Chapter 92
Southwestern Ontario
(National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors)
John K. Lemp (1860–1938) was a distinguished carpenter, mechanic, and self-taught clockmaker from Tavistock, Ontario. Born on February 14, 1860, in Wilmot Township, Waterloo Region, Ontario, he was the son of John and Elizabeth Lemp. He married Mary Leonard on November 8, 1881, and they had two children: John and Katherine.
Lemp was renowned for his exceptional woodworking skills and mechanical aptitude. Operating a shop near his home at 218 Woodstock Street North in Tavistock, he was adept at repairing machinery, maintaining steam engines, and embracing emerging technologies like gasoline engines. His talents extended to constructing Tavistock's first horseless carriage in 1908.
Among his most notable achievements were his handcrafted grandfather clocks. Without formal training in clockmaking, Lemp drew inspiration from the tower clock at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebastopol, built by George Hess, and for which he performed maintenance. He completed his first grandfather clock around 1890 at the age of 30 and went on to create a total of five, all as gifts for family members. These clocks were distinguished by their dual dials—one indicating time and the other displaying the day of the month. The intricate cases, made from mahogany or walnut, showcased his talent for ornamental wooden inlay work, featuring hand-carved rosettes and elaborate trim.
One of Lemp's clocks, crafted in 1926 with the assistance of his grandson Ernest Piehl, is preserved at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. This long-case clock, made of walnut, metal, steel, and glass, stands 259 cm high, 92.8 cm wide, and 42.5 cm deep.
Lemp passed away on February 7, 1938, in Tavistock and was laid to rest in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.
His legacy endures through his remarkable clocks, which continue to be cherished by family members and institutions, reflecting his dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.
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