Josiah Danforth

American, 1803 - 1872

BiographyJosiah Danforth was born in July 1803, the son of William Danforth. He likely began his apprenticeship under his father in about 1817. William died in 1820, and Josiah took over the business that year, hiring Thomas S. Derby, a journeyman pewterer, to help in production and to complete his training. Josiah's products included plates, basins, mugs, and porringers, probably all cast in moulds inherited from his father. Josiah Danforth learned the formula for alloying the Britannia metal in about 1821. Josiah sold his shop and tools to the new firm of Graham and Savage in 1837, and for a year or two manufactured various kinds of lamps. In 1841, Josiah and Ephraim Crofoot, operating as J. Danforth & Co., leased property in Middletown for the purpose of manufacturing Britannia ware and pewter. J. Danforth & Co. manufactured Britannia goods for about five years. Josiah bought a shop for manufacturing trusses in 1845, and by about 1850, he was involved in the truss business under the name Cooley and Danforth. Josiah Danforth died on 11 May 1872.

Working Dates: 1821-1841

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