Built in Roxbury Massachusetts, this clock built by Aaron Willard Jr. was presented to the New Bedford Port Society in 1833 by Lieutenant Josiah Sturgis, Captain of the USRC Cutter McLane. Aaron Jr. came from a very renowned family and with the help of his three brothers, they were able to establish one of the first American Industries- Willard Clocks.
These unique clocks were the first economically accessible clocks of the country and Aaron Jr. had his location to thank as well. At the time, Aaron Jr. lived in Roxbury Massachusetts which just so happened to be the center of New England clock making. With these factors all contributing to the business, Aaron Jr. was able to make a multitude of tall clocks, shelf clocks, gallery clocks, and his most famous of course being timepieces. These timepieces were essentially weight driven eight day clocks that just so happened to beat the production of all the other Roxbury and Boston Neck makers combined!
Of course Aaron Jr. had some assistance with the frame as well and he had John Doggett to thank. John was a local cabinetmaker, carver, glider, and looking glass maker who was also stationed in Roxbury Massachusetts. John not only provided his work to the Willard Family of clockmakers but to other clockmakers in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Boston area.
To this day the Willard clock hangs in the Whaleman’s Chapel and represents not only the passage of time, but the result of passion, innovation, and cooperation at its finest.
