he began on his own about 1761 and worked for the Boston Jewler Jonathan Trott. He is recorded as first working in Boston is 1763. On March 27, 1768, he married Mary Greenleaf. They had two daughters. (Mary b. 13 January 1769 and Elizabeth b. 14 October 1770.) In April, he purchased a dwelling house and buildings on Newbury Street from his inlaws. He had maintained a relationship with Trott since he was a witness to the deed. The first adverisement for his buisness is placed in the Boston New-Letter on 12 May, 1768. It reads: “Clock and WatchMaker, Takes this opportunity to inform those Gentlemen who favor him with their Custom:that he has removedthe Shop he lately improv'd to a Shop three doors Southward of that, and the third Door Northward of the White Horse Tavern; Where he does all sorts of Clock and Watch-Work as usual,-hass all sortd of Watch-Chains, Strings, Seals and Keyes, &c. &c..” In July of 1775, John Roulstone and his family were granted a pass to travel out of Boston. This would have been during the seige of Boston. He reported to Abigal Adams, John Adams wife and the daughter of Reverend Smith and Elizabeth Quincy that he gotten passage on a fishing schooner. He reported that the city had been locked down and that the British were in control. This anicdote is gleemed from a letter written by Richard Cranch to John Adams in July of 1775. In 1789, John is listed in the Boston City Directory as a watchmaker working at 18 Newbury Street. This would have been just a few doors down from fellow lockamkers Joseph and his brother Robert Pope. In 1800, John is listed at 16 Newbury Street in the same directory. It is recorded that Roulstone died on January 5, 1803.

An 18th century watch that retains an engraved paper that is formatted with an equation of the solar time table and is engraved "John Roulstone / clock / and Watch Maker Next / Door to the Lamb / Boston" is known. This important engraving is now in the collection of the Old York Historical Society. A second very fine tall clock made by Roulstone is currently in the collection of The Massachusetts Historical Society.

Jacob (Sargent) Sargeant of Mansfield, Connecticut, Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut.

Jacob (Sargent) Sargeant, clock maker, watch maker, jeweler, and silver and goldsmith. Jacob born in Mansfield, Connecticut on February 28, 1761. He was the son of Samuel and Hannah (Baldwin) Sargeant. We speculate that he may have been trained as a clockmaker by Peregrine White of Woodstock, Connecticut due the similarities of movement construction found in examples by both clockmakers. Jacob was also trained as a gold and silversmith. It is recorded that he trained Nathan Storrs in 1781. Jacob worked in Mansfield in 1784 through 1789 as a goldsmith and silversmith in Mansfield. He advertised in theThe Connecticut Gazette and the Universal Intelligencer (Mansfield Center CT), on 11 January 1784, ". . . shop in Mansfield makes clocks and watches, gold and silversmith work," In 1785, Jacob married Olive Paine of Canterbury, Connecticut on January 30th in Mansfield Center, CT. In 1790 he trained his brother Thomas Sargeant (1773-1834). In 1790, he moved to Springfield, Massachusetts and he advertised in the Hampshire Chronicle (Springfield MA), 1790, as a gold- and silversmith. Here continued to make clocks and sell jewelry. Here he employed his younger brother Thomas as an apprentice. He also trained Shubael Storrs in 1790 and Charles Brewer in 1791. In October 1795, he advertised in the “Courant,” a Hartford newspaper, that he had moved or “Established his business at the sign of the Golden Watch a few rods South of the State House in Hartford.“ By 1800, Sargeant had a retail business which was one of the largest in Hartford; he sold his own silver, the silver of other makers, guns, and clocks. While in Hartford, he trained Joseph Church in 1816 and Walter ward Hart in 1820. He remained in Hartford until his death in 1843. Jacob Sargeant's shop sign is now in the Connecticut Historical Society collection.

We have seen and owned a fair number of tall clocks made by Jacob Sargeant. The earliest examples have engraved brass dials that are treated with a silver wash. On such example, which is signed Hartford, features a musical movement. It is three train and plays one of six tunes on the hour. The four spandrel areas are decorated with depiction's of the four seasons. This dial is thought to have been engraved by Richard Brunton a well known maker of dials, bookplates and among other talents a counterfeiter of currency. The case is cherry and is attributed to Aaron Chapin of East Windsor. This case exhibits the Hartford / Norwich form. A second example also features an engraved dial. That dial is silver and features a rocking ship in the arch. The four spandrel areas are skillfully engraved depiction's of the four seasons. This case is also cherry. It features an applied swan's neck pediment which is pierced. (Chapin Case?) The majority of the other examples found have been painted dial clocks.

Ebenezer Sargent of Newbury, Massachusetts.

Currently, very little is known of this Clockmaker. There is recorded an Ebenezer Sargent who was born in Newbury on April 18, 1717 to Ebenezer Sargent I (1685-1724) and Ann (Sawyer) Sargent (1687-1753). They were married on October 15, 1708. Ebenezer II is recorded as marring Patience Philips of Lynn, MA in 1753. They had a son Ebenezer in 1756 and a grandson Ebeneezer born in 1788 that are listed as gunsmiths. This makes his name difficult to trace. Ebenezer II died on October 1797. His death is recorded in the Vital Records of Lynn, MA. At the time of his death, he is listed as a gunsmith. At least three other clocks have been recorded. One 30-hour brass dial example is signed “No. 2.” An 8-day example that is signed, “Made for Ensign Sanborn” is known. A third example is also an eight day clock with a rack striking system. This example, now the fourth has a count-wheel striking system.

John Sawin of Boston, Massachusetts.

John Sawin was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on September 13th, 1799. His parents were John Pierce Sawin and Abigail Partridge (1781-Unknown.) It is thought that he was trained as a clockmaker by his uncle Aaron Willard. John was also related to Lemuel Curtis who was a cousin. Throughout his career, John had a number of working relationships. It appears the he worked with Simon Willard in 1819-1820. He is then soon listed as a journeyman working with Aaron Willard Jr. By 1822, John had formed a partnership with George Wild Dyar as Sawin & Dyar. This shop was located at 33 Market Street. This partnership lasted until 1827. John continued to make clocks on his own and continued to employe many apprentices and journeyman. The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association held it first fair in 1837. John Sawin entered two gallery clocks in the competition. They were equipped with improved regulators to avoid the necessity of removing the dial. They were proclaimed to be the best clocks exhibited at the fair and he was awarded a Diploma by this new organization. John Died on March 28, 1863 at the age of 62. He is buried in the Christ Church Cemetery on Salem Street in Boston, MA.

The number of signed Sawin clocks that survive is today's marketplace suggests that he was very successful. He advertised that in he made Tower clocks and wall regulators. Wall timepieces, gallery clocks and Massachusetts Shelf clocks have been found. John Sawin is probably best known for creating the lyre form wall timepiece.

Self Winding Clock Company New York City.

The Self Winding Clock Company (SWCC) was formed in New york City in 1886 by Charles Platt in collaboration with Henry Pond. This company became a major manufacturer of electromechanical clocks from 1886 until about 1970. The Self Winding Clock Company clock mechanisms were truly revolutionary for their time. The spring powered mechanisms that powered the clock was not wound by hand but with an electric motor. This put the SWCC of New York as one of the first companies in the United States to successfully employ electric energy to power a clock. Their design attached the winding motor below the conventional clock works. The automatic rewinding of the main spring each hour was performed by a small electric motor. A contact switch is mounted on the clock's center shaft. This is activated after the clock has run for one hour. Then the main spring is rewound one revolution. This rewinding occurs each hour. The power for the motor is supplied by batteries. These batteries are designed to last approximately one year before they need to be replaced. The result is that this type of clock mechanism is never wound by hand and this eliminated the concern that someone may forget to wind the clock. Hence the company name, The Self Winding Clock Company. Their designs were protected by a series of patents.

From the late 1800's until well into the mid 1900's, self-winding clocks earned a most important role in horological history. They provided robust and reliable time synchronization across the country. They serviced railroads and other transportation industries, factories, schools, retail stores, and other businesses. Many of them were decommissioned by 1960 and are slowly finding their way into the caring hands of horological collectors.

Joshua Seward of Boston, Massachusetts.

Joshua Seward was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on May 5, 1809 and died in Woburn, Massachusetts on July 21, 1885. Current research suggests that he was most likely an apprentice of John Sawin's. Sawin was a prolific Boston clockmaker and trained a fair number of clockmakers. In 1832, Seward formed a partnership with Alva Skinner under the firm name, Skinner & Seward. In May of 1833, Seward advertised that he was working alone at 63 Congress Street in Boston. By 1836, it appears he gave up clockmaking to operate the livery stable at the Boylston Estate. This was located on School Street in Boston. In 1840 through 1842, Seward lived in Charlestown.

Nathaniel Shepherd working in Dartmouth, Westport and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Nathaniel Shepherd, clockmaker, watchmaker and goldsmith working in Dartmouth, Westport and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Nathaniel Shepherd was born in Dartmouth on February 21, 1795 and died in New Bedford on October 28, 1882. He trained as a clockmaker under John Bailey II in Hanover, Massachusetts. It is currently thought that he started working on his own in 1816. In 1820, he formed a partnership with Ezra Kelley and worked with him until 1823 and then again together in 1833 through 1835.

Several tall clocks are known. One signed example owned by us is signed with the place location listed as Westport. A similar Shepherd clock can be found in the Yale University Art Gallery collection, inventory no. 1964.54.2.

William Sherwin of Buckland, Massachusetts

William Sherwin was born in western part of Franklin County in the small town of Ashfield, Massachusetts on October 26, 1787. It is not known when he moved approximately 5 miles north to the town of Buckland. Buckland was organized on April 14th, 1779 from the plantation then called Notown and a part of Charlemont. It is recorded in the town history that he became very active in town affairs serving for a time as the town clerk, an assessor, a school committee member, a selectman, and an overseer of the poor. He was elected multiple times as Buckland's representative to the General Court of the Massachusetts Legislature. Due to his business of manufacturing and selling clocks, his cutting engine is now in the American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, the neighborhood around his home and shop was called "Clock Hollow" by the locals. It is thought that he purchased his cases from a Daniel Warner. A tall case clock attributed to Sherwin and Warner remains in the Wilder Homestead collection in that town. The town of Buckland had an industrious center due to the power provided from the Clesson river. Various wooden wares were made in great quantities. William Sherwin died in 1877.

Nathaniel Shipman of Norwich, Connecticut.

Nathaniel Shipman was born on May 17th, 1764 in Preston, Connecticut. He was the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Leffingwell) Shipman. It is reported that in 1777, he was apprenticed to the renowned English born clockmaker, Thomas Harland of Norwich. By 1785, Nathaniel had set up his own shop in Norwich. At that time, his account books suggest that he was active as clockmaker and a silversmith. He made dials for his Master, Thomas Harland. He worked with pewter, glass jewelry and watches. He gave up the trade in 1796 and became a farmer and an investor in the West India Trade. On October 14, 1794, Nathaniel married Abigail Coit of Peston, CT. Nathaniel died on July 14, 1853 in Norwich.

Stephen Sibley of Sutton, Norwich, Great Barrington, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Grafton Ohio.

Stephen Sibley was born on November 10th, 1759 in Sutton, Massachusetts. His father was Col. Timothy Sibley, who served in the revolutionary war and his mother was Anne Waite. Stephen was one of fifteen children and served as a private in the revolutionary war. It is thought that Stephen was trained as a clockmaker by his older brother Timothy Sibley Jr. Timothy was a clockmaker and a silversmith and is recorded as having been trained in Grafton by the Willards. Stephen lived for a short time in Norwich, Connecticut and at the time was listed as a goldsmith. About 1782, he moved to Great Barrington, MA where is older brother John was a physician. It is recorded in the History of Great Barrington: (Berkshire County,) Massachusetts that Stephen was a brasier and a clockmaker. In 1785, his shop was located at the north-east corner of the new Town Hall ground â€" the corner of Main and Castle Streets. Here he also married Jemima Hopkins of Great Barrington and soon moved to West Stockbridge. Together they had 6 children. In 1795 when he advertised for an apprentice clockmaker. In 1816, the Sibley family moved to Grafton, Ohio. Stephen died there on April 21, 1829. A total of fourteen tall clocks are known and have been recorded. A signed example is currently in the Historic – Deerfield collection. It features a cherry case and an engraved brass dial that is signed by the Maker. The place location being Sutton, Mass. This suggests that it was made circa 1783. A signed tall clock is located in the Great Barrington Historical Society. Another can be referenced in Brooks Palmer's book, The Book of American Clocks. It states that a tall clock made by Stephen Sibley in 1816 is in the Lenox, MA Library.

Asa Sibley of Sutton, Massachusetts, Woodstock, Connecticut, Walpole, New Hampshire and Rochester, New York.

Asa Sibley, Clockmaker and Silversmith was born in Sutton, Massachusetts on March 29,1764 and died on Feb 29, 1829. His parents were Col. Timothy Sibley and Anne Waite. Together, they had 15 children. Asa is thought to have trained with his older brother Timothy Jr who was born in 1754. Timothy Jr., is thought to have trained in the art of clockmaking with the Willards in Grafton. Asa had a second brother that was also in the trade. His name was Stephen who was born in 1757. He worked for a time in Norwich, CT and in 1782 moved to Great Barrington, MA. Asa moved to Woodstock, CT around 1785 and associated himself with Peregrine White (1747-1834) who also worked as a silversmith and as a clockmaker in that town. He was active from 1774 to 1810. Asa married Irene Carpenter in 1787 (b. 31 Jul 1766 Woodstock, CT. Died 5 Oct 1846 in Rochester, NY). She was the daughter of the Norwich, Connecticut clockmaker Joseph Carpenter. Asa then returned to Sutton from Woodstock for several years. After 1797, he moved his family to Walpole, New Hampshire following the Windham clockmaker Gurdon Huntington. The two must have been well acquainted because Sibley administered Huntington's will in 1804. Active in town politics, he served as a selectman and town moderator between 1802 and 1807. In 1808, they moved again to Rochester, New York where he died in 1829.

Currently, there are two clocks that can be publicly viewed. One is in the Sturbridge Village Collection. This clock is in an inlaid cherry case. The engraved brass dial is signed with the place location of Walpole, NH. A second cherry cased example is in the Mount Holyoke College of Art collection. This clock is also signed with the place location of Walpole (NH).

Skinner & Seward of Boston, Massachusetts.

Alva Skinner watchmaker and clockmaker was born in Wakefield, New Hampshire in 1806 and died in Malden, Massachusetts on January 23, 1883. He likely served his apprenticeship to John Sawin in Boston.

Joshua Seward was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on May 5, 1809 and died in Woburn, Massachusetts on July 21, 1885. He was most likely an apprentice of John Sawin's who worked in Boston.

The Skinner & Seward partnership was formed in 1832 and was located at 63 Congress Street in Boston.

Luther Smith of Keane, New Hampshire.

Luther Smith was born in Colrian, Massachusetts around 1767 and had moved to Keene, New Hampshire sometime around 1793. He married Sarah Eveleth in Bolton, Massachusetts in 1798. His shop was located on Federal Row which is now Main Street in Keene. He also purchased a mill from Nathan Blake on what is now known as West Street. In Keene, he built the first public clock which was installed in the old meeting-house at the head of main street in 1794. Its' cost, including a ten year warranty, was 36 pounds. The clock's one dial faced to the south and unfortunately the clock was lost in 1828 when the meeting-house was moved. Smith also built the first brick tavern house in Keene 1805. Other tall clocks as well as banjo clocks, New Hampshire mirror clocks and tower clocks have been found by this Maker. He died on October 21, 1839 at the age of 73. He is buried in the Washington Street Cemetery.

Charles Alvah Smith of Brattleboro, Vermont.

Charles Alvah Smith was a maker of very interesting wooden cased and wooden geared clocks. He was born on his grandfathers farm in Guilford, Vermont on November 3, 1866. His parents, Sanford Alvah Smith and Ellen (Hunt) Smith had three children. His father Sanford, owned and operated a business that made carriages for children and later other various wood products likes wooden sleds, tricycles and children's toys. Charles joined this business in 1889 and quickly moved up through the company ranks. It is here that he learned the trade of fine woodworking. Sometime around 1820, Charles retired after 35 years of being involved in the family business. While in retirement, he developed many relationships with various local business enterprises as a designer. A clever person, he was award as many as six patents that are mechanical in nature. One patent is for a foot pedal starter used in an automobile. A patent second was for a circular woodcutting table saw. An example of his involvement with local businesses was his involvement with the Franklin Motor Car Company. He advised their planning and production divisions.

Charles was a Yankee. He collected scraps of wood from his furniture making business and began to make clocks in his home workshop. He first presented them as gifts and soon went into production sometime in 1931 until his death in 1946. During this time he produced approximately 614 clocks. Each clock he made from start to finish. He made the entire clock to his very high quality standards. For additional information regarding his interesting person, please read, Charles Alvah Smith: Vermont Maker of Unusual Wood Clocks, written by John M. Anderson. This is a soft cover, 60 plus page description of this ingenious Yankee clockmaker which was published by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) in December of 1990.

Smith, Tuttle and Blakeslee. Oswego, Tioga County, New York.

Smith, Tuttle and Blakeslee. Oswego, Tioga County, New York. This firm was formed in 1831 by Erastus Blakeslee, Elias Smith and Eliada Tuttle. All three were Connecticut natives and settled on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Oswego. This partnership lasted less than a year. Together they made cases for movements that they obtained from both Ephriam Downs and Jeromes & Darrow.

For a more complete listing of this firm, please read An Empire In Time / Clocks & Clockmakers of Upstate New York. This book was written by G. Russell Oechsle , Helen Boyce and Collaborators.

James Snelling of Providence, Rhode Island.

James Snelling, Providence Rhode Island. Currently, very little is known of James Snelling. Their is a vague reference that he was born in 1782 and died in 1828. It also suggests that he was at work in Providence in 1810 through 1828. I have had a difficult time confirming this. We do know that he signed the dial of a Massachusetts shelf clock. Based on the style of the case and dial, that clock was made circa 1815. It is most certianly a Boston example. The clock mentioned was case is a tradtional Boston form and had a painted kidney shaped dial painted by the Boston ornamental artist Spencer . As a result, we speculate that Snelling had connections to the Boston Makers on some level and most likely retailed that clock. Snelling may have owned a small shop or store in Providence?

Samuel Solliday of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Samuel Solliday was born the son of John Solliday (1755-1842) and Elizabeth Hinckel (1764-1841) in 1804. Samuel father's John and his grandfather Frederick were also clock makers. It is believed that Samuel trained under his Father John and most likely worked with him for a period of time. At the age of twenty-four, Samuel is listed in the Marlborough tax records as a single man. By 1831, Samuel has earned a medical degree and a year later is wed to Deborah Schmidt. Samuel died sometime in 1845. He is buried in Frieden's Cemetery in Sumneytown.

Edward Spalding of Providence Rhode Island.

Currently, very little is known about Edward Spalding's early life. His parents were Stephen and Marry (Lawrence) Spalding and they were living in Plainfield, Connecticut when Edward was born there in 1732. It appears that he moved to Providence at an early age and may have trained as a clockmaker in this city. To whom he served his apprenticeship is not currently known. A clock that he is known to have made while working Providence is dated 1753. This early date suggests that he made this clock shortly after he finished his indenture. As a result, he became one of Providence's earliest clockmakers. In 1757, Edward married Audrey Safford. Together they had three children including Edward Jr., who was born in 1767. He trained under his father as a clockmaker. Edward (I) did a fair amount of advertising in the Providence Gazette during the period of 1766 â€" 1776. These adds suggest that he was very involved in clockmaking up until the Revolutionary War where he served as Captain and rose to the rank of Major. After the war he continued to make clocks. He died in Providence in 1785.

Prior to the American Revolution, very few Clockmakers were working in Rhode Island. The most notable of which are the Claggetts from Newport and together they made what is considered a significant number of clocks for the period. Other Clockmakers like James Wady did not fair so well in business. Their out put was much less significant making Spalding the premier clockmaker of his working period in the region.

Elmer Stennes of Weymouth, Massachusetts.

For 30 years, from 1945 through 1975, Stennes was famous for being the only large-scale reproducer of classic American clock cases in the country. But his former friends and associates remember him for another reason. Elmer killed his wife and later was himself killed. In fact, it's hard to say whether the clocks and other items made by Stennes are so collectible today because of their quality or because of his notoriety. He lived at 45 Church Street in East Weymouth, Massachusetts, in a house he built himself in 1938. He used a design by Royal Barry Wills, the 20th-century American designer of reproduction Colonial-era dwellings. (So, the house, like his clocks, is a facsimile.) It is a classic two-story cedar-shingle Cape Home.

Elmer Osbourne Stennes was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on June 9, 1911. He was self-taught as a cabinetmaker, and received a certificate for completing a one-year course in Carpentry and Architectural Drawing, from Wentworth Institute in Boston in 1934. He also worked in the Model Shop in the Quincy shipyards during WW-II. Stennes made his mark as a case-maker for the clocks he sold with his name painted on the dials. His production was significant as compared to others that were not set up as a factory with employees. He made a variety of forms. These included the Willard style time piece or banjo clock, a copy of Lemuel Curtis's girandole, several shelf clock forms, tall case clocks which he called grandfathers, grandmothers and an in between size he designed and dubbed the Wessagusset. The name Wessagusset is the Native American name for the Weymouth shore. Elmer was a good marketer and his clocks were sold nationwide through the contacts he made as a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC). Stennes began making his cases full time in 1945 when he left the model shop at the end of the war. He did not manufacture the movements. At first, he used movements from what was then common clocks. Soon he had to find another more reliable source and used good quality reproductions. By 1959, he built a barn to set up his workshop. He told people his shop was located on Tic Tock Lane. Elmer's second wife was Eva G. Annanis. They had two children, son Elliott and daughter, Ester. Eva died on December 2, 1968, as a result of an argument., Elmer took out his .357 magnum derringer and shot one bullet into Eva's head. She dropped and died on the bathroom floor. Elmer reportedly called the Weymouth police himself. He was arrested in his home and later released on a bond of $25,000. It was business as usual until his trail. During this period, he branded his clock cases with the initials, “O.O.B.,” to signify his new status Out On Bond. Stennes pleaded not guilty to murder, but admitted guilt to manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years. His term was to be served at the Massachusetts Correctional Institute Plymouth -a minimum security prison. The retired Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, Judge Steadman was Stennes' personal friend customer and counsel before the crime. He had purchased a cherry-wood grandmother clock and Elmer had made him a gavel for his bench. Stennes entered prison on October 24, 1969 and took over the maintenance cottage, moved in and set up his personal machine and hand tools and began making cases using inmates as helpers. One could argue that he was using prisoners, at the expense of Massachusetts taxpayers, to make his products. These were stamped “M.C.I.P.,” the abbreviation for “Massachusetts Correctional Institute Plymouth' which was actually in Carver, Mass. After having served only three years and three months, Stennes was paroled on January 12, 1973. He later remarried on December 15, 1973. Her name was Phyllis Means. On October 4, 1975 the couple was shot while they were sleeping in their downstairs bedroom. Two men broke into the house, Elmer was shot five times. Phyllis was shot six times. When the police arrived, she was covered in blood and was screaming that Elmer was dead. Phyllis accused her 24-year old step son Elliot of being one of the shooters. She had seen his face, recognized his clothes, and heard his voice say, “Dad.” Elliot had five witnesses testifying that at the time of the shooting he had been with them at a bar in Franconia, New Hampshire. As a result, the charges were dropped. There were other considerations, however, the case of Elmer Stennes's death has never been solved.

I would like to thank David Howard with helping me get this Stennes bio correct.

Deacon William Stillman of Westerly, Rhode Island and Burlington, Connecticut.

William Stillman was born in Westerly, Rhode Island on May 4, 1767. It is recorded that he was a self taught clock maker developing considerable skill over his lifetime. His first clock was made when he was a boy of fourteen. It was a wooden geared clock that struck the hour on a piece of glass. He made wooden geared clocks from 1786 to 1789. He moved to Burlington, Conn in 1789 upon the death of his first wife. Here he took up on an invitation to help farm his brother's land. Soon he traveled to Hartford to secure brass clockmaking tools and started working in his brother's blacksmith shop. In 1792, he returned to Westerly, RI were he started making brass clocks. The embargo Act of 1809 forced him to making a living in another manner. It has been estimated that he may have made as many as 200 clocks over a career that lasted almost 20 years. An inventive person, he secured a patent for a veneering plough on March 16, 1801. A compass that was made and signed by him is known. It sold at Christies in 2014.

Barton Stillman of Burlington, Connecticut and Westerly, Rhode Island.

Barton Stillman son of Joseph and Eunice (Stillman) Stillman. His birth date is unknown. His brother Paul was born in 1782 and died in 1810. His Cousin William Stillman is a better known Clockmaker from the same area. The family was known as a family of inventors. Barton is listed as working in Burlington, Connecticut in 1790 through 1795. He is then listed in Westerly in 1810.

Nathan Storrs of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Nathan Storrs was born in Mansfield, Connecticut in 1768. It is currently thought that he was trained as a clockmaker by Jacob Sargeant. Nathan first advertises in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1791 and that he is open for business and is lately from New York. In 1792, he forms a partnership with Samuel Stiles as Stiles & Storrs. This partnership quickly dissolves and in 1792 and Nathan joins Jediidah Baldwin in business as Baldwin & Storrs. This partnership lasts until 1793 when Baldwin moves to Hanover, NH. In 1827, Storrs & Cook (Benjamin F. Cook) form a partnership that lasts until 1833. In 1829, they open an additional outlet in Amherst, Massachusetts. Nathan retires in 1833 and dies in 1839 due to poor health.

Abel Stowell Jr., of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Abel Stowell Jr. was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on March 14, 1789 and died in Charlestown, Massachusetts on Sept. 6, 1860. He was the son of Abel Stowell Senior who was an ingenious individual. Senior is listed in Paul Foley's book, Willard's Patent Time Pieces” as a clockmaker, watchmaker, screwmaker and inventor. Over his lifetime, he applied for and was granted several patents for various types of machinery. Many of these patents involved cutting the head of a screw. It is thought that he trained his sons in many of his fields of expertise.

Abel Stowell Jr. is also listed in Foley's book. He is listed as working in the following Massachusetts towns. They include Worcester, Groton, Medford, Boston and Charlestown. Abel Stowell Jr. worked as a clockmaker, watchmaker, screwmaker and jeweler. Stowell is listed as being in partnership with his brother-in-law James Ridgeway in 1812-16. The two were working in Groton as clockmakers under the firm name, Ridgeway & Stowell. It is interesting to note that Stowell was living in Medford by 1814 and he was married there. He also operated a screw and nail making factory in this town. Sometime around 1819, it is thought that Abel dropped the use of "junior" from his name. This was shortly after his father's death. In 1822-23, Stowell is then listed in the Boston Directories as a clockmaker. His shop is located on Cambridge street. At the same time he was also maintaining business interests in Medford and Charlestown. In 1824 Abel and his brother John J. Stowell formed a business together in Charlestown. In November of 1835, Abel advertised that he was located at No. 78, Main Street. Here he sold "Watches, Jewelry,… Eight day Timepieces,…" Shortly after, He took his son Abel Jr. III into partnership and in November of 1838, he advertised as Abel Stowell & Son. This partnership was dissolved in 1846 and Abel Jr. started to advertise as "successors to A. Stowell & Son." It should be noted that Abel Stowell had two sons, Abel Jr. III and Alexander who also followed him in the trade.

Abel Stowell Senior of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Abel Stowel was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 12, 1752. He lived 66 years before he died on August 3, 1818. He was an ingenious individual. He is listed as a clockmaker, watchmaker, screw maker and inventor. Over his lifetime, he applied for and was granted several patents for various types of machinery. Many of these patents involved cutting the head of a screw. Abel Sr had three children who followed him into the clockmaking, watch making and the jewelry trades. Even his daughter Faith, married the clockmaker James Ridgeway Jr., in January of 1802. Ridgeway was an apprentice of his.

David Studley of Hingham and Hanover, Massachusetts.

David Studley was born in Hanover, Massachusetts on March 31, 1783 and died in West Hanover on October 30, 1873 at the age of 90. At his death, he was reported to be the oldest man in Hanover. David had two sons that were involved in clockmaking. Benjamin F. was born in 1823 and died by his own hand in on Oct. 15, 1874 in Plymouth, MA. David E. was born in 1812. He was a Watchmaker and a Jeweler and in 1834 moved to North Bridgewater (now Brockton.) He died in on April 24, 1873. David Sr., served his apprenticeship under John Bailey Jr., the Quaker Clockmaker from the same town. Other apprentices that may have served with Bailey include his three sons John, Calvin and Lebbeus as well as Ruben Tower. In 1806, David described himself as a Hingham Clockmaker in a civil lawsuit that he brought against Hingham Clockmaker Joseph Bailey over an unpaid debt for whom he apparently made some clocks. During the period 1806 through 1809, Studley worked as a journey man for the Hanover Clockmaker Calvin Bailey son of John Jr. By 1850, Studley retired from clockmaking and is listed as a farmer in the 1850 Federal Census. He bequeathed all his clockmaking tools to his son Benjamin. To date, both Massachusetts shelf clocks and dwarf clocks have been found.

Benjamin Swan of Augusta, Maine. Clockmaker, Watchmaker Silversmith and Jeweler.

Benjamin Swan, the son of Francis and Abigail (Eliot) Swan was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on January 15, 1792. Sometime in 1808 the Swan family moved from Haverhill to Augusta, Maine. Previously, a number of Haverhill residents had made this same move. One of which was Frederic Wingate who had establish a clock business in that town as early as 1803. It is Wingate who is thought to have trained Benjamin Swan in the art of clock making. Benjamin worked both in Augusta and the town of Hallowell as a clockmaker, a silversmith and a jeweler from 1814 through 1867. During the War of 1812, he served as a Sergeant stationed in Wiscasset. In this year he also marries Hannah Smith of Hallowell. They had ten children. One of which, Moses Moody Swan worked with his father about 1818. Benjamin Swan died in Augusta on November 27, 1867. Tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clocks, banjo clocks and mirror clocks are known to us. A watch is known that is signed B & MM Swan. This is a product of Benjamin and his son Moses Moody.

Elnathan Taber Roxbury, Massachusetts

Elnathan Taber was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on February 14, 1768 and may have died there in 1854 at the age of 86. It appears that his grave was moved from Dartmouth to Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain on October 29th, 1870. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Swift) Taber. Elnathan is the older brother of Stephen Taber who's fortune help found Taber Academy in Marion, MA. Both brothers traveled to Roxbury and were trained as clockmakers by the Willards. Elnathan was just 16. After serving his apprenticeship, Elnathan stayed and worked in Roxbury. His shop was located on Union Street. Union Street was renamed Taber Street in April of 1868 in his memory. Elnathan maintained a close working relationship with his mentor Simon became one of Simon Willard's most famous apprentices. He was authorized by Simon to make is patent timepieces during the patent period. He was also a prolific repairman. His name can be found engraved on numerous Boston area made clocks as a service record. Elnathan married Catherine Partridge in January of 1797. They had four children between the years of 1797 and 1811. Catherine had three sisters who also married clockmakers. Her sister Elizabeth married Abel Hutchins and Mary (Polly) married Aaron Willard. A third sister married Samuel Curtis. Over the years, we have owned and sold numerous tall case clocks made by this fine clockmaker. In addition, we have also owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks and coffin clocks as well as several of the Massachusetts shelf clock forms.

	Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Wall timepiece or banjo clock.  -SOLD- This is a fine Federal Massachusetts wall Timepiece or "Banjo clock." It was made by Elnathan Taber of Roxbury Massachusetts circa… read more
	Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. / Stephen Badlam cabinetmaker. / John Minot numbered 89 signed dial. 212044 Elnathan Taber was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on February 14, 1768. He is the older brother of Stephen Taber. Both brothers… read more
	Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A fine tall case clock. 215015 This is a classic New England tall clock. This inlaid mahogany case exhibits very good proportions and measures approximately 8 feet… read more
	Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A labeled case tall clock. RR79 This is a labeled example. The Clockmaker's paper set up label can be found pasted to the inside of the waist… read more
	Elnathan Taber of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Tall case clock. -SOLD- 210033 This is a classic New England example. It exhibits the best of the Boston school proportions. The case is very narrow… read more
	Elnathan Taber tall clock. Roxbury, Massachusetts. Retaining its original set up label. 214093 This is a classic New England example. This case exhibits the best of the Boston school proportions and measures approximately 7… read more
	Elnathan Taber, Roxbury, Massachusetts. This cross-banded mahogany case tall clock featuring a rocking ship automated dial. XX7 This impressive mahogany and cross banded case exhibits excellent proportions and is constructed in the finest mahogany veneers. The case measures… read more
	Rare Elnathan Taber Mahogany Coffin clock. Time and alarm wall clock made in May of 1817. A unusual and interesting variant of Simon Willard's Patent Wall Timepiece, this may be one of the most difficult variations to… read more

Stephen Taber of Achusnet and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Stephen Taber was born on October 23, 1777 in New Bedford, Massachusetts and died there on September 10th, 1862. His older brother Elnathan, was nine years his senior and had moved North to Roxbury where he served his clockmaking apprenticeship under Simon Willard. Simon considered Elnathan a highly skilled mechanic and his best apprentice. Elnathan remained in Roxbury after his indenture and continue to build clocks for himself and others in the Roxbury group of Clockmakers. It is because of Elnathan's success, that it is logical to assume that Stephen was also attracted to the clockmaking community in Roxbury. Stephen was trained in Boston by Aaron Willard, Simon's younger brother. By 1798, Stephen is recorded in the town of Roxbury's Tax Records as being a resident of Roxbury. This would suggest that he moved to Roxbury to start his apprenticeship some time in 1791-92 at the age of 14. After having served his apprenticeship, he stayed in Roxbury for one year and then returned to New Bedford in 1799. Here he advertised in October of that year that “Stephen Taber, (Late apprentice to Mr. Aaron Willard, Clock-Maker in Boston,) Respectfully informs the public That he carries on the Clock Making Business… at his shop in Union Street…” From this time period, until his death in 1862, it appears that he lived and worked primarily in New Bedford. He is also listed as working in Achushnet for a short period of time. Over the later part of his life the extent of his clockmaking seems to have trickled off as the years passed. This is assumed because he is listed more commonly as a merchant or as a trader by 1810. By 1860, his estate was valued at over $100,000. At the time of his death in 1862, his wealth had almost doubled. His wife Elizabeth, was one of the founding members of Tabor Academy in the town of Marion.

Silas B. Terry of Terryville, Connecticut.

Silas B. Terry was born on February 1, 1807 and died of a heart attack May 20th, 1876. He was one of eight children born to Eli & Eunice (Warner) Terry. He worked in various clock making enterprises. Some of which included the firm S. B. Terry & Company (1852-1853), and Terryville MFG. Co. (1853-1854.) In 1854, Terry went bankrupt and took a job as a general manager of the William L. Gilbert & Company in Winsted, Connecticut. In 1861, he took a job as superintendent of the Waterbury Clock Company . In 1867, he formed the The Terry Clock Company at Waterbury with his sons. Silas' early clocks were well made and often had interesting movements. The evidence of his work suggests that he loved to tinker.

Terry & Andrews of Bristol, Connecticut.

The firm Terry & Andrews was comprised of Theodore Terry and Franklin C. Andrews.  This partnership was formed in 1842 and was focused on brass gallery and shelf clock manufacture.  The business was located on Preston Street in East Bristol and was the largest manufacturer in Bristol after C. Jerome's departure in 1845.  The Terry & Andrews firm moved to Ansonia, Connecticut in 1850. Â

The Eureka Clock Company Ltd.

The Eureka clock was the brain child of Timothy Bernard Powers. Powers was an electrical engineer living in New York on Broadway. His first patent was applied for on 12, May 1906. Enter the Kutnow Brothers of New York and formally from London, England where they had a manufacturing business. Several other patents were to follow. The Patents that Powers applied for were for the design of a movement that featured a electromagnetic balance wheel. This was powered by a constant voltage (of c.1.5 volts) is required to ensure consistency in the amplitude of oscillation. The Kutnow Brothers were interested in Powers patent and provided him some financial assistance. They soon encouraged him to move to London sometime before 1908 to produce this mechanism / clock. Powers is listed first listed as living at the Charter House Hotel, Chatterhouse Square in London and then later at 361 City Road in London. The Eureka Clock Clock Ltd was formed in London in 1908 by the Kutnows and Frank Jowett. Jowett became the Company's secretary. The city address was 361/363 City Road. The Eureka Clock Company made clocks between the years of 1908 and 1914. 15 case styles were offered in their catalogs. Most of which are numbered up to 10,000. There are also a series of clocks recorded that have serial numbers between 12,000 and 14,000. These examples are thought to have been presented in non-cataloged cases. The vast majority of these have been found with larger painted metal dials, often measuring in 12 inches in diameter. The cases appear to be custom made, Most of which are a very simple design. It is currently thought that approximately 15,000 clocks were made by them before their demise in 1914.

The Self Winding Clock Company of New York City.

The Self Winding Clock Company (SWCC) was formed in New York City in 1886 by Charles Platt in collaboration with Henry Pond. This company became a major manufacturer of electromechanical clocks from 1886 until about 1970. The Self Winding Clock Company clock mechanisms were truly revolutionary for their time. The spring powered mechanisms that powered the clock was not wound by hand but with an electric motor. This put the SWCC of New York as one of the first companies in the United States to successfully employ electric energy to power a clock. Their design attached the winding motor below the conventional clock works. The automatic rewinding of the main spring each hour was performed by a small electric motor. A contact switch is mounted on the clock's center shaft. This is activated after the clock has run for one hour. Then the main spring is rewound one revolution. This rewinding occurs each hour. The power for the motor is supplied by batteries. These batteries are designed to last approximately one year before they need to be replaced. The result is that this type of clock mechanism is never wound by hand and this eliminated the concern that someone may forget to wind the clock. Hence the company name, The Self Winding Clock Company. Their designs were protected by a series of patents.

From the late 1800's until well into the mid 1900's, self-winding clocks earned a most important role in horological history. They provided robust and reliable time synchronization across the country. They serviced railroads and other transportation industries, factories, schools, retail stores, and other businesses. Many of them were decommissioned by 1960 and are slowly finding their way into the caring hands of horological collectors.

Seth Thomas of Plymouth and later Thomaston, Connecticut.

Thomas was born in Wolcott, Connecticut, in 1785. He was apprenticed as a carpenter and joiner, and worked building houses and barns. He started in the clock business in 1807, working for clockmaker Eli Terry. Thomas formed a clock-making partnership in Plymouth, Connecticut with Eli Terry and Silas Hoadley as Terry, Thomas & Hoadley.

In 1810, he bought Terry's clock business, making tall clocks with wooden movements, though chose to sell his partnership in 1812, moving in 1813 to Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, where he set up a factory to make metal-movement clocks. In 1817, he added shelf and mantel clocks. By the mid-1840s, he changed over to brass from wooden movements. He made the clock that is used in Fireman's Hall. He died in 1859, whereupon the company was taken over by his son, Aaron, who added many styles and improvements after his father's death. The company went out of business in the 1980s.

	Seth Thomas "Regulator No. 10." Number 44. Dated March 22,1881. This very impressive wall clock is called the "Regulator No. 10" by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. This impressive example hangs… read more
	Seth Thomas Office Calendar No. 11. Double dial perpetual calendar. -SOLD- This attractive wall clock was made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company of Thomaston, Connecticut. It is cataloged as the "Office… read more
	Seth Thomas Office Calendar No. 8 in walnut. This is a double dial calendar wall clock. 220066 This model is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the calendar clock models offered by the Seth Thomas Clock… read more
	Seth Thomas Regulator No. 14. A floor standing tall clock.  214115 This very impressive clock is cataloged as the "Regulator No. 14." It first appeared in the 1886 Seth Thomas Clock Catalog… read more
	Seth Thomas Regulator No. 7 long version. An antique wall clock. 220021 This 1-weight wall timepiece is a very difficult model to find. It was originally offered in two case sizes, a short… read more
	Seth Thomas Regulator No. 7 wall clock. Cherry case. This 1-weight wall timepiece is a difficult model to find. This case is mahogany and retains its original finish. The dial… read more
	Seth Thomas. Plymouth, Connecticut This is a very good example of a Pillar & Scroll shelf clock with pasted label "Made and sold by Seth… read more
	Seth Thomas. Plymouth, Connecticut. Model No., 2 Pillar & Scroll. In a reeded case with an Inside / Outside escapement. This early clock was made circa 1816. 220065 This is a very good example of a most attractive Pillar & Scroll shelf clock retaining the pasted label, E. TERRY'S… read more
	Seth Thomas. Regulator No. 10. A precision regulator. This very impressive clock is called the "Regulator No. 10." It listed in the 1884 through the 1904 Seth Thomas Clock… read more

William Thompson of Baltimore, Maryland.

It is suggested that William Thompson may have been British trained. He is listed as a watch and clockmaker in Baltimore during the period of 1795 through 1800. His first recored location is at 55 Gay Street in 1795. In 1797, he forms a partnership with William Elliot that lasted approximately one year until January 25, 1798. It is thought that Thompson was the clockmaker. Thompson is then listed as working at his home on 4 Center Market. It is also recorded that he had five apprentices learning the watchmaking trade and one learning clockmaking. He died in 1800.

Thompson & Elliot of Baltimore, Maryland.

William Thompson and William Elliot formed a partnership in Baltimore, Maryland. It was located at 55 Gay Street in 1797 and lasted one year until January 25, 1798.

Thompson seems to have been the clockmaker of the two. He may have been British trained and is listed as a watch and clockmaker in Baltimore during the period of 1795 through 1800. It is recorded that he had five apprentices learning the wacthmaking trade and one learning clockmaking. He died in 1800.

Elliot, is also listed in Baltimore in 1799 through 1801. Very little in known of him.

Horace Tift of Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Horace Tift was born in Attleboro on December 18th, 1804. He lived 84 years and died in Providence, Rhode Island on March 11, 1886. He was trained as a machinist in Millbury, MA and was thought to been in the clock business until 1850 when he is last listed as a jewelry manufacturer.

Theodore Ruggles Timby of Saratoga Springs, New York.

Theodore Ruggles Timby was born in New York state on April 5th, 1822. He was a very bright person. Some of the inventions he is credited with are a floating dry dock system for the shipping industry, the revolving gun turret (a version of this was installed on the Union's ironclad, the U.S.S. Monitor) and a sighting and electrical firing system for heavy guns. Timby died in Brooklyn, New York in 1909.

This Timby Solar Timepiece was made by L. E. Whiting of Saratoga Springs, New York. He was a local jeweler. Inside the case attached to the back of the lower door is a label that reads: TIMBY'S SOLAR TIME – PIECE, MANUFACTURED BY L. E. WHITING, SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. It then describes the clock as, Illustrating the Diurnal Revolution of the Earth, and serving as a GEOGRAPHICAL EDUCATOR for the SCHOOL ROOM and the Family, Ornamental in the Parlor, and useful everywhere. The old and unmeaning clockface may now be banished from use as no longer desirable. The movements in these Time – pieces is the best ever made in America, and unsurpassed in Europe; the balance wheel is set in jewels, making it as a time – keeper equal to the best lever watch and regulated in the same way. WIND ONCE A WEEK REGULARLY. WARRANTED accurate and of perfect workmanship throughout.

Lewis E. Whiting is recorder in American Clocks. Volume 3. American Clockmakers and Watchmakers. This book was written by Sonya l. & Thomas J. Spittler, and Chris Bailey. Whiting is listed as working within the 1860's. He is listed as working with Theodore Ruggles Timby. The company was formed in 1863 and lasted only 2 short years, (1865). The movements found in these clocks are reported as being made in Saratoga by either E. F. Rawson or more popularly believed by LaPort Hubbell. The clocks were sold by L. E. Whiting and he advertised that they were the Best made in America and unsurpassed in Europe… making it an excellent timekeeper… These clocks were marketed to Geographical Educators for the School room and the family. It is said to have appealed to the prosperous transient population of Saratoga.

Enoch J. Titcomb of Boston, MA: Cambridge,MA: Providence, RI. Clockmaker and Jeweler.

Enoch Titcomb was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts on August 4th, 1812 and died in Providence, Rhode Island on February 4, 1887. He is listed in the Boston Directories as a Clockmaker in 1835 who was then located at No. 37 Washington Street in Boston. Here he was in business briefly with William E. Evans as Evans & Titcomb. In 1840, he is found living Cambridge and was a member of The Grand Lodge. He moved to Providence in 1850 through 1864. While in Rhode Island, he listed as a jeweler.

We have owned and sold several wall timepieces that were signed on the dial by this maker. Most of these were the Box Lyre form.

Reuben Tower of Hingham, Kingston and Hanover Massachusetts.

Reuben Tower was born in Hingham, Massachusetts on July 3rd, 1795. His parents were Isaiah Tower (1766-1809) and Hannah Jacob (1771-1844). It is believed that he served his apprenticeship to Hingham Clockmaker and neighbor Joshua Wilder. He first worked in Hingham from about 1815 to 1821. While in Hingham, he married Rebecca Hathaway on December 2nd, 1819. Rueben Tower moved several times in his lifetime. In 1822, he is listed in the Plymouth County Deeds as Clockmaker living in Kingston. In 1826, he is listed as a Clockmaker working in Hanover and then in 1830 as a Silversmith in this location. In 1831, he moved back to Hingham where he died on October 27, 1881. A small number of clocks made by this maker have been found. Many of which are the dwarf form but also include tall clocks, wall timepieces, shelf clocks and mirror clocks. Currently, the Hingham Public Library in Hingham, Massachusetts is displaying a tall clock made by him.

Charles Townsend of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Charles Townsend is a listed clockmaker in several horological references. It appears that he had a long career as a clock and watchmaker. The first record of him in Philadelphia is in 1799. He had a shop that was located on Front Street and stayed at this location until 1804. In 1804, he is also listed at 105 Chestnut Street. This double listing continues through 1808. This double entry might suggest that his shop and residence were separate at this time. After 1808, he is listed only at the 105 Chestnut street address until 1833. Townsend then moves to 21 Walnut Street in 1835, 10th Street during the period 1837 through 1842 and lastly 49 South 10th Street during 1843 through 1849. He had at least one son, Charles Jr., who was also a clock and watchmaker.

Erastus Tracy and New London, Connecticut.

Erastus Tracy of Norwich and New London, Connecticut. Clockmaker and Silversmith.

Eratus Tracy was born in Norwich, Connecticut in on December 31, 1768 and died on August 17, 1796 in New London, Connecticut. His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Rogers) Tracy. He had a older bother, Gurdon (born 1767-1792) who was also a clockmaker. Erastus was trained as a clockmaker and silversmith serving his apprenticeship under Thomas Harland of Norwich. This training started about 1781. Erastus advertised in the Norwich Packet on 30 Sep 1790,“The subscriber has lately opened a SHOP opposite Capt Jabez Perkins Store at Norwich Landing; where he carries on the CLOCK and WATCH making GOLDSMITH and JEWELLER'S business; those who please to favour him with their custom may depend on the strictest attention and dispatch by their humble servant. ERASTUS TRACY. Norwich Landing.” About 1793, he moved to New London to most likely work with his brother Gurdon who had moved there in 1787. Eratus died in August of 1796 of comsumption in New London.

Tall clocks are known. One signed painted dial example was advertised for sale in Antiques and Arts Weekly in 1980-81. The painted dial clock was signed by Erastus Tracy of Norwich (1768-1796 ). It was also inscribed with the following information on one of the winding drums No. 53 and dated 1795. We have seen a handfull of tall clocks that we attribute to him as the Maker. One clock was engraved with the No. 2 on both winding drums and also on the front and back plates of the movement. Several of the clock we seen have had their cases branded with the name od the Windham cabinetmaker A. D. Allen.

A tall clock made by Erastus Tracy is recorded as being in the Lyman Allen Art Museum collection in New London, Connecticut.

Ansel Turner of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Ansel Turner was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on October 20, 1787 and died in Savannah, Georgia on October 3, 1814. Turner is listed in 1810 -14 Roxbury voting lists as a clockmaker. He was taxed in Roxbury in May 1809 for "1 Poll + for Knower's shop". This suggests that he may have been in business with Daniel Knower who is also listed as a clockmaker. (Roxbury Town Records) Turner advertised from Roxbury Street in December 1811, that he was "compelled (by bodily indisposition) to relinquish his present line of business, and offers for sale, an elegant assortment of Clocks and Patent Timepieces, Clock Weights, Catgut, &c. Likewise – a complete set of Clock-makers Tools & Materials." The Savannah death records indicate Turner was a Clockmaker from Massachusetts, and died at the young age 25. (NEHGR, Vol. 125, p. 35) An early patent timepiece having crossbanded frames and a tablet marked "S. Willard's Patent" is known with the movement inscribed "A. Turner, No. 27, 1809". Three signed painted dial tall case clocks are known. All three feature Roxbury style cases.

For additional information, please read Paul Foley's, Willard's Patent Time Pieces.

Thomas Wagstaffe of London, England.

"Thomas Wagstaffe, London." He is listed in Brain Loomes "Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 1," As working between 1756 through 1793. Thomas was born in 1724 in the small town of Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. This town is located some 67 miles northwest of London. By 1753 he is listed as a Merchant and Taylor in London later as a Watchmaker. It is said that he was a physically large individual. He was diligent and prolific worker and by temperament, patient and conscientious. His correspondence indicate a warm and highly socialized personality. He was a dedicated Quaker and had many acquaintance who lived in America. Most of whom lived in the Philadelphia area. When Quakers from Colonial American visited London, they were welcomed and received lodging in his home. It was not uncommon for many to return to America with one of his movements to be cased here. Some 30 plus examples exist, including one which is in the collection at Winterthur with a case constructed by Thomas Affleck who was a very talented Philadelphia cabinetmaker. Wagstaffe clocks are highly prized in England and enjoy the same hallowed reputation as the Willard Family does in America. Thomas lived until 1802.

Waltham Clock Company of Waltham, Massachusetts.

The various forms of the Waltham Clock and Waltham Watch Companies enjoyed a solid reputation for making quality clocks. It was first established in Waltham, Massachusetts in January of 1897 as the Waltham Clock Company in Waltham, Massachusetts. Their products were excellent quality, first selling primarily hall clocks, shelf clocks and then wall clocks. In 1913 they sold out to the watch making giant Waltham Watch but continued to make clocks under the Waltham Clock name until 1923 when the name was changed to the Waltham Watch and Clock Company. In 1925 the name was again changed, this time to the Waltham Watch Co. It is reported that pendulum clock production ended sometime around 1930.

Welch, Spring & Company of Forestville, Connecticut.

The Welch, Spring & Company was formed in March of 1868. This company was formed with the goal of producing a better quality clock than its parent label, E. N. Welch. The clocks offered by this spin off incorporated better woods in the construction of the cases and a higher level of detail work. As a result, Welch & Spring Clocks were more expensively priced. This business was absorbed by the parent company in 1884

Elisha Niles Welch was born on February 7, 1809 in Chatham, Conn and died August 2, 1887 in Forestville. During his lifetime he explored numerous ventures in clock related businesses over his life time. He began his clock career in a foundry that his father owned casting clock weights. In 1841-45 he became a partner in J. C. Brown's Forestville Mfg Co. He was the first President of the Bristol Brass & Clock Co. in 1850. He absorbed many clock businesses over a relatively short period of time including the Manross clock business in Forestville in 1854 and in 1855 J.C. Brown's company. Next where the businesses of John Birge, Frederick Otis, and Irenus Atkins. In 1864, he formed them into the E. N. Welch Mfg. Company.

Welch was also a world traveler and a lover of the arts and music. He often invited guest to his house and provided them with entertainment. Several clock models were named after his talented entertainment. One popular model, the Patti V. P. was named after the prodigy vocalist, Adelina Patti. Aldelina was a soprano prima donna. She is described as a beautiful woman who was wealthy, liberated and a nonconformist. She was very popular with men.

Solomon Crosby Spring was born on January 29 1826 in Grandby, Connecticut and died in 1906. He was the son of Thomas Spring and Candace Holcomb. SC began his career in the business of designing, manufacturing and managing clock related activities. He worked for S. B. Terry in Terryville and later moved to Bristol. By 1858 he was in business for himself as S. C. Spring. This company was the successor to the Birge, Peck, & Company. Solomon retired form clock making in 1895.

Caleb Wheaton of Providence, Rhode Island.

Caleb Wheaton (1757 -1827) set up shop in Providence, Rhode Island. His shop was located at 83 Main Street during the period 1785 – 1827. It is here that the Quaker Clock & Watchmaker advertised for sale clocks of his own manufacture, as well as imported watches "lately received from London." He quickly established himself as a superlative maker of movements, some of which are found in wide range of exceptional Newport and Boston styled cases. Numerous examples have been found to date that incorporate various bonnet forms. They include a pagoda top, a swan's neck pediment, a simple dome top and the traditional New England fret work form seen on this fine example. This diverse variety in case forms is a testament to his long working career. In 1810, he formed a partnership with one of his sons, possibly Calvin or Godfrey. In October, November and December of 1825, the firm Simon Willard and Son of Boston advertised in the "Rhode Island American" and "Providence Gazette" that Caleb Wheaton was an “Agent for vending their patent Time-peices.” Wheaton was one of the best known clockmakers of his time. He is best known for having made the clock in the tower of the First Baptist Meeting House. His long career yielded a large variety of clocks that were often made in collaboration with other clockmakers from different regions. Tall clocks and watches signed by this maker have been found.

Cyrus Whitcomb of Stow and Concord, Massachusetts.

Cyrus Whitcomb was born the son of Asaph Whitcomb and Marsylvia Randall in Stow, Massachusetts on December 16, 1809. His father Asaph Whitcomb was a clockmaker and watchmaker who worked in the towns of Stow, Concord and Watertown, Massachusetts. Cyrus is thought to have primarily worked in Stow and also with Asaph for a short period of time in Concord. The number of known signed examples of Cyrus signed clocks suggest that he was not as prolific a clockmaker. We have seen approximately four other banjo clocks by Cyrus Whitcomb. Interestingly, all four have been signed exactly like this one and have shared a similar overall form. Cyrus is thought to have worked in Stow, Massachusetts in the 1830's.

Asaph Whitcomb A clock and watchmaker working in Stow, Concord and Watertown, Massachusetts.

Asaph Whitcomb. A clock and watchmaker working in Stow, Concord and Watertown, Massachusetts.

Asaph Whitcomb was the son of Simeon Whitcomb (1750-1809 and Judith (Brown) Whitcomb (1747-1836).born in Marlborough, MA, on April 10, 1778. His death date and location are not currently known. Asaph Whitcomb married Marsylvia Randall of Stow, Massachusetts on November 4, 1778. Together they had three children. Benjamin Franklin was born in 1808, Cyrus on December 16, 1809 and trained to be a clockmaker and Marsylvia in 1812. Asaph Whitcomb worked in the towns of Stow, Concord and Watertown, Massachusetts. He is listed in Stow in 1808-11. On March 18,1799, it is recorded that while in Stowe, he was paid 15 pounds, 5 shillings for teaching school. He is then recorded as having a shop in the town of Concord on the Mill Dam next door to clockmaker Nathaniel Munroe in 1817. By 1820, he had relocated to Watertown and is listed there as a watchmaker and as a “manufacturer.” Tall clocks and a Massachusetts shelf clock with a kidney shaped dial are recorded. A watch paper is also known.

For more information about this Maker and others, please read Paul Foley's book, “Willard's Patent Timepieces."

Peregrine White of Woodstock, Connecticut.

Peregrine White was born the son of Joseph White (1713-1794) and Martha (Sawyer) White (1719-1804) in Sutton, Massachusetts on August 10, 1747 and died in East Woodstock, Connecticut on August 23, 1834. He was a namesake and direct descendent of the first English child born to the Pilgrims in the New World in Cape Cod Harbor in 1620. His name means "one who journeys to foreign lands," or, more simply, it is a French and Middle English word for "pilgrim." Peregrine also had a younger brother that worked as a clockmaker. His name was Joel White (1751-1836). Peregrin is first listed as a silversmith and clockmaker working in Boston in 1764 until 1774 when he removed to North Woodstock , Connecticut where he established his own shop west of Muddy Brook Village. He purchased” a shop on the road from Nathaniel Child to Sturbridge with all manner of tools and implements” for working on metals. He had a partner early on by the name of William Morris. This early silversmith shop developed into an institution for the manufacture of tall clocks with full moons and elaborate appurtenances, highly esteemed and patronized for many years by all the surrounding country. On March 1, 1787, he married Rebekah Bacon of Woodstock. About 1779 he trained Asa Sibley and possibly Jacob Sargeant. He joined the Universalist Church in Oxford in 1793. Peregrine stayed active as a clockmaker until about 1810. In 1831, Peregrine was a member of the Putnam Masonic Lodge. A surveyor's compass dated about 1790 was made by him and is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute.

Job White of Massachusetts.

There is very little information published regarding Job White. The best listing that I have found was researched by Paul Foley and is included in his book, “Willard's Patent Timepieces.” Foley lists White as a journeyman who work for Simon Willard. He also references court dealings with Boston cabinetmaker Elisha Adams and Clockmaker Gardner Parker. Very few clocks have been recorded with this Maker's signature to date.

John White Jr. of Humphreysville, Connecticut.

John White Jr was a casemaker, carpenter and millwright who worked in Humphreysville, Connecticut. The village of Humphreysville was renamed Seymour in 1850. This town is located just south of Naugatuck which was previously named Salem Bridge. Salem Bridge is now known in the horological word as the small village that produced a limited amount of brass 8-day clocks while what seemed like the rest of the State of Connecticut was building wooden geared versions. We can speculate that John White Jr., may have been a casemaker for Heman Clark and may have taken this movement in trade for payment.

Benjamin Whitear of Fairfield, Conn.

Benjamin was born the son of John Whitear Sr. He was a successful bell founder, clockmaker, a warden of his church and an important and respected citizen. John Sr. had seven children, but because of the burning of Fairfield by the British under General Tryon in 1779, little information is known. In this fire, records of the Trinity Church were lost. It is thought that Benjamin worked as early as 1770 through approximately 1800. On May 15, 1764, he did marry Sarah (Beers) Buclkley. He is recorded in Norwalk in 1768 and then in Sharon in 1774. It is likely he was taught the trade of clockmaking by his Father John Sr.

John Whitear of Fairfield, Connecticut. Clockmaker and Bell founder.

John Whitear's birth date is not currently known. It is currently thought that he may have been born in Fairfield and traveled to Boston to learn the art of clockmaking and bell casting. It is known that he returned to Fairfield in 1736 because he is listed as a member of the Church of England under the pastorship of Reverend Henry Caner in that year. On May 29, 1738 he advertised in the Boston Gazette "John Whitear of Fairfield (CT) Bell-founder, makes and sells all sorts of bells from the lowest size to two-thousand weight.” He was skilled in metal work. He is recorded as casting a bell for the new Anglican Church in Fairfield in 1739. In 1743/44 he cast a bell for Dr. Johnson who was a member of the Christ Church in Stratford. Whitear also made a clock for Dr. Johnson in 1750. This clock may have also been for the church?  In 1751, he cast a bell the Congregational Church in Fairfield. John married, his wife is not currently known. They had at lest four children that were born in Fairfield. His son John Jr was trained as a clockmaker and bell founder and worked for many years with his father until he passed in 1762 in Fairfield. John had a working career that spanned approximately 28 years. Assuming he started with clock No.1 and we know that Number 103 (made by his son) is dated 1764 two years after his death. This would suggest that they made approximately three or four clocks a year. His estate was settled by his son John Jr who succeeded both branches of his business, Bell founder and Clock maker.

Several tall clocks are known. Many of these are numbered and luckily a few are dated. The lowest number now known to us is No. 52. The highest number is No. 103. This No., 103 clock is also dated “1764.” This clock would have been made two years after John Seniors death.

John Senior and John Junior Whitear of Fairfield, Connecticut. Bell founders and Clockmakers.

John Whitear Senior's birth date is not currently known. It is currently thought that he may have been born in Fairfield and traveled to Boston to learn the art of clockmaking and bell casting. It is known that he returned to Fairfield in 1736 because he is listed as a member of the Church of England under the pastorship of Reverend Henry Caner in that year. On May 29, 1738, Senior advertised in the Boston Gazette "John Whitear of Fairfield (CT) Bell-founder, makes and sells all sorts of bells from the lowest size to two-thousand weight.” He was skilled in metal work and is recorded as casting a bell for the new Anglican Church in Fairfield in 1739. In 1743/44 he cast aWhitear bell for Dr. Johnson who was a member of the Christ Church in Stratford. Whitear also made a clock for Dr. Johnson in 1750. This clock may have also been for the church?  In 1751, he cast a bell the Congregational Church in Fairfield. John was married, his wife's name is not currently known. They had at lest four children that were born in Fairfield. His son John Jr, was born 1738 and died August 26, 1773 at the age of 35. He was also trained as a clockmaker and bell founder and worked for many years with his father until his Father passed in 1762 in Fairfield. John Senior had a working career that spanned approximately 28 years. His estate was settled by his son John Jr who succeeded both branches of his business, Bell founder and Clockmaker. Assuming John started with clock No.1 and we know that clock No. 103 (made by his son) is dated 1764 two years after his father death, this suggests that they made approximately three or four clocks a year.

John Whitear Junior was born in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1738. He was the John of John Whitear Senior who was best known as a bell founder. John Jr was a member of Trinty (Episcopal) Church of Fairfield. He lived in a neighborhood called Black Rock which is located on the seashore. It is thought that he trained under his father and continued to work in business with him until his father died in 1762. In that year, he is known to have made a clock for Peter Perry. Junior married Abigail, Rowland (b. 1742 â€" d. 1813) on June 11, 1767. She was a member of the Christ Chruch in Fairfield. It is thought that he may have trained Joseph Buckley of the same town. In 1767, he was appointed an Ensign of the second trainband of fairfield. In 1771, he was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant. John Jr. died on August 26, 1773 and was buried in the “Ye Old Burying Ground of Fairfield, Conn.” His estate was settled and a record or his inventory is listed. It was extensive.

A small number of tall clocks are known. Several of these are numbered and luckily a few are dated. The lowest number now currently known to us is No. 33. The highest number is No. 103. This No. 103 example is also dated “1764.” This clock would have been made two years after John Seniors death. An interesting observation is that a high percentage of the known clocks have been re-cased. This is also true of the other known Fairfield Clockmakers that include Joseph Buckley, William Burr Jr., The partnership of Whiting and Marquand and Richardson Minor. This may be a result of the British burning 192 houses, barns, shops and churches during their attack on Fairfield on July 7, 1779.

Riley Whiting of Winsted, Connecticut.

Riley Whiting was born in Torrington, Conn., on January 16, 1785 the son of Christopher and Mary (Wilcox) Whiting. In 1806, he married Urania Hoadley and served his apprenticeship with the Hoadleys in Plymouth, Connecticut making wooden geared clocks. In 1807, Riley, Samuel Whiting and Luther Hoadley formed a partnership and began building short and long pendulum clocks in Winchester. Luther Hoadley died in 1813 and about the same time, Samuel entered the U. S. Army. This left Riley in business all by himself. He continued as sole proprietor and in 1819 moved to the town of Winsted until he died there in 1835. It is thought that he began to manufacture shelf clock movements about 1828. During this later period, Riley is thought to have perfected the eight-day wooden geared movement. After his death, his widow and 15 year old son Riley Jr., continued a limited operation until 1841 when they sold out to William L. Gilbert.

Elijah Whiton of Groton and Hingham, Massachusetts.

Elijah Whiton was born in Hingham, Massachusetts on March 6, 1799 and died there on February 10, 1871 at the age of 72. He is listed in Paul Foley's book, “Willard's Patent Time Pieces” as a clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith, mathematical instrument maker and a wooden ware manufacturer. He worked in Groton for many years in various trades. Advertisements and real estate records locate him in Groton as early as 1822. It appears that he stayed and worked in several Groton locations until 1839. After which, it appears he returned to Hingham. It is easy to speculate that his clock output was very limited. In all the years that we have been in business, we have seen ony two examples signed by this clockmaker.

Oliver Wight of Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Oliver Wight was born in Medway, Massachusetts on September 27, 1765 and died in Sturbridge on October 22, 1837. His Parents David Wight, born August 16th, 1733 and Catherine Morse, born March 5th 1737 were both originally from Medfield, Massachusetts and married on June 19th, 1760. Together they settled just west in Medway immediately after their marriage. Six years later, they erected a house on the great road in that town and opened it for public entertainment. Here they remained until they sold this property in 1773. In that year, they purchased 1000 acres of land in Sturbridge. Approximately 40 miles west, Sturbridge was at that time considered wild wilderness. By 1775, Mr. Wight and his three boys, David Wight 2nd, Oliver and Alpheus had cleared enough land to grow grains and grass and with this move, they become one of the first settlers of this town.

AT the age of 21, Oliver married Harmony Child in Sturbridge on July 5, 1786. They had eleven children and enjoyed a brief period of prosperity.

Oliver, like his brothers David and Alpheus, acquired property form their father who held expansive property holdings. In 1789, Oliver and Harmony were thought to have had the housewright Samuel Stetson build their Georgian style dwelling. This clap-boarded homestead featured a hipped-gable roof, two interior chimneys and a ballroom on the second story that spans the front of the building. This impressive building is now part of Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and is one of only two buildings on the OSV property that stands on it's original site. This property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Here, Oliver also constructed a sizable shop. Oliver was an ambitious cabinetmaker. He is said to have built chairs, tables, chests, bed steads, and other household furniture. He is recorded as advertising his wares in the Massachusetts Spy, a newspaper published in Worcester. An advertisement placed on June 13, 1793 “Respectfully informs the Publick, THAT he carries on the CABINET and CHAIRMAKING BUSINESS in it's various branches…” Another sign of their prosperity is the existence of the couple's portraits which can be found in the collections of The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg. They are thought to have been painted by Beardsley Limner. Financial troubles soon followed the family sometime around 1793. An advertisement placed on September 5th, 1793 in the Massachusetts Spy was taken out by Deputy Sheriff James Upham. This notice claims that Oliver had absconded and that on the 23rd of that month, He was going to sell “A PRETTY affortment (assortment) of Cabinet Work, Houfehold Furniture, Hard Ware, and many other Articles, too numerous to Mention…” in order to eliminate three hundred and fifty (British) pounds of debt. Later, the family was forced to sell the house in 1795. Oliver moves to Providence, Rhode Island and in April of 1802, The Massachusetts Spy reports that Oliver is to face the court and is bankrupt.

Joshua Wilder of Hingham, Massachusetts

Joshua Wilder was born on December 2nd, 1786 in Hingham, Massachusetts. He was trained in the art of clockmaking by John Bailey Jr. of Hanover, MA. Wilder completed this apprenticeship some time around 1807. It appears he stayed in Hanover for a brief period of time before moving back to Hingham to established his home and business located on Main Street in the South Parish. Here, he was the first clockmaker to settle in this prosperous town and found a ready market for tall case clocks, dwarf clocks, wall timepieces, the Massachusetts shelf form and mirror clocks. Wider becomes one of America's most prolific Makers of the dwarf clock form.

Wilder also becomes very active in the local religious Society of Friends and became known as the “Old Quaker Joshua Wilder.” He was also involved with the Temperance Society and Peace Society of Hingham. Wilder's business eventually evolves into a retailer of common goods. Wilder is said to have trained several Clockmakers that includes his son Ezra Wilder, Reuben Tower, Allen Kelley and Phillip Bennet. About 1840, it is said that his son Eza joined him in business. Joshua dies on October 4, 1860 in the town of Scituate.

A fair number of clocks made by this maker have been found. Many of which are the dwarf form but also include in much smaller numbers tall case clocks, timepieces, shelf clocks and mirror clocks. Currently, the Hingham Library is displaying a tall case clock made by him.

	Joshua Wilder Lyre Timepiece. Hingham, Massachusetts. Lyre clock. 213162 This is a fine example of a mahogany cased lyre form wall clock or timepiece made circa 1830. The form is… read more
	Joshua Wilder Clockmaker working in the town of Hingham, Massachusetts. Featuring a rocking ship dial. UU100 This is an excellent example of a rocking ship tall clock made by Joshua Wilder of Hingham, Massachusetts. This federal case… read more
	Joshua Wilder Dwarf Clock. 2616 This is a formal example of a dwarf tall clock made by Joshua Wilder of Hingham, MA. read more
	Joshua Wilder dwarf clock. Hingham, MA. Mahogany case with a time and alarm movement. AAA1 Wilder dwarf clocks generally fall into two categories. The first is a scaled down version of the tall clock form being… read more
	Joshua Wilder of Hingham, Massachusetts. A dwarf clock. RR72. RR-72 Joshua Wilder of Hingham, Massachusetts. Dwarf Clock. Wilder dwarf clocks fall into two main categories. It appears that he offered… read more
	Joshua Wilder. Hingham, Mass Clockmaker. A fine cross-banded mahogany cased tall clock. The original hand written instructions on the procedure to set up the clock and the pricing is inside the case. This is signed by the Clockmaker in his hand. XXSL40. Joshua Wilder (1786-1860) is an important Hingham clockmaker. He was a member of the renown and influential group of Quaker clockmakers… read more
	Joshua Wilder. Hingham, Massachusetts Clockmaker. A fine cross banded and line inlaid mahogany tall case clock. XXSL82 Joshua Wilder (1786-1860) is an important Hingham clockmaker. He was a member of the renown and influential group of Quaker clockmakers… read more

Charles Wilder of Peterborough, New Hampshire. An American barometer maker.

Charles Wilder was born the son of Mark and Eliza Ann ( Thayer ) Wilder. He attended the common schools and the Academy in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He became a popular teacher at the Academy and later the Principal. He had planned to continue his education and become a lawyer but his Fathers debts forced him into the family business of shoe pegs. He pursued this business for two years when in 1860 he secured the rights to manufacture portable mercury barometers under the patent issued to a Mr. Lum Woodruff of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lum Woodruff reported weather observations to the Smithsonian Institution. He patented a portable barometer that proved to be extremely popular. Its key feature was a divided cistern. It was constructed so that when the glass tube was full of mercury, the lower portion of the cistern would be as well. As a result, it could be shut off from the now empty upper portion. In the fall of 1861, Charles Wilder converted an old factory in Peterborough into a barometer shop. He began touting the virtues of Woodruff's instrument. He claimed that it was “simple, durable, accurate, perfectly portable, and very cheap,” and also “a very beautiful and ornamental piece of furniture.” It promised farmers a five percent savings on all their crops. For scientific men it offered “superior accuracy.” And for “gentlemen of leisure and cultivation” it offered a “never ending and constantly varying study of interest.” All three of Wilder's standard barometer designs had a natural position and use for a thermometer. His scale in Fahrenheit ranged from 0 to 110 degrees. Wilder Barometers were sold throughout the United States by advertising through the leading agricultural periodicals of the day. As a successful businessman and prominent citizen he was an active member and supporter of his Church. He served as a representative to the state legislature in 1869 and 1870 and was also a town moderator in 1869. He died in 1900. The business continued for a short time until it was sold to the W. & L. E. Gurley Instrument Company of Troy, New York. (Most of this info was provided from the Peterborough, New Hampshire Historical Society.)

Aaron Willard of Grafton, Roxbury and Boston, Massachusetts.

Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts on October 13th, 1757. Little is known of his early life in Grafton. It is here that he probably learned the skill of clock making from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. It is recorded that he did march with them in response to the Lexington Alarm on April 19,1775. In 1780, Aaron moved from Grafton to Roxbury along with his brother Simon. Here the two Willard brothers establish a reputation for themselves as fine clock manufactures. They were both responsible for training a large number of apprentices, many of which became famous clock makers in their own right. The Willards dominated the clock making industry in the Boston area during the first half of the nineteenth century. Aaron worked in a separate location in Roxbury from his brother and relocated about a quarter mile away from Simon's shop across the Boston line about 1792. Aaron is listed in the 1798 Boston directory as a clock maker 'on the Neck' and his large shop employed up to 30 people, while 21 other clock makers, cabinetmakers, dial and ornamental painters and gilders worked within a quarter-mile radius by 1807. We have owned a large number of tall case clocks made by this important Maker. In addition, we have also owned a good number of wall timepieces in the form of banjo clocks as well as numerous Massachusetts shelf clock forms.

	Aaron Willard cross-banded mahogany tall case clock featuring a rocking ship dial and a Revere set up label. YY60. This important cross-banded mahogany cased tall clock was made by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. This example features an automated dial… read more
	Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. A Dish Dial shelf clock with time and alarm movement. This Massachusetts Dish Dial Shelf Clock was made by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. It is fitted with an alarm. This… read more
	Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. Wall Timepiece or banjo clock. -SOLD- This decorative Federal Massachusetts Wall Timepiece or "Banjo clock" was made by Aaron Willard Boston, Massachusetts circa 1830. The case is… read more
	Aaron Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A mahogany cased tall clock with a Revere set up label. 212094 This important inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts.   This is a classic Roxbury… read more
	Aaron Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Tall case clock with original set up label. 21066 This important labeled mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts.   This is a classic Roxbury… read more
	Aaron Willard Tall case clock. Boston, Massachusetts This mahogany line inlaid and cross banded tall case clock was made in Boston, Massachusetts by Aaron Willard. This is an… read more
	Aaron Willard. Boston, Massachusetts. An important gilded case Gallery Clock. This important gilded case Gallery Clock was made by Aaron Willard of Boston, Massachusetts. The true weight driven gallery wall clock… read more

Simon Willard of Grafton and Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Simon Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts on April 3, 1753. It is in Grafton that Simon learned and began a successful career as a Clockmaker. On April 19, 1775 Simon answered the Lexington alarm along with his brothers. It is thought that by 1780 he moved from Grafton and took up residence in Roxbury. Simon was a Master Clockmaker as well as an Inventor. Some of his designs or inventions include “The Improved Timepiece” or Banjo clock, a roasting jack patent that rotated meat as it cooked in the fireplace, and an alarm clock patent. In addition, he trained many men to make clocks who intern became well known Clockmakers once their apprenticeships were served. Some of which include William Cummens, Elnathan Taber, and the brothers Levi and Able Hutchins. Some of the more notable public clocks Simon built include the clock that is in The United States Capital, the one located in the U. S. Senate, and the one located in the House of Representatives. As a result, his clock were searched out by many affluent New England citizens of his day. Simon died on August 30, 1848 at the age of 95.

Alexander Willard of Ashby, Massachusetts.

It is reported that Alexander Tarbell Willard was a direct descendant of Col. Simon Willard (1605-1676), a co-founder of Concord, Massachusetts in 1637. Col. Willard had three wives who bore him seventeen children. The descendants of which made the Ashby / Ashburnham Willard families relatives of the Grafton / Boston Willard clockmaking families. I wonder if they knew of each other?

Alexander T. Willard was the son of an Ashburnham, Massachusetts farmer, Jacob Willard (1734-1808) and his wife Rhoda Randall of Stow, Massachusetts. He was born in this town on November 4th, 1774. He had one brother named Philander Jacob Willard who was also a clockmaker. It is now thought that he served his clockmaking apprenticeship with the Edwards Brothers of Ashby. He apparently worked in Ashburnham for only a brief time (1796-1800). On May 24th, 1800, Alexander married Tila Oakes of Cohasset. She was employed as a school teacher working in Ashby. They married and moved to Ashby shortly after. It has been recorded that she painted some of the wooden tall clock dials for his clocks.

In Ashby, Alexander made a large number of wooden geared tall clocks and became a prominent citizen of that town. He was employed as a Postmaster (1812-1836), as Town Clerk (1817 – 1821) and he invested and managed the construction of the Ashby Turnpike. It ran through Ashby center from Townsend to New Hampshire. We know that he made many wooden movement tall clocks because we have personally seen and own a fair number of them. It is also reported from various sources that he made the follow items; a musical clock, tower clocks, timepieces, old fashion theodolites or compasses, gunters chains, scales, timers, seraphones (A forerunner of the reed organ), rifles and repaired watches. I have no personal knowledge of any of these other items.

Ephraim Willard of Medford, Roxbury and Boston, Massachusetts.

Ephraim Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts on March 18th, 1755. He parents, Benjamin Willard and Sarah (Brooks) Willard had twelve children. Four of the boys became clockmakers. Little is known of Ephraim's early life in Grafton where he probably learned clock making from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. Simon Willard (1753-1848) was to become America's most famous clockmaker. It is recorded that Ephraim did march with his brothers in response to the Lexington Alarm on April 19,1775. His service lasted all of one week and five days. In 1777, he took up residence in Medford, Massachusetts and was listed as a clock and watchmaker. In 1784, a lawsuit identifies him a a trader living in Boston. In 1795 through 1801, he is listed as a Roxbury resident in the Roxbury Tax Records. In 1801, he purchased land and a house on Sheaf's Lane in Boston. The deed for this transaction describes Ephraim as a “Merchant.” Financial difficulties followed over the next two years and Ephraim was then described as a Clockmaker. In 1804, he is listed in the Boston Tax Records as a clockmaker on Elliot Street. In 1805 Ephraim moved to New York City and is listed occasionally as a watchmaker until 1832. Ephraim, like his older brother Benjamin, was a bit of a wanderer. It seems his production as a Clockmaker was a fraction of what his three other brothers produced. A small number of tall clocks are know. The cases he selected to house his clocks range in form from very simple and reserved to what are considered the best the Boston area cabinetmaker had to offer.

Benjamin Willard of Grafton, Lexington, and Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Benjamin Willard is the oldest of four Willard clockmaking brothers. His younger brother Simon is considered by many to be America's most famous Clockmaker. The two other younger brothers that also made clocks include Ephraim and Aaron. Benjamin was born March 19, 1743. As a New England Clockmaker, he never stayed in one location for an extended period of time. In December 1764, he advertised himself as a maker of shoe lasts and that he was located in East Hartford, Connecticut at the home of Benjamin Cheney. Because Cheney was and established clockmaker, it is logical to assume that he received some wooden geared clock training from him. In fact, two signed Benjamin wooden geared clocks are known and interestingly, both feature the Cheney construction form. Returning from Hartford to Grafton sometime in 1766 and by early 1767, Benjamin relocated to Lexington, Massachusetts. Here it is recorded that he worked with and then succeeded the brass clockmaker Nathaniel Mulliken. It is thought that Benjamin received some level of brass construction clockmaking training from Mulliken before he past in late 1767. Shortly there after, he hired a John Morris to teach himself and his brothers Simon and Aaron brass clockmaking. During this period, he advertised that he maintained separate shops in both towns until 1771 when it appears he moved the Lexington shop to Roxbury. The Roxbury shop then moved to Brookline in 1775. During the period 1777-78 he advertised being located in Medford. Benjamin moved back to Grafton and then later Worcester and then to Baltimore, Maryland where he died in September of 1803.

On September 3rd of 1789, Benjamin advertised in the Herald and Worcester Recorder that he had moved from Grafton to Worcester and that he had manufactured 359 clocks in the past 23 years. That works out to approximately 15 or 16 clocks per year during that period. He also states that he had left Roxbury in 1775. Current research suggests that somewhere shortly after clock number 239 he moved from Roxbury and these are perhaps pre-revolutionary.

Philander Jacob Willard of Ashburnham, Massachusetts

Philander Jacob Willard was the son of an Ashburnham, Massachusetts farmer, Jacob Willard (1734-1808) and his wife Rhoda Randall of Stow, Massachusetts. Philander was born in this small New England town on September 29,1772. He had one younger brother who was also a clockmaker. His name is Alexander Tarbell Willard. It is now thought that he served his clockmaking apprenticeship with the brothers Abraham and Calvin Edwards of Ashby. Philander's first shop was located in Ashburnham and may have made clocks as early as 1793. His clocks are typical of the Ashby design being constructed from wood, wound by pulling on a cord and running 30 hours. Interstingly, he may have signed his clocks in several formats. Some of which include, “P. Willard/ Ashburnham”, “J. Willard / Ashburham” or “Jacob Willard / Ashburnham.” He was not a prolific maker. Philander moved to Ashby after 1825 and died there on December 26, 1840.

Currently clocks found signed Philander Willard, J. Willard and Jacob Willard are all asscoiated to have been made by this Maker.

Simon Willard & Son of Boston, Massachusetts.

Simon Willard Jr., was born on January 13,1795 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was an accomplished clock, watch and chronometer maker. He served his first apprenticeship with his father Simon. In 1810 through 1812, he was training with his brother in law John Pond. Pond was a watchmaker working in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 1813, Simon Jr. entered the West Point Military Academy and graduated two years later in March. He was commissioned in the Ordnance Corps and sent to the Pittsburgh Arsenal on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. In May of 1816, he resigned at the rank of Lieutenant and returned to Roxbury. It is recorded that in 1817, and went into the glassware and Crockery business. On December 6th, 1821, he married Eliza Adams. Together they had seven children. As early as 1823, Simon Jr. was in business with his father as Simon Willard & Son. In 1826-27, Simon Jr, moved to New York City in order to train as a chronometer maker under the guidance of Dominick Eggert. When he returned from his apprenticeship in chronometer making, he set up his own shop on No. 9 Congress Street in Boston. Here he became very successful as a merchant and a chronometer repairman. He was famous among sea captains and sailors as a weather prophet. Simon Jr., was a talented person and financially successful.

Aaron Willard Junior of Boston, Massachusetts.

Aaron Willard Jr. was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts on June 29, 1783. He had the good fortune of being born into America's leading clockmaking family. His father Aaron and uncle Simon had recently moved from the rural community of Grafton and began a productive career of manufacturing high quality clocks in this new ideal location. Based on the traditions of the day, it is thought that Aaron Jr. probably learned the skill of clockmaking from his family. We have owned a large number of wall timepieces or more commonly called banjo clocks that were made by this talented maker. Based on the numbers seen in the marketplace, it is logical to assume he was one of the most prolific makers of this form. We have also owned a fair number of tall case clocks, Massachusetts shelf clocks and gallery clocks. Aaron Jr. retired from clockmaking sometime around 1850 and moved to Newton, Massachusetts. He died on May 2nd, 1864.

	Aaron Willard Jr. tall case clock. Boston, Massachusetts. A very colorful example. This very attractive case exhibits bold proportions. This is due to the fact that the dial is slightly oversized measuring 13… read more
	Aaron Willard Jr., Boston, Massachusetts. An inlaid and cross-banded mahogany case tall clock. PP125 This fine inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts. Aaron Willard Jr. was born… read more
	Aaron Willard Jr., Boston, Massachusetts. This important tall case clock retains the Maker's set up label. RR55 This important labeled mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard Jr., of Boston, Massachusetts.   Aaron Willard Jr. was… read more
	Aaron Willard Jr., of Boston, Massachusetts. A large gilded gallery clock made in 1831. This impressive case measures 44.25 inches in diameter. This important gilded case Gallery Clock was made by Aaron Willard Jr., of Boston, Massachusetts in 1831. The weight driven gallery… read more

Simon Willard Junior of Boston, Massachusetts.

Simon Jr., was born January 13,1795 in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He served his clock apprenticeship to his father Simon and in 1810-1812 to his brother in law John Pond who was a Watchmaker working in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 1826-27 he lived in New York City in order to trained as a chronometer maker under Dominick Eggert. in 1813, he entered West Point Military Academy and graduated two years later in March. He was commissioned in the Ordnance Corps and sent to the Pittsburgh Arsenal on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. In May of 1816, he resigned at the rank of Lieutenant and returned to Roxbury in 1817 and went into the glassware and Crockery business. On December 6th, 1821 he Married Eliza Adams. Together they had seven children. As early as 1823, Simon Jr. was in business with his father as Simon Willard & Son. When he returned from his apprenticeship in chronometer making In 1826, he set up his own shop on No. 9 Congress Street in Boston. Here he became very successful as a merchant and a chronometer repairman. He was famous among sea captains and sailors as a weather prophet. Simon Jr., was a talented person and financially successful.

David Williams of Newport and Providence, Rhode Island. Clockmaker, watchmaker, silversmith and jeweler.

David Williams was born in Rochester, Massachusetts on March 29, 1769. His parents were John Williams (b. 1731- ) and Mary (Peckham) Williams of Middletown, RI (b. 1733-). David was a Quaker. It is not clear who trained David as a clockmaker. It is thought that he was at work in Newport by 1800. His shop was located on the corner of Duke and Queen Streets. In 1811, he moved his shop on the north side of Parade. This location was ten doors down above his old stand. This shop was most recently occupied by Zenas Fearing. In 1818, he moved again to 56 Broad Street. All the while, he must have had a retail outlet in the city of Providence. He was one of, if not the most prolific Clockmakers in Rhode Island. We have owned many tall clocks, Massachusetts Shelf clocks and other banjo clocks in the recent past. It is interesting to note that we know who made the banjo clock cases for Williams. A probate court record exists that indicates that John Young performed this service. David Williams died in Newport on June 29,1823 at the age of 54.

Moses Wing of Windsor and Hartford Connecticut and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Moses Wing was born April 25, 1760 the son of Samuel and Joannah (Haskell) Wing. He served in the Revolutionary War and was present at the retreat from New York. In 1777, he enlisted as a private for service at Peekskill in Captian Edward Griswold's company of the Connecticut Militia. This ended his service as a major. He returned to Windsor and became know as a goldsmith, but also made brass clocks, silver spoons, etc., and repaired watches. Several tall case clocks are known to us. All of which have had sheet brass dials that were skillfully engraved and treated with a silver wash. Three of these dials have been found with the initials “DP” engraved on the front of them. We now speculate that they are the initials of Daniel Porter. This style of engraved brass dial was very popular with the clockmaking school of Thomas Harland and later Daniel Burnap. We speculate that Wing apprenticed to with Daniel Burnap while in Windsor based on the construction of the movements known. In March of 1803, he and Geer Terry advertised their partnership in the Hartford American Mercury that they were “Makers of all kinds of gold and silver work.” This partnership was located in Hartford until 1805 when Moses relocated to Worcester, MA and advertised as a gold and silversmith and took on Martin Moses as an apprentice. Moses Wing married twice. His first wife was Hannah Denslow, married on 12 December 1781 in Windsor. His second wife was Huldah Denslow. She was a cousin of Hannah's. They were married on 8 April 1793 in Windsor. Moses Wing died on October 28, 1809 in Worcester and is buried in Palisdo Cemetry in Windsor where his tombstone still stands.  Huldah Wing was appointed administratix of the estate of her husband Moses. The estate was inventoried for the sum of $2284.67.Â

Paine Wingate Clockmaker and Silversmith working in of Haverhill, Boston and Newburyport, MA and in Augusta, Maine.

Paine Wingate, the clockmaker was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on December 10, 1767. His parents were William Wingate (1745-1821) and Mehitable Bradley (1747-1796). He had an older younger bother, Frederick Wingate (1782-1862) who he may have trained. Frederick becomes on of Maine's most prolific clockmakers. Paine is recorded as working in Boston as a clockmaker as early as 1789. On August 12, 1792, he married Mary Pecker of Salem, MA in Haverhill. On January 1, 1795, Paine advertised in the Guardian of Freedom that he carries on the business of Clock and Watchmaker as usual. His shop was located on Federal Street in Haverhill. Here, he advertised that he also sold gold, silver, furniture and worked on various items. In 1803, he moved his shop down the Merrimack River to Newburyport. This shop was located on Merrimack Street. On December 9, 1803, Paine advertised in the _Newburyport Herald_ (Newburyport MA), that he repaired all manner of clocks and watches and also bought and sold silver, gold, and old brass. After 1811, we find him listed as a silversmith and clockmaker in Augusta, Maine. Paine died on February 20, 1833.

Very few clocks are know to us that are signed by this Maker. One shelf clock example is in the collection at Wintethur. Very few tall clocks have come to the marketplace in the last 50 years.

Frederick Wingate of Augusta, Maine.

Frederick Wingate, silversmith, watch and clockmaker was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on January 11th, 1782 and died in Augusta, Maine on November 16th, 1864. His parents were William Wingate (1745-1821) and Mehitable (Bradley) Wingate (1747-1796). He had an older brother, Paine Wingate (1767-1833) who was working in Boston as a clockmaker as early as 1789. Paine may have trained Frederick. Frederick married Hannah Page of Haverhill on January 17th, 1806. In 1814, he served as a soldier during the War of 1812.

Frederick worked as a silversmith, watch and clockmaker and became one of Maine's most prolific clockmakers. He may have been trained in Massachusetts before he moved north to Augusta, Maine by 1803. As a clockmaker, he made many tall clocks, banjo clocks, and mirror clocks. It appears that his efforts were mostly in the production of tall case clocks of which many are numbered. Examples have been reported from number 15 to a high of 302. He apprenticed Benjamin Swan of Augusta in 1808 and their work is often very similar in form. Many of the cases are quite similar and share unique characteristics such as the use of contrasting woods. Reoccurring features found on many Augusta clocks are the use of figured maple in waist door and on the base panel, unusual turned and often shaped waist and hood columns and colorfully painted Boston orig dial painted by Spencer Nolen. A fair number of Wingate clocks retain their original set up labels. If present, these can be found pasted inside the waist door.

Jonathan Winslow of New Salem, Worcester, Brookfield, Palmer and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Jonathan Winslow was born in south eastern Massachusetts in the town of Rochester on August 15, 1765. He was the son of Shubael and Azubah (Blogett) Winslow. He is recorded as having moved and worked in several Massachusetts towns including New Salem, Worcester, Brookfield in 1795, Palmer and Springfield. He married Elizabeth Bailey of Worcester on January 1, 1790. Jonathan died in Springfield on July 20, 1847.

It was perviously thought that he served his clockmaking apprenticeship with the Cheneys in East Hartford, Connecticut. This family is now well known for being primarily wooden movement clockmakers. This information is now disputed in Philip Morris's new book, "American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks 1712 – 1835" due to the lack of similarity in construction styles. We have seen and owned several Winslow dwarf clocks over the last forty-five years. A percentage of these clocks are die-stamp on the seatboard by the Maker. The dwarf clock case form appears to be his most common form. There might be less that a dozen of these dwarf cases pictured in the horological literature.

David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

David Wood was born the son of John and Eunice Wood in Newburyport, Massachusetts on July 5, 1766. It is thought that he may have been apprenticed to either Daniel Balch Senior or one of the members of the Mulliken family. All of whom were prominent Clockmakers in this region. On June 13, 1792, David advertised that he had set up a shop in Market Square, near Reverend Andrews Meeting House, where he made and sold clocks. Three short years latter, he married Elizabeth Bird in 1795. It has become evident, that David Wood was also a Retailer. In 1806, he advertised that he had for sale "Willard's best Patent Timepieces, for as low as can be purchased in Roxbury." In the year 1818, he and Abel Moulton, a local silversmith, moved into the shop formerly occupied by Thomas H. Balch. In 1824 he advertised that he had moved on the westerly side of Market Square opposite the Market House. After his wife's death in 1846, he moved to Lexington to live near is son David, who was a merchant in that town.

It has become quite obvious to us that David Wood was a very successful Clockmaker and Retailer of Clocks. Over the last 40 plus years of being in the business of selling clocks, we have sold many examples of wall, shelf, and tall case clocks bearing this Maker's signature on the dial.

	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. This is a fine birch tall case clock with a lovely painted dial signed by David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. This… read more
	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Shelf clock. -Sold- The Massachusetts shelf clock can be loosely categorized into four forms that are most often described by the shape of the… read more
	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. A line inlaid mahogany case tall clock. 212079 This is a fine inlaid mahogany tall case clock with a lovely painted dial signed by David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts.… read more
	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. A mahogany cased tall clock. TT-96. This is a fine mahogany tall case clock with a lovely painted dial signed by David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. This… read more
	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. A weight driven shelf clock. -SOLD- Newburyport, Massachusetts certainly has it's share of accomplished clockmakers. Names that easily come to mind are Mulliken, Balch and David Wood.… read more
	David Wood of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Tall case clock. II-163 This country example is constructed in birch and retains an older mahoganized finish. As a result, the case color is a… read more
	Mr. David Wood A period photograph of David Wood who is seated. read more

Josiah Wood of Dartmouth and New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Josiah Wood was born in New Bedford on February 21, 1774. Currently his parents are not known. Josiah is first recorded as a “Dartmouth Gunsmith” when he sold five acres of land in that town in March of 1794. He also married in October of that same year Philadelphia Thomas in New Bedford. He soon moved to New Bedford in 1797 where he is listed as a “Goldsmith” in a land transaction there. He purchased a house lot on the northwest corner of Walnut Street and Second Street in the village on Bedford in New Bedford. In 1799, he advertised that he had a clock and watch-making business, "in the best and neatest manner." It is not known who trained him as a clockmaker. Over the next four decades, Wood had a number of locations including Main Street and eventually No. 62 Union Street. All the while expanding his businesses. He soon was making clocks, repairing watches, preforming engraving work, gold and silversmithing and selling a general assortment of dry goods. He became a successful importer and retailer of European and West India goods. It is currently thought that he made very few clocks over his lifetime. This is based on the very limited number of clocks that appear in the marketplace. The New Bedford Whaling Museum has a fantastic example that we sold to them in 2005. They also have a wonderful miniature portrait on ivory of him in their collection.

Wood & Taylor New York cabinetmakers.

Robert Wood and James S. and or or Jacob S. Taylor were cabinetmakers who first worked independently in New York City during the period of 1808-1810. In 1810, they both fled the city during a smallpox epidemic. It is recorded that in 1810, they settled for a short period of time in the small village of Florida, New York which is located in Orange County. The New York City directories lists Robert Wood as a registered cabinetmaker working in New York in 1808-1818. A James Taylor is also listed in the city in 1802-1804 and again in 1812-1819. A 1820 census lists Wood as returning to New York City and Taylor working in Goshen, NY. The village of Goshen is located 5 miles from Florida. We now know of a small number of these clock cases that can be attributed to these cabinetmakers. Interestingly, a fair number of these cases are fitted with movements that feature a short pendulum and are attributed to the Newburgh, New York area. The Wood & Taylor form features narrow proportions and are coupled with the design format and layout of the numerous inlay patterns. The style is typical of Hepplewhite tall clocks made in New York or more properly New York City and northern New Jersey regions. The form is characterized by have high-pitched or elevated and very graceful or narrow swan-neck pediments, narrow waists and are usually fitted with French style feet. All of these cases seemed to have used heavily figured woods and many are elaborately inlaid to various tastes or budgets. The inlay patterns can be executed with simple highlighting of the various veneered forms or add to the overall complexity of the decoration in the form of complex stringing, a variety of panels, shells, stars, pinwheels, and urns. The wood used often included satinwood, ebony, rosewood, boxwood, mahogany and dyed wood samples. Today, there at least a dozen examples known that share very similar characteristics. These are all grounded by a clock that the New York Museum now owns. Their example retains a hand written label by the Wood & Taylor firm while working in Florida, New York. Since that clocks discovery, two others examples have been reported to have labels. These three labeled examples all share very similar inlaid decorations, including their signature star-decorated tympanums.

John Wood Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The clockmakers John Wood Sr., Peter Stretch and Joseph Wills are considered the three most significant Pennsylvania clocks makers of the first half of the 1700's. For John Wood, no birth dates are currently known. We do know that he was at work as early as 1729 and died in 1760-61. John Wood Sr. advertised his business in the Pennsylvania Gazette as early as 1734 and continued to operate his establishment at the corner of Front and Chestnut streets, in a shop that had originally belonged to Peter Stretch, until his death in 1761. He had a son John Wood Jr who was also a clock maker to whom he willed his tools and house.

There are a small number of John Wood tall case clocks in public collections. One fine example can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a history of descent in the family of Joseph Barber (about 1763-1830) of Princeton, New Jersey.

For a more in depth discussion of John Wood and early brass dial American clocks, Please read Frank Hohmann's, Timeless / MASTERPIECES AMERICAN BRASS DIAL CLOCKS.

David Young of Hopkington, New Hampshire.

It is reported that David Young was most likely born on July 13, 1746 in Kingston, New Hampshire. In 1773, he married Sarah Eastman of Concord. Together they had two children. He may have been in Hopkington, New Hampshire as soon as 1776. By 1800, he is taxed for stock and trade in that town. In 1801, he is listed as a “cabinetmaker” and is also described as a joiner in numerous transactions. The Hopkinton Baptist Church records his death on December 10, 1836. We definitively know that Young made cases for Levi and Able Hutchins of Concord, Timothy Chandler of Concord and Edmund Currier of Hopkinton. It is interesting to note that the Town of Hopkington, in the early 1800's, was visited daily by a stage. It was located in a direct line of travel between Boston and Montreal. The town steadily grew until the 1830's.

Posted by: aaronlestorke76es.blogspot.com

Source: https://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/category/8/Library-of-Clockmakers

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