Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-07-06
ISTEnEsrIae AsrIoUirIr rs.


ana Ntrt. IOWuh6nus
Norfolk, Va. Landmark.
Among the older-perhaps the oldest
residents of Portsmouth, not in length
of residence, but in years-are Major
Israel Townsend and his estimable
wife, who have long since passed the
allotted three score years and ten and,
still possess their faculties to marked
degree. This estimable couple, who
recently celebrated the 59th anniver-
sary of their marriage. arc natives of
New CASTLE county, Del, and have
lived in Portsmouth about Is years.
Their hospitable home is veritable
treasure house Of interesting relics of
| days long gone -heirlooms in antique
furniture, crockery, plate and the like.
Among the most interesting pieces of
furniter in tho possession of Major
Townsend is an old-fashioned hall
clock, which is over 120 years old, hav-
| ing been purchased by Mrs. Townsend's
father in 1921. This ancient time piece
was made by Duncan Beard, Scotch
man, in Appoquinimink, New Castle
county, Del, about the year ITS, and
| judging from the elaborate carving seen
on its case OF solid walnut, must have
occupied much time in its construc-
tion. The old clockmaker, as Beard
was known to the older residents of the
| county, displayed great ingenuity in
| the manufacture of this tinepiece, for
| it must be remembered that in those
| days tho improved machinery and tools
which greatly lessen the work Of the
| artisan of today were unknown. The
clock stands about IL feet high, and,
despite its age, still ticks off the hours
as accurately as any product of the
modern factory. Its face of brass upon
the outer circle bears in bold charac-
ters the name Of its maker, Duncan
Beard, Appoquinimink," but the date
is not there. The date of the months
and moons phases are recorded, as we'll
as the time Of day. The works of the
clock Gre made Of brass, the main cogs
being about o quarter of an inch thick.
The wheels were not cut or stamped
out, as are those of modern clocks, but
were moulded, and though the clock
has been in constant use for more than
a century, the works show no signs of
wear. There is string attached to
the clock. which, when pulled, causes
a bell to strike off the hour, so that
even in the dark tho time can be as
| The clock was made for John Clarke,
then governor OF Delaware, whose great
grandson is Senator Higgins. Gov.
Clarke died in 1921, and when his
effects were disposed of the old time
piece was purchased by James Richard
Wright, Mrs. Townsend's father.
| Inside the case of the clock Major
Townsend has placed transcript Of
a portion Of Duncan Boards will, which
was probated June Goth, 1887. Beard
left his real estate, subject to his wife's
life estate, to Drawers Church or
meeting house, to which the testator
also bequeaths "unto the congregation
of Drawers meeting house my silver
Pint, for the use of the sacrament of
the Lords Supper, ard that forever. :"
| Major Townsend also has a China
dinner plate, for which he has had
flattering offers from relic hunters. The
plate is one of set of six, which were
made in China in 1745 to the order Of
| Vessel Alric, Major Townsend's great
grandfather who paid for them in bees
wax. The plate is in excellent state of
preservation. Embossed upon its porce-
lain-like surface in brilliant colors are
peacocks, Aamingoes and other birds
and flowers. The design is decidedly
Oriental. These plates.were distributed
among the children and grandchildren
VI hu1or LOWuSeuu y Idtuer III lozl,
and one Of them is known to be in the
possession of Mrs. Laura Lednum, a
niece of Major Townsend, in Whining
ton, Del. y
Among other interesting relics shown
the writer was silver square and
compass, emblem of the Masonic fra
ternity, worn by Mrs. Townsend s
father, who was born in 1765. Mrs.
Townsend has an old paper bearing
date February It'll, 1875, the hand
writing being as legible as if the ink
had been placed upon the paper only
yesterday. 1t witnesses that on the
date mentioned elisabeth Biggs re-
| ceived of Richard Taylor, executor, the
sum of seven shillings and six pence ;
it being for nursing one week Rebecca
Bennett in her death sickness. .
Richard Taylor was the grandfather of
Mrs. Townsend. The receipt was pro-
bated by Gideon Emory, Justice of
| the Peace. Ys
i Major and Mrs. Townsend were mar
ried in New Castle county May 18th,
1910. Major Townsend celebrated his
S4th anniversary June 18th, while Mrs.
Townsend was 81 years Of age last
April,