Simon Willard of Grafton and Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Simon Willard was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, on April 3, 1753. He was the seventh of twelve children born to Benjamin Willard (1716-1775) and Sarah (Brooks) Willard (1717-1775) of Grafton. While living in Grafton, Simon answered the Lexington alarm on April 19, 1775, along with his brothers. It is thought that by 1782 he moved from Grafton and took up residence in Roxbury as a Clockmaker. Simon became a Master Clockmaker as well as an inventor. He is well known for receiving patents for his roasting jack in 1782, his "Improved Timepiece" or Banjo clock in 1802, and an alarm clock patent. In addition, he trained many men to make clocks who became well-known Clockmakers once their apprenticeships were served. Some of them include the brothers Levi and Able Hutchins, Elnathan Taber, William Cummens, Ezekiel Jones and Daniel Munroe. Some of the more notable public clocks Simon built include the clock in the United States Capitol building's Statuary Hall. He also built a clock for the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate. Simon died on August 30, 1848, at the age of 95.

Clocks From This Maker

Simon Willard Tall clock. Roxbury, Massachusetts. This handsome, inlaid, tall clock is decorated with line inlay, twelve individual quarter fans, and a patera. 223275.

This handsome Simon Willard tall case clock was once owned by the ornamental Artist D. J. Steele. A handwritten inscription inside the waist door in graphite reads, "S. Joseph Rogers / Wellesley Hills, Mass. / purchased from Christine Steel Milton,… read more

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. This is a handsome, inlaid mahogany case tall clock. CCC-15.

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts, made this inlaid mahogany cased tall case clock. This fine Boston-made tall case clock epitomizes the formal "Roxbury" style cases that were so popular in Boston during the late 18th century. This borough of… read more

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An attractive cross-banded mahogany-cased tall clock. 222119.

This complex inlaid mahogany case has outstanding narrow proportions standing 7 feet 11.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial. This is a handsome example, epitomizing the "Roxbury" form that became very popular in Boston in the late 1700s.… read more

Simon Willard tall clock. Badlam case. XX35. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Simon Willard Clockmaker, working in Roxbury, Massachusetts. A figured mahogany tall case clock with alternating light and dark veneers and light and dark quarter-fan and half-chevron inlay embellishing the case constructed by Stephen Badlam. XX-35.

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts, made this exceptional inlaid mahogany-cased tall case clock. This handsome example epitomizes the best formal case style available during the late 18th century. The complexity of the case design suggests… read more

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An outstanding tall case clock. NN72.

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. An outstanding mahogany case tall case clock. NN-72.

This is an outstanding example. This mahogany case exhibits the finest proportions and an older, if not original, finish. The case stands on four ogee bracket feet that are applied to the base as part of the double-step molding. The mahogany found… read more