Revere Bells Index
Last updated 3/14/2026. Waynesboro, Georgia, Quincy MA, Marblehead.
Cast 1792 to 1828 by Paul Revere & Joseph Warren Revere
Sources:
Revere family papers extracted from the Massachusetts Historical Society microfilm.
Edward and Evelyn Stickney's pamphlet, The BELLS OF PAUL REVERE, his sons and grandsons. 1976.
Numerous responses from local historical societies.
Newspaper articles noted and linked.
Internet Archives Digital Library - town records.
Visits
Notes from Arthur Howard Nichols, "Early Bells of Paul Revere, Boston 1904."
Eldridge H. Goss, Esq. of Melrose.
Dr. Bill Hibberts, United Kingdom
Legend: LIT=Lost in Time
NNR = Names not recognized.
Casting dates in quotes reflect the exact Revere notation.
[ ] Brackets suggest that I have done my best to read old English but I am not certain of the word or signature, etc.
Numbers noted on the left of the Revere wastebooks might be an account number. They are consistent with the individuals buying from the Reveres.
Eph Thayer; involved in the movement of many New England bells. Generally charges $25 dollars. Joseph Warren Revere seems to list the services as stocking, sometimes looks like trucking or Truckage.
JWR = Joseph Warren Revere
Ledger/Account, appear to merge in 1818, a significant year when Paul Revere passes. Accounts, ledgers and wastebooks cover parallel periods in the Proquest collation.
Proquest collation often excludes information far left and right such as the ledger/account number. It's necessary to view a ledger/account number before or after and count up or down accordingly. Ledger/Accounts provide date of casting, cost and payment information.
365 bells over 300 pounds are listed by state. Another 31 bells are listed by the purchasers name or factory and are not yet identified. Smaller bells are listed if it was a relative of a larger bell. This survey concentrated on the bells made by Paul Revere and his son, Joseph Warren Revere from 1793 to 1828; with a few exceptions. A large quantity of small bells were cast for ships, field work and ornamentation. Sales to individuals often acting on behalf of a town, factory or plantation exceeds 31 bells. Thirteen for Cuba, requiring extended research.
Images, and sound recordings will be added to the image and recording pages. Bell listings that could not be identified are imaged at the bottom of this page in the Reveres' handwriting. Suggestions or identities of these bells will be greatly appreciated.
The Revere Church Bell listings, Alphabetically by State
Africa
Coast of Africa, "Dec 24" Continuing to review the MHS microfilm correspondence.
Alabama
Mobile, "March 1, 1823," 428 lbs, purchased by Thaxton, Thaxtin or Thaxten for Mobile. The Revere Church bell listing seems to say "recei t Thaxton;" Thaxton appears to be a middleman. Listed in 1818-1825 wastebook page 121 ledger 88 to Rice & Thaxton, $171.20 plus $20 for trucking by Thayers.. same weight. See N. Brunswick, Canada.
Tuscaloosa, "Sept 22.1828, Methodist Church, 425 lbs. The current bell either took four years to arrive or replaced an earlier bell. Currently, we found no connection to the 1823 Mobile bell. We know the steamer that delivered the bell to Mobile was the home of the two donors. Looking for reason for the delay. Leavins and St. Johns' purchased a bell for the Methodist Church, that rings today. Genealogical study completed about the purchasers and the bells are available on request.
California
One privately held.
One bell returned to the Canton Foundry in 2022, by the LA Natural History Museum.
Cambridge
1792, 912 lbs, Revere's first bell, a recast of an English bell that fell and splattered from the Steeple of his church, the New Brick Church. Now on display at the St. James Church at 1911 Massachusetts Avenue, displayed on the church floor.
Cambridge Port Corporation, 1806, 1,343 lbs, clapper 82, Research continues.
Cambridge Port Soc., 1822, 1,095 lbs, working to confirm it is now a the Windsor Hist. Soc., Windsor Vt, or in private hands. changed hands three times. Wastebook 1818-1825 references Levi Farnell. 413.96.
Cambridge, "Westcambridge." "4 Nov. 1825", 1,339 lbs. Work in progress.
Canada
Aug 30, 1815, 832 lbs, cannot determine city, town or church. Need to review correspondence. Possibly a church named after a saint. "St. Amxxxxx.
"Halifax, "March 22.1822," 827 lbs, need to review correspondence. Might this be Halifax, Mass? See very bottom of the 1822 Church bells listing page. Was the last listing on this page cut off?
N. Brunswick, "July.19.1825" 362 lbs, "rec'd Thaxton for N. Brunswick". A Canadian county, town in NJ and town in Indiana are named New Brunswick. Research continues.
Connecticut
Apparent Revere bell from the 1830s at the Stafford Baptist Church. Awaiting confirmation from the historical society as of 5/27/2025). Review newspaper article.
Cuba - Matanzas is a peninsula town in Cuba.
Matanzas, "Nov.1.1819," 512 lbs, reference is "El Destino Felipe Dickinson 1819." In Joseph Warren Revere's handwriting in Wastebook 1818-1825, page 27 of the Proquest collation notes James Sargent 1 bel Manstanza. Left margin lists 72 as the account number in his ledger account books.
Matanzas, "Mar. 18.1820," 522 lbs, followed by a stamp in the listing, "Notone" with an oversized cross image above the word Avanzah (likely misspelled). "Santiago Maxxxxxx." Could Avanzah be a forwarding agent? Santiago de Cuba is a large Cuban city. Wastebook 1818-1825 Proquest collation shows this and bell 3 immediately below ordered by James Sargent, discount 6%. Eph Thayer truck the bells.
GS Sargent xx, "Mar.18, 1820," 507 lbs. Sargent acquires three bells, see 2 above and 8 below, all seem related to Cuba.
Cuba, "November 20, 1824," 885 lbs, purchased by W. Savage or Lavage $309.75
Cuba, "November 20, 1824," 340 lbs, purchased by W. Savage or Lavage, see wastebook 1818-1825 page 164 November 13 1824 ledger 223 $119.00, both purchases include tongue and hooks.
Havanah, "May 23 1818," 513 lbs, special note to Mr. Jenckxx. More research needed on all Cuban bells, starting with the Havana Cathedral.
Matanzas, "9 April 1821," 492 lbs. Researching Correspondence.
Matanzas, "Nov,21.1821" 1,158 lbs by J(?) Sargent, Jr.(?)
Sent to Cuba, by "J. A. Bacon" December 30.1820, 1,192 lbs.
Sent to Cuba, "December 30, 1820" by J.R or J. A. Bacon. 586 lbs. In wastebook 1818-1825 page 51, "December 26,1820" ledger 102. Check ledger for end-user?
"June 4. 1823," 585 lbs, J A Bacon. Not certain this went to Cuba. Wastebook 1818-1825 adds nothing. Review ledger102. Ledger/account provides only charges and payment types and date of bell casting. No size or end-user if the account is an individual.
"October 24, 1822," 1,080 lbs by J A Bacon, possibly for Cuba? J A. may be Jarib Bacon of Boston and Vermont that lived until 1833. The Bacon archives in Newton Mass, is closed until March 2026. No response to initial emails. Bacon appears to be a marketeer and freight forwarder.
J. A. Bacon 9/29/1823 733 lbs, possibly to Cuba research ledger 102. Correspondence begins Aug 3 1819. Middle initial is clearly R, suffix Esq, pricing for bells were noted.
Georgia
Savannah, "Oct 4, 1816," 1,558.
Washington, "July 31, 1817," 395 lbs. Clearly "Washington, (Georgia). Suffix reads L or B., then capital H.
Savannah,, "Aug. 1818," 1,617 lbs, broken and returned.Credit of 158.40 granted.
Savannah, Christ Episcopal Church. The church kiosk and the Revere Church listing references an "Oct 19, 1819" bell weighing 1,969 lbs. Contacting the church to clarify the earlier bells. Checking Revere correspondence at MHS.
Waynesborough, "November 9 1818." 391 lbs with tongue. Revere wastebook 1818-1825 on page 11 refers to "(Eben B. Caldwell, minister of the church at Waynesboro Ga) 1 bell 377 tongue 14 # 45[forty-five cents per pound] 175.95 trucking[?] 25 $176.20. See note 36.
Kentucky,
Louisville "4/13/1818," 1077 lbs, + 26 lbs for the tongue. "Hi Mitch, Thank you for your inquiry to the Filson. I think the only church in Louisville in that era that would have been substantial enough to have a bell is the First Presbyterian Church. While we do not hold records of that church, I’ve consulted some histories of Louisville that indicate the church and it’s bell were destroyed by fire in 1836. Please see the attached! Best wishes,Director of Collections Access."
Louisville, "_______26" 1,052 lbs. second bell listed in 1828 list.
The history of the county poetically talks to the fire at the church and Fall of the bell.
Maine,
Alfred, "September 9, 1822," 970 lbs, purchased by John Holmes. Resides at the Congregational Church.
Augusta, 1802, 518 lbs, listed on the Facebook site of the South Parish Congregational Church. Not on the Stickney list. Image added to gallery page.
Augusta, "April.27.1822." 1,265 lbs. Wastebook 1818-1825 references Reuel Williams, $500 noted in Account 159, page 110 in Proquest. Note rec'd for balance $250.
Bangor, LIT formerly the Congregational Church, fragments at the Public Library
Bangor, Xxxx, "Aug.28,1828," 1,356 lbs, still researching it.
Bath, 1802/1803 1,034 lbs, purchased from North Church (of Maine ?) and resides in City Hall since 1860. Rings on new years. Lost its tongue in 1912.
Belfast, "Feb 17, 1820," 1,288 lbs, confirmed at the Unitarian Congregational Church. See image page. Shipped by Capt McFarlan, "Sch Superb."
Benton Falls, previously Town of Clinton, 1828, 708 lbs, at the Congregational Church. Survived its journey.
Blue Hill, "July 24th.1821," 703 lbs, First Congregational Church, burned down in 1842, the bell was replaced by a replica.
Colby College, Waterville, 1824, 700 lbs. shattered then recovered. Read the Colby News article. Functioning again in 2021.
Castine, 1804, now at the National Museum of National History. North Andover, 692 lbs, clapper tongue weight not recorded.
Castine, 1830s, 996 lbs, the Stickneys believed it replaced the earlier Revere bell cast in 1804.
Dighton, September 10, 1821, 594 lbs, rings today in the Dighton Community Church. Also Dighton Manufg has a bell 136 lbs less broken bell of 121 lbs Ledger 225 in wastebook 1818-1825 page 150 of the Proquest collation.
Eastport, First Cong Soc, "May 18, 1820, 1,075 lbs, in addition 1818-1825 wastebook references Emery, H, possible middle initial F.
Farmington Academy, 1808, 495 lbs. Academy opened in 1812, after much financial difficulty finally paid the Revere's for the bell. wastebook of 1818-1825 indicates Nathan Cutler is invoiced for new bell, 170 pounds, $85, at $.50 a pound, but a broken bell taken at 455lbs, @ $.15 a pound $113.75. It appears the 1808 bell, less the tongue is returned.
Fryeburg Academy, "May.31.1825," 446 lbs. Destructive fire in 1851, Possibly an earlier bell, also. Noted as May 2, 1825 in 1818-1825 wastebook page 194.
Fryeburg Academy, "October 1825," 547 lbs.
Gardiner, "Sept 17 1820," 874 lbs, steeple under repair since 2022, hoping to re hang the bell in 2025. Visit this Youtube video.
Gardiner, Aug 31. 1824 to sales ledger 202 for Gardiner Lyceum, 127 lbs @.$37 1/2 =46.20. Folder into Univ. of Maine. Contact Gardiner Lyceum Collection. November 1, 1824, entry in wastebook page 163 notes bell for Gardiner Lyceum 154 lbs, ordered by M. S. Hale and ledger number 237; different. Page 166 December 15 1824 of wastebook shows 127 lbs bell returned for full value. Referenced again page 177 at full value $57.75.
Gorham, "May 18, 1822," 1,236 lbs, apparently purchased by Toppan Robie for Gorham. Review ledger 163, confirms Gorham.Mr. Thayer trucked it.
Hallowell, 1802, 924 lbs. Appears to have burned in 1885 at the Old South Mtg House.
Hallowell, "Oct 25.1821," 1,151 lbs, need to confirm if this replaced the bell above.
Hamden/Harmony, 1827/1828, 562 lbs, now resides in Harmony Hall Garden Club, once the Universalist Church. Acquired by Mr. Kinsley.
Headtide, 1815, sold to B. Busy for `Old Head Tide Meeting House,' (LIT). Struck by lightning, fell into the church fire and destroyed in 1962.
Hollis, April 10, 1821, 1,260 lbs, Procured by Ralph W. Jewett See wastebook 1818-1825 page 59. Is this a new find? page 60 shows paid net discount $473.76,
Kennebunk. 1803, 1,017 lbs. First Congregation Church, Unitarian. Click on this link and view a wonderful slide show at the bottom and hear the bell. Key of E. Rings hourly. Clarified by Paul Revere as "the Parish of wells." Billed $452.28, page 6 of wast.pdf at Mass. Historicals ProQuest file.
Kittery, 1825, 656 lbs, (1823 per Church coordinator). Josepth Warren Revere recasts a London bell at the 1st Congregational Church, 1730 church building. See image page. Cross reference with March 28th 1823, purchase of old Bell 444 lbs, in wastebook of 1818-1825, page 123, references ledger 190. Then page 174 references 1825 bell.
"Machias Academy," "June 11- 1823" 416 lbs, by William Pope? Papi? ledger 200. Possibly purchased used in 1836, by Capt. Stephen Longfellow, for the Washington Academy, from a Boston Church. The the Centre Street Church has a bell where it rings today. Possibly two bells, one cast 1823 by Joseph Warren Revere and one bought second hand or made by Paul Revere Jr., and associate. Seeking details.
Newcastle, 1818 St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 359 lbs, given by John Cheverus or Chevenus. Wastebook 1818-1825 shows the weight at 377 plus 14 for the tongue and is billed out and paid at186.44, 391 lbs times $.45 a pound. Eph Thayers paid $25 to deliver. It appears the Reveres absorbed the cost of trucking.
Paris," July 25, 1821," 930 lbs, First Baptist Church, per the Stickneys. Requested image from historical society. 10/21/2025, emailed mbcaffey@aol.com who supports their Facebook site.
Pomfret, "20.Sept.1826," 446 lbs.
Portland, cast 1796, 1,073 lbs, visible in the vestibule of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, images requested 4/1/25.
Hellenic Orthodox Church, Portland 1827, 1,896 lbs, Originally Methodist, then Unitarian, Presbyterian and in 1926 a Greek Church.
Portland, 1,236, "August 4, 1821," initially sold to the Universal Society. Per the Stickney's, "thought to be the bell now at the Westbrook Congregational Church.")
Portland, 1834, 1,000 lbs. Awaiting full article from the Portland Press Herald "The 1,000-pound bell was made in 1834 by the Revolutionary War patriot's son, Joseph Warren Revere."
Portland, "Dec(?).21.1821" 1,731, St. Paul's Church. Apparently destroyed by one of two church fires. Review ledger showing a May and July bell and a credit for a broken bell of $432.75. Net invoiced 1,348.71. Ledger #88?
Pownalborough, 1800, 958 libs, see note 23. Originally in Wiscasset, destroyed by fire in 1907.
Saco, 1806, 1,079 lbs LIT, destroyed by fire at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1860. Fragments recast into small bells at York Institute. Per wastebook 1818-1825 another bell is purchased April 22, 1823, 169 lbs , ledger 65, $42.25.
South Portland, First Methodist Church, 1830s. Transferred to South Portland Historical Society in 2013 as the church closed. The bell is in storage. Requested a visit if it becomes available.
South Portland, "Dec.21. 1821," 1,731lbs. St. Paul's Church?
South Berwick, "April.29.1820." 859 lbs. Searching. Procured by Joshua Roberts.
St Patrick's Church, Newcastle, 1818, 345 lbs. Donated by Matthew Cottrill. Rings true today.
Topsham, noted in Paul Revere's summary for 1803, at 273 lbs and 64 for the clapper; sounds like a large clapper for a small bell.
Thomaston, 1797, 683 lbs. See next bell.
Thomaston, 1822, 727 lbs, replaced the 1797, 683 lb bell. It cracked and was recast. Resides at the Henry Knox Memorial Museum. Haley and Healey referenced.
Waterville, at Colby College. See number 10, Maine. The Stickneys estimated the bell at 1,000 lbs. looking for another bell originally at the First Congregational Church at 1,100 lbs.)
Westbrook, August 4, 1821, 1,236 lbs. Click here See Portland August 4, 1821 above.)
Waldoboro, 1828, 929 lbs, now housed in front of the historical society. Prior residence, the A.D. Gray Jr H.S, & Congregational Church. Dates in conflict, 1820/1826/1828, per the Revere's Church bell listing. See image page.
Waldoboroough, 101 lbs, procured by Herman Fisherl ledger 179.
Massachusetts
Abington, "Aug. 8. 1817, 840 lbs, for the 3rd Parish. See note 29.
Acton, Town of, listed by Revere, 1811, 1,138 lbs. 5/13/2025, addressed to Hist. Soc, through the Jenks Library. (Town of Acton/Stowe, historical records talks about an older bell (1801) replaced by a P. Revere & Sons bell purchased in 1827 for $222.19. The fourth meeting house was destroyed by fire.in 1847. A bell fell to the ground and cracked and was funded for recasting. Needs review.) Posting Acton archivists analysis. See note number 15.
Attleborough, "Sept 18.1825," 1,051 lbs, possibly now in North Attleboro. Seeking confirmation from the North Attleboro Hist. Soc.
Amherst, Visited their bell, 5/23/2025. The South Congregational Church bell is not dated but is a Revere Boston bell. Other Revere bells were not dated. One Revere bell mis-spelled Boston. The bell Diameter is 33 inches and length 32 inches. Paul Revere's "bells Sold" listing in 1793 shows a 638 lbs bell cast for Amerst (h missing). A summary written by Paul Revere in 1811 properly spells Amherst and does not show the suffix NH, typically used after a New Hampshire bell listing. Additionally, we have accounted for the four bells cast for Amherst NH. Therefore, we conclude the 1793 Revere, indeed was cast for Amherst, Mass. In 1828, clearly another bell is cast for Amherst Mafs ( long s), on January 12, 1828, weighing 853 lbs, with a 25 lb tongue. Need to confirm in correspondence or receipts. Contacted Town Hall then Grace Church. A bell at the Amherst Historical Society cast in 1820, recast in 1870 by Jones & Co., Troy, NY. Awaiting response from AHS, 5/22/2025. Sound recording and video available here of the 1793 Amherst bell. Likely in key of C.
Andover, North Parish, cast 1806/1807 listed at 1,298 lbs and 87 for the clapper.
Andover, West Parish Church, "May. 21. 1827, 685 lbs. Writing the church.
Arlington, see west cambridge/menotomy
Ashby, likely cast in 1830s, 1,261 lbs, at First Parish Church; possibly by Paul Jr., per Edward & Evelyn Stickney. See image page.
Barnstable, "Oct 10 ,1806." 922 lbs, in the 1717 Meetinghouse, the oldest Congregational Church in America. Replaced by a heavier bell in 1833: origins under review. Repaired by the Verdin Co., of Ohio in 2015. Today it is West Barnstable and the West Parish Meeting House.
Beckett, 1812, First Congregational Church, Steeple and Bell restored, or recast? Repaired or re-hung since the fall of 2021. Rang 4/19/2025 in honor of his famous ride. See image page. Transported by Xenophon and Stephen Wadsworth. See Town History. Seeking the weight of the bell.
Beverly, 1803 recast 1896 1,244 lbs, environmentally challenged at current location. Cast for The First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, resides on the sidewalk east of the Immanuel Church of Beverly as of 2022. Pictures available.
Beverly, 1811, 1,143 lbs, for the 3rd Parish Beverly, needs research on the split between the 1st and 3rd.
Beverly, April 10.1822, 586 lbs, a third bell? Wastebook page 93 shows E. Dodge and AF nilxxont? Adhilont?
Boston, Kings Chapel, 2,437 lbs, installed 5/10/1816, Paul's passing bell rang for him 5/10/1818. Today,twice each week. Tours available.
Boston, 1793, 912 lbs formerly in the New Brick Church.
Boston, 1797, 1,125 pounds, "New South Soci"(unknown final character). Now at the People's Baptist Church, 134 Camden Street. Visit!
Boston, 1806, 1,359, "New South Soc of Boston."
Boston, Brighton, 1809, 922 lbs, replaced by 1821 Brighton bell.
Boston, Brighton, 1821, First Parish Church, 1,115 lbs, replaced Brighton bell of 1809. In Wastebook 1818-1825 dated January 1821, ledger number shows two bells. 1,276 (tongue included of 28lbs) and 922 lbs, each to the First Parish. No tongue noted in 922 lb bell. Find how much they paid to see if there is a net paid.
Boston, Dorchester, 1816, 1,030 lbs, 2nd Parish Church of Dorchester. Visited by the Stickneys, circa 1976.
Boston, "Dec 26, 1827," 1,523 lbs, "Niw or Nuw Ch. h. and Boston." Check Correspondence.
Boston, 1801 876lbs. at the Old South Meeting House, formerly Westborough, Massachusetts,
Boston, State Prison. LIT? 1806, 910 lbs. Cast for the Charlestown State Prison in 1806. in pauls summary he spells the town as Charleston. More research needed.
Boston, Peoples Baptist Church, hung 1797, 1,125 lbs, cast 1796/1797, not on their website. A revisit is pending. Need weight. "The Revd. Mr. kirkland's Society or New South at Church Green."
Boston Manufacturing Company. 1814, 464lbs, See link. Needs confirmation of weight and date.
Boylston, Town of, 1810, 1,124 lbs. Probably LIT. Awaiting answer from historical society Museum. Paul revere's summary notes show it as West Boyston. Research ongoing. 8/22/1823 small bell 173lbs purchased for "West Boylston manu" by "A. Preston. ledger 205.
Bradford, Town of, 1795. Now Groveland. Wastebook 1818-1825 lists a bell of 107 1/2 pounds procured for Bradford Mass, by Mora Parker, ledger 73.
Braintree, September 3, 1813 (top of page with 1812 bells) 949 lbs, both Baintree bells need research.
Braintree, 1809, 956 lbs, originally in the Hollis Street Church.See note 21.
Braintree, Oct.30. 1818, 1,146 lbs officially began in 1820. (possible business connection?)
Bridgewater, West Parish, 1802, 691 lbs, in Joseph Warrens hand and 696 lbs in Paul reveres memorandum. $392.19. TBD; split into several churches.
Bridgewater, South Parish Church, 1811, 932 lbs.
Bridgewater, for a school, 1798, 72 lbs. Per Nichols but not in the Revere list.
Bridgewater Academy, wastebook 1818-1825 page 97, N. Lazell, ledger 160.
Bridgewater, December 15, 1824, 109 lbs, noted in wastebook 1818-1825 page 166 Ledger 241, to the "Wallace Rust & Co of Bridgewater."
Brimfield, "Nov.1.1819" 948 lbs, awaiting confirmation by the Westford Congregational Church of Brimfield, if this was the bell destroyed by fire in 1988. See page 223 of the History of the town of Brimfield . Next inquiry, BHS and Hitchcock Academy.
Brookfield, 1800, 683 lbs, need to sort out the bells in Brookfield VT VS Mass. 1800 & 1815. Neither listing IDs the state.
Brookfield, "May.10.1827," 913 lbs, Need to sort out the two bells."
Brookline, "Aug.26, 1826," 1,385, likely Mass not Brookline VT or NH. The First Parish UUC Brookline Church moved four times. Research.
Byfield, once part of Newbury, "Sept xx 1817" 909 lbs, several fires, five churches; possibly replace by a Meneely of Troy NY in 1856; or recast?
Canton, "May.22.1820," 744 lbs. "Canton maSs. (using the long S). Unusual for Joseph Warren to list Mass bells; typically bells shipped within Mass do not show the state name after the town or church name.
Canton, 1821, 1,166 lbs, First Congregational Church, replaced 1820 Revere bell 1,997 lbs that was "sent back to Canton."
April/May listing, "Sent back to Canton" top of page header 43, 1,341 plus 30 for the tongue 1,371 lbs ( Sent back in 1820 to Canton 1,248 lbs plus 28 for the tongue." Per the stock listing).
(April 20, 1820 "Sent back to Canton")
(1818, 1,997 "Sent back to Canton)
Canton, 1825, First Parish Unitarian Church, Washington Street, rung true 250 times April 19, 2025. Have not found this in the Revere records. Weight approx. 700 lbs.
( Cape Ann, see Gloucester).
Charlestown, LIT? 1803, 910 lbs.
Charlestown, LIT, 1806/1807, 496 lbs. Two bells at State Prison? Could one bell be elsewhere? The prison opened in 1805 and was demolished in 1955 for the Bunker Hill Community College. See Plymouth Mass.
Charlestown, "September 21, 1813, "1,433 lbs, without tongue" (Comments immediately below, "1,1x7 sent Back without tongue." Review correspondence in Fall of 1813.
Charlestown "16 Augt 1823," bell to Baptist Society of Charlestown; could it be South Carolina? 969 lbs.1818-1825 wastebook reads, First Baptist Society of Charlestown 969 lbs @ $.40, 6% discount. Charlestown needs work.Ledger 204.
Chestnut Hill (Newton), 1822, 1,205 lbs, purchased in 1910 from New Bedford.
Chelmsford/Pawtucket Ma now Lowell, May "27, 1820, 708 lbs, see Lowell As of 2015, Jim Peters reports the bell resides in Lowell at the Congregational Church on Mammoth Road and the VFW Highway. Will re-verify.(Need to confirm who cast the Boot Mill bell of Lowell and its end of life). Wastebook notes December 26, 1820 notes P. Whiting, C Blood, H S Woud, ledger 76. Find ledger.
Chelmsford, "July.18.1822," 900 lbs, broke. Replaced? see Lowell.
Chelmsford, "Sept 17 1823," 1,572 lbs. Replaced 1822 bell. ledger 206. Yet, wastebook 1818-1825 suggest an old Bell taken back 1,581 lbs in September 11, 1823.
Cohasset, 1795, 735 lbs. A history of the Meeting House discusses a 700 pound bell purchased and hung in 1794. Revere's records lists a 735 lbs bell. He does not break out the weight of the clapper as routinely done by his son. Holbrook lists a Bell sold to the First Parish Unitarian ,Cohasset in 1826, weight to be determined. The First Parish listed a bell dating from 1760. The steeple was removed and replaced in 1799 with no discussion of a bell. In 1824 a spin-off group became the Second Congregational Church, known now as the UCC. The UCC does not mention a bell in its history. See below. Reverend Harper confirmed on 9/18/2025, based on his recent inspection, that the bell in the steeple of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church is a Holbrook Bell. Holbrook was an apprentice of the Reveres. There have been suggestions that the Revere's allowed Holbrook and others to cast at the Canton Foundry.
Cohasset, "Feb.6.1828," 621 lbs. Possibly intertwined with Hingham?
Concord, Ripley School, 1820, 126 lbs, now in the School Dept., Hdqtrs, Gift of Humphrey Barrett and Abiel Heywood. Per the Stickney's, it does not bear the Revere name but matches in all other respects, style, lettering and listed in the Revere ledger.
Danvers, "July 5, 1814," 1,161 lbs.,Town of, researching at MHS. Possibly now Beverly or Salem.
Dedham Historical Society, 1798, last known, formerly the Norfolk County Court House. Need to visit and photograph. 224 lbs. Originally for the Courthouse. (ST). Confirmed by Nichols in 1904.
Dedham, Parish of Clapbxxxxx Xxxxx, 1809, 636 lbs. LIT
Dedham, 1796, not Listed in chronological bell listing but is included in The Stickney's list it as cast 1798. 224 lbs, smallest bell cast. Dedham Historical Society site suggests the cost was $888, for a larger bell? The average cost per pound of a Revere bell was $.43 a lib. The cost dates and weight need review. Intended for the court house? See Dover. Wastebook 1818-1825 page 135 shows Dedham Town bell paid in full $89.00, as of "Boston 9th of August 1823 By Joseph Coes nati??Ledger 4.
Dorchester, 1806, 942 lbs, listed at 934 lbs plus 80 for the clapper in MHS online. wastebook 1818-1825 references on page 33 "W H & J. W. Dwight.
Dover, Parish of, then part of Dedham, 1811, 1,040 lbs. Recast in 1839 after the church fire. See full story. "It's the same old Bell."
Department of the Navy. Aug or Sept 14 1807, 54 1/2 lbs. [two bells were destroyed in combat on the USS Constitution] TBD.
Dunstable, Town of, "Sept 11, 1812," 1,884 lbs. Needs finding.
Duxbury, "June 23.1819," 825 lbs, George Partridge initiated the purchase, now at First Parish Church but likely rehabilitated in 1834 by George Holbrook. Full story at note 22.
East Bridgewater 1805, 931 lbs, East Parrish Church now resides at the Paul Revere Museum.
East Medway, Holbrook Dexter & Co., 566 lbs, in wastebook 1818-1825 page 162, entry October 1 1824 ledger referenced 132. $.35 a pound. Check Holbrook listings.
Easton, "June 26, 1819," 915 lbs, (LIT). Contacted EHS 6/24/2025. Results inconclusive. Correspondence to be check at MHS. See note 20. Wastebook page 20 notes the bell cost $411.75 @$.45 a pound.
Easton, "Aug. 6. 1819" 917 lbs. Possibly purchased by Col. Lemon. See note 20.
Enfield, 1814 bell, listed between bells of 13, May 1814 and 22 June 1814 but no specific day given, 885 lbs. The church is now under the Quabbin Reservoir. This bell may have been the J Keith Bell purchased for Belchertown sections of which Enfield un-incorporated and re-incorporated. AI believes the bell was moved to New Salem. Research ongoing.
Essex, 1797, 827 lbs First Congregational Church. See Ipswich. When Essex was part of Town of Ipswich. Preservation Committee notes, June 10, 2020, Potential project "$90,000 - Paul Revere bell - Meetinghouse/Congregational Church." Confirmed at this video.
Fairhaven, 1795, 756 lbs, originally sold to New Bedford before Fairhaven spun off. Click for local history. Restored to town Hall as of 2022.
(Fall River, "For the Baptist Society, 1825, 1,083 lbs, see footnote 25 below) Boston Globe article 9/30/2014 places the bell at the First Congregational Church, Fall River. Confirming. Listed with bells of 1825.
Fall River, "Nov.26.1825," 339 lbs. Clues to the two Revere bells of Fall River, See footnote 25.
Falmouth, 1796 1896, 821 lbs, 1st Congregational Church, rings routinely.
Freetown, year cast and weight to be determined. Formerly the Town of Assonet. See Youtube .video. Pending confirmation. Neither Freetown or Assonet were listed by the Reveres in their records. Also, not listed on the National List of Holbrook bells. The Stickneys suggest the bell was cast after 1828. The bell could be a Revere, Jr. or other apprentice. Contacting the church 12/8/2025.
Georgetown, 1815, formerly a part of Rowley, 874 1/2 lbs,rings today at the First Congregational Church.
Gloucester, 1806, 1,015 Independent Christian Church, by Wm. Pearce for Town of Cape Ann. resides today at the Gloucester Meetinghouse. Rings 10 AM Sundays.
Gloucester, 1807, 1,020 lbs, & 88 for the clapper. Mess James Goss & Nehmiah Knowlton for the Parish of Gloucester. (ST)
Granby, "Nov 16. 1821," 548 lbs, likely Ma., VT or Ct. TBD.
Greenfield, 1799, 250 lbs.
Greenfield, 1801 720 lbs. See note 18.
Groton, 1819, First Church of Christ, Unitarian, 1,155 lbs, noted in the wastebook of 1818-1825, as of June 16, 1819, $520.75. Wastebook 1818-1825 lists broken bell of 597 lbs, deducted $149.25, and immediately below "broken bell Groton Academy 124 lbs $.25 $31, two lines down "Town of Groton ded(?) 370.5 lbs, @ 7% $25.93." Wastebook 1818-1825 Proquest reproduction page 145, ledger 62, suggests broken bell weight 177,1/2 new bell 143lbs. Sort this out.
Groveland, a link to a rich history. Hear it chime. Personally visited, March 5, 2025.
Harvard College, 1808, 434 lbs . Vandalized at Harvard Hall. Recasts by Holbrook in 1807., per the Stickneys. Cannot reconcile modest dating issue. Recast bell may have hung at the former Baptist Church, Still River, Mass per their historical society.
Harvard, Mass, work in progress
Haverhill, 1799, 689 lbs, Haverhill, MA. LIT . Possibly bought back Feburary 1, 1823, at 596 lbs, ledger 184 @ $.25 lbs.$149.00. Needs research.
Haverhill, 1St Parish "Jany..24, 1823," 1,229 lbs, ledger 184, $491.50, research.
Hingham, 1807, Town of, 868 lbs. Tongue included. Needs further research.
A Hingham bell, 1834, apparently cast by Joseph Warren Revere. Formerly at the Universalist Church, now resides at the Ford Foundation, Michigan.
Hopkinton, "March.5.1819," 470 Lbs and 27 more for the tongue. Burned by a fire in 1863 and cracked. Located at a shoe shop and later an engine house. Sold to a cotton factory 2nd hand, will trace at the Peabody Essex Museum, successor to the Essex Historical Institute, archivists.
Hopkinton, "Aug. 20. 1818," 411 & 1/2 pounds.
Hopkinton, "Sept 22. 1818." 322 lbs. See note 19 for updated progress in the end of life of all three Hopkinton Mass, bells.
Ipswich, 1797, 827 lbs, now to reside at the Essex at First Congregational Church)
Ipswich, "21 May 1817" 1,056 1/2 lbs. Research just beginning 9/24/2025. Information produced by AI is wrong, claiming no bells were made for Ipswich.
Kingston, 1808, Town of both MA & NH. Needs more research. weight 856 lbs.
Lancaster, 1816, 1,304 lbs replaced by bell below.
Lancaster, 1,094, "April 24, 1823," hangs at the First Church of Christ. Wastebook of 1818-1825, page 138, of "September 20 1823"states both old and new bell weighed 1,094 and net of 94.50 paid.
Leicester, 1,088 lbs, "26 Nov. 1817" referenced in Flickr, need confirmation of date cast and weight et. al.
Leominster, "Febr 1823" 1,103 lbs. Contacting LHS. Procured by Joel Crosby. ledger 184.
Lexington, 1801, 744 lbs, a tongue survives but may not be from the Revere bell. Memo's filed. See note 12. Lexington, 1801, 747 lbs. Per Revere's records. Often confused with the Belfry bell. The tongue at the historical society that dates to the early 18th C. Could not have come from the Revere bell of 1801. Visited on 8/15/2025. See note 12. Bell may be LIT.
Longmeadow, 1810, 1,256 lbs, replaced in 1816, The First Church of Christ. Paul revere's notes list the weight of 1,214 plus 105 for the clapper.
Longmeadow, 1816, cast "June 8, 1815," 1,173 lbs, at the First Church of Christ.
Lynn, 1816, "Nov 15, 1816," Grace United Methodist, formerly First Methodist Church, Lynn Commons. Some confusion exists over the bell weight and year cast.
Lowell, 1822, 900 lbs. The Pawtucket Congregational Church (Need to confirm who cast the Boot Mill Bell of Lowell and its end of life).
Malden, 1802, 1,220 lbs. See below, broken and traded in per wastebook .
Malden, "May 14 1824," 1,240 lbs. Researching if this replaced above. 1818-1825 wastebook list this bell at 1,240 lbs, on page 154/182 left side of Proquest and a broken bell 1,220 on 154/182 right side. $.25 Ledger 229. $.35 a pound, slight below normal. To be reviewed.
Mansfield, recently refinished. cannot find the bell in the Revere listing and not in Stickney's review. Located at the police and fire dept., building. Need to visit.
Marblehead, 1818 @ St Michaels Church 839 lbs, renovated in 2020, maintained by "The Cranks." See also Tennessee. Letterbook 1819-1821, page 18 shows note; bell note paid, dated "9 1820."
Marlborough, possibly NH, 1806, weighing 1,318 lbs. Needs more work. See Marlborough NH.
Marshfield 1794, 673 lbs, status TBD
Marshfield "Nov.8.1825," 412 lbs. Seeking entrance to their historical records, In the Pilgrim Way.
Maynard, work in progress
Medfield, 1801, 759 lbs. Search Revere receipts to see who paid for the bell. contacted the town 5/25/2025.
Medford,1802 1,244 lbs, Third Unitarian Church, destroyed by fire in 1893, per the Stickneys. Fragments privately held.
Medford, "April,18.1824," 1,564 lbs. Searching if Hooper or Holbrook recast this bell.
Milton, 1,234 "June 10, 1822. A Revere bell in Milton is damaged in the 1850's and replaced by a Hooper bell in 1863.
Milton, "April.28.1824," 1,067 lbs, further research pending.
Milton, "Mar.31.1825," 1,067, note, Milton is listed under bell weight but the Sold to is "for Performing croxxy head." Not listed by the Stickney's. See images below. Listed in wastebook 1818-1825 March 1, 1825 ledger 166.
New South soc'Y, see Boston, Peoples Baptist Church). Listed in 1818-1825 wastebook page 153/297 ledger 166, but no help with identification.
Merrimack Valley Textile Museum/formerly Castine Maine. 1804, 692 lbs, Purchased 1831 by North Andover Stevens Mill then donated to the museum in 1962.
Nantucket, 1809, 1,063 lbs. Installed in 1811 in the First Congregational Church, but served the municipality as well until 1840. The steeple was shortened and repaired. There is no further record of the bell after 1849. LIT.
Needham, 1811, 960 lbs, alive and ringing in the First Parish Church, Needham.
Newton, East Parish, "Dec 31.1822," 918 lbs, six buildings and three congregations removed. Need to visit. March 1, 1823 seems to take back 427 lb bell ledger 183.
Newburyport, 1803, 1,255 lbs, at the Old South Presbyterian church. Tour available by appointment 978-465-9666. Steeple not accessible as of 11/17/2025.
Newburyport, 1811, was 659 lbs. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, purchaser was Ebenezer Stocker. Cracked. Remnants remain.
Newburyport, 1819, 1,182 lbs, Church of the First Religious Soc., today, Unitarian. $532.90.
Newburyport, 1823, 1,463, per the Stickney's "probably Fourth Religious Society, purchased 1975 at auction in NJ, previously acquired in a 1933 auction in New England, now in private hands in New England. In Joseph Warren Revere's summary "List of Church Bells Continued," a reference to Holbrook is noted. Joseph's list begins in 1818. Possibly related to Paul Revere's death and a management re-organization. Likely one of the six bells in Woodstock VT. See note 30. Yet, wastebook entry 1818-1825 page 146 right bottom shows bell returned @.25 a pound to ledger 212 $462.50. Where was the original bell?
North Andover, The North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 1,298 lbs. cast in 1806, purchased 1806/1807. $540. Repairs expected to be done by May 2025. Per the linked article from the church. Currently located at the Meeting House.
Northborough, 1808, 1 154 lb, Revere bell of 1808 replaced by 1809 Revere bell below. Originally at the 1St Unitarian Church.
Northborough, 1809, 865 lbs replaced 1808 bell. Relocated to town hall and fell to the ground during a fire in 1948. Can be seen on a foundation in front of the church.
Northampton, Wastebook 1818-1825 Proquest page 157 right side, ledger 233 bell of 1,492@$.35 = $522.20. Special note may read new tongue 41 1/2 lbs. Wastebook 1818-1825 page 167 takes bake broken bell 1,492 at $.35.Ledger 233.
Northampton, "15 Dec 1824," 1,047 lbs. Wastebook 1818-1825 notes a bell of 163lbs "sold 10 April 1815 ledger 171, and page 166 lists the 1,047 lb bell, ledger 233. Bell Broke.Returned JUne 1, 1825 credited $.35 against bell below.
Northampton, "June 9, 1825," 1,099 lbs. (Needs research) It may be that the County of Hampshire bell of "August, 24, 1823" was for the Northampton County Court House. Northampton and this bells need confirmation. Writing to the NHS.
Northfield, 1798, 944 lbs. AI Google history, and Nichols confirmed an active bell. Wrote to NHS for confirmation. See note 30. Ledger 205.
Norton, 1810, 875 lbs, Congregational Parish, ( per ST) the bell was moved, and remains there today. This church is on West Main St in Norton, at the intersection of Route 123 and Route 140. The bell was restored by local men, in 2016, Ron Benaski and Charlie Thomae, after it was damaged by a lightning strike.
Paxton, Mass. 1830s. See Note 34.
Peabody Essex Museu m, 1801, out front. Moved in 1970 from Doc Bentleys Parrish. 920 lbs. Visited often.
Pembrooke, 1803, 506 lbs, recast for the Town of Newington NH, research continuing. (Per ST).
Pepperell, "June 17, 1814," 980 lbs, inquired with the PHS 5/31/2025.
Petersham, 1798, 1,150 lbs, listed in the revere records but not Listed in the Stickney records. Not noted in the history of the town. Researching further. Listed buy Nichols, "for the Town of."
Princeton, 1814, 784 lbs, costing $470.84 resides in the Congregational Church.
. Provincetown, "18 March 1818," 468 lbs. Wrote to PHS, Holbrook installed a large bell in the Center Methodist Church. Looking for a connection.
Provincetown, "June 11, 1818," 494 lbs.
Quincy, Town of, 1811, 1,355 lbs, including tongue. Wrote to QHS. See note 35.
Quincy 1811, "Nov. 20, 1811," 949 lbs, no further reference.
Royalston, 1811, 930 lbs, melted in a fire. Recast by Hooper. Read the towns history, pages 13-15.
Roxbury, 1798, recast below. Per Nichols
Roxbury, 1819, 862 lbs, recast per Nichols in 1819, below, but the weight does not equate. Noted returned 1818-1825 Wastebook page 21, deduction of 215.50.
Roxbury, 1819, 1,538 lbs. The Revere bell in the First Church of Roxbury; Today The Universalist, then the First Parish Church. Visited by me in 2018. Photo's and sound on image page. $692.10.
Roxbury, "2nd Parish "May 26, 1821," 1,025 lbs. Appears to have been replaced by a Holbrook bell of 1827. Now called the Theodore Parker Unitarian Church. Research needed. Checking correspondence. May need to look at the Holbrook records. Wastebook 1818-1825 clearly shows this as "Third Parish Roxbury."
Rowley, Town of, 1808, 801 lbs plus 93 for the clapper online but 861 in microfilm. Wastebook1806-1810, p59, right side in Proquest, letter designated 183, speaks to four months late payment on a 861 pound bell not including tongue, addressed to Joshua Richmond, Eben Boington and James Smith. No clear connection to the Town of Rowley or a church..
Rutland, "March. 11.1819," 890 lbs, reast; see note 17.
Salem, Mass., manufactured in 1801, 920 lbs before the clapper. Touchable, across from the Peabody Essex Museum. Purchased for "Doc' Bentleys parrish."
.Salem, Town of, a second bell on "Aug 19 1806," 1,269 lbs and 81 for the clapper in microfilm. Needs to be located.
Scituate, 1808, 959 lbs, Town of , First Parish Unitarian Church, Melted in fire. Miniatures recast to raise funds.
Scituate, 1811, 1,342, town history speaks to a 1,300 pound bell purchased in 1811 that did not last long. See page 161. At the First Unitarian Church. Research continues.
. Scituate, "June 22, 1814," 1,441 lbs.
. Sharon, 1811, 960 lbs, per the Stickney's it was a recasting of the 1810 bell at the Congregational Parish, now the Unitarian Church. The first bell of 1810 or earlier may have been from London. Revere shows no listing to Sharon for an 1810 bell or 1811. Image Available. Research; the bell purchased by Rev T. Lxnxixg of 1810 at 464 lbs, could be the first Sharon bell?
. Shirley, 1804 ?87lbs plus 69 for the clapper. LIT, possibly associated with Westborough bell.
. Sheffield, Town of, listed in online bell listing for 1804 or 1807, 759 lbs, plus a clapper of 69 at the Congregational Church. see note 7.
.Southborough, Town of, 902 lbs, 85 for the clapper listed online and on microfilm. Contacted Pilgrim Cong. Church, has a bell.(Stowe, see Acton/Stow above)
.Southbridge, "1 Dec 1821" 912 lbs, wrote SHS 7/1 wastebook 1818-1825 page 80 shows James Walcott Jr as point of contact. Likely Mr. Thayer delivered or hung it for $27.50. Check ledger 143. Wastebook shows S Davis & Co, right side of page 80 and same amount.
.Spencer, purchased by Capt. J. Muzzey or Muzzy, 1802, 989 or 987 lbs plus 53 lb clapper. Destroyed by fire in 1862. A fragment survives in the Richard Sugden Library, Spencer.
.Stoneham, Town of, 1810, 805 lbs, possibly LIT. emailed historical society.
Stowe, Town of, "August 10, 1827," 1,251 lbs. Needs more research.
.Sudbury, 1796, 695 lb bell was listed as Town of Sudbury. See note 31 regarding the 1814 East Sudbury Bell.
Sudbury, "Sept. 27 1828." 1,004 lbs, listed on final page along with six bells weighed but not named or an exact date.
.Taunton, "Nov 12, 1827," 661 lbs. West Congregational Church, purchased by C.J. Warren. Need updated status. Did Holbrook recast or provide a subsequent Bell? First Bell from 1804? No bells listed in Revere's records in 1804 for Taunton.
Tolsman, Peleg, or Tallman,Esq; 1803, 783 lbs. Further research needed in MHS Revere microfilm. Possibly Peleg Tabman.
Stanton & Spelman, "May 17, 1811," 804 lbs. Need to find a town associated with them.
Templeton, Town of, for the First Parish, 1811/1812/ August 28,1815, 1,028 lbs /1829 & 1853. The bell of 1811, 1,061. Approximate cost $445.62. ON page 15 of 1809-1865 Memorada, Paul Rever says, "Mr John W Stiles of Templeton called at this store to day and says that the Bell cast for his town weights eight pounds less than it did before." In The Story of Templeton, p.223 of the bound version but page 247 of the digital version, the Templeton Church declared it defective. Three bells were purchased by 1815. All sold by 1853 and replaced by Meneely of West Troy NY. We won't assume the three bells were melted down upon replacement but we will look further. Meneely's bells are available online.
Topsfield, "7 June 1817," 938 lbs, per the Stickneys handbook, Resides at the Congregational Church.
Townshend, "Nov. 07. 1819." 1,217 lbs. Now at the Town Hall, a/k/a 1842 Meeting House. Broken bell 755 lbs, with a tongue of 23, $194.50 deducted from the cost of the new bell. Page 11 Wastebook 1818-1825. Town paid $100 short of net bill.
Truro, 1827, 865 lbs, resides at the meeting house after a 2017 restoration for a crack. Purchased by Freeman Atkins, Soloman Davis. See image page. Recast by the Verdin Co., Cincinnati, OH.
Tyngsboro, @ First Parish Meetinghouse that is now owned by the town.
Waltham, cast 1823, cracked in 1857 and melted down per the historian of the Waltham Industrial Museum (comments as of 2017). Possibly the same bell listed under Boston Manufacturing company.
Wakefield, 1815, 929 lbs moved many times. Today, resides at 525 Main Street Middle School building lobby. Listed in Revere records as South Reading, 929 lbs. Visiting 10/17/2025 at 3:00pm.
Watertown,1811/1812, 1,169 lbs. Researched town history.
Wayland, 1814, 1,019 lbs, First Parish Church, rings today. Formerly East Sudbury.
Wenham, not Listed in Stickey's but in Revere listing 1799 at 500 lbs., research needed. LIT?
West Boylston, 1,490 lbs, 1/20/1824, listed in wastebook page 147 to Committee of West Boylston Society, to a church bell, ledger 217.
Weston, 1801, 997 lbs at the First Parish Church. Confirmed in use as of 2021.
West Cambridge, (Menotomy) 1,254 lbs, 1805, LIT?
west cambridge/Menotomy, now Arlington, "2 Nov 1825, 1,339. Checking correspondence at mhs.
Westborough, 1801, 876 lbs moved to the Old South Meeting House; purchased by Samuel Parkman. Moved to Old South in 2011. See Boston, Old South. Viewed in person.
Westfield, Westfield Academy, of 1801, not in Revere's Church bell list. Destroyed by fire in 1890. Weight unknown. Fragments at the Edwin Smith Museum, Westfield.
Westford, 1793, 675 lbs, tracing it. Originally at the Westford Academy where Paul's son studied and now back there. In use today.
Winchendon, "Sept 26, 2816" 889 lbs. The Town History refers to a few bells after 1816. Wrote to WHS.
Worcester; 1798, 1,181 lbs, cracked and returned, replaced, then moved from the Parrish Church to the First Unitarian to the First Congregations Church; images and recordings available. 1798 lbs. Confirmed in 2010 in "The Story of the First Unitarian Church of worcester by Bunny Guerrin. Contacting Church to determine if the re-casting was done by the Reveres, 11/24/2025.
Maryland
Indian Head Manufacturing Co. "22 June 1825," 452 lbs, possibly related to a naval facility located in the town of Indian Head. Truckage charge is minimal suggesting a local delivery. Ship to ship?Confirmation needed. See ledger 254.
Michigan
New Hampshire
Acworth, 1825, fragmented, United Church of Acworth.
Amherst, 1802, identified by Arthur Howard Nichols in his pamphlet of 1904: he offers no weight. Nichols suggests Perkins Nichols gifted the bell and gifted another bell to Milford NH in 1802, weighing 802 lbs. Perkin Nichols was the son of general Moses Nichols of Amherst. Difficult to conclude. See note 8 below. See Youtube.
Amherst 1824, "Nov 18, 1,208 lbs," plus 29 for the tongue.
Amherst, "December 12 ,1824," 1,502 lbs including 32 lbs for the tongue. Noted in wastebook 1818-1825 page 165 right and 167 right, bottom, ledger 237. $525.70.
Amherst, Listing of April 27, 1825, 1534 lbs. that lists a "Dedt" of 1,083 under the running totals in the right column. The 1,083 is deducted from accumulated totals noted on the right of the listing. Four Amherst NH bells, Wastebook entry of 1818-1825 page 173 shows the 1,534 bell but no deduction.
Amherst, town of November 1, 1824 per wastebook 1818-1825 page 164 in Proquest reproduction was purchased 824 noted also in ledgered 237, Was this recast in 1839. by the Holbrook foundry in Medway Mass? Next wastebook entry list and Old Bell and tongue 634 lbs evidently purchased by JWR.
Antrim, "June.28.1826," 1,236 lbs., 1,208 lbs before the 26 lbs clapper. Read Note 26 from the Antrim Historical Society provides direction. In 1865, due to a nondescript incident the Revere bell is lost. Recast in 1867 by Blake & Co., an apprentice of the Revere's and once a partner with Paul Revere Jr.
Boscawen, 1799, 510lbs. Contact made 5/10.
Chesterfield, 1815, 894 lbs. Click on this link to follow the bell history from the Chesterfield Historical Society. Hooper appears to have recast the Revere Bell in 1851 after a fire. Upon additional research the 1815 Revere Bell was a recast of an earlier Revere bell traded in for cause unknown. See The Chesterfield link for Joseph Warren' memoranda on the subject.
Canterbury, Shaker Village, 500 lbs per the Stickney's, but likely a Paul Revere Jr., Bell, grandson of Paul Reverel. Awaiting additional information.
Concord NH, town of, 1809, 479 lbs. Originally hung in the tower of the North Chapel per Nichols.
Concord, "Jan 5, 1826," 1,252 lbs, resides today in the Park Hill Meeting House. See image page.
Concord, "Aug.17.1827," 1,268 lbs, "Baptist Soc?
Croydon, "Dec 8.1825," 1,043 lbs. The UCC and Flat Church are the same, a bell resides and plays in the Flat steeple. Erin of the CHS will provide documentation, picture, diameter et al. Bell purchased by Austin Corbin in early 19th C.
Deerfield, "January 14, 1826," 1,281 lbs, First Baptist Church, replaced in 1963 by a Henry Hooper bell. Seeking additional information and confirmation.
Dover, 1796, 892 lbs. LIT? Dover Historical Society directed me to the Chinburg Group that may have a bell in their mill cast or recast 1851 by Henry N. Hooper. Confirmed by VP of Management 10/14/2025. Revere wastebook of 1818-1825 indicates this bell broke as of 5/13/1822 and was returned.
Dover Cotton Factory, "Feb.23.1822," Dover NH, had a bell of 385 lbs.
Dover, "April.1.1822," 1,109 lbs. Wastebook 1818-1825 page 93 references Williams and John Wendell. Which Dover, which state is not identified. Likely NH, researching Williams and Jacob Wendell and Dover Cotton Factory .
Dover Manufacturing Co, aka Dover Cotton Factory, "Oct. 6. 1823, 909 lbs.
Dover Mfgy 1/4/1824, in wastebook 1818-1825 bell 560 lbs, ledger 153. Research further. $.371/2 per pound. Also, page 163, Dover Mfgy 1 broken bell 457 lbs, ledger 153.
, Dartmouth Univ, Hanover, "October.16.1819, 299+16=309 lbs. replaced below. See watebook 1818-1825 page 24. Both destroyed in fire? Needs confirmation. This bell donated by A. Peabody. Replicas may exist. Wastebook of 1818-1825 page 19 left, shows weight of 322 lbs, referencing A Peabody.
Dartmouth Univ, Hanover, "Feb.19.1821," 512 lbs for the bell + 19 for the clapper, totalling 531 lbs,
Durham, "16 March 1818," 885 lbs, resides with the DHS, formerly the Union Church building, now the DHS headquarters. This appears to be a repair of a broken bell. See letterbook 1819-1821 page 25.
Dublin, NH, "Septr14, 1818, 1,244 lbs. Working with the DHS. Wastebook of 1818-1825 shows the cost of $539.80, page 14, bottom. Procured by Isaac McLellan per wastebook 1818-1825 page 35. Stocked or stacked by Thayer.
Greenfield, "30 Nov 1825," 928 lbs. Contacting the GHS 7/2/2025.
(See Kingston MA., Kingston, Vermont).
Effingham, 1821, 929 lbs, visited by the Stickneys. Restored to ring in 2025 at the Lord’s Hill Meeting House, 30 Town House Rd. ledger 119, Wastebook 1818-1825 page 62.
Exeter, 1800, 868 lbs. (was it recast by Holbrook? apprentice of Paul Revere?) Needs research.
Exeter, "Aug 29 1828," 749 lbs, review Stickney's suggestion that News field NH has a Revere Bell in a town park.
Fitzwilliam, "October 24, 1816, 930 lbs. See Note 13 below. Some facts disagree. Additional confirmation needed.
Gofftown, 1818 & 1819, ;1,246 & 1,034, lbs, one at Old Groton Meeting House. The Revere book of 1818-1825, page 15 weighs the bell at 1,061 plus 23 pounds for the tongue totalling 1,084 @ $.45 a pound = $487.80. Joe Aikin and Jess Carr, noted. Next comment "Paid in Full." Further research needed. Cross ref with New Boston and St. Anselm's College. Chasing three fires and explosion. Wastebook of 1818-1825 page 21 lists bell for Groton Academy, 177 1/2 @ $.45, June 24, 1819.
Hampton. 1811, 642 lbs, resides in front of the Fifth Congregational Church, recast in 1861. Click to see an image. For future research on August 9, 1822 a 642 lbs broken bell is returned and noted I 1818-1825 wastebook page 104, associated with John Holmes and town of Alfred. Not designated but Alfred is in Maine. Ledger 141. ?171.
Hampstead, Town Hall. 1809, 1,212 1/2 lbs, claimed by Holbrook but reads "Revere Boston" with the traditional salutation. Purchased by Thomas Huse. Holbrook was an apprentice of the Revere's. 1809 may be early for Holbrook him to strike on his own. . A later bell cast by Paul Revere Jr. rings today. Clarification needed. Rings daily and on the 4th of July at 12:01am. You can ring it. Dr Hibbert estimates the weight based on frequency analysis to be 1,090 pounds.
Hancock, 9/13, 1820, 1,193, $536.80, First Con. Socy, now First Cong. Church, rings hourly.
Haverhill 1833, 831 lbs including clapper, cast in the Canton Revere factory. At the Congregational Church. Inscription reads Revere Boston. Likely cast by Paul Revere Jr., and or in association with Blake. No receipt available. Final cost $208, @ $.25 a pound. Going rate had been $.43-$.45 cents. Possible trade in? Haverhill has two other bells unrelated. Visit bell on 9/26/2026 at the next Haverhill History Day.
Hopkinton, 1811, 1,158. resides at the First Congregational Church and currently in use.
Hinsdale, "Jan.28.1828," 945 lbs. "Mrs. Marsh." Possibly Anna Hunt Marsh," a philanthropist of the town, once part of Massachusetts. Awaiting confirmation the bell fell and cracked during a 1850 arson fire and was recast by Hooper. Online listings of Hooper bells do not corroborate.
Jaffrey, "Feb.20.1823, 1,171 lbs, rings at the Jaffrey Meeting House. Stickney's visited at the Congregational Church of Jaffrey. Confirmed the bell is listed on page 182 of the 1818-1825 Wasteabook,"1 Church bell," on the Februrary 15th page, page 120 in ProQuest. The stock book references the Meeting House.
Keene, "15 Mar. 1817, 1,108 lbs, (?, microfilm skewed out of view). Needs research.
Keene, "Oct.25.1826," 1,071 lbs, Contradicts Stickney's mention on page 28. Not mentioned on Unitarian Universalist history page. Needs further review
Keene, "March 21, 1828," 800 lbs, includes 23 lbs, for the tongue. Moved four times. Currently at the First Baptist Church, Maple Avenue, since 1974. Purchased for the town by Aaron Wilson Jr.
Lempster, "Aug 22 1822," 674 lbs. in the Lempster Meeting House, steeple tower added in 1824. Meeting House from 1745.
Marlborough, possibly NH, 1806, weighing 1,318 lbs. Needs more work. See Marlborough Ma.
Milford - 1802, donated to the town by Perkins Nichols. of the Milford Congregational Society. 802 lbs. Now resides in the town Hall belfrey.
New Boston, 1826, 1,446 lbs, J Crombie, originally in the Church on the Hill. As of 2020, the bell rings at the Community Church. Moved in 1892 avoiding a 1900 fire at the old location. New Boston, Town hall burned 1887.New Boston, schoolhouse Burned 1887.
New London, "May 26, 1825," 703 lbs, at the First Baptist Church. acquired through Anthony Colby. Rings routinely.
Newington, 1803, 506 lbs, recast from the Pembrooke Mass, bell. Do not double count.
Newport NH, three Revere Family bells . Listen to video by Fitz Weatherbee. "The bells of Newport.." Newport, one displayed in front of the Opera House, cast 1837, formerly the Universalist Church,
Newport, one at the First Baptist Church, cast 1822, 727 lbs,
Newport, one at the South Congregational Church, Congregational. "October 11, 1822, 1,241 lbs.
North Hampton, 1816, 1,019 lbs, originally installed in the Congregational Church, transferred to the Town Hall in 1843.
Pembrook, 1806, 842 lbs. bell number 78 in Paul Revere's 1810 Memorandum. TBD
Portsmouth, 1807, 1,289 lbs in both listings. A fitting end. See note 5 below.
Portsmouth, 1807, 904 lbs Universal Society, plus 90 for the clapper. Likely South Church. Need further review. My 20, 1807 letter, payment 6 months late. See p7 Pro Quest letterbook 1806 to 1810. First request for payment delivered to Mark Limus(?) 12/1/1807. Not paid 18 months after delivery.
Portsmouth, "18.April 1827," 725 lbs, donor's name not Recognized. (See note 11, much to be sorted out in Portsmouth). See images below of unknown donor?
Rindge "28, July 1817" 930 1/2 lbs. Research beginning 9/24/2025. Waiting for confirmation that the Revere bell was destroyed by fire and replaced by a Blake bell in 1892? or 1896. Researching as of 9/24/2025.
Sunderland, per Revere's listing. 1800, 958 lbs. The handwriting is clear that the writer scribes NH. But Sunderland is in Mass. Sunderland and Walpole NH seem intertwined taking similar weighed bells in succession, in 1800 both weighing 958 lbs.
Salisbury "Feb 6.1822," 744 lbs. wrote to SHS 7/1/2025. Procured by Eben Eastman See note 27.
Walpole, 1800, 936 lbs, wrote to historical Society. Not mentioned on the First Congregational Church website. Stickney listed this bell, page 29, at the First Congregational Church. Awaiting answer to our email.
Westminster, "July.31.1827," 954 lbs, check the three church's in town. Clearly shows NH at the time of casting but the town evolved to Vt.
North Carolina
Wilmington, "1 April 1826" 889 lbs (sequentially listed among the 1823 bells). Research just begun. Clearly NC. Contacted the Cape Fear Historical Museum on 11/12/2025. At their suggestion, we are tracing three fatal Church fires by the mid-1850s and their successor churches, hoping to find remnants of the Revere Bell.
Ohio
Possibly a Revere Bell in Cinncinati, First Presbyterian Church, weights contradictory, 1700 - 2000 lbs. uncertain year cast, no reference to date bell was purchased or cast. The Stickney's could not verify do to an unsafe steeple.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, "June 15. 1823," 1,945 lbs. LIT? Procured by William Davidson, review ledger 192.
Meadville, 1830 prox. 750 lbs. Restored 2024. First Baptist Church.Exact date and weight anticipated. Email sent.
Rhode Island
Bristol, "17 June 1825," 1,126 lbs. "Episcopal Church."
Bristol, JUne 1, 1824, 1,185 lbs, $.35 414.75 Catholic Congregational Church, ledger 231. same ledger as Bell above listed in 1818-1825 Wastebook page 155/182 as St. Michaels Church. 1824, not 1825 but correct weight. Need ledger review. Wastebook 1818-1825 page 156/182 "St. Michaels Church Bristol - 2 brokenbell & tongue, Ledger 231 $117. Next line "Catholic Cong Church Bristol 1 broken bell & tongue 661 lbs. .$25 = $165.25" 2 additional cash entries 157/182 totalling $15.81.
New Port, 1805, 1,017 lbs and 72 lbs for the clapper online but 1,071 pounds in the microfilm records.
New Port 1807, 1,966 lbs. LIT? MHS/Revere microfilm. Could it be replaced below? in Joseph Warren's Wastebook of 1818-1825 he comments on page 20 that the 1ST Religious Soc., returned a broken bell of 478 pounds. Credit of 119.50 or $.25 a pound granted.
New Port R.I., 1809, 1,819, Town of, originally purchased for the Methodist Chapel in Newport. per the 1809, November 27th issue of the Independent Chronicle, Boston. This comment in the Newport RI Daily News is under review. "The Henry Hooper Co, of Boston cast the bell in 1833 in Paul Revere's Boston Foundry."
New Port, 727 lbs, My 25, 1822, Wm. Cheney purchases bell for New Port. $.40 lbs.
Pawtucket, (LIT) "December 7, 1815," 815 lbs, "Catholic Baptist Society of Pawtucket. Did the first bell survive the first Church fire? A bell survived the fire of 1957 but cannot be reached at this time in the Successor Church . See Note 28.
Pawtucket, 1817, 1,249 lbs, formerly North Providence, hangs at the St Paul's Episcopal Church 50 Park Place.
Providence, "1 June 1816" First Congregational Church, Unitarian, 2,488 lbs including clapper, weight embossed into the bell. Subtracting the clapper the bell weighs 2,437 lbs, the exact weight of the Kings Chapel, Ma., bell produced also in 1816.
Providence, "Aug 6. 1817, 2,943 lbs.
"Providence, "Baptist", "May 8. 1824," 613 lbs. Needs research.
Warren, 1800, 1,292 lbs, research needed.
Singapore
South Carolina
For Gen. Moultrie, 1798, 75 lbs. This is long after the defense of Fort Moultrie. Possibly for his plantations in Kent and Northampton. Not listed in the Revere church bell records.
Tennessee
Pleasant Hill, 1817, 459 E. Main Street, in a kiosk on the left side of the Pioneer Museum. Originally hung in the steeple of the 2nd Congressional Church, Marblehead. Purchased by J.J.H. Gregory and sent to Pleasant Hill.
Vermont
Barre, "June,28.1825, "909 lbs, waiting for confirmation that the fire at the U.U. Church of 1896 consumed the bell.
Bellow Falls, "May.5.1819, " Emanuel Episcopal Church, 710 lbs. Donated by General Amasa Allen of Walpole New Hampshire to replace a damaged English bell that hung in an earlier, but unnamed church. Rings today. Twice requested access. Wastebook of 1818-1825 page 18 references Hall or Hault & Green or Grec a or u, etc.
Brookfield, 1800, 683 lbs, need to sort out the bells in Brookfield VT VS Mass. 1800 & 1815. Neither listing IDs the state.
Burlington, "Oct 9. 1816," 1,317 lbs, see note 16 below.
Danville, 1818, Melted in a fire at the Congregation Church in 1895. 851 lbs with clapper of 21 lbs.
Hartford, "Aug.30.1825," "Edyman" 702 lbs, contacted HHS,VT. & CT, not likely in Hartford, Maine. Hartford H.S.,Vermont responded, all their churches were built after 1850. Per Pat at the HHS. a Hooper bell is active at the Hartford UUC. and likely a recast of the Revere Bell. Still being investigated.
Middlebury, cast 1835, As of 5/12/2025, Reverend Olson confirms the bell is in service at the St. Stephens Church. See image, 3rd row.
Montpellier, 1825, fragments at Congregational Church,
Montpellier, Bethany Church, rings today. Year cast TBD.
Norwich, First Congregationalist Church, 1817, 639 lbs (per the VT Hist Soc., weighed 647 lbs.)
Peacham, "March.3.1828," 695 lbs. See footnote 24, for a full revival of this bell.
Putney, "June.13.1822"? (included on the page with bells from 1820 and 1821). Wrote to PHS for information. Per wbook of 1818-1825 page 99, in Proquest file, Asa Key referenced Mr. Thayer stocked it for 426.
State of Vermont, Randolph, 1807, 894 lbs, Installed in The Congregational Church.
Royalston, 1811, 930 lbs, melted in a fire. Recast by Hooper. Read the towns history, pages 13-15. Memoranda of August 21 1811 "Write (?) Joseph Easter Brook of Royalston, Mass when a bell is ready of 100 to 1050 lebs."
Royalton, "June 8.1825," 567 lbs. Contacting historical society. Confirmed by wastebook 1818-1825 page 176 O Billings procured bell. Revere writes letter to Joseph Estabrook, 21 Aug't 1811 about Bell size.
Thetford Academy, Thetford Vt, "June 26. 1819." 325 lbs. Contacted the academy 6/25/2025. Contacts were Latham, Kendrick & Joseph Reed. 4162.50 ( a W. Reed referenced on wastebook 1818-1825 page 53, three bell ref's, one broken, 1820, one weight referenced 214, $103.50 less $53.50.
Windsor Historical Society, privately owned. See Cambridge (Mass) Port Baptist Soc. 1822, 1095 lbs. Paul Revere quoted two bells of 279 and 180 available to fill the request of a bell from Thomas Everett @$.50 a lbs, quoted in writing May 10 , 1809. No confirmation of sale or reply. Research continues 1/8/2026
Williamstown, Congregatonal Church. Saved after the fire at the Federated Church in 2021.Need date cast. Per Dr. Bill Hibbert on 1/4/2026, "there are several videos and photographs of the bell recovered from the burned church and ‘Revere Boston’ is clearly visible but unfortunately none show the date! Dr. Hibbert's analysis of the bells frequency estimates the weight to be 740 pounds based on its frequency.
Woodstock Inn, in the garden behind the restaurant. One of six Revere bells in Woodstock. Purchased from a Newburyport Church by Laurence Rockefeller for the inn. Apparently 1,463 lbs.
Woodstock Inn, on the side of the golf/cross country club shack. Working with the Inn to identify the source of the bell purchased to track back to the original purchaser. A church in Newburyport has casually been referenced.Estimated weight 500 lbs. See note 30.
Woodstock, October 1, 1827," 693 lbs, St. James Episcopal Church
Woodstock, June 23, 1828," Masonic Temple, 872 lbs, visible from the street on a bright day.
Woodstock, The First Congregational Church porch 711 lbs "June 2, 1818."
Woodstock, 1835?, 1021lbs, 7 Church Street, North Universalist Church chapel.
Westminster Vt, see Westminster NH, 1827.
Virginia
Fredericksburg, 1828 (given as a sign of his love), at the Renwick Court House, presented by Silas Wood. See image page. Hangs at 1815 Princess Street.
Washington DC
St. John's, Episcopal Church "October 14, 1822," 938 lbs plus 26 for the clapper totaling 964 lbs : Lafayette Square, Lincoln worshipped here. "The Presidents' Church."
Unknown Town Church or Individual
Benjamin Dusick(?) 1810 837 lbs. Visiting correspondence at MHS.
Essex Street Church, appears to be Boston Massachusetts formed in 1819. "November. 20. 1819. 1,112 lbs. Wastebook 1818-1825 page 28 lists Essex Street Church Society. @$.45 = $500.40. Truckage $1. Does not suggest state of delivery. Research. Coincidentally the Town of Essex, Mass, broke from Ipswich in the same year. The Second Congregational Church in Ipswich was renamed the First Congregationalist Church of Essex. Research needed. $501.40 paid in wastebook 1818-1825 page 61, May 1, 1821. One dollar for Truckage
Bell listed 26, July 1817 to "Gill", 811 lbs, not identified.
Hard to read, 1807, 672 lbs. m*Sms Bannells. Review Revere's notation below in NNR. Page 15 of 1818-1860 Memoranda refers to a Bannel twice on the left side of Proquests collation and on the right side September 25 1811 (?)as Brannel, correspondence speaks to a bell of 1,157 with tongue in Chadxdxxxx?
Fred. Cabot 400 1824 400 lbs. wastebook 1818-1825, page 163 ledger 206. Two entries down Frederick returns a bell 242 lbs@$.40. Most returns come at $.25 cents a pound. Review ledger.
Joseph Emerson 305lb bell, ledger 161 referenced . Wastebook 1818-1825, 5/1/1822.
Wisconsin
Actively at the Madison, Wisconsin Historical Society.
Notes, Primary Sources, Bells Under Review
Fall River Mass, in 9/30/2014 article in the Boston Globe discusses, funds needed to rehab. bell is vaguely dated to 1830, by Revere Company, and had been silent for six years. The First Congregational Church was raising $35,000, to remove, repair and raise the yoke and Bell into the 150 foot tower, per Reverend Martin Hall. On April 18, 2025, the church's Facebook site noted, "First Congregational Church of Fall River. See note 25. Our bell is one of the few Revere bells still ringing out over the world and this evening at 6 PM [2025] we will ring it at the same time old North Church and hundreds of other bells ring out as well. Let freedom ring!"
Numerous small bells from 52-257 lbs, made in 1807, for J. Lee Jxx, Mssrs, Tillis, Navy Dept, twice., J. Lee Jxx, Navy Dept,, Nathaniel Drummer, Edu. H. Robbins, Boardman & Pope (visit wastebook 1818-1825 page 11 bottom), S. Higginson, Thomas Motley, Mosley or Mobley.
Unknown, 1807, bottom of page December last listing, 1,289 lbs with tongue. To whom sold column is blank.
It appears a subsidiary ledger covering 1807 to 1811 is page 36(x) of the "to whom Sold" records.
Portsmouth NH; "The bell in the steeple cannot be visited. The bell originated as a prize of war taken at the Battle of Louisburg (1745) when colonial soldiers under the command of Col. William Pepperrell of Kittery besieged the stronghold there. When the expedition returned to Portsmouth, the bell was presented as a gift to Queen's Chapel [original name of St. John's]. It was damaged in the Christmas Eve Fire of 1806 that swept Portsmouth, but was sent to Boston to be recast by Paul Revere and has been recast once since then [emphasis added]." Attributes to Molly and Gerald, Portsmouth Historical Society.
Portsmouth, South Church, 1828, See note 9.
As of 5/23/2025, the Sheffield Historical Society's, volunteer archivist replied. "I have additional information on the Sheffield bell. At a town meeting on June 9th, 1823, money was appropriated ($150) to have the meeting house bell recast in either Troy or New Haven. What is in the Congregational Church now is a bell that was recast and signed J. Hanks of Troy, N.Y. a company that specialized in the recasting of bells. I hope this is helpful and I want to thank you for bringing this to our attention."
Paul Revere's "Memorandom of bells cast by me," list an 1802 bell "The town of, (Given by Perkins nichols)" that appears at the end of the Milford NH listing. If not a second bell was donated to Milford by perkins nichols. Clearly Revere did not mention the town. Revere's "church bell listing" for 1802 references only to "Perkins Nichols Esq." At this link the town of Milford presents their history of the revere bell of 1802. They believe it was the 56th bell produced by the Reveres'. Arthur Nichols lists it as the 46th bell. The 45th bell listed by Nichols was donated by Perkins Nichols in 1802 to Amherst, NH. For now I offer no conclusion.
Four Bells Hung in Belfry Between 1794 and 1839. Until the 1815 clock was installed, the bells were rung by pulling the rope. The first bell for the belfry didn’t get approved and installed until 1794, and it cracked shortly thereafter. The second and third bells also cracked, and not until the forth bell was installed in 1839 in the newly located tower, did the persevering community hear a bell to cheer about. [Secomb’s pg. 444]. The original 1794 bell cracked, and in 1824 was exchanged (plus $300) for a new bell. But the new bell cracked before it was even hung, during a trial on the ‘Plain’ when it was struck by a sledge to the outside. The selectmen exchanged it in 1825 after paying for damages, for another bigger bell that lasted until 1839, when it cracked on the 4th of July. Since 1832 the steeple was owned by the town, so the cracked bell was the town’s problem. The selectmen were empowered by the town to sell it and they added $50 to buy the fourth bell. A month later they added another $100 to buy a 1,400 lb. bell that rings today [cast by Holbrook, a apprentice to the Revere family] [Nichols believes the Revere's recast the original 1745 bell twice]
The handwriting on the Revere list of sold bells changes dramatically after 1811. Many historians suggest Paul Revere retired in 1811. In his poem of 1814 he discusses his daily constitution around the canton foundry.
Received from gward@portsmouthhistory.org
"A couple of thoughts with regard to South Church (UU) and its bell.
The belfry is pierced by four arched openings fitted with louvers. The interior of the belfry is plastered, and the plaster is scored to resemble ashlar masonry. The bell, cast in 1828 by the Boston Copper Company (the firm that succeeded Paul Revere and Son), weighs 2540 pounds."As far as I know it is still in place. The church was built 1824. See https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/79000210_text
I should note that the Portsmouth Athenaeum has a large body of South Church papers (MS039) that might tell a different story. The finding aid to the collection is online, and it indicates that they have a lot of bills and receipts and so on. There might be some bell data in there somewhere. I came across one or two bell references from the time period in question but it wasn't entirely clear to me what bell was being discussed.
A church history by Lawrence Craig (PDF attached) from ca. 1966 also has some info on bells (on p. 25 of the PDF) referencing two Revere-associated bells, one (now gone and owned by an earlier iteration of the congregation) that was cast by Revere in 1807 but later re-cast and then melted down in 1947 and made into souvenir bells. I am not aware of any of these little keepsake bells but on the other hand I can't say I've ever looked for one. He also mentions the current South Church bell by the Boston Copper Co. and gives a few details and a variant weight.
So maybe this will help you (or maybe not), but I've learned a lot. Let us know if you have any questions."
12. Jun 6, 3:29 PM Visited the Lexington Historical Society. The tongue at the LHS does not relate to the Revere Bell that was replaced in 1872 by a Henry Nott bell cast in a foundry in London England. Reverend George W. Sargent ordered the replacement. The original meeting house became a museum and was struck and destroyed by lightning. The First Parish Church's online records state the existing bell was "replaced." The Original meeting house and the original belfrey succumbed to lighting. Seeking clarification from the church.
13.Fitzwilliam, NH bell. The Meeting House of 1817: The Revere bell. The Revere bell, first placed in the meeting-house of 1816, fell unharmed in the fire. It was cracked in 1881 and had to be re-cast. 300 silver dollars were added to the metal to ensure a silvery tone. The bell weighs 1,534 pounds, and was re-cast by the Blake Company of Boston. (Submitted on June 29, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.) A major difference in weight exists. Confirmation is needed.
14. "Sent back to Canton." This quote shows several times. bells to recast? Needs research. Check correspondence.
page 43, 1,371 lbs 1820, top of page.
page 43 1,276 Between late April 29th and May 22nd 1820.
Next page, 1,461 no year designated at page header. Page covers 1822, 1823
only this bell return of 1824 shows at the top of page. Might be Feburary
15. Question about whether the Acton Historical Society has documentation about purchasing a bell made by Paul Revere Co.
Response from Acton Historical Society Librarian/archivist:
I know nothing about this. Fletcher, talking about the second meetinghouse on page
265 says "The first bell, which was mounted high up in the
tower, cost $570, and when it swung out its peals on Sabbath morn it was a missive to all the households in the town. It meant business as well as worship to get all things in readiness and reach the steps of the church before the last stroke of the tolling bell." The church burned in Nov. 1862 and presumably the bell would have been damaged.
The fire started on the roof, the steeple ignited, and apparently the whole thing was ashes within an hour. Phalen mentions the first meeting house bell on page 25 (it didn'I have one, or a belfry), the second on page 120. There are also mentions of bell ringing. All that was said about the bell was that it was purchased for $570 in 1811. (In 1807 they voted not to purchase a bell.and again in March 1809. In Nov. 1810, they voted to raise $500 toward purchasing a bell. The money was supposed to be collected the following May. The purchasing committee was Winthrop Faulkner, John Robbins and Capt. Daniel White. But of course, there was a vote on reconsidering purchasing a bell in January 1811, but they didn;t reconsider. In May 1811, they voted an additional $70 to pay for the bell. Rev. Moses Adams gave $20 toward purchasing the new bell. In March 1812, "Bell Tax" was mentioned. On Feb. 25, 1812, an order was made to pay Wintrop Faulkner as Chairman of the Bell Committee for Cash paid for a Church Bell. On March 6, 1815, there was an order to John White "for Irons for the bell", on May 2, 1815 to Reuben Wheeler for a bell rope. After that (through 1829), mentions are just of bell-ringing. I don't know where the Revere story came from - it's not in the town meeting records, or Fletcher or Phalen. Going ahead to the 1860s, I found in "Condition of the Treasury, Feb. 26, 1864" a receipt for "For old bell $119.59" - So obviously it was sold, in whatever state it was. I
found nothing about a new bell - Presumably that was just part of rebuilding the town house.
16. Burlington Vt, In 1910, prompted by a letter from historical researcher from Boston, the Burlington city treasurer L.C. Grant had discovered that the original bell for the church was cast by Paul Revere on October 13, 1816. The bell weighing 1,286 lb (583 kg), along with its tongue weighing 31 lb (14 kg) was sold to the Town of Burlington for $592.65 (at a cost of $0.45 per pound).[8] The bell was recast in 1828 (at a cost of $166.88),and was replaced sometime in the 1900s after a crack had developed. Per "Bell From Paul Revere Foundry: Patriot Cast That On Unitarian Church: In 1816 - Original Bill Found Among Archives of the Church - A Discovery of Note". "The Burlington Daily News". March 11, 1910.
17. Rutland, Ma., To answer your question, the 1819 bell is in the steeple of the First Congregational Church in Rutland, Massachusetts. This is the third 'building' to host it, as two previous buildings burned, causing some damage to the bell in 1926.
We have a copy of the receipt dated March 11, 1819. The bell weighed 865 pounds, the tongue another 25 for a total of 890 pounds, consistent with your records. It appears that a 908 pound broken bell was traded in at this time. The cost of the bell is listed as $400.50, less trade in of $227 for a final cost of $173.50.
The inscription on the bell reads: 'According to tradition this bell was originally cast in the Paul Revere Foundry and re-cast because of crackage about 1872 in the key of G. It was partly destroyed by fire on November 11, 1926 and re-cast again in the key of G'.
Scott.
18. The Greenfield Mass, bell is on the Revere list microfilmed at the MHS. The bell was articled by the Greenfield Community College (as of 2014). The mark and logo is not typical. An artisan named David Well may have purchased or cast this bell in the Revere Foundry. Need confirmation of its actual location .Picture to be added upon further verification.
19. Hello, Mitch - Right now, my only source of information regarding the bells comes from an inventory published in 1912 by the Essex Historical Institute. However, there may be additional material at our building. I will see if I can locate any more info & send it on. Also, one of our members is currently serving as historian/archivist for the Hopkinton Fire Department and I will check in with him to see if he has come across anything on the bells. Sincerely, Anne Mattina, president.
20. Hi Mitch, . . .we are not aware of a Paul Revere bell in any of our churches. I checked with several of our most knowledgeable people here. Also, we have many records digitized and a search of these did not yield anything. It is intriguing that the handwritten list does look like Easton, but we can not confirm this possibility. Wishing you success on your project.Steve Anderson Board Member.
21. In 1810–1811, a brick building replaced Bulfinch's wood structure [The Hollis Street Church in Boston.] "The wooden age yields to the brick; comfort now aspires to elegance." The old Bulfinch building "was purchased by the Union Religious Society of Braintree and Weymouth, ... taken down piece by piece, floated on a raft to Braintree and rebuilt on Quincy Ave near Commercial St. next to the railroad tracks. The church design was slightly altered and a new bell, forged by Paul Revere, was placed in the clock tower. First services were held in the church in November 1810."[4][ Braintree Firefighters Local 920. Union Church Fire 1897.
22. I believe I have the answer for you - The bell in the steeple of the First Parish Church is likely a Revere bell, manufactured by Charles Holbrook.
In a report on the repairs to the steeple done in 1983, I found the following:
For years we have believed our bell to weigh 825 pounds made for the town in 1819 by the Revere Company having sublet the work to Charles Holbrook. In the course of our investigation, we have discovered that it weighs approximately 1600 pounds. The bell repairs called for were obvious to the untrained eye - the journals were worn, the clapper was worn, the wheel was patched and the cribbing was failing. On the advice of SPNEA [Historic New England], I retained Miss Linda Campbell Woodford of Boston, a professional bellhanger, to evaluate and repair the mechanical aspects of the bell. Her investigation revealed the extent of work called for and gave us real insights into the work ahead..."
I can scan the pages if you would like the full report on the repairs and conservation of the bell.
For background:
The only church building in Duxbury in 1818 was the Meeting House (built 1785). It was on Tremont Street at the time, in the same location as our current First Parish Church (built in 1840).
In the History of the First Parish Church of Duxbury (1953), author Gershom Bradford quoted a letter written by one of his great-aunts, "Sunday, May 24, 1840...They have begun to raise the steeple. We have enough of the ringing of bells now. They have got the old meeting house bell hung, which they ring at sunrise, at breakfast time, at noon and at sunset, and the Universalists have a bell which they ring at sunrise, at breakfast time, at noon and at nine in the evening..."
Of the bell, Bradford wrote, "The church bell, having hung in the old (third) church, is a sentimental, as well as a useful part of the equipment. It is a large casting and its strokes can be heard over a wide section of the town. Its distinctive tone has a nostalgic ring in the ears of the elderly..."
I believe I have the answer for you - The bell in the steeple of the First Parish Church is likely a Revere Bell, manufactured by Charles Holbrook.
23. Thank you for your inquiry! This was a great question and it took a number of volunteers to get your answer, but we do have one!
Here's what we know: Starting on page 212 of "Wiscasset in Pownalborough" (https://archive.org/details/wiscassetinpowna00chas/page/212/mode/2up) Fannie Scott Chase writes about the parish of Pownalborough being split off into the First Parish of Wiscasset in 1773, and the courts were moved in 1797. The Revere bell was purchased by the parishioners of the First Parish of Wiscasset and it hung in the belfry of the Congregational church until it was melted by fire in 1907. There are some pages from the book and a picture of what the bell looked like. We have a small container holding fragments of the bell here in storage. The replacement bell was cast by Meneely.
24. Dear Mitch,
Thank you for your inquiry. I am on the Board of Trustees for the Peacham Historical Association, additionally I manage the Archive and Research Center here and I am a Deacon in the Peacham Congregational Church.
Indeed, there was a bell cast for the Peacham Congregational Church in 1828 by the Revere family.
In the 1940s, a legacy was given to the Historical Association to hire an historian to write an extensive history of Peacham. The Historical Association hired Ernest Bogart, and luckily he had access to documents which no longer exist. Many of the Historical Association's archives were stored at the Peacham Library, and it burned to the ground in 1959. We have diligently worked to recreate our archives, but some documents are simply gone.
I think the best information to provide you is to quote directly from Bogart's history regarding the bell. The book is titled Peacham, The Story of a Vermont Hill Town, published 1948 in conjunction with the Vermont Historical Society. It has since been reprinted through Google Books.
There is an extensive chapter regarding the history of the church. The church originally stood at the top of a hill overlooking the present village, and the building was moved in 1844 to its present location in the village. Many structural changes were made during this period. Additionally, Reverend Merrill, minister during the 1840s, was colloquially called Priest Merrill. As I quote from the publication, it will make more sense if you know this information. We begin with the the original building of the church:
Another improvement was the purchase of a bell. This was bought by vote of the town on March 3, 1828, from Joseph W. Revere, who succeeded to his father's (Paul) business after the latter died in 1818. It was the 383rd out of 398 bells cast at the Revere foundry14 and may therefore be called a "Revere Bell." The hanging and ringing of the bell was more troublesome, and took up the time of many town meetings during the next decade. In May a committee was appointed to ascertain what it would cost to hang the bell; their report was not given, but $54 was paid to Benjamin Livingston for finishing a bell deck on the meeting house. The next year the town meeting voted to have the bell rung at five o'clock in the morning during the summer, and the selectmen were authorized to employ someone for that purpose. Whether because of overmuch ringing in the mornings or on July 4th, the bell, after some years, failed to perform satisfactorily. At a meeting on December 12, 1844, the building committee of the Congregationalist Society was instructed "to make such alterations to the bell and belfry as shall be advisable to facilitate the hearings of said bell".17 In order that it might ring loud enough to be heard by all parishioners, the tongue was weighted, but this cracked the bell, and thereafter the only sound that the sexton could produce was a feeble whick-whack.
Thus matters stood for some time while the matter of repairing the old bell or purchasing a new one was discussed. Priest Merrill, as he was usually called, was expected to speak on the subject on a certain Sunday, and the church was filled with curious listeners. He preached his usual sermon, making no mention of the matter uppermost in his hearers' minds. Then he closed the Bible and drily remarked, " By the way, if that cracked bell represents the religious spirit of this church and society, let it hang; if it doesn't, take it down." It was said that this laconic remark carried the day, and the bell was promptly taken down and sent off to be recast. It now bears the inscription "cast by Henry N. Hooker, Boston, 1848." 18 Since that date it has functioned continuously for almost a hundred years. Revere bells were good.
References to note 24:
( 14 A. H. Nichols, Bells of Paul and Joseph W. Revere, (Boston, 1911). 6.
15 Peacham Town Records, V, 122. 16 Ibid., 129, 136, 139, 143.
17 Records of the Congregational Society, 176.
18) Verified by Edmund Abbott, who on August 13, 1932, climbed the bell tower to check on it.
25. A July 20, 1912, article in The Fall River Evening Herald reported that the First Congregational Church’s bell was one of three Revere Boston bells that were sent to Fall River during the 19th century.
The bells were manufactured in a foundry that Paul Revere’s son — also named Paul — established in 1801 after leaving a foundry operated by his family. Paul and his son, Joseph W. Revere, manufactured 221 bells, at least three of which were sent to Fall River. One was given to the First Baptist Church, but it was destroyed in a Christmas Eve fire in 1860. The other two bells were given to the Pocasset Manufacturing Co., but they fell into disuse and were lost by 1912, according to the Herald article. [Fire consumed the Pocasset several mill buildings. {Part of the mill is the chamber of commerce. Research continues]
26. Antrim, NH. Paul Revere bell, Centre Church - 1825
By Bill Nichols - July 2025
In July of 2025, the Antrim Historical Society was approached by Mitch Lapin of Walk Boston History who was trying to locate a Paul Revere bell. This bell was cast on June 14, 1825 for the Town of Antrim. It weighed 1236 pounds. According to town history, this bell was purchased for more than $400.00 at the time. From Whiton’s history in 1844, page 37...It was resumed, however, by individuals early in 1825, and a society was formed, not without serious opposition, for building the present Centre house. The transactions relative to the erection, contain such an inter mixture of town action and society action, that it is not easy in this matter to run the line between the civil and ecclesiastical portions of our history. It was erected 1826, at an expense of $6,200, and furnished by subscription with a bell at a cost of about $400. From Cochrane’s town history in 1880 page 184... Eighty-three men united to form this society. They chose John Worthley, Thomas McCoy, Samuel Cummings, James Wallace. Jr., and Isaac Baldwin, their building committee. They began the foundation in the fall of 1825, quite a large company assembling, and Mr. Whiton making an address, at the laying of the corner-stone. The house was erected in the summer of 1826, at a cost of six thousand two hundred dollars. The bell, costing over four hundred dollars, was added by subscription, and was first used in tolling the death of Dr. Whiton's mother, Oct. 27, 1826. And from Parades & Promenades in 1977 pg 150...(1938) The churches took part in the international World Day of Prayer, a custom which has prevailed ever since. But the church event which far out-shone all others in 1938 was the Presbyterian sesquicentennial observance of the founding of the church in Antrim. The three-day affair was opened on July 31 at 6:45 p.m. by tolling the Paul Revere bell 150 times. The bell, bought in 1816* for $400, is said to weigh 1,208 pounds. (*typo - 1826)
And also from Parades & Promenades in 1977 pg 222... The articles and furnishings salvaged from the Center church were installed in the new building. The Paul
Revere bell was placed in the steeple; the pulpit chairs, a small spinet organ, the communion table, and some of the church pews were all brought to the new building.
At this point we felt we had located the bell in the Presbyterian Church on Main St. However, further research revealed that something had happened around 1865.
At some point in the 1980s or 90s, Nina Harding was going through the Church records and condensing the information into a document for the Historical Society. On one of the pages was the following information, which has been corrected due to further investigation. THERE WAS A REVERE BELL PURCHASED IN 1825 AND DOWN THRU THE YEARS IT HAS BEEN THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE SO. ANTRIM CHURCH, IN FACT IT WAS WRITTEN THIS WAY IN A SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT AND IN COCHRANE’S HISTORY. THE 1988 ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE FOUND A DIFFERENT INSCRIPTION ON THE PRESENT BELL. "HOLBROOK & SONS OF EAST MEDWAY, MASS. 1865" (NOW MILLIS, MA). UP TO THIS POINT IT HAD BEEN NOT MENTIONED IN THE RECORDS, BUT IN 1865 IT WAS WRITTEN "TO SEE WHAT MEASURES THE SOCIETY WILL TAKE TO DISPOSE OF THE OLD BELL AND PURCHASE A NEW ONE” WE WOULD NO DOUBT GO ON BELIEVING IT TO BE A REVERE BELL, BUT A COMMITTEE FROM THE REVERE BELL COMPANY CAME CHECKING AS WE HAD BEEN LISTED AS OWNING ONE. WE HAVE NO RECORD OF WHERE THE OLD BELL WENT. This information doesn’t really answer the question, but with a little more research, we can only assume where the bell is now. Looking into Holbrook & Sons, we found the the Antrim bell is listed on a website listing all the Holbrook bells in the United States. https://www.chepachetbaptist.org/national-list-holbrook-bells.htm Antrim, NH, The First Presbyterian Church, HOLBROOK & SON. EAST MEDWAY MASS 1865 1 The #1 footnote is A list of Holbrook bells prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stickney of Bedford, MA, experts on Revere Bells.
Going further, information on Paul Revere bells revealed that there were 41 bells made by Paul Revere & Sons, Boston between 1818-1828, Antrim’s being cast in 1825. 1828 was the last year Revere bells were made. This information can be found at http://www.towerbells.org/RevereFoundry.html Paul Revere & Son, Boston, 1818-1828 On the death of Thomas Eayres Jr in 1818, Paul 3rd sold his share to Joseph, thus leaving the latter as sole proprietor. (Paul 3rd later became a partner of bellfounder Henry N. Hooper.) The name of the firm remain unchanged, even though Paul Sr had also died in 1818. The last bell entry in the Revere stockbooks was dated 1828, though bells made after 1824 did not carry a date on them. REVERE & SON BOSTON 1819, First Parish Church, Unitarian, Groton, MA, is pictured on a town history page (though oddly it does not give its name!) and the bell is mentioned. . A local realtor's area information page has a photo of the building a mentions the bell. REVERE & SON BOSTON 1819, Christ Church, Savannah, GA; a former History page.which mentioned this bell, was removed in a redesign of the Website. REVERE BOSTON 1822, All Souls Unitarian Church, Washington, DC; see Archives and History, under About Us. REVERE BOSTON 1822, St.John's Episcopal Church, Washington, DC - This history page has a paragraph about the bell, and a photo, showing that it is hung on an early version of Meneelys' Rotating Yoke.
(37 other bells survive from this period, but are not on the Web.)
Additional information on the site may lead us to where the Antrim Paul Revere bell may have gone.
Recast Revere bells,
When bells are cracked through misuse, damaged by fire, or broken by other means, they are often recast using the original metal (usually with additions). This establishes a historical connection to the original bell, although the result cannot properly be attributed to the original bellfounder. Since the Civil War had just ended in the spring (1865), we can only assume during this time materials, including metal, may have been difficult to obtain. Below are metals used in bellfounding. Tin: Tin, a key component of bronze, was historically scarcer than copper and found in limited geographical areas, potentially leading to challenges in acquiring sufficient quantities even after the war. Copper: Copper production saw a surge in price during the Civil War due to wartime demands, suggesting it was obtainable but potentially expensive immediately afterward. Bronze: As an alloy of copper and tin, the availability of bronze would have been impacted by the supply of both constituent metals. We can also assume that the bell had been damaged by something; weather or perhaps misuse. Replacing a $400 bell in 1865 would be equal to almost $8000 in 2025, we can only assume that since Revere bell production was stopped in 1828, that this Revere bell was sent to Holbrook & Sons, melted down to create the current bell. However, we have no other information to confirm or deny and this is
only an assumption by the author. Additional thanks goes to Helene Newbold for her help in researching this topic.
[The Holbrooks stopped bell production in 1880.]
27. Aug 24, 2025, 5:58 PM
Hi Mitch,
Thank you for this interesting information. I am an associate member of the Congregational Christian Church in Franklin, NH. The local historical society, while doing research on a bell from an old mill, found that it was recast at the same foundry as the Revere bell from the Congregational Church. The church bell had to be recast due to a fire in the church about 1903. Perhaps this bell is on the list.
In the 1700’s, this church was in the West Village of Salisbury that was carved out of Salisbury to become part of Franklin. Daniel Webster was born in this part of Salisbury and the Webster family worshiped at this church. We still have their pew.
Another history mystery!
Sheila Rainford
28. Pawtucket; 1815 bell. We reviewed the manuscripts at the Rhode Island Historical Society archives, 121 Hope Street, Providence. Two manuscripts cover 1800 to 1907, over 600 pages. Bells are referenced in the 1800-1836 edition, many times, without a reference to the craftsman or foundry.
Referenced in the June minutes of 1813 is a discussion of paying for the ringing of the bell. This is two years before the Revere bell is cast. In 1811 the bell rope is repaired. In 1810 bell ringing is discussed on page 142. In 1813, Otis Tiffany, trustee is authorized to proceed with the acquisition of a bell.
A bell survived the 1957 fire, saved by the fire department, according to the local paper, "the church Bell remained in the cupola throughout the fire and later was taken down by crane." Church records were saved. The producer of this bell is not known or the date cast. April 21, 1959, a letter from Chris E. Lawson, Executive Secretary, of the Rhode Island Baptist State Convention, authorizes Egbert C. Prime to remove a bell at the Broad Street Church of Central Falls and "be contributed to the First Baptist Church of Pawtucket."
Note 29. Needs verification. As of 2025, there is no longer a Revere bell at the former Third Parish in Abington, Massachusetts, also known as East Abington. The congregation split from Abington's First Parish in 1827 and merged into the First Congregational Church of Rockland in 1899, which became the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in 1961. This modern congregation is located at 12 Church Street in Rockland, where the Revere bell's whereabouts are unknown to the public. Comments above are from Google Gemini, AI. JWR's correspondence of "June 10,22, suggests balance of bell not paid, $69.65." Letterbook 1819-1821 page 19.
Note 30. Cross referencing the Newburyport bells with the sixth bell that appears at the Woodstock Inn Golf Course in the 21st century. Pictures of the Woodstock Inn belll are on our image page and a video will be added playing the bells. Lawrance Rockefeller apparently purchased both bells for the church where he was married. They now reside at the Inn.
Note 31. The Sudbury Bell's Direct Record
The bell currently in the First Parish Meeting House (West Parish) in Sudbury was cast by George H. Holbrook in East Medway, Massachusetts, in 1851.
The church's own records indicate a committee was formed to "exchange old bell for new" and "buy bell (the one we have now) for $359.10, old bell sold for $211." (Source: First Parish Records, 1851).
Crucially, these records do not identify the "old bell" that was sold in 1851 as a Paul Revere bell.
The above provided by the First Parish Historian including the church's written bill of sale of the transaction. The 1814 East Sudbury bell may reside at the Wayland First Parish Church after the town's split. Work in progress.
Note 32. The Northfield bell still under review. aul Revere Bell for Northfield
tTo the Northfield Historical Society on 8/2/2025.
Hello, I am updating the Revere Family Bells produced from 1792 to 1843.
Their records indicate a bell was cast in 1798 for Northfield, weighing 944 lbs. This weight may include the clapper.
Arthur Howard Nichols, noted in his pamphlet of 1904, the same bell and weight.
Below are the comments from Google's AI, Genesis.
"Yes, Northfield, Massachusetts, is home to a Paul Revere bell.
Here's what is known about it:
Location: The bell is currently installed in the belfry of the Congregational Church in Northfield, Massachusetts.
Original Location: It was originally hung in the second church building located on Meeting House Hill near "Sunset Rock" (58 Mountain Road).
Purchase and Installation: The town purchased the bell from Paul Revere & Son after voting to acquire a bell "of proper bigness".
Weight and Cost: The bell weighs 874 pounds and cost $470.48, including transportation and hanging.
Current Location: When the present Congregational church was built in 1838 on the Common, the bell was moved from the old church and installed in the belfry of the new building where it remains today. "
I have attached the Revere's listing showing the Northfield entry, mid page.
Would you know the current location of the bell or its last moment in time?
Click here to see my work in progress.
Warmest regards,
Note 33. Note 33: The UUSB are the direct successors of the first Unitarian congregation in Connecticut. Its first minister, the Rev. Samuel May, was a peace activist, education reformer, temperance crusader, supporter of women’s rights and a supporter of Prudence Crandall.
Back around 1935, a Works Progress Administration survey reported the UUSB church had a Revere bell. The New England Historical Society, not seeing it on the Stickney list, consulted Dennis Landis, UUSB president and historian. He could not confirm the story.
“I had a chance to view the bell closely about 2001 and saw a different bellfounder’s name and the date 1828,” he wrote. “It remains an open question who made the original bell, which was repaired several times and recast. I don’t think there was any indication of the bellmaker in the church records, only that someone was empowered to acquire one. It would be reasonable for a Revere bell to have been secured, but we just can’t prove it.”
Note 34. On Tue, Dec 3, 2019, 4:49 PM james stone <jscspxt2@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Mitch:
David Davis, Deacon of the First Congregational Church of Paxton reportedly
retrieved the Revere bell with his wagon and team of oxen in 1835-36.
Although most reports tell of him traveling to Boston, it is most likely that he
headed to Canton, where the Revere foundry moved shortly after its establishment. The bell weighs 700 lbs.The mechanical issues are still in
in limbo.
Jim Stone
Historian !st Congregational Church of Paxton
Here is Dr. Hibbert's analysis based on soundings and recordings. "Paxton MA, cast 1835, is around 1590 pounds – I have seen the weight quoted as 701 pounds but this is not correct, the bell is about 701 kilogrammes."
Bell Frequency Chart by Dr. Bill Hibberts
Note 35; Quincy, Page 14 of Memoranda 1809-1865 reads, "proposals with Committee From Quincy to take back New Bell at 37 cents, old Bell at ?? Cents. Cast a new one of 1,300 at 42 cents Warrant Merchantability & that it will not break by Jxxn usage in one year." dated April 10, 1811.
Note 36. Correspondence of 7 Sept 1819, by Joseph Warren suggests original bell was shipped on deck and damaged and replacement of a large bell was in the works. Apparently, Reverend Caldwell died in the interim and correspondence is to Mssrs, Whitehead and Bond, see page 8 & 9 of Letterbook 1819-11821. Letterbook 1819-1821 page 20 discusses payment. Burke State Archivists found article in the "True Citizens" May 16, 1881 refers to the Revere Bell and its inscription. Article continues to discuss relocation of old church but not specifically the bell. suggests bell is over to the Congregation Church, newly built in 1818. Burke State Archivist continues to pursue this as of 3/1/2026. Currently, there is no Congregational Church in Waynesboro.
Continuing Research:
Perkins Nichols Esq. Could it be one person or a partnership. Both prominent names in Boston, Millford & Amherst. Visit Perkins Museum, search family tree to determine if Arthur Howard Nichols, the early Revere Bell author is related.
Nashua, 418lb "May 1. 1824 listed on page 153/182 of 818-1825 wastebook to Nashua Manuf Co ledger 229. Not noted in stock listing of to whom the bells Sold or by the Stickney's.Likely a direct purchase of old bell not produced by Revere's.
Lost in Time/Related
St Stephens Episcopal Church Waterbury, VT. 1835, cast by Revere Copper Company.
For Capt. Lane, 1793, 50 lbs.
The Frigate Building in Boston, The Constitutions first bell? 1795, 150 lbs, but the dating is three years early. The second bell 1798, 242 lbs. The Constitution Museum states both bells destroyed in combat.
Brooklyn, CT, LIT, an article by the New England Historical Society suggests the Revere Bell was last seen in 2001, recast but the inscription not recorded. See note 33.
How did the Revere family cast a bell?
The bell's casting and tuning process involved several steps: Revere would use core molds, apply tallow and wax, and cover it in mud to create the mold. The mold would be heated, allowing the wax to drip out and the mud to harden. Molten bronze would then be poured in and cooled, and Revere and his employees would clean, polish, and tune the bell by hand. See "Midnight Ride, Industrial Dawn" by Robert Martello, pages 167-170 for more detail.
How do you tune a bell?
What to know more about bell Frequencies and bell tones? Dr. Bill Hibbert is studying Revere Bells. Below is his chart offering general estimates.
Names not Recognized or linked to a town or church
Wm Hand December 12, 1822, bell 520 lbs at .40 lbs, page 116 Wasteabook of 1818-1825. $168. Ledger 183. Who is he and for who was the bell purchased? Bell size does not come up in a search, or Hand.
Amos Greene, Jan 24 1811, $388.42 @ $.43 prox suggest a bell of 900 pounds for No. 71 Long Wharf...60 day, interest after . Paul Revere's signature."
J Cabot 400 lbs, "Nov 1824"
Adam(?) Brown and Slater wastebook 1818-1825 page 177, ledger 253.
Almy Brown & Slater new bell 416 lbs $145.60 ledger 253.
J A Bacon 5/1/1824 per wastebook 1818-1825 page 153/182. $.37 1/2, Ledger 102. Paid by note, same page down.
Jos. Baker & Fx August 14, 1824 bell 701 lbs, wastebook 1818-1825 page 159, ledger 223 . Also 323 lb bell May 78, 1825 per wastebook 1818-1825 ledger 223.
French & Tucker, Bell, 239 lbs, ledger 164, per wastebook 1818-1825 page 96.
W Cordwill, "July 27.1820, 579 lbs. wastebook 1818-1825 reads W. Cordwill, account 11, July 15, 1820.
W Cordwill, November 1820, 806 lbs, Noted in wastebook 1818-1825, page 49, ledger account(?) 11, did not pick up this bell from the Church Bell listing. Research.
R D Tucker for A Clapp , "Feb 9. 1827, 1,242 lbs1807, 672 lbs.
Munson(?) & Barnard, "13 Sept 1824, 424 lbs. Noridgwock or work.
Two bells of 1828, bottom weights given, 1,159 and 643, no names, no specific date.
Joseph Ballestier & Co., purchased four bells totalling 2,200 pound. The reference is to P.R. capitalized and in large print. Might relate to Puerto Rico where he had sugar plantations. Ballestier married Paul Revere's daughter and became the United States councilor to Singapore. He was a naturalized citizen of the U.S. Smaller Revere bells were purchased for use in his field to summon workers. bell sizes including tongue, 1,021, 556, 334, 225(plus 64 for a rack).
Timothy Dodd, 1 bell 837lb in wastebook 1818-1825 Proquest page 141, $.40 = 334.80, ledger 117. No town or Church Noted.
October 27, 1823 Wastebook 1818-1825 lists Isaac Wendell (Entered in Nov' to a bell 418 1/2" special note" Somersworth & Great Falls." Ledger 209
Eleven bells of 1828, on the last and next to last page of their Church bell listing, shows weight, but a purchaser is not named. The weights in their summary listing for 1828, with or without the weight of the tongues differ modestly, from their chronological listing. Our copy of the listing begins in 1818. It may suggest that Joseph Warren Revere began the summary upon the death of his father.
Providence, 1797 52 lbs, "for a school. Per Nichol's Handbook.
"The ship," no weight given. Per Nichols Handbook.
Stanton(?) & Spelman, May 17, 1811, 781 or 804 lbs. Need to find a town associated with them.
McCall.Porton.??? Is the second name an abbreviation? Partners name? Search correspondence. NH
Coolxxx Poor? & Head June 28 1826, 695 lbs.
Maine, towns difficult to read. 1826 and 1827 and the third with no name referenced.
Between 8/23/1811 & 9/21/1811 are two with no ID, weighing 1,433 and 903 bracketed together.
Difficult names to read. "May 17, 1826," 463 lbs. Possibly Saxon & Leicester Mfg. Co.
Leicester Academy, wastebook 1818-1825 page 159, August 14 1824, bell 237 lbs, ledger 234.
Springfield, "Mar.14.1820, 934 lbs, need to review correspondence to determine which Springfield received this bell.
Norwell, believes they have a Revere bell recast in the 1830s. Not listed in the Holbrook listing. Visiting, NHS, G. Wilson.
Saxton River Vt, Historical sources provide conflicting details about the bell's whereabouts and authenticity: In the 1890s, the current Saxtons River Congregational Church hung a bell, but the church building itself was not constructed until 1836, a decade after Revere's bell listing. Some sources suggest the bell is still with the church, but the Saxtons River Historical Society now occupies the former Congregational church building. Awaiting answers from SRHS.
Saxton, wastebook 1818-1825 page 148, 2 February 1824, lists 1,084 lb bell naming "Samuel Taylor & Jona L. Sibly for Saxton. Referencing ledger 217. New Discovery?
Dr Hill & Chaffin, "Aug 1827, $443.80. If this is a bell, it would weigh about 1,030 lbs. See images below.
Proctor and Paliner, Dec 27 1824 1 bell 309 1/2 lbs @ $.35, ledger 241.
Enos Smith of Ashfield (Mass?) inquires about a bell and return of a broken bell. Joseph Warren quotes cost and warranty and willingness to take the broken bell and give a deduction. Could the broken bell been a Revere bell or another manufacturer? Letterbook 1819-1911 page 16.
Copy of note to Caxxx Hull, "1 Mar 1870" JWR talked to Mr. Pierce, bell broken by misuse. Letterbook 1819-1821 page 17, right side of Proquest collation. Salutation and signature difficult to read.
James Farmer, quoted bell "9 March 1820," letterbhoo 1819-1821. Suggesting he take one of two bells near finished.
JWR's Correspondence of "17 May 1820" to "Blackwell and MC Farlan" refers to a broke bell at St. Pau's Church; replacement planned. New bell to weigh 2,500 lbs, casting with broken bell. No town referenced. St. Paul's of Pawtucket a/k/a North Providence cast 1817 bell was 1,249 lbs. No conclusions yet.
Offsprings; bells cast by Paul Revere Jr., or apprentices, Holbrook, Hooper or Blake.
Learn more;
The Revere waste book entry of 1828 appears to be the last bell produced. However, Joseph Warren Revere produced the Singapore bell in 1843.
Small Bells;
Geo Campbell, 108 lbs, $.35 a pound, $37.80. 1826.
J A Bacon 227 lbs, 3% discount, times $.35, a pound, cost $79.45 less discount of 2.38. 1826.
Chart Courtesy Dr. Bill Hibberts, UK
Photo of Kings Chapel Bell Mitch Lapin 2,437 lbs, now believed to be in key of D.
Bells Named, No Town or Church Noted
List names not Recognized.
Braintree Randolph P10 letter book 1818-1825