November 12, 2025 by Geri Duff
Joshua Wilder was the first clockmaker to settle in Hingham. He was born in Hingham in1786 and aside for a brief time when he lived in Hanover learning the clockmaker’s trade, he spent his life in Hingham at his trade. From 1820 to 1850 he made and repaired clocks, watches and timepieces. He was known for his dwarf clocks and grandfather clocks. He made compasses and had several patents. He sold his pieces in his shop which he advertised as near “Wilder’s Bridge” and lived next door at 605 Main Street. Joshua was called “Old Quaker Wilder” because he would walk from Hingham to Pembroke for Quaker services. Recently a Heritage Museum volunteer I work with came to me all excited that there are four Joshua Wilder clocks in the second floor of the Museum. One clock has a ship that rocks back and forth. They still keep accurate time and are wound on a regular basis.