The Reverend Obadiah Holmes Clock at the Brooklyn Historical Society

I received an email some three years ago about a clock that was rumored to be standing in the main floor of the library at the Brooklyn Historical Society. The person asking happened to be a descendent of the original owner of this clock (which was given to the Long Island Historical Society (now known as the Brooklyn Historical Society) in May of 1869. I looked downstairs and saw no clock and could not recall ever having seen a clock (except for the plastic one on the ref desk) in my tenure at BHS. After a bit more head scratching, card catalog searching, and widespread questioning I located the clock’s accession folder and sent off the information and photographs about the clock to the researcher who had inquired about it. About a year after that, I received another email from yet another descendent of the Reverend Holmes who wanted to know if we still had the clock and could she purchase it from us. Before I had a chance to send her the same information as the first person, I received another email from another descendent! It seems there is a large group of people who don’t know each other and are distantly related to Reverand Obadiah Holmes and his clock. For all the family members out there, I offer a brief history of the clock, its whereabouts, and some photographs.

Reverend Obadiah Holmes originated from Manchester, England and settled in Salem, Massachusetts with his wife and son in 1639. He lived in Providence and Newport, Rhode Island for many years and landed in Gravesend, Long Island in 1664 (source: The California Register, Vol. No. 1, April 1900. California Genealogical Society). Rev. Holmes brought with him from England what is said to be the first pendulum clock to arrive on American shores and John H. Baker, Esq. presented the clock to the Long Island Historical Society in May of 1869.

Since having it in our possession, we have learned a few things about this clock — the most interesting thing being that the clock’s identity is questionable. First, the pendulum clock was made by a Dutch clockmaker in 1657 (after Holmes’ arrival). Second, the mechanism in the clock is identified as being made by William Tomlinson who did not finish his clockmaking training until 1699 (also after Holmes’ arrival).

According to the accession file containing correspondence from clock experts and excerpts from clock publications, it is agreed that the clock was likely an 18th century rather than 17th century clock as originally thought. Whichever century it comes from, it is a great example of time-keeping.

If you would like to know more about the clockmakers, look for Old clocks and watches and their makers by A. J. Britten.  Unfortunately, the clock no longer stands in the library today.  It has been professionally packed and placed in storage since our renovations. When we do bring it back, we will let everyone know -- Holmes' family included.