Claggett clock
in Redwood Library Collection.
|
William Claggett
b. [Wales?] 1696
d. Newport, RI, October 18, 1749
|
Clockmaker, engraver and printer, author and experimenter in electricity.
Claggett arrives in Newport from Boston around 1716.
Rhode Island General Assembly appoints Claggett to engrave and print new
paper currency to thwart counterfeiting in 1738.
Develops electrical machine; conducts early experiments in this country.
Gives public demonstrates in Newport in 1746, the following year in Boston.
Monies received from these exhibitions go to charity. It has been suggested
he stimulated his friend Benjamin Franklin's interest in the subject of
electricity.
Recognized most for his clocks and clockmaking. It is most probable he
built from the raw materials at hand, as suppliers of finished materials
were nonexistent. Additionally, it is possible the clocks were custom made,
not placed on display.
Few Claggett clocks are still in existence. A wall clock at the 7th Day
Baptist Meeting house, thought to be the earliest known wall clock in the
U.S., dates from 1732. The Redwood has a tall case clock in its possession,
ca. 1723. This clock, originally owned by the Stanton family, was inherited
by a descendant, Bishop Samuel Babcock. He donates it to the Redwood Library
in 1948.
Claggett clock stories and legends abound. Prior to the Revolution, a loyalist
family fled with one to Canada, where it remains today. Ironically, in
view of Claggett's electrical experiments, one of his clocks has been struck
by lightening.
A notable member of 7th Day Baptist Congregation. His civic duties include
forming Newport's local fire company.
His shop once stood to the west of Brick Market. It was demolished not
long after his death to make an access-way to Long Wharf.
His house still stands at 16 Bridge Street. The house has been much altered.
He is buried in the Common Burial Ground.
Wheel showing weekdays and astrological
symbols.
Part of a Claggett clock mechanism.
Redwood Library Collection.
Bibliography
|
