Timothy Brigden

Pewterer Timothy Brigden was born in August 1774. He was perhaps the fourth son in the large family of Thomas and Elizabeth Banks Brigden of Middletown, Connecticut. Occasionally, his name has been corrupted to "Bridgen."

We seek information on his marriage and subsequent family. Perhaps he married Naomi Savage in Cromwell, Connecticut in November 1795. In 1803, "Naomi Brigden" was identified as a member of the Albany Presbyterian church.

He seems to have relocated to Albany following his marriage.

He is said to have been among the pewterers recruited (or at least solicited) by Yankee merchant Spencer Stafford to settle in Albany. Stafford branded and sold their creations from his Albany hardware store. His work (and mark) is said to have been similar to that of Peter Young.

From its beginnings during the early 1800s, he was listed among the members of the Albany Mechanics Society. In 1806, the society register identified him as a pewterer.

In 1813 and twice afterwards, the city directory identified him as a "silversmith" living at 106 Beaver Street. However, by 1816, the directory began describing him as a pewterer.

In 1819 only , the "widow of Timothy Brigden" was listed in the city directory at 106 Beaver. Naomi Savage Bridgen is said to have died in August 1832.

Sources: The life of Timothy Brigden is CAP biography number 7417. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources. From American Silversmiths; unlocated pamphlet entitled Albany Pewter and its Makers;

Occupation: We have not seen any actual silver pieces made or attributed to him.

Brigden objects: Pewter chalice (1816-19); AIHA; Brooklyn Museum; MFA; Christie's;