Rodney Brace of North Bridgewater, MA. Clockmaker.

Rodney Brace was born in Torrington, Connecticut, on May 1, 1790. His parents were Arial Brace (1748-1816) and Deborah Hannah Loomis (1751-1839). Rodney was a framer who became interested in clockmaking. He received some training from one of the Norths, Norris or maybe Ethel. Sometime between April and August of 1831, Brace moved from Torrington to North-West Bridgewater, MA. Here, he concentrated on designing and manufacturing distinctive and exceptional cases for the clocks he sold.

Early examples of Rodney Brace's clocks were fitted with Torrington-style east-west movements. However, in about October 1832, Brace began using the very popular Terry-type 30-hour and 8-day wooden geared movements. His later clocks featured E. & G. W. Bartholomew and Riley Whiting movements. His cases were heavily influenced by the Empire period. They were distinctive, often constructed on a grander scale and featuring flat three-dimensional columns, showcasing Brace's innovative designs.

Brace worked with Isaac Packard in North-West Bridgewater. Packard (b. 1796; d. 4/8/1837) was also from Torrington and received some training from one of the Norths. It is thought that Packard made the Torrington-style east-west movements. Yet records exist where Brace ordered the movement of Erastus Hodges. The Brace -Packard partnership terminated on February 31, 1835, and Brace returned to farming.

North-West Bridgewater has become extinct. The region once known as North-West Bridgewater is now part of Brockton. This once flourishing industrial city was known as the Shoe City, a testament to the rich history of American craftsmanship and industry.