b. Nov. 6, 1836, Kent, CT
d. Sept 5, 1904 just shy of 68 years
This Commemorative Biography below outlines William's apprenticeship with John Kerley of Waterbury. Kerley was born in Kent, CT was a joiner, contractor, builder, worked 9 years with the Waterbury Clock Company. He was a local Methodist Episcopal preacher. Later, he resided in New Haven and was listed in the census as a grain dealer.
(Notes for JOHN KERLEY:
res. New Haven (514 George St.); form. Waterbury; merchant; form. contractor and builder; 9 yrs. with the Waterbury Clock Co.,; M.E. local preacher
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/g/r/a/Charles-Loring-Grant/GENE10-0113.html )
While Kerley's association with the Waterbury Clock Company was a later period, one wonders if there was any interaction with Chauncey Jerome. (Waterbury Clock Company (1854–1944) In 1854, Waterbury Connecticut based brass manufacturer Benedict & Burnham created Waterbury Clock Company to manufacture clocks using brass wheels and gears. Waterbury Clock Company was legally incorporated on March 27, 1857, as an independent business with $60,000 in capital.
Chauncey Jerome (1793–1868) In 1850 Jerome formed the Jerome Manufacturing Co. as a joint-stock company with Benedict & Burnham, brass manufacturers of Waterbury. In 1853 the company became known as the New Haven Clock Co., producing 444,000 clocks and timepieces annually.)
(also of interest the British Fenns involved in clockmaking
http://www.pendulumofmayfair.co.uk/blog/index.php/2012/02/the-clockmakers-company/)
I have come across mentions of William Fenn and the book on his stencil designs. A recent Antiques Roadshow renewed my interest. Delaney Antiques spoke of the tablet designs of William Fenn in connection with a steeple clock.
He has been identified as William Bennet (Bennett) Fenn (see below).
However this differnt William Fenn has some name similaries with Northrops.
| Wm Fenn |
| United States Census, 1850 |
| Plymouth, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States |
| 34 White b ~ 1816 Connecticut |
| House Number: 422 |
| Household ID: 442 , Line Number: 24 , Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , Affiliate Publication Number: M432 , Affiliate Film Number: 43 , GS Film Number: 3071 , Digital Folder Number: 004181025 , Image Number: 00104 |
| Household |
Role |
Gender |
Age |
|
|
Birthplace |
| Wm Fenn |
|
M |
34 |
~ 1816 |
|
Connecticut |
| Harriet Fenn |
|
F |
35 |
~ 1815 |
|
Connecticut |
| Antoinette Fenn |
|
F |
8 |
~ 1842 |
WF Northrop's sister named Louisa Anzanetta maybe after Antoinette? |
Connecticut |
| Lyman Fenn |
|
M |
6 |
~ 1844 |
a Lyman Northrop was in business with Gershom Fenn as Fenn & Northrop merchant tailors in New Haven & Washington, CT |
Connecticut |
| Edward Griggs |
|
M |
20 |
|
|
Connecticut |
 |
|
|
Benjamin Fenn & Sara Baldwin > Benjamin Fenn, second & Mehitable Gunn > Thomas Fenn & Christina ?[Christian Baker]> Joseph Fenn & Esther [Brown] Smith > Gershom, Giles, Harriet, Elizabeth, Archibald, Ralph, Guy Carlton, Hannah, Lucy,Pamelia and Pholony [Philomela] (twins) and Sally.
from http://crackers2260.tripod.com/syrotchenfamily/id1.html
ladyshep Contact Me 2018 no longer a good address
Book from Great Aunt on family history
"There is a passage written in the begining of this book I am guessing it was written by my great aunt and some of the elders in the family.
The Genealogy of the Gershom, Fenn Families Complied by: Esther Urslala Fenn, Winifred Fenn, Mrs. Ruth Hollistie, Mrs. J.West, N. Lincoln Fenn
"...The first that is known of the Fenns in this country was Benjamin Fenn, who owned a large estate in Dorchester and alyesbury, England. Leaving all to a younger brother, he came to this country in 1630 on the ship The Mary and John with Governor Winthrop to Milford and was the assistant Govenor from 1665 untill his death in 1672.
He married Sara Baldwin before coming to America. Sara Baldwin baptized April 22, 1661. and died April 29, 1663. Benjamin then married[ 2] Susanna Ward March 12, 1664. Benjamin Fenn, second [was] baptized in Milford September 20, 1640 he died in 1689. His wife was Mehitable Gunn daughter of Joseph Gunn.
They had a son Thomas Fenn who married Christina (last name unknown) on October 10, 1744 and died in 1769. Their son Joseph Fenn, born September 14, 1745, married Esther Smith February 10, 1770. Their children were: Gershom, Giles, Harriet, Elizabeth, Archibald, Ralph, Guy Carlton, Hannah, Lucy,Pamelia and Pholony (twins) and Sally.
Gershom when a young man moved to Plymouth Connecticut. He married, Elizabeth Curtis September 17, 1793. Gershom was a taylor by trade, and after leaving Plymouth, lived a few years in Watertown, Connecticut, where his 3 oldest children were born. From there he moved to Washington, Connecticut where his 7 other children were born. They lived in the house where Mr. Miller of [The] Gunnery lived and many of his decendents lived as well. Gershom died on June 16, 1854 and his wife Elizabeth died on June 16, 1854. Their children were, Hannah, Jotham Curtis, Horatcio, N. Bennet and Betsy (twins) Mary, Jane C, Laura Curtis, Sophia, and Fredirich Gershom.
This is the begining of the book that was given to my sister when I was very young. After all the writing it starts with Thomas Fenn and gives some birth dates and some death date, marriage date it lists children."
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|
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Gamaliel Fenn born 1775
Gamaliel Fenn, "Connecticut, Births and Christenings, 1649-1906"
name: |
Gamaliel Fenn |
gender: |
Male |
birth date: |
16 Feb 1775 |
birthplace: |
Waterbury Twp, New Haven, Connecticur |
death date: |
|
father's name: |
Gamaliel Fenn |
father's birthplace: |
|
father's age: |
|
mother's name: |
Ruth |
mother's birthplace: |
|
mother's age: |
|
indexing project (batch) number: |
7450327 |
system origin: |
Connecticut-ODM |
source film number: |
unknown |
reference number: |
|
Citing this Record
"Connecticut, Births and Christenings, 1649-1906," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F74N-18Z : accessed 09 Feb 2013), Gamaliel Fenn, 16 Feb 1775; citing reference , FHL microfilm unknown. |
William A. Fenn
Connecticut, Deaths and Burials
| Name: |
William A. Fenn |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Death Date: |
03 Feb 1868 |
| Death Place: |
Roxbury, Litchfield, Connecticut |
| Age: |
51 |
| Birth Date: |
1817 |
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B03813-2 , System Origin: Connecticut-EASy , GS Film number: 3360 ,Reference ID: 14
William Bennet Fenn
Connecticut, Births and Christenings
| Name: |
William Bennet Fenn |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Birth Date: |
11 Jul 1813 |
| Birthplace: |
PLYMOUTH TWP,LITCHFIELD,CONNETICUT |
| Father's Name: |
Aaron Fenn |
| Mother's Name: |
Sabra |
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: 7450327 , System Origin: Connecticut-ODM , GS Film number: unknown
- Name: William Bennett Fenn
- Sex: M
- Birth: 11 JUL 1813 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT 1
- Death: 9 MAR 1890 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT 2
- Burial: MAR 1890 West Cemetery, Plymouth, CT 3
- Census: 1850 Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT
Father: Aaron Fenn , Jr. b: 20 DEC 1772 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT
Mother: Sabra Fenn b: 1779
Marriage 1 Harriett
Children
 Mary C. Fenn b: 1840 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT- Rosie Bella Fenn b: 1848 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT
- Mary Eloise Fenn b: UNKNOWN
- Harriett Fenn b: 18 FEB 1851 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT
- Susan Fenn b: 18 MAY 1858 in Plymouth, Litchfield Co., CT
William B Fenn
United States Census, 1870
| Name: |
William B Fenn |
| Event Type: |
Census |
| Event Year: |
1870 |
| Event Place: |
Connecticut, United States |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Age: |
57 |
| Race: |
White |
| Race (Original): |
W |
| Birth Year (Estimated): |
1812-1813 |
| Birthplace: |
Connecticut |
| Page Number: |
26 |
| Household |
Role |
Gender |
Age |
Birthplace |
| William B Fenn |
|
M |
57 |
Connecticut |
| Mary C Fenn |
|
F |
28 |
Connecticut |
| Rose Fenn |
|
F |
2 |
Connecticut |
Household ID: 209 , Line Number: 8 , Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , Affiliate Publication Number: M593 , GS Film number: 000545605 , Digital Folder Number: 004263320, Image Number: 00207 |
I have wondered if there was any connection with the Northrop Clockmaker
Northrop & Smith also Ives Clockmakers
Northrop & Smith |
Goshen, CT |
1820s |
Hart's Hollow "About a nile above Holbrook's Mills, at a place called Hart's Hollow, in the edge of the town of Goshen, quite a business was conducted in making clocks, about 1820; a number of buildings were erected and for a time the place assumed considerable importance; and as the natural outlet of the place was through Torrington, the place seemed a part of Torrington, and the inhabitants usually attended Torrington church."
Freemen 1819 Amos Northrop (Good chance this is myAmos.)
History of Torrington, Connecticut: From Its First Settlement in ..., Part 2By Samuel Orcutt
Hi Beth,
The data I have on Northrup & Smith is as follows:
The company principles were Herman Northrup and Benjamin Franklin Smith. They produced wooden movement shelf clocks in Goshen, CT. between 1831 and 1836. They also made and sold wooden clock movements to other clock making firms in the area, who would then case them and sell them with their own labels.
That’s about as much as I know about them.
The Ives’ were a major name in Connecticut clock manufacturing in the 19th century. Probably the most famous being Joseph Ives of Bristol. He was a mechanical genius and had many patents for clock movement design. Other Ives’ involved in the business were Chauncey, Lawson, and Shaylor.
Best regards and good luck on with your research.
JD
http://www.damnedcomputer.com/genealogy/nclocks.html
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Glass making in the 1800’s was less efficient and perfect than found today. This however is the quality that distinguishes true antique glass from its modern counterpart. Viewing antique glass from a slight angle so that a reflection can be seen will quickly reveal the uneven surface. Modern glass, on the other hand, will look perfectly flat and smooth when viewed in the same manner.
Another tale-tale sign of antique glass is the presence of many tiny air bubbles trapped in the glass.
All glass up to the introduction of modern pressed-glass techniques (1903) will have these tiny bubbles.
Colored Tablets
From the early 1800’s on colorful tablets were produced using a variety of techniques. The three most common techniques for creating colored tablets are presented here.
 Stencils: The use of stencils to repeat patterns dates far into antiquity. Earliest use of stencil use can be found in cave paintings dating to 30,000 B.C. Ancient Egypt use stencils extensively in tomb decorations and ancient Greeks created mosaic designs using stencils. The word stencil comes from the middle-English word “stanselen” which means “To ornament with sparkle” and the earlier Latin “stansel” which means “spark”.
American colonist, unable to obtain or afford expensive wallpaper or decorated furniture from Europe, used stencils to decorate both. From about 1760 until 1840 artist traveled from town to town and applied stenciled designs to furniture, walls and mantles. One of the most prolific of these was Moses Eaton jr. (1796-1886) who created stencils in hundreds of homes in New England in the 1840’s.
Stencils grew in use as the brass movement came into use and clock production skyrocketed. Early designs tended to be bold geometric designs but very intricate and complex designs soon followed. Bright colors as well as gold pigments were combined to produce rich sophisticated tablets that contributed greatly to the style of clocks of the period.
The most notable creator of stencil designs for clock tablets was William B. Fenn of Plymouth, Connecticut (1813~1890). Fenn worked for Seth Thomas between around 1830 and 1840 then s tarted his own business supplying clock tablets to Connecticut clock manufacturers. Between 1840 and 1864 Fenn was a major supplier of clock tablets to manufacturers such as Seth Thomas, Silas Hoadley, Brewster & Ingraham, Birge & Fuller as well as many others.
Many of Fenn’s most successful stencil designs have been published by the American Clock & Watch Museum in two books Clock Decorating Stencils (ISBN 0-930476-17-4) and More Clock Decorating Stencils(ISBN PUB259) Original Fenn stencils, acquired from the family, were used to produce the photos in both books. These books are a fantastic and historically correct reference to stencils of the period.
Litho-Paper Process: In the 1830’s an image transfer process was developed wherein designs were created on metal plates by engravers. The engraver was able to achieve a level of detail not possible using stencils or other means.
 The engraved plate was used to print the design in black ink onto very thin paper. Size or varnish was applied to the glass then the paper was pressed onto the size once it reached a light tack. The paper and size were then allowed to cure.
Once cured, the paper was moistened with water and gently rubbed off leaving the inked design embedded in the varnish on the glass.
There were several advantages to the litho-paper process. One: As noted, extremely fine detail could be produced by the engraver. Two: It could be inexpensively repeated on clock tablets. Three: Once the black image outline was applied, colored paints could be quickly added by non-artist workers to complete the tablet.
With clock production volumes growing, lith o-paper tablets provided a means to produce a high quality tablet image with a minimum of cost and effort.
The inks and/or varnishes used in the process were chemically unstable and flaking was common problem. Few good examples of this process have survived.
Fortunately, there are ways to reproduce high quality litho-paper tablets using commonly available materials. Many good images still exist and these can be used as a resource for recreating a needed tablet design.
http://www.xrestore.com/pages/Glass.htm
DESK CLOCK - Jerome's & Barrow Clock
Jeromes & Darrow Clock
This clock is similar to one made in Bristol Connecticut in 1830 by a company called Jeromes '& Darrow. The company owners were Elijah Darrow, Chauncey Jerome and his brother Noble Jerome. Chauncey was one of the most influential figures in the Connecticut clock industry throughout the first half of the 19th century. His brother Noble invented the first mass produced American brass clock movement. The clock glass stencil was made by William B. Fenn a very prolific Connecticut stencil maker who produced clock stencils from 1829 to 1863.
Our recreation has a case of basswood with curly maple veneer. The columns are ebonized and bronze powder stenciled. The column capitals and bases and clock top are gilded with gold leaf. The dial has two concentric gilded rings and raised gilded spandrels. The clock has an eight day spring driven German movement with a brass pendulum. The movement strikes a coil gong on the hour and half hour. Approximate size: 12 by 19 inches.
http://www.weiku.com/products/8074595/DESK_CLOCK_Luman_Watson_quot_Clock.html |
John Birge, Ambrose Peck, Samuel Taylor and William R. Richards were business partners and shared a successful partnership in Bristol Connecticut from 1844 through 1848. They also made many steeple clocks with a large variation of movements.
About Birge, Peck & Co. of Bristol, Connecticut
The Birge, Peck & Co. of Bristol, Connecticut was a firm comprised of John Birge, Ambrose Peck, Samuel Taylor and William R. Richards. This venture started in 1849 and lasted until 1859. John Birge retired in 1855.
http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/detail/389/Birge-Peck-Co-of-Bristol-Connecticut
The tablets are in wonderful condition. The upper painted tablet features a colorful planter filled with flowers and greens. The lower tablet features a geometric design that centers two doves in the aperture to view the pendulum. The style of these designs is most often associated with the painter, William Fenn.
http://www.delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/detail/99/J-J-W-Beals-Birge-Fuller-Bristol-Connecticut
One photo of two LOTS -– #519 and #547: Three miniature 30-hour Ogee shelf clocks went in two lots. The middle one, a Waterbury Clock Company example with a rosewood case and tablet showing a pinwheel design, sold for $402.50. The ones flanking it, by Brewster & Ingrahams of Bristol, Connecticut, had spring-driven time-and-strike movements with separate alarms. The one on the left had a desirable glass tablet with a geometric design by William Fenn; the Fenn glass brought the price for the two up to $460. Both lots were swept by Delaney. Schinto photo.
LOT #520: One of the miniatures in the sale, this 19" tall Seth Thomas had a 30-hour time-and-strike brass spring-driven movement. The address on the maker's label inside was Plymouth Hollow, Connecticut, so it was an early one. In the 1860s, the town was renamed Thomaston. Delaney's price was $517.50. Schinto photo.
One caption for two photos –- of LOTS #526 & #543: Delaney didn't win this big (32" tall), rare, eight-day time-and-strike by Birge, Mallory & Company of Bristol, Connecticut. He was bested by a determined middle-aged woman who paid $690 and identified herself as someone who has been a collector since age 13. For the same price the woman bought one of the prettiest clocks in the sale, a 26 ½" Chauncey Jerome Ogee shelf clock with a glass tablet not only made by William Fenn but (a rarity) signed by him. The Fenn picture was of a window treatment: classical drapery and an orange-tasseled shade. The clock's weight-driven brass movement was a 30-hour time-and-strike. Schinto photo.
http://www.bell-time.com/articles/CRN-Auction/CRN-Auction.html
Jerome collector
09-11-2011, 04:49 PM
Many of you are probably aware of the tablets of William Fenn, one of the more prolific tablet-makers of the mid-19th century. For those who don't know much about Fenn, I recommend three sources:
Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century Connecticut (copyright Chris Bailey)
More Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century Connecticut (copyright Chris Bailey)
William Bennet Fenn's Clock Glasses by Lucinda Servino (Bull NAWCC 240, http://www.nawcc.org/images/stories/1980/articles/1986/240/240_8.pdf)
While these sources are great at detailing Fenn's career and many of his exquisite stencils, they aren't able to capture the vivid colors of his tablets. I thought devoting a thread to real-life examples of his work would be a way of bringing the black & white pages of the sources above to life.
Attached I've included examples of Fenn glasses in my collection. The first five (from left to right) are confirmed Fenn tablets, based on examples shown in the sources above. At the risk of making a rule (just Fenn, please), only to break it, the remaining three have characteristics that are Fenn-like. The sixth (green with vase and floral centerpiece) and seventh (geometric design) I have been told are Fenn tablets by people more knowledgable than I, but I can't confirm that from available published sources. The last one also seems in the style, but, again, I can't find a confirmed example in my references.
I encourage others with Fenn tablets to post their examples here, as a means of spreading the word about these wonderful artistic creations.
rmarkowitz1_cee4a1
09-11-2011, 06:07 PM
Ahh! Beauties all!! Truly one of the wonderful features of antique American clocks. Years ago I owned a bundle of inexpensive ogees purchased for no other reason that they all had wonderful Fenn glasses. As I've said before, if the same stencilling were done on paper or velvet, it would have been worth thousands.
At the risk of self agrandizement, I'm going to cut and paste something I posted earlier:
William B. Fenn began stencil decorating glasses, columns, and splats in 1829 for Seth Thomas, later going into business for himself. Ultimately he became a major supplier of decorated glasses to a number of firms. By 1860, companies began to use less expensive methods to mass produce decorated tablets, sometimes copying his designs!
He retired to farming and raising cattle. He married later in life. His daughter, who lived well into the 20th century, acquired his stencils and I am told did clock tablet restoration. She ultimately donated his stencils to the ACWM in Bristol, Ct.
Fenn hand cut the stencils for his tablets from paper, sometimes reused from ledger books and other sources. The stencilled patterns were transferred to glass and were then hand colored, sometimes with additional details done free hand (there was a bit of a debate over this last point in another thread. Click here http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?t=63023.)
For more information, see the article written by Lucinda Burleigh Servino, NAWCC Bulletin, # 240, page 8. Also see 2 excellent publications from the ACWM, Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century CT and More Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19 Century Ct. The illustrations in these 2 publications are reproductions of the stencils donated to the museum by his daughter.
I've posted some examples, too. More to come.
RM
Bill Stoddard
09-30-2011, 06:37 PM
Here is a Forestville (J. C. Brown) 8-day O.O.G clock with a Fenn tablet. It has the saying "By Industry We Thrive" above a beehive and flowers. The stencil for this saying is in the book "Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century Connecticut. The clock dates to 1846 - 1847.
I love these old weight driven clocks, and the tablet attracted me to this clock. The case needs some work as it looks like a mouse lived in it for a while! The right pulley is gone and there is a large chew hole around it, the top of the right movement mounting rail is chewed away, as is some wood on the bottom inside of the door.
More photos and information about this clock can be found here: http://clockinfo.com/posts/4061
rmarkowitz1_cee4a1
09-30-2011, 07:06 PM
Here is a Forestville (J. C. Brown) 8-day O.O.G clock with a Fenn tablet. It has the saying "By Industry We Thrive" above a beehive and flowers. The stencil for this saying is in the book "Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century Connecticut. The clock dates to 1846 - 1847.
I love these old weight driven clocks, and the tablet attracted me to this clock. The case needs some work as it looks like a mouse lived in it for a while! The right pulley is gone and there is a large chew hole around it, the top of the right movement mounting rail is chewed away, as is some wood on the bottom inside of the door.
More photos and information about this clock can be found here: http://clockinfo.com/posts/4061
"Hickory, dickory, dock,
The mouse ran up the clock..etc, etc."
Sorry couldn't resist after your story.
Lovely glass and even if a bit nibbled upon, nice American clock.
RM
Jerome collector
10-01-2011, 02:25 PM
How would an ignoramus like me, know if a tablet was a Fenn?
Laprade,
I'll take a stab at answering your question, but I don't consider myself an authority on Fenn. One feature that often stands out in the best of Fenn's tablets is the intricacy of the design work. The amount of detail he was able to get in his stencils is staggering. You can get a sense of this in some of markowitz's examples and also the one from Bill Stoddard. Another thing common in Fenn tablets but probably not a definitive feature is that the use of colors is often striking.
Mike
Jerome collector
11-20-2011, 01:32 PM
When I first started this thread with examples of Fenn tablets in my collection, I included one from a Forestville column & cornice clock with an 8-day lyre movement. The partners in the Forestville Manufacturing Company at this time were JC Brown, SB Smith, and Chauncey Goodrich. According to Roberts and Taylor, in Jonathan Clark Brown and the Forestville Manufacturing Company, they were partners from around 1845-47. As is often the case with clocks I've owned, there was a connection (by marriage) between this clock and Chauncey Jerome. Jerome was married to Salome Smith, SB Smith's sister. One of their sons, Samuel Bryan, was named after her brother. [I realize that's a bit of a stretch, but I see Jerome connections everywhere. Kind of an older version of that "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" connection.]
I had been hoping I'd locate digital images of the other tablet on the clock, but no such luck. The best I could come up with was a photo of the entire clock from pre-digital camera days. Unfortunately, it's taken from an angle, and the resolution isn't great. The lower tablet is the one shown previously. The middle glass is also a Fenn, but, interestingly enough, the layout is somewhat different from the version shown in Chris Bailey's compilation. The central element of the tablet is upside down compared to the one in the Fenn book. To be honest, I'm not sure whether the glass was mounted upside down, or if the version in the book is upside down. The other difference is that, in the book, the long axis of the border is vertical; on the Forestville it's horizontal. That's one of the fascinating and challenging aspects of studying Fenn stencils: sometimes elements are mixed and matched and rearranged, so they don't always match the book examples.
Mike
Mike
Thems is nice Fenn glasses.
It's my understanding that each glass represents a complete stencil, rather than separate stencils for portions of the tablet, ie, the center, then boarder, and so on.
I remember reading somewheres that Fenn would recut stencils as they became worn or damaged, so it's conceivable that parts of a stencil may have changed over time while other parts remained.
I also believe that Fenn repeated, but not copied, certain motifs. For example, looking at the stencils in the 2 Fenn books and at the glasses themselves, there are many incorporating a similar eagle rampant. So stencils share similarities with differences as well.
As a side note, sometimes basically the same glass was produced in different sizes, one for the larger tablet used in an ogee or other larger shelf clock, a smaller version for say a tablet in a steeple. One design which comes to mind is the ribbed urn flanked by drapes.
Finally, what has survived and then of that what has been published probably represents just a small portion of Fenn's body of work. It's one of the reasons why a thread like this is valuable. I'm sure there are glasses out there that ain't in the books.
RM
http://clocknuts.com/53C1092.htm
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19th Century Clock Decorating Stencils book Red
This item is a book titled Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid 19th Century Connecticut. This is the second book of working clock stencils of William B. Fenn of Plymouth, Connecticut published by Chris H.Bailey of the American Watch & Clock Museum. This book tells of how a descendant of Fenn donated the stencils to the AW&CM how this book was published, includes a biography of W B Fenn. Mr.Fenn had a sizeable business producing stenciled clock case parts and reverse decorated glass tablets for cl... $22.95 |
http://www.crescentclock.com/category/clockbooks/
http://www.clockandwatchmuseum.org/
Forestville (J. C. Brown) 8 Day Ogee Shelf Clock, 1846 – 1847
I bought this Forestville 8 day ogee shelf clock at a clock show last week. I love these old American weight-driven shelf clocks, and hope to have time to fix this one up someday. What attracted me to the clock is the William B. Fenn reverse painted tablet in the door. It has the saying “By Industry We Thrive” and a beehive with flowers around it. Reference 3 shows the stencil used to paint the saying, and also shows a stencil with the behive, flowers, and the borders.
The case has curved veneer on the outside front edge and the door, and is sometimes referred to as an OOG case. The case is 30 inches tall and 16 3/4 inches wide. The dial is painted wood, and the minute hand is 3 1/2 inches long (center to tip).
 - The movement (before restoration)
The bottom of the label says J. C. brown, S. B. Smith and C. Goodrich at bottom, dating it to 1846 – 1847. At the very bottom is . . . Press of Elihu Geer, State Street, Hartford. It doesn’t give a street address (such as 26 or 1) which might have narrowed the date down further.
See more photos.
The movement looks rough, but should clean up well. It is Forestville’s lyre 8-day movement, type 2.12 from the chart on pp. 72 – 73 of reference 1.
It looks like a mouse lived in the clock for a while! The right pulley hole has been enlarged, the pulley is gone, the top of the right movement mounting rail has been chewed away, and the door has been chewed away inside below the lower glass.
For historical information on Forestville clocks, see reference 1. For an updated chart of the chronology of J. C. Brown’s clock companies, see reference 2, page 64. The chart gives the names of the principals of the various companies, allowing the date of the clock to be narrowed down based on the names at the bottom of the label. An earlier version of the chart appears in reference 1, as well as in the June 1987 NAWCC Bulletin. It was complied by H. Bryan Rogers.
References
1) Jonathan Clark Brown and the Forestville Manufacturing Company, Kenneth D. Roberts and Snowden Taylor, Ph. D., Ken Roberts publishing Co., Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, 1988, ISBN 0-913602-64-7.
2) Forestville Clockmakers, Kenneth D. Roberts and Snowden Taylor, Ph. D., Ken Roberts publishing Co., Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, 1992, ISBN 0-913602-67-1, page 64.
3) Clock Decorating Stencils of Mid-19th Century Connecticut, American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol, Connecticut, 1984, ISBN 0-930446-17-4.
http://clockinfo.com/posts/4061/comment-page-1
An article in the NAWCC Bulletin states that William B. Fenn, a dial and tablet painter, worked almost exclusively for Seth Thomas from 1840 to about 1863. It would be interesting to know if he painted some of the corner decoration in the earlier dials illustrated above.
http://clockhistory.com/sethThomas/products/30HourBrassWeight/dials.htm
Antique Chauncey Jerome Clock
Price Type: auction
Sold Date: 11/3/2002
Pre-Sale Estimate: (subscribers only)
Sold For: (subscribers only)
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Catalog Description:
C.1850, Chauncey Jerome, New Haven Conn., 8-day fusee steeple clock, time and strike. This is a very nice clean clock with original finish. The original painted dial has a little touch up. The mahogany veneer is excellent, with only a small chip on the top. Both glasses and the hands are original. The label is extra clean [note paper of clock maker Thomas Marsh, High St, Dorking]. Best part is the William B. Fenn tablet, a vase of flowers with dark blue background. Most anyone would be happy with this steeple. Height 20" $400-$600 |
The Antique Clocks Price Guide database contains actual sales information about this piece and more than 20,000 other antique clocks. Most records tell you what it sold for at auction and where it was sold. Some records tell you the price that retail dealers are asking for this or similar clocks.
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http://www.antiqueclockspriceguide.com/pages/clock6945.php
bottom panel
Painted by William B. Fenn, who done most of the panels for Seth back then
http://swankyman.angelfire.com/clocks/index.album/bottom-panel?i=65
http://mb.nawcc.org/archive/index.php/t-77934.html
This was while William and George were alive, but after Alvin died.
William apprentice John Kerley Waterbury
- John Kerley b. Kent 1827
- John Kerley local ME preacher m. to Mariette S Grant b 1832 d/o Joel Marshall Grant & Jeanette Greeley Grant
- From The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut: including East ... By Henry Reed Stiles
- 855. MARIETTA SOPHIA11 GRANT (JOEL MARSHALL10, MOSES9, ELIJAH8, JOSIAH7, JOHN6, MATTHEW5, JOHN4, GEORGE3, JOHN2, WILLIAM1) was born July 06, 1832 in Chautauqua, NY. She married JOHN KERLEY December 31, 1850 in Seymour, CT, son of HOSEA KERLEY and MARIA BEECHER. He was born November 30, 1827 in Kent, CT.
Notes for JOHN KERLEY:
res. New Haven (514 George St.); form. Waterbury; merchant; form. contractor and builder; 9 yrs. with the Waterbury Clock Co.,; M.E. local preacher
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/g/r/a/Charles-Loring-Grant/GENE10-0113.html
- =======================
- ID: I21058
- Name: John KERLEY
- Birth: 30 NOV 1827 in Kent, Litchfield, CT
- Occupation: grain dealer
- Note: Household Record 1880 United States Census
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
John KERLEY Self M Male W 52 CT Grain Dealer VA CT
Marriett S. KERLEY Wife M Female W 46 NY Keeps House CT CT
Mary A. GRANT SisterL S Female W 44 NY Artist, Portrait Painter CT CT
Chas B. MERRILL Nephew S Male W 24 CT Ck. Fruit & Butter CT CT
Census Place New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut
Family History Library Film 1254106
NA Film Number T9-0106
Page Number 282A
Father: Hosea Rowe KERLEY b: 1802 in CT
Mother: Mariah (Mary) BEECHER b: JUN 1806 in CT
Marriage 1 Marietta Sophia GRANT b: 6 JUL 1832 in Chautauqua, Chautauqua, NY
- Married: 31 DEC 1850 in Seymour, New Haven, CT
- Children
- Giles Phelps KERLEY b: 16 OCT 1851 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT
- George Grant KERLEY b: 14 JUL 1855 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT
There is a VERY extended connection to Jedediah ANDREWS (Gideon ANDREWS3, Nathan ANDREWS2, William ANDREWS1) was born 26 Apr 1708 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, and died 14 Jun 1784. He married Elizabeth BALDWIN 15 Oct 1746. She was born Abt. 1728. He married Hannah THOMAS 28 Feb 1730/31 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, daughter of John, Jr. THOMAS and Mary FORD. She was born 9 Jan 1704/05 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, and died Abt. 1745.
and a VERY extended connection to Beardslee -- Titus BEECHER (Joseph BEECHER4, Joseph BEECHER3, Isaac BEECHER2, John BEECHER1) was born 5 JUL 1740 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, and died 6 JAN 1803 in West Haven, New Haven, CT. He married Elizabeth THOMPSON Abt 1765, daughter of Stephen THOMPSON and Elizabeth HUMPHREVILLE. She was born 9 OCT 1737 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, and died 14 MAR 1782 in West Haven, New Haven, CT. He married Thankful BEARDSLEE, daughter of Samuel BEARDSLEY and Eunice BROWN. She was born 2 MAR 1748, and died 21 NOV 1844 in West Haven, New Haven, CT. |
I had wondered if Kerley in Waterbury had influenced him to Methodism in his eary life. but this suggests parents, friends or pastor may have had a hand in his apprenticeship. He was ~ age 33 when he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church.
From the Christian advocate
findagrave has a Frederick Northrop also born 1836 Probably from Jared Ridgefield line. Could William's Frederick be named after him?
Probably son of Hiram
Descendant Register, Generation No. 1
| 1. |
Jared Northrop (Aaron Northrop5, Joseph Northrop4, Joseph Northrup3, Joseph Northrup2, Joseph Northrup1) b. 19 NOV 1761 Ridgefield, Fairfield, CT. m1. Eunice Betts 22 ~ 1793 Ridgefield, Fairfield., CT. Eunice b. ~ 1765 Ridgefield, Fairfield., CT. m2 Abigail Keeler AFT MAY 1794 Ridgefield, Fairfield, CT. Abigail b. ~ 1773 Ridgefield, Fairfield, CT, d. B4 1814. m3 Hannah Betts B4 1814. Hannah b. ~ 1784 Ridgefield, Fairfield, CT. |
|
Child of Jared Northrop and Eunice Betts is:
c/o Jared Northrop & Abigail Keeler are:
Child of Jared Northrop and Hannah Betts is:
|
|
Frederick Northrop in household of Hiram Northrop, "United States Census, 1850" (
| |
Frederick Northrop |
| |
Census |
| |
1850 |
| |
Sharon, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States |
| |
Male |
| |
14 |
| |
Connecticut |
| |
b. ~ 1836 |
| |
House number755 |
| |
family number794 |
| |
Line 8 |
| |
M432 |
| |
43 |
| |
3071 |
| |
004181025 |
| |
Image 00331 |
| |
Household |
Gender |
Age |
Birthplace |
~1799
Historical Obituary Date:Saturday, March 28, 1863
Location:New Haven, Connecticut
Paper:Columbian Register
Article type:Historical Obituary [Regiment; Col. Hawley; Slavery]
Date:Saturday, October 11, 1862
Location:New Haven, Connecticut
Paper:Columbian Register
Article type:Newspaper Article Ad/Classified
Date:Tuesday, March 1, 1814
Location:Danbury, Connecticut
Paper:Danbury Gazette
Article type:Ad/Classified
Jared |
Hiram Northrop
NORTHROP, Hiram, d. March 12, 1863, ae. 64.
ellsworth burying ground
FINDAGRAVE
|
M |
51 |
Connecticut |
DORE* DORR Amanda, m Hiram NORTHROP, Oct 26, 1824, by David L Perry (*Perhaps "DANE"?)
Sharon, CT
Vital Revords from the Barbour Collection
1739 to 1867 |
Amanda Northrop
NORTHROP, Amanda P., wife of Hiram, d. June r, 1865, ae. 55.
ellsworth burying ground |
F |
44 |
Connecticut |
|
William H Northrop b ~ 1829 |
M |
21 |
Connecticut |
|
Frederick Northrop
NORTHROP, Charles H., s. of Frederick and Caroline G., d. March 4, 1875, ae. 27 yrs., 5 moS b ~ 1848
ellsworth burying ground
|
M |
14
b ~ 1836 |
Connecticut |
|
Clark Northrop b ~ 1839
Winchester Cemetery**many Alvords here
Clark H Northrop .. Birth: Sep., 1839 Sharon Litchfield County Connecticut, Death: 1911 Winsted Litchfield County Connecticut, Son of Hiram Northrop & Amanda P Dorr Northrop. Husband of Ella Frances Bowman Northrop Family links: Parents: Hiram Northrop (____ - 1863) Amanda P Northrop (____ - 1865) Spouse: Ella Frances Bowman Northrop (1851 - 1945) |
M |
11 |
Connecticut |
|
Newton Northrop
NORTHROP, Newton B., d. Aug. 12, 1864, ae. 21. ellsworth burying ground |
M |
7 |
Connecticut |
|
NORTHROP, Julia, dau. of Hiram and Amanda P., d. July 17, 1847, ae. 15 yrS., 6 mos., 15 dys.
ellsworth burying ground
|
|
|
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Frederic Northrop, "United States Census, 1870"
| Name: |
Frederic Northrop |
| Birth Year (Estimated): |
1836 |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Age (Original): |
34y |
| Race: |
White |
| Birthplace: |
Connecticut |
| Event Place: |
Connecticut, United States |
| |
Household |
Gender |
Age |
Birthplace |
|
Frederic Northrop |
M |
34y |
Connecticut |
|
Carolin Northrop |
F |
24y |
Connecticut |
|
Charles H Northrop |
M |
2y |
Connecticut |
|
Clark Northrop |
M |
30y |
Connecticut |
|
George Beed |
M |
17y |
Connecticut |
|
Son Frederick Elmore Northrop maybe about 1899 
ae 64 
