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's Patent Timepiece. 2190011. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Simon Willard's Patent Timepiece. A wall clock commonly called a 'Banjo' clock. This fine example is gilded reeded frames and retains its original hand painted tablets. 2190011.

Simon Willard famously patented his revolutionary timepiece design in 1802. This U.S. Patent, signed by President Thomas Jefferson, provided Simon a period of fourteen years to produce this form exclusively. Simon's newly engineered wall hanging… read more

An inlaid mahogany cased tall case clock was made by Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. XX-20.

This is a fine example. The inlaid mahogany case exhibits excellent proportions and is decorated with line inlays. The case stands on four ogee bracket feet. These are applied to the base section under the double step molding. The base is inlaid… read more

Simon Willard tall clock.Simon Willard. Inlaid mahogany case. Roxbury, Massachusetts. YY-1. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Simon Willard. An inlaid mahogany case tall clock made in Roxbury, Massachusetts. YY-1.

This handsome, tall clock epitomizes the formal "Roxbury" style cases that were so popular in Boston during the late 18th century. This borough of Boston became well known for providing clock cases with high-quality construction, pleasing… read more

Simon Willard Grandfather clock with William Prescott painted dial. 219114. Delaney Antique Clocks.

Simon Willard tall case clock with lunar calendar dial made in Roxbury, Mass. William Prescott, dial painter. 219114.

This handsome, tall clock epitomizes the formal "Roxbury" form popular in Boston during the late 18th century. These clocks were produced in the Boston borough of Roxbury. This region became well known for providing clock cases with choice-… read more