“A Fine Craftsman in the Best Tradition” Isaiah Lukens and His Clock-Making Trade by Elizabeth Fox

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© 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission. “A Fine Craftsman in the Best Tradition” Isaiah Lukens and His Clock-Making Trade By Elizabeth Fox

Author’s note: The title of this article, “A Fine Craftsman shift from traditional craftsmanship to mechanization in the Best Tradition,” is taken from a description of during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as the Lukens found in Ferguson.1 This article contains selected emergence of a capitalist labor economy gradually excerpts from my graduate thesis, Like Clockwork: The replaced skilled artisans and journeymen with wage Mechanical Ingenuity and Craftsmanship of Isaiah earners. This situation quickly progressed with new Lukens (1779-1846). inexpensive methods in clock manufacturing, orchestrated by clock makers such as Eli Terry of Connecticut. Although noted How different is my feeling on horology scholars have recognized a return to the city of brotherly Lukens’ contributions to the love!! There is jealousy and trade, few of his existing clocks, rivalry, but also science and apart from his famous 1828 clock intelligence, and trade and money movement in the Pennsylvania not the only things which occupy State House, are well documented the mind.—Joseph Henry to or widely published.5 Additionally, Alexander Dallas Bache, no apprenticeship indenture, October 25, 18392 daybook, or other personal records of his trade have come to light. Fortunately, numerous objects, A period of intellectual ferment correspondence, scientific reports, and economic growth transformed and manuscripts, namely the 1847 Philadelphia’s urban society by auction catalog of Lukens’ estate the first half of the 19th century. by W.S. Berrell & J.S. Burr, attest Despite losing its status as the to his commercial success in clock- nation’s leading trade port, making.6 This article will primarily Philadelphia buzzed with industrial Figure 1. Isaiah Lukens, ca. 1800. Attributed discuss Lukens’ origins and activity when the construction of to Rembrandt Peale (1778–1860). Oil on influences on the clock-making trade manufactories, turnpikes, and canal canvas, 21 x 27 in. COURTESY OF THE ATHENAEUM OF during the rise of industrialization in systems around 1820 dramatically PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 19th-century Philadelphia. reorganized artisan labor and drove the city toward scientific progress. Throughout these Origins of Isaiah Lukens post-Revolutionary developments, mechanics formed the Born in 1779 to Seneca Lukens and Sarah Quinby, the backbone of the city’s preindustrial trades.3 Within this eccentric Isaiah Lukens inherited mechanical abilities assemblage of craftsmen stood Isaiah Lukens (1779–1846), from his relatives, many of whom represented the oldest who promoted himself as a skilled clock maker and watch colonial settlers and tradesmen of Pennsylvania. His maker, silversmith, instrument maker, inventor, and great-uncle John Lukens achieved fame as Surveyor tinkerer of all things mechanical (Figure 1). Lukens created General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1761. his clocks and devices with innovative forms and functions Using his scientific and mathematical expertise, he that personify the industrious American spirit. assisted fellow clock maker David Rittenhouse and the Originally from Horsham Township, PA, Isaiah Lukens American Philosophical Society in their astronomical was a renowned scientific mechanic of the Early observations of the transit of Venus in 1769 and of Republic.4 After serving as apprentice to his clock maker Mercury in 1776. Their published findings allowed father, he set out from Horsham in 1811 to establish his astronomers to accurately measure distances to celestial own trade in Philadelphia, where he developed a greater objects, which significantly brought Philadelphia’s understanding of the mechanical arts. His creations scientific community to international recognition. consisted of such items as tall case and tower clocks, air However, Isaiah Lukens gained invaluable knowledge rifles, and odometers, classifying him as a jack-of-all- of clock-making from his father Seneca Lukens (1751– trades. In diversifying his trade, Lukens embraced the 1829), a Quaker clock maker in Montgomery County

142 March | April 2020 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin nawcc.org © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission. who not only constructed 8-day tall case clocks but also served prominent roles as the community’s citizen farmer.7 A number of surviving clocks with Seneca’s signature reflect his extraordinary craftsmanship. Their wooden cases exemplify sophisticated late–18th- century Philadelphia Chippendale designs. Elements such as scrolled pediments, quarter columns, and carved flame finials indicate that Seneca relied on regional cabinet makers to create the casework (Figure 2). Seneca also incorporated popular models of dials and mechanisms in his clocks, which were made of imported brass and decorative elements from England and would have been assembled in his workshop. These mechanical timepieces include 8-day Figure 2, left. Tall case clock. Movement by brass movements, auxiliary dials, and Seneca Lukens. The case maker is not identified. almanacs, which were first introduced This is probably from Horsham, PA, 1792. Walnut (primary), 8-day brass movement with in 1730 to predict the moon’s phases. painted dial. Inscribed “Seneca Lukens-Samuel Seneca assiduously promoted his trade Maulsby 1792.” Height: 98 in. (8.17 ft.). Above, by signing his clocks alongside their Close-up of the dial. COURTESY OF POOK & POOK, INC. order number and date.8 Isaiah Lukens demonstrated his mechanical proficiency at an early perhaps as the eldest child, with no heirs age. Charles Jones Wister, Jr., the of his own, he fulfilled important duties son of Isaiah Lukens’ colleague from involving the care of his family’s estate. Germantown, wrote that Isaiah was Nevertheless, after he obtained greater “a very agreeable companion, though knowledge of the mechanical sciences, when pre-occupied with any mechanical Isaiah resolutely worked to establish problem that incidentally presented himself as a prosperous urbanite. The itself…he might have passed for the legacy of his family, including his great- dullest of men,” since he would “spend uncle John Lukens and father Seneca the whole evening over a mechanical Lukens, shaped the formative years of his puzzle, for instance, and when solved, clock-making trade and inspired one of jump up, order his horse, and be gone Horsham Township’s craft dynasties. without one word having passed his lips 9 till he bade goodnight.” Before his move The Art of Keeping Time: to Philadelphia, Lukens apprenticed Lukens’ Clock Commissions with his father and received a common English education under his tutelage. After accruing enough shop experience His apprenticeship to Seneca would to establish his own trade, 35-year-old have been typical of other Montgomery Isaiah moved in 1811 to Philadelphia, County clock makers. At age 14, young where he was first listed in 1813 as men procured experience in the trade a “turner, &c.” at 173 High Street, under the supervision of a relative or friend working as ultimately becoming the city’s notable “town clock master clock maker. After two to seven years of training, maker and machinist” in his shop at the back of 171 High 12 these adolescents became journeymen or master clock Street. George Escol Sellers, whose father Coleman makers who could purchase their own farms and pay Sellers befriended Lukens, recalled him living “in his shop taxes in Pennsylvania by age 21, thus becoming tied [formerly a two story stable], sleeping in an adjoining to the land.10 Isaiah continued to serve in his father’s room, taking his meals at an old hostelry on Market Street. 13 shop in 1803, even after turning 21.11 The reasons Isaiah He called his shop his wife, and he really loved it” (Figure remained in Horsham until late adulthood are unclear; 3). Until his death in 1846, Lukens created a plethora of timepieces that ranged from astronomical regulators to nawcc.org NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin • March | April 2020 143 © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

Figure 3. High Street, from Ninth Street, Philadelphia by William Russell Birch (1755– 1834). Hand-colored engraving on wove paper, 8 ⁷/₁₆ × 11 ³/₁₆ in. From Birch WR. The City of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, North America. Philadelphia: W. Birch & Son, 1800. Plate 12. COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, CORCORAN COLLECTION, WASHINGTON, DC. tower clocks, seven of which are known to survive. He made his first tower clock for Loller Academy after its founding on February 12, 1812. Located in Hatboro, PA, only a mile from his childhood home and father’s shop, the academy was established through the estate of the late Robert Loller, Montgomery County’s distinguished educator and judge. In his will, Loller expressed a desire to found an academy or seminary near his property in Hatboro. The construction of Loller Academy, which cost more than $11,000, included a two-story structure with a cupola containing Lukens’ clock and a bell cast by the foundry of George Hedderly.14 Restored to its original condition, the clock encompasses clockwork features such as steel escapements, huge strike weights, and knife-edge suspension that supported the 10-foot pendulum (Figure 4). From 1817 to 1819, Lukens created another tower clock for Head House in Philadelphia (Figures 5 and 6) and later a public clock for the Second Bank of the United States in 1820 (Figure 7). The latter included a striking mechanism that would activate at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to mark the beginning and end of the bank day, respectively. Although his early public clock commissions were concentrated in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lukens also created clocks further south. For instance, he constructed a tower clock at Camden, SC, in 1824 (Figure 8). Until its removal in 1859, the clock resided in the belfry of the tower in Camden Market, accompanied by a bell cast by John Wilbank.15 Components of the original weight-driven clock, now fully restored, included a Figure 4. Exterior of Loller. COURTESY OF THE MILLBROOK SOCIETY OF HATBORO, HATBORO, PA.

144 March | April 2020 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin nawcc.org © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission. pendulum with suspension and clients to advance the marketing vernier adjustment assembly, agate and manufacturing of his clocks. bushings, and lantern pinions. In The enormous case proportions November 1829, Lukens created a and extremely accurate tower clock for the new sanctuary timekeeping of Lukens’ tall case of Christ Church in Norfolk, VA. clocks attest to his ingenuity and When arriving in Norfolk from originality. On January 5, 1819, Philadelphia, the schooner Naomi Lukens presented one of his carried the mechanisms necessary earliest clocks to the Academy of for the clock’s installation; the Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Church paid Lukens $863.63 for his of which he was an esteemed services. This timepiece consisted member (Figure 10). The clock’s of brass wheels, axles, and drums square, architectonic case, with its supported within an iron frame as flat pediment and crested molding well as an original brass pendulum on the hood, houses a 12-hour placed on knife-edge suspension. dial as well as a smaller dial for Although the mystery remains counting the seconds.17 Lukens as to how Lukens secured clock created perhaps his tallest clock commissions from the South, George for the Philadelphia Bank around Escol Sellers remarked that Lukens 1840; it was later acquired by the frequently extended “his lonely Figure 5. Hope Hose Company No. 6 & Athenaeum of Philadelphia after drives as far south as Washington,” Fellowship Engine Company No. 29, Second the bank moved to its new location and so was likely hired to create a Streets between Pine & Lombard Streets, in 1859 (Figure 11). The case is clock for the town of Camden either Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA. This composed of a geometrically through his business connections or photograph shows the exterior of Head House carved door with floral annual trips.16 It is highly plausible and its clock made by Isaiah Lukens in 1824. medallions, scrolled supports, and then that Lukens led the itinerant Photograph HABS PA-1351. COURTESY OF THE a round hood crowned with vine lifestyle of an artisan-entrepreneur, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS motifs. A compact tower clock traversing the East Coast to acquire DIVISION, HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY, WASHINGTON, DC. mechanism incorporating a long commissions and widen his circle of

Figure 6. Movement inside the iron frame at Head House, with illuminated clock face in the background. IMAGE COURTESY BILL ARROWOOD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOUTH STREET HEADHOUSE DISTRICT, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

A Figure 7. (A) Clock face and (B) bell and clockworks as seen inside the Second Bank of the United States. Philadelphia, PA, 1824. COURTESY OF INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL B PARK.

Figure 9. Alfred Hand (dates unknown). Grumblethorpe. A Peep into the ancient carpenter shop in back of house, October 24, 1921. Glass plate negative, 4 × 3.25 in. COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA, ALFRED HAND PHOTOGRAPHIC NEGATIVE COLLECTION, PHILADELPHIA, PA. Figure 8. Movement, pendulum, weights, and dial of clock made for the belfry of the Camden Market building in 1824. COURTESY OF THE COLLECTION OF CAMDEN ARCHIVES & MUSEUM, CAMDEN, SOUTH CAROLINA.

146 March | April 2020 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin nawcc.org © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission. pendulum with weight suspension fits inside its narrow furnished with a transit instrument and astronomical case. Towering more than 14' high, this monumental clock made by Lukens. The Wister observatory allowed clock epitomizes Lukens’ versatility as a clock maker and both men to observe and record celestial phenomena, mechanic. including the transit of Mercury in 1845. In 1834, Lukens created an astronomical regulator Lukens’ astronomical regulator for Charles Wister is for his friend, Charles Jones Wister of Germantown, composed of a compensation pendulum and other whom he met during the public exhibition of Charles clockworks purposefully designed to maintain strict Redheffer’s perpetual motion machine in Philadelphia.18 accuracy through temperature changes. First invented Wister possessed the qualities of a skilled mechanic, by Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens in 1656 and busying himself in his workshop at Grumblethorpe improved by 18th-century English clock makers like Mansion, where both men experimented with clocks George Graham, pendulum clocks promoted society’s and scientific instruments (see Figure 9). In his 1820 obsession with precise timekeeping; mercury pendulums personal memoranda, Wister crafted formulas for greatly increased their accuracy to within seconds per clock compensation pendulums made of mercury, day or even seconds per week. Lukens’ regulator would lead, or wood; these recipes likely aided Lukens when have functioned well with its high degree of accuracy, creating heavy mercury pendulums for his astronomical obviating careful adjustment whenever changes in regulators.19 At Lukens’ suggestion, Wister worked with temperature occurred. Like the clock at the Academy of him in 1834 to build an observatory at Grumblethorpe, Natural Sciences, its domed mahogany hood contains a

A B Figure 10. (A) Clock probably from Philadelphia, PA, 1819. Black paint with gilded decoration from the early 20th century. Height, 84 in. (7 ft.); hood, 22 in. (1.83 ft.) wide and 11.25 in. deep; body, 18 in. (1.5 ft.) wide and 7.75 in. deep; base, 14.5 in. (1.21 ft.) wide and 10.25 in. deep. (B) Close-up of painted wood dial and (C) 8-day brass weight-powered movement with deadbeat escapement. Located in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. COURTESY OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY, PHILADELPHIA, PA.

24-hour silvered dial with a smaller dial that counted the In a letter to Wister, he wrote how he would acquire seconds, as well as a 16-pound mercury pendulum rod “different materials and carry them to different workmen typically found in weight-driven clocks of the period. Its who execute according to order, and it goes through features are strikingly similar to another astronomical about twenty different workmans hand[s], before its regulator that Lukens made in 1834 for Samuel Sellers complete, each one charging as much according to stile of Philadelphia20 (Figure 12). This regulator includes a [sic] and pains to be taken.”21 Lukens also corresponded mahogany Empire-style case with a round bonnet top, with Reuben Haines III, a colleague from the Academy 24-hour dial, and mercury pendulum. Both regulators of Natural Sciences, on how he fabricated types of include other features such as mercury glass bobs mechanical watches, specifically those with a Swiss lever and jeweled agate pallets. With the help of available escapement: 19th-century technology and resources in Europe, I find I can get a very superior article for much Lukens created astronomical clocks that demonstrate his less than they can be bought of those that supply proficiency in measuring space and time. orders from America or elsewhere and it is considered [that] the most inferior goods are all Lukens’ Clock-Making Exploits in Europe sent to the American Market that place orders Lukens’ tools and knowledge in clock- and watch-making [for] such inferior goods.22 proved beneficial during his travels to Europe between In this way, he resourcefully sought out inexpensive April 1 and October 4, 1825. While in England, Lukens watch parts perceived to be of greater quality in not only experimented with mechanical instruments, but England.23 Although his actual surviving watches are also designed watches for additional and reliable income. yet to be discovered, one cannot dismiss the possibility

Figure 11. Clock probably from Philadelphia, PA, circa 1825–40. Oak (primary). Height, 176 in. (14 ft., 8 in.); bonnet, 37 in. (3.8 ft.) wide × 17 in. (1.45 ft.) deep; base, 35.5 in. (2.96 ft.) wide × 21.5 in. (1.79 ft.) deep. COURTESY OF THE ATHENAEUM OF PHILADELPHIA, C PHILADELPHIA, PA.

148 March | April 2020 • NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin nawcc.org © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission. that Lukens commenced his watch- making business in Philadelphia, as evidenced by B.P. Smith of Washington, who wrote to Lukens in 1836: “I regret very much now that I did not take the lady’s watch that you had finished, with your name on, as that will be assurance of its goodness.”24 Through the assistance of his laborers and abundance of watch movements in London, A B Lukens benefited from a productive work environment that enabled him Figure 12. (A) Astronomical regulator to export luxurious watches and made for Samuel Sellers, Philadelphia, PA, utilize his clock-making expertise circa 1834. Mahogany. (B) Close-up of the dial. COURTESY OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF while abroad. MONTGOMERY COUNTY. PHOTOS TAKEN BY AUTHOR WITH PERMISSION. His Crowning Glory: Constructing the Pennsylvania State House Clock 16 Perhaps his most famous a grindstone. Although designs for commission involved constructing a the State House clock are not solely new tower clock for the Pennsylvania attributed to him, Lukens supervised State House—or Independence Saxton’s craftsmanship while Hall—in 1828, which replaced the providing the necessary materials original steeple clock by Thomas and shop facilities. Together, both Stretch from 1753. After the General men combined their artistry and Marquis de Lafayette made his technical capabilities to create official visit to Philadelphia in 1824, Independence Hall’s first four-faced interest in the city’s Revolutionary steeple clock, which officially struck past revived, which led the City the Wilbank bell on January 1, 1829. Council of Philadelphia to propose Responses over the new clock varied, the renovation of the Pennsylvania with one Philadelphian commenting State House with a new clock and on its lack of visibility: “two squares bell to commemorate the events distant [from the clock tower] it of 1776. Having just returned to is mortally impossible to observe 27 Philadelphia from England on the anything more than hieroglyphics.” ship Montezuma in October 22, 1827, On October 4, 1877, the Lukens Lukens secured the contract to build clockworks were replaced by a the clock in the State House steeple Seth Thomas Clock Co. movement with the help of his young assistant and promptly transferred to the 25 Joseph Saxton (1799–1873). belfry of Germantown Town Hall, Saxton and Lukens created an 8-day where it was presented to citizens clock, with four copper dials that measured eight feet in on the anniversary of the Battle of 28 diameter and clockworks that ensured sufficient power Germantown. After years of neglect in Germantown, the to strike the 4,000-pound bell made by bronze founder clockworks moved to their current home at Independence John Wilbank; both men were paid the sum of $2,00026 National Historical Park with the help of Philadelphia city (Figure 13). Along with a nearby transit instrument representatives and local clock restorers in September 29 to determine the clock’s accuracy, the clock also likely 2007 (Figure 14). included a temperature-compensating pendulum with three metal tubes. Other features such as the escapement Epilogue and epicycloidal gear teeth are arguably attributed to The clocks fashioned by Isaiah Lukens showcase his Saxton; previously, Lukens suffered from weak eyesight remarkable skill, achievements, and knowledge of after a chip of steel flew into his eye while he was dressing timekeeping compared with other Philadelphia clock nawcc.org NAWCC Watch & Clock Bulletin • March | April 2020 149 © 2020 National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. Reproduction prohibited without written permission.

A Figure 13. (A) Clockworks from Pennsylvania State House. (B) Stamped “I LUKENS FECIT 1829.” COURTESY OF INDEPENDENCE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK. makers. By incorporating apparatuses from tower clocks, pseudo–Empire-style cases, and other improvements such as mercury pendulums, Lukens designed his clocks with impeccable quality and individual character, all of which greatly represented Philadelphia’s successful clock-making trades. Most importantly, they reflected the intersection of science and design that took shape in the city, which clock historian Frederick Shelley called B “a second renaissance of the mechanical arts and natural sciences in the tradition of Franklin and Rittenhouse.”30 Lukens’ surviving public and private clocks effectively transformed the daily routine and soundscape of towns Mechanics: A History of the Franklin Institute, like Philadelphia. His clock-making ventures not only 1824-1865. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins Press, highlighted his passion for the sciences, but also revealed 1974:136. his inquisitive nature and civic duty to advancing 3. The term “mechanic” applies to the artisans, scientific knowledge for the nation’s citizenry. entrepreneurs, common laborers, and other Isaiah Lukens, the quintessential gentleman scholar, participants of America’s working class responsible for inventor, and clock maker–mechanic, embodied the stabilizing and developing the newly formed American qualities described in the 1837 edition of The Mechanics’ Republic. For an overview of the mechanic in 18th- Register: “The mechanic who brings to his occupation and 19th-century America, see Bridenbaugh C. The an inventive, enlightened, and inquiring mind, who is Colonial Craftsman. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago master of his craft, in theory as well as practice, has more Press, 1950; Schelereth T. Artisans and craftsmen: of a real philosophy in him than twenty of those minute a historical perspective. In: Quimby, IMG., ed. The philosophers, who spend their lives in puzzling the world Craftsman in Early America. New York: W.W. Norton, with empty metaphysical speculations.”31 1984; and Rock HB. Artisans of the New Republic: The Tradesmen of New York City in the Age of Jefferson. Notes and References New York: New York University Press, 1979. 1. Ferguson, ES., ed., Early Engineering Reminiscences 4. Author Bruce Sinclair coined the term in his (1815-40) of George Escol Sellers. Washington, DC: publication, Philadelphia’s Philosopher Mechanics: A Smithsonian Institution, 1965:52. History of the Franklin Institute, 5, 14–15. 2. Letter to A.D. Bache from Joseph Henry, Princeton, 5. Sources that have documented Isaiah Lukens’ October 25, 1839, Joseph Henry Private Papers. As contributions to clock-making include Forman referenced in Sinclair B. Philadelphia’s Philosopher BR. Clock Makers of Montgomery County,

Figure 14. Germantown Town Hall, 5928 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. Photograph HABS PA-6708. COURTESY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY, WASHINGTON, DC.

1740-1850. Norristown, PA: Historical Society 13. Ferguson, ES., ed. Early Engineering Reminiscences of Montgomery County, 2000; Frazier A. Joseph (1815-40) of George Escol Sellers. Washington, DC: Saxton’s first sojourn at Philadelphia 1818-1831, and Smithsonian Institution, 1965:52. his contributions to the Independence Hall Clock. 14. Shannon DT, Jr. Saving and Restoring the Lukens The Smithsonian Journal of History 1968;3(2):71; Clock at the Loller Academy. Published by the Lamberton J. Lukens tower clock. NAWCC Bulletin Millbrook Society, 2017:8, 11. 1991;33(June):256–260; Tyler M. The tower clocks of restored Colonial Williamsburg. NAWCC Bulletin 15. Along with Pennsylvania clock makers William 2000;42(April):195–199; and Frishman B. Lukens Bevens, Isaac Reed, and Daniel Oyster, Isaiah Lukens clock & stereoview return to Independence Park. contracted Wilbank to manufacture bells for the NAWCC Bulletin 2008;50(Dec):651–653 among majority of his tower and bank clocks. (Clockmakers others. of Montgomery County, 1740-1850, 206). 6. A list of mechanical parts (e.g., clock bridges, brass 16. See Note 13, page 55. wheels, and bells) and equipment (e.g., turning 17. When the Academy moved to its current location on lathes, pulleys, cutting machines) from Isaiah’s 19th Street around the early 20th century, the original shop can be found in Catalogue of town clocks, gold case was painted black with gilding to complement chronometers, nautical, philosophical and chemical the library’s interior. Despite these modern instruments, turning lathes, steam, cutting, and alterations, the clock represents a transfer of style dividing engines, tools, air guns...belonging to the from traditional to modern casework. estate of Isaiah Lukens, dec’d… Philadelphia: W.B. Berrell & J.S. Burr, 1847. 18. A millwright from Germantown, Charles Redheffer was an American inventor who captivated 7. The son of undocumented clock maker Abraham Philadelphians with an exhibition of his perpetual Lukens (1722–1800), Seneca Lukens lived and motion machine, which he claimed could infinitely worked in his residence at Kirk’s Tavern, alongside run without an energy source. his family of seven. Forman estimated that Seneca Lukens constructed 60 clocks in his lifetime 19. “Grahams Pendulums,” Memorandum of Charles Jones (Clockmakers of Montgomery County, 1740-1850, Wister, American Philosophical Society, Eastwick xiv). Collection, 1746-1929, Mss. 974.811/Ea7 Series II. The title “Grahams Pendulums” likely refers to English clock 8. Quite often, Seneca also engraved the name of each maker George Graham, who invented the deadbeat clock’s owner, as found in one Chippendale walnut escapement and mercury pendulum in 1715 and 1721, tall case clock with the inscription “Seneca Lukens- respectively. One recipe titled “To tin cast Iron” includes Samuel Maulsby 1792.” this tiny joke directed at Lukens, hinting at their close 9. Wister CJ, Jr. The Labour of a Long Life: A Memoir relationship: “Make an amalgam of tin & mercury about of Charles J. Wister. Germantown, 1866: 141. the consistence of Butter past it over the Iron & it will form a surface of tin fit to solder on I Lukens.” 10. Hohmann FL, III. Clock cases in the American colonies. Timeless: Masterpiece American Brass Dial 20. Note from Karen Ploch, Curator of Historical Society Clocks. New York: Hohmann Holdings LLC, 2009:72; of Montgomery County: “Though information about Forman BR, xiii–xiv. Samuel Sellers is scarce, he likely worked as a laborer and inventor of sorts. He occasionally substituted for 11. Forman references an 8-day tall case clock made Isaiah Lukens in the care for the Pennsylvania State by Isaiah around 1805, with a cherry wood case House clock in 1828.” Sellers’ father was the talented executed by a cabinetmaker who supplied cases surveyor John Sellers I of Sellers Hall in Upper Darby to Horsham clock makers. (Clockmakers of Township. Montgomery County, 70). 21. Letter to Charles Jones Wister from Isaiah Lukens, 12. Paxton JA. The Philadelphia Directory and Register London, January 13, 1827. American Philosophical for 1813… Published by B. & T. Kite, 20 North Third Society, Eastwick Collection, 1746-1929, Mss. Street; Desilver R. The Philadelphia Directory for 974.811/Ea7 Series I. He also consulted Wister for 1824… Published by the Editor, 110 Walnut Street. assistance in marketing his London-made watches Lukens is later referenced in other Philadelphia and chronometers to friends in Philadelphia, who directories as “horologist” and “mechanician” in 173 could give “my young man J. Saxton a description of High Street (1828–29), 15 Decatur Street (1830–31), the watch wanted, and pay over by John Vaughn, the 40 Carpenter Street (1834–37), and “machinist” in amount you wish laid out for the same, or provide a 305 High Street (1842–6). bill in London so that I can receive the same.”

22. Letter to Reuben Haines III from Isaiah Lukens, 28. Henry Seybert, son of accomplished mineralogist London, December 29, 1826. Haverford College Adam Seybert of Philadelphia, provided the State Libraries, Quaker & Special Collections, Robert B. House with a new clock by the Seth Thomas Clock Haines, III Collection, Ms. Coll. 1011. Co. in Thomaston, CT, as well as a 13,000-pound bell cast by the Meneely-Kimberly Foundry in Troy, 23. Indeed, Lukens’ 1847 estate catalog features a surplus NY, both made in commemoration of the Centennial of watch-making tools and materials, namely a box Exposition of 1876. See Frazier AH. Henry Seybert of watch hands “38 in number” (#214), box of watch and the Centennial Clock and Bell at Independence springs (#224), 62 watch jewels (#237), eight ruby Hall. The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and watch cylinders (#240), watch maker’s lathe (#265- Biography, 1978;102:49. 266), and lot of watch maker’s tools (#267); the majority of these items likely came from his watch- 29. For more information on the clock’s restoration, making business in London. see Frishman B. Lukens clock & stereoview return to Independence Park. NAWCC Bulletin 24. Letter to Isaiah Lukens from B.P. Smith, Washington, 2008;50(Dec):651–653. DC, May 31, 1836. As referenced in House and Senate Reports; Reports on Private Bill/Committee 30. Shelley F. Early American Tower Clocks: Surviving on the District of Columbia. Washington: United American Tower Clocks from 1726 to 1870. States. Congress. House. Committee on the District Columbia, PA: National Association of Watch & Clock of Columbia. February 23, 1843. Congressional Collectors, Inc., 2015:55. ProQuest. 31 Dignity of the mechanic arts. The Mechanics’ 25. Under Lukens’ tutelage, Joseph Saxton became Register: or, Journal of the Useful Arts, Trades, one of Philadelphia’s celebrated clock makers and Manufactures, Sciences, &c., 1 February 1837:3. innovators, who later in life performed ingenious experiments with inventor Michael Faraday in About the Author England and superintended the U.S. Mint and the Elizabeth Fox has served as the curatorial assistant U.S. Coast Survey’s Office of Weights and Measures. of American Art at the Worcester Art Museum since He is also credited for taking the first daguerreotype January 2019. Currently, her projects involve the in America, that of Central High School and the reinstallation of WAM’s American Galleries, which will Pennsylvania State Arsenal in Philadelphia around explore the cost of luxury in early American visual and 1839. For a thorough history of his mechanical material culture. She received her MA in Decorative achievements, see Henry J. Memoir of Joseph Saxton, Arts & Design History from the Smithsonian and 1799-1873. Washington, DC: National Academy of George Washington University in 2018, completing Sciences, 1877 and Frazier A. “Joseph Saxton and her thesis. During her academic career, Elizabeth His Electronic Devices,” Unpublished Papers of the acquired curatorial internships at several institutions, American Philosophical Society, pertaining to Joseph including the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Saxton (September 1967), Mss.B.Sa93f. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the U.S. State 26. Lukens I. “Quotation for the State House clock.” Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Philadelphia, February 20, 1828, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Society Collection-State House; “Contract with Isaiah Lukens to make a clock for the Steeple at the State House,” October 1828, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Society Collection-State House; Wilbank J. “Quotation for bell by Wilbank.” Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Society Collection- State House. 27. U.S. Gazette, March 1, 1829. As referenced in McCrossen A. Marking Modern Times: A History of Clocks, Watches, and Other Timekeepers in American Life. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 2013: 38. This complaint came despite the introduction of gaslights that illuminated the clock’s dials at night.

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