Joseph Smith (clockmaker)


Joseph Smith was a clockmaker based in Chester in the early part of the 18th century.

Life

Joseph was born ca.1688 in Barthomley, the son of Gabriel Smith a clockmaker, and Ann Whittingham.
Around 1721 Gabriel Smith moved his family to Nantwich, and in 1724-25 Joseph left home and moved to the Gloverstone area of Chester. Just after he settled in the city, he was commissioned to make a new turret clock for Chester Cathedral. As part of this commission he was paid 16s annually for its maintenance. The clock had no dial, but chimed the quarters with a ting-tang on two bells and struck the hour. The pendulum period was 1¼ seconds.
In addition to turret clocks, he produced long case and mantel clocks. An example of a mantel clock was auctioned as Lot 59 by Bonhams on 11 July 2018 and made £5,250 and another exists in the collection of the Zaanse Time Museum in Holland.
He married Mary Hulse in Acton, Nantwich on 24 February 1717/18 and had five sons who attended King's School, Chester and one daughter.
  • John Smith
  • Joseph Smith
  • Mary Smith
  • Gabriel Smith
  • Thomas Smith
  • Samuel Smith

Turret clocks