Central Ward in Newark in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Seth Boyden
Born Nov. 17, 1788 Foxborough, Mass.
| | Died March 31 1870 Hilton, N.J. | |
Pioneer in mechanics : Benefactor of industry : Loved work that his fellow man might be benefited : A modest, helpful citizen of Newark: An inspiring example for young and old : His inventive faculty led him far afield into art, physics, chemistry, horticulture and botany.
Achievements 1810 Nail and brad making machines
1816 Leather splitting machinery
1819 Patent leather
1826 Malleable iron
1837 Locomotive for Morris & Essex R.R.
1843 Steam engine cut-off
1844 Reduction of zinc ores
1855 Developed Hilton strawberries
1868 Orodide metal
1868 Machine to form hat bodies
Produced the first daguerreotype in this country.
Aided Morse in developing telegraphy
Seth Boyden was one of Americas greatest inventors Thomas A. Edison
Erected 1926 by Board of Trade and the Schubert Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1870.
Location. 40° 44.592′ N, 74° 10.209′ W. Marker is in Newark, New Jersey, in Essex County. It is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Jersey and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harriet Tubman Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Harriet Tubman Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriet Tubman Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Seth Boyden (within shouting distance of this marker); Line of March of Washingtons Army (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2007
2. Seth Boyden
Another marker is no longer nearby. Christopher Columbus (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Seth Boyden Statue. Newark History website entry (Submitted on April 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
3. Seth Boyden Statue
The Seth Boyden Statue is one of the oldest in Newark. The plaque lists facts about his life and some of his more famous inventions.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 5, 2008
4. Closeup of Boyden Statue
This may be the first statue in the United States of a workingman.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,980 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 3, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
