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Jonah Edson of Bridgewater and Dighton, Massachusetts and Bristol, Rhode Island.

Jonah Edson was born in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on March 18, 1792, and died in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on December 7, 1874. He is thought to have been trained as a clockmaker by John Bailey II in Hanover, MA. Edson is recorded as working in both Dighton, Massachusetts, and Bristol, Rhode Island. He was at work about 1813. Edson served with the Bridgewater Light Infantry during the War of 1812 and was stationed in South Boston in 1814. It is now believed that he made approximately twenty-five clocks. 

It is evident that many of his tall clock movements are constructed in a distinctive style. The two plates that frame the movement are usually skeletonized. This is the process of removing the extra brass to conserve brass. His pattern is somewhat distinctive and varies considerably from the Bailey versions being manufactured in Hanover. His movement often incorporates two other additional features that are unusual. The first is the use of a count wheel striking system. The rack and snail design had become the standard brass movement strike train of the day and was used by his competitors. Edson also favored wooden winding drums.
 

 

Clocks From This Maker

Attributed to Jonah Edson of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. A Clockmaker and Brass Founder. An inlaid cherry case tall clock. RR-35.
This is a finely proportioned example. The case is constructed in cherry and is decorated with two complex line inlay patterns. These can be found on the base panel and waist door. The case stands on four applied French feet. These are designed with… read more