Caleb Wheaton of Providence, Rhode Island.

Caleb Wheaton (1757 -1827) set up shop in Providence, Rhode Island. His shop was located at 83 Main Street during the period 1781 - 1827. Here, the Quaker Clock & Watchmaker advertised for sale clocks of his own manufacture, as well as imported watches “lately received from London.” He quickly established himself as an excellent maker of movements, some of which are found in a wide range of exceptional Newport and Boston-styled cases. Numerous examples have been found to date that incorporate various bonnet forms. They include a pagoda top, a swan’s neck pediment, a simple dome top, and the traditional New England fretwork form. This diverse variety in case forms is a testament to his long working career. In 1810, he partnered with one of his sons, possibly Calvin or Godfrey. In October, November, and December of 1825, the firm Simon Willard and Son of Boston advertised in the “Rhode Island American” and “Providence Gazette” that Caleb Wheaton was an “Agent for vending their patent Time-pieces.” Wheaton was one of the best-known clockmakers of his time. He is best known for having made the clock in the tower of the First Baptist Meeting House. His long career yielded many clocks, often made in collaboration with other clockmakers from different regions. Tall clocks and watches signed by this maker have been found.