Eli Terry
American clockmaker (1772-1852) · United States · On the map · Scientists · Died at 79
Eli Terry Sr. was an inventor and clockmaker in Connecticut. He received a United States patent for a shelf clock mechanism. He introduced mass production to the art of clockmaking, which made clocks affordable for the average American citizen.
Eli Terry is read about 12 times a day, in 9 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 10 October 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 121 days, one point a day.
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About this person
Terry occupies an important place in the beginnings of the development of interchangeable parts manufacturing. Terry is considered the first person in American history to actually accomplish interchangeable parts with no government funding. Terry became one of the most accomplished mechanics in New England during the early part of the nineteenth century. The village of Terryville, Connecticut is named for his son, Eli Terry Jr.
