Aaron Willard. A labeled Roxbury case tall clock. John Minott dial Number 54 and a Revere setup label. 212094.
This important inlaid mahogany case tall clock was made by Aaron Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on October 13th, 1757. Little is known of his early life in Grafton. It is Grafton that he first learned the skills of clock making from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. It is recorded that he marched 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 Willards establish a reputation for themselves as fine clock manufacturers. They were both responsible for training a large number of apprentices. Many of these became famous clockmakers 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 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 and numerous Massachusetts shelf clock forms.
This is a classic Roxbury example. This case exhibits excellent Roxbury proportions and early design elements practiced by the Roxbury school of cabinetmakers. This case measures approximately 93 inches or 7 feet 9 inches tall to the top of the center finial. The dial measures the standard 12 inches across.
This mahogany case is in excellent original condition and retains a wonderful mellow patina. The case stands on four nicely formed ogee bracket feet, which are original to this clock. The base panel features a subtle grain pattern that is formatted horizontally. This panel is also delicately lined inlaid with a satinwood string pattern that features cut-out corners. The long tombstone waist door features a vertical grain pattern. This pattern is consistent with that found in the base panel. The door is also fitted with an applied molding that frames the outside edge. Open this door to gain access to the inside of the case, and one will locate the wooden rod pendulum and two iron weights. On the back of this door is the Maker’s set-up label. This is the version that is associated with being engraved by Paul Revere. Very few Willard clocks retain their labels today. This is a wonderful additional detail. The label is in good overall condition. It lists the place location as “Roxbury.” The sides of the case are fitted with the traditionally formatted brass stop-fluted quarter columns. These terminate in brass quarter capitals. The bonnet features a pierced and open fretwork design that is original to this example and is surmounted with three large brass finials. These finials are supported on fluted plinths. Fully turned and brass stop fluted bonnet columns support the upper bonnet molding. They are mounted in brass capitals and are free-standing. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass and opens to access the painted iron dial.
This iron dial is painted and decorated and features a lunar calendar or moon phase mechanism in the arch. This dial was painted by the Boston ornamental artist John Minot. The artist signs This dial on the back, “IM” in the upper left corner and number “54” in the upper right. We have owned several clocks that have exhibited nearly identical artwork. The four spandrel areas are decorated with interesting floral themes. This dial also displays the traditional format’s hours, minutes, seconds, and calendar dates. This dial is boldly signed by the Clockmaker in block lettering. This signature is below the calendar date above the Roman hour numeral six. The signature simply reads, “Aaron Willard.”
This movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. Please note that the photographs were taken before the movement was serviced. It is weight-driven and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. It is a time-and-strike design with a rack and snail striking system. The strike hammer is returned by a coil spring. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This beautiful clock was made circa 1785. It stands approximately 7 feet 11.25 inches tall to the top of the center finial.
Inventory number 212094.
Aaron Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on October 13, 1757. Little is currently known of Aaron's early life in Grafton. His parents, Benjamin Willard (1716-1775) and Sarah (Brooks) Willard (1717-1775) of Grafton had eleven children. Aaron was one of four brothers that trained as a clockmaker. In Grafton, he first learned the skills of clock-making from his older brothers Benjamin and Simon. It is recorded that Aaron marched with them in response to the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775, as a private under Captain Aaron Kimball's Company of Colonel Artemus Ward's Regiment. Aaron re-enlisted on April 26 and was soon sent by General George Washington as a spy to Nova Scotia in November. By this time, he had reached the grade of Captain. He soon returned to Grafton to train as a clockmaker. In 1780, Aaron moved from Grafton to Washington Street in Roxbury along with his brother Simon. Here the two Willards establish a reputation for themselves as fine clock manufacturers. They were both responsible for training a large number of apprentices. Many of these became famous clockmakers 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, in 1792, relocated about a quarter-mile away from Simon's shop across the Boston line. Aaron is listed in the 1798 Boston directory as a clockmaker "on the Neck," His large shop employed up to 30 people, while 21 other clockmakers, cabinetmakers, dial and ornamental painters, and gilders worked within a quarter-mile radius by 1807.
Some important dates for Aaron Willard include...
1783, Aaron married Catherine Gates. They have two children. The first is Aaron Willard Jr who becomes a very accomplished clockmaker. Catherine Gates dies in 1785.
1789, Aaron marries Polly Patridge. Polly has two sisters that also marry clockmakers Abel Hutchins and Elnathan Taber. Aaron and Polly have nine children. Two work-in-the-clock trades. George Willard 1817-1821 becomes a journeyman clockmaker. Henry Willard (1822-1887) trained as a cabinetmaker and made cases for the Willard operation when he came of age.
1792, Aaron builds a large home at 143 Washington Street in Boston. He lives in this house until he dies. This house is also the location of his workshop. A barn is converted into an area to finish wood. Other spaces in the carriage shop are rented to related artisans.
1802-1804, Aaron is in a business partnership with cabinetmaker James Blake as Willard & Blake. Aaron's position is financial.
1804, Aaron he transforms the carriage house and barn into a workshop space for artists, clockmakers, woodworkers, etc. It is now known as Willard's Compound.
1805-1806, Aaron is a financial backer in the partnership of Willard & Nolen. Spencer Nolen (1784-1849) is an ornamental artist who begins painting clock dials. In 1808, Spencer Nolen married Aaron Willard's daughter.
1823, Aaron Willard retires. He is 66 years old.
1844, Aaron died on May 20 and is buried in the Eustis Cemetery in Roxbury.
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, some in the form of banjo clocks, gallery clocks, as well as numerous Massachusetts shelf clock forms.
