Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut.

Silas Hoadley was born in Bethany, Connecticut, on January 31, 1786. He was the son of Ammi Hoadley and Amy (Thompson) Hoadley. He first apprenticed as a joiner to his uncle Calvin Hoadley. Along with Seth Thomas, he was hired in about 1808, at the age of 21, by Eli Terry to set up and work at Terry's Ireland factory in order to fulfill the Porter contract. Shortly after Terry's Porter Contract was satisfied, he and Seth Thomas bought the Ireland factory from Terry. Thomas & Hoadley continued to manufacture wooden geared tall clock movements until 1813, when Silas purchased Seth Thomas's business shares. Hoadley soon transitioned to shelf clocks, manufacturing movements of his own design. The "Upside down" style is one of the more unique examples. This movement placed the great wheels at the top of the movement. Its escapewheel was mounted at the bottom of the works between the plates. He is also thought to have introduced the use of ivory bushings in movement design. In the late 1830s, Silas transitioned to manufacturing brass movements. He retired in 1849 as a wealthy man, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Silas Hoadley died on December 28, 1870, in Plymouth, Conn.

Clocks From This Maker

Silas Hoadley's Franklin Shelf Clock with the "Time is Money" label. W-100.

This 30-hour wooden geared shelf clock was made by Silas Hoadley in Plymouth, Connecticut. This shelf clock is an unusual size. Its dimensions —35.5 inches in height, 15.25 inches in width, and 4.25 inches in depth — present a tall, narrow… read more

Silas Hoadley, Plymouth, Connecticut. A grain-painted tall case clock. VV-99.

Here is an excellent example of a wooden works tall clock made by Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut. The construction of this wooden geared tall clock movement is typical of the standard form that one would expect from this prolific… read more

A mahogany case Pillar & Scroll Clock made by Silas Hoadley, Plymouth, Connecticut. 222137.

This case design is a traditional Connecticut form, and this is a very attractive example. The case is mahogany and exhibits good graining and an older surface. It is elevated on four delicate feet that transition into a double-drop apron. An arched… read more

Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut. A wooden geared tall clock. 27084.

This is a good example of a wooden works tall clock made by Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut. The construction of the wooden geared tall clock movement is typical of the standard form that one would expect from this prolific Clockmaker.… read more

Silas Hoadley Miniature Time & Alarm Clock. Mantel clock. SS-166.

This is a rare miniature time and alarm shelf clock made by Silas Hoadley of Plymouth, Connecticut. This clock is in fine condition. The case is mahogany and measures 26" tall. It is elevated on feet. The front feet are nicely carved in the form of… read more