John Sawin of Boston, Massachusetts.

John Sawin was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, on September 13, 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 several working relationships. It appears that he worked with Simon Willard in 1819-1820. He is soon listed as a journeyman working with Aaron Willard Jr. In 1822, John partnered 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 independently and employed many apprentices and journeymen. The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association held its 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 Swain clocks that survive in today’s marketplace suggests that he was very successful. He advertised that 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.