Silas Parsons of Swanzey, New Hampshire. A cherry case tall clock. 215071.
We have recently owned several tall clocks with painted dials signed by Silas Parsons of Swanzey, New Hampshire. Many of these have shared several construction characteristics that this clock exhibits in its design and presentation. Some of these include cases constructed of cherry and feature white pine as a secondary wood. The dimensions of this case are very narrow, measuring from the front plain of the waist to the wall. This example measures less than 6.5 inches deep. This leaves very little room for the pendulum and weights. These clocks also stand on very delicate ogee bracket feet that are applied to the bottom of the case. The waist sections are generally long and narrow. The sides of the cases are fitted with inset quarter columns. They are deeply fluted and terminate in brass quarter capitals. This waist door is shaped like an older-style tombstone, having an arched top. The doors are generally long, which adds a lot to the overall look of this clock. The bonnets or hoods are surmounted with a distinctive fretwork pattern, which we have seen on other clocks signed by this Maker. The three boldly fluted chimney plinths support the three brass finials. The bonnet columns are also boldly fluted. They flank the arched glazed door.
This painted dial is very distinctive in how it is decorated. Note the spandrel designs and their lack of a border or framing. The artwork is relatively light and has a country or rural non-production feel. This clock is signed on the dial by the Maker. This signature is done in script lettering and can be seen below the calendar aperture.
This movement is constructed in brass and is of good quality. 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. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour. This is done on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement.
This wonderful example stands 7 feet 10.5 inches tall to the top of the final. It was made circa 1805.
Inventory number 215071.
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 25, 1806. She died on February 1, 1865. Together, they had four 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 was born in 1820. It appears that Silas prospered financially. He is credited with donating approximately $20,000 to 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 clocks, and a dwarf clock. A Massachusetts Shelf clock is now in 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's 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. The date of 1775 is cut into the chimney. Unfortunately, his workshop is now gone.
