Twiss Brothers (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 2:50 am     Post subject: Twiss Brothers (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Hi,

Does anyone have any information about the "Twiss Brothers" clockmakers? They were from Montreal and they flourished from 1821-1850.

Thanks,

Trotsky

Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:03 pm     Post subject:

Answers.com was able to provide this information:

American family of clockmakers, active in Canada. The five Twiss brothers, Austin (d ?La Prairie, ?1826), Joseph, Ira, Russell (bur ?Rawdon, Quebec, ?1851) and Benjamin, moved at various times between 1821 and 1836 from Connecticut to establish themselves in Montreal. They made longcase clocks in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, with wooden works (usually cherry), grain-painted cases in imitation of mahogany or other fancy woods and gilded wooden finials. The use of wood throughout except for a few elements in the mechanism was an economy typical of American clockmakers. The faces are signed 'Twiss, Montreal' and are decorated with flowers, fruit and occasionally landscape scenes with buildings (e.g. in Montreal, Mus. F.A.; Toronto, Royal Ont. Mus.). Some have been found with labels. One of the first semi-industrial manufactures in Canada, Twiss clocks were inexpensive and were widely distributed in both Upper and Lower Canada. Probably more of these clocks survive than any other single kind of furniture produced in early 19th-century Canada and attributable to one artisan or family group of craftsmen.

Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 7:17 am     Post subject: Thanks Chris!

This is what I found since my first post, the information may not be all accurate so anyone with any inputs or corrections is more than welcome to jump in.

Trotsky


The Twiss Family:

The family was from Wallingford, New Haven County, Connecticut which later split in 1806 and the new town was named Meriden. They trace their roots to England. Joseph Twiss (1761-1842) married Lois Austin. They had at least 7 sons. Joshua and Joseph B. Twiss were twin brothers. Ira Twiss resided in Montreal from 1828-1836. He married Vincey Andrews (born September 7, 1795), daugther of Nathaniel Andrews and Lois Blakeslee. He is reported to have been a farmer at some point. Russell also made fanning mills in Canada. He died on May 14, 1851.


The Twiss Brothers: 7 Brothers born in Wallingford/Meriden, New Haven County, Connecticut, Usa.


Austin Twiss (1790-1826) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - Montréal, Québec, Canada
Ira A. Twiss (1797-1870) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - Meriden, Connecticut, Usa
Benjamin Twiss (1798-1854) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - Meriden, Connecticut, Usa
Joshua Twiss (1803-1829) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - …
Joseph B. Twiss (1803-1877) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - in Canada
Hiram Twiss (1805-1845) Wallingford, Connecticut, Usa - Nashville, Tenesse, Usa
Russell Twiss (1807-1851) Meriden, Connecticut, Usa - St-Liguori, Québec, Canada


The Twiss Brother’s Clock:

They produced longcase (and Mantle Clock, Benjamin & Hiram) clock in the cities of Meriden, Montréal and St-Liguori. Austin, Ira, Benjamin, Joseph and Russell emigrated from Meriden to Montréal during 1821 to 1851. They are considered the first canadian clock makers. Their father held two US patents for clock innovations. A Twiss clock trademark is the coiled wire hinges.


Twiss Clock Signatures:

Ira Twiss I. Twiss Montreal
Ira and Benjamin Twiss I. & B. Twiss
Benjamin Twiss Benjamin Twiss Meriden, Conn
Benjamin and Hiram Twiss B. & H. Twiss Meriden, Conn
Joseph B. and Hiram Twiss J. & H. Twiss
Joseph B. and Russell Twiss J. & R. Twiss
Joseph B., Russell and Benjamin Twiss J.B. & R. Twiss Montreal