Author: Chauncey Jerome

Chauncey Jerome (1793-1868) was a distinguished American clockmaker whose entrepreneurial spirit and innovative manufacturing techniques revolutionized the clock industry in the 19th century. Born in Canaan, Connecticut, Jerome rose from humble beginnings to become a dominant figure in the mass production of brass clocks. His autobiography, “History of the American Clock Business for the Past Sixty Years, and Life of Chauncey Jerome” (1860), provides not only a personal narrative of his life but also a valuable account of the clock industry during that period. Young Chauncey began his career as an apprentice in the clock-making industry, learning the trade from masters of the craft. Demonstrating an aptitude for mechanics and business, he pioneered the use of brass gears in clock manufacture, which was a major shift from the more expensive and less durable wooden gears used at the time. Jerome”s introduction of cost-effective production methods allowed clocks to be sold at lower prices, effectively making timekeeping devices accessible to a wider audience. Jerome”s literary style reflects a man of pragmatism and perseverance, narrating his own experiences and those of the clock business with clear-eyed detail and an informative tone. While his literary canon may not be extensive, it is deeply entwined with his life”s work as an industrious craftsman and his impact on American manufacturing. His autobiography remains an essential resource for historians and horologists, shedding light on a transformative era in American industrial history.