James Cole of Rochester, New Hampshire.

James Charles Cole was born in Boston in 1791 and died in Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1867. At an early age, James traveled from Boston to Rochester to learn the trade of clockmaking under the stewardship of Edward S. Moulton. James took over Moulton's business and location at the corner of Main and Arrow streets when Edward moved from Rochester to Saco, Maine; in 1813, Cole was energetic and conscientious. His business began to flourish. He razed the old building and replaced it with a brick one. The upper floor was used as the Masonic Lodge. He employed several journeymen and apprentices and a cabinetmaker to prepare the case. These clocks were carried far into the country to be sold. He attained a wide reputation.

In Rochester, James married Betsey Nutter, daughter of John D. Nutter and Hannah Dennett. Betsey Nutter was born on March 27, 1802, in Barnstead, NH. Her younger brother John learned clockmaking in Rochester as well. James fathered two sons and three daughters and became a prominent citizen. James was an active silversmith who also manufactured a variety of clocks and repaired watches and jewelry. He was also active in town affairs, serving on a committee to build a new church. James was a trustee of a local savings bank. He did a ten-year term as the secretary to the Masonic lodge. James also found time to serve 13 years as the town clerk and two years in the State legislature. It is recorded in the Town History that Charles Dennett made his clock cases.

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.