Ephraim Downs

Ephraim Downes (* 1787, † December 8, 1860 in Bristol, also: Ephraim Downs ) was an early American clockmaker and Müller. In the period 1810-1842 he created a variety of Wooden Clocks and worked, among others, along with Eli Terry, Silas Hoadley and Seth Thomas in Connecticut.

Watchmaking learned Downes at Eli Terry in Waterville near Waterbury. From 1815 to 1821 he worked as a trader and watchmaker in Cincinnati. Then he returned to Waterbury and began production of wood watches works. In 1825, he worked in Bristol, where he also earned a flour mill. With Terry still he formed a good partnership. So he could use one of its patents, which he paid for by the supply of watch movements.

In the years 1830-1839 Downes sold around 7,000 wooden clocks to wholesalers. About 80 % of these wooden wheels works with a power reserve of about 30 hours were installed in so-called " Looking Glass Clocks" ( mirror - watches). The wholesale price was the beginning of the 1830s about $ 9.00. However, the price fell to around ten years due to the pressure of competition and reduced costs due to mass production by about half. Downes also sold some movements of brass, but it is doubtful that he has made ​​himself. After 1842 he no longer participated to a greater extent in the manufacture of watches, although he still produced occasional wooden movements and sold. Finally, in 1846 he leased his watch factory.

By 1850, Downes also pursued his flour mill. 1865, five years after his death, burned down his old watch factory. The corn mill beside it was demolished in 1921, and in its place a stone monument was erected with a water feature.