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 made in Roxbury, Mass. ZZ16

Simon Willard tall clock made in Roxbury, Massachusetts. This fine example features excellent proportions and a lunar dial. ZZ-16.

This very nicely proportioned mahogany-cased tall case clock was made by Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. This is a fine example and features excellent color. The mahogany case exhibits excellent proportions. The case stands on four boldly… read more

Simon Willard Tall case clock with an alarm and a labeled mahogany case. Roxbury, Massachusetts. 27253.

This mahogany case is nicely proportioned. It stands 7 feet 8 inches tall to the top of the center finial. The case is constructed in mahogany and retains a wonderfully maintained older finish. The wood selected for the waist door and base panel is… read more

Simon Willard of Roxbury, MA. Warranted for Mr. James. A Roxbury case tall clock. UU-6.

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Warranted for Mr. James. A Roxbury case tall clock. UU-6.

This tall case clock was made by Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. This is a very good example. This mahogany case exhibits excellent proportions. The case stands on four ogee bracket feet that are applied to the base as part of the double-… read more

Simon Willard's Patent Timepiece. A wall clock. UU-90.

This is a very attractive Federal Massachusetts Timepiece or "Banjo clock" made circa 1805. This is a true Simon Willard timepiece. It is this very form that Simon patented on February 2nd in 1802. This gave him fourteen years, till 1816, to… read more

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Grandfather clock. UU64.

Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. A cross-banded tall case clock. UU-64.

This Simon Willard tall case clock is a very late example for this Maker. The case is fabulous and exhibits excellent proportions. It is constructed with the finest mahogany veneers. The case measures approximately 7 feet 11 inches or 95 inches tall… read more