A few weeks ago I purchased an old mantel clock from Marketplace.  The clock is a little rough, but Andrew Jackson was on the glass reverse panel, so it became a “must have”.  I assume it was made around 1840. When I examined the works, I noticed that most of the gears were made of walnut.   There was also an advertisement and usage instructions from the clock maker.

Silas Hoadley (1786 –1870) was a clockmaker that was born in Bethany, Connecticut on January 31, 1786.  He was a cousin of the architect and builder David Hoadley. He received little formal education before becoming apprentice carpenter to his uncle Calvin Hoadley. In 1809 his apprenticeship ended.

Along with Seth Thomas, he was then hired by Eli Terry to set up and work at Terry’s Ireland factory.  Eventually Silas formed a clock-making partnership in Plymouth, Connecticut with Eli Terry and Seth Thomas known as Terry, Thomas & Hoadley.

Hoadley knew that wooden gear clocks were cheaper to produce than brass geared clocks, and this made clocks affordable to many citizens that might not otherwise own a clock.  He also implemented processes in his factory that have earned him recognition as a pioneer of mass production.

The partners gradually withdrew to create their own firms –leaving him as sole owner. Silas continued to make some mantel and predominately tall (grandfather style) clocks until 1849.  His shop produced many mantel clocks with glass reverse paintings that displayed images of Presidents.

Hoadley was able to overcome many of the disadvantages of lesser education.  He was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly several times, and in 1844 to the Connecticut State Senate. He died at Plymouth, Connecticut.

Hoadley was married to Sarah Painter.  They are buried together in West Cemetery where they share a stone.  They had five children.

This post is the story of someone who could commit, persist, and succeed.  I find it fascinating when someone can impact an industry and help the populous.  Hoadley was to clock making what Henry Ford was to automobile production.

Sources:

Early American Craftsman. Walter A. Dyer, 1915.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
The Town and City of Waterbury, Connecticut from the Aboriginal Period to the Year Eighteen Hundred and Ninety-five. Anderson, Prichard, and Ward. 1896.