Benjamin Hanks
- Born: 29 Oct 1755, Mansfield Center CT
- Marriage: Alice Hovey about 1775 in Windham CT
- Died: 15 Dec 1824, Troy NY
General notes:
Silversmith and watchmaker
Events in his life were:
- Served as a drummer in Revolutionary War. In addition to clockmaking business, carried on goldsmith trade; made stockings, looms, compasses, brass cannon and large church bells. In 1779 removed to Litchfield, where in 1780 he built his home from which he carried on his business until 1790. His home served as one of Litchfield's early hotels. Removed to Mansfield CT where he "continued to make Clocks and Bells." In 1793 sold Amherst church its first bell. Set up second foundry for bell casting in Troy NY with son Truman, under firm name of BENJAMIN HANKS & SON. Received exclusive rights at October session of 1783 General Assembly to sell clocks wound by air. 3
- Advertised from 1777 to 1779 (Windham CT), as watch and clockmaker and gold- and silversmith offering beads, buckles, spurs, spring lancets, etc. 3
- He worked from 1780 to 1790 as a silversmith and bell founder in Litchfield CT 3
- He worked after 1790 as a silversmith and bell founder in Mansfield Center CT 3
Benjamin married Alice Hovey about 1775 in Windham CT. (Alice Hovey was born on 15 Dec 1754 in Mansfield Center CT, christened on 19 Jan 1755 in Mansfield Center CT and died in Troy NY.)
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