Barker & Taylor of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Jonathan Barker and Samuel Taylor formed a partnership as Barker & Taylor sometime before 1807. Little is currently known of these two individuals, and their clocks are considered rare. Based on the number of clocks that have survived, they were not prolific clockmakers. This is only the second we have seen, signed by this partnership in the 55 years of collecting clocks. It is interesting to note that we currently own a clock signed, “J. Barker, Ashby.” It features a wooden geared movement that shares the same construction characteristics and format as the Ashby Clockmaking school. In addition, the painted dial is from there as well. As a result, it is logical to assume that Barker received his training there and later moved to Worcester and joined Taylor in the Barker & Taylor venture. It is recorded that Barker died in 1807. Samuel Taylor was born in 1780 and died in 1864. He is listed as a clockmaker in 1807 through 1856. So it is reasonable to assume that he carried on the business after Barker died.