In June 1980, we received a donation of a steeple clock that is surrounded in mystery. The clock was donated to the Kingsland Manor by Mrs. Albert Pangborn of Kearny, New Jersey. She received the clock as a gift from Mrs. Frederick Kingsland Carryl in about 1955.

Mrs. Carryl, formally Irene Nutt, married Frederick Carryl in the early part of the 20th century. Irene was born in New York in 1892. Frederick was born in 1880 and was the son of Nathan Frederick Carryl and Martha Kingsland. Nathan is known for his photographs, which were featured at the Nutley Museum and the Nutley Library. Martha was Joseph Kingsland III’s daughter.

The description that was written of the steeple clock when it was accepted by the Historic Restoration Trust was: steeple clock; 19-3/4” from bottom to point; 9-1/2” across. Inside clock – manufacturer’s identification, Waterbury Clock Co., Waterbury, Conn. The clock was put into working order (including the chimes) during June 1980 by Dan DeWolfe.

The mystery comes from a slip of paper that was in the clock case which read, “Wm. G. Kingsland 1763.” William Gustavus Kingsland was born in 1753 and died in 1812. The Waterbury Clock Company was not founded until 1857. Therefore, we are unsure of the connection of William to the clock.

The steeple clock is in our Summer Kitchen.