Should we call it the Birge, Gilbert & Co., or W. L. Gilbert & Co., maybe the Gilbert Manufacturing Co., clock will sound better; truth is the Gilbert clock company has gone by various names and remembering them all can be challenging.
Although Gilbert clocks aren’t as sophisticated as other antique clocks, these antiques have managed to secure their spot in history.
Well, if you need to identify or value an antique Gilbert clock, but the lack of uniformity in design and the many names worries you, worry not; we are here to answer all mind-boggling questions you might have.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of the Gilbert Clock Company (1828 – 1964)
The Brothers in Law
The long history of the Gilbert Clock starts with two brothers-in-law William Lewis Gilbert and Clarke, who started the company under the nameMarsh Gilbert & Co.in 1828.
They formed the company in Bristol and Farmington, Connecticut. Connecticut, the hub of clockmaking in the 19th-century, was the perfect startup location. This city had already birthed household names like The Waterbury Clock Co., Eli Terry, Seth Thomas, and others.
However, Gilbert didn’t stay in a city for long, so he moved to Dayton, Ohio, in 1834 to makeWooden Clocks.
The Good Times and the Bad
His solo venture didn’t last; thus, he returned to Bristol. On his return, he formed a partnership with John Birgeto createEmpire Encased Shelf Clocks with Joseph Ives movementsunderBirge, Gilbert & Co.
However, in no time, the firm dissolved in 1837, leading Gilbert to seek another partnership.
Two years later, Gilbert partnered with notorious clockmaking brothersChaunceyandNoble Jeromeof The Waterbury Clock Co. Connecticut andZelotas Grant (1839.) The brothers left Waterbury to formJerome, Grant, Gilbert & Co.
Unfortunately, the new company used cheap brass movementsin its shelf clock, so the sales didn’t pick up.
Once again, Gilbert moved on to Winstead (now Winchester), Connecticut, in 1841, where he joinedLucius ClarkeandEzra Baldwinto formClarke, Gilbert & Co.The group bought a failing factory fromRiley Whiting’swidow and produced the infamousOgee Clock.
Four years into the partnership, Clarke sold his interest to Gilbert, leaving the company asW. L. Gilbert & Co.in 1845.
Three years after the sale (1848,) Clarke returned to repurchase his interest, soGilbert & Clarkecame alive.
However, this reunion didn’t last because Clarke left again, and Gilbert reverted to his 1845 pseudonym – W. L. Gilbert & Co. In 1866, he changed his business into a Joint Stock Company,The Gilbert Manufacturing Co.
The Gilbert Manufacturing Co. thrived until an unfortunate fire razed the factory in April 1871.
Not one to be idle, Gilbert reinvented his business three months later as theWilliam L. Gilbert Co. He hiredGeorge B. Owenas his General Manager in 1880. The latter ensured that the company was stable and successful during his 20 years tenure as the General manager.
Owen’s Chapter Unfolds
Although William L. Gilbert died in 1890, the business continued to thrive under Owen’s masterful management, even though Owen had his company.
Owen eventually branched to focus on his company as a case crafter, which left Gilbert clocks in a rut.
Though he kept the business afloat at the turn of the century (the 1900s,) the 1907 recession hit it hard. As a result, Gilbert clocks owed a great deal of debt by 1914, but his creditors gave him time to turnover profit.
At that time,Charles E. Williamsserved as the new manager from 1914 until his death.
By 1925, it cleared its debt, but the reprieve didn’t last – the Great Depression was inevitable. The 1929 Great Depression squeezed The Gilbert Manufacturing Co. until it went into “Receivership” (known today as bankruptcy) in 1932.
At that point, many clockmaking businesses attempted to take advantage of Gilbert’s situation by buying it out, includingE. Ingraham Clock Company.
- Ingraham tried to use theWestern Clock Co.La Salle, Illinois, to purchase, but it failed. It took Gilbert clocks two years to recover the business birthingWilliam L. Gilbert Clock Corp. in 1935.
The Trials of War
Unfortunately, the Second World War, which lasted from 1939-1945, made it difficult for all businesses to stay afloat.
The USA forced most clockmaking businesses to make wartime items but allowed a few to continue with their regular venture. William Gilbert Corp. was part of the few, so they madeAlarm Clocksfor the war.
William L. Gilbert Corp. producedAdding Machinesin 1953 to boost the profit margin, but that didn’t work. So, in 1957,The General Computing Machine Co.took over, and the company changed its name toGeneral – Gilbert Corp.
The new company dissolved the clockmaking arm in 1964 for not turning any profit since its merger.
Gilberts Clock Making Chapter Ends
In 1964, the curtains closed on Gilbert as a clockmaker after 130 years in the clockmaking business. The company sold its interests toSpartus Corp.Chicago, Illinois for $500,000.
Although Gilbert made low-end clocks, they still retain the antique community today. Collectors wouldn’t forget the impact of the Black Mantel Clock and Ogee model so soon. Some of the paper mâché designs have skillful embellishments that elevate their otherwise understated style, and that’s the catch.
Here’s a list of the different types of Gilbert clocks.
Types of Gilbert Clocks from 1828 – 1964
Black Mantel (c. 1870)
The Black Mantel clock was the most popular Gilbert design from the Alarm Clock. The rectangle framed dial with ornate brass pillars featured on almost every house’s mantel. There were a few variations to the model for flare, like the “Bell Top.”
Banjo (c. 1800s)
The Banjo clock gets its name from the musical instrument it’s shaped after. It has a big circular dial attached to a long stem standing on a base. Each base has a unique picturesque design like a country farm or floral embroidery.
At the turn of the 19th century before W. L. Gilbert started making clocks; this design was already making waves.
Ornate Metal
The Ornate Metal model comes in various designs. It can be a steeple mantel clock or an arch-top wall clock. Each one has a unique design on the frame, and most of them used adamantine.
Schoolhouse Clock (c. 1890)
This model had had the educational institutions in a chokehold since 1875. So Gilbert made the Oak framed Schoolhouse Clock for school walls. It had a pendulum that swung on the hour, indicating the end of a class.
Office Drop Calendar
The Office Drop Calendar has intricate handcrafting details like a functional yet decorative piece. The dial featured roman numerals for time and English numbers for dates. It had three hands – two as the hour and minute indicators and a small red one to signal changing days.
Alarm Clock (c. 1900)
Although Gilbert’s Alarm Clock gained popularity during the Second World War, it was a US fixture since the early 1900s. The first model – theWinlite– looked like a pocket watch with little bells on top. You set the desired time that triggers the alarm when it strikes.
The World War II model wasn’t as sturdy and detailed as the Winlite. It came in a paper mâché casing, unlike the Winlite, which used metal frames.
Victorian Color Clock
Gilbert clocks were famous for their dark themes, so the Color Clock adjusted to the Victorian trend. This model features diverse designs, but a recurring theme is Pillars. Does it sound familiar yet?
The Victorian Color Clock had side columns as part of its frame.
How to Identify an Antique Gilbert Clock
Now that you’re familiar with the types of Gilbert clocks, let’s proceed to show you how to further identify a true antique Gilbert clock.
Examine the Labels
Labels are a reliable source of identification because they contain detailed information about each product.
The primary info you can get from a label is the clockmaker’s name which is easier with Gilbert clocks because of the constant change through the years.
If you remember thehistory of the Gilbert clocks we just discussed, you can quickly tell when your antique Gilbert clock came about. Here’s a table to refresh your memory. You can also check the E-Clock Price Guidefor a visual representation.
Year | Name |
1828 – 1834 | Marsh Gilbert & Co. |
1834 – 1837 | Birge, Gilbert & Co. |
1837 – 1841 | Jerome, Grant, Gilbert & Co. |
1841 – 1845 | Clarke, Gilbert & Co. (Video) History of Antique Black Mantel Clocks - updated version |
1845 | W. L Gilbert & Co. |
1846 – 1848 | Gilbert & Clarke |
1848 – 1866 | W. L Gilbert & Co. |
1866 – 1871 | The Gilbert Manufacturing Co. |
1871 – 1935 | William L. Gilbert Co. |
1935 – 1957 | W. L. Gilbert Clock Corp. |
1957 – 1964 | General – Gilbert Corp. |
Once again, we warn you to be wary of reproductions and dubious auctioneers. Look closely to ensure the label wasn’t affixed or recreated recently.
Don’t Rely Only on the Branded Name
Contrary to popular opinion, names on the dial aren’t solid proof of a clock’s pedigree. The simple reasons are – Retailing and Repairs.
Firstly, retailers in the 18th and 19th centuries put their names on the dials. Sometimes, clockmakers engraved customers’ names on custom copies.
Secondly, during repairs, some people use any fitting movement without regard to the make. This means you can see a Seth Thomasmovement in aGilbert clock.However, names can serve as identification to some extent.
Examine the Dial, Movement, and Plate
Painted dials and reverse-painted glass tablets didn’t exist until the 1800s. Most Gilbert clocks used 8-day movements, meaning owners wound it every week. Typically, you’ll see a date engraved on the movement.
Also, Gilbert clocks have steel dials which are uncommon for 19th-century clockmakers. Their plates also have a rough hinge because of mass production, so RUN if you see a smooth machine hinge.
Do not forget to Scrutinize the Frame
Gilbert typically used wooden frames (Oak) in 1834 until his partnership with Jerome. The company switched to brass in 1839, then bronze in the Victorian era. The most popular Gilbert clocks have paper mâché casings, and the Black Mantel model has an Adamantine frame.
Is the Clock Making the Right Sound?
Gilbert clocks have a gong-strike on the hour and light chime on the half-hour. They also have musical sounds that mimic the trending music of each model’s production time. So, when you listen to the chime, pay attention and brush up on your history lesson.
Some famous melodious chimes are;
Normandy: It sounds like the ding-dong of a doorbell.
Westminster: Four consecutive chimes
The Rolling Bell Sound: The sound of a bell flipping. You’ll hear this mechanically from a bell-top alarm clock.
Presence of a Winding Keyhole
Even other antique clocks borrow Gilbert’s infamous brass key wound. You use it to reset the clock weekly because of the 8-day movement. However, failure to rewound your clock religiously can lead to damage, so get winding.
Look at the back of your Gilbert clock for the tiny keyhole. If a seller tells you it’s unnecessary, don’t believe them.
Valuation of an Antique Gilbert Clock
There are general factors that appreciate or depreciate the value of an antique clock. These are Material, Historical Significance, Rarity, Model, and Age.
Material
You’ve learned that Gilbert only handcrafted its clocks at the beginning of its venture. Toward the end of the 19th century, the company switched to mass production with cheap materials. The Gilbert clocks were affordable then, and they remain so today.
The highest valued Gilbert clocks are early antique models made of Oak, and custom Victorian era Color Clocks ($200 – $450.) The Paper mâché and Adamantine clocks aren’t as relatively cheap at about $50 – $150.
Historical Significance
Except for the sentimental value attached to Gilbert clocks, there’s not much historical significance. Collectors appreciate them because they were part of the early clockmakers in the USA, not because they have superior designs or modeling.
In this regard, a plain Gilbert clock becomes highly valuable if it had a famous owner in its history. Other than that, this brand is as basic as they come.
Rarity
Again, Gilbert clocks were cheap, mass-produced items, so they’re very available today. An antique clock’s value appreciates when it’s exclusive, and Gilberts don’t have that. But, of course, there are always exceptions to the rule so, if a model is scarce, the price increases.
The only Gilbert models that may fit into this category include the Oak framed clocks because they had a limited 6-year production period (1828 – 1834). The other is the Victorian Color Clock/Brass frames because of their somewhat better-quality materials.
However, bear in mind that it was the cheap version even though Gilbert used brass.
Model
Some clock models are more desired than others. It could be their designs or significance, but they carry more value than the regular ones. In the case of Gilbert clocks, alarm clocks and paper mâché framed models are cheaper than brass imitations.
Age
Antique Gilbert Clocks have a higher value than Vintage Gilbert clocks. The clocks underMarsh Gilbert & Co., Birge, Gilbert & Co., Jerome, Grant, Gilbert & Co., Gilbert & Clarke, W. L. Gilbert & Co.are antique because they’re over one hundred years old. On the other hand, clocks made under William L. Gilbert Clock Corp., General – Gilbert Corp.,and some ofWilliam L. Gilbert Clock Co.(from 1922 – 1925) are vintage because they’re not hundred years yet. Although they’re above fifty years.
Following the general rule, Gilbert clocks take value priority based on the company’s evolution. Marsh Gilbert & Co. branded timepieces are the highest valued while General – Gilbert Corp. are the least.
Gilbert clocks are very affordable compared to other antique clocks. Expert collectors consider Gilbert clocks low-tiered items on the antique clock’s scale of preference because the clocks were mass-produced with cheap material.
Yet, however understated they may be, there’s a certain aura around Gilbert clocks that makes them desirable.
Concluding Thoughts
There’s something we call “marriage” in the antique community. It’s when you fit two different parts of a clock (from the same maker) years apart. So, you may see a vintage movement in an antique casing.
- Please don’t rely on a single form of identification – use at least three forms before committing to anything.
- Read seller’s reviews if you’re buying online to avoid duping.
- Gilbert clocks are not typically expensive, so don’t break your bank to own one.
You’re 100% ready to appraise your antique Gilbert clock without confusion. Please share your experience with us in the comment box.
FAQs
How do you identify a Gilbert clock? ›
Examine the Dial, Movement, and Plate
Typically, you'll see a date engraved on the movement. Also, Gilbert clocks have steel dials which are uncommon for 19th-century clockmakers.
Check the face, mechanism and case. Clocks that are labeled or stamped with the name of its maker or a trademark are more desirable than unmarked clocks. If you can't find a label or a stamp, you'll need to identify the type of clock yourself.
How do you date a Gilbert mantel clock? ›The best way to tell a Gilbert clock's age is to inspect the back of it. You should see a label displaying the name of the company. Because this company changed its name various times throughout its duration, the name engraved on the back will help you identify the time period it was constructed in.
When were Gilbert clocks made? ›...
| Gilbert Clock Factory | |
|---|---|
| Added to NRHP | December 13, 1984 |
In 1871 the major factory building was destroyed by fire and the company was dissolved. The William L. Gilbert Clock Co. was formed in 1871 but did not commence business until 1873.
How old does a grandfather clock have to be to be an antique? ›With 'antique' usually used to describe clocks over 100 years old, most are. Modern forgeries are rare as plausible fakes are difficult to make and enough genuine examples still exist to supply the demand. As the components of genuine grandfather clocks were all hand made, it is easy for experts to spot imitations.
How do you identify a clock movement? ›Identifying Movements
To determine the movement manufacturer, take the back off the clock to get to the movement inside. Locate numbers or symbols on the back of the movement. Not all clocks have numbers that are easy to see and thus require some hunting with a flashlight.
The wood of which a mantel clock is made can help you identify the clock's place of origin. For example, clocks produced in the United States were usually made of cherry. This attractive red-brown wood often displays touches of deeper red or pink. Some clocks were manufactured of mahogany, a rich dark red-brown wood.
What clocks are valuable? ›The most coveted antique clocks are those from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries that have their original components still intact. Clocks made by E. Howard & Co., Durfee & Enches, Waltham Clock Company and Simon Willard are some of the most popular with antique buyers.
What is the rarest clock in the world? ›1. Duc d'Orleans Breguet Symapthique Clock - $6.8m (£5.2m) The most expensive clock ever sold at auction was created in 1835 of Ormolu-mounted tortoiseshell, with a gold pocket watch mounted atop the piece.
What does RA mean on a clock pendulum? ›
The R A on the pendulum stands for: retard/advance. It is a common pendulum bob, used by many manufacturers, worldwide. As a rule of thumb, the thread on rating nut is designed so that one full turn changes the clock about 2 minutes per week.
How do you wind an old mantle clock? ›The most effective way to wind your clock would be to open the front door, insert the crank, hold the clock steady with your left hand, and turn the crank with your right hand. After winding the clock, set the correct time by moving the minute hand either clockwise or counterclockwise.
How do you wind a 30 hour clock? ›30-hour time and strike clocks are typically wound with a winding crank inserted in the dial face winding points once per day. Wind the weights to the top of the case at the same time each day.
How do you wind a Gilbert clock? ›Turn the key slowly in the direction it winds, which is typically clockwise. Avoid applying too much vigor or force as you wind the clock. Wind the clock until the spring is tight but don't turn the key beyond that point.
What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a longcase clock? ›The key difference is the height, although there are slight variances. Grandfather: Known in the USA primarily as a 'tallcase' or 'longcase' this is the larger of the longcase clock family.
Is my grandfather clock worth anything? ›Expect that your grandfather clock could be worth anywhere from $200 to $20,000 depending on the features and the condition of the clock. If you are willing to sell an antique clock and be fair about the overall pricing, chances are you will make quite a bit of money off of it.
How old does a clock have to be to be vintage? ›Compare Your Clock
An antique clock is at least 100 years old. If your clock is younger, it's considered vintage. You can learn more about the age of your mantel clock, as well as its likely origins, on the DiscoverClocks.com website and clock forum.
The three primary types of watch movement are mechanical movement, automatic movement, and quartz movement.
What is a Euroshaft clock movement? ›A euroshaft movement has shaft measurements as follows: Hour pipe 5.0mm, Minute pipe 3.5 x 2.8mm, Generally speaking the majority of German quartz movements will have this fitting as is easily spotted from the roundshaft variety Germany also produces from the small threaded shaft which holds the minute hand in place.
How do you date a Sessions mantle clock? ›To date these clocks, collectors needn't look past the label. If it was made before 1903, the label will read “E.N. Welch.” If it was made after 1903, it will say both “E.N. Welch” and “Sessions Clock Company.” The process of phasing out the Welch brand was gradual, though by 1920 the old name was practically gone.
What is an adamantine clock? ›
Seth Thomas is well known for their "Adamantine" black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
What are mantle clocks called? ›Mantel clocks—or shelf clocks—are relatively small house clocks traditionally placed on the shelf, or mantel, above the fireplace. The form, first developed in France in the 1750s, can be distinguished from earlier chamber clocks of similar size due to a lack of carrying handles.
Do antique clocks make a good investment? ›While 'high-end' antique clocks have maintained their value over recent years, the middle to lower range have seen something of a downturn. But, as with all antique items, antique clocks experience ups and downs in popularity and this is unlikely to be permanent.
What is an antique clock? ›A grandfather clock (also a longcase clock, tall-case clock, grandfather's clock, or floor clock) is a tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock with the pendulum held inside the tower or waist of the case.
Are cuckoo clocks worth money? ›A 1950s cuckoo clock can sell for between $50 and $1,000 with larger carved clocks selling at the higher end. Antique carved German cuckoo clocks in elaborate carved designs can have been known to reach nearly $2,000 at auction for particularly fine examples and sometimes sell for more than $3,000in rare cases.
What is the best brand of wall clock? ›- Ajanta.
- Amazon Brand - Solimo.
- OREVA.
- Oreva.
- Kuber Industries.
- Click n ship.
- ALTRA.
- Clarco.
Tempus Fugit is Latin for "Times Flies" and is embossed on many dials of Grandfather Clocks. Tempus Fugit inscribed on the dial is no indication of any brand, model, quality or value of any clock. It is as generic as the numbers on the dial. This is no indication of any brand or model name of any clock.
Are Ansonia clocks worth anything? ›Most Ansonia clocks are worth very little, but this was the best model that they made. Probably worth $800 to $1,200.
What does R and a mean on pendulum clock? ›R" means slower and "A" means faster. In order to help identify your clock, please provide the following: Any and all information printed, stamped or labeled on the dial, movement, case, pendulum and key.
Is it OK to turn a clock backwards? ›Take the minute hand (the long one) and move it back (counter-clockwise) one hour by rotating the hand backwards. If the clock chimes while you are doing this, it will not harm anything. If you feel any resistance on the minute hand, wait a few hours and try again.
Why does a pendulum keep swinging? ›
This is because the swinging motion of a pendulum is due to the force of gravity generated by the earth's size. Other factors, including a pendulum's length, can also affect its motion. A pendulum is an object hung from a fixed point that swings back and forth under the action of gravity.
What are the two winders on a mantel clock? ›Mechanical mantel clocks typically at least two winders: one for the mainspring that keeps time, and the rest for the chime and strike mechanisms.
When winding an old clock it is important not to overwrite it? ›Overwinding occurs when the main spring is almost fully wound, but the operator continues to turn the winding key. This causes the main spring to coil too tightly, and might even break it.
How do you store antique clocks? ›The secret to keeping an antique clock working is to keep it running and not let it stay idle, as the mechanism will dry out and the clock will be harder to repair. Wind firmly to the point of resistance: the key will stop when the clock is fully wound.
Can you Overwind a clock? ›It's actually impossible to overwind a clock, whilst you can wind a clock until it cases internal damages and breakages, it's impossible to continuously wind a clock.
Why does my clock have three key holes? ›In clocks with more than one keyhole, the left-most hole usually controls the hourly chime, and in clocks with three keyholes, the center keyhole is typically for the quarter-hour chime, although again this can vary from model to model.
Can you use sewing machine oil on clocks? ›Products that you should NEVER use to oil a clock: WD-40, silicone lubricant, kerosene, graphite, sewing machine oil, motor oil, 3 in 1 oil or mineral oil. Clock oil is highly refined oil and it is engineered specifically for clock use .
Why does my antique clock keep stopping? ›A clock that is out of beat is likely to stop because the pendulum is not receiving the optimum impulses to keep it swinging. If it's badly out of beat it will stop within a few minutes. If it's only slightly out of beat it could run for days but will eventually stop earlier than it should.
What order do the weights go on a Grandfather Clock? ›The bottom of each weight is labeled Left, Center or Right facing the Grandfather Clock. The total weight of each weight is slightly different and each WEIGHT MUST BE INSTALLED IN ITS CORRECT LOCATION FOR THE Grandfather Clock TO OPERATE PROPERLY. Check the weights to ensure that they are tightly assembled.
Where does the heaviest weight go on a Grandfather Clock? ›Nowadays, most grandfather clocks have three weights with separate purposes. The weight on the right powers the clock, the weight on the middle drives the pendulum, the weight on the left controls the striking mechanism.
How do I identify my Seth Thomas clock? ›
The first step in identifying your clock is to look for the Seth Thomas label. You can find the label on the inside, back, or bottom of the clock case. You'll also see stamped metal labels on some clocks, as well as engraved pendulums featuring the Seth Thomas name.
What is an adamantine clock? ›Seth Thomas is well known for their "Adamantine" black mantel clocks, which were made starting in 1882. Adamantine is a celluloid veneer, glued to the wood case. Adamantine veneer was made in black and white, and in colored patterns such as wood grain, onyx and marble.
How do you date a Sessions mantle clock? ›To date these clocks, collectors needn't look past the label. If it was made before 1903, the label will read “E.N. Welch.” If it was made after 1903, it will say both “E.N. Welch” and “Sessions Clock Company.” The process of phasing out the Welch brand was gradual, though by 1920 the old name was practically gone.
How do you date a Seth Thomas clock? ›Many Seth Thomas clocks from 1881 to 1918 have a date code stamped in ink on the case back or bottom. Usually, the year is done in reverse, followed by a letter A–L representing the month. For example, April 1897 would appear as 7981 D.
How old are Seth Thomas clocks? ›Information and History and Heritage of Seth Thomas
As the longest established clock maker in the United States (nearly 200 years), Seth Thomas is recognized as one of the most respected brands of clocks in the world.
An antique clock is at least 100 years old. If your clock is younger, it's considered vintage.
When were Seth Thomas clocks made in Germany? ›Modern Seth Thomas Movement Identification
In short, the date of the movement is between 1950 and 1979, and it was made in Germany.
Seth Thomas Clocks
In January of 2009 The Seth Thomas company closed and is no longer in operations. No parts or specific information is available to us to share. If you need parts for a Seth Thomas Clock, try Timesavers.com as they have many generic clock parts that might work for you.
Winding My Mantle Clock - YouTube
How do you wind an antique Sessions mantle clock? ›Winding The Sessions Mantle Clock + Tutorial - YouTube
Who made sessions? ›
They changed its name to the Sessions Clock Company on January 9, 1903. The company would flourish for many years, but went into decline after World War II. The company was sold in the 1950s and eventually liquidated.
How do I identify my Seth Thomas grandfather clock? ›Turn over the clock carefully and look for a metal plate that identifies the clock as a Seth Thomas clock. If you do not find a plate on the bottom, open up the clock and look inside.
Where were Seth Thomas clocks manufactured? ›Thomas organized the Seth Thomas Clock Company at Plymouth Hollow in 1853, and soon after his death the western portion of Plymouth Hollow was made into the separate town of Thomaston in his honour.