Joseph Carpenter. a silversmith, pewterer and clockmaker. Norwich, Connecticut.

Joseph Carpenter was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on July 4, 1747. His Parents were Joseph Carpenter (b 1715 - d 1749) and Elizabeth Lathrop (b 4/05/1724 - d 12/26/1817 at the age of 93.) Elizabeth married Joseph Peck (b 11/14/1706 - d 9/06/1776 ) of Norwich on December 22, 1754. It is suggested in several horological listings that Joesph may have received some clockmaker training somewhere in Massachusetts. We know that he had family in Rehoboth. This may be a possible lead. It is recorded that Joseph moved back to Norwich in 1768 when he was 21 and worked in his stepfather's shop as a silversmith. In 1772, he was recorded as purchasing various construction materials consistent with those needed to construct a building on land he rented from the church. This was located at 71 East Town Street on the Norwich town green. His shop was to occupy one-half of the building. His brother, Gardner, operated a mercantile business in the other half. In 1775, Joseph built a house for himself next door. He also married Eunice Fitch of Norwich on June 29, 1775. They were married in Norwich. Together, they had six children. Joseph became an accomplished engraver, silversmith, and pewterer. He trained several apprentices, including Roswell Huntington, Rufus Farnam, Henry Farnam, and his own son Charles Augustus Carpenter.

Joseph advertised on three occasions that he wished to employ an apprentice at clockmaking. These ads were placed in the years 1775, 1789, and 1790. Joseph died in 1804 and, at the time, was considered to be one of the most successful of the Norwich silversmiths, clockmakers, and pewterers. When he passed, his appraisal, listed among other items, was "1 chime clock movement, face partly done." Also, a total of 4 clock cases. Carpenter's shop still stands facing south on East Town Street on the Norwich town green. Amazingly, it has been preserved intact after being under the stewardship of several owners, all of who knew the historical significance of this building. The shop was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 6, 1970. Very few clocks are known. One fine example is currently on display in Carpenter's workshop. A second example is in the collection at the Leffingwell Inn in Norwich.