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y J ONES & COMPANY, 
 
 BELL FOUNDERS, 
 
 AND PROPRIETORS OF THE OLD ESTABLISHED 
 
 MANUFACTURERS OF 
 
 CHURCH BELLS, CHIMES AND PEALS OF BELLS, 
 
 FIRE ALARM BELLS OF ALL SIZES, 
 
 AND 
 
 Hildreth’s Rotary Yoke with the Round Shank Beli. 
 
 A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF 
 
 Church, Academy, Factory, Steamboat, Locomotive, Plan- 
 tation, and other Bells kept constantly on hand. 
 
 Corner Adams and. First Streets, 
 
 TROY, N. Y. 
 
 TROT, N. Y. : 
 
 A. W. SCRIBNER & CO., BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, CCXIX RIVER STREET. 
 
CAUTION 
 
 For the protection of our customers and for the benefit of Churches and 
 parties wishing Bells, generally, we would warn them of the very inferior 
 quality of Bells which are being pressed upon the market at cheap rates. The 
 importance to all who purchase CHURCH BELLS, of having them thoroughly 
 warranted and guaranteed to be of a reliable quality, is very great, and it is not 
 our intention to Compete in Price with inferior goods. We claim ours to he 
 of a superior quality, and from long experience we are confident that the class 
 of Bells made at tne Old Established Troy Bell Foundry is in the end the 
 cheapest for the purchaser. 
 
 Beware of Attempts to Deceive or Mislead. The city of Troy having 
 become celebrated for its Bells, has lead some manufacturers at other places to 
 claim that they made their reputation. This, though entirely untrue, we accept 
 as a most emphatic endorsement of our Bells by our competitors. Tliereis no other 
 Bell Foundry at Troy but ours ; and while we are glad to please our rivals by 
 our superior work, we do not know why any reference should be made to it by 
 them, unless to gain some advantage from the superiority of our Bells. 
 
 All letters addressed to Jones & Co., Troy Bell Foundry, Troy, N. Y.' 
 will reach their destination and be promptly attended to. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 The Bells of this well known establishment are of pure 
 metal, and excel in depth and richness of tone, prolongation of 
 sound and durability. They are hung with “Rotary Yokes’' 
 and other mountings, the best and most complete in use, and are 
 warranted one year against breaking, and tone to give full 
 saiisf action to the purchasers. 
 
 The Proprietors, having been brought up from early youth to 
 an experimental and practical acquaintance with the bell busi- 
 ness in all its details, claim to be practical Bell Founders ; in 
 addition to which we have the benefit of the experience and 
 accumulated memoranda of our late father and his partner, thus 
 giving us a range of experience extending over a period of half 
 a century. We believe we are justified in saying that our Bells 
 have the best reputation of any in the market, and as their 
 manufacture is our exclusive business, to which we give our 
 entire attention, our patrons may rely upon our sustaining that 
 reputation. We also use the celebrated Round Shank Bell, 
 together with a new and greatly improved style of Hangings, 
 which adds remarkably to the durability of the bell, by allow- 
 ing it to be readily turned in the yoke, thereby bringing the 
 blow of the clapper in a new place, and at the same time in- 
 creases and improves the tone by the firm force with which the 
 round taper-shank of the bell is held immovably in the yoke. 
 
 The Proprietors believe themselves fully warranted in saying 
 that their extensive and long continued experience, and the very 
 material improvements that have been successively invented, and 
 introduced into their method of casting bells, and the construc- 
 tion and adaptation of their hangings, have enabled them to 
 bring this important branch of manufacture to a greater per- 
 fection than hitherto attained ; in proof of the correctness of 
 which they need only refer to the well established, and con- 
 
 r M 
 
 JO 
 
4 ...... ..SFPY.BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 stantly increasing estimation in which their bells are held by the 
 public, the large number of gold and silver medals awarded them 
 by public institutions for their superiority over all others, the 
 commendatory and highly flattering testimonials constantly 
 received from purchasers (a few of which are appended hereto), 
 and their constantly increasing orders. 
 
 Situated at a point most favorable for shipping bells cheaply 
 and with expedition to all parts of the land, their ample and 
 extensive foundry and grounds, and enlarged and superior facili- 
 ties and appliances for the manufacture of bells, are unsurpassed 
 by any other establishment in the country or the world. 
 
 We are now, and at all times, prepared to furnish Bells of 
 all descriptions, weighing from 
 
 15 to 20,000 Pounds, 
 
 and most unhesitatingly warranted to he, in each and every one 
 of the qualities and requisites which constitute a perfect bell, 
 equal to the best article ever manufactured. We challenge 
 comparison of our bells with any others made. 
 
 More full descriptions of the several kinds and varieties of 
 bells, together with the hangings suitable for each, and Lists of 
 Prices, keys, dimensions, &c., will be found on subsequent pages, 
 under the appropriate heads. 
 
 BELLS 
 
 Cast and hung by these improved methods and processes, far 
 excel those made in the ordinary way, in Tone, Durability, and 
 Volume of Sound, as well as in Perfect Finish. This was tested 
 in competition with different Bell Founders in the United States 
 at the Fair of the Mechanics’ Metropolitan Institute, at 
 Washington, D. 0., in February, 1S53, and a premium was 
 awarded us for the most perfect Castings, clearest tone, and 
 longest vibration, of Bells of the same weight, over the oldest 
 Bell Manufacturers in this country. We were also awarded the 
 highest premium at the State Fair, held at Saratoga Springs, 
 in September, 1853. And at the State Fair, held at Water- 
 town in 1856, we again received the highest premium — our 
 bells being pronounced superior in richness and power of tone. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 5 
 
 At the Fair of the American Institute, held at Caotle Garden, 
 New York, October, 1853, we were awarded a Gold Medal for 
 superior hells; again in 1855, the only Medal for best specimen 
 of Church Bells, was awarded us. We also received the First 
 Premium at the Iowa State Agricultural Society Fair, held 
 in 1856, for best Church Bells ; also, the First Premium from 
 the Connecticut State Agricultural Society Fair, held at 
 New Haven in 1856 ; at the 
 
 WORLD’S FAIR, 
 
 held at the Crystal Palace , January, 1854, we received the Medal 
 for superior tone and finish of Bells, in competition with those 
 of Europe, and several from this country. 
 
 At the State Fair held at Albany, in October, 1859, we 
 received premiums as follows, viz: 
 
 First Premium on ------ - Church Bells. 
 
 First Premium on - - - . - - - Academy Bells. 
 
 First Premium on Locomotive Bells. 
 
 First Premium on Chime of Bells. 
 
 First Premium on Patent Rotary Yoke. 
 
 Besides a Special award of the Large Silver Medal to the 
 Chime. 
 
 These were the only First Premium-s awarded on either of the 
 above classes of Bells. 
 
 Patent Rotary Yoke. 
 
 We ask especial attention to the fact, that Hildreth’s Patent 
 Rotary Yoke was also awarded the Large Silver Medal, over all 
 competition. t^For its advantages see page 8.) 
 
 At the annual meeting of the New York State Agricultural 
 Society, held at Elmira, N. Y., in 1860, we received the follow- 
 ing awards : 
 
 Best Chime of Bells, First Premium. 
 
 Best Fire Alarm Bells, - - - - First Premium. 
 
 Best Church Bells, First Premium. 
 
 Best Collection of Bells, - - - - First Premium. 
 
 and on Patent Rotary Yoke for Bells, First Premium. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Iii 18 ()<)■, fit Y., we received the 
 
 Highest Premium on - - - Patent Rotary Yoke. 
 
 Highest Premium on - - - - Fire Alarm Bell. 
 
 Highest Premium on Church Bell. 
 
 Highest Premium on Academy Bell. 
 
 Highest Premium on - - . Plantation Bell. 
 
 Highest Premium on - - Best Collection of Bells. 
 
 and we have received the First Premium at other competitive 
 exhibitions. 
 
 As an evidence of the superiority of our manufactures, we 
 refer not only to these and many other Premiums received at 
 different times, but to thousands of our bells now ringing 
 throughout the United States, the British Possessions and Span- 
 ish America, and commendatory letters from those who have 
 purchased them, without number. (See page 31.) The various 
 Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals , also the Diplomas received, 
 may be seen at our office at any time. 
 
 Patent Metal ic Flasks. 
 
 The new mode of casting Bells in Perforated Metalic Flasks, 
 now concededly the greatest modern improvement in the manu- 
 facture of Bells, was invented , patented , and first introduced at 
 this establishment. 
 
 Previous to this invention, the moulds 
 being made of clay and brick, had to be 
 imbedded in the earth to prevent frac- 
 ture in casting, and no provision being 
 made for the escape of confined air and 
 gases, an imperfect or porous casting 
 was too often the result, whereas these 
 Metalic Flasks are made with numer- 
 ous perforations, to prevent this diffi- 
 culty. They consist of an outside Flask. 
 (A) and an inside Flask, (B) of the gen- 
 eral form of a Bell, as shown in the cut, 
 the one coated externally, and the other 
 internally, with a combustible matter mixed with loam. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 7 
 
 A, B, represents the two flasks 
 closed together as in casting, with 
 a section removed to show the rel- 
 ative position of the flasks with 
 their several coatings, and the bell 
 between them. The combustible 
 matter burns out soon after the 
 Bell is cast, giving it an opportunity to shrink, and thus prevent- 
 ing the occurrence of what is called a tire-crack or strain. Being 
 above ground when cast, the gases escape freely, and there is a 
 circulation of cool air, both in and outside of the mould. This 
 causes the Bell to cool evenly, and a perfect and solid casting is 
 the result, combining great strength and durability. 
 
 Our manner of closing the moulds by means of guides con- 
 centrically arranged in reference to the inner and outer flasks, 
 (see A. B,j enables us to secure perfect uniformity in the thick- 
 ness of the Bell. This renders the vibration perfect and more 
 lasting, and produces from the Bell, not only the greatest 
 amount of sound of which the metal it contains is susceptible, 
 but that which is most rich, musical and agreeable ; whereas in 
 the old mode of casting, Bells are often found thicker on one 
 side than the other and consequently of an imperfect and un- 
 pleasant tone, and liable to crack after some use. 
 
8 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 “HILDRETH’S ROTARY YOKE,” 
 
 AND 
 
 THE ROUND SHANK BELL, 
 
 SECURING 
 
 Grrea/tly Increased. Durability, 
 
 AND 
 
 A MORE FULL AND PERFECT TONE. 
 
 The Troy Bell Foundry 
 owned this patent, and the 
 exclusive right to manufac- 
 ture and sell Round Shank 
 Bells, provided and hung 
 with this Yoke, and have 
 adapted it to all their Bells. 
 
 The advantages arising 
 from this invention and ap- 
 pliance are very obvious, 
 as will appear by a little 
 explanation. The old mode 
 of hanging Bells causes the 
 clapper to strike constantly 
 in two places only, on op- 
 posite sides of the Bell, and 
 it it in two, which result is 
 only a question of time. Whereas, by the use of the above 
 yoke a man can change the blow of the clapper to any other 
 point in the circumference of the Bell in one minute, and as 
 often as desired, leaving the Bell hung in the most perfect order, 
 
 in a direct line, so as to eventually 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 9 
 
 and the clapper and springs all the while undisturbed and 
 requiring no alteration, thus materially lessening the risk of 
 breaking, and increasing the durability of the Bell beyond 
 measure. 
 
 The Bell, it will be seen, is cast with a round tapering shank, 
 made to exactly tit in a corresponding hole in the yoke. 
 
 The Bell is fastened in the yoke by a bolt, B, (as shown in 
 the cut above,) with the Bell resting on the shoulders of the 
 bolt. This bolt passes up through the shank of the Bell, and 
 through a metal cap, (w) with a nut (rt) screwed on the top of 
 the bolt. By screwing up this nut, the shank is drawn firmly 
 into the yoke, and they are held together with great solidity and 
 force. 
 
 When it is desired to turn the Bell, it is only necessary to 
 slacken or unscrew the nut a little , sufficiently to relieve the 
 shank from contact with the yoke, and the bell will freely turn, 
 resting on the shoulders of the bolt, and is made fast again by 
 tightening up the nut. This is a process so simple and easily 
 
10 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 performed that a bell of any size, may, when the nut is loosened, 
 be turned by the hand alone. 
 
 The cap w is doweled to the yoke, so that it can not turn with 
 the nut, and the bolt is prevented from turning by a projection 
 from its sides, fitting a groove in the cap, by which means the 
 swing of the tongue is kept always at right angles to the yoke, 
 and it and the springs held stationary while the Bell is turned. 
 
 After turning the Bell, care should be taken to bring the 
 shank again very snug and firmly into the yoke by tightening the 
 nut with considerable force. A wrench is sent with each Church 
 Bell. 
 
 Improved Tone. 
 
 It is proved by experience, that the tone of the Bell is brought 
 out much more fully and clearly by the firmness with which the 
 shank of the Bell is held by this appliance in its corresponding 
 socket in the yoke, than by the old plan, whereby the horns of 
 the Bell are merely held by staples, in contact with the under 
 side of the yoke. This method is unquestionably a great im- 
 provement in hanging Bells, and was awarded the silver medal 
 of the American Institute for such improvement. 
 
 Note. — The great and increasing favor in which this Yoke with the Round 
 Shrmk Bell is held by the public, has led recently to a cumbersome imitation of 
 it, in which it is attempted to adapt the old fashioned Bell, cast with horns, to 
 being turned in the yoke. The arrangement, however, is so complicated and 
 difficult to put in operation as to be of little practical value. This, however, 
 not working to the satisfaction of the purchasers of Bells, other imitations have 
 been resorted to. The Bells have three or more bolts passing through the Bell 
 and all passing through the metal cap, (w), and in order to turn the Bell all the 
 nuts have to be loosened before the Bell can be turned. 
 
 In behalf of those interested in this imitation it has been insinuated that a 
 single bolt, though sufficient to hold a small Bell, might not prove safe for a large 
 one, to which we answer, that there, is plainly no force in the objection, if the 
 size of the bolt is in proportion to the size of the Bell. We have for years, 
 hung the largest Church Bells and Fire Alann Bells, (weighing from 8,000 to 
 11,000 pounds,) with a single bolt, and not one of them has ever failed or broken, 
 and we are ready to, and will in every instance if desired, bind ourselves in a 
 satisfactory penalty that it shall not happen. 
 
 A Movable Journal. 
 
 We attach this so that the Bell can be raised or lowered in the 
 yoke by means of the notched pivot arm bolted to the ends of 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 11 
 
 the yoke, as shown in the cut on page 9, thus enabling any per- 
 son to ring the largest bell with ease. For method of using this 
 see directions at page 27. 
 
 Steel Springs. 
 
 Are so arranged and connected with the clapper, that it can not 
 rest on the Hell, preventing the rebounding or jarring, (often 
 heard where this is wanting,) prolonging the vibration, and im- 
 proving the sound. These also are shown in the cut at page 9, 
 where s p. represents the spring. 
 
 Frame , Wheel, Tolling Hammer, &c. 
 
 A timber frame, on which are placed the Iron Standards sup- 
 porting the Hell, the Wheel, an extra Hammer for tolling, and a 
 wrench, accompany each Hell, and in cases of large Bells, a 
 Counterpoise, to lessen the labor of ringing, and a Stop, to avoid 
 the throwing over of the bell ; in short, every appendage neces- 
 sary for the hanging and ringing of bells. All, or any part will 
 be furnished if desired. 
 
 Pr ices of Bells. 
 
 Owing to the constant fluctuations in the price of metals on 
 which the price of Bells depend, no uniform rate can be printed 
 in a circular at which they will continue to be sold, but all in- 
 quiries from those desiring to purchase will be promptly respond- 
 ed to, and the lowest rates given. 
 
 Address, 
 
 “ JONES & CO., Troy, N. Y.” 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 CHUECH BELLS. 
 
 A complete assortment of Church Bells, of all sizes, from the 
 smallest to the largest ever used, kept constantly on hand, made 
 of the purest metal, cast on the improved plan above described, 
 and hung with “ Hildreth’s Rotary Yoke,” the only really 
 practical appliance which permits the Bell to be turned in the 
 yoke at pleasure, so as to prevent the liability to break (see p. 8) ; 
 a detached arm which secures ease in ringing ; Steel Springs 
 which hold the clapper from the Bell after it has struck, and 
 prolong and improve the sound; Wooden Frame and Iron 
 Stands, or uprights for supporting the Bell ; Wheel of Oak 
 timber and Tolling Hammer fitted with a clevis to the frame, 
 each and all, the same in every respect, as separately herein- 
 before described, and constituting the most complete, perfect 
 and convenient fixtures for using the Bell under all circumstances 
 yet devised. Sometimes Bells of less than 400 lbs. are used for 
 6inall Churches, Chapels, &c., for which see '‘Academy, Factory 
 and Depot Bells,” page 14. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 13 
 
 In the accompanying table will be found our list of Church 
 Bells, range within which they may be toned, diameter at mouth, 
 size of frame and wheel, and price of mountings : 
 
 
 WEIGHT OP 
 BELL. 
 
 KEYS. 
 
 DIAMETER. 
 
 SIZE 
 
 OF FRAME. 
 
 DIAMETER OF 
 
 WHEEL. 
 
 PRICE OF 
 
 HANGINGS. 
 
 -D 
 
 400 
 
 lbs. 
 
 C 
 
 to 
 
 E 
 
 27 
 
 in. 
 
 38 
 
 in 
 
 Square. 
 
 48 
 
 in. 
 
 $ 23.00 
 
 C? 500 
 
 a 
 
 \\b 
 
 “ 
 
 D 
 
 29 
 
 “ 
 
 38 
 
 Li 
 
 Li 
 
 48 
 
 LL 
 
 30.00 
 
 C 
 
 600 
 
 u 
 
 B b 
 
 LL 
 
 C # 
 
 31 
 
 U 
 
 43 
 
 U 
 
 Li 
 
 53 
 
 Li 
 
 32.00 
 
 3 
 
 700 
 
 u 
 
 A 
 
 u 
 
 C^ 
 
 33 
 
 u 
 
 43 
 
 U 
 
 Li 
 
 53 
 
 a 
 
 35.00 
 
 -B 
 
 800 
 
 u 
 
 A 
 
 ll 
 
 c 
 
 34 
 
 u 
 
 48 
 
 Li 
 
 Li 
 
 63 
 
 Li 
 
 35.00 
 
 B 
 
 > 900 
 
 u 
 
 A b 
 
 u 
 
 B 
 
 36 
 
 u 
 
 50 
 
 ii 
 
 Li 
 
 63 
 
 LL 
 
 40.00 
 
 $!> 
 
 1000 
 
 LL 
 
 A b 
 
 ll 
 
 B 
 
 38 
 
 u 
 
 51 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 66 
 
 LL 
 
 40.00 
 
 A 
 
 1100 
 
 u 
 
 G 
 
 ll 
 
 B b 
 
 40 
 
 u 
 
 53 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 69 
 
 LL 
 
 40.00 
 
 G41200 
 
 u 
 
 (t 
 
 u 
 
 B 
 
 41 
 
 u 
 
 53 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 69 
 
 LL 
 
 45.00 
 
 - 
 
 1300 
 
 u 
 
 F# 
 
 a 
 
 A 
 
 42 
 
 
 53 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 69 
 
 LL 
 
 45.00 
 
 
 1400 
 
 ll 
 
 F* 
 
 
 A 
 
 43 
 
 u 
 
 55 
 
 u 
 
 Li 
 
 78 
 
 LL 
 
 50.00 
 
 G- 
 
 1500 
 
 ll 
 
 F 
 
 u 
 
 c# 
 
 44 
 
 a 
 
 58 
 
 u 
 
 LL 
 
 78 
 
 LL 
 
 50.00 
 
 «- 
 
 1600 
 
 a 
 
 F 
 
 u 
 
 Gi 
 
 44 
 
 u 
 
 58 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 78 
 
 U 
 
 50.00 
 
 42 
 
 1800 
 
 a 
 
 E 
 
 u 
 
 
 45 
 
 u 
 
 64 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 84 
 
 LL 
 
 65.00 
 
 
 2000 
 
 a 
 
 Eb 
 
 u 
 
 G 
 
 46 
 
 u 
 
 64 
 
 u 
 
 Li 
 
 84 
 
 a 
 
 70.00 
 
 F 
 
 2200 
 
 u 
 
 E b 
 
 u 
 
 Gr 
 
 48 
 
 a 
 
 67 
 
 u 
 
 Li 
 
 84 
 
 Li 
 
 70.00 
 
 - 
 
 2300 
 
 ll 
 
 E b 
 
 u 
 
 f # 
 
 49 
 
 u 
 
 67 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 84 
 
 a 
 
 75.00 
 
 E 
 
 2500 
 
 a 
 
 D 
 
 
 
 50 
 
 a 
 
 72 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 90 
 
 Li 
 
 80.00 
 
 
 2800 
 
 ll 
 
 D 
 
 u 
 
 F 
 
 52 
 
 u 
 
 72 
 
 a 
 
 Li 
 
 90 
 
 Li 
 
 85.00 
 
 £>3000 
 
 ll 
 
 D 
 
 u 
 
 F 
 
 53 
 
 u 
 
 72 
 
 a 
 
 Li 
 
 90 
 
 ii 
 
 90.00 
 
 
 3300 
 
 ll 
 
 Db 
 
 a 
 
 E 
 
 54 
 
 u 
 
 75 
 
 a 
 
 Li 
 
 90 
 
 Li 
 
 90.00 
 
 D 
 
 3500 
 
 a 
 
 DJ 
 
 u 
 
 E 
 
 56 
 
 a 
 
 77 
 
 a 
 
 ii 
 
 96 
 
 ii 
 
 95.00 
 
 — 
 
 4000 
 
 u 
 
 C 
 
 a 
 
 E b 
 
 58 
 
 u 
 
 77 
 
 a 
 
 U 
 
 96 
 
 ii 
 
 100.00 
 
 
 4500 
 
 u 
 
 C 
 
 u 
 
 E b 
 
 60 
 
 wb 
 
 82 
 
 a 
 
 LL 
 
 102 
 
 ii 
 
 110.00 
 
 C 
 
 5 u >0 
 
 u 
 
 B 
 
 u 
 
 D 
 
 62 
 
 U 
 
 82 
 
 Li 
 
 Li 
 
 102 
 
 ii 
 
 120.00 
 
 Chimes of Bells, hung in an Oak Frame, as shown on pages 
 
 19-21, or adapted to space and position in the Tower, at prices 
 ranging from $125 to $300, — or each Bell hung separately with 
 the Hildreth’s Rotary Yoke when desired, as is sometimes the case. 
 
 Remark. — In procuring a bell, parties purchasing would do well to leave the determination 
 of its tone to our discretion. It is frequently the case that the ringing quality of a bell is 
 seriously impaired by its having been made upon a tone either higher or lower than that which 
 the weight of metal is best calculated to give. This most frequently arises from endeavoriug 
 to imitate the tone of a favorite bell, in a new one, without due regard to their comparative 
 weight. Of the range of tones of any bell given in our table, a medium between the highest 
 and lowest will usually be found most desirable. 
 
 The diameters of bells, as given in our tables, exceed the exact measurements by fractional 
 parts of an inch. 
 
 The weights given are those which designate the pattern, the actual weights usually exceed- 
 ing these by fromt wo to three per cent. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 14 
 
 FACTORY, ACADEMY AND DEPOT BELLS. 
 
 From 100 lbs. to 400 lbs. in weight; hung with “Hildreth’s 
 Rotary Yoke,” which prevents the Bell from being broken in 
 ringing, (see page 8,) Iron Wheel and Standards, timber frame 
 and Steel Springs, being as full hangings in every respect as for 
 Church Bells, except the Tolling Hammer and wrench. 
 
 LIST OF ACADEMY, FACTORY AND DEPOT BELLS. 
 
 WEIGHT. 
 
 DIAM. 
 
 SIZE OP 
 
 FRAME. 
 
 PRICE OP 
 
 HANGINGS. 
 
 WEIGHT. 
 
 DIAM. 
 
 SIZE OF 
 
 FRAME. 
 
 PRICE OF 
 HANGINGS 
 
 loo 
 
 17 in. 
 
 26 in. Sq. 
 
 SlO.Oo’ 
 
 225 
 
 23 in. 
 
 33 in. So. 
 
 $15.00 
 
 125 
 
 18 “ 
 
 27 “ “ 
 
 10.00 
 
 250 
 
 24 “ 
 
 34 “ “ 
 
 18.00 
 
 150 
 
 19 “ 
 
 28 “ “ 
 
 12.00 
 
 300 
 
 25 “ 
 
 35 “ “ 
 
 18.00 
 
 180 
 
 20 “ 
 
 31 “ “ 
 
 15.00 
 
 350 
 
 26 “ 
 
 36 “ “ 
 
 20.00 
 
 200 
 
 22 « 
 
 33 “ “ 
 
 15.00 
 
 375 
 
 26 “ 
 
 36 “ “ 
 
 2o.oo 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 15 
 
 STEAMBOAT BELLS, 
 
 Ranging from 100 lbs. to 700 lbs., 
 mounted with Rotary Yoke, with lever- 
 arm attached, for steamboat ring- 
 ing. Polished bells furnished to order; 
 as also Gallows Frames and Fancy 
 Mountings. 
 
 LIST OP' STEAMBOAT BELLS. 
 
 WEIGHT. 
 
 PRICE YOKE 
 
 AND CRANK. 
 
 WEIGHT. 
 
 PRICE YOKE 
 
 AND CRANK. 
 
 100 lbs. 
 
 $6.00 
 
 350 lbs. 
 
 $12.00 
 
 150 “ 
 
 7.00 
 
 400 “ 
 
 15.00 
 
 180 “ 
 
 8.00 
 
 450 “ 
 
 15.00 
 
 200 “ 
 
 10.00 
 
 500 “ 
 
 18.00 
 
 250 “ 
 
 10.00 
 
 600 “ 
 
 18.00 
 
 300 “ 
 
 12.00 
 
 700 “ 
 
 18.00 
 
 SHIP BELLS, 
 
 Of any size, turned and finished in fancy hangings, in brass or 
 bronze. Any lettering or inscription engraved on the Bells or 
 Yokes desired. 
 
Locomotive, Plantation and Hose Carriage Bells 
 
 Ranging from 15 lbs. to 150 lbs. ; mounted with Yoke and Tail, 
 plain Yoke, or without mounting. Locomotive Bells cast with 
 shank of any desired shape, without extra charge. Polished 
 Bells furnished to order. 
 
 BELLS OF LESS THAN 100 LBS. 
 
 Are usually furnished with a Yoke and Sparrow Tail only. 
 
 PRICES OF YOKE AND TAIL. 
 
 15 lbs. ) 
 20 lbs. f 
 25 lbs. ) 
 30 lbs. f 
 40 lbs. 
 
 $ 2 . 00 . 
 
 $3.00. 
 (5*3. 50. 
 
 50 lbs. 
 00 lbs i 
 80 lbs. )’ 
 90 lbs. i 
 100 lbs. f 
 
 $3.5t>. 
 
 $ 4 . 00 . 
 
 $ 5 . 00 . 
 
 I 
 
These Bells are made with a hollow base or standard, which 
 answers the purpose of a sounding board. It gives them a deep, 
 rich, mellow tone, — the vibration is long and sweet. A hand- 
 some rosewood striker, silver mounted, is furnished with each 
 gong. 
 
 9 Inch diameter, 
 
 10 “ “ 
 lli “ 
 
 3 
 
 $23 00 
 27 00 
 31 00 
 
18 TROY BELL FOUNDRY 
 
 ALTAR CHIMES, (3 BELLS.) 
 
 Small Silver Plated, - - - - - $5 50 
 
 ALTAR HAND BELLS. 
 
 Different sizes and patterns, Silver plated 
 or C4ilt. 
 
 Price from $1.00 to $6.00. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY 
 
 19 
 
 CHIME. 
 
 Placed in St. Stephen’s Church, Philadelphia. 
 
 Nine Bells, Key of D. Weight 12,798 lbs. 
 
 Ill 1 1 1 II The first complete Chime made in this country, 
 now in use. See letter of Rev. Dr. Ducachet, in recommendations. 
 
20 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Chimes of Bells.* 
 
 By this term is usually implied any number of bells which 
 are attuned with each other, although, strictly speaking, a chime 
 is a set of bells, the tones of which, beginning with the largest 
 (commonly called the tenor ,) follow each other in diatonic suc- 
 cession. A peal, as now generally understood in this country, 
 consists of three or more bells attuned in harmonic succession, 
 which may be rung successively or simultaneously, but will not 
 admit of a tune being played upon them. Thus a set of bells 
 upon the eight notes of the common scale would be a chime ; a 
 
 Chime. Peal. 
 
 set upon th eflrst, third , fifth and eighth of the scale would be a 
 peal. 
 
 The smallest number of bells that can be said to compose a 
 chime is five ; the number may lie increased indefinitely. The 
 usual number is eight — corresponding with the eight notes of the 
 natural scale. But the addition of the flat seventh tone to the 
 common scale gives a new series of diatonic tones — five in num- 
 ber — in the key of the fourth, thus aft'ording music in two keys, 
 and, as the bell which produces that tone is of comparatively 
 light weight, it is usually added to the octave, so that a full 
 chime is now composed of at least nine hells. The addition of 
 the sharp fourth tone gives a new series of six in the key of the 
 second , but as this requires a much heavier bell it is seldom em- 
 ployed. 
 
 The usual manner of mounting chimes in this country, is to 
 suspend the bells stationarily (except the tenor) from a frame or 
 beams, constructed in such a manner as will conform with the 
 size and construction of the tower. The bells are rung by 
 means of cords attached to the clappers and led by pullies to the 
 ringer’s room below, where they are connected — in the order of 
 the notes — with lever handles so arranged that the bells may all 
 be chimed by one person. The tenor bell is provided with mount- 
 ings for swinging in order that it may be rung as an ordinary 
 
 * Note.— I f parties desiring to purchase Chime6 or Peals of Bells, will furnish us with the 
 amount they desire to expena for same, and plans of the tower, &c., we will iumish estimates 
 of the cost and weights delivered and put up in complete ringing order in the tower. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 21 
 
 church bell, and is usually placed in the centre of the bell- 
 
 room (or as in 
 cut on page 19,) 
 the others being 
 placed about it 
 in such relative 
 positions as will 
 most judicious- 
 ly distribute the 
 weight and allow 
 of the best ar- 
 rangement of the 
 ringing cords. — 
 Chimes of Bells — Elevation (one side.) In the English 
 
 mode of mounting, each bell is provided with a yoke and wheel, 
 and the tone is produced by oscillating the bells as in ordinary 
 church bell ringing, the whole being sustained by a heavy and 
 complicated frame: the bells are rung by a corps of ringers — 
 one man being employed at each — to organize and sustain which, 
 particularly in a small town, is a matter of some difficulty. It 
 will be seen that our mode of mounting is preferable in that a con- 
 siderable portion 
 of the original 
 expense of ring- 
 ing apparatus is 
 saved ; the chim- 
 ing of bells being 
 accomplished by 
 one person, is 
 not attended 
 with that expense 
 and trouble in- 
 volved in keep- 
 ing up a corps of 
 ringers ; the ne- 
 cessity for that 
 long practice 
 which a corps of 
 Chime of Bells — Horizontal Plan (looking from above.) ringers must have 
 
22 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 together, in order to ring even passably, is avoided ; the bell-room 
 does not require to be of as great capacity in order to accom- 
 modate the bells, and the strain and momentum produced by a 
 number of bells swinging simultaneously being avuided, the 
 tower does not require to be of as great strength. It is true, no 
 doubt, of a single bell, that the peculiar crescendo and dimin- 
 uendo tone which it gives when swinging, is preferable to the 
 monotony of tone produced by striking it when at rest, but this 
 monotony disappears when a number of harmonic bells are 
 struck successively. 
 
 Peals of bells, since it is impracticable to play tunes upon 
 them, usually have each bell mounted to be swung, so that a 
 very pleasant variety of tone is obtained by their successive 
 ringing, or when rung simultaneously — as upon national days 
 and festive occasions — a line effect is thus produced. If we come 
 to consider for a moment, we shall soon discover what an infinite 
 variety of sounds may be produced by the judicious chan yea 
 which may be rung upon a peal of Bells. If we take three bells 
 merely, we shall perceive by the following arrangement, that six 
 different changes can be rung upon them ; — 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 four Bells can in the same manner be shown to ring four times 
 as many changes as three, viz: — twenty -four; live bells live times 
 as many as four — one hundred and twenty. 
 
 It is usually contemplated, however, that a peal shall form the 
 nucleus of a future chime, and with this view we always take 
 and retain the exact tone of peal bells, and, when desired, that of 
 single bells also, so that we may be able, at any subsequent time, 
 to add others in harmony. 
 
 We pay particular attention to getting up Peals or Chimes of 
 Bells, keyed on any letter of the musical scale desired. We 
 commence the scale on C, D, E flat, E, F, or G. From either of 
 these we can ascend an octave, and by adding one bell to the 
 different scales, tunes can be played in different keys. For in- 
 stance, in the key of C add F sharp, key of D add G sharp, key 
 of E add D natural, and so on in each scale. With our improved 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 23 
 
 mode of casting we are enabled to cast them precisely on their 
 respective keys, without resorting to the ordinary way of chip- 
 ping or tiling. This has never been done by any other Founders 
 in this country or Europe. We would refer to one recently made 
 at this Foundry and hung in St. Stephen’s Church, Philadelphia, 
 (a correct design of which may be seen on page 19, the first com- 
 plete chime made in this country, now in use,) and would call 
 your attention to the list of Peals, Chimes and Chime liells be- 
 low, which we are at liberty to refer to. 
 
 List of Chimes, Peals, and Chime Bells, 
 
 Which have been made at the Old Established Troy Bell Foundry, Troy, N. Y. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Where Sent. 
 
 Denomin’n. 
 
 No. of 
 Bells. 
 
 Weight of 
 the largest 
 Bells. 
 
 Total 
 
 Weight. 
 
 1853 
 
 St. Stephen’s Church, Philadelphia, Pa., 
 
 Episcopal. 
 
 9 
 
 2,838 lbs 
 
 12,798 lbs. 
 
 
 Rev. H. 0. Sheldon, Bacon, 0 
 
 o, i ssn “ 
 
 2,510 “ 
 
 1854 
 
 “ Z. B. H. Marcotte, De Lavaltrie, C. E. 
 
 Catholic, 
 
 3 
 
 1,073 “ 
 
 2,327 “ 
 
 1855 
 
 “ J. 0. Pare, Montreal, C. E., 
 
 3 
 
 2,980 “ 
 
 6,789 “ 
 
 
 “ Mr. Laport, Kildare, C. E 
 
 “ 
 
 3 
 
 946 “ 
 
 2,235 “ 
 
 
 “ J. B. Label le, Repentigny, C. E 
 
 * Holy Cross Church, Troy, N. Y., 
 
 “ 
 
 4 
 
 1,504 
 
 3,644 “ 
 
 
 Episcopal. 
 
 1 
 
 550 “ 
 
 550 “ 
 
 1857 
 
 Episcopal Church, Lowell. Mass., 
 
 11 
 
 2,272 “ 
 
 9,899 “ 
 
 1859 
 
 J. Anderson, New York City, 
 
 Catholic. 
 
 3 
 
 1,300 “ 
 
 2,834 “ 
 
 
 St. Joseph's Church, Fremont, 0., 
 
 
 1 
 
 2,009 “ 
 
 2,009 “ 
 
 
 Rev. L. M. Brassard, St. Roch L’Acliigan, 
 C. E 
 
 a 
 
 3 
 
 750 “ 
 
 1,550 “ 
 
 1860 
 
 Rev. Alonzo G. Shears, New Haven, Ct., 
 
 Episcopal. 
 
 9 
 
 350 '• 
 
 1,656 “ 
 
 “ 
 
 Church of the Nativity, Bridgeport, Ct., 
 
 10 
 
 500 ‘ 
 
 1,803 " 
 
 “ 
 
 Trinity Church, Trenton, N. J., 
 
 “ 
 
 4 
 
 518 “ 
 
 992 " 
 
 1861 
 
 Rev. J. Harper, St. Gregorie, C. E 
 
 Catholic. 
 
 1 
 
 1,582 - 
 
 1,582 “ 
 
 
 Rev. J. C. Marquis, St. Pierre Celestine, 
 C. E 
 
 „ 
 
 3 
 
 660 “ 
 
 1,281 “ 
 
 1862 
 
 Rev. Rupert Leidenbush, Newark, N. J., 
 
 
 2 
 
 1,714 “ 
 
 2,650 “ 
 
 1863 
 
 “ E. T. Hurteau, St. Lin, C. E 
 
 Catholic. 
 
 3 
 
 1,208 “ 
 
 2,61 1 “ 
 
 1864 
 
 “ C. A. Loranger, Lanoraie, C. E.,. . . . 
 
 “ 
 
 4 
 
 1,555 “ 
 
 3,253 “ 
 
 
 Christ Church. Detroit, Mich 
 
 Episcopal. 
 
 9 
 
 2,410 “ 
 
 9,708 “ 
 
 
 H. Schneider, Esq., Erie, Pa . . . 
 
 2 
 
 792 “ 
 
 1,311 “ 
 
 2,681 “ 
 
 “ 
 
 Rev. J. Chevigny, Contrecoeur. C. E 
 
 Catholic. 
 
 3 
 
 1,418 “ 
 
 1965 
 
 '• P. Bedard, L’Epiphanie, C. E., 
 
 “ 
 
 3 
 
 1,215 “ 
 
 2,608 “ 
 
 1867 
 
 “ U. Archambault, St. Barth61em6, 
 C. E 
 
 << 
 
 3 
 
 1,991 “ 
 
 3,932 “ 
 
 “ 
 
 St. J. seph’s Church, Fremont, 0., 
 
 " 
 
 2 
 
 1,173 “ 
 
 1,910 “ 
 
 
 St. Augustine Catholic Church, Lansing- 
 burgli, N. Y' 
 
 „ 
 
 3 
 
 1,600 “ 
 
 3,200 “ 
 
 
 Convent of Sacred Heart, Kenwood, 
 Albany, N. Y 
 
 „ 
 
 4 
 
 1,069 “ 
 
 2,350 “ 
 
 1868 
 
 St. Boniface Church, Buffalo, N. Y 
 
 “ 
 
 3 
 
 1,241 - 
 
 2,685 “ 
 
 “ 
 
 Paroisse de St. Esprit, Montreal, C. E.,. . 
 
 “ 
 
 3 
 
 1,404 “ 
 
 3,304 “ 
 
 « 
 
 St. Martin’s Church. Baltimore, Md 
 
 
 4 
 
 1,022 “ 
 
 2,571 “ 
 
 “ 
 
 1st Evang. Luth. Church, Harrisb’gli, Pa. 
 
 Lutheran. 
 
 9 
 
 1,606 “ 
 
 6,309 “ 
 
 186 9 
 
 « <1 .. “ “ 
 
 “ 
 
 2 
 
 701 “ 
 
 1,093 “ 
 
 ♦This Bell was originally cast (by another foundry.) to go with the Chime in that Church, 
 but was decided to be the wrong key, and we were called upon to recast it. 
 
 Hangings for Chimes. — For rates of hangings, see page 13. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 ALARM BELLS. 
 
 Patterns expressl} 7 for Fire Alarm Bells, of any desired weight, 
 up to 20,000 lbs., hung in the same manner as those used in New 
 York, with Carson's Patent Ft re Alarm Striking Apparatus at- 
 tached, if desired. The largest now in use in New York city, 
 were cast by us within the last few years, also in San Francisco, Cal. 
 Chicago, Til., Augusta, Ga., Buffalo, N. Y., four (4) for Boston, 
 Mass., Hartford, Conn., Portsmouth, N. H., and the principal 
 cities of the United States, and Canadas. 
 
TKOY BDLL FOUNDRY. 25 
 
 Clapper Springs. 
 
 Are attached to all bells of 100 lbs., and upwards; the position 
 and action of which will be understood upon reference to the 
 cut upon the 9th page. The spring and clapper-clevis are both 
 connected to the centre bolt which passes up through the top of 
 the bell, and by it the arms of the spring are always held in the 
 path in which the clapper swings, catching it just before it 
 reaches the bell, permitting it to strike with sufficient force, and 
 then holding it away so that the vibration is uninterrupted, and 
 its clattering upon the bell, after having struck, is avoided. To 
 avoid the noise of contact of the clapper against the spring, the 
 arms of the latter are sheathed at the ends with leather, which 
 should be renewed occasionally as they become worn. Should 
 the spring, after usage, be found to allow the clapper to strike a 
 double blow it may be remedied by putting in a bar between the 
 springs and the side of the bell, and bending them out a little 
 further. 
 
 Tolling Hammer. 
 
 Bells of 400 lbs., and upwards, are furnished with a tolling 
 hammer which is attached to the frame, as shown in the cut upon 
 the 12th page. This is a very desirable appendage for tolling, as 
 by it a uniform and lull blow may be obtained, and it is also very 
 etfective in giving a quick fire-alarm blow. When the bell is 
 being rung by the main rope, the tolling hammer cord — if not 
 under the eye of the ringer — should be so secured that it may 
 not be thoughtlessly pulled, since the hammer is thus liable to 
 be broken off and even the bell dismounted. 
 
 Stop. 
 
 To prevent bells of large weight from being thrown over in 
 ringing (which, owing to the manner in which the rope is ad- 
 justed for such bells, deranges its connection with the wheel), 
 we attach a stop, or clutch, to the rim of the wheel, and a cor- 
 responding one to the frame platform, which clutches, coming in 
 contact with each other just before the bell is mouth up, arrest 
 its motion and allow it to swing back again. 
 
 4 
 
26 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Old Bells. 
 
 Old bell metal (copper and tin) bells taken in part payment 
 tor new ones, or bought outright. When forwarded to us mark 
 legibly upon them in addition to our address, by whom sent, as 
 it may avoid confusion. 
 
 Inscriptions. 
 
 Any desired inscription will be put upon bells made to order, 
 without extra charge. 
 
 Directions for Mounting, Ringing, &c. 
 
 In constructing the tower, if 
 practicable, openings should be 
 left so that the bell may be ele- 
 vated to its place through the 
 inside. Should it be necessary, 
 however, to hoist it from the 
 outside, the accompanying cut 
 will give an idea of the manner 
 in which it may be done. From 
 near the top of one of the win- 
 dows of the bell-room, project, 
 at an elevated angle, a stick of 
 timber of sufficient strength, at 
 the end of which a tackle is 
 attached. The timber must 
 have a firm bearing and be se- 
 cured so that it can not move. 
 If sufficient power can not be 
 applied to the tackle from 
 within the bell-room, then lead 
 the rope to the ground and pass 
 it through a stationary pulley, 
 so that any number of men, or 
 a team, may draw upon it. — 
 Having got the bell to the 
 proper height it may be drawn in with a single rope or a 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 27 
 
 small tackle. In whatever manner the hell is hoisted, the frame 
 should first be got up and placed in position so that it has a firm 
 and level bearing ; the wheel should also be got up and in readi- 
 ness to attach. If desirable, the stands may be readily taken 
 off from the frame, and the frame itself unjointed and taken up 
 in pieces. Should it be impracticable to set the bell in the 
 frame at once when hoisted, it may, if a new purchase with 
 the tackle cannot be conveniently rigged, be raised from the 
 bell-room floor by levers and blocking, care being taken not to 
 break out its edges in using iron bars. In bolting on the wheel 
 arm of the yoke, place it at the same notch as the other ; and 
 also place the wheel upon the opposite side of the frame to that 
 to which the tolling hammer is attached. After the bell is 
 mounted, brace the stands firmly sidewise, either to the floor or 
 the sides of the tower, so as to prevent their becoming broken 
 
 The manner of attaching the 
 rope is shown in the accompany- 
 ing cut, it being fastened to the 
 wheel at A, and passes down 
 directly under the centre of the 
 bell through the sheaves at B. 
 With this arrangement the bell 
 may be thrown over, as it will 
 be more or less, and the connec- 
 tion of the rope with the wheel 
 will not be deranged. If the 
 weight of the bell is such that 
 with the bend in the rope at B 
 the labor of ringing is too great, then it may be run down in the 
 direction of the dotted line, passing through the floor at 0, 
 in which case no sheaves are necessary. With the rope so 
 arranged it is necessary to prevent the bell from being thrown 
 over, to effect which, a stop is attached to the wheel, as described 
 at page 25, with which, however, care must be exercised when 
 ringing, else the bell may swing with too great force when 
 arrested by it, thus jarring the tower and injuring the mountings. 
 The rope should not be larger than is necessary, since by its 
 
 by any accidental side strain. 
 
28 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 inflexibility and weight it may encumber the free swing of the 
 bell. Tiie following sizes of ropes are suitable: 
 
 For bells of less than 500 pounds, ^ inch diameter. 
 
 “ from 500 to 1200 “ f “ “ 
 
 “ from 1200 and above, “ £ “ “ 
 
 For large hells, a piece may be spliced for the ringer to take 
 hold of. 
 
 The mountings should be examined occasionally to see that 
 the nuts are screwed up and that the spring is in proper order. 
 (See page 25). The bearings should also be oiled occasionally, 
 care being taken not to let oil or grease drip and accumulate 
 upon the bell. 
 
 Towers for Bells. 
 
 We have noticed of late, that many architects are building 
 small fancy towers without any regard to the accomodations 
 for a bell, the openings in the towers are small, and a bell 
 might just as well be placed between four walls with no 
 openings at all, as in some of the towers as they are made at the 
 present day. All towers in which it is intended to put bells 
 ought to be ceiled above and below the bell, in order to prevent 
 the sound ascending the tower, and the windows well opened 
 (entirely if possible) to fully allow the sound of the bell to go out. 
 The mouth of the bell when at rest ought not to be lower than 
 the bottom of the windows, and the openings as large as possi- 
 ble. 
 
 Directions for Ringing. 
 
 The Sexton, or Bell-ringer, in commencing to ring, should, 
 after allowing the clapper to strike six or eight times, ring the 
 bell up , that is, with the mouth upward and horizontal ; then 
 fasten the rope and desist a minute, or until the other bells (if 
 any) have done the same, then repeat the ringing as before, al- 
 ternating with the other bells of the city or village, if any. 
 After ringing the usual time in this way, let down the hell and 
 apply the extra hammer for tolling, or toll with the clapper, 
 which gives a better sound, though the hammer, requiring less 
 skill in use, is commonly preferred for tolling. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 29 
 
 As the tolling hammer has not, like the clapper, a spring to 
 throw it from the bell after the blow is struck, great care should 
 be taken to strike a hard, short blow , and let the hammer drop 
 from the side of the bell after the blow as quickly as possible , as 
 any continued contact with the bell produces a very unpleasant, 
 jarring sound. 
 
 Raising Bell in the Yoke. 
 
 Should the bell fail to ring with sufficient ease, block it up 
 underneath, loosen the screws of the bolts which connect the 
 yoke witli the notched pivot-arms, and with a lever raise the bell 
 one or two notches, as the case may require, and again fasten the 
 bolts. In all cases the bell should be allowed to hang as low in 
 the yoke as sufficient ease in ringing will allow, as the lower it 
 hangs the heavier the blow given. 
 
 The yoke is properly adjusted, in this respect, before the bell 
 leaves the foundry, and it will seldom be found necessary to 
 make any variation. 
 
 Turning the Bell in the Yoke. 
 
 I 
 
 When it is desired to have the clapper strike in a different 
 place loosen the nut above the yoke, when the bell may be 
 readily turned with the hand, and again tighten the nut, very 
 tight , as the tone is much improved by the great firmness with 
 which the bell is held in this Yoke. See page 9. 
 
 Warranty. 
 
 Each bell of 100 lbs., or over, is accompanied by the following 
 warranty attached to the bill of sale : 
 
 “ The above mentioned bell, and its mountings, are warranted 
 not to break in one year from date, and tone warranted satisfac- 
 tory to the purchaser. Should they fail or break during the 
 year, we agree to recast the bell or replace the broken mount- 
 ings without charge.” 
 
 Signed, 
 
 JONES & COMPANY. 
 
 Dated, Troy. 
 
30 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Location. 
 
 Our Foundry being located by the Depot of the New York 
 Central, Hudson River, Eastern and Northern Railroads, at the 
 junction of the Northern and Western Canals, and near the 
 Hudson River, gives us an advantage in shipping not possessed 
 by any other establishment. 
 
 Directions for Shipping. 
 
 Parties ordering bells should state the route and inode of con- 
 veyance by which they wish them forwarded, as from our unri- 
 valed location shipment may be made in almost any direction, 
 either by land or water, by a variety of routes. When left to 
 our discretion we always select such routes as we can ascertain 
 to be the most direct and expeditious, and for the interests of 
 our customers. 
 
 Rates of Transportation. 
 
 The rates of transportation are undergoing so many variations 
 from season to season, and during the same season, that any 
 general statement ot them very soon loses all value and becomes 
 liable to mislead. 
 
 When desired, however, we ascertain and communicate, by 
 letter, the best Toute and means of conveyance to any given 
 point, rate of freight, and time occupied in transportation. And 
 it is our custom to make through contracts at the best rates 
 available, inclosing duplicate receipts or hills of lading to the 
 purchaser. 
 
 In all cases we pay freight to New York on Bells shipped in 
 that direction, and going to or beyond that city. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 31 
 
 RECOMMENDATIONS 
 
 That have been received from every State in the Union and foreign 
 parts where our bells have been sent. We present but a few. 
 
 ALFRED CARSON, Chief Engineer New York Fire Department, writes: In 
 answer to your inquiry as to my opinion of the Fire Alarm Bell recently cast by 
 you for the Marion Street Tower, I would say that I consider it at least equal to 
 any bell cast for this city, and do not think it can be excelled by one of equal 
 weight elsewhere. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 10,000 lbs. ; key of C.] 
 
 J. B. HOSMER, Treasurer Pearl Street Congregational Society, Hartford, 
 Conn . writes : The bell you made for the Pearl Street Church was duly received, 
 and was raised to its place, in the tower, last week. It has been rung repeatedly 
 on week days, as well as on the Sabbath, so that our citizens have had an abun- 
 dant opportunity to hear it and to compare it. with the bells of our city. It is 
 superior in richness of tone and vibration, and in the casting and finish, to any 
 of our church bells, and is entirely satisfactory to the members of our Society. 
 We shall take great pleasure in recommending your house for the manufacture 
 of Church Bells of a superior quality. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 2,709 ; key of D.] 
 
 HENRY COYLE, r. c. p., Waukegan, 111., writes : We are happy to inform 
 you of the safe arrival of the bell ordered at your establishment. It was im- 
 mediately raised to its place of destination, such was the anxiety elicited by our 
 citizens, as well as the members of our congregation, to hear its sweet and pon- 
 derous peals. All are satisfied, and acknowlege its superiority, in tone and 
 vibration, over all the bells in this city. Many of our mechanics were attracted 
 and astonished at. the beauty of the casting, and declared it to be the neatest 
 and smoothest bell they ever laid eyes upon. In honor of your abilities, gentle- 
 men, in the formation of bells for sweetness of tone and loftiness of vibration, 
 we cannot withhold our recommending your establishment to the public in 
 general, who wish to secure superior bells. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 1,125 ; key of A.] 
 
 A. M. PERKINS, Becket., N. Y., writes : Yours was duly received. My 
 delay has been to hear of nearly all of the members of the Society their opin- 
 ion of the new bell. When our bell broke, no one of them expected that its 
 place would be made good by any one we could get of a similar weight ; they 
 are very agreeably disappointed. I know of no one who does not consider it 
 fully equal to the old bell, while some think it superior ; all are well satisfied. 
 Your bell gives a great volume of sound near to it, and we think can be heard as 
 far ; its key is lower than the old one. For the many favors received, aud the 
 gentlemanlike treatment shown from you to me, while in Troy, pl-ase accept my 
 best wishes for the welfare and success in the business you both know so well 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 740 ; key of B.] 
 
 GEORGE H. JONES, Agent, Victory Company, Victory Mills, July 21st, 1853, 
 writes : It gives me great pleasure to say that, after a trial of a week, your bell 
 
32 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 I 
 
 gives us great satisfaction ; it has a fine, clear tone, and the prolonged vibration 
 is superior to any bell I ever noticed. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 984 ; key of A.] 
 
 REV. HENRY COX, Hillsdale, writes: We received the bell (for our new 
 Methodist Episcopal Church) in good order, and I write to assure you that we are 
 fully prepared to endorse your statement, “that a better bell, of the weight, 
 never was cast." In fact we have a bell on our church in the village, the weight 
 is over 1,100, and all declare that the bell on the new church is equal to it, and 
 some believe it is even superior. You may, indeed, congratulate yourselves on 
 the superiority of your castings to any in the country. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 744 ; key of B.] 
 
 MR, J. C. GARTWAITE, Newark, N. J., writes: We have fully tested the 
 bell on St. Paul’s Chapel. It far exceeds our expectations for beauty of tone 
 and capacity, and is superior to the other three bells I obtained at another foundry. 
 
 MR. M. S. BAILEY, Bouckville, N. Y., Writes : After visiting many other 
 foundries, and hearing bells that were widely advertised, I went to yours, and 
 after hearing the bells became satisfied that you relied on your bells to advertise 
 you. 
 
 Although I ordered a much heavier bell (1,004 pounds) than I was authorized, 
 yet after hearing it our people would not let it return to Troy for twice its cost. 
 Persons residing seven or ten miles off are telling us of having heard it distinctly 
 at home. You need not send any more advertisements, for the bell will advertise 
 you through this valley. 
 
 MR. J. OSGOOD, Morenci, Mich., writes : According to agreement, I drop a 
 line to let you know the bell came through safe and sound, and I think I can 
 safely say that we have got the best bell in the county. 1 think it fully equal 
 to a sixteen hundred bell in Adrian. People come in daily, from six to eight 
 miles in the country, saying that they heard it plainly at their homes ; I have 
 no d >ubt but it is heard ten or twelve miles. The people are well pleased with it. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 779 lbs.] 
 
 REV. WM. WHITE BRONSON, Danbury, Conn., writes: The work of 
 lowering our broken bell (from the other foundry), and replacing it by the 
 new and sweet toned one from your establishment,, was completed on Friday, and 
 in accordance with my promise I hasten to inform you of the impression it has 
 made upon an entire comunity. I have been again and again congratulated, by 
 all denominations, upon what they regard as a public blessing, viz : the posses- 
 sion of a fine toned bell — snperior to any which our village can boast. 
 
 When Mr. Jones assured me that it would compete with heavier bells of a 
 different make, I was not prepared not having heard this) to be disappointed, as 
 I have been, in the volume of sound ; but the truth of his language has been 
 verified — and this is admitted on all hands. Few were aware of the arrival of 
 the lii'll, and the first time it was sounded, on its way up the spire, it attracted a 
 general notice. All are impressed with the su] erior richness and beauty of 
 tone — the clearness and length of the vibrations. Persons living in the immedi- 
 ate neighborhood of the church, and who, under ordinary circumstances object 
 to the ringing of bells, have said that they cared not how otten, or how long 
 this was rung. Its qualities have been tested by superior judges in the musi- 
 cal profession, and all are satisfied — and this is not said in a spirit of flattery 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 960 ; key of A.] 
 
 TRUSTEES OF M. E. CHURCH, Pittsfield, write: The bell which we 
 purchased of you, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, we raised to its destined 
 position as soon as it arrived We were pleased with the smoothness of the cas- 
 ting, but more especially with the volume of the sound, the prolongation of vi- 
 bration, and the sweetness of tone. In all these respects we think it will com- 
 pare favorably with the heavier and more expensive bells of our village. 
 
 Levi Childs, ) 
 
 John M. Holland, [• Trustees. 
 Daniel C. Mohey. ) 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 1,995 ; key of E flat.] 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 33 
 
 P. H. WAGNER, Esq., President of Board of Trustees of Fort Plain Semi- 
 nary and Female Collegiate Institute, writes : Your bell is elegantly performing 
 its functions in our cupola. We have in our churches two bells that exceed 
 yours in weight by 300 to 400 pounds, but yours is decidedly the best in fullness 
 of tone and vibration ; and I am informed it can be heard as distinctly at as great 
 a distance. This bell bears, and will continue to bear, a flattering testimonial in 
 the Mohawk Valley to your enterprise and skill 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 753 ; key of B.] 
 
 MR. EDWARD C. WOLCOTT, Sandisfield, writes: After a trial of nearly 
 one year of that bell I purchased of you, I must say it has given good satisfaction 
 to every one of the Society. I don’t think there can be a better toned bell cast 
 than ours. It is rung twice every day — at noon and 9 o’clock at night. 
 
 REV. H. W. DUOACHET, Philadelphia, Pa., writes : You would be pleased 
 to hear the delight which all the citizens express when the bells are chimed ; 
 and they do great credit to you as their founders. You are at liberty to use my 
 name as reference. 
 
 [Weight of bells — 2,838 lbs., key of D. ; 2,112 lbs., key of E. ; 1,570 lbs., key 
 of F. Sharp ; 1,430, key of G. ; 1,234, key of A.; 1,019, key of B. ; 912, key of C. ; 
 803, key of C. Sharp ; 820, key of D.] 
 
 This is the chime represented at page 19. In ordering a bell for another 
 church, August 14th, 1859, Dr. Ducachet says of this chime, “the chime continues 
 to give the same high degree of satisfaction as at first, and you may continue 
 to use my name as a reference.” [See page 41], 
 
 REV. C. LA ROCQUE, St. Johns, C. E., writes : I am verry happy that I can 
 avail myself of this opportunity to let you know that the Catholics of St. Johns 
 have enjoyed a truly merry Christmas. Our bells, which were put up last week 
 in their proper place, the belfry of our church, were rung, for the first time, on 
 the evening before last, to announce the great festival and solemnity of our 
 Saviour’s birthday. It lies not in my power to describe to you the amazing effect 
 they have produced on the whole population of our village. For my part, when 
 I bought them of you, I was confident that they would afford to myself and con- 
 gregation a full satisfaction, but in so doing they succeeded far beyond my 
 ho | e and expectation. Their perfect cliordiug — their powerful and melodious 
 tone — their beautful matching of sound cannot be surpassed, 1 dare say, by any 
 bells of the same size and weight. It remains only for me to wish that they may 
 not hereafter prove deficient, or fail in any thing that might injure their exce - 
 lent qualities of a bell. Till new account of the bells, or of any thing else, I have 
 a real pleasure in wishing you success in your business. 
 
 [Wt. of bells, 1510, 1228, key of F.] 
 
 REV. CHESTER L. FOTTE, Avon, Loraine Co., Ohio, writes; The bell 
 gives general satisfaction ; it compares very favorably with other bells in this 
 part of the country. To particularize as to finish, the gentleman that assisted 
 us in hanging it, who has done more or less of this business for some time, said 
 that it had the best finish of any bell he ever saw. The tone is frequently spo- 
 ken of as being excellent. An old gentleman, recently from England, speaking 
 with me to day about the bell, spoke in high terms of the tone. What has been 
 said of the finish and tone, may be said of the volume of sound. The price also 
 is satisfactory. I shall take pleasure in recommending persons wishing to get 
 bells to purchase of you. 
 
 WEBSTER WILLIAMS, Esq., Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., writes : We re- 
 ceived our bell (for St. Mark’s Church,) and immediately hung it, and have 
 been using it ever since. It gives universal satisfaction, and is pronounced by 
 all that it is the best toned bell in this vicinity, although it is the lightest one. 
 The persons living next the church were afraid that a bell hung so near them 
 would be an aunoyance, but the tone is so rich that they would not now have it 
 removed, and we are now satisfied that we done the best in leaving it entirely to 
 your judgment. 
 
 5 
 
34 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 MR STILLMAN F. LEGG and others, East Candor, Tioga Co., N. Y., writes: 
 We have received the hell for our new church in good order (with the exception 
 of the wheel being damaged a trifle, the flange being split oft'), and we are happy 
 to inform you tuat we are all well satisfied, aud have to acknowledge that it far 
 exceeds our expectations in richness of tone and vibration. It is pronounced to 
 be far superior to any bell in this part of the state. The bell arrived on the 6th 
 iust . aud the next day we raised it in the tower in good order. Please accept 
 our be>. wishes for your welfare and success in business, aud thanking you for 
 the favors you have granted us. 
 
 REV. (i. GROSS, Rickville, writes : I can say, without exaggeration, that 
 the bell which we purchased of you has obtained great celebrity in this vicinity 
 as a good ringer. I have been much pleased to hear the voluntary commenda- 
 tions given to it, not by the multitude merely, but by those who are judges of 
 the sounds of bells. — One gentleman who is frequently in the city of New York, 
 says that he never heard a better sounding one there, not excepting tin se on 
 Trinity Church. It is my opinion that it is not surpassed by any bell in Northern 
 New York, of its weight 
 
 Much success to you, sirs, in your business, so long as you deal justly with all, 
 and may your bells thus honestly sound far and near through the nation, and 
 bespeak nothing in their chime but truth and righteousness, and I trust they will. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 615, key of C.] 
 
 J. CARL, Esq., Secretary Vigilant Fire Co., York. Pa„ writes : It gives me 
 pleasure to inform you that our bell (purchased of you) was placed in its position 
 last New Year’s day, and every way proves satisfactory to the members of our 
 company, and I cau assure you it does its duty in raising an alarm when it gets 
 going. There are bells in town larger than this, but none have been heard far- 
 ther out in the country. 
 
 REV. W. C. MATTISON, Whitesville, Alleghany Co., N. Y„ writes : The 
 bell we purchased at your foundry has now been hung and in use eight months. 
 It is what you recommended it to be, rich, clear tone. Having heard bells from 
 another foundry at Wellsville, and also at Andover, in this county, one weighing 
 1095, the other 800, we would not exchange on even terms (ours weighing 625.) 
 
 MOSES C. CLEVELAND, Esq., Southold, N. J., writes: Gentlemen — The 
 bearer of this is my son, N. Hubbary Cleveland ; he being about to visit your 
 city, I thought it a good opportunity to drop you a line concerning the bell we 
 purchased of you last March. I am of the opinion that it cannot be beat by any- 
 thing of its weight for sound or vibration ; it is a beautiful clear toned, musical 
 bell. I have just returned home from a little tour in New York, Connecticut 
 aud Massachusetts ; I had the opportunity of hearing a number of bells, and in 
 some instances inquired the weight of the bell. One in particular that the people 
 seemed satisfied with, and thought it a good one, weighed over 1100 lbs., certainly 
 was no better than ours, if as good ; it was at Bergen, N. J. Accept my best 
 regards, with my best wishes for success in your business. 
 
 MESSRS. WELLS & BEX BY, Wvalusing, Bradford Co., Pa., write : Yours 
 of the 6th inst„ acknowledging receipt of draft for balance of bell is at hand. 
 The bell which we purchased of you last November for the Presbyterian Church 
 in this place, continues to give the most perfect satisfaction, and we think it can- 
 not be beaten for a 1200 lb. bell. Shall be happy if our names, as reference, can 
 be of any use to you. 
 
 SILAS M. HOLMES, Detroit, Mich., writes: The bell you cast for the Fort 
 Street Congregational Church, 1 as been raised to its place in the tower over 100 
 feet from the sidewalk ; it has been used since the dedication of the church, which 
 was on the 21st of September. Its powers have been tested, and as far as we can 
 now learn, gives full satisfaction to the fair donors of our society, who were 
 instrumental in raising the means for its purchase, as well as to the community 
 who hear its chiming peals. Its tone is soft, clear and melodious, and can be 
 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 35 
 
 distinctly heard at a distance. It is pronounced, by those not connected with 
 our society, to be the best bell now in our city. Hoping that you will be as suc- 
 cessful in all your future castings, 1 remain respectfully, yours, &c. 
 
 In behalf of the Building Committee of the 1st Congregational Society, 
 Detroit. 
 
 REV. II. M. THOMPSON, Portage, V is., writes: I hasten to acknowledge 
 the receipt of your beautiful bell, a most excellent one, giving good satisfaction, 
 and being put ahead of the bell here, from another foundry wliich is two hundred 
 pounds heavier, by all good judges. The tone is the subject of all men’s praises. 
 
 MR. R. C. CASEY, Sandy Hill, writes: The bell we purchased of you has 
 be n in use some eight months, and its tone is admired by all our citizens. It 
 gives universal satisfaction, and we can with confidence recommend your bells to 
 any churches who may be in want. Hoping you success in your business, &c. 
 
 GEORGE II. JONES, Chief Engineer, Newark, N. J., writes: The fire-alarm 
 bell purchased of you for the city of Newark, has proved to be a superior bell, 
 and gives universal satisfaction, being distinguished readily from all other bells 
 in the city by its tone and power, and I consider it an indispensable appendage to 
 our fire department. 
 
 [Wt. of bell, 1035 ; key of G.] 
 
 MR. THOMAS H. EVISTON, Milwaukee, writes; We are in receipt of your 
 bell on the 29th ultimo. We hung it the same day, and have great pleasure in 
 stating that it has given great satisfaction to the Company and community at 
 large and especially our Chief Engineer and Comptroller. It is one of the best 
 fire-alarm bells belonging to any company in our city, and gives the best report. 
 
 I had the pleasure myself of ringing it tlie first time, and many spectators were 
 waiting for the first alarm of the new bell, all of whom felt highly pleased at 
 the tone of the new bell. 
 
 REV. EUGENE AUG’S HOFFMAN, Christ Church Rectory, Elizabethtown, 
 N. J., writes : The bell which you sent to St. Stephen’s Church, Milburn, has 
 now been in use for nearly a year. It weighs but 1,308 lbs., and yet, being keyed 
 on F, has the sound of a much larger bell. Its tone has given great satisfaction, 
 being quite the pride of the village, and it rings so easily that a boy can manage 
 it. Having had occasion, at different times to examine a number of bells, I take 
 pleasure in giving my testimony to the perfection of the casting and finish. 
 
 S. C. PRICHARD, P. M., Liverpool, Ohio, writes : The bell sent by you to 
 Tillatson & Richmond of this place, is how hung, and gives good satisfaction. 
 They have a bell at York, eight miles from here, wt. 1200 lbs., made by your 
 opponents ; we would not exchange even with them, ours weighing 778 
 lbs. Wt. 442 lbs., in favor of your bell. We want another of 500 lbs., if 
 you can send us one equally as good in proportion to the one sent to T. & R. 
 
 MR S. S. HARMON, Sonora, California, writes: Enclosed is a draft drawn 
 on Christopher R. Robert, Treasurer of A. H. M. Society, which will be paid on 
 sight. 
 
 The bell, it is but just to you to say, is indeed a superior one. It realizes all 
 the good things you said of it, and more too. Everybody in town is delighted 
 with it, and it wakes the echoes ot these mountains for four or five miles around. 
 It is the largest and best toned bell in all the mines of California. Please 
 acknowledge receipt. 
 
 JACOB I1ECKUT and SIMON WEST, Millersburg, Pa., write: Enclosed you 
 will find a draft in your favor from the Ilarrisburgh Bank on the Am. Exchange 
 Bank, New York. 
 
 We received the bell ; it was brought to our place before we expected it, and 
 we charged you with freight only to Harrisburgh. We think our bell is a very 
 good one ; every one is pleased with the sound of it, and it is pronounced far 
 superior to the bell in our place, from another foundry. 
 
 MR. CHESTER SANDERSON, Ashfield, Mass., writes: The bell I purchased 
 of you last March, and gave to the Second Congregational Society in Ashfield, 
 
36 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Franklin County, Mass., exceeds our expectations and every thing of the kind in 
 this vicinity. It has frequently been asserted by disinterested individuals, that 
 its melody and sweetness of tone is superior to any bell they ever heard, and 
 that its equal cannot be produced in the county of Franklin. 
 
 REV. GEORGE F. MAGOUN, Davenport, Iowa, writes : The bell cast by you 
 for the Davenport Congregational Church, has given complete satisfaction. It 
 has now been in use a little more than two months, and though only raised upon 
 a temporary tower of wood in the rear of our present place of worship, answers 
 the purpose admirably. The tone is rich, deep and mellow, and is spoken of in 
 terms of unqualified praise, not only by our own people, who may be supposed to 
 be partial to the “ Sabbath going bell,” whose call they follow — but by citizens 
 and strangers. When it is permanently placed in a more suitable and better 
 located tower, its excellent qualities will be brought out still better. \\ e are 
 more than satisfied with it ; there is but one voice of gratification and pleasure. 
 
 [Wt. 2192 lbs., key E flat.] 
 
 MR. E. PERKINS, Fond du Lac, Wis., writes: It gives me pleasure to say, 
 that the Trustees of the Baptist Church are highly pleased with the bell you 
 sent in August last, and are recommending your bells to other churches : and the 
 community have complimented my taste in selecting bells. Many persons who 
 live near the church, had objections to having a bell so near them, but since it is 
 hung, the tone is so sweet and mellow, that these objections are all removed, and 
 they have contributed liberally towards paying for it. 1 think the Presbyterian 
 Church will want one in the spring ; they will want one weighing about 1500 lbs. 
 
 REV. JOHN C. SMITH, Washington City, D. C., writes : It affords me much 
 pleasure to say, that the bell recently purchased from Messrs. Jones A Company, 
 of Troy, and placed in the bellry of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, is of very 
 superior tone and finish, and universally admired as the sweet sounds are borne 
 over our city. The bell is the proof that they are workmen that need not be 
 ashamed. I will be gratified to learn that the bells from the same foundry are 
 heard all over our land. 
 
 P. J. BALTES, R. C. P., Belleville, 111., writes : I am happy to inform you 
 that the bells which you sent for our church have given general satisfaction. 
 Their workmanship was examined by mechanics from St. Louis and Belleville, 
 and pronounced superior to any thing of the kind which has appeared in this 
 part of the country. Their vibrations are lasting ; their tone solemn and pathetic, 
 and together with the smaller bell which we already possessed, they make a very 
 attractive chime. I think you will shortly have occasion to send some pretty 
 large bells to St. Louis. I have the honor of being, gentlemen, your very 
 humble and ob’t servant. 
 
 REV. R. LANGLEY, Sparta, Wisconsin, writes: We have received the bell 
 purchased of you for the M. E. Church in Sparta, and take pleasure in saying 
 that the entire community are delighted with its clear, rich tone, and though 
 weighing but 938 lbs., it is distinctly heard for five or six miles, and 1 would 
 take pleasure in recommending your bells as of superior cast, 
 
 REV. ROB'T S. HARRIS, Keyport, N. J., writes: As regards the excellent 
 bell we bought of you last fall, weighing 1240 lbs., key of G., would say ; the 
 more we use it the better we like it. It has a sweet musical sound, and powerful 
 vibration. The Baptist clergyman of our village, (Rev. Mr. Slater, formerly of 
 Rome, N. Y.,) remarked not long since to me, that our bell surpassed all of its 
 size and heft he had ever heard. Our people are highly delighted with the bell, 
 and would not part with it upon any consideration. 
 
 MR. JACOB G. LAMBERT, Rhinebeck, N. Y., writes: We received our bell 
 on the 21st, and hung it the next day, in good order, and I write to assure you 
 that we are fully prepared to endorse your statement that it is A, No. 1. All are 
 satisfied with its sweetness of tone and loftiness of vibration. We shall take 
 pleasure in recommending your house for the manufacture of church bells of a 
 superior quality. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 37 
 
 MESSRS. SPAUNHOKST & CO., St. Louis, Mo., writes: Enclosed we hand 
 you draft &c., $314.13 as directed by our Rev. Jas. Patschowski. We have the 
 bells up in the tower, and are permitted to say they give universal satisfaction so 
 far, and will do credit to your establishment, and no doubt you will find some 
 benefit, ere long, in the demand for bells, from your foundry, in this city. 
 
 MR. J. W. WILLETT, l r armouth Port, writes: That bell was received in 
 duo time, and at once put in its place. It is, in all respects, perfectly satisfactory. 
 
 If it fulfills what it now promises, we shall deem ourselves fortunate in that we 
 have dealt with you. Should 1 again have occasion to purchase a bell, 1 shall 
 certainly apply to you. 
 
 ELISHA GREENE, Esq., Pella, Iowa, writes to our Agents : Messrs. Tilling- 
 hast, Lane & Bnel, Agents Troy Bell Foundry — Dear Sirs — The bell purchased 
 of you, and cast at the Troy Bell Foundry, was hung in the cupola of our 
 University Edifice, and has ever since been in daily and almost hourly use, and 
 it has given the most perfect satisfaction in every respect. It is regarded by all 
 who have heard it, as the finest toned bell in this part of the State. Its hang- 
 ings are so perfect that, although its weight is about 1000 pounds, a child can 
 ring it with perfect ease. Please say to all who are in want of bells that we re- 
 gard those of Jones & Company as altogether unrivalled. 
 
 MR. WILLIAM PACKARD, Cummington, Mass., writes : The bell purchased 
 of you, after two or three weeks trial, gives good satisfaction, and the Society 
 are all greatly pleased with its rich, beautiful, sweet and musical tone, and its 
 prolonged vibration. We send balance, &c. 
 
 MR. GEO. NICHOLS, Northfield, Vt., writes : The bell was hung on Saturday 
 after I was in your place, and now its clear, silvery tones may be heard for miles 
 around. It gives good satisfaction to our people, and is heard further, and liked 
 quite as well as the other bell (from Hooper’s Foundry,) which weighs 200 
 pounds more. 
 
 MR. L. F. HITCHCOCK, Kendall ville, Ind., writes : The bell is received, and 
 gives universal satisfaction. 
 
 MR. FRED. A. ROSS, Huntsville. Alabama, writes: Through the liberality of 
 a man of wealth, this Church has had presented to it, one of your splendid bells, 
 2100 lbs. Its tone is very fine, key E. 1 drop this line, to express my entire 
 gratification with this noble work of your science in bell making. 
 
 REV. R. S. HARRIS, Bridgeton, N. Jersey, writes : The bell I bought of you 
 "when stationed at Keyport, increased in popularity with the people. A gentle- 
 man from Philadelphia, on a visit to Keyport, says, it is one of the sweetest toned 
 bells he ever heard. 
 
 MR. ELIJAH SMITH, Northfield, writes: The bell I purchased of you for 
 the M. E. Church in this place, has been in use some six months, and its rich 
 tone and vibration are admired by all our citizens. It gives universal satisfaction. 
 I think it one of the best toned bells of its size I have ever seen. 
 
 REV. C. LA ROCQUE, St. John’s, Canada East, writes: I have paid the 
 amount due you for the bell, to Mr. Evans, your Agent at Montreal. I had in my 
 mind to address you a few lines, to give you an account of the bell, which in 
 this very moment I hear ringing, and which gives both to myself and my con- 
 gregation a full satisfaction. Your letter affords me a very favorable occasion so 
 to do, and for this reason was very welcome, as it was to me, something like an 
 order not to delay any more to accomplish my intention. 
 
 RT. REV. FREDERIC BARAGA, Bishop of Saut Ste. Marie, Mich., writes: — 
 Messrs. Jones & Co., Bell Founders, Troy, N. Y. — Sirs: The beautiful bell we 
 purchased at your establishment last Summer, gives us great satisfaction. 
 When we first heard it, we were quite surprised at the richness and sweetness of 
 its tone, and its length of vibration. We think it is as good, if not better, than 
 any bell of its size in the country. 
 
38 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 MESSRS. C. G. BRODT & HUGH THOMPSON, Knoxville, Iowa, writes to 
 Messrs. Tillinghast, Lane & Buel, Keokuk, Iowa, Agents Troy Bell Foundry — 
 Gentlemen: — We lake much pleasure in recommend'ng the bell purchased for 
 the M. E. Church of our town. It has given perfect satisfaction, and we can 
 heartily endorse everything which has been said in approval and praise of the 
 bells manufactured by the Troy Bell Foundry. 
 
 REV. T. V. PAP1NEAU, St. Barthelcmi, Canada E., writes: I beg you to 
 accept my excuses for not having answered sooner your letter of the 15th, of 
 January, received during my absence, insurmountable difficulties have prevented 
 us from sending you sooner, the price of the bells, but 1 am happy to say to you, 
 that these difficulties have since been entirely removed, and by the 12th or loth, 
 we shall pay you in full. As to the bells that you have sent us, they are the 
 finest that I have yet seen, and their harmonious concord could not be excelled 
 in sweetness. They give complete satisfaction to all my panshoners. and the 
 strangers who hear them Their sound can be heard nine miles distant, and 
 the favorable time, twelve miles distant. Your reputation hereabouts is estab- 
 lished advantageously and durably. 
 
 MESSRS. SOUTH WORTH & W ALLEY, Williamstown, Mass., write: We 
 received the bell an l bill as arranged, and enclose draft for the amount. We have 
 a bell large enough and good enough. The community are loud in its praise. If 
 we had selected for ourselves, we should not have done as well. Call and see us 
 when you come out with our neighbors’ mammoth bell. 
 
 REV. L. K. SECRIST, Salona, Penn., writes: The bell furnished our new 
 Church at Salona, gives entire satisfaction, and receives the unqualified praise of 
 all who hear it. Another congregation of my charg want a bell of t tie same 
 weight. Can you furnish it soon, and at what price ‘l Please answer soon. 
 
 RUFUS HUBBARD, Esq., Supt. Public Schools. Keokuk, Iowa, writes: The 
 bell purchased at your foundry tlir >ugh Messrs. Tillinghast, Lane & Buel, your 
 Agents, and hung in the tower of the Public School House of our city, now in 
 use over a year, is admired by all our citizens. It gives universal satisfaction. 
 Its tone is soft, clear and melodious, and can be heard at a great distance. It is 
 tny opinion that it is not surpassed by any bell in this section of the country. 
 
 MESSRS. WESTCOTT & PRAT, East Killingly, Conn., write: The bell is 
 received, and now in the tower of the mill. You will please fine check for the 
 amount enclosed, and we will call on you again when we want in your line. 
 We have much the nicest bell on our stream of 1000 looms. Its tone is admired 
 by every one, and we cheerfully' say it is the clearest, most sonorous bell in town, 
 and are very much pleased with it. 
 
 MR. E. HARRIS, Providence R. I., writes : The bell reached its destination 
 last evening, and its introduction gives a very favorable impression on its visitors. 
 Its shell appears to be full of music, and seems in haste to mingle its voice in 
 the passing elements. 
 
 RT. REV. FREDERIC BARAGA, Bishop of Saut Ste., Mich., writes from Cliff 
 Mine: The bell for the Rev. Mr. Thiele, Eagle Harbor, Lake Superior, was 
 received some three weeks ago. It gives full satisfaction. They hear it 
 plainly five or six miles, although it is small. My bel' of 510 lbs , at Saut Ste. 
 Marie’ is very much praised. They can hear it distinctly to Garden River, which 
 is about twelve miles from Saut. 
 
 MESSRS. E. T. WALDRON & JOSIAH ROSS, Bell Committee, Danvers Port, 
 writ-: The bell you cast for us, has been raised to its place on the tower of 
 the First Baptist Church, and we can truly say that it is a great improvement ou 
 the old one. Its power has been tested, and as far as we can learn it gives entire 
 satisfaction to all who were instrumental in raising the means for its purchase 
 as well as the entire community. We think it the finest toned bell we have ever 
 heard, and can cheerfully recommend the bells of your manufacture to any 
 church that may be in want. Please accept our good wishes for your success in 
 your business. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 39 
 
 MR. IRA BEARD, Pittsfield, Vt., writes : Our bell Las arrived, and was 
 yesterday raised to its place on the Church, since which, its sweet, mellow tones, 
 have been almost cnnstantly vibrating among our hills. We think your state- 
 ment to be c irrect, that this is a superior bell. Every one is speaking in its 
 prais •. Even those who could not be pursuaded to take any interest in its pur- 
 chase, are lou I in their commendations of the bell. We shall ever esteem it a 
 pleasure to recommend your bells to others. 
 
 II. HILL, Esq., Treasurer Oberlin College, writes : The bell has arrived, and 
 is now in its place, and I believe every one is satisfied with its tone, and with 
 everything about it. 
 
 MR. L. II. SOVEREIGN, Bristol. Indiana, writes : The bell is a good one, and 
 gives good satisfaction. Though so small a bell, (212 lbs.) I have heard it 
 distinctly three miles. 
 
 MR. 0 M. WOODWARD, Agent Aurora Institute and Clark Seminary, Kane 
 Co., 111., writes : Our bell reached us in good order, except a break in the wheel. 
 It is now in its place, and we are very much pleased with it indeed. Its tone is 
 beautiful, and vibration long, clear and distinct. It will be a real favorite in our 
 young and flourishing city, and whoever will take the trouble or do himself the 
 ph asure to listen to th ■ sweet tones of our Seminary bell, will have little occa- 
 si in to go elsewhere to purchase. 
 
 Z. PHILLIPS, Agent Troy University, Troy, N. Y., writes : I have great 
 pleasure in assuring you that the bell of 1,200 lbs. weight, furnished by you to 
 this Instituti >n, and now sufficiently tested, is regarded by all as one of rare and 
 unusual excell nee. It is deep toned, full and sonorous, with powerful and long 
 continued vibration, and great volume of sound, excelling in musical richness 
 and beauty of tone. It is of the most perfect workmanship and finish, and in all 
 the qualities of a good bell, cannot, I believe, be surpassed. 
 
 REV. W W SNELL, Rushford, Minn., writes : The bell came safely to hand, 
 anil was rung on the 1st. We are all much pleased with it. Its tone is very 
 pleasant and clear. It has been heard eight miles. 
 
 REV. M. A. M. WIRZFELD, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Elizabetliport, 
 writes : Our bell was put in the spire last week, and I am happy to say that it 
 is admired b >th by Catholics and Protestants. I shall do all in my power to 
 recommend your establishment. 
 
 MR. C. W. CHURCHILL, Le Roy, Pa , writes: The bell is in its place, and 
 we realize all that we anticipated in its qualities. There is but one expression, 
 and that is, all are entirely satisfied. The bell will recommend itself. 
 
 REV. SERGE DE STCHOULEPNIKOFF, Pastor of St. Mary's, Dansville, N. 
 Y.. writes: The bell you sent us by boat arrived here safely last \Y ednesday 
 night, and is already in its place. It is a splendid one, and was heard yesterday 
 at a distance of eight miles. Everybody in town admires its material and sound, 
 and I feel most happy that it was my good luck to order our bell from your 
 establishment. 
 
 MR. JOHN E. RIDER, of Portsmouth, N. H., writes : The bell gives great 
 satisfaction. Its great power, and beautiful tone, prove you to be masters of 
 your business. 
 
 MESSRS. W. GURLEY & CLARK, Bell Committee of the North Baptist 
 Church, Troy, N. Y., write: The church bell purchased from you for the 
 
 North Baptist Church, has been in use for several weeks, and we take pleasure 
 in saying that the favorable estimate of its qualities entertained by the committee 
 at the time of its purchase, is fully justified by the general satisfaction felt with 
 it by the congregation. In a city possessing so many fine toned bells as ours, 
 the public ear is educated, and a new hell is so closely criticised, that a verdict so 
 favorable is peculiarly gratifying to us, aud we have no doubt must be equally 
 agreeable to you. 
 
 V 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 40 
 
 REV. WALTER CHAMBERLIN, Perth Amboy, N. J., writes : You will un- 
 doubtedly remember my visit to your place to purchase a bell for Frenchtown, 
 which gave the very heat of satisfaction, and resulted in your selling another one 
 to the Baptist Church. We are trying to build a church in Perth Amboy, and 
 undoubtedly will want a bell. Please send us your circular. 
 
 REV. JAMES LYNCH, Pastor St. John’s Catholic Church, Middletown, Ct., 
 writes: It gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the excellent qualities of tte 
 bell you have erected for us. It realizes all our expectations. Its tone is pleasing, 
 and as powerful as could be expected from any bell of its weight. Wishing you 
 ail the success which your skill as beU founders and your honorable business 
 principles merit, I am very respectfully yours. 
 
 MR. D. B. JUDSON, Kingsboro’, N. Y., writes : The bell gives general satis- 
 faction. 
 
 REV. PIERHE BEAUDOIN, Pastor Notre Dame Catholic Church, Bourbonnois 
 Grove, 111., writes : It is with the greatest pleasure I send you the price of a bell 
 that gives us so much satisfaction. It possesses a sweet, tenorious tone, and is 1 
 heard a long distance. I am much obliged to you for the transactions which you 
 have with me. 
 
 REV. SAMUEL DURBOROXV, Pastor Church of the Evengelists, Philadel- 
 phia. Pa., writes : It seems right and proper to say to you that the bell which 
 you furnishe for the Church of the Evangelist was put in its place in the ti wer 
 last week. On Easter Sunday morning at sun-rise it rung out its sweet tones, 
 very much to the gratification of good church people, but rather annoying to the 
 slumberers in Zion. We are very much pleased with the bell. It seems to give 
 universal satisfaction. I thank you personally for the interest you took in get- 
 ting us so good an instrument, and also for your promptness in filling the order. 
 
 REV. SAMUEL ADSIT, Palmyra, N. Y., writes : The bell is all that could be 
 desired. A perfect charm. The more I hear it, the moie 1 admire iis rich, 
 solemn calls to devotion, and a higher Christian life. I think its deep, far-reach- 
 ing tones will speak lou lly in its praise in this region. 
 
 MR. H. H. HEMENNAY, Treasurer St. Luke's Church, Lansing, Iowa, writes : 
 
 We are much pleased with the bell. It is a fine tone, and will be entirely satis- 
 factory. It is certainly the best bell in Northern Iowa. 
 
 MR. F. R. (fILBER !’, Millersburgli, Pa., writes: We received the bell and 
 have put it in the steeple, and every person is pleased with the tone, and they all 
 with one accord say they never heard a finer toned bell any where. There is 
 quite a contrast between this and our Amalgam bell of 1000 lbs. which we had, 
 and the people are all satisfied the Amalgam bells are a humbug. They offered 
 us a big price to take another Amalgam bell, but our people, with one accord 
 cried “ A iCiiy with them, we have had enough." 
 
 MR. J. HURD, Charles City, Iowa, writes : The bell is received. It is a splen- 
 did hell, and I feel sure will give entire satisfaction to all. 
 
 HEV. E. H. BUHR, Napierville, 111., writes: The bell lias been rung for two 
 Sundays, and gives general satisfaction. Members of my church have told me 
 they heard it at eight (8) miles distant. 
 
 REV. W. II. E. BULLOCK, Bridgewater, writes: The bell has given great 
 satisfaction. Its tone is all we could wish for. Its clear, piercing tone is just 
 suited for the situation of the church, surrounded as it is by woods. Your estab- 
 lishment shall always be recommended by me. 
 
 DR. C. T. HARRIS, Delavan, Wis., writes: The bell gives universal satisfac- 
 tion : for smoothness and beauty of tone it is admitted to surpass any bell with 
 which wc are acquainted in the State. In short., we are thus far well suited. 
 
TROY HELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 41 
 
 REV. DR. DUGACHET, Rector St Stephen’s Church, Philadelphia, Pa., writes: 
 No bell can be bi tter than the grand chime of nine which you made for St. Ste- 
 phen’s Church, and which we have had in our tower more than eight years with 
 undiminished satisfaction. I have heard many English and Spanish bells, but 
 none surpassi s yours. We have three chimes in this city, two of them English, 
 and the one cast by you ; the former do not compare with ours. Besides the 
 chime of nine at our church, you have furnished three other bells on my order, 
 every one ol tli. m perfectly satisfactory. The larger bell lately sent by you for 
 our asylum is superb. It is music to all the country around it. I shall certainly 
 never send to England for a bell when I can get one from your firm. 
 
 MU. HENRY FOWLER AND COMMITTEE, Danversport, Mass., write : The 
 bell you recast for us gives universal satisfaction. Its tone is clear and musical, 
 and by many is preferred to that of the old bell. Citizens living in other parts 
 i f the town, and accustomed to hear other bells, do not hesitate to say that 
 Jones & Co. have furnished the best bell in this vicinity. The committee 
 acknowledged the promptness of your firm in this as well as your lorm r transac- 
 tions with them. 
 
 MR. CHAS. LANGDON, Castleton, Vt., writes: It gives me great pleasure to 
 acknowledge your courteousness and fidelity in executing our order. Tbe bell 
 gives universal satisfaction. It has been heard a distance of seven miles in 
 quite unfavorable weather, how much farther I can not say. But wherever it is 
 heard it will speak volumes in your praise through its sweet and cheerful tones. 
 
 MR D. W. STICKWELL, Aurora, 111., writes: Your bell has come to hand, 
 and hangs to-day in the belfry. I think it a very fine bell, and it will give 
 entire satisfaction to every one. 
 
 REV. S. ORCUTT, Patchogue, Long Island, N. Y., writes : Our bell is admired 
 by all, and gives great satisfaction in tone and the distance it is heard. I shall 
 ever favor your foundry. 
 
 REV. JAS. HULR1S, Milford, C. W., writes: Our bell arrived in good order. 
 We like it very much. It has been heard six miles, and is what we call a good 
 bell. 
 
 REV. THUS. W. FYLES, Brome Woods, E. T. Canada, writes: The bell 
 reached me in safety, and gives satisfaction. I am much obliged for your punc- 
 tuality. 
 
 MR. J. E. RIDER, Portsmouth, N. H., writes (concerning a fire alarm bell for 
 the city of Portsmouth): I have delayed writing to you in regard to the bell, for 
 the reason I wish to have a general expression on the part of our citizens in 
 regard to the tone ot the bell. It has been rung now for some time, and I have 
 never heard the first word of fault found with it. When it arrived the casting was 
 pronounced very xnperior by our founders, and after it was in the tower, our 
 i itizens were greatly surprised to hear its great volume of power, and the vibra- 
 tion was splendid. Its tone was rich and clear, and taking into consideration the 
 prejudice in favor of Hooper’s bells, of which we have a number in this city, I 
 ran only say it has achieved a great victory. No one seems tired of hearing it. 
 
 I have heard many bells in different parts of Europe and this country, and 1 can 
 i ssure you that 1 con-i ler the tone of the bell we had of you lullv equal to any 
 < f the old English bells, some of which are considered by travelers as gems of 
 the old founders. If any one wishes to purchase a bell 1 shall certainly advise 
 them to go to Jones &. Co., and if any more of our bells should break you need 
 have no fears of the purchasers going any where else. 
 
 MR. GEO. R. AME'. Mendota, 111., writes : The bell came to us in good order, 
 and is now hanging in the tower of the church. Standing in the midst of the 
 great prairies of Illinois, its sweet, full sounds vibrate through the distance to 
 the satisfaction of all. and to the credit of Messrs. Jones & Co., Troy, N. Y. 
 
 J. C. DEITZ, Esq., Anamosa, Iowa, writes : I think the bell will give entire 
 satisfaction. 
 
42 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 S. S. CADY, Esq,, Jamestown, N. Y., writes : I have something to say to 
 express the perfect satisfaction the bell gives to all. Not a word except in its 
 praise has been heard. Its tone is perfectly pleasing to every ear. 
 
 REV. E. N. BARTLETT, Oberlin, O., writes : I have the pleasure of inform- 
 ing you that the bell furnished by you for the Congregational Church at Four 
 Corners, Huron Co., Ohio, has been received and placed in the church tower, and 
 its musical tones give very general satisfaction. 
 
 MR. 0. RICHARDSON, Roxburv, Vt., writes : The bell you sent us arrived 
 all right, and is now in its place, and I am happy to say it gives perfect satisfac- 
 tion. Every one speaks in its praise. 
 
 REV. H. C. HUMPHREY, Purdy’s Station, N. Y., writes: The tone gives 
 the highest satisfaction. I have not heard of a dissent from the universal praise 
 accorded to it. 
 
 WM. S. GRAY, Esq., Windsor, N. C., writes: The bell arrived safely, and 
 has been put into the ste pie, and gives general satisfaction to all the members 
 of our church. I think it will prove the best in town every way. Thanking you 
 in the name of the church for the great promptness with which it was cast, 1 
 remain, &c. 
 
 MR. S. P. HALLECK, Oriskany, N. Y., writes : The bell I think cannot 
 be beat. 
 
 REV. JAMES T. WILSON, Miffinsburgh, Pa., writes : The bell came to hand 
 all right, and was hung on Wednesday, and renders universal satisfaction. It is 
 a great source of pleasure to the congregation, and reflects gieat credit upon your 
 establishment. We think we have the bent bell in the town. We are under many 
 obligations to you, &c. 
 
 REV. L. MALON, Elyria, Ohio, writes : The bell has arrived safe. It gives 
 satisfaction. (See later letter on page 43.) 
 
 JNO. M. BONHAM, Esq., Franklin, Pa., writes : With the bell on our church, 
 now hung and fully tested, we are all as well pleased as can be. Its tone is 
 pure, distinct and smooth. It far surpasses any bell in thin community. We do 
 not doubt it will be the means of bringing you several new ordeis fivm oilier 
 churches now being erected here, anil pernaps from the country. 
 
 GEORGE S. BOND, Esq , Charlestown, N. II., writes : The bell arrived safe 
 and sound, and I think it will please us very much. 
 
 MR. J. (1. HOWARD, Union Ceutre, N. Y., writes: The bell we ordered is 
 received. We raised it into the tower yesterday. I believe the people aie well 
 pleased with it.. 
 
 REV. A. C. MOREHOUSE, Windham Centre, N. Y., writes: One of your 
 bells on my former charge is, 1 think, one of the best 1 have ever heard for the 
 price and weight. 
 
 REV. A. LCEHNER, Blairstown, Iowa, writes: 1 got a bell of your firm some 
 years ago, it is the best bell for its weight 1 ever saw. 
 
 REV. G. J. DU BOIS, Big Flatts, N. Y., writes: Gentlemen, permit me to 
 congratulate you on your success as Hell Makers, and on your promptness and 
 dispatch as business men. Your fine bell and mountings reached here in safety 
 on Wednesday. Our people are perlectly delighted with the bell, and all who 
 have heard it pronounce it the finest toned of any they ever heard. 
 
 REV. U. ARCHAMBAULT, St. Bartheleme. C. E., to our Agent in Montreal, 
 J. H. Evans, Es<p, writes : The Chime of Bells furnished by you for my church, 
 and made by Messrs. Jones & Co., Proprietors of the Tr<>v Bell Foundry, are 
 without excepi ion the finest toned bells I ever heard. The respi dive weights 
 are 1991 lbs., 1191 lbs., 7o0 lbs., and are in perfect musi al accord, and the bells 
 as a whole, reflect great credit on Messrs. Jones & Co. 
 
TROT BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 43 
 
 REV. H. S. CARD, North Hector, N. Y., writes : The bell you sent us is 
 received in good order, it is now in its place, and the people are much pleased i 
 with it. 
 
 GEORGE A. GUERNSAY, Esq., Susquehanna Depot, N. Y., writes : We have 
 the bell hung, and are much pleased with it. The tone, &c., is quite satisfactory. 
 
 REV. J. J. LEWIS, Syracuse, N. Y., writes: The bell gives very good satis- 
 faction, and has been highly commended. 
 
 J. W. MOORE and CHAS. R. PUL'l'Z, Bell Committee, Rhinebeck, N. Y., 
 write : The bell you cast for us has been raised to its place on the tower of the 
 Third Evangelist Lutheran Church in this place, its powers have been tested, 
 and as far as we learn it gives entire satisfaction to all the community about 
 Rhinebeck. Please accept our good wishes for your success in your business, &c. 
 
 MR. WM. A. ELDEN, Bendersville, Adams Co., Pa , writes : The bell you 
 sent us is an excellent one, beautiful in tone, it has been heard a distance of five 
 miles along the mountain, and will reflect credit on you as manufacturers. Yours, 
 with many greetings, &c. 
 
 C. P. WILLIAMS, Esq., Shelburn, Vt., writes: The bell was raised to belfry 
 Monday'. I call it a good bell, and the majority like it, and are satisfied with it. 
 Hoping you will never make a worse bell than ours, I remain, &c. 
 
 MR. N. L. BARKER, Edinburgh, N. Y., writes : The bell so far gives univer- 
 sal satisfaction. 
 
 REV. H. RIEVERS, Muskegon, Mich , writes : Some few years ago I bought 
 a bell of your firm when I was at Grattan, Mich., and it satisfied all who had 
 seen and heard bells. I want another for this place, &c. 
 
 C. H. HARDING, Esq., Bradford, Vt., writes : The bell has been received, and 
 is being hung. So far as workmanship is concerned it gives the highest 
 satisfaction. 
 
 REV. L. MALON, Elyria, 0., writes : Our bell gives general satisfaction. It 
 is the best sounding bell in town. 
 
 JOHN WALSH, Esq., Rouses' Point, N. Y., writes: We have received our 
 bell. It seems to give general satisfaction, and I am glad of it, &c. 
 
 A. M. DICKEY, Esq., Bradford, Vt., vvriies: Please accept my thanks for 
 your promptness in filling my order for bell. I am happy to inform you that 
 the society are perfectly satisfied with its tone and mechanism. 
 
 JOHN C. THOMPSON, Esq., Redfield, N. Y., writes: We have now fully 
 tested the bell which you furnished us, and must say it is the best bell we ever 
 heard for its weight, and for beauty of casting surpasses anything we know of 
 in the bell line. Its surface is smooth as glass, and the color of the bell indicates 
 the fact that only the best and purest mater, als have been used in its composition. 
 Wishing you every success which your strict business principles merit, I am, Ac. 
 
 REV. T. Q. GAFFNEY, East Rutland, Vt,., writes : The bell and invoice were 
 delivered on Monday. I delayed my r acknowledgment that 1 might hear it ring 
 from the place set up for it. I have now the pleasure of assuring you that in 
 clearness, sweetness, and for its size, fulness of sound, it more than realizes my 
 expectations from your very high recommendations, &c. 
 
44 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Office of file Old Established Troy Bell Foundry, 
 
 As an evidence of superior qualities and the increasing high 
 estimation in which our Bells are held by eminent Divines and 
 others, we take pleasure in presenting the following extracts of 
 commendatory letters which have been received since October, 
 1807. Some manufacturers give letters purporting to have been 
 received lately , but do not date the letters. 
 
 It will be seen that the date of each letter is given, thus show- 
 ing that they are all received during the time specified, and we 
 will be pleased to show them to any one desiring to convince 
 themselves they are genuine and unsolicited. 
 
 Rouses’ Point, N. Y. October 17, 1867. 
 
 Jones & Co., Troy, N. Y. — Gents: The bell made by your firm for the St. 
 Patrick’s Catholic Church in this place, has arrived and been fully tested, and we 
 can with pleasure say it is the best Bell of its size we have ever seen or heard 
 There is not a blemish upon its smooth surface, and the casting is perfect. For 
 sweetness of tone, length of vibration, and clearness of sound, it cannot be 
 excelled by any Bell of its size ; and parties who lavored the opposition very 
 strong at first, have not a xcord to soy. Our people are delighted with it, and if 
 any more Bells are wanted in this vicinity we will certainly call and see you. 
 Wishing you all the success which your prompt business principles and work- 
 manship is entitled to, 1 remain, &c. 
 
 Yours, respectfully, JOHN WALSH, Sec’y. 
 
 Dunkirk, N. Y., October 21, 1867. 
 
 Dear Sirs-: Please fine enclosed the draft for the payment of the Bell you 
 sent me last month. The Bell is good, and whenever I may have a chance to 
 purchase Bells I shall yet them from your Foundry. 
 
 I remain yours truly, GUIDO MATASSI, P. 
 
 Lansingburgh, October 25, 1867. 
 
 Messrs. Jone< & Co. — Gentlemen: It affords me pleasure to inform you 
 that the Peal of Bells which you recently hung in the tower of St. Augustine’s 
 Church, are giving general satisfaction. The congregation, and in fact all who 
 hear them, express themselves highly pleased with their silvery tone. The 
 admirable manner, too, in which they are hung, deserves commendation. In 
 course of time I h >pe to have the pleasure of ordering six more bells, to complete 
 the Chime, fr in vour establishment. 
 
 (Very Rev.) THOS. GALBERRY, 0. S. A. 
 
 Pastor of St. Augustine's Church. 
 
TKOY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 45 
 
 Convent Sacked Heart, Kenwood, 1 
 Albany, N. Y. J 
 
 1 take the liberty of commending the Messrs. Jones & Co., of Troy, as Bell 
 Founders, who are artists of great experience in their business. And in giving 
 this recommendation I am sustained by the favorable opinion of the pastors in 
 their vicinity. Indee I, the Messrs. Jones & Co. are pleasing and agreeable in 
 their manner of doing business, and all who entrust them with their orders will 
 be thoroughly satisfied. 
 
 October ‘Jo, 1807. THOMAS WALSH, Chaplain. 
 
 Holyoke, Mass , November 26, 1867. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — dents : The Bell cast by you for the 2d Baptist Church 
 in this town, was duly received, with mountings for the same. We have tried it 
 for several weeks past, and I am happy to say we are much pleased with it. The 
 castings are smooth, and have a workmanlike finish. The tone of the Bell is 
 very sweet and musical ; 1 think it the best toned Bell that 1 ever heard. Its 
 weight is three thousand seven hundred and sixty-five pounds, and it has been 
 heard very distinctly at a distance of ten miles. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, &c., PORTER UNDERWOOD. 
 
 St. Mary's Church, Muskegon, Mich., \ 
 
 November 26, 1867. J 
 
 Dear Sirs : I am happy to inform you that the Bell bought of your famous 
 firm gives full satisfaction to my congregation, and the whole city. All admire 
 its sweet, clear, and fine tone. 
 
 REV. H. REIVERS, Pastor St. Mary’s. 
 
 Sugar Grove, Pa., December 2, 1867. 
 
 Gents: The Bell I purchased of you on the 13th of November, for the 1st 
 Congregational Society in this town, was received in good condition a few days 
 afterwards It is now in the tower of the meeiing-house, and was rung last Sab- j j 
 bath to the satisfaction of all parties interested in its purchase. Its tone is clear, 
 its vibration long and distinct. There is also melody in it. Music good enough 
 for anybody to walk to church with. I subscribe myseif. 
 
 Yours, &e, D. T. GEAR. 
 
 Windham Centre, N. Y., December 2, 1867. 
 
 Jones & Co. — Sirs : We have received the Bell, and in good order. Much 
 obliged for your promptness. The Bell is fine, and has been heard eight (8) 
 miles in different directions. 
 
 Yours, &c., A. C. MOREHOUSE, Pastor. 
 
 Syracuse, N. Y., December 10, 1867. 
 
 Dear Sirs : I was in the Mission at Colosse last Sunday. The whole congre- 
 gation is very conteuted with the new Bell procured at your Foundry ; and I beg 
 to acknowledge my entire satisfaction. 
 
 (Very Rev.) F. DEHM, C. G. O. M. C. 
 
 Clinton, Wis., December 11, 1867. 
 
 W. Irving Hartshorn, Esq. writes : The tone of the Bell sent the 22d, is 
 rich, full and melodious, with long vibrations. It has the genuine ring ; we think 
 it one of the very best bells of its size in the West. 
 
 Lisle, N. Y., December 13, 1867. 
 
 Messrs. Glezen & Livermore, write : The Bell arrived all right, and gives 
 good satisfaction. 
 
 Sawyersville, P. Q., Canada, Dec. 17, 1867. 
 
 Rev. A. Gillies, writes : The Bell has just been received and this day put in 
 place. It satisfies all parties. 
 
46 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Woodstock, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1867. 
 
 Jokes & Co. — Gents : Enclosed please find amount of the Bell for the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal Church, in this place. We have the Bell rung and it gives good 
 satisfaction. It answers your recommend and our expectations. 
 
 Yours, &c., ESLEY SHULTIS, Rec. Sec. 
 
 Wilmington, Del., December 30, 1867. 
 
 Joseph Bickta, Esq., Trustee for St. Peter’s Church, writes : From what may 
 be judged so far we are more than pleased. 
 
 Stone Ridge, N. Y., December 30, 1867. 
 
 Rev. Chas. Palmer, writes : The new Bell is a good one. I believe all are 
 pleased with it. • 
 
 “The Christian Chdrch,’’ Newark, N. J., Jan. 4, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. : The Bell you cast for us. under the direction of Mr. 
 Devinnv, is all that we could wish. It lias a rich, full tone, that lingers in the 
 air as if loth to depart. We prefer it to the “Opposition” Bells, of which there 
 are three or four in this place. The reverberation of one stroke of your Bell 
 remain while they are making three strokes on a Bell of about the same weight 
 as ours. You may refer any one desirous of purchasing a Bell to us, and be sure 
 of a hearty recommend. 
 
 Yours, truly, GEO. E. SHELDON, 1 
 
 G. W. DANIELS. [ Trustees. 
 
 D. W. LOVEJOY. ) 
 
 Archibald, Luz. Co , Pa., January 15, 1868. 
 
 Jones & Co. — Gentlemen : I wish to inform you that the last Bell sent us 
 gives general satisfaction, and wish you all the success, which 1 am certain your 
 experience as manufacturers and gentlemanly treatment of customers must 
 necessarily secure for you. I am gentlemen, respectfully, &c , 
 
 Yours, J. LOUGHRAN, Pastor. 
 
 Sergeantsville, N. J., January 22, 1868. 
 
 Rev. R. Thomas, writes : The congregation is much pleased with the Bell. 
 
 Freeport, 111., January 28, 1868. 
 
 Rev. F. A. Read, writes : The citizens were taken by surprise when the Bell 
 was first rung. It please! all. It is larger than any Bell in the city. The pro- 
 longation of sound or tone is splendid. It was heard six miles very distinct the 
 first time rung. The remark of one of our papers was, “that the Bell was 
 far superior to anything of the kind ever heard in this city.” The church are 
 well pleased. 
 
 Peru, N. Y., March 24, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : You have our thanks for your indulgence. 
 We have a splendid Bell. Our people are well pleased with it. 
 
 Yours, truly, H. F. MARTIN. 
 
 Berlin, Holmes Co., O., March 20, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : The Bell arrived safe, and was placed in the 
 tower. It proves entirely satisfactory. 
 
 By order of the Trustees. GEORGE A. BLACK, Sexton. 
 
 Millersburgh, O., April 6, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : We are highly pleased with the Bell and for 
 the expeditious manner in which you have filled our ord<u\ and for your honora- 
 ble and gentlemanly conduct in the matter you have our hearty thanks. 
 
 Yours, truly, T. C. WARNER, Pastor M. E. Church. 
 
TROY HELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 47 
 
 South Ackworth, N. H., May 18, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : We received the Bell all right last Saturday 
 and safely raised it to its place in one hour from its arrival. The people are all 
 delighted with its tone. It is real music to hear it ring, and can be heard three 
 miles from here, anu on a favorable day much farther. We feel very grateful 
 for your promptness and dispatch in furnishing the Bell. 
 
 Respectfully, J. A. WOOD. 
 
 Unionville, N. Y., May 15, 1868. 
 
 M essrs. Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs: The new Bell from your Foundry, came to 
 hand all right and is now hanging in our Belfry. So far as tested, its tone is 
 entirely satisfactory. With many thanks for the uniform courtesy and scrupulous 
 regard to honor which you have shown in all our dealings, I assure you we shall 
 take pleasure in recommending your firm to all who may want to purchase Bells. 
 
 Yours truly, LEWIS TUTHILL. 
 
 Kiantone, N. Y., May 4, 1868. 
 
 Messrs Jones & Co. — Gents: The bell you sent us was some time on the 
 way. It is now in the Belfry in use. The Bell is what we desired. The casting 
 perfect, the tone faultless the vibration long and clear. All are pleased. 
 
 Yours truly, M. A. HALLOCK. 
 
 Ovid, Mich., May 14, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : I have great pleasure in stating that the Bell 
 purchased of you gives general satisfaction. For richness of tone, long vibration 
 and sweet musical sound it cannot be surpassed. 
 
 Yours very truly, W. H. FAXTON. 
 
 Pemberton, N. J., June 15, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co — Gents : We have succeeded in bringingout the qualities 
 of the Bell to admiration. It is heard six miles in ordinary times, under very 
 favorable circumstances it has been heard ti n miles. That we think good enough. 
 
 Yours, &c„ WILLIAM MALSBURY. 
 
 Crown Point Centre, June 22, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : The Bell is hung and rings finely. In clear- 
 ness of tone and distance heard it excels our anticipations, being heard five or 
 six miles over our hilly country, although located in a deep and narrow ravine ; 
 our people are all well pleased with the Bell. Wishing you success in your 
 business, I am, Yours, &c., M. FULLER. 
 
 Hubbardston, Mich., August 29, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : The Bell for the M. E. Church of this village 
 arrived in good order, and it has been placed in the tower of the church, and the 
 people are well pleased with its tones and mechanism. We only regret we did 
 not get one much heavier. 
 
 Yours truly, N. F. ROGERS. 
 
 Rondout, N. Y., August 13, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. .Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs : Our Bell is a town talk here. Friends and 
 strangers are delighted with its tone. 
 
 Yours, &c., WM. M. CHIPP, Pastor. 
 
 Montpelier, September 23, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : The Bell gives excellent satisfaction, and will 
 be a credit to your firm. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 A. G. BUTLER. 
 
48 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 
 
 Bristol, R. I., October 14, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Go. — Gents : If anybody in this section wishes to know 
 what s 'rt of a Bell you make, send them here. Onrs is a beauty. I have not 
 heard th it any one has worshiped it yet; but everybody is very much pleased 
 with it To say it is universally admitted to be the best Bell in town, is only 
 negative commendation. I have yet to see or hear of the first person who is hot 
 satisfied with it. And I might truthfully use stronger language. I write this 
 because I know you will wish to hear how it goes after a trial. 
 
 Truly yours, D. A. WHEDON, Pastor. 
 
 Pawling, N. Y., October 22, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : The Bell came to hand safely, and pleased all 
 who saw it. We raised it yesterday without accident or difficulty. The tone 
 appears to be excellent, and I think it will g've very general satisfaction. 
 
 Yours, most respectfully, J. W. MACOMBER. 
 
 Sagetown, Henderson Co., III., October, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs: Enclosed please find remittance for the 
 excellent Bell which you sent us. It came in good order, and is now placed in 
 the tower “To warn the living,” and "toll for tne dead.’’ Its clear, sweet tones 
 broke into the monotony of onr valley town on the past Sabbath, and many 
 strange fae -s were found in church. I have heard nothing, thus far, but praise 
 of tone and beauty of finish. I hope this will be the means of introducing the 
 firm of Jones & Co to Henderson, and all the adjoining counties. Every ctiurch 
 should have one of your Bells. 
 
 Yours truly, in behalf of the 1st Presbyterian Church and community. 
 
 M. KIERY, Pastor. 
 
 Starksboro, Vt., October 5, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — The Bell anJ fixtures came in good order. On the 1st 
 inst. the Bell was presented to the church. After a few appropriate remarks the 
 motion was male and expressed, that the donor first ring the Bell. The 
 wishes of the people were then gratified by the rich sound produced by their 
 beautiful Bell, and we are all much pleased with it. Please accept the best 
 wishes of, 
 
 Yours truly, BENJ. L. KNIGHT. 
 
 Boston, Mass., October 22, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents: The tone of the Bell is very much like i. 
 
 Yours truly, C. 8. DAVIS. 
 
 Sooth Royalton, Vt., October 20, 1868. 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : We have been waiting to see how the pe p e 
 like the Bell, and find it gives universal satisfaction. It is a splendid toned Bell. 
 Will write farther in a few days. (See page 49.) 
 
 Yours truly, M. S. ADAMS’. 
 
 Memphis, N. Y., November 26, 1868. 
 
 Messrs, Jones & Co. — Gents: The Bell has arrived, a d been hung. It 
 gives general satisfaction ; has a beautiful vibration, and is musical in its tone. 
 Receive our thanks. 
 
 Yours respectfully, Eld. A. J. WELTON. 
 
 Valparaiso, Ind., November 28, 1868 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. -Gents : The Bell was received, and with little unavoid- 
 able delay was put into the tower. It gives satisfaction in all respects. 
 
 Yours, &c., THOS. B. WOOD. 
 
 Noank, Ct., November 5. 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents ; Our Bell, which you hung for us about one 
 year age, gives good satslaction to all of us. Its fine tone and long vibration 
 attracts as much attention now as when first hung. 
 
 Yours, &c., H. V. JONES, Pastor. 
 
TROY HELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 49 
 
 n 
 
 Stakksboho, Vt., November 18, 1808. 
 
 Messrs. Junes & Co. — Gents : Our Bell came to hand last week, and we have 
 got it raised to its |>lacb in the tower. It gives good satisfaction, and every one 
 speaks in its praise. 
 
 Yours truly, O. D. BALDWIN. 
 
 Cranberry, N. J., November 3, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs : l sit down this morning to return you a 
 vote of thanks for sending us so promptly the best Bell I ever remember to have 
 heard. The Bell arrived on Thursday, the 28th of October, and was raised to its 
 proper position in our new tower the following day and rung for half an hour to 
 the entire satisfaction of the town and country for miles around, and some are in 
 ecstaeies over it. It has a very clear, rich tone, with long vibrations. It is a 
 complete success. It is said to be the best bell in town, and it is thought by 
 some that it cau be In ard at a greater distance than the Heightstown Bell, which 
 weighs 300(1 pounds, and the weight of our Bell is only 1063. 
 
 Yours most respectfully, J. H STOCKTON, Pastor. 
 
 Magog, Quebec, November 8, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs : I have the pleasure to announce that the 
 Bell we bought from you has safely arrived, and it seems to prove satisfactory to 
 all the congregation. I remain, 
 
 Y'our ob’t servant, Rev. F. Z. MONDORS. 
 
 P uus, Ontario, November 2, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Dear Sirs: The Bell arrived here on the 20th, and 
 shortly after we got it into the Bell fry. We are well pleased with the Bell ; the 
 tone is full and clear, and the vibration prolonged, and for its size, we think it a 
 good one. Yours very truly, JAMES ROBERTSON, 
 
 Minister, River St. Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Royalton, Vt., December 14, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gentlemen : The Bell gives good satisfaction. It has 
 a sweet mellow tone, and is quite as powerful as we could expect considering its 
 weight. With many thanks for your promptness and courtesy, I remain, 
 
 Very truly yours, HENRY H. DENNISON. 
 
 Norfolk, N. Y., December 22, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co.— Gents : We are grateful to you for kindness in sending 
 us such a good Bell, which we feel proud of. 
 
 S. F. DANFORTH. 
 
 Hartland, Lewiston Co., Mich., December 31, 1868. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gents : I have delayed writing about the Bell for the 
 First Congregational Church until now, that I might hear it ring from its per- 
 manent resting place. For one of its weight (835 lbs.,) I now have the pleasure 
 of saying, that in clearness, sweetness and fullness of sound, it more than meets 
 the expectations of all. Please accept the good wishes of the donators to this 
 enterprise. The manufacturers of such kind of Bells as ours may be assured of 
 success in so doing. 
 
 Respectfully, HENRY' P. CROUSE. 
 
 South Royalton, Vt., Jan. 4. 1869. 
 
 M. S. ADAMS and others, write : The Hell you made for us weighing 1040 
 pounds, we have had in our tower for three months ; it is the sweetest and best 
 toned Bell we ever saw. We do not lies tate in saying that we think it is the 
 best Bell in this State for its size. It is spoken very highly of by every one, and 
 does much credit to you as manufacturers. We cheerfully recommend your bells 
 to any one wishing to purchase a bell. 
 
 7 
 
50 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 East Saginaw, Mich., Jan. 4, 1869. 
 
 REV. H. L. MOREHOUSE writes: The new bell reached here about a week 
 ago ; it is very generally liked, and gives good satisfaction. I like it very much, 
 at a distance as well as near by ; we are well pleased with it, and obliged to you 
 for the gentlemanly treatment we have received from you. 
 
 Madrid, N. Y., Jan. 5, 1869. 
 
 MR. VVM. L. READ writes: The bell I bought of you for the First M. E. 
 Church, weighing 1045 lbs., is more than a success ; the soft, pleasant tone, and 
 long vibration pleases all, every thing said in its praise, and nothing has been 
 heard against it. It has been heard seven (7) miles ; also the school bell weighing 
 108 pounds, gives entire satisfaction. They are nut able to keep the sound thereof 
 within the bounds of the district , which bounds are large in this county. 
 
 Amherst, Mass., Jan. 6, 1869. 
 
 MR. O. D. HUNT writes : The 2300 pounds bell sent us is a splendid one, 
 and is improving every day in purity and sweetness of tone. The only bad tone 
 it has is when the clapper strikes on the unpaid side, but we will remedy that 
 by one turn more with the wrench. 
 
 New York, Jan. 15, 1869. 
 
 MORRIS A. TYNG, Esq., writes : The bell gives universal satisfaction, every 
 one expressing surprise at its power for so small a bell. 
 
 Indsor, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1869. 
 
 MR C. E. NORRIS writes : I do not know of a single question, on which the 
 people of this town are so united as in praising our bell. 
 
 Christ Church Rectory, Bay Ridge, L. I , Feb. 9, 1869. 
 
 REV. J. A. ASPINWALL writes : The bell arrived in very good time, and 
 was fixed in our tower at 12 minutes before twelve on Saturday. We struck it 
 at mid-day ; the tone is magnificent, solemn and sweet, the vibrations are pro- 
 longed, and it gives perfect satisfaction. Permit me to thank you for the dis- 
 patch with which you executed our order; the business-like manner with which 
 you attended to and accomplished this quick work is as creditable to you. as is 
 the workmanship and quality of the bell, aud these two things taken together, 
 constitute all that can be asked for in your department of labor. 
 
 Old Town, Me., Feb. 18, 1869. 
 
 REV. NATHANIEL BUTLER writes : The bell is a very fine one, and proves 
 to be one of the best in this country. 
 
 Worcester, Vt., February 15, 1869. 
 
 C. C. ABBOTT, Esq., P. M., writes : We received the bell and hangings, all 
 in good order, on the 12th. We raised it to the belfry on Saturday, and have 
 heard it ring Sabbath day, and, as far as 1 have heard expressions in regard to it 
 it has been unanimously pronounced very good. Thanking you for your prompt- 
 ness in your deal with me, 1 will speak a good word for your Company whenever 
 I have the opportunity. 
 
 New York, Feb. 9, 1869. 
 
 J. A. PERRY, Esq., writes: The bell which the Reverend J. A. Aspinwall 
 ordered for Christ Church, Bay Ridge, was duly received, and was rung for the 
 first time on Sunday, the 7th instant. It is universally admired for the beauty of 
 : i’-e casting, its musical tone, and for the remarkable prolongation and singing 
 ,uality of its tone. But of this Mr. Aspinwall will write you more fully. (See 
 letter of Rev. J. A. Aspinwall.) 
 
 New Hanover, Pa„ Feb. 16, 1869. 
 
 MR. F. BRENDLINGER writes: The bell has arrived and put into the 
 steeple, and, so far, seems to give general satisfaction. 1 think it is a good one, 
 and will write more about it hereafter if desired. Yours, &c. 
 
 Santee Agency, Neb., March 30, 1869. 
 
 REV. S. D. HINMAN writes : The bell came here in September last, and was 
 hung in our tower. It is of clear, sweet tone, and can be heard eight miles in a 
 clear day. Yours, &c. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 51 
 
 Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., March 23, 1869. 
 
 R. C. EATON, Esq., writes : The new bell, with its mountings, reached us in 
 safety Saturday, 13th inst. The bell is a good one, and 1 think will prove satis- 
 factory, &c. The new bell is for the Baptist Church, which I have procured at 
 my own expense, and if I live seventeen days longer 1 shall be 73 years old. 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 Sodus, YVayne Co., N. Y., March 1, 1869. 
 
 MR. GEOROE MIDDLETON writes: The bell I ordered of you for the 
 Centennary M. E. Church came to hand, in due time, all safe. The bell has 
 given great satisfaction ; its tone is all we could wish for — soft, clear, and melo- 
 dious, and can be heard at a great distance. I believe every one is satisfied. We 
 have an opposition bell here which is claimed to be one of the best in the State. 
 Every one admits that the tone of ours is as good, and can be heard farther than 
 that. 
 
 Waoseon, Ohio, March 6, 1869. 
 
 J. Q. RIDDLE, Esq., writes : I have delayed writing you until now in order 
 to ascertain, if I could, whether the citizens and congregation were satisfied with 
 the bell. It is conceded to be a better bell than the one recently purchased at 
 Cincinnati for another church in this place. 
 
 St. George’s Chdrch, Lee, Mass., March 15, 1869. 
 
 REV. WM. C. WINSLOW writes: The bell has very rich, sonorous, musical 
 notes. It makes a prolonged sound that is remarkable, indicating the great 
 purity of the composition. It is a powerf ul bell, having a range of miles for its 
 tones, and yet it is perfectly agreeable to those living within a quarter of a mile 
 of the church. It fills the air with delicious music. It is a real pleasure to hear 
 such a pure toned, sweet voiced bell. These are the sentiments of our people, 
 and, indeed, of the community. Congratulations pour in from all sides. Many 
 say it is the best bell they ever heard, and within hearing of it are eight or ten 
 other bells. Your great bell on the Congregational tower (made ten years ago) 
 is a very fine and powerful one. The two bells produce a fine effect. They were 
 rung together, for the first time, last Sunday. 
 
 For myself I can add this : I have heard the finest bells of various countries, 
 and some of the celebrated chimes of the world, and I have yet to hear a bell 
 that surpasses this one in all essential requisites. It is simply faultless. I can 
 only express surprise (in common with others) that a bell of less than 1,000 
 pounds weight has such power. I would not be willing to return you the bell 
 for re-casting if half the cost of the bell were presented us by you. I make 
 these commendations freely, and of my own free will. In conclusion, I congrat- 
 ulate you, and remain very truly yours, &c., &c. 
 
 Rectory “ Church of Faith,” ) 
 
 Mahonoy City, Pa., April 1, 1869. ) 
 
 REV. HENRY S. GETZ writes : The bell ordered from you reached us safely 
 on Saturday morning, 27th ult., and was hung, in time for trial, the same day. 
 The tone of it, thus far, proves entirely satisfactory, and I have not the least 
 doubt it will continue to do so. Truly yours, &c. 
 
 Syracuse, N. Y., April 12, 1869. 
 
 D. HOTCHKISS, Esq., writes : The bell I purchased of you for the Park 
 Presbyterian Church of this city, I fully i elieve, gives universal satisfaction. 
 All seem well pleased with it in all respects. I think it is superior to all others 
 in this city. 
 
 Grand Rapids, Mich., April 3, 1869. 
 
 REV. J. C. PULCHER, Pastor St. Andrews Catholic Church, writes : We 
 have received our new bell, and I am proud to say that it not only gives satis- 
 faction to me ami the congregation to which it belongs, but it is an honor and 
 pride to our entire city. It has a much more pleasant and sweet tone than the 
 old one. The bell is the pride of the valley city, and is the largest bell west of 
 Detroit belonging to any church. 
 
52 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Lundy’s Lane, Pa., April 22, 1869. 
 
 MR. J. E. WELLS writes : The bell is a good one, and lias been heard at a 
 distance of seven miles, and all speak well of its good tone and sound. 
 
 Rhinebeck, N. Y., April 5, 1869. 
 
 MR. G. A. CRAMER, Foreman Pocahontas Engine Co., writes: We received 
 the bell on Saturday, and immediately had the pleasure of having our curiosity 
 gratified, and we rejoiced we had so fine a toned bell. To say the least, it is per- 
 fectly satisfactory, and the tone is very much a imired by all, not only our Com- 
 pany but the citizens generally. Please accept the well-wishes of Pocahontas 
 Engine Co., and may you always succeed as well as you have in our case is the 
 wish of> Yours truly. 
 
 Harrisburg, Aug. 28, 1869. 
 
 Messrs. Jones & Co. — Gentlemen: The chime of eleven (11) bells which 
 you cast and placed in the steeple of the First English Lutheran Churon of this 
 city, gives entire satisfaction to our congregation, and we think to the whole 
 community. 
 
 The casting of each, for smoothness and elegance of finish, together with their 
 beautiful symmetry, make them at once perfect gems. The tone of each bell is 
 exceedingly sweet, the chording is perfect, and when played together produces 
 the most delightful harmony imaginable ; so much so. indeed, ns to have given 
 rise to the remark, by connoisseurs, that they are not surpassed by any chime of 
 bells in this country having the same number of bells and weight of metal. 
 The mountings, and mode of ringing, also deserve especial notice. Although 
 the keys are about fi ity-five (55) feet below the bells, they can be played with 
 the greatest ease. 
 
 To any parties, therefore, desiring a bell, or chime of bells, we can, f rom our 
 ! experience, commend, with all confidence, not only the superiority of your bells, 
 but your mode of doing business, knowing, as we do, that what you promise 
 must and will be fulfilled. Thanking you for many favors, and wishing you 
 increased prosperity, we are, 
 
 Yours in harmony, 
 
 WM. SAYFORD, | ~ 
 
 JNO. P. KELLER, j G C 
 
 W. Knocjie, Organist First English Lutheran Church. 
 
 Nevada, Ohio, May 27, 1869. 
 
 REV. B A. DISNEY writes : Our bell came to hand early Saturday morning 
 last. We anxiously waited and watched all the week for its appearance, and 
 greatly feared disappointment. But through the kindness and efforts of our 
 railroad agent here the bell was delivered to us on the morning of the day before 
 dedication. We went right to work, and when evening came it was in its place 
 in the belfry, and ready to be rung on Sabbath morning. The exercises all 
 passed off pleasantly, and we think were made much more interesting by the 
 ringing of our bell. We are much pleased with “ our beU.” Its tone and vibra- 
 tions, &c., we think can scarcely be excelled. It seems, indeed, to be just the 
 bell we wanted, for its size, style, and finish corresponds perfectly with the size, 
 &c., of our church. W e are greatly pleased, and think that the bell reflects credit 
 on the '■ Troy Bell Foundry." 
 
 Sharon, Conn., Feb. 19, 1869. 
 
 REV. C. M. EGLESTON writes : The bell purchased from you for the M. E. 
 Church here came to hand on Wednesday last, and was raised the same day. 
 The smoothness and perfection of the casting has been a subject of general remark. 
 The tone gives universal satisfaction. Some feared our tower would be found 
 insufficient for so heavy a bell, but owing to your complete arrangements for 
 hanging, scarcely a vibration is felt when standing close beside it. You may 
 consider our satisfaction complete. Yours respectfully, &c. 
 
 Weight of bell, 1246. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 53 
 
 Fall River, Mass., May 19, 1809. 
 
 AUGUSTUS CHASE, Esq., writes : The bell arrived in good order, and we 
 have put it into the church belfry. It sounds well, and does credit to you as 
 manufacturers of the same. It is a good improvement to the church and village, 
 and suits me well. Yours, &c. 
 
 Kindekhook, N. Y., June 19, 1809. 
 
 P. E. VAN ALSTYNE, Esq., writes : The bell you furnished for our church 
 is giving the very best satisfaction, and is heard tor many miles in every direc- 
 tion. My residence is two miles from the church, and 1 can distinctly hear the 
 town clock, the hammer of which is attached to our bell. Our consistory will 
 give you any recommendation you may desire. Yours truly, &c. 
 
 Beamsville. C. W., June 23, 1869. 
 
 REV. R. B. MONTGOMERY writes : The bell has come safely and timely 
 to hand. Many toauks for your promptness. We swung the bell the very day 
 of its arrival, and rung it with the town bell at sis in the evening so as to try 
 their tones and volume oi sound together. But the town bell could only be 
 beard chiming in now and agaiu. Our bell drowns it entirely. The church and 
 congregation are much pleased, and your bells need no better advertisement in 
 the Niagara valley than the tine, sonorous tones of the one sent us. Yours 
 truly, lie. 
 
 Mitchell, Iowa, July 6, 1869. 
 
 D. G. FRISB1E, Esq., writes : The bell came to hand June 6tli, and was, as 
 soon as convenient, placed in the tower. It gives us good satisfaction, and is a 
 very clear, sweet toned, musical bell— the best these wilds have ever heard. 
 
 Lockpokt, N. Y\, July 9, D69. 
 
 REV. C. P. CLARK writes : The bell has just arrived, and “ it is a beauty.” 
 This church had an Amalgam bell. It broke and they lost all because it could 
 not be re-cast. The metal was worthless , and I have worked for a •* Troy Bell.” 
 Fraternally yours. 
 
 Church of “Our Lady,” / 
 
 Chestnut Hill, Phila., Pa., July 20, 1869. j’ 
 
 REV. J. ALEX. DARRAGH writes: I wish to get a bell, 1600 pounds, lor 
 my church. I bought one from you for the Catholic Church, Schaghticoke, N. 
 Y., which gave great satisfaction. Please ship me one as soon as possible. 
 Yours respectiully. 
 
 Herman, N. Y\, July 26, 1869. 
 
 REV. P. K. SHELDON writes : The bell arrived, in good order, on the 23d. 
 We mounted it on the 24th. 1 think the bell will prove entirely satis actory. It 
 
 was distinctly heard, on Sunday, three miles or moie. The tone is mild, clear, 
 and ric.i ; the vibrations long, &c. The mountings are une ceptionable. In- 
 deed, it hardly seems possible to make any improvements upon them. It is my 
 sincere wish that the bell may never break, for 1 fear we should hardly be able 
 to get a tone which would suit us as well. Standing near it one would not think 
 it a powerful bell ; but when you get away at a distance of three or four miles, 
 then its power is manifest. Wishing you success in yout business, I am very 
 truly yours, &c. 
 
 Jordanville, N. Y., Aug. 2, 1869. 
 
 MR. B. W. BARKER writes : The bell cast by you for the Warren Baptist 
 Church of this place was received on Friday, and raised on Saturday. Our suc- 
 cess was perfect — the simplicity and neatness of your mountings making their 
 adjustment perfectly easy The bell, in every respect, excites gen ral admiration, 
 and the popular verdict, in this section, is greatly in favor of Ji ne> & Co. [And 
 in a letter dated August 9th, the same writer says] : The bell continues to give 
 good satisfaction. It has been heard at Springfield Center, eight miles distant. 
 
 Weight of bell, 840 lbs. 
 
54 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Wellington, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1869. 
 
 MR. J. M. HOUGHTON writes: The bell has proved to be a very tine one. 
 Have heard a great many, but never heard a better one, and none 1 liked as well. 
 The tone is very rich aud mellow. With thanks for your kindness, Ac. 
 
 Stephentown, N. Y., Aug. 30, 1869. 
 
 MR. HORACE L. WHEELER writes : The bell arrived safe, and in due 
 time. We are very much pleased with it. It has a brilliant, free tone, long 
 vibration, and 1 do not think we could have suited ourselves better if we had 
 had twenty bells to select from. Very truly, &c. 
 
 Weight, 1023- — Key, A b . 
 
 Pine Grove Mills, Pa., Sept. 13, 1869. 
 
 REV. D. SELL writes : We have now a rope attached to the bell and it has 
 been rung quite a number of times, and the people are not only pleased but are 
 del lg . ted with it. Its sound is so soft and inviting that one old man, in his 
 admit ation, exclaimed, “ that sound is heavenly.” The bell rings very easy. I 
 rung it myself, and did it with one hand, and with the greatest ease. We all 
 thank you for senuing us such an excellent bell. Yours truly, Ac. 
 
 Burlington, Vt., Nov. 4, 1869. 
 
 D. J. WALKER. Esq., writes : The bell proves very satisfactory, and is one 
 of fine tone. Yours, very truly. 
 
INDEX 
 
 To the few letters of Recommendation, arranged according to the States and 
 Cities in alphabetical order for ready reference. 
 
 A Inbuma. 
 
 Huntsville, 
 
 Connecticut. 
 
 Danbury, 
 
 East Killingly, 
 
 Hartford 
 
 Middletown, 
 
 Noank 
 
 Sharon, 
 
 California. 
 
 Sonora, 
 
 Canada West. 
 
 Beamsville, 
 
 Milford 
 
 Paris, 
 
 Canada East. 
 
 Brorae Woods, 
 
 Magog 
 
 St. Johns, 
 
 St. Barthelemi, 
 
 Sawyersville, 
 
 Delaware. 
 
 Wilmington 
 
 District of Columbia. 
 
 Washington, 
 
 Iowa . 
 
 Anamosa 
 
 Blairstown 
 
 Charles City, 
 
 Davenport, 
 
 Knoxville, 
 
 Keokuk, 
 
 Lansing, 
 
 Mitchell, 
 
 Pella, 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 ... 37 
 
 ... 32 
 ... 38 
 ... 31 
 . .. 40 
 ... 48 
 ... 52 
 
 ... 35 
 
 ... 53 
 .. . 41 
 ... 49 
 
 ... 41 
 ... 49 
 
 33, 37 
 38, 42 
 ... 45 
 
 46 
 
 ... 36 
 
 ... 41 
 ... 42 
 ... 40 
 ... 36 
 ... 38 
 ... 38 
 ... 40 
 ... 53 
 ... 37 
 
 Freeport, . . 
 Mendota, .. 
 Napierville, 
 Sagetown, . 
 Waukegan, 
 
 Old Town, . 
 
 St. Louis, . . 
 
 Maine. 
 
 Missouri. 
 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Ashfield, 
 
 Amherst 
 
 Boston, 
 
 Cummington, 
 
 Danvers Port, 
 
 Fall River, 
 
 Holyoke, 
 
 Lee, 
 
 Pittsfield 
 
 Sandisfield, 
 
 Williamstown, 
 
 Rushford, 
 
 Minnesota. 
 
 Michigan. 
 
 Detroit, 
 
 East Saginaw, 
 
 Grand Rapids, 
 
 Hartlaud, 
 
 Hubbardston, 
 
 Hillsdale 
 
 Morenci, 
 
 Muskegon, 
 
 Ovid, 
 
 Saut Ste Marie, 
 
 New York. 
 
 Indiana. 
 
 Bristol, 
 
 Kendallville, 
 
 Valparaiso, 
 
 Illinois. 
 
 Aurora, 39, 
 
 Belleville, 
 
 Bourbonnois Grove, 
 
 39 
 37 
 48 
 
 41 
 
 36 
 
 40 
 
 Albany, 
 
 Becket, 
 
 Bouckville, 
 
 Big Flatts, 
 
 Bay Ridge, L. I., 
 
 Crown Point, 
 
 Dansville, 
 
 Dunkirk, 
 
 ... 46 
 ... 41 
 ... 40 
 ... 48 
 ... 31 
 
 ... 50 
 
 ... 37 
 
 ... 35 
 . .. 50 
 ... 48 
 ... 37 
 38, 41 
 ... 53 
 . .. 45 
 .. . 51 
 
 . . 32 
 
 ... 33 
 ... 38 
 
 39 
 
 ... 34 
 .. 50 
 
 ... 51 
 
 ... 49 
 ... 47 
 . .. 32 
 
 ... 32 
 
 .43, 45 
 . .. 47 
 37, 38 
 
 ... 45 
 ... 31 
 ... 32 
 
 ... 42 
 
 ... 50 
 ... 47 
 ... 39 
 ... 44 
 
56 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY 
 
 East Candor, 
 
 Edinburgh, 
 
 Fort Plain, 
 
 Herman, 
 
 Jamestown, 
 
 Jordausville, 
 
 Kingsboro, 
 
 Kiantone, 
 
 Kinderhook 
 
 Lansingburgh, 
 
 Lisle, 
 
 Lockport, 
 
 Memphis, 
 
 Madrid, 
 
 New York, 
 
 Newark, 
 
 North Hector, 
 
 Norfolk 
 
 Oriskany, 
 
 Palmyra, 
 
 Patchogue, L. I., 
 
 Purdy's Station, 
 
 Peru 
 
 Pawling, 
 
 Iiichville 
 
 Khinebeck, 
 
 Rouse's Point, 
 
 Redfield, 
 
 Roudout, 
 
 Susquehanna Depot. 
 
 Syracuse, 
 
 Stone Ridge, 
 
 Springville, 
 
 Sodus, 
 
 Stcphentown, 
 
 Sandy Hill 
 
 Troy, 
 
 Union Centre, 
 
 Unionville 
 
 Whitesville 
 
 Windham Centre, . . . 
 Woodstock 
 
 North Carolina. 
 
 Windsor, 
 
 Nebraska. 
 
 Santee Agency, 
 
 New Jersey. 
 
 Bridgeton, 
 
 Cranberry, 
 
 Elizabethtown 
 
 Elizabethport, 
 
 Iveyport, 
 
 Newark, 
 
 Perth Amboy, 
 
 Pemberton, 
 
 Southold 
 
 Seargcntsville 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 ... 34 
 
 43 
 
 33 
 
 53 
 
 42 
 
 53 
 
 40 
 
 47 
 
 53 
 
 44 
 
 45 
 
 53 
 
 48 
 
 50 
 
 31, 50, 50 
 
 33 
 
 43 
 
 49 
 
 42 
 
 40 
 
 41 
 
 42 
 
 46 
 
 48 
 
 34 
 
 .36, 43. 52 
 
 43, 44 
 
 43 
 
 4 
 
 43 
 
 .43, 45, 51 
 
 46 
 
 51 
 
 51 
 
 . 54 
 
 35 
 
 39, 39 
 
 42 
 
 4’ 
 
 34 
 
 42, 45 
 
 .... 46 
 
 Charlestown, 
 
 Portsmouth, 39, 
 
 South Ackworth, 47 
 
 Nova Scotia. 
 
 Bridgewater, 4p 
 
 New Hampshire. 
 
 PAGE. 
 .. 42 
 
 42 
 
 Ohio. 
 
 Avon, 
 
 Berlin, 
 
 Elyria, .42, 
 
 Liverpool, 
 
 Millersburg 
 
 Nevada, 
 
 Oberlin, 39, 
 
 Wauseon, 
 
 Windsor, 
 
 Wellington, 
 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Archibald 
 
 Beudersville, 
 
 Franklin, 
 
 Harrisburg, 
 
 Lundy's Lane 
 
 Le Roy, 
 
 Mahonoy City, 
 
 Millersburg 35, 
 
 Miftinsburg, 
 
 New Hanover, 
 
 Philadelphia, 33, 40, 41, 
 
 Pine Grove Mills 
 
 Saloua 
 
 Sugar Grove, 
 
 Wyalusing, 
 
 York 
 
 Rhode Island. 
 
 Providence, . 
 Bristol, 
 
 Vermont. 
 
 43, 
 
 .37 
 
 Bradford, 
 
 Burlington,. . . 
 
 Castletou 
 
 East Rutland, 
 
 Montpelier, . . 
 
 Northfield 
 
 Pittsfield, 
 
 Roxbury 
 
 Rovalton 
 
 Shelburu, 
 
 Starksboro, 48, 
 
 South Royalton,... 48, 
 
 Worcester, 
 
 33 
 46 
 43 
 35 
 46 
 52 
 
 42 
 
 51 
 
 50 
 54 
 
 46 
 
 43 
 42 
 
 52 
 
 52 
 
 39 
 
 51 
 
 40 
 
 42 
 
 50 
 
 53 
 
 54 
 38 
 45 
 
 34 
 34 
 
 38 
 
 48 
 
 43 
 
 51 
 
 41 
 43 
 
 47 
 37 
 
 39 
 
 42 
 
 49 
 
 43 
 49 
 
 49 
 
 50 
 
 Wisconsin. 
 
 36 Clinton, 45 
 
 .32, 85, 46 Delavau 40 
 
 40 Fond du Lac 36 
 
 47, Milwaukee 35 
 
 34! Portage 35 
 
 46|sparta, 30 
 
TROY HELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 .07 
 
 HISTORY OF BELLS. 
 
 There is a history connected with the art of the manufacture 
 of bells which is worthy of note to any one interested in the 
 development and improvement of the mechanical arts, to meet 
 the requirements of man, and to gratify his desire for excellence 
 and perfection. True, the founding of bells is not a process as 
 complicated as the manufacture of a watch or a steam engine, 
 yet its capacity or power for the accomplishment of the result 
 designed — producing agreeable and pleasing vibrations when 
 struck with the hammer — requires the exercise of skill and the 
 nicest discrimination, as the delicacjq exactness, and perfect 
 adjustment of that most sensitive of all human organs or senses, 
 the ear, is to be pleased or displeased by its sound / and in its 
 capacity or power to produce perfect, or even agreeable sounds, 
 lies its whole utility. The first manufacture of these sonorous 
 instruments was necessarily very imperfect — little better than 
 common kettles, indeed — since nothing was known of that nice 
 and exact combination of metals prepared and proportioned 
 with reference to the effect of each and all upon the sound pro- 
 duced; the shaping of the instrument to modify and improve 
 the vibrations; the degree of elevation, and kind of tower — all 
 affecting the sound. It was left to the genius of a later day to 
 develop these scientific facts, and their relation to the efficiency 
 and construction of the bell. 
 
 As to the exact origin of bells, history has given no definite 
 account. The sonorous properties of certain metals and com- 
 binations of metals was known at a very early period, though 
 the bell as known to our time is not an instrument of so great 
 
 o i 
 
 8 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 58 
 
 
 antiquity. Small tinkling instruments are mentioned by the 
 old Hebrew writers as having been used as ornaments or appen- 
 dages to the dress or tunics worn by the high-priests, and 
 persons of distinction, but as to their shape nothing definite 
 has been recorded. The origin of the name is from the old 
 Saxon word bellan , to bawl or bellow. The Hebrew word 
 translated by the English word bell is susceptible of other 
 translations. It meant any instrument that made a tinkling 
 sound, and hence the instruments attached to the robes of 
 priests to give notice of their approach to the sanctuary, were 
 probably ornamental contrivances, which made a noise when 
 they were moved. In those instruments, however, whatever 
 shape they may have had, we have the origin of the principle of 
 the bell. The bell is used to this day, in Roman Catholic coun- 
 tries, for a similar purpose to that recorded in scripture ; especi- 
 ally is it now used by the priest as he proceeds to render the rite 
 of extreme unction to the soul that is passing away ; and so when 
 the bell is tinkled, in administering the sacrament, by the same 
 priest, it is in pursuance of a custom founded on the ancient 
 Hebrew use of it. Perhaps no instrument of music (for it is 
 ranked by musicians among the musical instruments of percus- 
 sion) is more intimately associated with the religious and imagin- 
 ative, as also with the most joyous and the saddest feelings of 
 mankind. A quaint old writer has described their threefold 
 duties thus : 
 
 
 To call the fold to church in time, 
 
 We chime. 
 
 When joy and mirth are on the wing, 
 We ring. 
 
 When we lament a departed soul, 
 
 We toll. 
 
 Those small bells were used in the early ages for civil, military 
 and religious purposes, and bells of a larger make are extensively 
 used in our day for civil and religious purposes also. The first 
 use of bells in Christian churches to call people to prayer or ser- 
 vice, of which we have any record, was by St. Paulinus, in 
 Campania, about the year 395 of the Christian Era, after which 
 it was gradually introduced into all churches of every denomi- 
 nation in the world. More or less sacredness, superstition and 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 59 
 
 importance were attached to them and their use. Bv the 
 Roman Catholics they are solemnly blessed, as they are con- 
 secrated to their holy work of summoning worshipers to their 
 religious rites. From the circumstance of the bell receiving 
 a name, and being washed with holy water, the ceremony is 
 frequently called the baptism ot bells. No form of baptism, 
 however, is used. There is something poetical, at the same 
 time playful, in the custom ot giving the bells sponsors, who 
 are usually persons who have presented the bells to the church 
 01 who contribute handsomely to the expense ot purchasing* it 
 at the time ot blessing. Chrism and oil are used in the cere- 
 mony of benediction, and in all the more solemn consecrations 
 ot utensils employed in the divine service. This consecration 
 ol bells dates back to a very early period. In Charlemagne’s 
 Capitulary ot 7ST, we find the prohibition “ ut cloccoe baptizen- 
 tur j and in the old liturgies ot the Catholic church is a 
 form of consecration directing the priests to wash the bell with 
 water, anoint it with oil, and mark it with the sign of the cross, 
 in the name ot the lrinity. 1 he practice ot naming bells was 
 also an early one — as tar back as 90S, when John XIII. named 
 the great bell ot the Lateran church, for himself, John. In j 
 Catholic churches is now in constant use what is denominated | 
 the Sanctus bell, a small instrument rung by an attendant just 
 previous to the elevation ot the Host, in order to fix the atten- 
 tion ot the people. It was formerly larger and hung in the 
 outer turret of the church, and was rung at the words “ Samcte 
 bthn i te, sancte, Dguh S cibbaoth , ’ when all the people within 
 hearing, in or out of church, w*ere enjoined to bow in adoration. 
 
 The Ave Maria bell was rung at fixed hours to remind all to 
 offer supplication to the Virgin, and to mark the hours of be- 
 ginning and cessation ol labor. The Vesper bell, immortalized 
 by poets, was the call to evening prayer; the Complin bell 
 summoned the people to the last religious services of the day. 
 
 The passing bell was rung among the ancient customs that those 
 who heard it might pray for the soul that was leaving the world, 
 and this practice gave rise to the superstition which gives the 
 bell a mysterious connection with departed spirits; and the be- 
 lie! has extensively prevailed that the evil spirits, waiting to 
 seize the stranger about entering their domain are driven off in 
 terror at its sound, and leave the neophyte an entrance free and 
 
60 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 unobstructed to the world of spirits, and at the gate of his own 
 choosing. From this old custom probably is derived that of 
 tolling bells at funerals, practiced in our days ; also that prac- 
 ticed in many localities of tolling the bell immediately after 
 death, the number of times of striking it indicating the age in 
 years of the deceased. It is also rung while the procession is 
 marching to the grave and the corpse is being lowered into the 
 ground. The bell was also used in Catholic churches during the 
 ceremony of excommunication. There were almost numberless 
 superstitions in connection with the bell many centuries ago : 
 disconcerting evil spirits, preventing eclipses, averting tem- 
 pests, preventing infections, abating lightnings, and many other 
 things equally absurd, as they were supposed to be caused by 
 evil spirits, who would be driven off by the sound of the bell. 
 
 Some historians tell us that William the Conqueror intro- 
 duced into England from France the custom of ringing the 
 Curfew bell, which “ tolled the hour of parting day.' 5 Others 
 say the good King Alfred introduced the custom. It consisted 
 of ringing a bell at eight or nine o’clock in the evening, when 
 every one was expected to extinguish fire and lights in the 
 house and retire. It was called Curfew from this latter circum- 
 stance, which is from the French words couvre feu, cover fire. 
 Hence, when at a later day, the ic Curfew tolled the knell of 
 parting day ” there was no reason why, in its origin or associa- 
 tions, one should feel especially sad. This practice of ringing 
 a bell at a certain hour was not peculiar to England, for it pre- 
 vailed to a considerable extent in all the countries on the conti- 
 nent; as the buildings were generally of wood, it was intended, 
 at a later period, as a precaution against fires, which were 
 common, and the arbitrary law of compelling all to retire was 
 abolished or gradually abandoned. The passing and curfew 
 bells are still represented in some New England and New York 
 villages ; the one, as a funeral procession slowly wends its way 
 to the graveyard, and the other, by the nine o’clock bell, which 
 hints to all the time for visiting to cease, and preparations to 
 be made for retiring — an hour later than in the time of William 
 the Conqueror, it is true, but yet, in general, an hour or two 
 too early, even for the quiet residents of New England towns. 
 
 As a signal to call people together to join in any concerted 
 action, the bell has been used from remote times ; the feast of 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 61 
 
 Osiris was announced by the ringing of bells, and the same 
 sound to this day notifies hungry mortals the time to join in 
 satisfying their appetite. The Romans announced the time of 
 bathing by ringing of bells; and the early Christians made use 
 of the method to designate the hour of prayer, a practice kept 
 up by Romani Catholics in the ringing of the Angelus at morn- 
 ning, noon and night, at the sound of which Catholics are 
 expected to join in this rite; and by the Protestant, in the 
 church-going bell, which summons him to devotion. In Britain 
 bells were applied to church purposes before the conclusion of 
 the seventh century, in the monastic societies of Northumbria, 
 and even as early as the sixth in those of Caledonia. They 
 were therefore used from the first erection of parish churches. 
 Those of France and England appear to have been furnished 
 with several bells. In France bells were sometimes made 
 of iron ; and in England, as formerly at Rome, they were 
 frequently made of brass. In times of public danger, the bells 
 were rung, and signal fires were burned to alarm the country ; 
 sometimes, also, they were employed to alarm the public enemy 
 as well, under the impression, apparently, that they would be 
 inspired with the same terror as the evil spirits waiting for their 
 victim. In the year 610, when Clothaire II., King of France 
 beseiged Sens, Lupus, the Bishop of Orleans, ordered for this 
 purpose the bells of St. Stephen’s to be rung; and as late as 
 1457, Calixtus III. employed the same device as a security 
 against the dreaded Osmans, who considered bells their most 
 dangerous foe; whence they were at times called Turk’s 
 bells. Among the Greeks, those who went the nightly rounds 
 in camps or garrisons, carried with them little bells, which they 
 rung at each sentry box, to see that the soldiers on watch were 
 awake. A codonophorus, or bellman also walked in funeral 
 processions some space in advance of the corpse, not only to 
 keep off the crowd, but to advertise the flamen dialis to keep 
 out of the way, lest he should be polluted by the sight, or by 
 the funerary music. The priest of Proserpine at Athens, called 
 hieroj)hantes, rung the bell to call the people to sacrifice. There 
 were also bells in the houses of great men, to call the servants 
 in the morning. Zonaras informs us that bells were suspended 
 along with whips on the triumphal chariots of victorious gen- 
 erals, in order to put them in mind that they were still liable to 
 
62 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 public justice. Bells were also put on the necks of criminals 
 going to execution, that persons might be warned by the noise 
 to avoid so ill an omen as the sight of the hangman, or the 
 condemned criminal, who was devoted to the dii manes. We 
 find in history meution of bells on the necks of brutes ; and 
 taking them away was construed theft by the civil law. The 
 custom in the United States of putting bells <m cows, sheep, 
 cVc., to prevent their straying away, doubtless grew out ot this 
 practice of the ancients. 
 
 In our cities alarm bells are rung to an extent our ancestors 
 never dreamed of; and their sound, grown familiar to our ears, 
 no longer inspires terror, as it calls the firemen to their duties. 
 In the quaint old rhymes of the monks, and the songs of the 
 poets, which commemorate the uses ot the bell, this modern 
 application of it is not alluded to. Their various early uses have 
 been summed up in the following old distich: 
 
 Laudo Deurn verum, plebem voco, congrego clerum, Defunctos ploro, pestem 
 fiigo, festa decoro. 
 
 Schiller, however, in his celebrated “ Song ot the Bells, ’ the 
 motto of which is: 
 
 Vivos voco, mortuos plango, fulgura Irango, 
 
 does not omit to notice this fear-inspiring sound. Indeed, in 
 this beautiful poem, all the joys, sorrows, pangs, emotions, ter- 
 rors, and blessings attendant on humanity, in connection with 
 the part which the bell plays, are most vividly portrayed. Even 
 the description of the various operations of mixing and fusing 
 the alloy, and pouring the liquid metal into the mould prepared 
 to give it its shape, are happily interwoven with all those uses 
 which the bell is thereafter to serve. Each phase ot the process 
 suggests its appropriate phase of human life; and the story ot 
 the bell draws forth those admirable pictures ot the infant pre- 
 sented at the baptismal font— of the maiden at the altar ot the 
 sweet ministrations of maternity and home — of man's ambition 
 and woman’s love — such as the hand of a master workman alone 
 can produce. This poem is so touchingly beautiful we produce 
 a portion of it here : 
 
 “Wliat we are forming in the mould 
 By dint of hand and melting flame, 
 
 High in the church-tower shall be tolled, 
 
 And far and wide our work proclaim. 
 
TROY HELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 63 
 
 “'To distant days it shall remain, 
 
 Its notes on many an ear shall fall ; 
 
 Its chimes with sorrow shall complain, 
 
 And ring abroad devotion’s call. 
 
 “Whatever to us mortals here 
 A shifting destiny e’er brings, 
 
 It struck upon its metal clear 
 
 Which to all ears the lesson rings. 
 
 “Clear and full with festal sound, 
 
 It hails the lovely infant child, 
 
 First entering on his earthly round, 
 
 Borne in the arms of slumber mild. 
 
 “When the manly and the fair, 
 
 When strength and beauty form a pair, 
 Then rings it out a merry song ; 
 
 Lovely in the young bride’s hair 
 Shines the bridal coronal ; 
 
 While the church-bell-chimes so fair 
 Summon to the festival. 
 
 “From the dome 
 Heavy and long 
 Sounds the bell 
 A funeral sung. 
 
 Solemnly, with measured strokes, attending 
 Weary wanderer on his last way wending.” 
 
 None the less beautiful, though of a different vein of senti- 
 ment, is the poem of Edgar A. Poe, entitled “The Pells.” 
 
 I. 
 
 Hear the sledges with the bells — 
 
 Silver bells ! 
 
 What a world of merriment their melody tells. 
 
 How they tinkle, tinkle, 
 
 In the icy air of night ! 
 
 While the stars that over sprinkle 
 All the heavens, seem to tinkle 
 
 With the crystalline delight ; 
 
 Keeping time, time, time 
 In a sort of Runic rhyme, 
 
 To the tintinnabulation that so musically wells 
 From the bells, bells, bells, bells, 
 
 Bells, bells, bells — 
 
 From the jingling and tinkling of the bells. 
 
04 
 
 TROY KELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 n. 
 
 Hear the mellow wedding bells, 
 
 Golden bells ! 
 
 What a world of happiness their harmony foretells ! 
 Through the balmy air of night 
 How they ring out their delight ! 
 
 From the molten golden notes, 
 
 And all in tune, 
 
 What a liquid ditty floats 
 To the turtle dove that listens, while she gloats, 
 
 On the moon ! 
 
 On, from out the sounding cells, 
 
 Wnat a gush of euphony voluminously swells ! 
 
 How it swells ! 
 
 How it dwells 
 
 On the Future ; how it tells 
 Of the rapture that impels 
 To the swinging and the ringing 
 Of the bells, bells, bells, 
 
 Of the bells, bells, bells, bells, 
 
 Bells, bells, bells, 
 
 To the rhyming and the chiming of the bells ! 
 
 111 . 
 
 Hear the loud alarum bells — 
 
 Brazen bells! 
 
 What a tale of terror, now, their turbulency tells ! 
 
 In the startled ear of night 
 How they scream out their affright! 
 
 Too much horrified to speak 
 They can only shriek, shriek 
 Out of tune, 
 
 In a clamorous appealing to the mercy of the fire, 
 
 In a mad expostulation with the deaf and frantic fire 
 Leaping higher, higher, higher, 
 
 With a desperate desire, 
 
 And a resolute endeavor, 
 
 Now — now to sit or never 
 By the side of the pale-faced moon. 
 
 Oh the bells, bells, bells, 
 
 What a tale their terror tells 
 Of despair, 
 
 How they clang, and clash, and roar 
 What a horror they outpour 
 On the bosom of a palpitating air! 
 
 Yet the ear it fully knows, 
 
 By the t wanging, 
 
 And the clanging, 
 

 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 65 
 
 How the danger ebbs and flows ; 
 
 Yet the ear distinctly tells, 
 
 In the jangling, 
 
 And the wrangling, 
 
 How the danger sinks and swells, 
 
 By the surging or the swelling in the anger of the bells — 
 Of the bells — 
 
 Of the bells, bells, bells, bells, 
 
 Bells, bells, bells — 
 
 In the clangor and the clamor of the bells ! 
 
 IV. 
 
 Hear the tolling of the bells — 
 
 Iron bells ! 
 
 What a world of solemn thought their monody compels! 
 
 In the silence of the night, 
 
 How we shiver with affright. 
 
 At the melancholy menace of their tone ! 
 
 For every sound that floats 
 From the rust within their throats 
 Is a groan. 
 
 And the people — oh the people — 
 
 They that dwell up in the steeple, 
 
 All alone, 
 
 And who, tolling, tolling, tolling, 
 
 In that muffled monotone, 
 
 Feel a glory in so rolling 
 On the human heart a stone — 
 
 They are neither man nor woman — 
 
 They are neither brute nor human — 
 
 They are Ghouls : 
 
 And their king it is who tolls ; 
 
 And he rolls, rolls, rolls. 
 
 Rolls 
 
 A paean from the bells ! 
 
 And his merry bosoms swells 
 With the paean of the bells ! 
 
 And he dances, and he yells ; 
 
 Keeping time, time, time, 
 
 In a sort of Runic rhyme, 
 
 To the throbbing of the bells — 
 
 Of the bells, bells, bells — 
 
 To the sobbing of the bells ; 
 
 Keeping time, time, time. 
 
 As he knells, knells, knells, 
 
 In the happy Runic rhyme, 
 
 To the rolling of the bells — 
 
 Of the bells, bells, bells — 
 
 9 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 6(5 
 
 To the tolling of the bells, 
 
 Of the bolls, bells, bells, bells — 
 
 Bells, bells, bells — 
 
 To the moaning and the groaning of the bells. 
 
 The ringing of bells, on account of tlie associations, arouses 
 feelings of patriotism in the breast. John Cf. Whittier, that 
 author of many national lyrics, on hearing the bells ring for joy 
 on account of the passage of the constitutional amendment 
 abolishing slavery in the United States, expresses his feelings in 
 the poem, “ Laus Deo.’’ 
 
 It is done ! 
 
 Clang of bell and roar of gun 
 Send the tidings up and down. 
 
 How the belfries rock and reel, 
 
 How the great guns, peal on peal 
 Fling joy from town to town! 
 
 Bing, O bells ! 
 
 Every stroke exulting tells 
 Of the burial hour of crime. 
 
 Loud and long, that all may hear, 
 
 Bing for every listening ear 
 Of Eternity and Time. 
 
 Let us kneel : 
 
 God’s own voice is in that peal, 
 
 And this spot is holy ground. 
 
 Lord, forgive us! What are we, 
 
 That our eyes this glory see, 
 
 That our ears have heard the sound ! 
 
 ****** 
 
 Bing and swing 
 
 Bells of joy! on morning's wing 
 Send the song of praise abroad ; 
 
 With a song of broken chains. 
 
 Tell the nations that He reigns, 
 
 Who alone is Lord and God. 
 
 Who has not heard of the Christmas bells ( Henry W. Lons'- 
 fellow, one of America’s most brilliant and beloved poets, lias 
 made them immortal: 
 
I heard the bells on Christmas Day 
 Their old, familiar carols play, 
 
 And wild and sweet 
 The words repeat 
 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men ! 
 
 And thought how, as the day had come, 
 The belfries of all Christendom 
 Had rolled along 
 The unbroken song 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men ! 
 
 Till, ringing, singing on its way, 
 
 The world revolved from night to day, 
 
 A voice, a chime, 
 
 A chant sublime 
 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men ! 
 
 Then from each black, accursed mouth, 
 The cannon thundered in the South, 
 
 And with the sound 
 The carols drowned 
 Of peace on earth , good will to men ! 
 
 It was as if an earthquake rent 
 The hearth-stones of a continent, 
 
 And made forlorn 
 The households born 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men I 
 
 As in despair I bowed my head ; 
 
 “There is no peace on earth, ” I said : 
 
 “ For hate is strong 
 And mocks the song 
 Of peace on earth, good will to men! ” 
 
 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep : 
 “ God is not dead ; nor doth he sleep ! 
 
 The Wrong shall fail, 
 
 The Right prevail 
 
 With peace on earth, good will to men ! ” 
 
 Alfred Tennyson, the English Poet Laureate, burst forth in 
 the following strain of admiration to the ringing out of the 
 bells : 
 
 Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, 
 
 The flying clouds, the frosty light ; 
 
 The year is dying in the night ; 
 
 Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. 
 
68 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 Ring out the old, ring in the new, 
 
 Ring, happy bells, across the snow : 
 
 The year is going, let him go ; 
 
 Ring out the false, ring in the true. 
 
 Ring out the grief that saps the mind, 
 
 For those that here we see no more ; 
 Ring out the feud of rich and poor, 
 
 Ring in redress to all mankind. 
 
 Ring out the slowly dying cause, 
 
 And ancient forms of party strife : 
 
 Ring in the nobler modes of life, 
 
 With sweeter manners, purer laws. 
 
 Ring out the want, the care, the sin, 
 
 The faithless coldness of the times ; 
 Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes, 
 But ring the fuller minstrel in. 
 
 Ring out false pride in place and blood. 
 
 The civic slander and the spite ; 
 
 Ring in the love of truth and right, 
 
 Ring in the common love of good. 
 
 Ring out old shapes of foul disease, 
 
 Ring out the narrowing lust of gold ; 
 Ring out the thousand wars of old, 
 
 Ring in the thousand years of peace. 
 
 Ring in the valiant man and free, 
 
 The larger heart, the kindlier hand ; 
 Ring out the darkness of the land. 
 
 Ring in the Christ that is to be. 
 
 ELECTRICAL BELLS. 
 
 Electrical bells are used in a variety of entertaining exhibi- 
 tions by electricians. The apparatus, which is originally of 
 German invention, consists of three small bells, suspended from 
 a narrow plate ot metal, the two outermost by chains, and that 
 in the middle, from which a chain passes to the floor, by a silken 
 string. Two small knobs of brass are also suspended by silken 
 strings, one on each side of the bell in the middle, which serve 
 for clappers. When this apparatus is connected with an electri- 
 fied conductor, the outermost bells suspended by the chains 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 69 
 
 will be charged, attract the clappers, and be struck by them. 
 The clappers, becoming electrified, will likewise be repelled by 
 these hells, and attracted by the middle bell, and discharge 
 themselves upon it by means of the chain extending to the 
 floor. After this they will be again attracted by the outermost 
 bells, and thus, by striking the bells alternately, occasion a ring- 
 ing, which may be continued at pleasure. Flashes of light will 
 be seen in the dark between the bells and the clappers, and if 
 the electrification be strong, the discharge will be made without 
 actual contact, and the ringing will cease. 
 
 MUSICAL BELLS. 
 
 Music bells are still in use in some parts of Europe, and to 
 some extent in this country, and are looked upon as a rare 
 novelty. They are played in Europe by means of keys, not 
 unlike those of a piano forte. An old painting of King David 
 represents him as playing, with a hammer in each hand, upon 
 five bells, which were hung up before him. The music of the 
 thirty-three bells which were suspended in the tower of the 
 Cathedral at Antwerp is highly celebrated. One of these bells 
 was seven feet wide, and eight feet high. The Swiss bell-ringers, 
 famous for their performances, produce the most exquisite melody 
 from hand bells. The Peak family, and others, in this country, 
 have also become famous in this connection. So skillful are they 
 in the use of them, that they will change from one to another 
 with very great rapidity. The bells vary in si^b from a large 
 cow-bell to the smallest dinner bell, all with a different key; and 
 as many as forty-two are used by a company of seven persons. 
 
 Bells were early introduced into almost all the countri ;s of 
 Europe. We find three golden bells, in an azure field, making 
 the coat of arms of the imperial house of the Comneni, one of 
 the most illustrious families that have occupied the Byzantine 
 throne. 
 
 LARGE BELLS. 
 
 We have stated that bells were first introduced into use in 
 churches about the year 395 of the Christian Era. Since then 
 
70 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 many very large, and on this account, prominent, hells have 
 been made. As early as the sixth century churches were 
 furnished with their campanile, or bell-tower, which still con- 
 tinues to be one of their distinguishing features. Several were 
 used in a single church, as is still the custom, when arranged in 
 chimes, or, as is sometimes the case, without regard to harmony 
 of tone. This practice of ringing bells in change, or regular 
 peals, is said to be peculiar to England, and the custom seems 
 to have been introduced in the time of the Saxons, and to have 
 been quite common before the Conquest. The tolling of a bell 
 is nothing more than the production of sound by a stroke of the 
 clapper against the side of the bell, the bell itself being in a 
 pendant position and at rest. But in ringing , the bell is eleva- 
 ted to a horizontal position, so that, by means of a wheel and a 
 rope, the clapper strikes forcibly on one side as it ascends, and 
 on the other side in its return downwards, producing at each 
 stroke a sound. In England and the United States the ringing 
 of bells is reduced to a system, and peals have been composed 
 which bear the names of the inventor. 
 
 There are many very large bells in use. The church of the 
 Abbey of Croyland, in England, had one great bell named 
 Suthlac , presented by the Abbot Turketulus, who died about 
 the year 870, and subsequently six others, presented by his 
 successor, Egelric, and named Bartholomew and Betelin, Tur. 
 ketel and Tatwin, Bega and Bega. When all these were rung 
 together, Ingulphus says, “ Fiebat mirabilis harmonia, nee crat 
 tunc tanta consonantia cam/pa/narum in tota Anglia.'' But 
 Russia exceeds "hll other countries in its foundries for bells. In 
 Moscow alone, before the revolution, there were no less than 1,766 
 large bells; in a single tower there were thirty-seven. One 
 was so large that it required twenty-four men to ring it, and 
 this was done by simply pulling the clapper. Its weight is 
 estimated at 288, U00 pounds. The great bell cast by order ol 
 the Empress Anne, in 1653, and now lying broken upon the 
 ground, is estimated to weigh 44-3,772 pounds; it is 19 feet 
 high, and measures around its margin <53 feet 11 inches. The 
 value of the metal alone in this bell is estimated to amount 
 to over $300,000. Whether this bell was ever hung or not 
 authorities seem to differ. We take from Clarke’s Travels the 
 following extract concerning the bells of Moscow, and of the 
 
. TKOY BELL FOUNDRY. 71 
 
 great bell in particular: “The numberless bells of Moscow 
 continue to ring during the whole of Easter week, tinkling and 
 tolling without harmony or order. The large bell near the 
 cathedral, is only used upon important occasions, and yields the 
 iinest and most solemn tone 1 ever heard. When it sounds, a 
 deep hollow murmur vibrates all over Moscow, like the fullest 
 tones of a vast organ, or the rolling of distant thunder. This bell 
 is suspended in a tower called the belfn of St. Ivan, beneath 
 others which, though of less size, are enormous. It is 40 feet 9 
 inches in circumference, l(>-£ inches thick, and weighs more than 
 fifty-seven tons.” The great bell of Moscow, known to be the 
 largest ever founded, is in a deep pit in the midst of Kremlin. 
 The history of its fall is a fable, and as writers continue to copy 
 each other, the story continues to be propagated ; the fact is, the 
 bell remains where it was originally cast ; it was never suspended. 
 The Russians might as well, says this same writer, attempt to 
 suspend a lirst-rate line of battleship with all its guns and stores. 
 A tire took place in the Kremlin, the flames of which caught the 
 building erected over the pit in which the bell yet remained ; in 
 consequence of this the metal became hot, and water thrown 
 to extinguish the tire fell upon the bell, causing the fracture 
 which has taken place. This bell is truly a mountain of metal- 
 It has been said to contain a large proportion of gold and silver, for 
 while it was in fusion the nobles and the people cast in as votive 
 offerings their plate and money. But this story is probably a 
 tietim. The natives of Russia regard it with superstitious vene. 
 ration, and they will not allow even a grain to be tiled oft" that 
 it may be tested ; at the same time, we are informed that the 
 compound has a white, shining appearance, unlike bell metal in 
 general, and perhaps its silvery appearance has strengthened, if 
 not given rise to a conjecture respecting the richness of its ma_ 
 terials. On festival days the peasants visit the bell as they 
 would a church, considering it an act of devotion, and they cross 
 themselves as they descend and ascend the steps leading to the 
 bell. In 1837 the Czar Nicholas caused this great bell to be 
 elevated from the deep pit in which it lay, and to be placed upon 
 a granite pedestal. Upon its side is seen, over a border of flowers, 
 the figure of the Empress Anne in flowing robes. The bell has 
 been consecrated a chapel; the door is in the aperture made by 
 the piece which fell out. The size of the room is 22 feet 
 
 I 
 
72 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 . 
 
 diameter and 21 feet 3 inches in height. The bells of China rank 
 next in size to those of Russia. In Pekin, it is stated by Father 
 Le Compte, there are seven bells, each weighing 120,000 pounds. 
 Excepting the bells recently cast for the new Houses of Parlia- 
 ment, the largest of which weighs fourteen to?is, there is only 
 one bell in England larger than that upon the City Hall in New 
 York city. It was cast in 1845, tor Y'ork Minster, and weighs 
 27,000 pounds, and is only -seven feet seven inches in diameter. 
 The great Tom of Oxford weighs 17,000 pounds ; and the great 
 Tom of Lincoln, 12,000 pounds. The bell of St. Paul's, in 
 London, is nine feet in diameter, and weighs 11,500 pounds. 
 One placed in the Cathedral of Paris, in 1(580, weighs 38,000 
 pounds. Another in Vienna, cast in 1711, weighs 40,000 pounds; 
 and in Olmntz is another weighing about the same. The famous 
 bell called lusanne of Erfurt, is considered to be of the finest 
 bell metal, containing the largest proportion of silver ; its weight 
 is about 30,000 pounds. It was cast in 1497. Luther, when a 
 school boy, must have heard its earliest peals, and in later years 
 have welcomed its sound at each return to Erfurt. At Montreal, 
 Canada, is a larger bell than any in England. It was imported 
 in 1843 for the Notre Dame Cathedral. Its weight is 29,458 
 pounds. In the opposite tower of the Cathedral is a chime of 
 ten bells, the heaviest of which weighs 6,043 pounds, arid their 
 aggregate weight is 21,800 pounds. 
 
 Chimes are a collection of bells struck with hammers; or a set 
 of music bells struck by hammers acted on by a pinned cylinder, 
 or barrel, which is made to revolve by clock-work. These are 
 frequently attached to time pieces, and so arranged as to produce 
 chimes, or tunes, at stated intervals; also in church towers to be 
 rung in unison. 
 
 There are but few bells of a very large size in the United 
 States. The bell now in the Hall of Independence, in Philadel- 
 phia, is celebrated as being connected with the ever memorable i 
 4th of July, 1776, when it first announced by its peal the declara- 
 tion then made, the most important event in the history of our 
 country. It was imported from England in 1752, and owing to 
 its being cracked on trial by a stroke of the clapper, was re-cast 
 in Philadelphia, -under the direction of Mr. Isaac Norris, to 
 whom we are probably indebted for the following inscription, 
 which surrounds the bell near the top, from Leviticus xxv., 10: 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY 
 
 73 
 
 “ Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabi- 
 tants thereof.” Immediately beneath this is added : “ By 
 
 order of the Assembly of the Province of Penn, for the State 
 House in Phil.” Under this again, “Pass A Stow, Phil., 
 MDCCLIil.” In 1777, during the occupation of Philadel- 
 phia by the British, the bell was removed to Lancaster. After 
 its return it was used as State House bell until the erection of 
 the present steeple, with its bell, in 1828. Then it ceased to be 
 used, excepting on extraordinary occasions. Filially it was 
 removed to its present appropriate resting place in the Ilall of 
 Independence. Its last ringing, when it was unfortunately 
 cracked, was in honor of the visit of Henry Clay to Philadelphia. 
 There are no other bells of special interest in this country, 
 though many of superior make, and of comparatively large size, 
 in all the larger cities of the States. Those used upon the tire 
 alarm towers are from 9,000 to 12,000 pounds weight. They are 
 hung in a iixed position, and struck by a hammer, instead of 
 being turned over. 
 
 METALS USED. 
 
 Bells have been made of various metals. In France formerly 
 iron was used, and in other parts of Europe brass was a common 
 material. In Sheffield, England, the manufacture of cast-steel 
 bells has been recently introduced ; this material is said to have 
 an advantage over others in being of greater strength and less 
 weight. Steel bells are cast by pouring the contents of the steel 
 pots into the bell mould instead of into the ordinary ingot 
 moulds. But their tone is said to be harsh and very disagreeable, 
 hence the bell will probably never come into use to any extent. 
 Cast-steel drills, bent into the form of a triangle, and suspended 
 to a building, or post, are much used in place of bells about 
 mining establishments. But the bell metal, that which is in most 
 extensive use and most generally approved, is an alio}' of copper 
 and tin, in no fixed proportion, but varying from 65 to 80 per 
 cent, of copper and the remainder tin. But other metals are 
 often introduced, as zinc, with the object of adding to the 
 shrillness of the sound ; silver to its softness, and also lead. The 
 10 
 
74 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 metal of a bell in England was analyzed, and found to consist of 
 copper 800 parts, tin 101, zinc 56, and lead 43. Cymbals and 
 gongs contain 81 copper and 13 tin. Mr. Denison, who bad 
 charge of the founding of the new bells for the British Houses 
 of Parliament, thinks the use of silver is entirely imaginary ; 
 and that there is no reason for believing it could be of any 
 service. He condemns the use of all other materials but copper 
 and tin, and advised that contracts for bells stipulate that the 
 alloy shall consist of at least 20 per cent, of tin, and remainder 
 copper. Three and a half to one is perhaps the best proportion. 
 These views are generally conceded by manufacturers in this 
 country to be correct, and they are generally governed by them. 
 
 The bell founders have a diapason, or scale, wherewith they 
 measure the size, thickness, weight, and tone of their bells, and 
 have carried the art of making them to a high degree of per- 
 fection. 
 
 The sound of a bell is produced by the vibratory motion of 
 its parts, somewhat like that of a musical chord. The stroke 
 of the clapper must necessarily change the figure of the bell, 
 and from a circle convert it into ap oval or ellipse ; but the 
 metal having a great degree of elasticity, that part impinged on 
 by the clapper, and driven farthest from the center, will return, 
 and even incline nearer the center than before ; so that the two 
 parts which were extremes of the longest diameter, become in 
 turn those of the shortest ; and thus the external surface of the 
 bell undergoes alternate changes of figure, and by this means 
 gives that tremulous motion to the air, in which the sound 
 consists. The proportion of metals, shape and proportion of 
 bells, all affect the sound, lienee the adjusting of a bell to produce 
 a smooth, uniform, even sound, requires skill and experience, and 
 thorough testing. There are different theories as to the philosophy 
 of sound produced by the bell. One eminent writer maintains 
 that a bell is a compound of an infinite number of rings, which, 
 according to their dimensions, have different tones, as chords of 
 different lengths have ; and when struck, the vibrations of the 
 parts immediately impinged determine the tone, being supported 
 by a sufficient number of consonant tones in the other parts. 
 
 Bells are heard to a greater distance when placed on plains 
 than on hills, and still further in valleys than on plains; the 
 reason of which seems to be, that the higher the sonorous body 
 
TKOY BELL FOUNDRY. 75 
 
 the rarer is the medium, and, consequently, the less impulse it 
 receives, and the less proper medium it is to convey sound to a 
 distance. 
 
 SHAPE OF BELLS. 
 
 As pots and other vessels more immediately necessary in the 
 service of life were made before bells, it probably happened that 
 the observing of these vessels to have a sound when struck gave 
 rise to the making of larger bells of that form ; but that hemi- 
 spherical form proved not to be the best and is now oidy used in 
 small bells, such as door-bells, clocks, &c., but entirely unfitted 
 for the heavy, far-reaching, and pleasing tones required in large 
 bells. The conical form in general use is most approved. 
 
 MANUFACTURE OF BELLS. 
 
 The European process of casting bells is to make the mould in 
 a depression in the sand floor of the foundry, piling up a hollow 
 case of brickwork upon a solid foundation, in which a fire is kept 
 burning to preserve the liquid metal, when poured around it, | 
 from too rapid cooling. The outer surface of the case is the 
 shape of the inner surface of the bell. To give the outer surface} 
 a cover of earthenware is “ fashioned to fit over the case,” leaving 
 between these a vacant space to be filled with the metal. This 
 arrangement is deficient in not providing proper escape for the 
 gases, which are engendered in heavy castings in the earth, and 
 which are liable to cause the metal to be porous, or, being highly 
 inflammable, to explode with great damage. An improved process 
 has been introduced at the Troy Bell Foundry, consisting in the 
 use of perforated iron cases — the outer one in the shape of the 
 bell, and the inner one the case which sets in the centre of its 
 saucer-shaped foundation. Each of these receives a coating of 
 loam, the outer one within, and the case around its outside; but 
 over the latter is first wrapped a straw rope, which, taking fire 
 and burning slowly as the metal is poured between the two cases, 
 leaves a free space for the bell to contract in cooling without 
 straining. The perforations through the cases let out the vapors, 
 and also serve to keep the coating of loam in its place. As the 
 gas escapes through these holes, it burns with a pale blue flame i 
 
76 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 without risk, the whole apparatus being placed above the level 
 of the ground. 
 
 The best proportion of the height of a bell to its greatest 
 diameter is said, by foreign authorities, to be as 12 to 15. In 
 conformity to the laws ol acoustics, the number of vibrations 
 of a bell varies in inverse ratio with its diameter, or the cube 
 root of its weight. 
 
 INSCRIPTIONS. 
 
 Many of the inscriptions found on old bells are quaint and 
 interesting, as indicating the superstitions and fancies of the 
 ancients in connection with bells, as well as their great reverence 
 for them and fear of their power. They also indicate, in many 
 cases, the customs of the people. These inscriptions were often 
 in honor of some saint, or to commemorate some act of special 
 mercy or charity, or deliverance. A peal of eight bells in the 
 tower of St. Helen’s Church, Worcester, England, cast in the 
 year 1706, bear inscriptions in couplets commemorative of Blen- 
 heim, Barcelona, Ramillies, Menia, Turin, Egen, Marlborough 
 and Queen Anne. 
 
 The following old Latin inscription — or fragments of it — has 
 been rung upon European bells for centuries : 
 
 *“ Laudo Deum verum, plebem voco conjugo clerum, 
 
 Defunct as ploro, pestem fugo, testa decoro. 
 
 Funera plango, fulgura frango, Sabbata pango, 
 
 Excito lentos, dissipo ventos, paco crucentos.” 
 
 The following one has been common in England for 300 years, 
 and also much used in this country : 
 
 “ I to the church the living call, 
 
 And to the grave do summon all.” 
 
 The foil ovring are selections of some old inscriptions: 
 
 One upon a bell in Wiltshire, England, cast 1619: 
 
 Be strong in fay the, prayes God well 
 Francis Countess Hertford’s bell.” 
 
 * I praise the true God ; I call the people; I assemble the clergy ; 
 
 I lament the dead ; I drive away infections ; I grace the festival. 
 
 I mourn at the burial ; I abate the lightnings ; I announce the Sabbath ; 
 
 I arouse the indolent , I dissipate the winds ; 1 appease the revengeful. 
 
TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 77 
 
 Upon one in Oxfordshire, cast 16(57 : 
 
 “ I ring to sermon with a lusty boome, 
 
 That all may come, and none stay at home.” 
 
 Upon one in Nottinghamshire, cast 1003: 
 
 “Jesus be our spede.” 
 
 Upon one in Wiltshire, cast 1585: 
 
 “0 man be meeke and live in rest." 
 
 Upon one (a lire hell) in Dorsetshire, cast 1052: 
 
 “ Lord quench this furious flame, 
 
 Arise, run, help, put out the same.” 
 
 Upon one in Somersetshire, cast 1700: 
 
 “All you of Bath that hear me sound, 
 
 Thank Lady Hopton’s hundred pound.” 
 
 Upon one in Hampshire, cast 1600: 
 
 “God be our guyd.” 
 
 Upon one in Cambridgeshire (St. Benet’s, Cambridge), one of 
 a peal of six, cast 1607 : 
 
 “Of. al. the. bells, in. Benet. I. am. the. best. 
 
 And. yet. for. my. casting, the. parish, paide. lest.” 
 
 Upon one in Warwickshire, cast 1675: 
 
 “ I ring at six to let men know 
 When too and from thair worke to go.” 
 
 Upon one in Staffordshire, cast 1604: 
 
 “ Bee it known to all that doth me see 
 That Newcombe of Leicester made me.” 
 
 John Martin also makes himself known upon one (of a peal 
 of three) in Worcestershire, cast 1675: 
 
 “John Martin of Worcester he made wee 
 Be it known to all that do we see.” 
 
 The great bell of Rouen, in France, presented to St. Mary’s 
 church by George, Archbishop of Rouen, bore this inscription : 
 
 * “ Je suis nommee George d’Ambois, 
 
 Que plus que trente six mil pois ; 
 
 Et si qui bien me poysera, 
 
 Quarante mil y trouvera.” 
 
 * I am named George of Amhoise, and weigh more than thirty-six thousand pounds ; my 
 true weight would be nearer forty thousand. 
 
 i 
 
78 
 
 TROY BELL FOUNDRY. 
 
 One of three in Orkney, Scotland, cast 1528, bears the 
 following : 
 
 “Maid be master robert maxvel, bishop of Orkney, y* second zier of liis conse- 
 cration y® zier of Gode I m V c XXVIII, y® XV. zier of kyng James y® V. be robert 
 borthvyk ; maid al thre in y® castel of Edynburgh.” 
 
 Upon the great bell in Glasgow Cathedral, is this : 
 
 “ In the year of grace 1583, Marcus Knox, a merchant in Glasgow, zealous for 
 the interest of the Reformed Religion, caused me to be fabricated in Holland for 
 the use of his fellow-citizens of Glasgow, and placed me with solemnity in the 
 Tower of their Cathedral. My function was announced by the impress on my 
 bosom : ‘ Me audito venias doctrinam sanctam ut discas,’ and I was taught to 
 
 proclaim the hours of unheeded time. 195 years had sounded these awful war- 
 nings when I was broken by the hands of inconsiderate and unskillful men. In 
 the year 1790, I was cast into the furnace, refounded at London, and returned to 
 my sacred vocation. Reader ! thou also shall know a resurrection ; may it be to 
 eternal life. Thomas Mears, fecit, London, 1790.” 
 
 Most intimately is the voice of the bell associated with the 
 religious and imaginative, as also with the most joyous and 
 saddest feelings of mankind. 
 
GENERAL INDEX TO CATALOGUE. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Caution, 2 
 
 Introductory 3 
 
 Premiums, Medals. &c., 4, 5, 6 
 
 Patent Metal. c Flasks, 6, 7 
 
 Hildreth's ‘Rotary Yoke, 8, 9 
 
 Church Hells 12 
 
 Mountings (price of), 13 
 
 Factory, Academy, and Depot Bells, 14 
 
 Steam boat Bells 15 
 
 Ship Bells,, 15 
 
 Locomotive and Plantation Bells, 16 
 
 Altar Bells 17 
 
 Altar Chimes, 18 
 
 Altar Hand Bells 18 
 
 Chimes and Peals of Bells, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 
 
 Fire Alarm Bells, 24 | 
 
 Clapper Springs 25 
 
 Tolling Hammer 25 
 
 Stop, 25 
 
 Old Bells 26 
 
 Inscriptions 26 
 
 Mounting Directions for), 26 
 
 Towers for Bells 28 
 
 Ringing (Directions for) 28 
 
 Raising Bell in the Yoke 29 
 
 Turning Bell in the Yoke, 29 
 
 Warranty 29 
 
 Location of Foundry 30 
 
 Shipping Directions, 30 
 
 Transportation (Rates of ) 30 
 
 Recommendations, 31, 43 
 
 “ Later 44, 54 
 
 Index to Recommendations 55, 56 
 
 History of Bells 57 
 
 Electrical Bells 68 
 
 Musical Bells 69 
 
 Large Bells, 69 
 
 Metals used, 73 
 
 Shape of Bells, ... 75 
 
 Manufacture of Bells 75 
 
 Ancient Inscriptions, 76, 78 
 
/ 
 
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