Mr. & Mrs. James C. Cole

James Charles Cole was born in Boston in 1791 and died in Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1867. At an early age, Cole traveled from Boston to Rochester to learn the trades of clockmaking and the sale of jewelry and flatware under the guidance of Edward S. Moulton. In 1813, Cole assumed control of Moulton's business and premises at the corner of Main and Arrow Streets. After Moulton relocated from Rochester, New Hampshire, to Saco, Maine, Cole’s business prospered. Cole demonstrated both energy and conscientiousness. He demolished the original building and constructed a brick replacement, with the upper floor serving as the Masonic Lodge. He employed several journeymen, apprentices, and a cabinetmaker to prepare clock cases. These clocks were distributed widely throughout the region. Cole achieved a broad reputation for his work.

While residing in Rochester, Cole married Betsey Nutter, daughter of John D. Nutter and Hannah Dennett. Betsey was born on March 27, 1802, in Barnstead, New Hampshire. Her younger brother, John, also learned clockmaking in Rochester. James and Betsey had two sons and three daughters, and Cole became a respected member of the community. He worked as a silversmith, produced various types of clocks, and repaired watches and jewelry. Cole was active in local affairs, serving on the committee to build a new church and acting as a trustee for the local savings bank. He served ten years as secretary of the Masonic lodge, thirteen years as town clerk, and two years in the State legislature. According to the Town History, Charles Dennett crafted the cases for Cole's clocks.

Numerous tall-case clocks, banjo clocks, and New Hampshire mirror clocks bearing Cole's signature on the dial have passed through our shop. The prevalence of these pieces indicates that James Cole was a successful clockmaker.