Samuel Foster of Andover, Massachusetts, Hollis, Concord and Pelham New Hampshire.

Currently, very little is known about Samuel Foster, the clockmaker. It is thought that he worked in Andover, Massachusetts, from 1794-1796. A 1796 advertisement records Foster moving to Hollis, NH, and establishing his business at the shop of Deacon Barker. He stays in that town until about 1804. A tall clock signed by him working in Hollis features a movement that is constructed in a combination of wood and brass. The Hollis, NH Clockmaker Abijah Gould is also known to have made this very unusual movement style. In 1804, Foster then moved to Concord, NH. An advertisement there states that he has commenced business in the shop formerly occupied by Mr. John Robie. In 1819, he returned to Andover and remained there for a very short time. In 1820, he is listed as working in Pelham, NH. 

We have owned and seen a small number of clocks signed by Foster while working in Andover. It is interesting to note that we have owned several Ezra Batchelder-signed tall clocks that share the same distinctive strike train work that is found in several Foster-signed examples. Therefore, it is logical to assume they had some working connection. 

Ezra Batchelder was born in Andover, Massachusetts, on November 13th, 1769. He had a brother, Andrew, born in 1772, who is also listed as a Clockmaker and blacksmith. They are listed as working together in Danvers sometime after 1801. It is thought that they were trained by their brother-in-law Nathan Adams. Ezra died in Danvers on October 10th, 1858. Ezra was also a farmer and is reported to be the first expressman in Danvers, carrying merchandise from and to Boston.

In his book Willard’s Patent Time Pieces, Paul Foley lists that Ezra’s account book is known. This book records 36 clocks being sold between 1803 and 1830. The prices for these clocks range from $35 to $65. It also suggests that being fine cabinetmakers, they may have made their own cases.

Over the last fifty-plus years of being in the business of selling clocks, we have seen at least 12 tall clocks signed by this Maker.