Aaron Willard
Encyclopedia
Aaron Willard was an entrepreneur
, an industrialist, and a designer
of clock
s who worked extensively at his Boston factory during the early years of the United States of America.
While at the family farm at Grafton, Aaron Willard developed his career conjointly with his three brothers, who became celebrated horologists too (though Aaron's and his brother Simon's
creations are the most significant).
Both brothers moved to Boston's Roxbury Street, where they developed one of the first modern American industries, independently from each other. Simon and Aaron Willard's clocks were the first economically accessible timepieces of the country.
, Kent
, England
. In America, Simon Willard became a military commander and dealt fiercely with the Indians
. The Willards were among the founders of the town of Concord, Massachusetts
. Later on, Simon had a prominent role throughout the region as politician and judge.
A century later, Aaron Willard was of Simon's fifth New England
generation. He was born in 1757, at a farm located in the hill-region of Grafton
, in Worcester County, Massachusetts
. Aaron Willard's parents were Benjamin Willard
and Sarah Brooks. He was the third of four sons; his brothers were Benjamin
, Simon
, and Ephraim.
After Senior Benjamin's first steps into horology, the four brothers became horologists as well. All developed their skills at their Grafton farm and, initially, they shared time between farming chores and the new activity. All their lives were closely connected and they had strong influence reciprocally.
At Boston, the two Willard brothers' chief enterprises—Simon's and Aaron's—were of the first American industries. Their well-organized modern workshops demanded supplies—such as mahogany
or previously cast pieces—which stemmed from more than 20 manufacturers within a mile-zone. They dominated the clock-making in the Boston region.
Both brothers had successful uncompromising policies in commerce, although they were permanently pledged into improving the design of their clocks too. Due to Aaron's massive production, the clock became a domesticated product for public usage, whether in parlors, office
s, or the like. Nonetheless, the Willard brothers' clocks weren't affordable yet for most common people.
The Willard family became quite recognizable within American high society
, particularly Simon.
. They simplified its action-mechanism and, for casing, they used specifically tailored wooden frames—which were uncomplicated for either manufacturing or assembling.
Their new smaller models were relatively economic. Therefore, sales rose quickly, and the Willard brothers supplied clocks to both public and domestic consumers.
Aaron Willard's models were:
On every unit, Aaron Willard spelled his signature out, over either the dial or the glass-panel.
The clocks' tops were adorned with a series of wooden curly arrangements called Whales-Tails. Later on, these ringlets evolved, and they finished extra-stretched and artistically riddled too.
Many elements of brass—which were usually imported—sprinkled all case's woodwork. Particularly, Aaron's clocks had three spherical finials on top. However, the case presented a spate of other small brassy touches around, depending on the model.
The case's door was secured by means of an iron
lock.
Aaron Willard increased the value of his clocks by adding features to the dials. Most had a revolving calendar wheel, indicating the date.
Many incorporated a revolving moon disc at the top of the dial for indicating the phases of the moon.
In rare instances, a "rocking ship" dial was used. These were produced in Boston and are highly desirable to collectors. They are fitted with a small depiction of a sailing ship that rocks back and forth in the arch of the dial. it is driven by the motion of the pendulum.
altered the national economy, forcing a simplification of the most expensive models, due to cost-problems. For example, the dial-door became a conventional square, and the extra devices, which were traditionally around the dial, were simplified.
Nowadays, the Shelf-Clocks are nonetheless considered Aaron's foremost department. They are avidly sought by collectors.
, which eventually became the factory's mainstream.
The Banjo had been invented by Simon in 1802. It comprised a compacted mechanism in a compact body which could be fastened on a wall. With a not-cheap prize of about $30, it was nevertheless a hit. It became the most famous clock in the early history of the United States.
, who belonged to the third generation of the Willard family. The residence was further enlarged through the years.
In 1776, Benjamin Willard began learning the horologist profession there, and he built a small workshop for commerce. Consequently, his knowledge was learnt also by his brothers. All did a seasonal tradeoff between farming chores and their new profession. By producing clocks for the region, the business eventually was profitable.
Aaron Willard brought his business in 1792 to the 2224-address which was a quarter of a mile from Simon's. The Boston Directory
promoted Aaron's establishment as "Aaron Willard, clock maker on the Neck." The factory's workshop functioned inside an extension which was bigger than the actual residence. Inside, the number of employees was approximately 30 during the best years. Within a radius of a quarter of a mile, 21 other important manufacturers supplied the factory in different capacities.
region, which neighbored Boston to the south, in Suffolk County
. They married on March 6, 1783, in Roxbury. She was 20 years old.
They had two children: Aaron Willard, Junior, on June 29, 1783, and Nancy Willard
, on July 14, 1785. Catherine Gates died just days after the second birth. In time, Aaron Junior would be a renowned horologist too.
They had nine children:
He died on May 20, 1844, at Roxbury, Suffolk, Massachusetts. He was 87 years old.
. It exhibits over 80 Willard clocks and numerous Willard family heirlooms.
, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
.
The general collection of 122 clocks has a scope which ranges from 1725 to 1825. Some of the pieces are valuated at over 100,000 dollars. Twelve of the clocks are Aaron Willard's.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
, an industrialist, and a designer
Designer
A designer is a person who designs. More formally, a designer is an agent that "specifies the structural properties of a design object". In practice, anyone who creates tangible or intangible objects, such as consumer products, processes, laws, games and graphics, is referred to as a...
of clock
Clock
A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument missing such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece...
s who worked extensively at his Boston factory during the early years of the United States of America.
While at the family farm at Grafton, Aaron Willard developed his career conjointly with his three brothers, who became celebrated horologists too (though Aaron's and his brother Simon's
Simon Willard
Simon Willard were produced in Massachusetts in the Grafton and Roxbury workshops of Simon Willard , a celebrated U.S. clockmaker...
creations are the most significant).
Both brothers moved to Boston's Roxbury Street, where they developed one of the first modern American industries, independently from each other. Simon and Aaron Willard's clocks were the first economically accessible timepieces of the country.
Willard Family
The first American ancestor of Willard's family was Simon Willard who arrived in 1634, together with his wife Mary Sharpe, stemming from HorsmondenHorsmonden
Horsmonden is a village in Kent, on the Weald. It is situated on a road leading from Maidstone to Lamberhurst, three miles north of the latter place. The nearest railway station is Paddock Wood, Horsmonden railway station having closed in 1961.- History :It was an important centre of the medieval...
, Kent
Kent
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. In America, Simon Willard became a military commander and dealt fiercely with the Indians
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
. The Willards were among the founders of the town of Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts
Concord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 17,668. Although a small town, Concord is noted for its leading roles in American history and literature.-History:...
. Later on, Simon had a prominent role throughout the region as politician and judge.
A century later, Aaron Willard was of Simon's fifth New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
generation. He was born in 1757, at a farm located in the hill-region of Grafton
Grafton, Massachusetts
Grafton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 17,765 at the 2010 census. Grafton is the home of a Nipmuc village known as Hassanamisco Reservation, the Willard House and Clock Museum, and the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine...
, in Worcester County, Massachusetts
Worcester County, Massachusetts
-Demographics:In 1990 Worcester County had a population of 709,705.As of the census of 2000, there were 750,963 people, 283,927 households, and 192,502 families residing in the county. The population density was 496 people per square mile . There were 298,159 housing units at an average density...
. Aaron Willard's parents were Benjamin Willard
Benjamin Willard
-The Willard Family:Benjamin Willard, Jr. was the eldest of four brothers who were notable clockmakers in central Massachusetts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.The other Willard brothers involved in clockmaking include:* Aaron* Ephraim* Simon...
and Sarah Brooks. He was the third of four sons; his brothers were Benjamin
Benjamin Willard
-The Willard Family:Benjamin Willard, Jr. was the eldest of four brothers who were notable clockmakers in central Massachusetts during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.The other Willard brothers involved in clockmaking include:* Aaron* Ephraim* Simon...
, Simon
Simon Willard
Simon Willard were produced in Massachusetts in the Grafton and Roxbury workshops of Simon Willard , a celebrated U.S. clockmaker...
, and Ephraim.
Willard Brothers
- See main article: Willard BrothersWillard BrothersAll Willard Brothers were born at their modest family farm in Grafton, Massachusetts, successively between 1743 and 1755. Owning independent workshops at Boston, they were the most celebrated clockmakers in the early United States.-Parents:...
After Senior Benjamin's first steps into horology, the four brothers became horologists as well. All developed their skills at their Grafton farm and, initially, they shared time between farming chores and the new activity. All their lives were closely connected and they had strong influence reciprocally.
A Pioneer American Industry
- See main article: Boston Early Clock Industry (Willard Brothers)Boston Early Clock Industry (Willard Brothers)The Boston Early Clock Industry refers to the 19th-century industry of a neighborhood on Roxbury Street, which had not yet been incorporated into Boston....
At Boston, the two Willard brothers' chief enterprises—Simon's and Aaron's—were of the first American industries. Their well-organized modern workshops demanded supplies—such as mahogany
Mahogany
The name mahogany is used when referring to numerous varieties of dark-colored hardwood. It is a native American word originally used for the wood of the species Swietenia mahagoni, known as West Indian or Cuban mahogany....
or previously cast pieces—which stemmed from more than 20 manufacturers within a mile-zone. They dominated the clock-making in the Boston region.
Both brothers had successful uncompromising policies in commerce, although they were permanently pledged into improving the design of their clocks too. Due to Aaron's massive production, the clock became a domesticated product for public usage, whether in parlors, office
Office
An office is generally a room or other area in which people work, but may also denote a position within an organization with specific duties attached to it ; the latter is in fact an earlier usage, office as place originally referring to the location of one's duty. When used as an adjective, the...
s, or the like. Nonetheless, the Willard brothers' clocks weren't affordable yet for most common people.
The Willard family became quite recognizable within American high society
Bourgeoisie
In sociology and political science, bourgeoisie describes a range of groups across history. In the Western world, between the late 18th century and the present day, the bourgeoisie is a social class "characterized by their ownership of capital and their related culture." A member of the...
, particularly Simon.
Clock-models
Although the clocks had been relatively expensive, both Willard brothers strove to compact the traditional 18th century British type of longcase clockLongcase clock
A longcase clock, also tall-case clock, floor clock, or grandfather clock, is a tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock with the pendulum held inside the tower, or waist of the case. Clocks of this style are commonly 1.8–2.4 metres tall...
. They simplified its action-mechanism and, for casing, they used specifically tailored wooden frames—which were uncomplicated for either manufacturing or assembling.
Their new smaller models were relatively economic. Therefore, sales rose quickly, and the Willard brothers supplied clocks to both public and domestic consumers.
Aaron Willard's models were:
- Tall clock (Grandfather-Clock)
- Massachusetts Shelf clock
- Willard Patent Timepiece (Banjo-Clock)
- Gallery Clock
- Regulator clock
- 30 hour wall clock (Grafton timepiece)
On every unit, Aaron Willard spelled his signature out, over either the dial or the glass-panel.
Tall Clock (Grandfather-Clock)
Aaron Willard began manufacturing and commercializing traditional tall case clocks (referred to as longcase clocks outside of the US). These clocks, often called Grandfather clocks today, generally stood about 7 1/2 to 8 feet tall . Although some other clockmakers produced wooden movement clocks, Willard made only clocks with brass movements. His tall case clocks were always of eight day duration (other than extremely rare extended running clocks).The case
Like Simon's, Aaron's clocks adopted a distinguishing feature early: since 1790, about their cases where, up over the dial, the case-door delineated a half circle which echoed the dial.The clocks' tops were adorned with a series of wooden curly arrangements called Whales-Tails. Later on, these ringlets evolved, and they finished extra-stretched and artistically riddled too.
Many elements of brass—which were usually imported—sprinkled all case's woodwork. Particularly, Aaron's clocks had three spherical finials on top. However, the case presented a spate of other small brassy touches around, depending on the model.
The case's door was secured by means of an iron
Iron
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. It is the most common element forming the planet Earth as a whole, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust...
lock.
Faces
The clock dials (faces) were painted iron. They were produced with varying complexity, in accord with the price of the model. For the economical, it was relatively unadorned. For the most expensive types, the dial featured artistic paintings from recognized Bostonian artists.Aaron Willard increased the value of his clocks by adding features to the dials. Most had a revolving calendar wheel, indicating the date.
Many incorporated a revolving moon disc at the top of the dial for indicating the phases of the moon.
In rare instances, a "rocking ship" dial was used. These were produced in Boston and are highly desirable to collectors. They are fitted with a small depiction of a sailing ship that rocks back and forth in the arch of the dial. it is driven by the motion of the pendulum.
Decadence
About 1812, the Napoleonic WarsNapoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
altered the national economy, forcing a simplification of the most expensive models, due to cost-problems. For example, the dial-door became a conventional square, and the extra devices, which were traditionally around the dial, were simplified.
Massachusetts Shelf clock
Arriving in Roxbury, MA. about 1780, and continued to produce tall case clocks, but some time later began to produce Shelf Clocks. This model was much smaller than the tall case clocks and as a result, was suitable for being placed on a mantle, shelf or a piece of furniture.Nowadays, the Shelf-Clocks are nonetheless considered Aaron's foremost department. They are avidly sought by collectors.
Banjo clock (Willard Patent Timepiece)
Aaron Willard's third clock-model was the Banjo clockBanjo clock
The banjo clock, or banjo timepiece, is an American wall clock with a banjo-shaped case. It was invented by Simon Willard, originally of Grafton, Massachusetts, later of Roxbury, Massachusetts, and patented in 1802...
, which eventually became the factory's mainstream.
The Banjo had been invented by Simon in 1802. It comprised a compacted mechanism in a compact body which could be fastened on a wall. With a not-cheap prize of about $30, it was nevertheless a hit. It became the most famous clock in the early history of the United States.
Grafton
At Grafton, in Worcester County, Massachusetts, the one-room farm had been built in 1718 by Joseph WillardJoseph Willard
Joseph Willard was a U.S. Congregational clergyman and academic. He was educated at the Dummer Academy and Harvard College and served as pastor in Beverly, Massachusetts...
, who belonged to the third generation of the Willard family. The residence was further enlarged through the years.
In 1776, Benjamin Willard began learning the horologist profession there, and he built a small workshop for commerce. Consequently, his knowledge was learnt also by his brothers. All did a seasonal tradeoff between farming chores and their new profession. By producing clocks for the region, the business eventually was profitable.
Roxbury (1792)
Successively, three of Willard brothers moved to Boston's Roxbury Street. Benjamin arrived in 1770. Simon arrived approximately in 1778, to the 2196-address.Aaron Willard brought his business in 1792 to the 2224-address which was a quarter of a mile from Simon's. The Boston Directory
Boston Directory
The Boston Directory was first published in 1789 in Boston, Massachusetts. It contained "a list of the merchants, mechanics, traders, and others, of the town of Boston; in order to enable strangers to find the residence of any person." Also included were listings for public officials, doctors, bank...
promoted Aaron's establishment as "Aaron Willard, clock maker on the Neck." The factory's workshop functioned inside an extension which was bigger than the actual residence. Inside, the number of employees was approximately 30 during the best years. Within a radius of a quarter of a mile, 21 other important manufacturers supplied the factory in different capacities.
Catherine Gates
After his two brothers had already settled in Boston, Aaron Willard met a lady who was from nearby. Catherine Gates was from the RoxburyRoxbury, Massachusetts
Roxbury is a dissolved municipality and current neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was one of the first towns founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, and became a city in 1846 until annexed to Boston on January 5, 1868...
region, which neighbored Boston to the south, in Suffolk County
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Suffolk County has no land border with Plymouth County to its southeast, but the two counties share a water boundary in the middle of Massachusetts Bay.-National protected areas:*Boston African American National Historic Site...
. They married on March 6, 1783, in Roxbury. She was 20 years old.
They had two children: Aaron Willard, Junior, on June 29, 1783, and Nancy Willard
Nancy Willard
Nancy Willard is an award-winning children's author, poet, and novelist. In 1982, she received the Newbery Medal for A Visit to William Blake's Inn...
, on July 14, 1785. Catherine Gates died just days after the second birth. In time, Aaron Junior would be a renowned horologist too.
Mary Partridge
In the same decade, Aaron Willard married again, to Mary Partridge, who lived on nearby Roxbury St. She was 27 years old. The wedding took place at the Grafton farm on November 19, 1789.They had nine children:
- Mary, in 1790
- Sophia and Emily, in 1792, who were twins
- Catherine Gates, in 1794
- George, in 1796
- Jane J., in 1798
- Charles, in 1800
- Henry, in 1802
- Morris, in 1808
Death
In 1823, Aaron Willard went into retirement.He died on May 20, 1844, at Roxbury, Suffolk, Massachusetts. He was 87 years old.
Willard House and Clock Museum
Today, the Grafton homestead—which housed the original Willard brothers' workshop—is house museum Willard House and Clock MuseumWillard House and Clock Museum
The Willard House and Clock Museum, located in North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA, is the former farm homestead of the Willard brothers , who made clocks there in the late 18th century, before they moved the business to Roxbury, where they became pillars of the emerging American clockmaking...
. It exhibits over 80 Willard clocks and numerous Willard family heirlooms.
Old Sturbridge Village
The J. Cheney Wells Clock Gallery is located at Old Sturbridge VillageOld Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, in the United States, which re-creates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. It is the largest living museum in New England, covering more than 200 acres . The Village includes 59 antique...
, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Sturbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is home to Old Sturbridge Village living history museum and other sites of historical interest such as Tantiusques.The population was 9,268 at the 2010 census...
.
The general collection of 122 clocks has a scope which ranges from 1725 to 1825. Some of the pieces are valuated at over 100,000 dollars. Twelve of the clocks are Aaron Willard's.