G. & C. Merriam (Firm)

G. & C. Merriam Company, printers, booksellers, and publishers in Springfield, Mass., was established in 1831 by brothers George (1803-1880) and Charles (1806-1887) Merriam. The Merriam family, specifically their father, Dan (1771-1823) and his brother, Ebenezer (1777-1858) had begun printing and publishing in West Brookfield, Mass., in 1798 under the name E. Merriam and Company. After Dan's death in 1823, the name of the firm was changed to E. and G[eorge]. Merriam of West Brookfield. George's brother, Charles, joined him in the move to Springfield in 1831. Their brother, Homer (1813- ), became a partner in 1856, although the name of the firm remained unchanged. The company specialized in school books, law books, Bibles, and dictionaries. In 1843 they bought the copyright for Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, revised it, and promoted it in large quantities. The success of this venture brought G. & C. Merriam to the public's attention and their business expanded considerably.

From the description of Business records, 1818-1860. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 214072016