Hermon Chapin established his firm in the Pine Meadow district of New Hartford, Connecticut in 1826. Originally partnered with Daniel Copeland, Chapin purchased Copeland's share of the firm in 1828, establishing the Union Factory. The company produced wooden planes and rules. Edward M. Chapin became superintendent of his father's firm in 1851. Along with his brothers George and Philip, Edward Chapin formed H. Chapin and Sons in 1860. Philip left the partnership in 1866 and the name changed to H. Chapin's Sons. George sold his interest to Edward in 1868. Edward continued the firm till his death in 1897. The collection includes Union Factory price books, inventories, account books, contracts, and cash books.
